Introduction
EPCAM is a transmembrane glycoprotein mediating Ca2+-independent homotypic cell–cell adhesion in epithelia. It is also involved in cell signaling, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. It has oncogenic potential via its capacity to upregulate c-myc, e-fabp. 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.
Alternative Names
EPCAM, TACSTD1, TROP1, CD326, DIAR5, EGP2, EGP314, EGP40, ESA, GA733-2, HNPCC8, HNPCC-8, KS1/4, KSA, M4S1, MIC18, MK1