The ultrastructural difference between CD133-positive U251 glioma stem cells and normal U251 glioma cells.

Abstract

Glioma stem cells (GSC) have higher tumorigenic potential and stronger chemoresistance and radioresistance than normal glioma cells. The mechanisms behind these phenomena have remained elusive. The authors have isolated CD133-positive U251 GSCs from U251 glioma cells and detected the expression of stem cell markers (CD133 and nestin) of U251 GSCs by immunofluorescence staining. Then the ultrastructures of U251 GSCs and normal U251 glioma cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy and the ultrastructural differences between them were compared. Increased cell nucleus atypia, rougher endoplasmic reticulum, and more microvilli were observed in CD133-positive U251 GSCs than in normal U251 glioma cells. In summary, these ultrastructural differences support the hypothesis that GSCs have stronger tumorigenic ability and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

• Authors: Bo Yang, You Wang, Chunxu Yang, Wen Ouyang, Fuxiang Zhou, Yunfeng Zhou, Conghua Xie
• Journal: Ultrastructural pathology (Ultrastruct Pathol) Vol. 36 Issue 6 Pg. 404-8 (Dec 2012) ISSN: 1521-0758 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23216238 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• AC133 Antigen
• Antigens, CD
• Glycoproteins
• PROM1 protein, human
• Peptides

Topics

• AC133 Antigen
• Antigens, CD (metabolism)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Nucleus (ultrastructure)
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ultrastructure)
• Glioma (immunology, ultrastructure)
• Glycoproteins (metabolism)
• Humans
• Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
• Microscopy, Fluorescence
• Microvilli
• Neoplastic Stem Cells (immunology, ultrastructure)
• Peptides (metabolism)
• Phenotype