What is the Role of Specific Proteins in Disease Diagnosis?

Specific proteins serve as biomarkers for various diseases, helping in early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis. For example:

- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA in histological samples can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate disorders.
- HER2: HER2 is a protein that can be overexpressed in certain types of breast cancer. Its detection through IHC helps in determining the course of treatment and prognosis.
- Amyloid-beta: The presence of amyloid-beta plaques in brain tissue is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Histological staining techniques can reveal these deposits, aiding in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.