In the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis, which surface marker combination is used to prospectively isolate CSCs from human breast cancer specimens?
- A CD44+/CD24-/low with high ALDH activity ✓
- B CD34+/CD38- with Lin- phenotype
- C EpCAM+/CD49f+ with ESA positivity
- D CD133+/Nestin+ with SOX2 nuclear expression
Correct answer: A. CD44+/CD24-/low with high ALDH activity
Explanation
Breast cancer stem cells are identified by the CD44+/CD24-/low immunophenotype combined with high ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase) activity; this population was first described by Al-Hajj et al. as having 50-fold greater tumor-initiating capacity. CD34+/CD38- marks leukemic stem cells. CD133+/Nestin+/SOX2 identifies neural stem cells and glioma stem cells. EpCAM+/CD49f+ combinations are used in prostate basal cell lineage research.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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