Lineage markers are molecules on the surface or within cells that facilitate the identification and characterization of different stages of cell development and differentiation. In stem cell research, lineage markers are invaluable tools for studying and manipulating stem cells. Lineage markers allow researchers to identify and isolate specific cell types or stages of differentiation within a heterogeneous population. For example, in hematopoietic stem cell research, CD34 is used as a lineage marker to identify and isolate hematopoietic progenitor cells. Lineage markers also help track the progression of stem cell differentiation into various cell lineages. By monitoring the expression of specific markers, researchers can study how stem cells transition into specialized cell types over time. Lineage markers also serve as quality controls in stem cell cultures, helping to confirm that stem cells are differentiating into the desired cell type by assessing the expression of lineage-specific markers. Lineage markers are often used to investigate the functional properties of stem cells and their progeny. By studying the expression and activity of lineage-specific markers, researchers can assess the functionality of differentiated cells and their suitability (or not) for therapeutic applications. Lineage markers also enable comparative studies of different stem cell populations or differentiation protocols. Researchers can analyse the expression of specific markers to compare the efficiency and fidelity of differentiation among different experimental conditions. Lineage markers are also valuable in disease modelling using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Researchers can differentiate iPSCs into specific cell lineages and assess whether disease-associated markers or phenotypes are recapitulated, providing insights into disease mechanisms. Finally, lineage markers play a crucial role in the development of cell-based therapies. They help ensure that stem cells have differentiated into the desired cell type before transplantation into patients, minimizing the risk of unintended cell types forming tumours or causing adverse effects. Some important lineage markers include: 1) CD34. CD34 is a cell surface glycoprotein often used as a marker for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which give rise to blood cells; 2) CD45. CD45 is another cell surface protein used to identify hematopoietic stem cells and cells of the immune system; 3) CD31 (PECAM-1). CD31 is a marker for endothelial cells, which make up the inner lining of blood vessels; 4) Nestin. Nestin is an intermediate filament protein expressed in neural stem cells and is commonly used as a marker for neuroprogenitor cells; 5) GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein). GFAP is a protein found in mature astrocytes and is used to identify and study astrocyte differentiation from neural stem cells; 6) SSEA-1 (Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen-1). SSEA-1 is a cell surface carbohydrate antigen often used to identify and isolate mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs); 7) Oct-4 (Octamer-Binding Transcription Factor 4). Oct-4 is a transcription factor critical for maintaining pluripotency in embryonic stem cells; 8) Sox2 (SRY-Box Transcription Factor 2). Sox2 is another transcription factor involved in pluripotency and neural differentiation of stem cells; 9) MyoD. MyoD is a transcription factor used as a marker for myogenic differentiation, indicating the formation of muscle cells. We offer a wide product range of research tools for investigating lineage markers, including CD34 antibodies, Vimentin antibodies, Albumin antibodies, Apolipoprotein E ELISA Kits, and Fibronectin ELISA Kits. Explore our full lineage markers product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Endoderm, Ectoderm, and Mesoderm product ranges.