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Isolation and Characterization of a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subpopulation Having Stem Cell Characteristics
Published on: May 11, 2016
CD44 as a stem cell marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Anne Faber1, Christine Barth, Karl Hörmann
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany.
Oncology Reports
|May 28, 2011
Summary
Resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) may contain cancer stem cells (CSCs). CD44, a marker for CSCs, was found at higher concentrations in HNSCC patients
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Increasing evidence suggests a resistant subpopulation of tumor cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
- These cells, identified as cancer stem cells (CSCs), possess self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation capabilities similar to somatic stem cells.
- CD44+ cells are recognized as CSCs within HNSCC tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of CD44 in HNSCC tumors and its concentration in the peripheral blood of patients.
- To explore the potential of CD44 as a marker for CSCs in HNSCC.
Main Methods:
- Expression profiling of CD44 in 29 HNSCC tumor samples using fluorescence microscopy.
- ELISA analysis to quantify soluble CD44 concentrations in the peripheral blood of 29 HNSCC patients and 11 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- CD44 expression was detected on the surface of all analyzed HNSCC tissue samples.
- Soluble CD44 concentrations were significantly higher in HNSCC patients (13.5 ± 0.5 ng/ml) compared to healthy controls (9.3 ± 0.6 ng/ml), with a P-value of 0.6 x 10(-12).
Conclusions:
- The study identified elevated CD44 levels in HNSCC patients, suggesting its potential association with CSCs.
- Further research is warranted to confirm CD44's role as a diagnostic and prognostic factor, and a possible therapeutic target in HNSCC.
