Neuron Specific Enolase ELISA (NSE ELISA)

The glycolytic enzyme enolase (2-phospho-D-glycerate hydro-lyase) exists as several dimeric isoenzymes (αα, αβ, ββ and γγ) composed of three distinct subunits: α, β, and γ. Three isoenzymes are found in the human brain: αα, αβ, and γγ. The heterologous αγ-isoenzyme and the homologous γγ-enolase isoenzymes are known as neuron-specific enolase (NSE) as these isoenzymes initially were detected in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. This assay detects both the αγ and the γγ forms by using monoclonal antibodies specific to the γ-subunit of the enzyme. Research demonstrates that NSE may be a valuable tumor biomarker of neuroendocrine origin, particularly in small cell lung cancer and in neuroblastoma.