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Borlongan MC, Saha D, Wang H. Tumor Microenvironment: A Niche for Cancer Stem Cell Immunotherapy. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:3-24. [PMID: 37861969 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10639-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Tumorigenic Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), often called tumor-initiating cells (TICs), represent a unique subset of cells within the tumor milieu. They stand apart from the bulk of tumor cells due to their exceptional self-renewal, metastatic, and differentiation capabilities. Despite significant progress in classifying CSCs, these cells remain notably resilient to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, contributing to cancer recurrence. In this review, our objective is to explore novel avenues of research that delve into the distinctive characteristics of CSCs within their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). We will start with an overview of the defining features of CSCs and then delve into their intricate interactions with cells from the lymphoid lineage, namely T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Furthermore, we will discuss their dynamic interplay with myeloid lineage cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Moreover, we will illuminate the crosstalk between CSCs and cells of mesenchymal origin, specifically fibroblasts, adipocytes, and endothelial cells. Subsequently, we will underscore the pivotal role of CSCs within the context of the tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM). Finally, we will highlight pre-clinical and clinical studies that target CSCs within the intricate landscape of the TME, including CAR-T therapy, oncolytic viruses, and CSC-vaccines, with the ultimate goal of uncovering novel avenues for CSC-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C Borlongan
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA
| | - Dipongkor Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
| | - Hongbin Wang
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Graduate Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
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Li YR, Fang Y, Lyu Z, Zhu Y, Yang L. Exploring the dynamic interplay between cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment: implications for novel therapeutic strategies. J Transl Med 2023; 21:686. [PMID: 37784157 PMCID: PMC10546755 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as key contributors to tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. In addition, CSCs play a significant role in inducing immune evasion, thereby compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The reciprocal communication between CSCs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is observed, with the TME providing a supportive niche for CSC survival and self-renewal, while CSCs, in turn, influence the polarization and persistence of the TME, promoting an immunosuppressive state. Consequently, these interactions hinder the efficacy of current cancer therapies, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches to modulate the TME and target CSCs. In this review, we highlight the intricate strategies employed by CSCs to evade immune surveillance and develop resistance to therapies. Furthermore, we examine the dynamic interplay between CSCs and the TME, shedding light on how this interaction impacts cancer progression. Moreover, we provide an overview of advanced therapeutic strategies that specifically target CSCs and the TME, which hold promise for future clinical and translational studies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zibai Lyu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Head and neck cancer patient-derived tumouroid cultures: opportunities and challenges. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1807-1818. [PMID: 36765173 PMCID: PMC10147637 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02167-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNC) are the seventh most prevalent cancer type globally. Despite their common categorisation, HNCs are a heterogeneous group of malignancies arising in various anatomical sites within the head and neck region. These cancers exhibit different clinical and biological manifestations, and this heterogeneity also contributes to the high rates of treatment failure and mortality. To evaluate patients who will respond to a particular treatment, there is a need to develop in vitro model systems that replicate in vivo tumour status. Among the methods developed, patient-derived cancer organoids, also known as tumouroids, recapitulate in vivo tumour characteristics including tumour architecture. Tumouroids have been used for general disease modelling and genetic instability studies in pan-cancer research. However, a limited number of studies have thus far been conducted using tumouroid-based drug screening. Studies have concluded that tumouroids can play an essential role in bringing precision medicine for highly heterogenous cancer types such as HNC.
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Jurj A, Ionescu C, Berindan-Neagoe I, Braicu C. The extracellular matrix alteration, implication in modulation of drug resistance mechanism: friends or foes? J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:276. [PMID: 36114508 PMCID: PMC9479349 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), having several important roles related to the hallmarks of cancer. In cancer, multiple components of the ECM have been shown to be altered. Although most of these alterations are represented by the increased or decreased quantity of the ECM components, changes regarding the functional alteration of a particular ECM component or of the ECM as a whole have been described. These alterations can be induced by the cancer cells directly or by the TME cells, with cancer-associated fibroblasts being of particular interest in this regard. Because the ECM has this wide array of functions in the tumor, preclinical and clinical studies have assessed the possibility of targeting the ECM, with some of them showing encouraging results. In the present review, we will highlight the most relevant ECM components presenting a comprehensive description of their physical, cellular and molecular properties which can alter the therapy response of the tumor cells. Lastly, some evidences regarding important biological processes were discussed, offering a more detailed understanding of how to modulate altered signalling pathways and to counteract drug resistance mechanisms in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Calin Ionescu
- 7Th Surgical Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Surgical Department, Municipal Hospital, 400139, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Research Center for Oncopathology and Translational Medicine (CCOMT), George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540139, Targu Mures, Romania.
