EpCAM as Modulator of Tissue Plasticity

Cells

François Fagotto¹ 

[1] CRBM, University of Montpellier and CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France;

关键词: Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule;    Trop1;    Trop2;    TACSD;    metastasis;    cell–cell adhesion;   

DOI  :  10.3390/cells9092128

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule or EpCAM is a well-known marker highly expressed in carcinomas and showing a strong correlation with poor cancer prognosis. While its name relates to its proposed function as a cell adhesion molecule, EpCAM has been shown to have various signalling functions. In particular, it has been identified as an important positive regulator of cell adhesion and migration, playing an essential role in embryonic morphogenesis as well as intestinal homeostasis. This activity is not due to its putative adhesive function, but rather to its ability to repress myosin contractility by impinging on a PKC signalling cascade. This mechanism confers EpCAM the unique property of favouring tissue plasticity. I review here the currently available data, comment on possible connections with other properties of EpCAM, and discuss the potential significance in the context of cancer invasion.

【 授权许可】

Unknown