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Intestinal stem cells and the colorectal cancer microenvironment
Bryan A Ong1, Kenneth J Vega1, Courtney W Houchen1
1Bryan A Ong, Kenneth J Vega, Courtney W Houchen, Department of Digestive Diseases, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United States.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 4, 2014
Summary
Colorectal cancer stem cells exhibit resilience and contribute to metastasis. Understanding their link to normal stem cells and niche dependence is key to improving CRC treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, often due to treatment resistance and metastasis.
- Stem-like cancer cells within tumors are implicated in CRC growth, metastasis, and treatment failure.
- These cells share characteristics with normal intestinal stem cells, including restorative abilities and pathway activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for the existence and behavior of colorectal cancer stem cells.
- To explore the relationship between CRC stem cells and normal intestinal stem cells.
- To investigate the potential dependence of CRC stem cells on the stem cell niche.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on colorectal cancer stem cells.
- Analysis of studies investigating stem cell markers, pathways, and niche interactions in CRC.
- Examination of evidence regarding cellular plasticity and epithelial mesenchymal transition in CRC metastasis.
Main Results:
- Colorectal cancer stem cells possess phenotypic heterogeneity, contributing to treatment resistance.
- These cells share similarities with normal intestinal stem cells in restorative capacity, cell pathways, and niche responses.
- Emerging evidence highlights the role of cellular plasticity and epithelial mesenchymal transition in CRC metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Colorectal cancer stem cells are a critical factor in CRC progression and therapeutic challenges.
- Further understanding of CRC stem cell biology and their niche interactions is essential for developing novel treatment strategies.
- Investigating the parallels with normal stem cells may offer new therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer.
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