DOG1 (Discovered on GIST-1) is a protein found on the surface of certain cells. It is commonly used in pathology to identify specific types of tumours. DOG1 was first identified in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), but it can also be found in other normal tissues and tumours. What is the function of DOG1? Although DOG1’s …
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STAT6 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6) is a protein found in cells. It plays a key role in transmitting signals from outside a cell to its nucleus, where genetic material is stored. This signaling helps regulate how cells grow, divide, and respond to their environment. STAT6 is especially important in controlling immune system …
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SATB2 (Special AT-rich Sequence-Binding Protein 2) is a protein that plays an important role in controlling how specific genes are turned on and off. This protein helps cells grow and function normally by organizing the genetic information inside them. SATB2 is like a “manager”, ensuring specific genes work as needed. What types of normal cells …
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This article was written by pathologists for patients. It aims to help patients understand GFAP and its significance in pathology reports. It includes sections on what GFAP is, where it is normally found, how pathologists test for it, and which benign and malignant tumours express this protein. What is GFAP? GFAP stands for glial fibrillary …
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CD138 is a protein found on the surface of certain cells in the body. It plays a role in cell communication and adhesion, which means it helps cells stick together and send signals to each other. This protein is also known as syndecan-1. What types of cells and tissues normally express CD138? CD138 is normally …
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WT-1 (Wilms’ tumour 1) is a type of protein called a transcription factor. It was originally identified due to its association with Wilms’ tumour, a type of kidney cancer that affects children. It plays a critical role in the development and function of the kidneys and testis, influencing gene expression related to cellular growth and …
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Smooth muscle actin (SMA) is a protein found in the cells of smooth muscle, which is responsible for involuntary movements in the body, such as the contraction of blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract. Pathologists use special tests to detect SMA in tissues, which can help them diagnose certain types of tumours and conditions that …
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What is PAX5? PAX5 (Paired box protein 5) is a type of protein called a transcription factor that plays an important role in the development and function of B cells, a type of white blood cells (WBCs) that are part of the body’s immune system. It is also known as BSAP (B-cell-specific activator protein) due …
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AE1/AE3 are a pair of antibodies that recognize multiple cytokeratins, intermediate filament proteins found in epithelial cells. Cytokeratins are normally located in the cytoplasm (body) of the epithelial cell. Pathologists perform a test called immunohistochemistry to stain tissues for AE1/AE3 and the pattern and intensity of staining can help identify the presence of epithelial cells …
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CDX-2 is a gene that encodes for a protein known as Caudal Type Homeobox 2. It is a member of the caudal-related homeobox transcription factor gene family. This protein is crucial for embryonic development, particularly in forming the small and large intestines. It acts as a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved …
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