CD34-Structure, Functions and Relationship with Cancer Stem Cells

• Published in: Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Vol. 59; no. 5; p. 938
• Main Authors: Radu, Petru, Zurzu, Mihai, Paic, Vlad, Bratucu, Mircea, Garofil, Dragos, Tigora, Anca, Georgescu, Valentin, Prunoiu, Virgiliu, Pasnicu, Costin, Popa, Florian, Surlin, Petra, Surlin, Valeriu, Strambu, Victor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 12.05.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Adapter proteins; Amino acids; Analysis; Antigens, CD34; Biomarkers; Bone marrow; Cancer; cancer stem cells; CD34; Cell adhesion & migration; Cell Adhesion Molecules - metabolism; Cell Differentiation; Cell growth; Endothelial Cells - metabolism; Health aspects; Hematopoietic stem cells; Hematopoietic Stem Cells - metabolism; Humans; Ligands; Medical research; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neoplastic Stem Cells - chemistry; Neoplastic Stem Cells - metabolism; Phosphorylation; regenerative stem cell; Review; Roles; Signal transduction; Stem cell research; Stem cells; regenerative stem cell; CD34; cancer stem cells
• ISSN: 1648-9144; 1010-660X; 1648-9144
• DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050938

The CD34 protein was identified almost four decades ago as a biomarker for hematopoietic stem cell progenitors. CD34 expression of these stem cells has been exploited for therapeutic purposes in various hematological disorders. In the last few decades, studies have revealed the presence of CD34 expression on other types of cells with non-hematopoietic origins, such as interstitial cells, endothelial cells, fibrocytes, and muscle satellite cells. Furthermore, CD34 expression may also be found on a variety of cancer stem cells. Nowadays, the molecular functions of this protein have been involved in a variety of cellular functions, such as enhancing proliferation and blocking cell differentiation, enhanced lymphocyte adhesion, and cell morphogenesis. Although a complete understanding of this transmembrane protein, including its developmental origins, its stem cell connections, and other functions, is yet to be achieved. In this paper, we aimed to carry out a systematic analysis of the structure, functions, and relationship with cancer stem cells of CD34 based on the literature overview.