| Background | NKX3.1, also known as BAPX2 or NKX3A, is a homeobox protein located mainly in the prostate epithelium, and is also present in testis, ureter, and pulmonary bronchial mucous glands. The protein functions as a negative regulator of epithelial cell growth in prostate tissue, and as an androgen-regulated, prostatic tumour suppressor. NKX3.1 is clinically indicated in the majority of primary prostatic adenocarcinomas, as well as invasive ductal carcinomas and invasive lobular carcinomas of the breast. Underexpression of NKX3.1 is typical of human prostate carcinomas and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and negative staining with Anti-NKX3.1 is common in urothelial carcinoma. Anti-NKX3.1 can be useful as an aid to distinguish between high grade prostate adenocarcinoma and high grade infiltrating urothelial carcinoma. It is also useful for identifying metastatic tumours and, when used in combination with Anti-ERG, this antibody may be a superior aid for identifying tumours of prostatic origin. |
Information sourced from Uniprot.org