Epithelial markers are molecules commonly expressed by cells of epithelial origin. These markers include proteins such as E-cadherin, cytokeratins, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and others. In the context of cancer, the expression of epithelial markers not only defines the cellular lineage but also provides insights into tumor differentiation, invasiveness, and the dynamic process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a critical event during which epithelial cells lose their polarity and cell–cell adhesion properties and gain migratory and invasive traits typically associated with mesenchymal cells.
Retained expression of epithelial markers generally correlates with lower invasiveness and a better patient prognosis, while a loss is often indicative of tumor aggressiveness and a greater potential for metastasis.
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