CD24 Description
CD24 (30-70kDa) is a two-chain glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoprotein. It is a mucin-like adhesion molecule. CD24 functionally enhances the metastatic potential of malignant cells, as it has also been identified as a ligand of P-selection, an adhesion receptor on activated endothelial cells and platelets. Research has shown CD24 expression as a potentially significant parameter for a wide variety of human cancer diagnosis and for patient prognosis. Elevated CD24 membranous expression and, in particular, cytoplasmic staining seem to predict malignant transformation. Recent studies have shown CD24 as a prognostic marker for breast cancer and more specifically for tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cases. Further studies have shown a subpopulation (CD44+ / CD24-) of breast cancer cells reported to have stem/progenitor cell properties.