Epithelial cell adhesion molecule: more than a carcinoma marker and adhesion molecule.
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM, CD326) is a glycoprotein of approximately 40 kd that was originally identified as a marker for carcinoma, attributable to its high expression on rapidly proliferating tumors of epithelial origin. Normal epithelia express EpCAM at a variable but generally lower level than carcinoma cells. In early studies, EpCAM was proposed to be a cell-cell adhesion molecule. However, recent insights revealed a more versatile role for EpCAM that is not limited only to cell adhesion but includes diverse processes such as signaling, cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Cell surface expression of EpCAM may actually prevent cell-cell adhesion. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge on EpCAM biology in relation to other cell adhesion molecules. We discuss the implications of the newly identified functions of EpCAM in view of its prognostic relevance in carcinoma, inflammatory pathophysiology, and tissue development and regeneration as well as its role in normal epithelial homeostasis.
Trzpis
Monika
M
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
McLaughlin
Pamela M J
PM
de Leij
Lou M F H
LM
Harmsen
Martin C
MC
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D002453:Cell Cycle; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D000071858:Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; C499379:EPCAM protein, human; D000071858:Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule