EMA (Epithelial Membrane Antigen), which is also known as Mucin 1, is a glycosylated transmembrane protein that is widely present on the surface of epithelial cells in organs.

In healthy tissues, EMA is expressed on the proximal luminal surface or proximal gland surface of glandular epithelial cells, and it is characterized by apical expression, polar distribution, and complete glycosylation. EMA protects cells from invasion by pathogens and plays a role in lubrication and protection.

In malignant tumors, EMA shows abnormal depolarized expression on the entire tumor cell surface. At the same time, EMA is overexpressed and it has abnormal intracellular localization. Abnormal EMA affects multiple signaling pathways, regulates tumor cell proliferation, contributes to cancer metastasis, and it is an oncogene that regulates the cancer development process.

EMA can be used as a clinical diagnostic marker for a variety of cancers.

1. Differentiating Between Epithelial (such as carcinomas) and Non-Epithelial Tumors (Such as sarcomas).

2. Carcinoma Diagnosis

Differentiating between invasive ductal carcinoma and other types of breast cancer.

Confirming the epithelial nature of tumors in the colon and rectum.

Distinguishing between non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and other types.

Confirming epithelial differentiation in uterine cancers.

3. Determining whether a metastatic tumor is of epithelial origin.

Identifying carcinoma metastasis in lymph nodes, liver, or other organs.

Differentiating carcinoma from other tumor types like sarcomas or lymphoma.

4. Assessing Tumor Differentiation

Well-differentiated epithelial tumors tend to have stronger EMA expression, while poorly differentiated tumors may show weaker or absent EMA staining. This can be used as a prognostic marker to help predict the tumor's behavior.

5. Identifing specific subtypes of epithelial tumors, including:

Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A rare but aggressive form of skin cancer, EMA is used in its diagnosis.

Salivary Gland Tumors: It helps differentiate between various types of tumors in salivary glands, including benign and malignant epithelial lesions.

6. Used in Immunohistochemical Panels

When combined with other markers, such as cytokeratins (e.g., CK7, CK20), it helps in more precise tumor classification and subtyping.

7. Prognostic Value in Some Cancers

In some breast cancer cases, EMA expression is associated with a better prognosis in early-stage tumors.

8. Evaluation of Tumor Cell Origin in Cytology Specimens

EMA is useful in evaluating fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies or other cytology samples. It can confirm whether the cells in question are of epithelial origin, aiding pathologists in making accurate diagnoses from small tissue samples.

We, Dartmon, provide you the best-in-class EMA antibody!

Product name: Anti-EMA (DA055)

Cat. No. : MMB1A067

Usage pattern: Manual or device utilization

Ready-to-use: 3ml, 6ml, 10ml

Concentrated: 0.1ml, 0.5 ml, 1ml

Host: Mouse

Isotype: IgG2a/κ

Immunogen: Synthetic peptide of human EMA