miR-125b Attenuates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions and Targets Stem-Like Liver Cancer Cells through SMAD2 and SMAD4
Researchers demonstrated that microRNA (miR)-125b overexpression attenuated epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cancer cells, while knockdown of miR-125b promoted the EMT phenotype in vitro and in vivo. They also found that miR-125b attenuated EMT-associated traits, including chemoresistance, migration and stemness in HCC cells, and negatively correlated with EMT and cancer stem cell marker expressions in HCC specimens. [Hepatology]
Abstract
Differential Connexin Function Enhances Self-Renewal in Glioblastoma
Scientists found that glioblastoma cancer stem cells (CSCs) possessed functional gap junctions that can be targeted using clinically relevant compounds to reduce self-renewal and tumor growth. Their analysis revealed that CSCs expressed connexin (Cx) 46, while Cx43 is predominantly expressed in non-CSCs. [Cell Rep] Full Article|Graphical Abstract
Let-7a Regulates Mammosphere Formation Capacity through Ras/NF-κB and Ras/MAPK/ERK Pathway in Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Researchers illustrated that overexpression of let-7a reduced cell proliferation and mammosphere formation ability of breast cancer stem cells in a KRas-dependent manner through different pathways in vitro and in vivo. They provided the evidence that let-7a was decreased, and reversely the expression of KRas was increased with moderate expression in early stages and high expression in advanced stages in breast cancer specimens. [Cell Cycle]
Abstract
Molecular Heterogeneity in a Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Xenoline Is Regulated by Different Cancer Stem Cell Populations
Scientists characterized glioblastoma tumors produced by subcutaneous and intracranial injection of adherent cultures of glioblastoma stem-like cell (GSC) and spheroid cultures of GSCs (Sp-GSCs) isolated from a patient-derived xenoline. Although they formed tumors with identical histological features, gene expression analysis revealed that xenografts of Sp-GSCs had a classical molecular subtype similar to that of bulk tumor cells. [PLoS One] Full Article
ATOH1 Can Regulate the Tumorigenicity of Gastric Cancer Cells by Inducing the Differentiation of Cancer Stem Cells
Researchers showed that ATOH1 can induce the differentiation of gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs). The lentivirus-induced overexpression of ATOH1 in GCSCs and in gastric cancer cell lines significantly induced differentiation, reduced proliferation and sphere formation, and reduced in vivo tumor formation in the subcutaneous injection and liver metastasis xenograft models. [PLoS One]
Full Article
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages: A Roadmap for Multitargeting Strategies
The authors summarize the recent molecular data concerning the multilayered relationship between cancer stem cells and tumor-associated macrophages that form a key component of the tumor microenvironment. They also discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting this synergistic interplay. [Oncogene] Abstract
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Propanc to Study Effects of PRP on Cancer Stem Cells
Propanc Health Group Corporation announced that the company will be investigating the effects of PRP against cancer stems cells with its joint research partner at the University of Jaen, Spain. [Propanc Health Group Corporation] Press Release
Redx Reaches Pre-Clinical Proof of Concept with Oncology Lead
Redx Pharma has reached pre-clinical proof of concept stage with an advanced lead which has the potential to tackle some of the most hard-to-treat cancers. The novel, potent small molecule Porcupine inhibitor targets the Wnt pathway, an embryonic signaling pathway that is implicated in the maintenance of cancer stem cells in multiple cancer types. [Redx Pharma Plc]
Press Release
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