Islet-1 (EP283)

Islet-1, a human insulin gene enhancer-binding protein, is a transcription factor involved in the differentiation of the neuroendocrine pancreatic cells.1-3 Islet-1 plays an important role in the embryogenesis and differentiation of the insulin producing pancreatic beta cells within the islets of Langerhans.3 Neuroendocrine tumors can arise from a variety of primary sites, most commonly in the bronchopulmonary system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and pancreas.2 Neuroendocrine tumors of the GI tract and pancreas tend to be slow growing and indolent, and may metastasize to the liver before it is detected.2 Islet-1 exhibits strong nuclear staining in the islets of normal pancreas and tumor cells of the pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.1-3 Islet-1 has been shown to be a reliable marker for the detection of primary and metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.1-3