Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM)

Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein highly expressed in epithelial tissues, both normal and malignant. It mediates Ca²⁺–independent homotypic cell-cell adhesion and interacts with other cell adhesion molecules to regulate adherens and tight junctions. EpCAM is involved in regulated intramembrane proteolysis, releasing soluble extracellular and intracellular fragments that can influence gene expression and cell behavior. It promotes cell proliferation and modulates migration/invasion properties depending on the cellular context. EpCAM is used as a diagnostic marker for carcinoma cells and a therapeutic target for immunotherapeutic strategies.

Other names

CD326EPCAMDIAR5EGP-2EGP314EGP40ESAHNPCC8KS1/4KSAM4S1MIC18MK-1TACSTD1TROP1BerEp4MOC-31

EpCAM is targeted by immunotherapeutic strategies due to its overexpression on carcinomas. Antibodies against EpCAM are used to target and eliminate cancer cells. Soluble EpCAM extracellular domain released by ADAM10/17 cleavage, and intracellular domain EpICD released by gamma-secretase cleavage can modulate proliferation, EMT-related processes, and pluripotency.