EMA is a glycoprotein that serves a protective function by binding to pathogens and also functions in a cell signaling capacity. This antobody stains many carcinomas, normal and neoplastic cells from various tissues, including mammary epithelium, sweat glands and squamous epithelium. The absence of EMA is also important since negative EMA staining is characteristic for some tumors, including adrenal carcinoma, seminomas, paraganglioma and hepatoma.