We at Novus Biologicals have added several new products to our CD antibody database. The CD, or Cluster of Differential proteins are a family of type I transmembrane glycoproteins widely expressed in immune cell populations. These include B cells, thymocytes and peripheral T cells. Widely used as cell markers, a recent antibody study identified three CD proteins - CD44+, CD49fhi, and CD133hi – as new cell markers in an aggressive, but uncommon type of breast cancer.
The CD system was originally defined in 1982, at the First International Workshop and Conference on Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens (HDLAs). It was known that various research teams had succeeded in generating a large number of monoclonal antibodies targeting surface epitopes on white blood cells. The aim of the conference was to standardize the system, which was extended to include other cells besides leukocytes.
-Flow%20cytometry%20-%20FACS%20analysis-NBP1-47386-img0003.jpg "Flow cytometry / FACS analysis: CD44 Antibody")
To date, over 320 unique CD clusters have been identified and named, creating a large antibody catalog for cell marker studies, which is constantly expanding as more proteins are discovered. A protein is only assigned a CD number if it is shown to have bound two specific monoclonal antibodies (if it binds just one, a provisional “w” prefix is used, e.g. CDw186).
In May this year, scientists at the National Cancer Institute identified three new markers for an aggressive type of malignant carcinoma: oestrogen receptor-negative breast cancer. Flow cytometry and specific marker antibodies identified CD44+, CD49fhi, and CD133hi markers in the cells of cancer patients. Injection of these cells into mice mammary glands resulted in tumors (xenografts) which exhibited the same markers. Scientists now hope to repeat this antibody study in oestrogen-positive cells, to see if the same markers appear there.
Novus Biologicals offers many CD44 reagents for your research needs including:
Comments
Wow, this is very informing . ..