EpCAM: Structure and function in health and disease

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta 2013-08, Vol.1828 (8), p.1989-2001
• Main Authors: Schnell, Ulrike, Cirulli, Vincenzo, Giepmans, Ben N.G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antigens, Neoplasm - metabolism; Cancer; Cell Adhesion Molecules - metabolism; Cell Communication; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Cell Membrane - pathology; Cell–cell contact; Congenital tufting enteropathy; Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule; Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM); Humans; Mice; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neoplasms - pathology; Regulated intramembrane proteolysis; Tetraspanin-enriched microdomains
• ISSN: 0005-2736; 0006-3002; 1879-2642
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.04.018

Injection of tumor cells in mice more than 30years ago resulted in the discovery of an epithelial antigen, later defined as a cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Although EpCAM has since evoked significant interest as a target in cancer therapy, mechanistic insights on the functions of this glycoprotein have been emerging only very recently. This may have been caused by the multitude of functions attributed to the glycoprotein, its localization at different subcellular sites and complex posttranslational modifications. Here, we review how EpCAM modifies cell–cell contact adhesion strength and tissue plasticity, and how it regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. Major knowledge derived from human diseases will be highlighted: Mutant EpCAM that is absent from the cell surface leads to fatal intestinal abnormalities (congenital tufting enteropathy). EpCAM-mediated cell proliferation in cancer may result from signaling (i) via regulated intramembrane proteolysis and/or (ii) the localization and association with binding partners in specialized membrane microdomains. New insight in EpCAM signaling will help to develop optimized cancer therapies and open new avenues in the field of regenerative medicine. [Display omitted] •EpCAM structure/ function under (patho)physiological conditions reviewed•EpCAM is a target for tumor therapy and diagnosis, as well as regenerative medicine•EpCAM signals in tetraspanin-enriched microdomains and via regulated proteolysis•These models emerge as generic signaling mechanisms by cell surface molecules•Mutant EpCAM absent from the cell surface leads to intestinal abnormalities