Purpose To investigate the gene expression and significance ofβ-catenin, Cyclin D1 and Notch1 in primary breast cancer stem cells ( BCSC) and matched lymph node metastasis stem cells. Methods 30 cases of breast invasive ductal carcinoma and matched metastasis lymph nodes were made into single cell suspensions, then BCSC were separated from them by immunomagnetic sor-ting. β-catenin, Cyclin D1 and Notch1 gene expressions of Wnt, Notch signaling pathway were detected by real time PCR. ResultsThe expression of β-catenin in primary BCSC and matched lymph nodes metastasis stem cells had statistically no differences ( P >0.05), while the expression of Cyclin D1 and Notch1 in matched lymph nodes metastasis stem cells were significantly higher than the expression in primary BCSC (P<0.01, respectively). Conclusion Compared with the primary cancer stem cells, Cyclin D1 and Notch1 activation in metastasis cancer stem cells are in higher level, which leades to a higher capability of invasion and metastasis, which may be a new therapeutic target.