O-linked α2,3 Sialylation Defines Stem Cell Populations in Breast Cancer

Scientists identified a lectin, SLBR-N, which bound to O-linked α2,3 sialic acids, that was able to enrich for CSCs in vitro and in vivo. This O-glycan was expressed on CD44 and promoted its interaction with hyaluronic acid, facilitating CD44 signaling and CSC properties.