Background：AMACR(Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase) belongs to the CaiB/BaiF CoA-transferase family. It is a mitochondrial and peroxisomal enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 2R stereoisomers of phytanic and pristanic acid to their S counterparts. AMACR has previously been shown to be a highly sensitive marker for colorectal and clinically localized prostate cancer(PCa). However, AMACR expression is down-regulated at the transcript and protein level in hormone-refractory metastatic PCa, suggesting a hormone-dependent expression of AMACR(PMID:12213712). It has 3 isoforms produced by alternative splicing ang it can form a a dimer of 70-75 kDa(PMID:21812041). Defects in AMACR are the cause of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase deficiency(AMACRD) and congenital bile acid synthesis defect type 4(CBAS4).
