Chromogranin A (CHGA) - Marker for neuroendocrine cells

The CHGA gene belongs to the granin-family of neuroendocrine secretory proteins. The gene encodes for Chromogranin A, which is found in neurons and endocrine cells. Chromogranin A inhibits insulin-release from the pancreas, but is also a precursor of several bioactive peptides that regulate the neuroendocrine function of the secreting cell itself, or cells nearby. In a clinical setting CHGA is used to indicate neuroendocrine tumors including carcinoids.