scholarly journals Mechanisms of Anticancer Therapy Resistance: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 9006
Author(s):  
Julhash U. Kazi
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Anticancer Therapy ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Resistance To Therapy ◽  
Therapy Development

Despite incredible progress in anticancer therapy development, resistance to therapy is the major factor limiting the cure of cancer patients [...]

scholarly journals The role of cancer stem cells in tumor heterogeneity and resistance to therapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Valbirk Konrad ◽  
Reshma Murali ◽  
Binitha Anu Varghese ◽  
Radhika Nair
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Resistance To Therapy ◽  
Repair Mechanisms ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Survival Signaling

Cancer is a heterogenous disease displaying marked inter- and intra-tumoral diversity. The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been experimentally demonstrated in a number of cancer types as a subpopulation of tumor cells that drives the tumorigenic and metastatic properties of the entire cancer. Thus, eradication of the CSC population is critical for the complete ablation of a tumor. This is, however, confounded by the inherent resistance of CSCs to standard anticancer therapies, eventually leading to the outgrowth of resistant tumor cells and relapse in patients. The cellular mechanisms of therapy resistance in CSCs are ascribed to several factors including a state of quiescence, an enhanced DNA damage response and active repair mechanisms, up-regulated expression of drug efflux transporters, as well as the activation of pro-survival signaling pathways and inactivation of apoptotic signaling. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the acquisition of resistance to therapy may hold the key to targeting the CSC population.

scholarly journals Different Shades of L1CAM in the Pathophysiology of Cancer Stem Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Giordano ◽  
Ugo Cavallaro
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Cytotoxic Agents ◽  
Tumor Initiating Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Tumor Types

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is aberrantly expressed in several tumor types where it is causally linked to malignancy and therapy resistance, acting also as a poor prognosis factor. Accordingly, several approaches have been developed to interfere with L1CAM function or to deliver cytotoxic agents to L1CAM-expressing tumors. Metastatic dissemination, tumor relapse and drug resistance can be fueled by a subpopulation of neoplastic cells endowed with peculiar biological properties that include self-renewal, efficient DNA repair, drug efflux machineries, quiescence, and immune evasion. These cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells, represent, therefore, an ideal target for tumor eradication. However, the molecular and functional traits of CSC have been unveiled only to a limited extent. In this context, it appears that L1CAM is expressed in the CSC compartment of certain tumors, where it plays a causal role in stemness itself and/or in biological processes intimately associated with CSC (e.g., epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chemoresistance). This review summarizes the role of L1CAM in cancer focusing on its functional contribution to CSC pathophysiology. We also discuss the clinical usefulness of therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting L1CAM in the context of anti-CSC treatments.

scholarly journals Role of Claudin Proteins in Regulating Cancer Stem Cells and Chemoresistance-Potential Implication in Disease Prognosis and Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saiprasad Gowrikumar ◽  
Amar B. Singh ◽  
Punita Dhawan
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
Potential Implication ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cell Cell

Claudins are cell–cell adhesion proteins, which are expressed in tight junctions (TJs), the most common apical cell-cell adhesion. Claudin proteins help to regulate defense and barrier functions, as well as differentiation and polarity in epithelial and endothelial cells. A series of studies have now reported dysregulation of claudin proteins in cancers. However, the precise mechanisms are still not well understood. Nonetheless, studies have clearly demonstrated a causal role of multiple claudins in the regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key feature in the acquisition of a cancer stem cell phenotype in cancer cells. In addition, claudin proteins are known to modulate therapy resistance in cancer cells, a feature associated with cancer stem cells. In this review, we have focused primarily on highlighting the causal link between claudins, cancer stem cells, and therapy resistance. We have also contemplated the significance of claudins as novel targets in improving the efficacy of cancer therapy. Overall, this review provides a much-needed understanding of the emerging role of claudin proteins in cancer malignancy and therapeutic management.

scholarly journals PIK3C3 Inhibition Promotes Sensitivity to Colon Cancer Therapy by Inhibiting Cancer Stem Cells

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2168
Author(s):  
Balawant Kumar ◽  
Rizwan Ahmad ◽  
Swagat Sharma ◽  
Saiprasad Gowrikumar ◽  
Mark Primeaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Side Population ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Fluorescent Reporter ◽  
Combination Treatments ◽  
Gsk 3Β ◽  
Resistance To Chemotherapy

