Chromatin remodeling protein as a marker expressed by stromal progenitor cells

摘要

The present invention provides a chromatin remodeling protein, designated ChroM as well as alternatively spliced variants, which serves as markers for stromal precursor cells and osteogenic and muscle progenitor cells. This ChroM marker was found to be present in proliferating progenitor cells but is either absent or not predominantly present in resting cells. Antibodies directed against this ChroM marker can be used to isolate stromal progenitor cells that can differentiate into osteogenic and muscle cells. Subpopulations of human osteogenic progenitor cells can further be separated using additional markers. Due to the discovery that osteogenic progenitor sarcoma cells can be distinguished from other cells by the presence of ChroM in the nuclei or based on genetic alteration on the DNA level, a method for identifying osteosarcoma cells in a tissue sample and a method for evaluating the effectiveness of a treatment for osteogenic progenitor sarcoma are also provided.