WT1 Antibody / Wilms Tumor 1

The WT1 gene located at chromosome 11p13 codes for a transcription factor, a DNA-binding nucleoprotein, that plays a role primarily in the development of genitourinary organs. There are at least eight isoforms ranging between 52 and 62kDa produced by a combination of alternative splicing and RNA editing. WT1 is synthesized and reside in the cytoplasm in an inactive form. When activated through phosphorylation it is translocated to the nucleus. WT1 influences cell proliferation by suppressing bcl-2 and regulating cadherin and p53. In normal epithelia, nuclear WT1 expression is largely restricted to ovary (surface epithelium and inclusion cysts) and fallopian tube, while WT1 is not found in endometrial or cervical epithelium. As regards nonepithelial cells, nuclear WT1 is found in mesothelium and some sub mesothelial stromal cells, stromal cells of the female genital tract, testicular non-germinal cells, and kidney (podocytes). In tumor tissues, WT1 is detected in tumor cells of Wilms Tumor (also known as nephroblastoma) and mesothelioma. Additionally, WT1 expression has been found in ovarian serous carcinomas and some breast carcinomas. WT1 is particularly used for distinguishing malignant mesothelioma and ovarian serous carcinoma from nonserous carcinomas. As for malignant mesothelioma, calretinin and WT1 are superior to cytokeratin 5/6, N-cadherin and thrombomodulin. WT1 is also applicable for the differential diagnostic of small cell childhood tumors.