EpCAM Mouse Monoclonal Antibody [3-E1-E2]

Function

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein mediating Ca2+-independent homotypic cell-cell adhesion in epithelia. EpCAM is also involved in cell signaling, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Additionally, EpCAM has oncogenic potential via its capacity to upregulate c-myc, e-fabp, and cyclins A & E. Since EpCAM is expressed exclusively in epithelia and epithelial-derived neoplasms, EpCAM can be used as diagnostic marker for various cancers. It appears to play a role in tumorigenesis and metastasis of carcinomas, so it can also act as a potential prognostic marker and as a potential target for immunotherapeutic strategies. Mutations in EpCAM have also been associated with congenital tufting enteropathy which causes intractable diarrhea in newborn children.

Background References

1. "The carcinoma-associated antigen EpCAM upregulates c-myc and induces cell proliferation." Muenz M., Kieu C., Mack B., Schmitt B., Zeidler R., Gires O. Oncogene 23:5748-5758(2004)

2. "The cell-cell adhesion molecule EpCAM interacts directly with the tight junction protein claudin-7." Ladwein M., Pape U.F., Schmidt D.S., Schnoelzer M., Fiedler S., Langbein L., Franke W.W., Moldenhauer G., Zoeller M. Exp. Cell Res. 309:345-357(2005)

3. "Glycosylation is crucial for stability of tumour and cancer stem cell antigen EpCAM." Munz M., Fellinger K., Hofmann T., Schmitt B., Gires O. Front. Biosci. 13:5195-5201(2008)

4. "Characterization of epithelial cell adhesion molecule as a surface marker on undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells." Ng V.Y., Ang S.N., Chan J.X., Choo A.B. Stem Cells 28:29-35(2010)

Sequence Similarity

Belongs to the EPCAM family.

Tissue Specificity

Highly and selectively expressed by undifferentiated rather than differentiated embryonic stem cells (ESC). Levels rapidly diminish as soon as ESC's differentiate (at protein levels). Expressed in almost all epithelial cell membranes but not on mesodermal or neural cell membranes. Found on the surface of adenocarcinoma.

Post-translational Modification

Hyperglycosylated in carcinoma tissue as compared with autologous normal epithelia. Glycosylation at Asn-198 is crucial for protein stability.

Subcellular Location

Cell membrane

UNIPROT

SwissProt: P16422 Human

SwissProt: Q99JW5 Mouse

Synonyms