Alpha-Methylacyl-CoA Racemase/P504S

AMACR (P504S) is an acronym for the protein alpha-methylacyl CoA racemase that helps to metabolize certain fatty acids within the body. AMACR has been recently described as a prostate cancer-specific gene that encodes a protein involved in the beta-oxidation of branched chain fatty acids. Expression of AMACR protein is found in Prostatic Adenocarcinoma but not in benign prostatic tissue. It stains premalignant lesions of the prostate: High-Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN) and Atypical Adenomatous Hyperplasia. Several studies have suggested that AMACR can be used as a prostate cancer biomarker.

High expression of AMACR (P504S) protein is usually found in Prostatic Adenocarcinoma but not in benign prostatic tissue by immunohistochemical staining in paraffin-embedded tissues. Using AMACR as a positive marker along with basal-cell staining (34 beta E12 or p63) as a negative marker could help to confirm the diagnosis of small foci of Prostate Carcinoma on needle biopsies.

P504S/AMACR is a rabbit monoclonal antibody derived from cell culture supernatant that is concentrated, dialyzed, filter sterilized and diluted in buffer pH 7.5, containing BSA and sodium azide as a preservative.

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4. Beach R, et al. Am J Surg Pathol. 2002;26:1588-1596

1. Cut and mount 3-4 micron formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues on positive charged slides.
2. Air dry for 2 hours at 58° C.
3. Deparaffinize, dehydrate and rehydrate tissues.
4. Subject tissues to heat epitope retrieval using a suitable retrieval solution such as ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate (BSB 0020-BSB 0023) or EDTA (BSB 0030-BSB 0033).
5. Any of three heating methods may be used:
   • Electric Pressure Cooker
     Place standoff rack at base of pressure cooker. Add 1-2 inches of distilled water to the pressure cooker and turn heat to high, and incubate for 15 minutes. Open and immediately transfer slides to room temperature.
   • Water Bath Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a water bath set at 95°-99° C. Incubate for 30-60 minutes.
   • Conventional Steamer Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a Steamer, cover and steam for 30-60 minutes.
6. After heat treatment, transfer slides in ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA to room temperature and let stand for 15-20 minutes.
7. Wash slides with IHC wash buffer or DI water.
8. Continue IHC staining protocol.