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A stem cell is an unspecialized cell that can divide without limit as needed and can, under specific conditions, differentiate into specialized cells.
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Environmental exposures, stem cells, and cancer.

Tasha Thong1, Chanese A Forté2, Evan M Hill1

  • 1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.

Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|August 4, 2019
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Environmental exposures are linked to most cancers. This review explores how environmental factors affect stem cell biology, influencing cancer development and prevention strategies for better health outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Cancer Biology
  • Stem Cell Science

Background:

  • An estimated 70-90% of cancers are linked to environmental risk factors.
  • Stem cell numbers predict cancer risk, and tumors often exhibit stem cell characteristics.
  • Tumor growth is sustained by stem cell-like populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interplay between environmental exposures, stem cell biology, and cancer.
  • To discuss stem cell roles in development, homeostasis, and repair.
  • To examine how environmental factors impact stem cell function in carcinogenesis and cancer prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on stem cell biology and environmental exposures.
  • Discussion of stem cell plasticity, regulation, and assessment methods.
  • Focus on chemical, physical, and biological hazards in occupational and environmental settings.

Main Results:

  • Environmental exposures significantly impact stem cell function, influencing cancer risk.
  • Understanding stem cell mechanisms is crucial for cancer prevention.
  • Complex exposure mixtures may underlie cancer disparities.

Conclusions:

  • Stem cell biology is central to understanding environmental carcinogenesis.
  • Further research is needed to define the impact of complex exposures on stem cells.
  • Targeting stem cell pathways offers potential for cancer prevention and treatment.