Biliary Glycoprotein/CD66a

Biliary glycoprotein (CD66a) is the best-characterized member of the CEACAM family and the product of the CEACAM1 gene. Its ectodomain comprises an N-terminal IgV domain followed by up to three IgC domains; alternative splicing yields GPI-anchored or transmembrane isoforms whose cytoplasmic tails carry ITIM and ITSM motifs that recruit SHP-1 and SHP-2 phosphatases. As biliary glycoprotein it lines the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes and contributes to bile canaliculus structure; on granulocytes CD66a mediates adhesion, activation and clearance of bacteria and is exploited by Opa proteins of Neisseria and by E. coli. CEACAM1 also regulates angiogenesis, insulin signaling and T cell responses, and its dysregulation is linked to metabolic disease and cancer.