Role of Organ Specific Cancer Stem Cells in Organ Specific Cancer Progression

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ali ◽  
Fatima Ali ◽  
Nadia Wajid

Since the cancer stem cells (CSC) have been identified in 1997 by Bonnet and Dick, more than 100,000 papers have been published on the CSC. Huge research on cancer stem cells helped the scientists to rethink about the cancer therapeutics as classic way of chemotherapy is ineffective because chemotherapy failed to kill these cells, the only reason of cancer relapse. The cancer theory of stem cells is one of the most trending theory in stem cells and cancer biology focusing on the understanding of biology of cancer cells for an enhanced and improved therapeutic approaches should be applied to cure the cancer. This mini-review is a short overview on the role of organ specific cancer stem cells in the organ specific cancer progression.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaobo Zheng ◽  
Fuzhen Dai ◽  
Lei Feng ◽  
Hong Zou ◽  
Li Feng ◽  
...  

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is closely associated with the acquisition of aggressive traits by carcinoma cells and is considered responsible for metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance. Molecular links between the EMT and cancer stem cells (CSCs) have indicated that EMT processes play important roles in the expression of CSC-like properties. It is generally thought that EMT-related transcription factors (EMT-TFs) need to be downregulated to confer an epithelial phenotype to mesenchymal cells and increase cell proliferation, thereby promoting metastasis formation. However, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate EMT and CSC activation are contradictory. Emerging evidence suggests that EMT need not be a binary model and instead a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state. This dynamic process correlates with epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity, which indicates a contradictory role of EMT during cancer progression. Recent studies have linked the epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and stem cell-like traits, providing new insights into the conflicting relationship between EMT and CSCs. In this review, we examine the current knowledge about the interplay between epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and CSCs in cancer biology and evaluate the controversies and future perspectives. Understanding the biology of epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and CSCs and their implications in therapeutic treatment may provide new opportunities for targeted intervention.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Turdo ◽  
Gaetana Porcelli ◽  
Caterina D’Accardo ◽  
Simone Di Franco ◽  
Francesco Verona ◽  
...  

Although improvement in early diagnosis and treatment ameliorated life expectancy of cancer patients, metastatic disease still lacks effective therapeutic approaches. Resistance to anticancer therapies stems from the refractoriness of a subpopulation of cancer cells—termed cancer stem cells (CSCs)—which is endowed with tumor initiation and metastasis formation potential. CSCs are heterogeneous and diverge by phenotypic, functional and metabolic perspectives. Intrinsic as well as extrinsic stimuli dictated by the tumor microenvironment (TME)have critical roles in determining cell metabolic reprogramming from glycolytic toward an oxidative phenotype and vice versa, allowing cancer cells to thrive in adverse milieus. Crosstalk between cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment occurs through the interchange of metabolites, miRNAs and exosomes that drive cancer cells metabolic adaptation. Herein, we identify the metabolic nodes of CSCs and discuss the latest advances in targeting metabolic demands of both CSCs and stromal cells with the scope of improving current therapies and preventing cancer progression.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 432
Author(s):  
Rohit Gundamaraju ◽  
Wenying Lu ◽  
Rishya Manikam

The Warburg effect has immensely succored the study of cancer biology, especially in highlighting the role of mitochondria in cancer stemness and their benefaction to the malignancy of oxidative and glycolytic cancer cells. Mitochondrial genetics have represented a focal point in cancer therapeutics due to the involvement of mitochondria in programmed cell death. The mitochondrion has been well established as a switch in cell death decisions. The mitochondrion’s instrumental role in central bioenergetics, calcium homeostasis, and translational regulation has earned it its fame in metastatic dissemination in cancer cells. Here, we revisit and review mechanisms through which mitochondria influence oncogenesis and metastasis by underscoring the oncogenic mitochondrion that is capable of transferring malignant capacities to recipient cells.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1239
Author(s):  
Leila Jahangiri ◽  
Tala Ishola ◽  
Perla Pucci ◽  
Ricky M. Trigg ◽  
Joao Pereira ◽  
...  

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess properties such as self-renewal, resistance to apoptotic cues, quiescence, and DNA-damage repair capacity. Moreover, CSCs strongly influence the tumour microenvironment (TME) and may account for cancer progression, recurrence, and relapse. CSCs represent a distinct subpopulation in tumours and the detection, characterisation, and understanding of the regulatory landscape and cellular processes that govern their maintenance may pave the way to improving prognosis, selective targeted therapy, and therapy outcomes. In this review, we have discussed the characteristics of CSCs identified in various cancer types and the role of autophagy and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in maintaining the homeostasis of CSCs. Further, we have discussed methods to detect CSCs and strategies for treatment and relapse, taking into account the requirement to inhibit CSC growth and survival within the complex backdrop of cellular processes, microenvironmental interactions, and regulatory networks associated with cancer. Finally, we critique the computationally reinforced triangle of factors inclusive of CSC properties, the process of autophagy, and lncRNA and their associated networks with respect to hypoxia, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and signalling pathways.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manqiu Ding ◽  
Yongqiang Chen ◽  
Yue Lang ◽  
Li Cui

