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Bladder cancer stem cells: clonal origin and therapeutic perspectives
Yi Li1, Kaisu Lin2, Zhao Yang3
1Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
Oncotarget
|October 15, 2017
Summary
Bladder cancer stem cells (BCSCs) drive tumor initiation, recurrence, and chemoresistance. Targeting BCSCs and their signaling pathways offers new therapeutic strategies for bladder cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Urology
Background:
- Bladder cancer is characterized by high recurrence rates and resistance to chemotherapy.
- Bladder cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and treatment failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the origin and therapeutic potential of bladder cancer stem cells (BCSCs).
- To highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying BCSC function and chemoresistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on bladder cancer stem cells.
- Identification of cell surface markers for BCSC isolation (e.g., CD44, EMA).
- Analysis of key signaling pathways (Hedgehog, Notch, Wnt, JAK-STAT) involved in stemness.
Main Results:
- BCSCs are heterogeneous, originating from various urothelial cell types.
- Specific cell surface markers and signaling pathways are crucial for BCSC maintenance.
- BCSCs exhibit chemoresistance due to high expression of ABC transporters and apoptosis resistance proteins.
Conclusions:
- Understanding BCSC biology is vital for developing novel therapeutic targets.
- Targeting BCSCs and associated pathways may improve treatment outcomes for bladder cancer patients.