EpCAM in morphogenesis

Abstract

Embryonic development is one of the most complex biological phenomena that involves the appropriate expression and synchronized interactions of a plethora of proteins, including cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Many members of the diverse family of CAMs have been shown to be critically involved in the correct execution of embryonic development. The Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) is an atypical cell adhesion molecule originally identified as a marker for carcinoma. However, recent insights have revealed that EpCAM participates in not only cell adhesion, but also in proliferation, migration and differentiation of cells. All of these processes are known to be fundamental for morphogenesis. Here, we review the current literature that establishes EpCAM as a protein involved in morphogenesis, starting from the earliest stages of embryogenesis and ending in organogenesis. In addition, we provide directions for further elucidation of the role of EpCAM in embryogenesis.

Cancer-associated epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM; CD326) enables epidermal Langerhans cell motility and migration in vivo

“…EpCAM has been studied most extensively in cancer. Although there are controversies, EpCAM may facilitate cancer cell invasion and metastasis, and it has been suggested that EpCAM expression in tumors indicates poor prognosis (23,29,36). This viewpoint is attractive, because it is consistent with the suggestion that EpCAM is a negative regulator of adhesion between epithelial cells.…”

“…In addition, both in vitro and in vivo studies previously have implicated EpCAM in intercellular adhesion and/or migration (23,26,36). These data, together with the increased numbers of steady-state LC in the skin of LC/EpCAM-cKO mice, suggested that EpCAM might regulate LC migration, an idea that we tested in vitro and in vivo.…”

EpCAM homo-oligomerization is not the basis for its role in cell-cell adhesion

“…These interactions combined with its ever more evident signaling function are still sufficient to explain its diverse role in epithelial morphogenesis 64 , organization 65 and cancer 12 . Therefore, we believe that properly addressing the function of EpCAM, including refuting its property as a homophilic CAM, will help in elucidating its various functions.…”

Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) Regulates Claudin Dynamics and Tight Junctions

“…This may involve modulation of TJ composition and/or function, and EpCAM may be an important contributor by attenuating TJ avidity. Although EpCAM is expressed at high levels in only a few tissues in adults, EpCAM is widely expressed in developing epithelia during embryogenesis, and it has been suggested that EpCAM plays an important role in organogenesis (40). EpCAM is also abundant in a number of carcinomas, and EpCAM expression has been correlated with increased cancer invasiveness and poor prognosis.…”