What Does PCNA Stand For?

PCNA stands for Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen

PCNA, or Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen, is a nuclear protein that plays a critical role in DNA replication and repair. It functions as a sliding clamp that encircles DNA and assists in the recruitment of various proteins required for the synthesis of new DNA strands. PCNA is essential for cell proliferation and is often used as a marker for actively dividing cells in research and clinical studies. Its involvement in the regulation of the cell cycle and response to DNA damage underscores its significance in cancer biology and other diseases linked to cell proliferation.