AC133 is a specific scientific marker that has gained considerable attention in the fields of biology and medicine. Its unique presence on certain cell types allows researchers to identify and study populations of cells with particular properties. This marker has proven valuable in understanding fundamental biological processes and exploring new approaches in health and disease.
Understanding AC133 as a Marker
AC133 refers to an antibody clone used to detect a specific protein known as CD133, also called prominin-1. This glycoprotein is found on the surface of certain cells and is encoded by the PROM1 gene. It functions as a “surface marker” or “cell surface antigen.”
CD133 is a five-transmembrane domain glycoprotein. While its precise biological function is not fully understood, it is thought to play a role in organizing the cell membrane’s shape. The AC133 antibody specifically recognizes an epitope on the CD133 antigen, allowing scientists to distinguish and isolate specific cell populations.
AC133’s Significance in Stem Cells
AC133 is used as a marker for identifying and isolating various types of stem and progenitor cells. It was initially identified as a marker for human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) found in fetal liver, bone marrow, and blood. Its presence on these cells indicates their primitive nature and capacity for self-renewal and differentiation.
Beyond HSPCs, AC133 is also expressed on endothelial progenitor cells, which are involved in blood vessel formation. It is also found on neural stem cells in the fetal brain, as well as on other tissue-specific stem cells, including those in the kidney, prostate, and cornea. Researchers employ AC133-based methods to isolate these specific cell populations for studying their biology and potential applications in regenerative medicine.
Implications for Health and Disease
The detection of AC133 has broader implications for health and disease, particularly in cancer research. It is a marker for identifying “cancer stem cells” (CSCs) in various tumors, including those of the brain, colon, prostate, and lung. These CSCs are a small subset of tumor cells thought to drive tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies, making their identification important for developing more effective treatments.
While CD133 expression is often associated with CSCs, its presence is not exclusively restricted to CSCs and can also appear on differentiated tumor cells. The proportion of CD133-positive CSCs can vary significantly between cancer types. Beyond cancer, AC133-positive cells from blood have shown promise in regenerative medicine, including in studies where they restored muscle function.