This gene encodes a pentaspan transmembrane glycoprotein. The protein localizes to membrane protrusions and is often expressed on adult stem cells, where it is thought to function in maintaining stem cell properties by suppressing differentiation. Mutations in this gene have been shown to result in retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease. Expression of this gene is also associated with several types of cancer. This gene is expressed from at least five alternative promoters that are expressed in a tissue-dependent manner. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.
Categories
Primary Antibodies
Clonality
polyclonal
Description
CD133, also known as PROM1 (prominin-1) or AC133, belongs to the prominin family. CD133 is a transmembrane glycoprotein with an NH2-terminal extracellular domain, five transmembrane loops and a cytoplasmic tail. The expression of CD133 has been reported in hematopoietic stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, neuronal and glial stem cells, suggesting the potential role of CD133 as a cell surface marker of adult stem cells. CD133 has also been reported as a marker of cancer stem cells in various human tumors.