scholarly journals Proteases Regulate Cancer Stem Cell Properties and Remodel Their Microenvironment

2021 ◽  
pp. 002215542110351
Author(s):  
Anamarija Habič ◽  
Metka Novak ◽  
Bernarda Majc ◽  
Tamara Lah Turnšek ◽  
Barbara Breznik
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Proteolytic Activity ◽  
Intercellular Interactions

Proteolytic activity is perturbed in tumors and their microenvironment, and proteases also affect cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are the therapy-resistant subpopulation of cancer cells with tumor-initiating capacity that reside in specialized tumor microenvironment niches. In this review, we briefly summarize the significance of proteases in regulating CSC activities with a focus on brain tumor glioblastoma. A plethora of proteases and their inhibitors participate in CSC invasiveness and affect intercellular interactions, enhancing CSC immune, irradiation, and chemotherapy resilience. Apart from their role in degrading the extracellular matrix enabling CSC migration in and out of their niches, we review the ability of proteases to modulate CSC properties, which prevents their elimination. When designing protease-oriented therapies, the multifaceted roles of proteases should be thoroughly investigated.

scholarly journals A reactive oxygen species-generating, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibiting, cancer stem cell-potent tetranuclear copper(ii) cluster

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (38) ◽  
pp. 12785-12789 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Lu ◽  
K. Laws ◽  
A. Eskandari ◽  
K. Suntharalingam
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Schiff Base ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Reactive Oxygen ◽  
Cyclooxygenase 2 ◽  
Oxygen Species

Tetranuclear copper(ii) complexes containing multiple diclofenac and Schiff base moieties,1–4, are shown to kill bulk cancer cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs) with low micromolar potency.

A tri-metallic palladium complex with breast cancer stem cell potency

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (14) ◽  
pp. 4211-4215
Author(s):  
Arvin Eskandari ◽  
Arunangshu Kundu ◽  
Alice Johnson ◽  
Sanjib Karmakar ◽  
Sushobhan Ghosh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Palladium Complex ◽  
Breast Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
Metallic Palladium ◽  
Micromolar Range

A multi-nuclear, triangular-shaped palladium(ii) complex is shown to equipotently kill bulk cancer cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the micromolar range.

ROS activated prodrug for ALDH overexpressed cancer stem cells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miae Won ◽  
Ji Hyeon Kim ◽  
Myung Sun Ji ◽  
Jong Seung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Population ◽  
Stem Cell Population ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell Population

We developed a prodrug (DE-CPT) that efficiently decreases the cancer stem cell population and kills the cancer cells by ROS activation.

scholarly journals HIF-1 regulates CD47 expression in breast cancer cells to promote evasion of phagocytosis and maintenance of cancer stem cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (45) ◽  
pp. E6215-E6223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huimin Zhang ◽  
Haiquan Lu ◽  
Lisha Xiang ◽  
John W. Bullen ◽  
Chuanzhao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Breast Cancer Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Cell Phenotype

Increased expression of CD47 has been reported to enable cancer cells to evade phagocytosis by macrophages and to promote the cancer stem cell phenotype, but the molecular mechanisms regulating CD47 expression have not been determined. Here we report that hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) directly activates transcription of the CD47 gene in hypoxic breast cancer cells. Knockdown of HIF activity or CD47 expression increased the phagocytosis of breast cancer cells by bone marrow-derived macrophages. CD47 expression was increased in mammosphere cultures, which are enriched for cancer stem cells, and CD47 deficiency led to cancer stem cell depletion. Analysis of datasets derived from thousands of patients with breast cancer revealed that CD47 expression was correlated with HIF target gene expression and with patient mortality. Thus, CD47 expression contributes to the lethal breast cancer phenotype that is mediated by HIF-1.

scholarly journals Ovarian Cancer Stemness: Biological and Clinical Implications for Metastasis and Chemotherapy Resistance

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeshi Motohara ◽  
Hidetaka Katabuchi
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Chemotherapy Resistance ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells

Epithelial ovarian cancer is a highly lethal gynecological malignancy that is characterized by the early development of disseminated metastasis. Though ovarian cancer has been generally considered to preferentially metastasize via direct transcoelomic dissemination instead of the hematogenous route, emerging evidence has indicated that the hematogenous spread of cancer cells plays a larger role in ovarian cancer metastasis than previously thought. Considering the distinctive biology of ovarian cancer, an in-depth understanding of the biological and molecular mechanisms that drive metastasis is critical for developing effective therapeutic strategies against this fatal disease. The recent “cancer stem cell theory” postulates that cancer stem cells are principally responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. Even though the hallmarks of ovarian cancer stem cells have not yet been completely elucidated, metastasized ovarian cancer cells, which have a high degree of chemoresistance, seem to manifest cancer stem cell properties and play a key role during relapse at metastatic sites. Herein, we review our current understanding of the cell-biological mechanisms that regulate ovarian cancer metastasis and chemotherapy resistance, with a pivotal focus on ovarian cancer stem cells, and discuss the potential clinical implications of evolving cancer stem cell research and resultant novel therapeutic approaches.

