Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Isolation and Functional Assessment of Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells from Cell and Tissue Samples
Published on: October 2, 2020
Statins, stem cells, and cancer
Kalamegam Gauthaman1, Chui-Yee Fong, Ariff Bongso
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
Abstract:
The statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) were proven to be effective antilipid agents against cardiovascular disease. Recent reports demonstrate an anticancer effect induced by the statins through inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, or inhibition of angiogenesis. These effects are due to suppression of the mevalonate pathway leading to depletion of various downstream products that play an essential role in cell cycle progression, cell signaling, and membrane integrity. Recent evidence suggests a shared genomic fingerprint between embryonic stem cells, cancer cells, and cancer stem cells. Activation targets of NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, and c-MYC are more frequently overexpressed in certain tumors. In the absence of bona fide cancer stem cell lines, human embryonic stem cells, which have similar properties to cancer and cancer stem cells, have been an excellent model throwing light on the anticancer affects of various putative anticancer agents. It was shown that key cellular functions in karyotypically abnormal colorectal and ovarian cancer cells and human embryonic stem cells are inhibited by the statins and this is mediated via a suppression of this stemness pathway. The strategy for treatment of cancers may thus be the targeting of a putative cancer stem cell within the tumor with specific agents such as the statins with or without chemotherapy. The statins may thus play a dual prophylactic role as a lipid-lowering drug for the prevention of heart disease and as an anticancer agent to prevent certain cancers. This review examines the relationship between the statins, stem cells, and certain cancers.
Insights
Statins, known for lowering lipids and preventing heart disease, also exhibit anticancer properties. They inhibit cancer stem cell pathways, suggesting a dual role in preventing cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are established antilipid agents.
- Emerging evidence highlights statins' anticancer effects via antiproliferation, apoptosis induction, and anti-angiogenesis.
- These effects stem from the suppression of the mevalonate pathway, impacting cell cycle, signaling, and membrane integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between statins, stem cells, and cancer.
- To explore the potential of statins as anticancer agents targeting cancer stem cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on statins, stem cells, and cancer.
- Analysis of the mevalonate pathway's role in cell function and cancer stem cell properties.
- Examination of human embryonic stem cells as a model for cancer stem cells.
Main Results:
- Statins inhibit key cellular functions in cancer cells and human embryonic stem cells by suppressing the stemness pathway.
- Shared genomic features exist between embryonic stem cells, cancer cells, and cancer stem cells, with overexpression of NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, and c-MYC in tumors.
- Human embryonic stem cells serve as a valuable model for studying anticancer agents due to their similar properties to cancer and cancer stem cells.
Conclusions:
- Statins demonstrate a dual role: lipid-lowering for cardiovascular health and anticancer effects by targeting cancer stem cells.
- Targeting cancer stem cells with agents like statins, potentially combined with chemotherapy, represents a promising cancer treatment strategy.
- Statins may offer a prophylactic benefit against certain cancers, in addition to their established role in cardiovascular disease prevention.
Related Concept Videos
02:40Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
02:40Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
01:21Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
01:18Distinctive Features of Adult Stem Cells vs Cancer Stem Cells
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells are tissue-specific; hence, they divide to develop the tissue from which they originate. One type of adult stem cell is the epithelial stem cell, which gives rise to the keratinocytes in the multiple layers of epithelial cells in the epidermis of the skin. Adult bone marrow has three distinct types of stem cells:...