This gene encodes a carcinoma-associated antigen and is a member of a family that includes at least two type I membrane proteins. EpCAM is a pan-epithelial differentiation antigen that is expressed on almost all carcinomas. Its constitutional function is being elucidated. It is intricately linked with the Cadherin-Catenin pathway and hence the fundamental WNT pathway responsible for intracellular signalling and polarity. It has been used as an immunotherapeutic target in the treatment of gastrointestinal, urological and other carcinomas. It is expressed in undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells.tufting enteropathy.
