Negative linear regression between the levels of circulating CD133+CXCR4+CD34- stem cells expressing L-selectin and VCAM-1 and the age of DMD patients was detected (r = −0.145, P<0.05 and r = −0.217, P<0.05, respectively)(data not shown). The gene discussed is PROM1; the disease is Duchenne muscular dystrophy.