PSA

Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen is a glycoprotein enzyme (serine protease) produced almost exclusively by the epithelial cells of the prostate gland.

PSA’s main role is in reproduction:

• Liquefies semen after ejaculation.
• Breaks down gel-forming proteins (semenogelins) in seminal coagulum → allows sperm motility.

                               

 1970: Dr. Hara and colleagues in Japan described a “γ-seminoprotein” from human seminal plasma — later understood to be PSA.

1971–1979: Dr. Richard J. Ablin and team reported an antigenic substance specific to the prostate, calling it Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).

• Ablin emphasized its potential use in immunological testing.

1979: Dr. T. Ming Chu at Roswell Park Memorial Institute (Buffalo, USA) successfully purified PSA and developed a reliable assay.

Dr. Chu discovered the prostate specific antigen and developed the widely acclaimed prostate cancer detection test.

The PSA test has been available to the public since 1986, when it was approved by the FDA for clinical use, and is recommended by the American Cancer Society for annual screening in early detection of prostate cancer. 

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