BCL-2

Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue block or cell block, or 1 unstained charged slide for each test requested plus 3-4 additional unstained slides cut at 4 microns. Adequate space on each slide for control tissue is required.

BCL-2 oncoprotein is a blocker of apoptosis, which resides on the cytoplasmic side of the mitochondrial outer membrane. BCL-2 gene is located on chromosome 18q21, and the protein is overexpressed in the t(14;18) translocation in approximately 85% of follicular lymphoma. It is most valuable in distinguishing reactive follicular lymphoid hyperplasia (negative) from neoplastic follicles. BCL-2 is also expressed in synovial sarcoma and may be useful in the setting of soft tissue tumor pathology.