Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Laser-capture Microdissection of Human Prostatic Epithelium for RNA Analysis
Published on: November 26, 2015
Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) in fine-needle aspiration specimens of prostate lesions
Gordana Kaić1, Cedna Tomasović-Loncarić
1Department of Clinical Cytology and Cytometry, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia. gordana.kaic@zg.t-com.hr
Abstract:
The elevated expression of P504S gene and its product alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) can serve as a molecular marker for prostate cancer. The goal of this study is to investigate P504S/AMACR expression in fine-needle aspiration smears and correlate it with cytological diagnosis. Immunocytochemistry was performed in 35 patients with morphological diagnosis of prostate carcinoma (n = 16), atypia (n = 15), and benign hyperplasia (n = 4). Among 16 malignant cases there were two low-grade, eight intermediate, and six high-grade prostate carcinomas. Cytoplasmic positivity is analyzed qualitatively as predominantly diffuse or focal and quantitatively as <5%, 5-50%, and >50% of cells. Benign cases showed no P504S/AMACR expression. Positive staining was recorded in 75% of malignant cases, but in the majority of them it was weak and focal or diffuse and in a small amount of cells. The most intensive staining was seen in low-grade carcinomas and some atypical cases. This observation indicates a correlation between P504S/AMACR expression and differentiation of cells. P504S/AMACR staining might be of great value in cytodiagnosis of prostate lesions as well as an example of the characterization of cells at the molecular level using fresh tissue obtained by fine-needle aspiration.
Insights
The P504S gene and alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) show potential as prostate cancer markers. Their expression in fine-needle aspirates correlates with cell differentiation, aiding cytodiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Urology
Background:
- Prostate cancer diagnosis relies on accurate cytological evaluation.
- The P504S gene and its protein product, alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), are implicated in prostate cancer development.
- Identifying reliable molecular markers is crucial for improving diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of P504S/AMACR in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) smears of prostate lesions.
- To correlate P504S/AMACR expression patterns with cytological diagnoses, including carcinoma, atypia, and benign hyperplasia.
- To assess the utility of P504S/AMACR as a molecular marker in prostate cancer cytodiagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was employed to detect P504S/AMACR expression.
- The study included 35 patients with FNA diagnoses: prostate carcinoma (n=16), atypia (n=15), and benign hyperplasia (n=4).
- Expression was analyzed qualitatively (focal/diffuse) and quantitatively (percentage of positive cells).
Main Results:
- Benign cases exhibited no P504S/AMACR expression.
- 75% of malignant cases showed positive P504S/AMACR staining, often weak and focal or diffuse in a small cell percentage.
- Intensive staining was observed in low-grade carcinomas and some atypical cases, suggesting a correlation with cell differentiation.
Conclusions:
- P504S/AMACR expression correlates with the differentiation of prostate cells.
- P504S/AMACR staining in FNA smears may significantly enhance the cytodiagnosis of prostate lesions.
- This approach offers molecular-level characterization of prostate tissues obtained via FNA.
