Human Melanoma-Derived Growth Regulatory Protein (MIA) Protein

Background

MIA, also known as Melanoma Inhibitory Activity, is a small secreted protein primarily expressed in melanocytes and chondrocytes, where it regulates cell adhesion, migration, and tumor progression It acts by disrupting the interaction between integrins and the extracellular matrix, facilitating detachment and migration of tumor cells MIA is highly expressed in malignant melanoma and is used as a biomarker for disease progression, metastasis, and treatment monitoring Elevated MIA levels are also observed in other cancers, such as chondrosarcoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, where it contributes to tumor invasiveness Its role extends to cartilage homeostasis and chondrocyte differentiation, implicating MIA in cartilage-related disorders like osteoarthritis Targeting MIA holds therapeutic potential in inhibiting tumor cell dissemination and cartilage degeneration