Rat Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (VCAM1) Protein

Background

VCAM1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein and member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that plays a key role in cell adhesion, particularly in leukocyte-endothelial interactions during inflammation VCAM1 is expressed on endothelial cells in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β where it mediates the adhesion and transmigration of leukocytes, including monocytes and lymphocytes, into inflamed tissues VCAM1 interacts with its ligand VLA-4 (integrin α4β1) to facilitate immune cell recruitment during acute and chronic inflammatory responses VCAM1 is implicated in various diseases including atherosclerosis, where it promotes monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and contributes to plaque formation Elevated VCAM1 levels are also associated with rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune disorders, where persistent inflammation leads to tissue damage VCAM1 serves as a biomarker for endothelial activation and vascular inflammation, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing leukocyte recruitment and chronic inflammation