Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Isolation and Functional Assessment of Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells from Cell and Tissue Samples
Published on: October 2, 2020
Retracted: Expression and Function of PPARs in Cancer Stem Cells
Yiming Zhang, Xu Zhang, Jing Wang
1Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China. raoraowang@tongji.edu.cn.
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor initiation and metastasis. Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) influence CSCs, offering potential new anti-cancer treatment targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess stem cell-like properties, driving tumor initiation, metastasis, and recurrence.
- Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors implicated in cancer development and tumorigenesis.
- PPARs are known to influence the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process crucial for CSC initiation and function, though mechanisms are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the regulatory roles and mechanisms of PPARs in CSC formation and function.
- To evaluate the potential of PPARs as therapeutic targets for anti-cancer strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on PPARs and CSCs.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking PPARs to CSC regulation.
- Evaluation of preclinical and clinical data regarding PPAR-targeted cancer therapies.
Main Results:
- PPARs modulate key CSC characteristics, including self-renewal and differentiation.
- PPARs influence EMT, a critical process in CSC initiation and metastatic potential.
- Evidence suggests PPARs can impact CSC resistance to conventional therapies.
Conclusions:
- PPARs play a significant role in regulating CSCs, impacting tumor initiation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.
- Targeting PPARs presents a promising strategy for novel anti-cancer treatments aimed at eliminating CSCs.
Related Concept Videos
Distinctive Features of Adult Stem Cells vs Cancer Stem Cells
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells are tissue-specific; hence, they divide to develop the tissue from which they originate. One type of adult stem cell is the epithelial stem cell, which gives rise to the keratinocytes in the multiple layers of epithelial cells in the epidermis of the skin. Adult bone marrow has three distinct types of stem cells:...
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...
Adult Stem Cells
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

