CD133 as a biomarker for putative cancer stem cells in solid tumours: limitations, problems and challenges

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis drives new cancer research, necessitating biomarkers for identifying and isolating specific cell populations.
• Biomarkers such as cell surface antigen expression are crucial for developing novel anti-tumor therapies.
• Human prominin-1 (CD133), specifically the AC133 epitope, is a frequently studied marker in solid cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of CD133 expression in relation to the cancer stem cell phenotype.
• To address inconsistencies in published data due to analytical and methodological limitations.
• To highlight the link between the tumor microenvironment, tumor cell plasticity, and CD133 expression, evaluating its prognostic utility.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on CD133 expression and cancer stem cells.
• Analysis of various analytical tools and methodological pitfalls impacting CD133 research.
• Evaluation of recent studies focusing on CD133 as a biomarker.

Main Results:

• CD133 expression is frequently studied as a potential biomarker for cancer stem cells in solid tumors.
• Inconsistencies in research findings are often attributed to differing methodologies and analytical tools.
• Recent studies suggest a link between the tumor microenvironment, cell plasticity, and CD133 expression.

Conclusions:

• CD133 is a significant focus in cancer stem cell research, though its direct link to the CSC phenotype requires further elucidation.
• Methodological standardization is essential for consistent and reliable CD133 research.
• CD133 expression warrants further investigation as a potential prognostic marker, considering its interplay with tumor microenvironment and cell plasticity.