Isolation and characteristics of CD133(−)/A2B5(+) and CD133(−)/A2B5(−) cells from the SHG139s cell line

In glioma tissues, there are small cell populations with the capability of sustaining tumor formation. These cells are referred to as glioma stem cells (GSCs). However, the presence of subpopulations of GSCs, and the differences between each subpopulation remain to be fully elucidated. In the present study, CD133(−)/A2B5(−) and CD133(−/)A2B5(+) cells from the SHG139 GSC cell line (SHG139s) were isolated using magnetic-activated cell sorting. Following xenografting into nude mice, the two isolated subpopulations generated tumors. The characteristics of the two subpopulations were investigated extensively, and it was found that the two exhibited cancer stem cell characteristics. These cells expressed stem cell markers, exhibited a neurosphere-like appearance, and were found to exhibit self-renewal and multipotency capabilities. Subsequently, the self-renewal and proliferation abilities of the two subpopulations were compared. It was found that the A2B5(−) cells had a higher proliferative index and a higher self-renewal ability, compared with the A2B5(+) cells. In addition, the A2B5(−) cells exhibited increased angiogenic ability. However, the invasion ability of the A2B5(+) cells was higher than that of the A2B5(−) cells. Taken together, the results of the present study suggested that there are different cell subpopulations in GSCs, and each subpopulation has its own properties.