The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is mapped to human chromosome 2p21 and has nine exons. EpCAM is a 40 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein present on cell surface. It has an intracellular domain called the EpICD, comprising of 26-amino acids. The extracellular domain (EpEX) has an epidermal growth factor (EGF) and a thyroglobulin repeat-like domain.
Synonyms: Anti-CD326 antigen; Anti-EGP; Anti-Epithelial cell surface antigen; Anti-Epithelial glycoprotein; Anti-KS 1/4 antigen; Anti-KSA; Anti-Major gastrointestinal tumor-associated protein GA733-2; Anti-Tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 1
Storage: -20C
Biochem Physiol Actions: The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is highly expressed in carcinomas. It regulates cell signalling, proliferation, migration and adhesion. Proteolytic cleavage of EpICD domain is crucial for tumor progression. EpCAM is highly expressed in breast cancer and is considered as a potential target for gene therapy. Deletions in the 3' region of the EpCAM gene is associated with colorectal cancer based lynch syndrome. Single nucleotide polymorphism in EpCAM gene is associated with infant diarrheal disorder, congenital tufting enteropathy(CTE).