A letter in response to `Cancer stem cells: emerging actors in both basic and clinical cancer research` Turk J Biol (2014) 38: ©TÜBITAK - doi:10.3906/biy-1406-93 Cancer stem cells (CSCs): targets and strategies for intervention

Authors : SURESH PALAMADAI KRISHNAN

Pages : 517-521

Doi:10.3906/biy-1501-16

View : 17 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2015-12-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This letter to the editor highlights the important aspects of cancer stem cells and provides a deeper insight into the origin and characterization of these cells as well as the mechanisms contributing to drug resistance and relapse. The two currently available models insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CSC and the clonal evolution model); need not be mutually exclusive to explain the origin of CSCs. The identification of CSCs insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(based on surface markers, drug efflux, enzyme activity, and signal transduction molecules and proteins involved in EMT processes); can help in discriminating these cells from other cell types. Moreover, CSCs prefer a hypoxic environment. This microenvironmental cue can trigger certain metabolic alterations that can orchestrate a rewiring of the epigenome. Consequently, changes in transcription factors and signaling molecules can contribute to the plasticity/inter-convertibility of the CSCs and non-CSC cellular states. Hence, an improved understanding of the mechanisms involved also provides opportunities for pharmacological manipulations. This letter also underscores the presence of precancerous stem cells as well as very small embryonic-like stem cells insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(VSELs); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(both considered to be precursors of CSCs);. These reports warrant a thorough reanalysis of the source of CSCs insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(lineage tracing studies);, subsequent to the development of better targeted intervention approaches.
Keywords : Cancer stem cells, precancerous stem cells, very small embryonic like stem cells, pharmacological strategies, drug resistance