EpCAM is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in a number of cellular processes including adhesion, proliferation, maintenance of stemness, migration and invasion.3 It is expressed on most, but not all, normal epithelia and their corresponding malignancies. Although its role in tumorigenesis remains to be fully elucidated, it may downregulate immunity and help tumors actively escape from immune surveillance. It has been recognized as a pan-carcinoma antigen marker because of its widespread expression on epithelium and their derived tumors.1 Its antibody is widely used to help distinguish epithelial from non-epithelial neoplasms. Its positive tumors are epithelium derived, whereas negative tumors can originate from either nonepithelial or epithelial tissues. Its antibody has also been used for identifying circulating tumor cells. Its expression may be upregulated in tumors and overexpression can most pronounced on tumor initiating cells.2 Overexpression may be an indication of early malignancy and correlate with a poor prognosis.
- Control: Columnar epithelium, adenocarcinoma
- Dilution Range: 1:100-1:200
References:
1. Litvinov SV, MP Velders, HAM Bakker, GJ Fleuren, SO Warnaar. JBC 125:437-446 (1994)
2. Imrich S, M Hachmeister, O Gires. Cell Adhes Migr 6:30-38 (2012)
3. Spizzo G, D Fong, M Wurm, C Ensinger, P Obrist, C Hofer, G Mazzoleni, G Gastl, P Went. J Clin Pathol 64:415-420 (2011)
4. Denzel S, B Mack, C Eggert, P Massoner, N Stocklein, D Kemming, U Harreus, O Gires. Int J Exp Path 93:341-353 (2012)
Pretreatment: Heat induced epitope retrieval in 10 mM citrate buffer, pH 6,0 or in 50 mM Tris buffer pH 9,5 for 20 minutes is required for IHC staining on formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue sections.
Type: Primary
Antigen: EPCAM
Clonality: Monoclonal
Clone: VU1D9
Conjugation: Unconjugated
Epitope:
Host: Mouse
Isotype: IgG1 kappa
Reactivity: Human
