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The Use of Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) to Explore Protein Expression Variation within Individual Renal Cell Cancers
Published on: January 22, 2013
Alpha-methyl CoA racemase expression in renal cell carcinomas
Vincent Molinié1, André Balaton, Samuel Rotman
1Department of Pathology, Hôpital Saint Joseph, 75014 Paris Cedex, France. vmolinie@hopital-saint-joseph.org
Human Pathology
|May 31, 2006
Summary
Alpha-methyl CoA racemase (AMACR) is highly expressed in papillary renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and mucinous tubular and spindle cell tumors. AMACR immunostaining aids in differentiating these kidney tumors when histology is challenging.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Uropathology
Background:
- Alpha-methyl CoA racemase (AMACR) is a novel molecular marker identified in prostate cancer.
- AMACR has recently been noted as highly expressed in papillary renal cell carcinomas (RCCs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of AMACR antibody in distinguishing various renal tumors.
- To assess the expression patterns of AMACR across different subtypes of renal neoplasms.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 110 renal tumors using a rabbit monoclonal anti-AMACR antibody.
- Tumor samples included papillary RCCs (types 1 and 2), conventional RCCs, chromophobe RCCs, oncocytomas, and others.
- Staining intensity and distribution were analyzed for each tumor type.
Main Results:
- High AMACR expression was observed in 96.4% of papillary RCCs (types 1 and 2) and all mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinomas.
- Clear cell RCCs and oncocytomas showed focal or weak AMACR reactivity.
- Chromophobe RCCs, urothelial carcinomas, and Bellini duct carcinomas did not exhibit AMACR immunoreactivity.
Conclusions:
- AMACR is a valuable marker for identifying papillary RCCs and mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinomas.
- AMACR immunostaining can assist in the histological subtyping of renal tumors, particularly when conventional methods are inconclusive.
- Consider using AMACR in conjunction with other markers for challenging renal tumor diagnoses.
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