Rat anti Ep-CAM

Ep-CAM is a 40 kD glycoprotein and can be detected at the basolateral membrane of the majority of epithelial tissues, where it is intriCately linked with the cadherin-Catenin complex and hence the fundamental WNT pathway responsible for intracellular signalling and polarity. This antigen functions as a homotypic calcium-independent cell adhesion molecule. Of particular interest, Ep-CAM appears to be overexpressed by the majority of Human epithelial carcinomas, including colorectal, breast, prostate, head and neck, and hepatic carcinomas. The antigen is being used as a target for immunotherapy of Human carcinomas. Formation of Ep-CAM-mediated adhesions has 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.