Antibody A103 is specific for Melan-A (likely an abbreviation for ‘melanocyte antigen’), also called MART-1, a unique antigen on melanoma cells recognized by CTLs (cytotoxic T lymphocytes), making it useful as a melanocyte differentiation marker. It is commonly used to identify metastatic tumors of melanocytic origin, as well as perivascular epithelioid cell tumors. Unlike another commonly used Melan-A / MART-1 antibody, M2-7C10, A103 also stains steroid hormone producing cells, making it valuable in identifying adrenocortical carcinomas.

Note: this protein was identified in 1994 by two different labs, one naming it MART-1 (melanoma antigen recognized by T-cells) and the other Melan-A. Both names are commonly used in literature, but clone A103 antibody is generally referred to as being anti-Melan-A.

Store the Melan-A antibody at 2-8°C (with azide) or aliquot and store at -20°C or colder (without azide).