EPCAM Antibodies

Structure of EPCAM

EPCAM protein is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 30-40 kDa. The size difference mainly results from the varying degrees of glycosylation modification.

The primary structure of this protein is composed of 314 amino acids, forming typical extracellular regions, single transmembrane regions and short intracellular tail regions. Its extracellular segment contains epidermal growth factor-like repeat sequences and thyroglobulin-like repeat sequences, which jointly mediate homologous affinity cell adhesion. The secondary structure of EPCAM is mainly β -folding, constituting functional immunoglobulin-like domains. The physiological function of this protein is to act as a key adhesion molecule in epithelial tissues, and its abnormally high expression has become an important marker of various epithelial-derived tumors.

Fig. 1 Schematic representation of the EpCAM protein.¹

Key structural properties of EPCAM:

• Type I single transmembrane glycoprotein structure
• Extracellular sample containing epidermal growth factor and thyroglobulin sample repeat domain
• Disulfide bonds formed by cysteine residues maintain the stability of the extracellular region

Functions of EPCAM

The main function of the EPCAM protein is to mediate calcium-independent adhesion between epithelial cells to maintain the integrity and polarity of tissue structure. In addition, it is also involved in the signal regulation of processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation and migration.

The adhesion mediated by EPCAM does not rely on calcium ions, which is significantly different from the formation of the cadherin family and highlights its unique function in specific physiological and pathological environments.

Applications of EPCAM and EPCAM Antibody in Literature

1. Fagotto, François. "EpCAM as modulator of tissue plasticity." Cells 9.9 (2020): 2128. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9092128

The article indicates that EpCAM is highly expressed in cancer tissues and is a sign of poor prognosis. Studies have shown that EpCAM does not promote cell migration and tissue plasticity by reducing myosin contractility through adhesion function but by inhibiting the PKC signaling pathway. This mechanism plays a key role in embryonic development and intestinal homeostasis, and may also be involved in the process of tumor invasion.

2. Gires, Olivier, et al. "Expression and function of epithelial cell adhesion molecule EpCAM: where are we after 40 years?." Cancer and Metastasis Reviews 39.3 (2020): 969-987. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-020-09898-3

The article indicates that EpCAM is a tumor antigen found in colorectal cancer and is highly expressed in various cancer tissues and circulating tumor cells. This transmembrane protein participates in multiple signaling pathways through intracellular and extracellular fragments, regulating processes such as cancer cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Its expression level is closely related to tumor heterogeneity and patient prognosis, and it is an important prognostic marker and therapeutic target.

3. Gaber, Aljaž, Brigita Lenarčič, and Miha Pavšič. "Current view on EpCAM structural biology." Cells 9.6 (2020): 1361. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9061361

The article indicates that EpCAM is an important cancer marker, but the traditional understanding of it as a cell adhesion molecule is controversial. Based on structural biology evidence, this article points out that the cis-dimer formed by it is difficult to directly mediate intercellular adhesion, and focuses on analyzing its new function of participating in signal transduction through extracellular domain cleavable fragments, thereby regulating cell proliferation and differentiation.

4. Mohtar, M. Aiman, et al. "Revisiting the roles of pro-metastatic EpCAM in cancer." Biomolecules 10.2 (2020): 255. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10020255

The article indicates that EpCAM is a cell surface protein that is highly expressed in epithelial tumors and stem cells. It is involved in regulating a variety of key biological processes such as cell adhesion, migration and proliferation, and can be present in the body fluids of cancer patients. Therefore, it is regarded as an important diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. This article focuses on reviewing the structural characteristics of EpCAM and its pathophysiological role in cancer.

5. Brown, Taylor C., Narendra V. Sankpal, and William E. Gillanders. "Functional implications of the dynamic regulation of EpCAM during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition." Biomolecules 11.7 (2021): 956. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11070956

The article indicates that EpCAM is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in epithelial cells and cancer tissues. Its expression is dynamically regulated by the EMT process and participates in nuclear signal transduction through the intracellular domain (EpICD), influencing tumor growth, stem cell characteristics and metastasis. The functions of EpCAM are specific to cancer types, and its regulatory mechanism provides potential targets for tumor treatment.

Creative Biolabs: EPCAM Antibodies for Research

Creative Biolabs specializes in the production of high-quality EPCAM antibodies for research and industrial applications. Our portfolio includes monoclonal antibodies tailored for ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and other diagnostic methodologies.

• Custom EPCAM Antibody Development: Tailor-made solutions to meet specific research requirements.
• Bulk Production: Large-scale antibody manufacturing for industry partners.
• Technical Support: Expert consultation for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
• Aliquoting Services: Conveniently sized aliquots for long-term storage and consistent experimental outcomes.

For more details on our myoglobin antibodies, custom preparations, or technical support, contact us at email.