The measurement of protein S100B in serum is used as a biomarker of traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neuroinflammatory disorders. It serves also as a marker in melanoma to assess disease progression and prognosis.
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S100B is a member of the S100 protein family, which are small, calcium-binding proteins that play various roles in cellular processes. S100B is a specific S100 protein that is primarily found in the central nervous system, particularly in astrocytes, which are a type of glial cell in the brain. It's known for its role in brain function and as a biomarker in various neurological and neuroinflammatory conditions. Here are some key points about S100B:
S100 proteins are named for their ability to bind calcium ions. When calcium binds to S100 proteins, it induces conformational changes that enable them to interact with other cellular proteins and regulate their activities. S100 proteins are involved in intracellular signaling pathways. They can modulate the activity of various enzymes and other proteins, impacting processes like cell proliferation, differentiation, and motility. Some members of the S100 protein family, such as S100A8 and S100A9, are known to be involved in inflammation and immune responses. They can be released by immune cells during inflammatory processes and contribute to inflammatory signaling.
Like other S100 proteins, S100B is capable of binding calcium ions. When calcium binds to S100B, it undergoes a conformational change, allowing it to interact with other proteins and influence their activities.
S100B is primarily found in the central nervous system (CNS), where it is produced and released by astrocytes. In the CNS, S100B plays a role in regulating various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and intracellular signaling.
S100B has gained attention as a biomarker in several neurological and neuroinflammatory conditions. It can be released into the bloodstream when there is damage to the CNS, such as in traumatic brain injury, stroke, or neuroinflammatory disorders. Elevated levels of S100B in the blood can serve as an indicator of CNS injury or disease.
S100B is commonly used as a biomarker for traumatic brain injury. After head trauma, S100B can be released into the bloodstream, and elevated levels are associated with the severity of the injury. It is often measured in blood tests to help assess the extent of brain damage in TBI patients.
S100B levels may also increase in the blood of individuals who have experienced a stroke. It can be used to assess the extent of brain damage and potentially predict the prognosis.
S100B has been investigated as a potential biomarker in various neurological diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
While S100B is a valuable biomarker, its specificity is limited, as elevated levels can also occur in conditions other than CNS injury. Its use in clinical practice is often in combination with other diagnostic methods, alongside clinical and imaging findings to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient's condition.
S100B is also used as a biomarker in the context of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. In melanoma, S100B serves as a marker to assess disease progression and prognosis. Elevated levels of S100B in the blood may indicate the presence of metastatic disease or the spread of melanoma to other parts of the body.
S100B levels can be monitored during treatment for melanoma to assess treatment response. A decrease in S100B levels may indicate a positive response to treatment, while persistently high or rising levels may suggest disease progression.
While S100B is a valuable biomarker in melanoma, its use is often in combination with other diagnostic and staging methods. Elevated S100B levels can also occur in conditions unrelated to melanoma, such as brain injuries and other cancers.
