Immunophenotyping is a laboratory method used to identify and classify cells based on the proteins they express on their surface or inside the cell. These proteins act like molecular “name tags” that help pathologists determine what type of cell is present, where it came from, and whether it is normal or abnormal. Immunophenotyping is most …
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INSM1 stands for insulinoma-associated protein 1. It is a protein found inside certain types of cells in the body, especially neuroendocrine cells. These are specialized cells that receive signals from the nervous system and release hormones in response. INSM1 plays a key role during development and helps guide immature cells to become fully functional neuroendocrine …
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Caldesmon is a protein found inside cells that helps control how smooth muscle contracts and relaxes. Smooth muscle is found in many parts of the body, including the walls of blood vessels, intestines, uterus, and airways. Caldesmon works by interacting with other proteins—such as actin, tropomyosin, and calmodulin—to regulate muscle function. By controlling when muscles …
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Racemase, also known as alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) or P504S, is a protein produced by certain types of cells in the body. Pathologists use special tests to look for racemase in tissue samples because its presence or absence can help them make a diagnosis, particularly when examining conditions affecting the prostate gland. Although racemase is naturally …
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Cytokeratin 34betaE12 (CK34βE12) is a special protein that belongs to a family of proteins called cytokeratins. Cytokeratins form part of the supportive framework inside specific cells known as epithelial cells, which cover surfaces and line organs throughout the body. Specifically, CK34βE12 is a “high molecular weight” cytokeratin, meaning it is larger and helps maintain the …
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BerEP4 is an antibody that pathologists use to identify a specific protein found on the surface of many types of epithelial cells. This protein is called epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). EpCAM helps cells stick together, which is important for maintaining the structure and function of many tissues. Pathologists commonly use BerEP4 testing to help …
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BAP1 stands for BRCA1 Associated Protein-1, a protein found inside cells throughout the body. It is located on chromosome 3 and acts as a tumor suppressor, meaning it helps prevent cells from growing uncontrollably and turning into cancer. Loss of BAP1 activity or expression in cells is often associated with certain aggressive cancers and can …
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PRAME stands for “preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma.” It is a special type of protein called a cancer-testis antigen. This means that PRAME is usually found in cancer cells and normal cells within the testis, but rarely in other normal tissues of the body. Because PRAME is mostly found in cancer cells, pathologists often test …
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OCT3/4 is a protein found inside certain types of cells. This protein is important because it helps maintain cells in an immature or stem cell-like state. Stem cells are special cells that can develop into many different types of cells in the body. OCT3/4 is especially important during early human development. Why do pathologists test …
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Pancytokeratin is a term pathologists use to describe a group of proteins called cytokeratins found within specific cells, particularly epithelial cells. Epithelial cells line surfaces inside and outside the body, including the skin and internal organs. Pancytokeratin tests detect many different types of cytokeratins at the same time. Why do pathologists test for pancytokeratin? Pathologists …
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