ATRX
Pronunciation: AY-treks
Alpha-thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability protein, a tumor suppressor whose loss is diagnostically significant in certain gliomas.
Full Definition
Alpha-thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability protein is a chromatin remodeling protein that functions as a tumor suppressor. Loss of ATRX expression, typically assessed by immunohistochemistry, is a key diagnostic marker used in conjunction with IDH mutation status and 1p/19q codeletion testing to classify diffuse gliomas according to WHO criteria. ATRX loss is particularly associated with astrocytic lineage tumors and alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) phenotype.
Usage
Usage note: Always written in capital letters; refers to both the gene and protein unless specifically clarified.
In Context
- "ATRX immunostaining showed complete loss of nuclear expression in tumor cells." — Molecular pathology report
- "The combination of IDH mutation and ATRX loss supported a diagnosis of diffuse astrocytoma." — Diagnostic workup