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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
12:16
Patient Derived Cell Culture and Isolation of CD133+ Putative Cancer Stem Cells from Melanoma
Published on: March 13, 2013
CD133: molecule of the moment
D Mizrak1, M Brittan, M R Alison
1Centre for Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Whitechapel, London, UK.
The Journal of Pathology
|December 11, 2007
Summary
CD133, a cell surface marker, is crucial for identifying primitive stem cells and cancer stem cells. Understanding its regulation by Wnt, Notch, and BMP signaling pathways can lead to targeted cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- CD133 (prominin-1) is a pentaspan membrane protein identified in humans and mice.
- Initially recognized as a marker for primitive hematopoietic and neural stem cells.
- Recent findings suggest a role in plasma membrane organization, particularly in epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established and emerging roles of CD133.
- To highlight CD133's utility in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
- To discuss CD133 as a marker for cancer stem cells and potential therapeutic targeting.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on CD133.
- Analysis of studies investigating CD133 expression and function.
- Discussion of signaling pathways regulating CD133-expressing cells.
Main Results:
- CD133 is confirmed as a marker for hematopoietic stem cells in human transplantation.
- CD133 identifies tumor-initiating cells in various human cancers.
- Wnt, Notch, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways are implicated in CD133(+) cancer stem cell regulation.
Conclusions:
- CD133 is a significant marker with implications in stem cell biology and cancer.
- Targeting CD133(+) cancer stem cells presents a promising therapeutic strategy.
- Further understanding of CD133 regulation is essential for developing effective cancer therapies.
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