DOG1 (Discovered On GIST-1) is a protein found on the surface of certain cells. Pathologists use it as a diagnostic marker, a protein they can stain for to help identify what type of tumor they are looking at. DOG1 was first discovered in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), which is where its name comes from, but …
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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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GFAP stands for glial fibrillary acidic protein. It is a protein found in specific cells of the nervous system and in the salivary glands. GFAP is important because it helps maintain the structure and supports the function of these cells. What types of normal cells and tissues express GFAP? Examples of cell types that normally …
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CD138 (also known as syndecan-1) is a protein found on the surface of plasma cells — a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies, which are proteins the immune system uses to fight infections. CD138 is also found on the surface of epithelial cells, which are the cells that line the inner surfaces of …
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WT-1 is a protein that acts as a transcription factor, meaning it helps control the activity of certain genes within cells. It was initially discovered because of its connection to Wilms’ tumour, a type of kidney cancer commonly seen in children. WT-1 plays an essential role in the normal development and functioning of the kidneys …
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SMA stands for smooth muscle actin, a type of protein found inside certain cells in the body. It plays an important role in helping cells move and maintain their shape. There are different types of actin proteins, but alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is the type most commonly used in pathology testing. Pathologists use SMA …
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PAX5 is a protein that acts as a transcription factor, which means it helps control when certain genes are turned on or off in a cell. It plays an important role in the early development of the immune system by guiding immature blood cells to become B cells, a type of white blood cell that …
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AE1/AE3 is a laboratory test used by pathologists to help identify the origin of a tumour. It works by detecting proteins called cytokeratins — structural proteins found inside epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of organs and glands throughout the body. AE1/AE3 is not a single protein — it is a combination of two antibodies, …
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CDX2 is a protein made by cells that line the inside of the gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine and the colon. It plays an important role in controlling how these intestinal cells grow and develop. Why do pathologists test for CDX2? Pathologists test for CDX2 to help determine if cells seen in a tissue …
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