EpCAM

EpCAM

EpCAM (pronounced "ep-cam"), also known as Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule, is a type of cell adhesion molecule (CAM) that is found on the surface of epithelial cells.

Pronunciation

EpCAM is pronounced as "ep-cam".

Etymology

The term "EpCAM" is an abbreviation for "Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule". The term "epithelial" is derived from the Greek word "epi", meaning "on" or "upon", and "thelē", which means "nipple". The term "adhesion" comes from the Latin word "adhaesio", meaning "sticking to". The term "molecule" is derived from the Latin word "moles", meaning "mass".

Function

EpCAM is a transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion, ensuring that cells within tissues are bound together. It is also involved in cell signaling, cell migration, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation.

Clinical Significance

EpCAM is often overexpressed in many types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. As such, it is often used as a target for cancer therapy and as a marker for cancer diagnosis and cancer prognosis.

Related Terms

• Cell Adhesion Molecule (CAM)
• Epithelial Cells
• Transmembrane Protein
• Cell Signaling
• Cell Migration
• Cell Proliferation
• Cell Differentiation
• Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Cancer Therapy
• Cancer Diagnosis
• Cancer Prognosis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on EpCAM
• Wikipedia's article - EpCAM

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