Glutamine synthetase

Glutamine synthetase catalyses the conversion of glutamate to glutamine in the liver. Expression is limited to hepatocytes around the hepatic venules.

Immunohistochemical expression

Glutamine synthetase is up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma1.

Diagnostic utility

Along with Glypican-3, glutamine synthetase may be useful in the differentiation of benign from malignant liver nodules.

References

1 Di Tommaso L, Franchi G, Park YN, et al. Diagnostic value of HSP70, glypican 3, and glutamine synthetase in hepatocellular nodules in cirrhosis. Hepatology 2007; 45:725-34

This page last revised 29.4.2008.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop