Neuron Specific Enolase

Recognizes a protein of about 50kDa, which is identified as gamma-enolase. Three isoenzymes of enolases are identified, alpha, beta and gamma. Alphaisoform is expressed in most tissues, whereas beta-form is expressed predominantly in muscle tissue whereas gamma-enolase is found only in nervous tissue. These isoforms exist as both homodimers and heterodimers, and they play a role in converting phosphoglyceric acid to phosphenolpyruvic acid in the glycolytic pathway. NSE-gamma is a useful marker to identify peripheral nerves and tumors of neuro-endocrine origins, such as pheochromocytomas. It it be usually employed in combination with other markers such as Synaptophysin, Chromogranin A, and Neurofilament.