Background: Despite recent advances in therapies, resistance to chemotherapy remains a critical problem in the clinical management of colorectal cancer (CRC). Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a central role in therapy resistance. Thus, elimination of CSCs is crucial for effective CRC therapy; however, such strategies are limited. Autophagy promotes resistance to cancer therapy; however, whether autophagy protects CSCs to promote resistance to CRC-therapy is not well understood. Moreover, specific and potent autophagy inhibitors are warranted as clinical trials with hydroxychloroquine have not been successful. Methods: Colon cancer cells and tumoroids were used. Fluorescent reporter-based analysis of autophagy flux, spheroid and side population (SP) culture, and qPCR were done. We synthesized 36-077, a potent inhibitor of PIK3C3/VPS34 kinase, to inhibit autophagy. Combination treatments were done using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 36-077. Results: The 5-FU treatment induced autophagy only in a subset of the treated colon cancer. These autophagy-enriched cells also showed increased expression of CSC markers. Co-treatment with 36-077 significantly improved efficacy of the 5-FU treatment. Mechanistic studies revealed that combination therapy inhibited GSK-3β/Wnt/β-catenin signaling to inhibit CSC population. Conclusion: Autophagy promotes resistance to CRC-therapy by specifically promoting GSK-3β/Wnt/β-catenin signaling to promote CSC survival, and 36-077, a PIK3C3/VPS34 inhibitor, helps promote efficacy of CRC therapy.

scholarly journals Cancer Stem Cells Are Possible Key Players in Regulating Anti-Tumor Immune Responses: The Role of Immunomodulating Molecules and MicroRNAs

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1674
Author(s):  
Sara Tomei ◽  
Ola Ibnaof ◽  
Shilpa Ravindran ◽  
Soldano Ferrone ◽  
Cristina Maccalli
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Antigen Processing ◽  
Aberrant Expression ◽  
Immunological Profile ◽  
Malignant Lesions ◽  
Novel Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Antigen Processing And Presentation

Cancer cells endowed with stemness properties and representing a rare population of cells within malignant lesions have been isolated from tumors with different histological origins. These cells, denominated as cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer initiating cells (CICs), are responsible for tumor initiation, progression and resistance to therapies, including immunotherapy. The dynamic crosstalk of CSCs/CICs with the tumor microenvironment orchestrates their fate and plasticity as well as their immunogenicity. CSCs/CICs, as observed in multiple studies, display either the aberrant expression of immunomodulatory molecules or suboptimal levels of molecules involved in antigen processing and presentation, leading to immune evasion. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that can regulate either stemness properties or their immunological profile, with in some cases dual functions, can provide insights into these mechanisms and possible interventions to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs/CICs and reverting their immunogenicity. In this review, we provide an overview of the immunoregulatory features of CSCs/CICs including miRNA profiles involved in the regulation of the interplay between stemness and immunological properties.

scholarly journals The Role of Autophagy and lncRNAs in the Maintenance of Cancer Stem Cells

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1239
Author(s):  
Leila Jahangiri ◽  
Tala Ishola ◽  
Perla Pucci ◽  
Ricky M. Trigg ◽  
Joao Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
Repair Capacity ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cellular Processes

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.

scholarly journals Modeling the Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme and Cancer Stem Cells with Ordinary Differential Equations

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Abernathy ◽  
Jeremy Burke
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Glioblastoma Multiforme ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Differential Equations ◽  
Ordinary Differential Equations ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Tumor Recurrence ◽  
Common Event

Despite improvements in cancer therapy and treatments, tumor recurrence is a common event in cancer patients. One explanation of recurrence is that cancer therapy focuses on treatment of tumor cells and does not eradicate cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are postulated to behave similar to normal stem cells in that their role is to maintain homeostasis. That is, when the population of tumor cells is reduced or depleted by treatment, CSCs will repopulate the tumor, causing recurrence. In this paper, we study the application of the CSC Hypothesis to the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme by immunotherapy. We extend the work of Kogan et al. (2008) to incorporate the dynamics of CSCs, prove the existence of a recurrence state, and provide an analysis of possible cancerous states and their dependence on treatment levels.

scholarly journals Glioma Revisited: From Neurogenesis and Cancer Stem Cells to the Epigenetic Regulation of the Niche

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe de Almeida Sassi ◽  
Algemir Lunardi Brunetto ◽  
Gilberto Schwartsmann ◽  
Rafael Roesler ◽  
Ana Lucia Abujamra
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Heterogeneous Population ◽  
Aggressive Tumor ◽  
Epigenetic Modulation ◽  
The Brain

Gliomas are the most incident brain tumor in adults. This malignancy has very low survival rates, even when combining radio- and chemotherapy. Among the gliomas, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type, and patients frequently relapse or become refractory to conventional therapies. The fact that such an aggressive tumor can arise in such a carefully orchestrated organ, where cellular proliferation is barely needed to maintain its function, is a question that has intrigued scientists until very recently, when the discovery of the existence of proliferative cells in the brain overcame such challenges. Even so, the precise origin of gliomas still remains elusive. Thanks to new advents in molecular biology, researchers have been able to depict the first steps of glioma formation and to accumulate knowledge about how neural stem cells and its progenitors become gliomas. Indeed, GBM are composed of a very heterogeneous population of cells, which exhibit a plethora of tumorigenic properties, supporting the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in these tumors. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of how gliomas initiate and progress, taking into account the role of epigenetic modulation in the crosstalk of cancer cells with their environment.

scholarly journals Role of p38γ MAPK in regulation of EMT and cancer stem cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 1864 (11) ◽  
pp. 3605-3617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei Xu ◽  
Siying Wang ◽  
Yongchao Wang ◽  
Huaxun Wu ◽  
Jacqueline A. Frank ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells
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