INSM1 stands for insulinoma-associated protein 1. It is a protein found inside certain types of cells in the body, especially neuroendocrine cells. These are specialized cells that receive signals from the nervous system and release hormones in response. INSM1 plays a key role during development and helps guide immature cells to become fully functional neuroendocrine …
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JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein involved in how cells grow, divide, and respond to signals from the immune system. JAK2 is part of a family of related genes that also includes JAK1, JAK3, and TYK2. These genes all produce proteins that help cells communicate using a …
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PRAME stands for “preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma.” It is a special type of protein called a cancer-testis antigen. This means that PRAME is usually found in cancer cells and normal cells within the testis, but rarely in other normal tissues of the body. Because PRAME is mostly found in cancer cells, pathologists often test …
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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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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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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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Chromogranin is a family of proteins primarily found in neuroendocrine cells—specialized cells that release hormones into the blood in response to signals from the nervous system. The main types are chromogranin A, B, and C. These proteins play a crucial role in the storage and release of hormones. Why do pathologists test for chromogranin? Pathologists …
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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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CD34 is a protein found on the surface of specific cells in your body, mainly stem cells (cells that can develop into various other types of cells), endothelial cells (blood vessel cells), and specific blood-forming cells. It plays an important role in cell growth and development, especially in forming new blood vessels and blood cells. …
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