The Ep-CAM (HEA125) antibody recognizes the epithelial cell adhesion molecule Ep-CAM (also described as 17-1A antigen or EPG34). This antigen is widely expressed on cells of epithelial origin and tumors derived therefrom. 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).Polypeptide reacting:
Immunofluorescence Microscopy. Cell Sorting, Cytological Material. Immunohistochemistry on Frozen Sections and Paraffin-Embedded Sections. With Paraffin embedded sections, protease pretreatment is required prior to antibodyapplication. Working Dilution: Dilute at least 1/10 with PBS, pH 7.4 for Immunohistochemicalapplication. Incubation Time: 1 h at RT. Other applications not tested. Optimal dilutions are dependent on conditions and should be determined by the user.
Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) is a 40 kDa cell surface antigen. This antigen has been identified independently by a number of groups, and has been known by a variety of names. Several monoclonal antibodies have been raised against EpCAM, many of which have been described as tumour specific molecules on carcinomas. EpCAM 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. EpCAM 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