Moreover, the reduced tumorigenicity of Annexin-A1-depleted cells was associated with almost complete loss of a discrete CD24+/Sca1− cell compartment containing putative tumor initiating cells (TICs) that display an epithelial phenotype, and concomitant acquisition of a CD24−/Sca1+ population with a mesenchymal stem cell-like phenotype. The gene discussed is CD24; the disease is neoplasm.