Recent models for carcinogenesis propose a strong role for stem cells and their potential for immortality. It is unclear whether cervical stem cells exist, thus their potential role in cervical cancer has not been investigated. This project used immunofluorescence microscopy to locate areas which may contain stem cells in normal human cervical tissue. Antibodies were used against known stem cell markers: ABCG2, alpha-k15, Oct-3/4, Tenascin-C, CD 133, and CD 200. The alpha-k15, and Tenascin-C data for cervical tissue versus skin controls indicate that stem cells may be present in the squamous epithelium of the cervix.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Perkins, Hillary M.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042507-105339

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2007

Sponsor

• Jason J. Chen, PhD. UMass Medical School

Date created

• 2007-04-25

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright

License

• All rights reserved