Synonym(s)
Enolase neuron-specific; Neuron-specific enolase; NSE
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Glycolytic enzyme (molecular weight: 78 kDa), which is mainly found in the cytoplasm of neurons and neuroendocrine cells. The enzyme plays a role in glucose metabolism, where it catalyses the conversion of 2-phospho-D-glycerate into phosphoenolpyruvate.
In the clinic, NSE is used as a tumour marker for small cell bronchial carcinoma, highly differentiated neuroblastoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and other malignant tumours of neuroendocrine origin. NSE is, however, considered a non-specific marker. More sensitive and specific are chromogranin A and synaptophysin.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer