Shared cell surface marker expression in mesenchymal stem cells and adult sarcomas

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Advanced adult soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) have poor prognoses and limited treatment options.
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) share characteristics with cancer stem cells and can be isolated using specific antibodies.
• Sarcoma stem cells may resemble their precursor MSCs in terms of immunophenotype.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the expression patterns of MSC markers in sarcoma cell lines and primary tumor samples.
• To compare these patterns with those of fibroblasts and MSCs.
• To identify potential sarcoma progenitor cell markers.

Main Methods:

• Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of MSC markers in sarcoma cells, fibroblasts, and MSCs.
• Primary tumor samples and established sarcoma cell lines were examined.
• Antibodies for specific MSC markers were utilized for prospective isolation and analysis.

Main Results:

• Sarcoma cells express a significant number of MSC markers, with some uniformly expressed and others found in subpopulations.
• Markers like W5C5, tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), CD344, and CD271 were expressed in subpopulations with increased proliferation potential.
• CD271+ cells showed in vitro doxorubicin resistance and enhanced sphere formation, while CD117 and CD133 were not expressed.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a hierarchical cellular architecture in common adult soft-tissue sarcomas.
• W5C5, TNAP, CD344, and CD271 are proposed as potential sarcoma progenitor cell markers.
• This research provides insights into the cellular origins and potential therapeutic targets for STSs.