title: [Advancement of studies on ALDH1 as a universal marker of stem cells].
abstract: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1, ALDH1A1 or RALDH1), an enzyme responsible for the oxidation of intracellular aldehydes, was shown to have a function in the early differentiation of stem cells. Its activity shows promising potential as a universal marker for the identification and isolation of normal stem cells and cancer stem cells from multiple sources in a variety of tissue types. Herein, we review the available data reporting the utilization of ALDH1 activity as a means to identify and isolate normal stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs), and the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications, with a special focus on the mammary gland and breast cancer. The research opportunity in this area of interest is emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrine Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
authors.forename: Mingli
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Chengyi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000080924:Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D050697:Retinal Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D007527:Isoenzymes; D000080924:Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family; C510223:ALDH1A1 protein, human; D050697:Retinal Dehydrogenase