OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of CD133 in human larynx tumor cell line, Hep-2 cell line and observe proliferation and differentiation ability of CD133+ groups in vitro.

METHODSImmunocytochemical staining and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression of putative tumor-initiating cell marker CD133 in Hep-2 cell line, and the selective technique of immunomagnetic beads was applied to purify CD133 positive cells. CD133+ tumor cells were cultured and their ability of proliferation and differentiation were observed in vitro.

RESULTSOnly 3. 22% of cells in Hep-2 cell line expressed CD133. In serum-free RPMI1640, On days 3, 5 and 7, their UV absorption were 0. 320,0. 370 and 0. 558 respectively. Compared with CD133 - cells and control Hep-2 cells, CD133 + cells demonstrated increased proliferation capacity. The proportion of CD133+ cells decreased in culture as days passed. In twelve days of culture, the percentage of CD133+ cells decreased from 90. 88% to 4. 53 %.

CONCLUSIONSCD133 was one of makers for tumor-initiating cell of human laryngeal carcinoma, Hep-2 cell line. Its identification would provide a helpful tool to investigate the tumorigenic process of human laryngeal carcinoma and to develop targeted therapies.