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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Isolation of Cancer Stem Cells From Human Prostate Cancer Samples
Published on: March 14, 2014
CD133, Trop-2 and alpha2beta1 integrin surface receptors as markers of putative human prostate cancer stem cells
Abstract:
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in initiation and development of cancer and are attractive targets for therapy. The identification of CSC surface receptors to be used as therapeutic targets in vivo remains a difficult task. In this study, we assessed the expression pattern of three surface receptors: CD133, Trop-2 and alpha2beta1 integrin in human prostate cancer in order to identify CSC-niches. CD133 was found to be expressed in small clusters of cells localized in focal areas of benign as well as malignant lesions, suggesting that this protein is a bona fide marker of the prostate stem/progenitor compartment. Trop-2 was localized in both basal and luminal layers of benign glands and was highly expressed in malignant lesions. Moreover, isolated cells in benign and malignant areas were found to co-express both CD133 and Trop-2. alpha2beta1 integrin was expressed in the prostatic epithelium as well as in the surrounding stroma, limiting its utility as a marker of CSCs. In summary, we demonstrate that the combination of CD133 and Trop-2 is useful to mark putative CSC-containing compartments in human prostate.
Insights
Identifying cancer stem cell (CSC) niches in prostate cancer is crucial for therapy. This study found that combining CD133 and Trop-2 surface markers effectively identifies potential CSC compartments in human prostate tissue.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Prostate Cancer Research
Background:
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are pivotal in cancer initiation, development, and therapeutic resistance.
- Identifying specific CSC surface receptors for targeted therapies remains a significant challenge in oncology.
- Prostate cancer therapy necessitates precise identification of CSC populations and their niches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of CD133, Trop-2, and alpha2beta1 integrin in human prostate cancer.
- To identify potential CSC surface receptors and CSC-niches within the prostate microenvironment.
- To evaluate the utility of these markers for targeting CSCs in prostate cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of human prostate tissue samples.
- Assessment of surface receptor expression (CD133, Trop-2, alpha2beta1 integrin) in benign and malignant prostate lesions.
- Co-expression analysis of identified markers in prostate epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- CD133 expression was observed in cell clusters within benign and malignant prostate lesions, indicating a role as a prostate stem/progenitor marker.
- Trop-2 showed high expression in malignant prostate lesions and co-localized with CD133 in isolated cells.
- Alpha2beta1 integrin expression in both epithelium and stroma limited its specificity as a CSC marker.
Conclusions:
- The combined expression of CD133 and Trop-2 serves as a valuable marker for identifying putative CSC-containing compartments in human prostate cancer.
- This combined marker strategy offers a promising approach for future therapeutic targeting of CSCs in prostate cancer.
- Further research into CSC-niche interactions could refine targeted therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.
