Epithelial Cell Markers and Intracellular Molecules

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Mesenchymal Transition
Wall Poster

Epithelial cells are arranged in tightly packed layers that line internal body cavities and provide a protective layer on the external surface of the body. Epithelial cell markers can be used to investigate many aspects of epithelial cell biology including embryonic development, tissue organization, carcinogenesis, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) status. For example, epithelial cells can be identified by the expression of markers such as cell adhesion proteins including E-Cadherin and Claudin family members and specific Cytokeratin intermediate filament proteins. The loss of epithelial markers is associated with EMT and metastatic progression in epithelial carcinomas.