IHC

Synaptophysin: Definition

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 …
Read More »

What is PAX8?

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, …
Read More »

What is TTF-1?

TTF-1 (stands for thyroid transcription factor -1) is a transcription factor that plays an important role in the development and differentiation of the thyroid gland, thymus, lung, and brain. It is a nuclear protein which means it is normally found in a part of the cell called the nucleus. TTF-1 is normally expressed in the …
Read More »

GATA-3: Definition

GATA3 (GATA binding protein 3) is a protein found in the nucleus of specific cells. It plays a crucial role in regulating how these cells grow and develop by controlling the activity of specific genes. GATA3 is especially important in the normal development of breast tissue, the urinary tract (urothelium), and certain immune cells.​ What …
Read More »

S100: Definition

S100 is the name of a family of proteins found inside certain types of cells in the body. These proteins help cells respond to changes in their environment by regulating processes like growth, movement, and communication. The name “S100” comes from the fact that the proteins are soluble in a solution made with 100% saturated …
Read More »

What is p40?

p40 is a specialized protein that helps pathologists identify specific types of cells, especially squamous cells, which are found on surfaces like the skin, the lining of the mouth and throat, and parts of the lungs and urinary tract. p40 is a shortened version (or “isoform”) of another protein called p63, but it is more …
Read More »

Immunoreactivity: Definition

Immunoreactivity is a term pathologists use to describe how cells or tissues respond to a special laboratory test called immunohistochemistry (IHC). In this test, antibodies are applied to a tissue sample to look for specific proteins. If the protein being tested is present, the antibody will attach to it, and the cells will change color …
Read More »

Immunostain: Definition

An immunostain is a specialized laboratory test that pathologists use to identify specific proteins in a tissue sample. The test is performed using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC). In this process, antibodies are designed to attach to a particular protein in the cells of the sample. Once the antibody binds, it becomes visible under the …
Read More »

Cytokeratin 20 (CK20): Definition

Cytokeratin 20 (CK20) is a protein made by epithelial cells in the colon and urinary tract. It is also made by Merkle cells in the skin. This type of protein is also made by most benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours that start in the colon and urinary tract and in a type of skin …
Read More »

Cytokeratin 7 (CK7): Definition

Cytokeratin 7 (CK7) is a protein made by epithelial cells in the thyroid gland, lungs, thymus, female reproductive organs, upper digestive tract, and head and neck. This type of protein is also made by most benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours that start in these organ systems. After CK7 is made, it is held in …
Read More »

A+ A A-