Invitrogen™ EpCAM Monoclonal Antibody (AUA1)

Ep-CAM (epithelial adhesion molecule, epithelial specific antigen, ESA) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in the epithelium with a molecular weight of approximately 40 kDa, which functions as an epithelial cell adhesion molecule. Ep-CAM functions as a homotypic calcium-independent cell adhesion molecule, and has a direct impact on cell cycle, proliferation and metabolism of epithelial cells and fibroblasts due to its ability to rapidly induce the proto-oncogene c-myc and the cell cycle regulating genes cyclin A and E. Ep-CAM mediates Ca2+-independent homotypic interactions. Formation of Ep-CAM-mediated adhesions have a negative regulatory effect on adhesions mediated by classic cadherins, which may have strong effects on the differentiation and growth of epithelial cells. Ep-CAM overexpression was suggested to be associated with enhanced epithelial proliferation. Ep-CAM is highly expressed in human carcinomas, and is a marker for tumors of epithelial lineage. Ep-CAM is expressed on baso-lateral cell surface in most simple epithelia and many carcinoma types. Also, Ep-CAM reportedly distinguishes adenocarcinomas from pleural mesotheliomas.