NTRK Analyte Control

Our NTRK Analyte Control contains two cell lines that demonstrate positive and negative expression of NTRK. Ideal for use as a same slide control in immunohistochemistry (IHC) to demonstrate the reagents have been correctly applied to the slide. Available now, please contact sales@histocyte.com or visit one of our distributors.

Introduction

NTRK is a group of three Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase genes: NTRK1, NTRK2 and NTRK3, each encode for the respective proteins TrkA, B and C. The external domain of the Trk receptors binds neurotrophin causing receptor dimerization, transphosphorylation and thus downstream signalling.

These NTRK genes are readily spliced, the resulting proteins end up with the C-terminal containing the tyrosine kinase/signalling part of the Trk protein. These fusion proteins are constitutively activated and drive tumorigenesis.

Assessment

There are a number of means to assess NTRK gene translocations, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is the most effective means of assessing protein. The most widely used is the EPR17341 clone. This is a Pan-TRK monoclonal antibody recognising the C-terminal domain of the Trk-A, Trk-B and Trk-C proteins.

There are pros and cons to each method. Typically, formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues are assessed by IHC and reflexed to a molecular method.