Classifying Glial Brain Tumors - Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for Olig2

Immunohistochemical testing for Olig2 (Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2) aims to detect this essential nuclear transcription factor for the development and survival of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system. It is a highly sensitive and specific marker for both normal oligodendrocytes and their metastases, such as oligodendroglioma. It is also expressed in most other gliomas (e.g., astrocytoma, glioma) and in some small cell tumors outside the central nervous system.