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Deng S, Li L, Xu S, Wang X, Han T. Promotion of gastric tumor initiating cells in a 3D collagen gel culture model via YBX1/SPP1/NF-κB signaling. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:599. [PMID: 34758833 PMCID: PMC8579534 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02307-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The high potential for tumor recurrence and chemoresistance is a major challenge of clinical gastric cancer treatment. Increasing evidence suggests that the presence of tumor initiating cells (TICs) is the principal cause of tumor recurrence and chemoresistance. However, the underlying mechanism of TIC development remains controversial. Methods To identify novel molecular pathways in gastric cancer, we screened the genomic expression profile of 155 gastric cancer patients from the TCGA database. We then described an improved 3D collagen I gels and tested the effects of collagen on the TIC phenotype of gastric cells using colony formation assay, transwell assay, and nude mouse models. Additionally, cell apoptosis assay was performed to examine the cytotoxicity of 5-fluorine and paclitaxel on gastric cancer cells cultured in 3D collagen I gels. Results Elevated expression of type I collagen was observed in tumor tissues from high stage patients (stage T3–T4) when compared to the low stage group (n=10, stage T1–T2). Furthermore, tumor cells seeded in a low concentration of collagen gels acquired TIC-like phenotypes and revealed enhanced resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, which was dependent on an integrin β1 (ITGB1)/Y-box Binding Protein 1 (YBX1)/Secreted Phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)/NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, inhibition of ITGB1/NF-κB signaling efficiently reversed the chemoresistance induced by collagen and promoted anticancer effects in vivo. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that type I collagen promoted TIC-like phenotypes and chemoresistance through ITGB1/YBX1/SPP1/NF-κB pathway, which may provide novel insights into gastric cancer therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02307-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangya Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lun Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shu Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tong Han
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Demers I, Donkers J, Kremer B, Speel EJ. Ex Vivo Culture Models to Indicate Therapy Response in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cells 2020; 9:E2527. [PMID: 33238461 PMCID: PMC7700693 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by a poor 5 year survival and varying response rates to both standard-of-care and new treatments. Despite advances in medicine and treatment methods, mortality rates have hardly decreased in recent decades. Reliable patient-derived tumor models offer the chance to predict therapy response in a personalized setting, thereby improving treatment efficacy by identifying the most appropriate treatment regimen for each patient. Furthermore, ex vivo tumor models enable testing of novel therapies before introduction in clinical practice. A literature search was performed to identify relevant literature describing three-dimensional ex vivo culture models of HNSCC to examine sensitivity to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. We provide a comprehensive overview of the currently used three-dimensional ex vivo culture models for HNSCC with their advantages and limitations, including culture success percentage and comparison to the original tumor. Furthermore, we evaluate the potential of these models to predict patient therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Demers
- Department of Pathology, GROW-school for Oncology and Development Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Johan Donkers
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, GROW-School for Oncology and Development Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.D.); (B.K.)
| | - Bernd Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, GROW-School for Oncology and Development Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.D.); (B.K.)
