Slitrks as markers for stem and progenitor cells and methods of use thereof

摘要

The present invention relates to slitrk proteins as markers of stem and progenitor cells, including embryonic stem cells and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and also as a marker of leukemia and lymphoma cells, and of endothelial cells. The invention provides, inter alia, methods for purifying slitrk-positive cells, methods for detecting slitrk-positive cells, purified preparations of slitrk-positive cells, therapeutic compositions containing purified slitrk-positive cells, methods for targeting therapeutic agents to slitrk-positive cells, and methods of treatment, including but not limited to, methods of administering slitrk-positive cells to subjects in need thereof.