Topic Highlight
Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co.
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 28, 2014; 20(4): 923-942
Published online Jan 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i4.923
Table 1 Cell surface and intracellular molecules suggested as putative cancer stem cell markers in colorectal cancer and their most important features
MarkerOther nameGene location1FunctionRef.
CD133Prominin-1, AC133Chr 4 (p15.32)Encoding of a pentaspan transmembrane glycoprotein which binds cholesterol in cholesterol-containing plasma membrane microdomains[22]
CD44PGP-1, HUTCH-1, GP90, EPICAN, CDW44, MIC4Chr 11 (p13)Cell adhesion molecule; involved in lymph node homing and lymphocyte activation[55,56]
EpCAMESA, CD326, MK- 1, KSA, HEA125, BerEp4, 17-1A, GA733-2, KS1/4, EGP-2, EGP34, TROP-1Chr 2 (p21)Epithelial cell adhesion molecule[70]
CD24HSAChr 6 (q21)Mucin-like cell adhesion molecule[76]
CD29Β1 IntegrinChr 10 (p11.2)Receptor for extracellular matrix proteins; involved in regulation of cell migration, proliferation, survival, differentiation and death[82]
Lgr5GPR49Chr 12 (q22-q23)Receptor for R-spondin proteins; marker for adult stem cells[89,90]
CD166ALCAMChr 3 (q13.1)Cell adhesion molecule[96]
Table 2 Prognostic value of CD133
MarkerPrognostic valueRef.
CD133Worse outcome and higher risk of metastasis[32]
Independent prognostic marker for overall survival[33]
Association with CSC resistance to 5FU-based chemotherapy in CRC[34]
Association with resistance to conventional radiotherapy in CRC[35]
Prediction of distant recurrences after chemoradiotherapy in colon cancer patients[35]
High tumorigenicity of CD133+ CRC cells compared to CD133- cells due to their interaction with CAFs by paracrine signaling axis of CXCR4-SDF1[36]
Risk factor for poor overall survival in stage II and III in colon cancer patients[37]
Relationship with K-Ras and B-Raf mutations in CRC patients[38]
Table 3 Prognostic value of CD44
MarkerPrognostic valueRef.
CD44Association of CD44 downregulation with a lower metastatic potential of CRC cells[61]
Association of CD44 downregulation with a higher metastatic and migratory potential of CRC cells[62]
Association with a reduced survival[63]
Correlation of CD44 loss with a higher tumor aggressiveness[64]
Relation with CRC cells proliferation but not with patients outcome[65]
Association with lymph node involvement and invasion depth[66]
Unfavorable prognostic factor for overall survival in advanced CRC[66]
Correlation of CD44 loss with advanced tumor stage, vascular invasion, lymph node involvement and infiltrating tumor border[67]
Association of CD44 loss in the lesion invasive front with adverse outcome of CRC patients[67]