alpha-Methylacyl-CoA Racemase/AMACR Proteins and Enzymes

AMACR (alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase) has been recently described as 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 prostate: high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia. AMACR can be used as a positive marker for PIN. Defects in AMACR are the cause ...