Tumor-associated glycoprotein 72
Tumor-associated glycoprotein 72
Tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72), pronounced as /ˈtjuːmər əˈsəʊʃieɪtɪd ˌɡlaɪkəʊˈprəʊtiːn ˈsevəntiː tuː/, is a glycoprotein that is often overexpressed in certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Etymology
The term "Tumor-associated glycoprotein 72" is derived from its function and characteristics. "Tumor-associated" refers to its common presence in various types of tumors, "glycoprotein" refers to the type of protein it is, and "72" is an arbitrary number assigned for identification.
Function
TAG-72 is a mucin-like, high molecular weight, carbohydrate antigen that is expressed by a significant proportion of human adenocarcinomas, but rarely in normal tissues. It is involved in cell adhesion and invasion, processes that are crucial for cancer metastasis.
Clinical significance
Due to its overexpression in many types of cancer, TAG-72 is often used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of these diseases. It can be detected in the blood, making it a useful tool for non-invasive cancer detection.
Related terms
- Glycoprotein: A protein that has carbohydrate groups attached to the polypeptide chain.
- Cancer: A group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
- Ovarian cancer: A cancer that forms in or on an ovary.
- Breast cancer: A cancer that develops from breast tissue.
- Colorectal cancer: A cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum.
- Mucin: A type of protein that is heavily glycosylated.
- Carbohydrate antigen: An antigen that contains both a protein and a carbohydrate.
- Biomarker: A measurable indicator of some biological state or condition.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tumor-associated glycoprotein 72
- Wikipedia's article - Tumor-associated glycoprotein 72
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