Cancer stem cells (CSCs) -a subpopulation of cells within tumours with stem cell-like properties- may be identified using panels of markers, including cell surface markers. Identifying surface markers expressed on CSCs is particularly important for their isolation and characterization, as well as for the development of CSC-targeted therapies. These surface markers are often used in combination with other techniques to enrich or isolate CSCs from tumour cell populations. One of the most frequently used surface markers is CD133 (Prominin-1), expressed in CSCs of various cancers, including brain, colon, and liver cancers. CD133+ cells have been associated with tumour initiation, therapy resistance, and metastasis. CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule that similarly serves as a surface marker for CSCs in several cancer types, including breast, head and neck, and pancreatic cancers. CD44+ CSCs are linked to aggressive tumour behaviour and therapy resistance. Two other cell adhesion molecules are also used to identify CRCs. EpCAM (Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule) is expressed on the surface of epithelial cells and is used to identify CSCs in as breast, colon, and ovarian cancers, whilst CD166 (ALCAM - Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule) is a cell adhesion molecule expressed on the surface of CSCs in different cancer types, including breast and pancreatic cancers. CD166+ CSCs are associated with tumorigenicity and metastasis. CD24 is a glycosylated cell surface protein often used in combination with CD44 to identify breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). BCSCs are often characterized as CD44+/CD24-/low cells and this phenotype is associated with stem cell-like properties, including self-renewal and the ability to give rise to differentiated tumour cells. Other cell surface markers used to identify populations of CSCs in different cancers include: 1) CD29 (Integrin β1), a cell surface marker expressed on CSCs in various cancers, including breast and glioblastoma; 2) CD61 (Integrin β3), a cell surface marker expressed on CSCs in some breast cancers. CD61+ CSCs are associated with aggressive tumour behaviour and metastasis; 3) CD47, an anti-phagocytic signal expressed on the surface of CSCs in multiple cancers. CD47+ CSCs can evade immune system recognition and clearance; 4) CD90 (Thy-1), a surface marker used to identify CSCs in liver and ovarian cancers. CD90+ CSCs have been associated with tumour initiation and drug resistance; 5) CXCR4 (C-X-C Chemokine Receptor 4), a chemokine receptor expressed on the surface of CSCs in various cancers, including breast and pancreatic cancers. CXCR4+ CSCs are linked to tumour invasion and metastasis; 6) CD271 (NGFR - Nerve Growth Factor Receptor), expressed on the surface of CSCs in melanoma and glioblastoma. CD271+ CSCs have been associated with therapy resistance and recurrence; 7) ESA (Epithelial-Specific Antigen), a surface marker used to identify CSCs in colorectal cancer. ESA+ CSCs are associated with tumorigenicity and resistance to therapy; 8) LGR5 (Leucine-Rich Repeat Containing G Protein-Coupled Receptor 5), a surface marker expressed on CSCs in colorectal and liver cancers. LGR5+ CSCs are associated with self-renewal and tumour growth. Explore our full CSCs surface markers product range below and discover more, for less.