Clone HEA125 recognizes Ep-CAM (polypeptide reacting: Mr 40,000 epithelium-specific cell surface glycoprotein). HEA125 represents an excellent marker to discriminate epithelial from mesothelial structures. The antigen has been detected in all carcinoma types tested (18 different origins). A subset of squamous cell carcinoma is negative. Tested Reactivities on Cultured Cell Lines: All carcinoma cell lines tested so far, particularly strong reaction with colon carcinoma cell lines (HT-29, WiDr, SW1116). Polypeptide Reacting: Mr 40,000 human epithelium-specific cell surface glycoprotein (Ep-CAM).
This antigen has been identified independently by a number of groups, and it has been known by a variety of names including Epithelial Specific Antigen, MOC31 and Ber-EP4. Several monoclonal antibodies have been raised against Ep-CAM, many of which have been described as tumour specific molecules on carcinomas. Ep-CAM is a Type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein. It is expressed on the basolateral membrane of cells by the majority of epithelial tissues, with the exception of adult squamous epithelium and some specific epithelial cell types including hepatocytes and gastric epithelial cells. Ep-CAM expression has been reported to be a possible marker of early malignancy, with expression being increased in tumour cells, and de novo expression being seen in dysplastic squamous epithelium.Synonyms: Adenocarcinoma-associated antigen, EGP314, Ep-CAM, Epithelial cell adhesion molecule, Epithelial glycoprotein 314, GA733-2, KS 1/4 antigen, KSA, M1S2, M4S1, MIC18, Major gastrointestinal tumor-associated protein GA733-2, TROP1, Trop-1, Tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 1