Mart1

Acronym for "Melanoma Antigen Recognized by T-cells." Synonymous with MART1, Melan-A is an abbreviation for "melanocyte antigen." The protein was sequenced by 2 independent research groups (Melan-A - Coulie et al.; MART1 - Kawakami et al.).

The MART1 antigen is a melanoma-specific protein that is recognized by cytotoxic T cells. It is localized by the MLANA gene on chromosome 9p24.1. It is expressed by benign melanocytic nevi as well as malignant melanomas. The antibody A103, which is commonly used in dermatohistology, is suitable for detecting the MART1 antigen in cells of melanotic origin. MART1 negative malignant melanomas are usually spindle cell or desmoplastic melanomas (see below melanoma, malignant).

The AK also reacts positively with angiomyolipomas and with steroid hormone-producing cells of the adrenal gland, ovary and testicles, in particular also with carcinomas of these organs.

1. Faure F et al. (2018) Blood monocytes sample MelanA/MART1 antigen for long-lasting cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells after differentiation into dendritic cells. Int J Cancer 142:133-144.
2. Fetsch PA et al. (1999) Melanoma-associated antigen recognized by T cells (MART-1): the advent of a
3. preferred immunocytochemical antibody for the diagnosis of metastatic malignant
4. melanoma with fine-needle aspiration. Cancer 87:37-42.
5. Nielsen PS et al.(2011) Immunohistochemical double stains against Ki67/MART1 and HMB45/MITF: promising diagnostic tools in melanocytic lesions. Am J Dermatopathol 33:361-370
6. Wandler A et al.(2016) Automated quantification of Ki67/MART1 stains may prevent false-negative melanoma diagnoses. J Cutan Pathol 43:956-962.