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Crosstalk between DNA repair and cancer stem cell (CSC) associated intracellular pathways

Sergej Skvortsov1, Paul Debbage2, Peter Lukas1

  • 1Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.

Seminars in Cancer Biology
|June 24, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) resist DNA damaging treatments due to unique molecular properties. Understanding these features is key to improving cancer therapy effectiveness against refractory tumor subpopulations.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • DNA damaging agents like ionizing radiation and chemotherapeutics are primary cancer treatments.
  • A subpopulation of carcinoma cells within tumors exhibits resistance to these therapies.
  • This resistance is linked to the unique molecular characteristics of carcinoma stem cells (CSCs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel data on the molecular features of CSCs.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of DNA damage response in CSCs.
  • To explore intracellular signaling pathways involved in CSC resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on CSCs and DNA damage response.
  • Analysis of molecular properties and signaling pathways in refractory cancer cells.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on CSCs' role in treatment resistance.

Main Results:

  • CSCs possess distinct molecular attributes that confer resistance to DNA damaging agents.
  • Specific intracellular signaling pathways are implicated in the DNA damage response of CSCs.
  • These molecular features contribute to the limited efficacy of conventional therapies against certain tumors.

Conclusions:

  • Carcinoma stem cells are a key factor in tumor resistance to DNA damaging treatments.
  • Targeting CSC-specific molecular pathways may overcome treatment resistance.
  • Further research into CSC biology is crucial for developing more effective cancer therapies.
Keywords:
Ape1/Ref-1Cancer stem cellsDNA repairIntracellular signallingMRN complex

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