p63 Protein (Ab1)

Clone 4A4 binds to all known Isotypes of p63. It is known as an excellent marker of basal cells in squamous epithelia and transitional cell epithelia (localisation of the antigen in cell nuclei). It is well suited for the detection of squamous cell carcinoma. In prostate tissue 80% of basal cells in benign tissue react positive, whereas p63 disappears in prostate carcinoma. The p63 gene is a homologue of the tumour suppressor gene p53. It is highly expressed in nuclei of basal cells, the progenitor cells of many epithelial tissues. It shows up remarkable structural similarities to p53. By alternative splicing at least 6 different isoforms are synthesised, which are different in the C-terminus (alpha, beta, gamma) and in the N-terminus (TA and DN). In mice loss of the p63 gene leads to inability to form basal cells and severe organic deficits. Similar organic failures occur in humans with autosomal dominant EEC-Syndrome, which obviously is related to mutation of the p63 gene. p63 (6 Isotypes).