Open Access

Functions of EpCAM in physiological processes and diseases (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Li Huang
    • Yanhong Yang
    • Fei Yang
    • Shaomin Liu
    • Ziqin Zhu
    • Zili Lei
    • Jiao Guo
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: July 11, 2018     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.3764
  • Pages: 1771-1785
  • Copyright: © Huang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, which was originally identified as a tumor‑associated antigen due to its high expression level in rapidly growing epithelial tumors. Germ line mutations of the human EpCAM gene have been indicated as the cause of congenital tufting enteropathy. Previous studies based on cell models have revealed that EpCAM contributes to various biological processes including cell adhesion, signaling, migration and proliferation. Due to the previous lack of genetic animal models, the in vivo functions of EpCAM remain largely unknown. However, EpCAM genetic animal models have recently been generated, and are useful for understanding the functions of EpCAM. The authors here briefly review the functions and mechanisms of EpCAM in physiological processes and different diseases.
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October-2018
Volume 42 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Huang L, Yang Y, Yang F, Liu S, Zhu Z, Lei Z and Guo J: Functions of EpCAM in physiological processes and diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med 42: 1771-1785, 2018.
APA
Huang, L., Yang, Y., Yang, F., Liu, S., Zhu, Z., Lei, Z., & Guo, J. (2018). Functions of EpCAM in physiological processes and diseases (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 42, 1771-1785. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.3764
MLA
Huang, L., Yang, Y., Yang, F., Liu, S., Zhu, Z., Lei, Z., Guo, J."Functions of EpCAM in physiological processes and diseases (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 42.4 (2018): 1771-1785.
Chicago
Huang, L., Yang, Y., Yang, F., Liu, S., Zhu, Z., Lei, Z., Guo, J."Functions of EpCAM in physiological processes and diseases (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 42, no. 4 (2018): 1771-1785. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.3764