514 CANCER CELLS PERSIST AFTER COMPLETE PATHOLOGICAL RESPONSE IN ESOPHAGEAL ADENOCARCINOMA

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Walker ◽  
J Harrington ◽  
B Grace ◽  
B Sharpe ◽  
S Breininger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Detection Limit ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Esophageal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Stem Cell Markers ◽  
Lower Detection Limit ◽  
Lower Detection

Abstract   In esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) with apparent pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) debate remains as to whether esophagectomy is required. Recurrence after pCR is not limited to distant metastases outside radiation or resection fields. It is unknown if cancer persists below the lower detection limit of current diagnostic technology. Trials randomising patients with apparent pCR to esophagectomy or active surveillance are currently recruiting in an attempt to spare patients the morbidity of esophagectomy. Methods Single cell (scRNAseq) was performed on fresh tissue taken at surgical resection to determine the transcriptomic profiles of cell populations in 24 EAC tumours and matched normal samples. Five tumour-normal pairs were also analysed using bulk RNA sequencing and high-precision mass spectrometry proteomics. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to confirm pCR. Paired scRNAseq analysis of pre-and post-treatment specimens from three patients was used to compare transcriptomic profiles before and after NAT. Cancer cells were assigned a cancer stem cell module score curated from published gene sets. Results We analysed a total of 22,738 single cells forming 29 different cell states. In two samples with pCR, we repeated the pathological analysis and performed IHC using antibodies to known cancer proteins and identified no residual cancer cells (figure 1A). Bulk tissue RNA (figure 1B) and proteomic analysis did not detect cancer genes or proteins in the pCR samples. ScRNAseq, conversely, revealed small populations of persistent cancer cells in both complete responders (12/978 and 45/774) (figure 1C). Transcriptomic analysis of these residual cells identified upregulation of stem cell markers and high cancer stem cell scores in these remaining cells (figure 1D). Conclusion We have determined the cell states present across multiple different EAC and normal esophageal samples. We have shown cancer cells persisting after NAT, in patients with apparent pCR, beneath the lower detection limit of standard diagnostic approaches. These cells express gene programs consistent with cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are a critical subpopulation that drive tumour initiation, growth, and resistance to therapy. Esophagus sparing approaches in pCR may subject patients to risk of progression.

scholarly journals Exosomes Regulate the Transformation of Cancer Cells in Cancer Stem Cell Homeostasis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiasheng Xu ◽  
Kaili Liao ◽  
Weimin Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Dynamic Equilibrium ◽  
Cell Transformation ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Therapy Strategy

In different biological model systems, exosomes are considered mediators of cell-cell communication between different cell populations. Exosomes, as extracellular vesicles, participate in physiological and pathological processes by transmitting signaling molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. The tumor’s microenvironment consists of many types of cells, including cancer stem cells and mesenchymal cells. It is well known that these cells communicate with each other and thereby regulate the progression of the tumor. Recent studies have provided evidence that exosomes mediate the interactions between different types of cells in the tumor microenvironment, providing further insight into how these cells interact through exosome signaling. Cancer stem cells are a small kind of heterogeneous cells that existed in tumor tissues or cancer cell lines. These cells possess a stemness phenotype with a self-renewal ability and multipotential differentiation which was considered the reason for the failure of conventional cancer therapies and tumor recurrence. However, a highly dynamic equilibrium was found between cancer stem cells and cancer cells, and this indicates that cancer stem cells are no more special target and blocking the transformation of cancer stem cells and cancer cells seem to be a more significant therapy strategy. Whether exosomes, as an information transforming carrier between cells, regulated cancer cell transformation in cancer stem cell dynamic equilibrium and targeting exosome signaling attenuated the formation of cancer stem cells and finally cure cancers is worthy of further study.

scholarly journals The inhibition of circular RNA circNOLC1 by propofol/STAT3 attenuates breast cancer stem cells function via miR-365a-3p/STAT3 signaling

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Ping Liu ◽  
Jin-Yu Heng ◽  
Xin-Yu Zhao ◽  
En-You Li
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Breast Cancer Cells ◽  
Circular Rna ◽  
Coiled Body ◽  
Cell Functions

