SALL4 is a protein that helps control the growth and development of cells, particularly during early human development. It is usually found in stem cells, which are special cells capable of turning into different types of tissues in the body. In adults, SALL4 is mostly seen in certain reproductive cells and tissues. Why do pathologists …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
