Question

. For neuronal marker, we used antibody against Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE). For glial cell marker, we used antibody against GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein). Why these two signals are mutually exclusive.

Answer 1

NSE refers gamma-enolase or enolase 2, which is a cytosolic protein present almost exclusively in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. Its constitutive expression has seen in mature neurons and cells of neuronal origin. Its specific expression and signaling in brain makes it use of neuron specific marker.   

Likewise, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is an intermediate filament protein makes up the central cytoskeletal framework of astrocytes (type of glial cells). The expression of GFAP is connected with astrocyte activation and also used as a marker to distinguish astrocytes from other glial cells. GFAP expression is believed to be found only in central nervous system (glial cells).

The expression of NSE (in neuron) and GFAP (in glial cells) are specific to different cell types, makes them use of potential biomarker.