The Importance of the Stem Cell Marker Prominin-1/CD133 in the Uptake of Transferrin and in Iron Metabolism in Human Colon Cancer Caco-2 Cells
2011

The Role of CD133 in Iron Metabolism and Endocytosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bourseau-Guilmain Erika, Griveau Audrey, Benoit Jean-Pierre, Garcion Emmanuel

Primary Institution: Laboratoire d'Ingénierie de la Vectorisation Particulaire, Inserm, UMR-S 646, Université d'Angers, Angers, France

Hypothesis

CD133 is involved in endocytosis and regulates iron metabolism in human colon cancer Caco-2 cells.

Conclusion

CD133 inhibits transferrin endocytosis and is regulated by iron levels, suggesting a complex role in iron metabolism.

Supporting Evidence

  • CD133 knockdown increased transferrin uptake in Caco-2 cells.
  • Cholesterol extraction enhanced transferrin uptake in CD133high cells.
  • AC133 antibody treatment reduced transferrin uptake.
  • CD133 expression was downregulated by iron supplementation.
  • CD133 was shown to inhibit transferrin receptor accessibility.

Takeaway

CD133 is a protein that helps cells take in iron, and when it's not there, cells can take in more iron. This is important for understanding how cancer cells work.

Methodology

The study used siRNA knockdown of CD133 in Caco-2 cells to assess its role in endocytosis and iron metabolism.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on a single cell line, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025515

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