Prion protein has two isoforms including cellular prion protein (PrPC) and scrapie prion protein (PrPSc). PrPSc is the pathological aggregated form of prion protein and it plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases. PrPC is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein that can attach to a membrane. Its expression begins at embryogenesis and reaches the highest level in adulthood. PrPC is expressed in the neurons of the nervous system as well as other peripheral organs. Studies in recent years have disclosed the involvement of PrPC in various aspects of cancer biology. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the roles of PrPC in proliferation, cell survival, invasion/metastasis, and stem cells of cancer cells, as well as its role as a potential therapeutic target.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ningwei Fu ◽  
Ning Fan ◽  
Wenchao Luo ◽  
Lijia Lv ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose: TFEB is a key regulator of autophagy-lysosomal biogenesis pathways, while its dysregulation is highly prevalent in various human cancers, but the specific contribution to breast cancer remains poorly understood. The main purpose of this study is to explore the role of TFEB in breast cancer proliferation, metastasis and maintaining breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) traits, thus uncovering its underlying mechanism.Methods: Bioinformatics, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were applied to analyze the expression of TFEB in breast cancer. Stable down-regulation TFEB cells were established in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. MTT, clone formation, wound healing, transwell and 3D tumor invasion assays were used to evaluate the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of breast cancer cells. Mammosphere formation, immunocytochemical (ICC) staining were used to detect the effect of down-regulating TFEB on breast cancer stem cells. Results: we demonstrated that higher expression of TFEB was found in breast cancer. TFEB depletion had inhibitory effects on cellular proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown TFEB decreased mammosphere formation ability of BCSCs and expression of cancer stem cell markers. Autophagy-lysosomal related proteins were decreased by down regulation of TFEB. Conclusion: we uncovered a critical role of TFEB in breast cancer proliferation and metastasis, and BCSCs self-renewal and stemness. The underlying mechanisms involve in maintaining BCSCs traits, and dysregulating lysosome functions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Roscigno ◽  
Assunta Cirella ◽  
Alessandra Affinito ◽  
Cristina Quintavalle ◽  
Iolanda Scognamiglio ◽  
...  

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in females in terms of both incidence and mortality. Underlying the high mortality rate is the presence of cancer stem cells, which divide indefinitely and are resistant to conventional chemotherapies, so causing tumor relapse. In the present study, we identify miR-216a-5p as a downregulated microRNA in breast cancer stem cells vs. the differentiated counterpart. We demonstrate that overexpression of miR-216a-5p impairs stemness markers, mammosphere formation, ALDH activity, and the level of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which plays a significant role in breast cancer progression and metastasis by leading to the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6). Indeed, miR-216a regulates the crosstalk between cancer cells and the cells of the microenvironment, in particular cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), through regulation of the TLR4/IL6 pathway. Thus, miR-216a has an important role in the regulation of stem phenotype, decreasing stem-like properties and affecting the cross-talk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Yijia Zhou ◽  
Yuandong Liao ◽  
Chunyu Zhang ◽  
Junxiu Liu ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
...  

Cancer stem cells are a key population participating in the promotion of the cervical cancer progression through interacting with cancer cells. Existing studies have preliminary revealed that cervical cancer stem cells contribute to tumor recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. However, the specific mechanisms involved in regulating cell functions remain largely unknown. Here, we analyzed published data from public databases and our global transcriptome data, thus identifying cancer-related signaling pathways and molecules. According to our findings, upregulated TAB2 was correlated to stem cell-like properties of cervical cancer. Immunohistochemistry staining of TAB2 in normal and cervical cancer tissues was performed. The cell function experiments demonstrated that knockdown of TAB2 reduced the stemness of cervical cancer cells and, importantly, prevented cervical cancer progression. Collectively, the therapeutic scheme targeting TAB2 may provide an option for overcoming tumor relapse and chemoresistance of cervical cancer via obstructing stemness maintenance.


Author(s):  
Martina Mang Leng Lei ◽  
Terence Kin Wah Lee

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of undifferentiated cancer cells within the tumor bulk that are responsible for tumor initiation, recurrence and therapeutic resistance. The enhanced ability of CSCs to give rise to new tumors suggests potential roles of these cells in the evasion of immune surveillance. A growing body of evidence has described the interplay between CSCs and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent data have shown the pivotal role of some major immune cells in driving the expansion of CSCs, which concurrently elicit evasion of the detection and destruction of various immune cells through a number of distinct mechanisms. Here, we will discuss the role of immune cells in driving the stemness of cancer cells and provide evidence of how CSCs evade immune surveillance by exerting their effects on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), dendritic cells (DCs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), T-regulatory (Treg) cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The knowledge gained from the interaction between CSCs and various immune cells will provide insight into the mechanisms by which tumors evade immune surveillance. In conclusion, CSC-targeted immunotherapy emerges as a novel immunotherapy strategy against cancer by disrupting the interaction between immune cells and CSCs in the TME.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuqi Wang ◽  
Xiang Gong ◽  
Jie Li ◽  
Hong Wang ◽  
Xiaoxuan Xu ◽  
...  

AbstractCancer cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the major players of cancer malignancy and metastasis, but they are extremely difficult to access. Inspired by the vital role of macrophages and microvesicle-mediated cell–cell communication in tumors, we herein designed M2 macrophage microvesicle-inspired nanovehicle of cabazitaxel (M-CFN) to promote accessibility to cancer cells and CSCs in tumors. In the 4T1 tumor model, M-CFN flexibly permeated the tumor mass, accessed cancer cells and CD90-positive cells, and significantly promoted their entry into CSC fractions in tumors. Moreover, M-CFN treatment profoundly eliminated aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-expressing CSCs in 4T1 and MCF-7 tumors, produced notable depression of tumor growth and caused 93.86% suppression of lung metastasis in 4T1 models. Therefore, the M2 macrophage microvesicle-inspired nanovehicle provides an encouraging strategy to penetrate the tumor tissues and access these insult cells in tumors for effective cancer therapy. Graphical Abstract


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