EpCAM
EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule, also known as CD326, TACSTD1, Ep-CAM and EGP-2) is a type I membrane protein that works as a homotypic, calcium-independent cell adhesion molecule. It is expressed on most normal epithelial cells and on gastrointestinal carcinomas. Browse Assay Genie's current range of EpCAM research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
EpCAM mediates homotypic cell adhesion that does not depend on calcium. UniProt annotation indicates that it may act as a physical, homophilic interaction molecule between intestinal epithelial cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes at the mucosal epithelium. In this position it may help form an immunological barrier, a first line of defence against mucosal infection. The protein is found at the lateral cell membrane and at tight junctions. EpCAM also plays a role in the proliferation and differentiation of embryonic stem cells, and it up-regulates the expression of FABP5, MYC and cyclins A and E.
The EPCAM gene encodes a carcinoma-associated antigen. It belongs to the EPCAM family, which NCBI describes as including at least two type I membrane proteins. The antigen is expressed on most normal epithelial cells and on gastrointestinal carcinomas. Researchers who work with an EpCAM antibody, an EpCAM ELISA kit or recombinant EpCAM protein therefore often study epithelial identity, carcinoma biology and mucosal immunity. The mouse and rat orthologues are both named Epcam.
EpCAM has accumulated many names. HGNC lists the earlier names as tumour-associated calcium signal transducer 1 and antigen identified by monoclonal antibody AUA1. Aliases include Ly74, TROP1, GA733-2, EGP34, EGP40, KSA, HEA125, MOC31, 17-1A, ESA and BerEp4. Several of these come from the monoclonal antibodies used to detect the antigen. The antigen is used as a target for immunotherapy of human carcinomas. Mutations in the gene result in congenital tufting enteropathy. HGNC places the gene in the CD molecule group and also among the microRNA protein coding host genes.
EpCAM is a carcinoma-associated antigen expressed on gastrointestinal carcinomas, which makes it a frequent subject in studies of epithelial tumours.
The antigen is being used as a target for immunotherapy treatment of human carcinomas.
EpCAM may mediate homophilic contact between intestinal epithelial cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes, forming an immunological barrier against mucosal infection.
EpCAM contributes to embryonic stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and mutations in its gene cause congenital tufting enteropathy.
EpCAM is a homotypic, calcium-independent cell adhesion molecule found on most normal epithelial cells. It may mediate contact between intestinal epithelial cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes, supporting a mucosal barrier. It also contributes to embryonic stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and up-regulates FABP5, MYC and cyclins A and E.
EpCAM is also called CD326, TACSTD1, TROP1, Ep-CAM, EGP-2, EGP40, GA733-2, KSA, ESA and Ly74, among others. Earlier HGNC names are tumour-associated calcium signal transducer 1 and antigen identified by monoclonal antibody AUA1. Many aliases derive from the monoclonal antibodies that identified the antigen.
Mutations in the EPCAM gene result in congenital tufting enteropathy. The protein is also a carcinoma-associated antigen and a target for immunotherapy of human carcinomas. Mouse and rat both carry an orthologous Epcam gene; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other epithelial adhesion molecules, cell-cycle regulators and carcinoma markers with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P16422; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.