Rat Prominin 1 (PROM1) Protein

Background

Prominin-1 (PROM1), also known as CD133, is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a significant role in stem cell biology and cellular development. Widely recognized as a marker for stem and progenitor cells in various tissues, PROM1 is expressed on the apical surface of epithelial and hematopoietic stem cells. It participates in cellular differentiation and is crucial for maintaining the stem cell niche, with implications in tissue regeneration and repair. PROM1 has become a focus of research due to its role in cell signaling and its involvement in numerous developmental pathways, including those of the nervous system, retina, and digestive tract. Additionally, aberrant PROM1 expression is associated with cancer, specifically in cancer stem cells, and its presence is often used as a marker to identify cells with tumorigenic potential. PROM1’s relevance to cellular organization and tissue homeostasis, along with its association with pathological conditions, makes it an important molecule in cell biology and oncology.