With advanced technologies and rich experience in IVD (in vitro diagnostic) antibody development, Creative Biolabs is able to provide a full range of biomarker-specific antibody development services to global clients. A team of experienced scientists focused on antibody development are pleased to assist you in your project in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Human Epididymis Secretory Protein 4 (HE4)
Human Epididymis Secretory Protein 4 (HE4), also known as WFDC2, WAP5, and EDDM4, is a member of the WFDC domain family. The WFSC domain contains eight cysteines forming four disulfide bonds at the core of the protein, and functions as a protease inhibitor in many family members. This gene is found in the epithelial cells of the human epididymis. The exact function of the HE4 protein is unknown, but previous studies have demonstrated that HE4 overexpression promotes cell adhesion and migration whereas HE4 suppression markedly inhibits tumor growth.
Fig.1 HE4 and calretinin exhibit differential expression in cortical inclusion cysts. (Ronny Drapkin, 2005)
HE4 Marker of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system. Despite advances in treatment, there has been little change in the mortality rate of ovarian cancer. Current diagnostic approaches have several drawbacks including low sensitivity and specificity. The tumor marker of HE4 for ovarian cancer has been proposed. HE4 is part of a family of protease inhibitors in protective immunity. This protein frequently overexpressed in ovarian cancers, especially in serous and endometrioid histology. HE4 serum levels may be abnormal mainly in patients with renal failure or effusions and in patients with lung carcinomas. The function of the HE4 protein family, known to serve as endogenous peptide protease inhibitors, remains obscure, and no specific molecular link between HE4 and progestin has ever been described. Studies show that HE4 has a similar sensitivity to CA125, but an increased specificity in patients with gynaecological malignancies as compared with those with benign gynaecological disease.
Fig.2 HE4 is expressed by subtypes of ovarian carcinomas. (Ronny Drapkin, 2005)
Ovarian cancer is a serious malignancy with high mortality because of difficulties in detection, diagnosis, and treatment. As IVD antibodies present great potential for disease diagnosis, Creative Biolabs has built a novel platform for IVD antibody development against the HE4 marker. Our services can be tailor-designed to meet our customers’ specific requirements.
In addition, Creative Biolabs provides one-stop diagnostic immunoassay development services, including feasibility analysis, assay design, assay protocol establishment, validation, and production. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more information.
Reference
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