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Enrichment for Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells from Human Cell Lines
Published on: September 10, 2014
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Ovarian Cancer Stem Cell Heterogeneity
Jiri Hatina1, Maximilian Boesch2, Sieghart Sopper3,4
1Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Institute of Biology, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|May 29, 2019
Summary
Ovarian carcinoma heterogeneity may stem from diverse origins, including fallopian tube cells. Targeting cancer stem cells or their niche offers therapeutic potential and prognostic markers, like the Vav3.1 variant.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Cancer Stem Cell Biology
- Molecular Pathology
Background:
- Ovarian carcinoma exhibits significant clinical, histopathological, and molecular heterogeneity.
- The cell of origin, potentially fallopian tube secretory cells or ovarian surface epithelium stem cells, contributes to this heterogeneity.
- Cancer stem cells play a crucial role in ovarian carcinoma's clinical behavior and chemoresistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the heterogeneity of ovarian carcinoma and its origins.
- To investigate the role of cancer stem cells in disease progression and chemoresistance.
- To identify novel therapeutic targets and prognostic markers within ovarian carcinoma stem cell populations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cell of origin in high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas.
- Utilizing cell surface markers (e.g., CD24, CD44) and functional assays (ALDEFLUOR™, side population) to identify ovarian carcinoma stem cells.
- Profiling of side population cells and discovery of the Vav3.1 transcript variant.
Main Results:
- Fallopian tube secretory cells are implicated in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma initiation.
- Ovarian carcinoma stem cells, including heterogeneous side population cells, contribute to chemoresistance.
- The Vav3.1 transcript variant serves as a prognostic marker for unfavorable outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the cell of origin and stem cell components is key to addressing ovarian carcinoma heterogeneity.
- Targeting cancer stem cells or their niche presents a promising therapeutic strategy.
- The Vav3.1 transcript variant can aid in identifying patients with a poorer prognosis, guiding treatment decisions.
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