背景：Ep-CAM gene encodes a cancer-related antigen and belongs to a family member including at least two type I membrane proteins. This antigen is expressed in most normal epithelial cells and gastrointestinal cancers and functions as a calcium independent cell adhesion molecule of the same type. The antigen can be used as a target of tumor immunotherapy. Mutations in this gene can lead to congenital intestinal mass lesions.
