CD34

CD34 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CD34 gene. It is a cell surface glycoprotein and functions as a cell-cell adhesion factor. It may also mediate the attachment of stem cells to bone marrow extracellular matrix or directly to stromal cells. This protein is thought to be involved in the differentiation of hematopoietic cells.

Function

CD34 is a marker of human hematopoietic stem cells and is expressed in the small vessel endothelium of a variety of tissues. It is a member of a family of single-pass transmembrane sialomucin proteins that show expression in the endothelium and the hematopoietic system. The encoded protein is involved in cell adhesion and may play a role in hematopoiesis. In hematopoietic malignancies, stem cells may be CD34 positive.

Clinical significance

CD34 is used clinically as a marker for leukemia and lymphoma cells. It is also used to measure the amount of bone marrow damage from chemotherapy. There is evidence that anti-CD34 antibodies, given as a drug, can decrease the severity of a graft-versus-host disease, which is a common complication of bone marrow transplantation.

See also

• Cluster of differentiation
• Hematopoietic stem cell
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma

External links

• CD34 at WikiMD