Chromogranin A
Biomarker / NeuroendocrineAlso known as: CgA, CHGA
Granin FamilyResearch phase: Clinical (diagnostic biomarker)Regulatory: FDA-cleared as tumor biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors.
Mechanism
Chromogranin A is a protein stored and released from neuroendocrine cells. It is the primary blood biomarker used to diagnose and monitor neuroendocrine tumors.
Technical detail
Chromogranin A is a 439-amino acid acidic glycoprotein stored in dense-core secretory granules of neuroendocrine cells and released upon exocytosis. It is a precursor for several bioactive peptides (vasostatin, pancreastatin, catestatin, chromacin). Serum CgA is the most widely used biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Also elevated by proton pump inhibitors, renal failure, and heart failure.