| site-specific DNA-methyltransferase (adenine-specific) | <enzyme> An enzyme responsible for producing a species-characteristic methylation pattern on adenine residues in a specific short base sequence in the host cell DNA. The enzyme catalyses the methylation of DNA adenine in the presence of s-adenosyl-l-methionine to form DNA containing 6-methylaminopurine and s-adenosyl-l-homocysteine. Registry number: EC 2.1.1.72 (12 Dec 1998) |
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| site-specific DNA methyltransferase (cytosine-specific) | <enzyme> An enzyme responsible for producing a species-characteristic methylation pattern on cytosine residues in a specific short base sequence in the host cell's DNA. The enzyme catalyses the methylation of DNA cytosine in the presence of s-adenosyl-l-methionine to form s-adenosyl-l-homocysteine and DNA containing 5-methylcytosine. Registry number: EC 2.1.1.73 (12 Dec 1998) |
| prostate-specific antigen | <tumour marker> A simple blood test used to detect prostate cancer in men. The test measures a specific antigen normally secreted by the prostate. If cancer is developing, the prostate secretes greater amounts of prostate-specific antigen. This test is recommended for men with an enlarged prostate and an increased risk of prostate cancer. It is an enzyme that is produced by epithelial cells of both benign and malignant prostate tissue. It is an important marker for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. It is a single chain 31 kilodalton glycoprotein with 240 amino acid residues and 4 carbohydrate side chains that is a kallikrein protease. It is found in normal seminal fluid and produced by the prostatic epithelial cells. Elevated levels in blood serum are associated with prostatic enlargement and prostatic adenocarcinoma, and this allows early detection of cancer in many cases. In about 70% of cases, the rise is due to a cancerous condition. No large scale clinical studies have been completed to assess the impact of testing on survival from prostate cancer, and the medical and economic value of testing remain uncertain. Acronym: PSA Registry number: EC 3.4.21.77 (22 Sep 2002) |
| species-specific antigen | Antigenic components in the tissues and fluids of members of a species of animal, by means of which various species may be immunologically distinguished; e.g., serum albumin of horses is immunologically different from that of man, dogs, sheep, and so on. (05 Mar 2000) |
| organ-specific antigen | A heterogenetic antigen with organ specificity; e.g., in addition to species-specific antigen, kidney of one species contains antigen that is identical to that in kidney of other species. Synonym: tissue-specific antigen. (05 Mar 2000) |
| tissue-specific antigen | A heterogenetic antigen with organ specificity; e.g., in addition to species-specific antigen, kidney of one species contains antigen that is identical to that in kidney of other species. Synonym: tissue-specific antigen. (05 Mar 2000) |
| tumour specific antigen | <immunology, oncology> Antigen on tumour cells detected by cell-mediated immunity. For virus transformed cells TSTA (unlike T antigen) is found to differ for different individual tumours induced by the same virus. May consist of fragments of T antigens exposed at the cell surface. (18 Nov 1997) |
| benign prostatic hyperplasia | <urology> A benign enlargement of the prostate gland begins normally after age 50 years probably secondary to the effects of male hormones. If significant enlargement occurs, it may pinch off te urethra making urination difficult or impossible. See: urinary retention. Origin: Gr. Plassein = to form (06 Aug 1998) |
| benign prostatic hypertrophy | <urology> A benign enlargement of the prostate gland begins normally after age 50 years probably secondary to the effects of male hormones. If significant enlargement occurs, it may pinch off te urethra making urination difficult or impossible. See: urinary retention. (06 Aug 1998) |
| cancer, prostatic | Cancer of the gland (prostate) that produces some of the components of semen fluid. The second leading cause of death of males in the U.S. Prostate cancer is often first detected as a hard nodule during a routine rectal examination. The PSA blood test is a screening test for prostate cancer. Diagnosis of prostate cancer is established when cancer cells are identified in prostate tissue obtained by a biopsy. In some patients, prostate cancer is life threatening. In many others, prostate cancer can exist for years without causing any health problems. Treatment options for prostate cancer include observation, radiation therapy, surgery, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. (12 Dec 1998) |
| prostatic | <anatomy> Of or pertaining to the prostate gland. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| prostatic adenoma | <tumour> A term used for the growth in benign prostatic hyperplasia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| prostatic calculus | <urology>A concretion formed in the prostate gland, composed chiefly of calcium carbonate and phosphate (corpora amylacea). Synonym: prostatolith. (05 Mar 2000) |
| prostatic catheter | A catheter with an angular bend near the beak; used to rise over prostatic obstruction. Synonym: catheter coude, prostatic catheter. (05 Mar 2000) |
| prostatic ducts | About 20 minute canals that receive the prostatic secretion from the glandular tubules and discharge it through openings on either side of the urethral crest in the posterior wall of the urethra. Synonym: ductuli prostatici, ductus prostatici, prostatic ducts. (05 Mar 2000) |