Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Radiosensitivity of Cancer Stem Cells in Lung Cancer Cell Lines
Published on: August 21, 2019
Cancer stem cell epigenetics and chemoresistance
Francesco Crea1, Romano Danesi, William L Farrar
1Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy. creaf@mail.nih.gov
Abstract:
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to sustain cancer progression, metastasis and recurrence after therapy. There is in vitro and in vivo evidence supporting the idea that CSCs are highly chemoresistant. Epigenetic gene regulation is crucial for both stem cell biology and chemoresistance. In this review, we summarize current data on epigenetic mechanisms of chemoresistance in cancer stem cells. We propose a model integrating classical CSC pathways (Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch), epigenetic effectors (Polycomb) and drug resistance genes (ABCG2, CD44). Moreover, we analyze the potential of epigenetic drugs to reverse CSC chemoresistance. In the future, CSC epigenomic profiling could help to dissect specific chemoresistance pathways, and have a significant clinical impact for patient stratification and rational design of therapeutic regimens.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer 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...
Cancer 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...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...

