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 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 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 …
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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 special laboratory test that detects proteins called cytokeratins, which are found in epithelial cells. Epithelial cells form the lining of many surfaces in the body, such as the skin, glands, and the inside of organs like the lungs, bladder, and digestive tract. AE1/AE3 is not a single protein but a mixture of …
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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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Synaptophysin is a protein found in certain types of cells, particularly those in the nervous system and in neuroendocrine cells, which are specialized cells that release hormones in response to nerve signals. Synaptophysin is located on small storage sacs called synaptic vesicles, which are used to send messages between nerve cells or to release hormones. Because …
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PAX8 is a protein that helps control the activity of genes in certain types of cells. It acts as a transcription factor, meaning it turns genes on or off to guide how cells grow, develop, and function. PAX8 is especially important during early development and is involved in forming organs such as the thyroid gland, …
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