How New Oval Stem Cell Marker Antibodies Will Benefit Hepatic Research

A large number of antibody suppliers supply conjugated and non-conjugated marker antibodies, targeted at specific stem cell populations. Until recently the number of oval stem cell markers was extremely limited. However, we at Novus Biologicals have succeeded in developing a new line of monoclonal antibodies specifically targeted to the murine oval cell response. These have just been added to our stem cell antibody database.

Oval stem cells are progenitors that play a major role in regenerating diseased or injured hepatic tissue. They can be stimulated into production by using a 2-AAF (2-acetylaminofluorene) /hepatic injury protocol - a combination of chemical damage and partial removal of the liver. They were first identified in rat studies, where chemical and hepatic injury techniques resulted in the activation of previously-unseen oval cells, which facilitated cell renewal. Numerous other studies followed, leading researchers to the conclusion that oval cells are bipotential i.e. capable of differentiating into either epithelial or ductal hepatic cells.

To identify and isolate the cells that are produced during the oval cell progenitor response, specific antibodies need to be raised against appropriate markers. The marker that is widely used for other stem cells, CD90/Thy1, is not present in adult hepatic cells, although it is seen in fetal liver tissue – including that of human fetuses.

Immunohistochemistry-Paraffin: CD90/Thy1 Antibody

Our oval cell marker antibodies are targeted to ductal and periductal hepatic cells. They are derived from MIC1-1C3 clones and several OC2 clones, raised against murine hepatic cells undergoing oval cell activation. These antibodies react to specific cell surface antigens, allowing subpopulations to be identified using fluorescence activated cell sorting techniques (FACS). They have considerably enhanced the scope of our antibody catalog.

Novus Biologicals offers many CD90/Thy1 reagents for your research needs including:

• CD90/Thy1 Antibodies
• CD90/Thy1 Lysates
• CD90/Thy1 RNAi
• CD90/Thy1 Peptides and Proteins