51
|
Liao CK, Fang KM, Chai K, Wu CH, Ho CH, Yang CS, Tzeng SF. Depletion of B cell CLL/Lymphoma 11B Gene Expression Represses Glioma Cell Growth. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:3528-3539. [PMID: 26096706 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
B cell CLL/lymphoma 11B (Bcl11b), a C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor, not only serves as a critical regulator in development but also plays the controversial role in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). We previously found that the enriched expression of Bcl11b was detected in high tumorigenic C6 glioma cells. However, the role of Bcl11b in glioma malignancy and its mechanisms remains to be uncovered. In this study, using the lentivirus-mediated knockdown (KD) approach, we found that Bcl11b KD in tumorigenic C6 cells reduced the cell proliferation, colony formation, and migratory ability. The results were further verified using two human malignant glioma cell lines, U87 and U251 cells. A cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, a known Bcl11b target, was significantly upregulated in tumorigenic C6, U87, and U251 cells after Bcl11b KD. Cellular senescence was observed by examination of the β-galactosidase activity in U87 and U251 cells with Bcl11b KD. Reduced expression of stemness gene Sox-2 and its downstream effector Bmi-1 was also observed in U87 and U251 cells with Bcl11b KD. These results suggest that the ablation of Bcl11b gene expression induced glioma cell senescence. Propidium iodide (PI) staining combined with flow cytometry analysis also showed that Bcl11b KD led to the cell cycle arrest of U87 and U251 cells at the G0/G1 or at the S phase, indicating that Bcl11b is required for glioma cell cycle progression. Together, this is the first study to show that the inhibition of Bcl11b suppresses glioma cell growth by regulating the expression of the cell cycle regulator p21 and stemness-associated genes (Sox-2/Bmi-1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Kai Liao
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Min Fang
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kitman Chai
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hsien Wu
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Ho
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Shi Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fen Tzeng
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Jiao Y, Li H, Liu Y, Guo A, Xu X, Qu X, Wang S, Zhao J, Li Y, Cao Y. Resveratrol Inhibits the Invasion of Glioblastoma-Initiating Cells via Down-Regulation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Nutrients 2015; 7:4383-402. [PMID: 26043036 PMCID: PMC4488790 DOI: 10.3390/nu7064383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Revised: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion and metastasis of glioblastoma-initiating cells (GICs) are thought to be responsible for the progression and recurrence of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). A safe drug that can be applied during the rest period of temozolomide (TMZ) maintenance cycles would greatly improve the prognosis of GBM patients by inhibiting GIC invasion. Resveratrol (RES) is a natural compound that exhibits anti-invasion properties in multiple tumor cell lines. The current study aimed to evaluate whether RES can inhibit GIC invasion in vitro and in vivo. GICs were identified using CD133 and Nestin immunofluorescence staining and tumorigenesis in non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice. Invasive behaviors, including the adhesion, invasion and migration of GICs, were determined by tumor invasive assays in vitro and in vivo. The activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was measured by the gelatin zymography assay. Western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine the expression of signaling effectors in GICs. We demonstrated that RES suppressed the adhesion, invasion and migration of GICs in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we proved that RES inhibited the invasion of GICs via the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal transduction and the subsequent suppression of MMP-2 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yaodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Anchen Guo
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100050, China.
- Laborotary of Clinical Medicine Research, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Xiaoxue Xu
- Medical Experiments and Testing Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Xianjun Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Chemical Biology & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Jizong Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Chemical Biology & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Jeter CR, Yang T, Wang J, Chao HP, Tang DG. Concise Review: NANOG in Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Development: An Update and Outstanding Questions. Stem Cells 2015; 33:2381-90. [PMID: 25821200 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The homeobox domain transcription factor NANOG, a key regulator of embryonic development and cellular reprogramming, has been reported to be broadly expressed in human cancers. Functional studies have provided strong evidence that NANOG possesses protumorigenic attributes. In addition to promoting self-renewal and long-term proliferative potential of stem-like cancer cells, NANOG-mediated oncogenic reprogramming may underlie clinical manifestations of malignant disease. In this review, we examine the molecular origin, expression, biological activities, and mechanisms of action of NANOG in various malignancies. We also consider clinical implications such as correlations between NANOG expression and cancer prognosis and/or response to therapy. We surmise that NANOG potentiates the molecular circuitry of tumorigenesis, and thus may represent a novel therapeutic target or biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcome of cancer. Finally, we present critical pending questions relating NANOG to cancer stem cells and tumor development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collene R Jeter
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, Texas, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Cancer Stem Cell Institute, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Junchen Wang
- Cancer Stem Cell Institute, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hsueh-Ping Chao
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, Texas, USA
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, Texas, USA.,Cancer Stem Cell Institute, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Zhong LX, Li H, Wu ML, Liu XY, Zhong MJ, Chen XY, Liu J, Zhang Y. Inhibition of STAT3 signaling as critical molecular event in resveratrol-suppressed ovarian cancer cells. J Ovarian Res 2015; 8:25. [PMID: 25896424 PMCID: PMC4409989 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-015-0152-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Resveratrol exerts inhibitory effects on ovarian cancer cells, while its underlying mechanism and critical molecular target(s) have been lesser known. Activations of Wnt, Notch and STAT3 signaling are frequent in ovarian cancers/OCs and supposed to be important for OC formation and progression, while the impacts of resveratrol on these signaling pathways in OC cells remain obscure. Methods In this study, two human ovarian cancer cell lines, OVCAR-3 and CAOV-3, were treated by 120 μM resveratrol and their responses to the treatment and the statuses of Wnt, Notch and STAT3 signaling in them were analyzed by multiple experimental approaches. Selective inhibitors of Wnt, Notch or STAT3 signaling were employed to treat OVCAR-3 and CAOV-3 cells to elucidate the significance of individual signaling pathways for ovarian cancers. Results The results demonstrated distinct inhibitory effects of resveratrol on human ovarian cancer cells in terms of remarkable G1 phase accumulation, increased apoptosis fraction and concurrent suppression of Wnt, Notch and STAT3 signaling as well as their downstream cancer-related gene expression. Treatments with Wnt, Notch or STAT3 selective inhibitor revealed that only AG490, a JAK-specific inhibitor, inhibits OVCAR-3 and CAOV-3 cells in the extent as similar as that of resveratrol. Conclusion Our results suggest the significance of STAT3 activation in the maintenance and survival of ovarian cancer cells. The activated STAT3 signaling is the critical molecular target of resveratrol. Resveratrol would be a promising candidate in the management of ovarian cancers, especially the ones with resistance to conventional therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xia Zhong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 110042, China.
| | - Hong Li
- Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics and Department of Cell Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Mo-Li Wu
- Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics and Department of Cell Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics and Department of Cell Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Ming-Jun Zhong
- Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics and Department of Cell Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Chen
- Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics and Department of Cell Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Jia Liu
- Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics and Department of Cell Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 110042, China.
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Guo H, Liu C, Yang L, Dong L, Wang L, Wang Q, Li H, Zhang J, Lin P, Wang X. Morusin inhibits glioblastoma stem cell growth in vitro and in vivo through stemness attenuation, adipocyte transdifferentiation, and apoptosis induction. Mol Carcinog 2014; 55:77-89. [PMID: 25557841 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Guo
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; West China Clinical Medical School; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
- Department of Immunology; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College; Chengdu China
| | - Chuanlan Liu
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; West China Clinical Medical School; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Liuqi Yang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; West China Clinical Medical School; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Lihua Dong
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; West China Clinical Medical School; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; West China Clinical Medical School; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Qiaoping Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; West China Clinical Medical School; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Haiyan Li
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; West China Clinical Medical School; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; West China Clinical Medical School; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Ping Lin
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; West China Clinical Medical School; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Xiujie Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; West China Clinical Medical School; Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitors induce the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway to suppress growth and self-renewal in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:5349-54. [PMID: 24706870 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1317731111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a common pediatric malignancy of muscle, with relapse being the major clinical challenge. Self-renewing tumor-propagating cells (TPCs) drive cancer relapse and are confined to a molecularly definable subset of ERMS cells. To identify drugs that suppress ERMS self-renewal and induce differentiation of TPCs, a large-scale chemical screen was completed. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inhibitors were identified as potent suppressors of ERMS growth through inhibiting proliferation and inducing terminal differentiation of TPCs into myosin-expressing cells. In support of GSK3 inhibitors functioning through activation of the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway, recombinant WNT3A and stabilized β-catenin also enhanced terminal differentiation of human ERMS cells. Treatment of ERMS-bearing zebrafish with GSK3 inhibitors activated the WNT/β-catenin pathway, resulting in suppressed ERMS growth, depleted TPCs, and diminished self-renewal capacity in vivo. Activation of the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway also significantly reduced self-renewal of human ERMS, indicating a conserved function for this pathway in modulating ERMS self-renewal. In total, we have identified an unconventional tumor suppressive role for the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway in regulating self-renewal of ERMS and revealed therapeutic strategies to target differentiation of TPCs in ERMS.
Collapse
|
57
|
Shetzer Y, Solomon H, Koifman G, Molchadsky A, Horesh S, Rotter V. The paradigm of mutant p53-expressing cancer stem cells and drug resistance. Carcinogenesis 2014; 35:1196-208. [PMID: 24658181 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgu073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well accepted that expression of mutant p53 involves the gain of oncogenic-specific activities accentuating the malignant phenotype. Depending on the specific cancer type, mutant p53 can contribute to either the early or the late events of the multiphase process underlying the transformation of a normal cell into a cancerous one. This multifactorial system is evident in ~50% of human cancers. Mutant p53 was shown to interfere with a variety of cellular functions that lead to augmented cell survival, cellular plasticity, aberration of DNA repair machinery and other effects. All these effects culminate in the acquisition of drug resistance often seen in cancer cells. Interestingly, drug resistance has also been suggested to be associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which reside within growing tumors. The notion that p53 plays a regulatory role in the life of stem cells, coupled with the observations that p53 mutations may contribute to the evolvement of CSCs makes it challenging to speculate that drug resistance and cancer recurrence are mediated by CSCs expressing mutant p53.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoav Shetzer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Hilla Solomon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Gabriela Koifman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Alina Molchadsky
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Stav Horesh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Varda Rotter
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Adult neurogenesis and glial oncogenesis: when the process fails. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:438639. [PMID: 24738058 PMCID: PMC3971505 DOI: 10.1155/2014/438639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are known for their high degree of invasiveness, aggressiveness, and lethality. These tumors are made up of heterogeneous cell populations and only a small part of these cells (known as cancer stem cells) is responsible for the initiation and recurrence of the tumor. The biology of cancer stem cells and their role in brain tumor growth and therapeutic resistance has been extensively investigated. Recent work suggests that glial tumors arise from neural stem cells that undergo a defective process of differentiation. The understanding of this process might permit the development of novel treatment strategies targeting cancer stem cells. In the present review, we address the mechanisms underlying glial tumor formation, paying special attention to cancer stem cells and the role of the microenvironment in preserving them and promoting tumor growth. Recent advancements in cancer stem cell biology, especially regarding tumor initiation and resistance to chemo- or radiotherapy, have led to the development of novel treatment strategies that focus on the niche of the stem cells that make up the tumor. Encouraging results from preclinical studies predict that these findings will be translated into the clinical field in the near future.
Collapse
|
59
|
Rivlin N, Koifman G, Rotter V. p53 orchestrates between normal differentiation and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 32:10-7. [PMID: 24406212 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
During recent years, it is becoming more and more evident that there is a tight connection between abnormal differentiation processes and cancer. While cancer and stem cells are very different, especially in terms of maintaining genomic integrity, these cell types also share many similar properties. In this review, we aim to provide an over-view of the roles of the key tumor suppressor, p53, in regulating normal differentiation and function of both stem cells and adult cells. When these functions are disrupted, undifferentiated cells may become transformed. Understanding the function of p53 in stem cells and its role in maintaining the balance between differentiation and malignant transformation can help shed light on cancer initiation and propagation, and hopefully also on cancer prevention and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noa Rivlin
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Gabriela Koifman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Varda Rotter
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Iacovides D, Michael S, Achilleos C, Strati K. Shared mechanisms in stemness and carcinogenesis: lessons from oncogenic viruses. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2013; 3:66. [PMID: 24400225 PMCID: PMC3872316 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2013.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A rise in technologies for epigenetic reprogramming of cells to pluripotency, highlights the potential of understanding and manipulating cellular plasticity in unprecedented ways. Increasing evidence points to shared mechanisms between cellular reprogramming and the carcinogenic process, with the emerging possibility to harness these parallels in future therapeutics. In this review, we present a synopsis of recent work from oncogenic viruses which contributes to this body of knowledge, establishing a nexus between infection, cancer, and stemness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stella Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Charis Achilleos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Brain tumor stem cells: Molecular characteristics and their impact on therapy. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 39:82-101. [PMID: 23831316 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary brain tumor and ranks among the most lethal of human cancers with conventional therapy offering only palliation. Great strides have been made in understanding brain cancer genetics and modeling these tumors with new targeted therapies being tested, but these advances have not translated into substantially improved patient outcomes. Multiple chemotherapeutic agents, including temozolomide, the first-line treatment for glioblastoma, have been developed to kill cancer cells. However, the response to temozolomide in GBM is modest. Radiation is also moderately effective but this approach is plagued by limitations due to collateral radiation damage to healthy brain tissue and development of radioresistance. Therapeutic resistance is attributed at least in part to a cell population within the tumor that possesses stem-like characteristics and tumor propagating capabilities, referred to as cancer stem cells. Within GBM, the intratumoral heterogeneity is derived from a combination of regional genetic variance and a cellular hierarchy often regulated by distinct cancer stem cell niches, most notably perivascular and hypoxic regions. With the recent emergence as a key player in tumor biology, cancer stem cells have symbiotic relationships with the tumor microenvironment, oncogenic signaling pathways, and epigenetic modifications. The origins of cancer stem cells and their contributions to brain tumor growth and therapeutic resistance are under active investigation with novel anti-cancer stem cell therapies offering potential new hope for this lethal disease.
Collapse
|