EpCAM

EpCAM (Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule), also known as CD326 (Cluster of Differentiation 326), is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion. It is expressed on the surface of epithelial cells and certain cancer cells. EpCAM plays a crucial role in cell signaling, cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation.

Structure

EpCAM is a type I transmembrane protein consisting of an extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain contains two epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats and a thyroglobulin repeat, which are essential for its adhesive properties.

Function

EpCAM mediates homophilic cell-cell adhesion in epithelial tissues. It is involved in the maintenance of the epithelial barrier and plays a role in tissue architecture. EpCAM also participates in intracellular signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. It is known to interact with components of the Wnt signaling pathway and the catenin complex.

Clinical Significance

EpCAM is overexpressed in various carcinomas, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer. Due to its high expression in cancer cells and limited expression in normal tissues, EpCAM is used as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and as a target for cancer therapy. Therapeutic strategies targeting EpCAM include monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T-cell engagers, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.

Research Applications

EpCAM is widely used in cancer research for the isolation and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Techniques such as flow cytometry and immunomagnetic separation utilize EpCAM-specific antibodies to detect and isolate CTCs from blood samples.

Related Pages

• Cell adhesion
• Glycoprotein
• Transmembrane protein
• Cancer
• Biomarker
• Monoclonal antibody
• Wnt signaling pathway
• Circulating tumor cell

See Also

• CD molecules
• Cell signaling
• Cell migration
• Proliferation
• Differentiation