| | - Ernst Jan Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW-school for Oncology and Development Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands;
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Qallandar OB, Ebrahimi F, Islam F, Wahab R, Qiao B, Reher P, Gopalan V, Lam AKY. Bone Invasive Properties of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its Interactions with Alveolar Bone Cells: An In Vitro Study. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:631-640. [PMID: 30387395 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666181102144317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-culture of cancer cells with alveolar bone cells could modulate bone invasion and destructions. However, the mechanisms of interaction between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and bone cells remain unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to analyse the direct and indirect effects of OSCC cells in the stimulation of osteolytic activity and bone invasion. METHODS Direct co-culture was achieved by culturing OSCC (TCA8113) with a primary alveolar bone cell line. In the indirect co-culture, the supernatant of TCA8113 cells was collected to culture the alveolar bone cells. To assess the bone invasion properties, in vitro assays were performed. RESULTS The proliferation of co-cultured cancer cells was significantly (p<0.05) higher in comparison to the monolayer control cells. However, the proliferation rates were not significantly different between direct and indirect co-cultured cells with indirect co-cultured cells proliferated slightly more than the direct co-cultured cells. Invasion and migration capacities of co-cultured OSCC and alveolar bone cells enhanced significantly (p<0.05) when compared to that of control monolayer counterparts. Most importantly, we noted that OSCC cells directly co-cultured with alveolar bone cells stimulated pronounced bone collagen destruction. In addition, stem cells and epithelialmesenchymal transition markers have shown significant changes in their expression in co-cultured cells. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the importance of the interaction of alveolar bone cells and OSCC cells in co-culture setting in the pathogenesis of bone invasion. This may help in the development of potential future biotherapies for bone invasion in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omel Baneen Qallandar
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Faeza Ebrahimi
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Riajul Wahab
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bin Qiao
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China
| | - Peter Reher
- School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vinod Gopalan
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alfred King-Yin Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Sigal D, Przedborski M, Sivaloganathan D, Kohandel M. Mathematical modelling of cancer stem cell-targeted immunotherapy. Math Biosci 2019; 318:108269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2019.108269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Nallanthighal S, Heiserman JP, Cheon DJ. The Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Cancer Stemness. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:86. [PMID: 31334229 PMCID: PMC6624409 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As our understanding of cancer cell biology progresses, it has become clear that tumors are a heterogenous mixture of different cell populations, some of which contain so called "cancer stem cells" (CSCs). Hallmarks of CSCs include self-renewing capability, tumor-initiating capacity and chemoresistance. The extracellular matrix (ECM), a major structural component of the tumor microenvironment, is a highly dynamic structure and increasing evidence suggests that ECM proteins establish a physical and biochemical niche for CSCs. In cancer, abnormal ECM dynamics occur due to disrupted balance between ECM synthesis and secretion and altered expression of matrix-remodeling enzymes. Tumor-derived ECM is biochemically distinct in its composition and is stiffer compared to normal ECM. In this review, we will provide a brief overview of how different components of the ECM modulate CSC properties then discuss how physical, mechanical, and biochemical cues from the ECM drive cancer stemness. Given the fact that current CSC targeting therapies face many challenges, a better understanding of CSC-ECM interactions will be crucial to identify more effective therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dong-Joo Cheon
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
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Feasibility of Primary Tumor Culture Models and Preclinical Prediction Assays for Head and Neck Cancer: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1716-42. [PMID: 26343729 PMCID: PMC4586791 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7030858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary human tumor culture models allow for individualized drug sensitivity testing and are therefore a promising technique to achieve personalized treatment for cancer patients. This would especially be of interest for patients with advanced stage head and neck cancer. They are extensively treated with surgery, usually in combination with high-dose cisplatin chemoradiation. However, adding cisplatin to radiotherapy is associated with an increase in severe acute toxicity, while conferring only a minor overall survival benefit. Hence, there is a strong need for a preclinical model to identify patients that will respond to the intended treatment regimen and to test novel drugs. One of such models is the technique of culturing primary human tumor tissue. This review discusses the feasibility and success rate of existing primary head and neck tumor culturing techniques and their corresponding chemo- and radiosensitivity assays. A comprehensive literature search was performed and success factors for culturing in vitro are debated, together with the actual value of these models as preclinical prediction assay for individual patients. With this review, we aim to fill a gap in the understanding of primary culture models from head and neck tumors, with potential importance for other tumor types as well.
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Duan JJ, Qiu W, Xu SL, Wang B, Ye XZ, Ping YF, Zhang X, Bian XW, Yu SC. Strategies for isolating and enriching cancer stem cells: well begun is half done. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 22:2221-39. [PMID: 23540661 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a subpopulation of cancer cells that have the potential for self-renewal, multipotent differentiation, and tumorigenicity. Studies on CSC biology and CSC-targeted therapies depend on CSC isolation and/or enrichment methodologies. Scientists have conducted extensive research in this field since John Dick's group successfully isolated CSCs based on the expression of the CD34 and CD38 surface markers. Progress in CSC research has been greatly facilitated by the enrichment and isolation of these cells. In this review, we summarize the current strategies used in our and other laboratories for CSC isolation and enrichment, including methods based on stem cell surface markers, intracellular enzyme activity, the concentration of reactive oxygen species, the mitochondrial membrane potential, promoter-driven fluorescent protein expression, autofluorescence, suspension/adherent culture, cell division, the identification of side population cells, resistance to cytotoxic compounds or hypoxia, invasiveness/adhesion, immunoselection, and physical property. Although many challenges remain to be overcome, it is reasonable to believe that more reliable, efficient, and convenient methods will be developed in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Jie Duan
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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