p53 homologue p63 encodes for different
isotypes able to either transactivate p53 reporter genes (TAp63) or act as
p53-dominant-negatives. p63 is detected in prostate basal cells in normal
prostate, however, it is negative in malignant tumors of the prostate gland.
Thus p63 is useful as a differential marker for benign and malignant tumors of
prostate gland and can be used in a panel of antibodies such as HMW CK (34ßE12),
PSA and PSAP. p63 may play a significant role in prostate development by
maintaining a prostate stem cell population. Striated muscle staining may be
observed with p63.