CD34 is a transmembrane phosphoglycoprotein that plays a crucial role in hematopoiesis and cell adhesion. It is encoded by the CD34 gene and is expressed on the surface of various cell types, including hematopoietic progenitor cells, endothelial cells, and embryonic fibroblasts . The CD34 protein is highly glycosylated and phosphorylated, which contributes to its function as an adhesion molecule .
CD34 is a single-pass type I transmembrane protein with a molecular weight ranging from 105 to 120 kDa . It is heavily O-glycosylated, which is essential for its role in cell adhesion and migration . CD34 functions as an adhesion molecule, mediating the attachment of stem cells to the extracellular matrix in bone marrow and other tissues . It also presents carbohydrate ligands to selectins, facilitating cell-cell interactions .
CD34 is expressed on a variety of cell types, including:
In addition to these cell types, CD34 is also found on endothelial progenitor cells and certain sub-populations of dendritic cells . Its expression is not limited to hematopoietic cells, as it is also present in various non-hematopoietic tissues .
The primary function of CD34 is to act as an adhesion molecule, facilitating the attachment of stem cells to the bone marrow extracellular matrix or directly to stromal cells . This interaction is crucial for the maintenance and regulation of hematopoietic stem cells. CD34 also plays a role in the migration of eosinophils and dendritic cell precursors, contributing to immune responses .
Mouse anti-human CD34 antibodies are widely used in research and clinical applications to identify and isolate CD34-expressing cells. These antibodies are typically monoclonal and are used in various techniques, including flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting . The antibodies are designed to specifically bind to the CD34 antigen on human cells, allowing for the detection and analysis of CD34 expression .
CD34 antibodies are essential tools in stem cell research and regenerative medicine. They are used to isolate hematopoietic stem cells for bone marrow transplants and other therapeutic applications . Additionally, CD34 antibodies are employed in the study of endothelial progenitor cells and their role in angiogenesis and tissue repair .