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Cancer stem cell plasticity and tumor hierarchy
Marina Carla Cabrera1, Robert E Hollingsworth1, Elaine M Hurt1
1Marina Carla Cabrera, Robert E Hollingsworth, Elaine M Hurt, MedImmune, LLC, Department of Oncology Research, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States.
World Journal of Stem Cells
|January 27, 2015
Summary
Cancer stem cell plasticity allows cells to dynamically switch states, contributing to tumor heterogeneity. This adaptability influences cancer development and treatment resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Intratumoral heterogeneity is a complex hallmark of cancer.
- Clonal evolution and cancer stem cell (CSC) models are established drivers of tumor diversity.
- Cancer stem cell plasticity introduces dynamic state conversion, adding complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature supporting the dynamic cancer stem cell state.
- To discuss the effectors of cancer stem cell plasticity.
- To examine the role of plasticity in cancer development and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cancer stem cell plasticity.
- Analysis of microenvironmental signals and cellular interactions.
- Examination of plasticity's impact on treatment response.
Main Results:
- Cancer stem cell plasticity involves bidirectional state conversion (non-CSC to CSC and vice versa).
- Tumor microenvironment signals and niche interactions modulate CSC plasticity.
- Plasticity contributes to tumor cell transformation and treatment resistance.
Conclusions:
- Cancer stem cell plasticity is a key mechanism driving intratumoral heterogeneity.
- Understanding plasticity effectors is crucial for developing novel cancer therapies.
- Targeting CSC plasticity may overcome treatment resistance in solid tumors.
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