Lack of correlation of stem cell markers in breast cancer stem cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Various markers are used to identify the unique sub-population of breast cancer cells with stem cell properties. Whether these markers are expressed in all breast cancers, identify the same population of cells, or equate to therapeutic response is controversial.

Methods

We investigated the expression of multiple cancer stem cell markers in human breast cancer samples and cell lines in vitro and in vivo, comparing across and within samples and relating expression with growth and therapeutic response to doxorubicin, docetaxol and radiotherapy.

Results

CD24, CD44, ALDH and SOX2 expression, the ability to form mammospheres and side-population cells are variably present in human cancers and cell lines. Each marker identifies a unique rather than common populatio

SUBMITTER: Liu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3992489 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature