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Updated: Jan 3, 2026
Isolation and Functional Assessment of Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells from Cell and Tissue Samples
Published on: October 2, 2020
Epigenetic profiles capturing breast cancer stemness for triple negative breast cancer control
Xiaofeng Dai1, Rong Ma1,2, Xijiang Zhao3
1Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China.
Abstract:
Aim: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) contain a higher percentage of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) than the other subtypes and lack effective yet safe-targeted therapies. We would like to unveil genes relevant to the therapeutic control of breast cancer stemness at the epigenetic level. Methods: We sequenced the transcriptome of BCSCs isolated from TNBCs, identified genes differentially expressed in these cells and subjected to DNA methylation and established the Bayesian network as well as interactions out of them. Results & conclusion: We presented a core epigenetic BCSC gene panel consisting of eight genes that can be used for BCSCs and TNBCs identification, and revealed the dominant roles of FOXA1 and GATA3 in orchestrating breast cancer heterogeneity and stemness.
Insights
This study identifies a core panel of eight epigenetic genes for identifying triple-negative breast cancer stem cells. FOXA1 and GATA3 play key roles in regulating breast cancer stemness and heterogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits a higher proportion of cancer stem cells (CSCs) compared to other subtypes.
- Current targeted therapies for TNBC are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in tumor recurrence and therapeutic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes regulating breast cancer stemness at the epigenetic level.
- To discover novel therapeutic targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
- To understand the epigenetic mechanisms driving breast cancer heterogeneity and stemness.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and transcriptome sequencing of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) from TNBC patients.
- Differential gene expression analysis and DNA methylation profiling of BCSCs.
- Bayesian network construction to elucidate gene interactions and regulatory networks.
Main Results:
- A core epigenetic gene panel of eight genes was identified for BCSCs and TNBC identification.
- The study revealed significant roles for FOXA1 and GATA3 in regulating breast cancer heterogeneity.
- Epigenetic dysregulation was found to be a key driver of breast cancer stemness.
Conclusions:
- The identified eight-gene panel offers potential for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in TNBC.
- FOXA1 and GATA3 are critical regulators of breast cancer stemness and heterogeneity.
- Targeting epigenetic mechanisms presents a promising avenue for novel TNBC therapies.
