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 …
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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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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 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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E-cadherin (also called cadherin-1) is a protein found on the surface of most epithelial cells. Epithelial cells are the cells that line many surfaces in the body, including the skin, glands, and the inside of organs such as the breast, stomach, and colon. E-cadherin helps these cells stick together and maintain their structure and organization. …
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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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