EPCAM
GeneName
EPCAM
Summary
EPCAM, also known as epithelial cell adhesion molecule, KSA, or Ep CAM, is a 35kDa glycoprotein predominantly expressed on the surface of epithelial cells. It is localised to various plasma membrane regions, including the apical and basolateral membranes, as well as cell junctions such as tight junctions and bicellular tight junctions. EPCAM plays a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion through cadherin binding, facilitating the maintenance of tissue architecture and integrity. Additionally, it is involved in processes such as stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and it participates in signal transduction pathways that regulate gene expression.
Importance
EPCAM is relevant to: - Cancer research, particularly in the context of epithelial cancers, as it is often overexpressed in tumour cells and serves as a potential therapeutic target. - Stem cell biology, due to its role in regulating stem cell proliferation and differentiation, making it a marker for various stem cell populations. - Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where its properties in cell adhesion and proliferation are exploited for developing new therapies. - Understanding epithelial barrier function and integrity, which has implications for diseases affecting epithelial tissues.
Top Products
For researchers investigating EPCAM, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies that cater to different needs. The first is the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-EpCAM antibody (ab71916), which has garnered 218 citations, reflecting its strong reputation in the field. This antibody is particularly effective for immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), and immunocytochemistry (ICC), making it a versatile choice for various applications.Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-EpCAM antibody [E144] (ab32392), which has been validated in knockout models and is suitable for western blotting (WB). With 75 citations, this recombinant product provides the batch-to-batch consistency that many researchers seek. Together, these antibodies provide robust options for studying EPCAM in your research. The Anti-EpCAM antibody [RM1016] ELISA Kit (ab282457), supported by 5 citations, is an excellent option for researchers looking to accurately measure EpCAM levels in their samples.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates a significant focus on the use of EPCAM antibodies in various human and mouse tissues, particularly in the context of cancer research, including liver and prostate cancer. The antibodies are employed in multiple applications such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry, highlighting their versatility in detecting EPCAM in different experimental setups. Additionally, studies involving non-parenchymal liver cells and trophoblast remodeling in placentas suggest a broader interest in the role of EPCAM in developmental and injury-related contexts.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
May act as a physical homophilic interaction molecule between intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) at the mucosal epithelium for providing immunological barrier as a first line of defense against mucosal infection. Plays a role in embryonic stem cells proliferation and differentiation. Up-regulates the expression of FABP5, MYC and cyclins A and E.
Involvement in disease
Diarrhea 5, with tufting enteropathy, congenital
DIAR5
An intractable diarrhea of infancy characterized by villous atrophy and absence of inflammation, with intestinal epithelial cell dysplasia manifesting as focal epithelial tufts in the duodenum and jejunum.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Lynch syndrome 8
LYNCH8
A form of Lynch syndrome, an autosomal dominant disease associated with marked increase in cancer susceptibility. It is characterized by a familial predisposition to early-onset colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and extra-colonic tumors of the gastrointestinal, urological and female reproductive tracts. Lynch syndrome is reported to be the most common form of inherited colorectal cancer in the Western world. Clinically, it is often divided into two subgroups. Type I is characterized by hereditary predisposition to colorectal cancer, a young age of onset, and carcinoma observed in the proximal colon. Type II is characterized by increased risk for cancers in certain tissues such as the uterus, ovary, breast, stomach, small intestine, skin, and larynx in addition to the colon. Diagnosis of classical Lynch syndrome is based on the Amsterdam criteria: 3 or more relatives affected by colorectal cancer, one a first degree relative of the other two; 2 or more generation affected; 1 or more colorectal cancers presenting before 50 years of age; exclusion of hereditary polyposis syndromes. The term 'suspected Lynch syndrome' or 'incomplete Lynch syndrome' can be used to describe families who do not or only partially fulfill the Amsterdam criteria, but in whom a genetic basis for colon cancer is strongly suspected.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. LYNCH8 results from heterozygous deletion of 3-prime exons of EPCAM and intergenic regions directly upstream of MSH2, resulting in transcriptional read-through and epigenetic silencing of MSH2 in tissues expressing EPCAM.
Post-translational modifications
Hyperglycosylated in carcinoma tissue as compared with autologous normal epithelia. Glycosylation at Asn-198 is crucial for protein stability.
Sequence Similarities
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.
Cellular localization
- Lateral cell membrane
- Single-pass type I membrane protein
- Cell junction
- Tight junction
- Colocalizes with CLDN7 at the lateral cell membrane and tight junction.
Alternative names
CD326, GA733-2, M1S2, M4S1, MIC18, TACSTD1, TROP1, EPCAM, Epithelial cell adhesion molecule, Ep-CAM, Adenocarcinoma-associated antigen, Cell surface glycoprotein Trop-1, Epithelial cell surface antigen, Epithelial glycoprotein, Epithelial glycoprotein 314, KS 1/4 antigen, KSA, Major gastrointestinal tumor-associated protein GA733-2, Tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 1, EGP, EGP314, hEGP314
Database links
swissprot:P16422 omim:185535 entrezGene:4072
Other research areas
- Immuno-oncology