Abstract Background Breast cancer remains one of the most dreadful female malignancies globally, in which cancer stem cells (CSCs) play crucial functions. Circular RNAs have drawn great attention in cancer research area and propofol is a widely applied intravenous anesthetic agent. Methods: In the current study, we explored the function of circular RNA nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1 (circNOLC1) in CSCs of breast cancer and the inhibitory impact of propofol on circNOLC1. Results The expression of circNOLC1 was induced in breast cancer tissues compared with the non-tumor tissues. The silencing of circNOLC1 was able to repress the viability of breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, the numbers of colony formation were suppressed by circNOLC1 knockdown in breast cancer cells. The inhibition of circNOLC1 reduced the invasion and migration ability of breast cancer cells. The mRNA and protein levels of E-cadherin were enhanced but Vimentin levels were reduced by the silencing of circNOLC1. The repression of circNOLC1 decreased the side population (SP) ratio in breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, the sphere formation ability of breast cancer cells was attenuated by the silencing of circNOLC1. The levels of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), c-Myc, B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi1), and SRY-box transcription factor 2 (Sox2) were repressed by the depletion of circNOLC1 in the cells. Regarding to the mechanism, circNOLC1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) for microRNA-365a-3p (miR-365a-3p) and the inhibition of miR-365a-3p rescued circNOLC1 depletion-repressed proliferation and cancer stem cell activity of breast cancer. MiR-365a-3p targeted signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in breast cancer cells and circNOLC1 enhanced STAT3 expression by sponging miR-365a-3p. The overexpression of STAT3 could reverse miR-365a-3p or circNOLC1 depletion-inhibited proliferation and cancer stem cell properties of breast cancer. Interestingly, the expression of circNOLC1 and STAT3 was repressed by the treatment of propofol. The enrichment of STAT3 on circNOLC1 promoter was inhibited by propofol. The expression of circNOLC1 was suppressed by the silencing of STAT3 in the cells. The inhibition of circNOLC1 expression by propofol was rescued under the co-treatment of STAT3 overexpression. The overexpression of circNOLC1 rescued propofol-attenuated proliferation and cancer stem cell functions in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Thus, we concluded that circNOLC1 contributes to CSCs properties and progression of breast cancer by targeting miR-365a-3p /STAT3 axis and propofol inhibited circNOLC1 by repressing STAT3 in a feedback mechanism.

Integrin α6 (CD49f), The Microenvironment and Cancer Stem Cells

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 428-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele D. Bigoni-Ordóñez ◽  
Daniel Czarnowski ◽  
Tyler Parsons ◽  
Gerard J. Madlambayan ◽  
Luis G. Villa-Diaz
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cell ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Renewal ◽  
Terminal Disease

Cancer is a highly prevalent and potentially terminal disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Here, we review the literature exploring the intricacies of stem cells bearing tumorigenic characteristics and collect evidence demonstrating the importance of integrin α6 (ITGA6, also known as CD49f) in cancer stem cell (CSC) activity. ITGA6 is commonly used to identify CSC populations in various tissues and plays an important role sustaining the self-renewal of CSCs by interconnecting them with the tumorigenic microenvironment.

scholarly journals The CXCL12 Crossroads in Cancer Stem Cells and Their Niche

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 469
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos López-Gil ◽  
Laura Martin-Hijano ◽  
Patrick C. Hermann ◽  
Bruno Sainz
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Diverse Group ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Stem Cell Support ◽  
Cell Support ◽  
Tumor Entities

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of “stem”-like cells within the tumor with unique characteristics that allow them to maintain tumor growth, escape standard anti-tumor therapies and drive subsequent repopulation of the tumor. This is the result of their intrinsic “stem”-like features and the strong driving influence of the CSC niche, a subcompartment within the tumor microenvironment that includes a diverse group of cells focused on maintaining and supporting the CSC. CXCL12 is a chemokine that plays a crucial role in hematopoietic stem cell support and has been extensively reported to be involved in several cancer-related processes. In this review, we will provide the latest evidence about the interactions between CSC niche-derived CXCL12 and its receptors—CXCR4 and CXCR7—present on CSC populations across different tumor entities. The interactions facilitated by CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axes seem to be strongly linked to CSC “stem”-like features, tumor progression, and metastasis promotion. Altogether, this suggests a role for CXCL12 and its receptors in the maintenance of CSCs and the components of their niche. Moreover, we will also provide an update of the therapeutic options being currently tested to disrupt the CXCL12 axes in order to target, directly or indirectly, the CSC subpopulation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document