Glycosylation of Cancer Stem Cells: Function in Stemness, Tumorigenesis, and Metastasis

Aberrant glycosylation plays a critical role in tumor aggressiveness, progression, and metastasis. Emerging evidence associates cancer initiation and metastasis to the enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Several universal markers have been identified for CSCs characterization; however, a specific marker has not yet been identified for different cancer types. Specific glycosylation variation plays a major role in the progression and metastasis of different cancers. Interestingly, many of the CSC markers are glycoproteins and undergo differential glycosylation. Given the importance of CSCs and altered glycosylation in tumorigenesis, the present review will discuss current knowledge of altered glycosylation of CSCs and its application in cancer research.