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Prominin-1/CD133: Lipid Raft Association, Detergent Resistance, and Immunodetection
Jana Karbanová1,2, Aurelio Lorico3, Martin Bornhäuser2,4
1Tissue Engineering Laboratories, Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), Dresden, Germany.
Insights
Prominin-1 (CD133) is a cell surface antigen with debated roles as a stem cell marker. Understanding its biochemical properties and proper detection methods is crucial for accurate research interpretations.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Prominin-1 (CD133) is a cell surface antigen of significant research interest.
- Its utility as a stem cell and cancer stem cell marker remains a subject of debate.
- Broader physiological functions beyond primitive cells are often overlooked.
Abstract:
The cell surface antigen prominin-1 (alias CD133) has gained enormous interest in the past 2 decades and given rise to debates as to its utility as a biological stem and cancer stem cell marker. Important and yet often overlooked knowledge that is pertinent to its physiological function has been generated in other systems given its more general expression beyond primitive cells. This article briefly discusses the importance of particular biochemical features of CD133 with relation to its association with membrane microdomains (lipid rafts) and proper immunodetection. It also draws attention toward the adequate use of detergents and caveats that may apply to the interpretation of the results generated. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2018;7:155-160.
