Anti-CD133/Prominin-1

CD133/Prominin-1 is a pentaspan transmembrane protein that has been frequently used as a biomarker for cancer stem cells, although its biological function is unclear. CD133 is not restricted to somatic stem cells and cancer stem cells. It is expressed in differentiated epithelial cells in various organs. Due to the highly restricted expression of CD133 family molecules on plasma membrane protrusions of epithelial and other cell types, in association with membrane cholesterol, a role in the organization of plasma membrane topology has also recently been assigned to this family. Protein function: May play a role in cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis (PubMed:24556617). Binds cholesterol in cholesterol- containing plasma membrane microdomains and may play a role in the organization of the apical plasma membrane in epithelial cells. During early retinal development acts as a key regulator of disk morphogenesis. Involved in regulation of MAPK and Akt signaling pathways. In neuroblastoma cells suppresses cell differentiation such as neurite outgrowth in a RET-dependent manner (PubMed:20818439). [The UniProt Consortium]