An uncoordinated-5 homolog B receptor monoclonal antibody regulates A375 melanoma cell migration.

Uncoordinated-5 homolog B receptor (UNC5B) was first found to mediate neural chemorepulsive effects by binding to its ligand netrin-1 in the nervous system. Newer evidence indicated that UNC5B also has functions outside the nervous system. In this study, we report on the generation of a monoclonal antibody specific to the outer-membrane immunoglobulin-like domains of UNC5B using the hybridoma technique. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry analyses showed that the antibody specifically bound to UNC5B protein. Interestingly, the antibody blocked the Netrin-1-induced inhibitory effect on the mobility of melanoma A375 cells by wound healing assay and transwell migration assay, whereas it had no effects on cell proliferation measured by CCK-8 assay. Thus, the functional antibody may provide a useful tool for the study of UNC5B expression profiles and functions outside the nervous system.