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Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer

Do pancreatic cancer stem cells have a "fingerprint"?

All cells have a unique pattern of proteins, like a fingerprint, on their surface membranes. In 2003, scientists at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered that breast cancer stem cells have a surface protein marker called CD44. So we looked for cells from pancreatic tumors with high levels of CD44 on their outer membranes. We found that pancreatic cancer stem cells can be identified by the presence of three protein surface markers called CD44, CD24 and ESA. Other cells in pancreatic tumors don't have this combination of protein markers.   Read the related news story

These surface proteins help pancreatic cancer stem cells stick to other cell surfaces. They also trigger important signaling pathways between stem cells and their environment.

 

How common are pancreatic cancer stem cells?

In our study of pancreatic cancer stem cells, we found that only 0.5 percent to 2.0 percent of cells from pancreatic tumors contained the unique cancer stem cell fingerprint of three protein surface markers called CD44, CD24 and ESA.

 

Continue reading about stem cells in pancreatic cancer:    1     2     3     4     5

This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician.

This information is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 The Regents of the University of Michigan

Learn more:
Stem cell research at the University of Michigan
Stem Cells - Explained and Explored

Other stem cell resources:
National Institutes of Health Web site on stem cells

International Society for Stem Cell Research

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
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This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center