BACKGROUND Over the years,the numbers of treatment options for colorectal cancer(CRC)have increased,leading to notable improvements in the overall survival of CRC patients.Although therapy may initially yield positive...BACKGROUND Over the years,the numbers of treatment options for colorectal cancer(CRC)have increased,leading to notable improvements in the overall survival of CRC patients.Although therapy may initially yield positive results,the development of drug resistance can result in treatment failure and cancer recurrence.This resistance is often attributed to the presence of cancer stem cells(CSCs).These CSCs not only contribute to therapeutic resistance but also play crucial roles in the initiation and development of tumor metastasis.AIM To investigate the antitumor effects of SH-4-54,which are mediated by targeting CSCs relative to treatment outcomes.METHODS CSCs were enriched by culturing CRC cells in serum-free medium.Hallmarks of stemness and IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling were detected by Western blotting.Indicators of CSC malignancy,including proliferation,invasion,and tumor formation,were measured.RESULTS In this study,we employed SH-4-54,which exhibits anticancer activity in solid tumors through targeting the SH2 domain of both the signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)3 and the STAT5,and evaluated its effects on stemness and chemoresistance in colorectal CSCs.As expected,SH-4-54 treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3(p-STAT3)and decreased the percentage of ALDH1A1-positive CRC cells.The addition of SH-4-54 dissociated colorectal spheroids and decreased the expression of stemness markers,including ALDH1A1,CD44 and Nanog.SH-4-54 treatment decreased IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling by inhibiting p-STAT3 and thus inhibited spheroid formation by SW480 and LoVo cells.Moreover,SH-4-54 treatment inhibited indicators of malignancy,including cell proliferation,invasion,and tumor formation,in CSCs in vitro and in vivo.Notably,SH-4-54 treatment significantly increased chemosensitivity to oxaplatin.CONCLUSION Taken together,these results indicate that SH-4-54 is a promising molecule that exerts antitumor effects on colorectal CSCs by inhibiting STAT3 signaling.展开更多
Objective: Vasculogenic mimicry(VM) channels that are lined by tumor cells are a functional blood supply in malignant tumors.However, the role of VM-initiating cells remains poorly understood. Cancer stem-like cells(C...Objective: Vasculogenic mimicry(VM) channels that are lined by tumor cells are a functional blood supply in malignant tumors.However, the role of VM-initiating cells remains poorly understood. Cancer stem-like cells(CSCs) are positively correlated with VM. In this study, triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC) enriched with CSCs was used to investigate the relationship between VM and CSCs.Methods: The expression of several CSC markers was detected by immunohistochemistry in 100 human breast cancer samples.The clinical significance of CSC markers and the relationship between VM, CSCs, breast cancer subtypes, and VM-associated proteins were analyzed. CD133+ and ALDH+ human and mouse TNBC cells were isolated by FACS to examine the ability of VM formation and the spatial relationship between VM and CSCs.Results: CSCs were associated with TNBC subtype and VM in human invasive breast cancer. CSCs in TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells formed more VM channels and expressed more molecules promoting VM than the non-TNBC MCF-7 cells in vitro. MDA-MB-231 cells that encircled VM channels on Matrigel expressed CD133. Moreover, CSCs were located near VM channels in the 3D reconstructed blood supply system in human TNBC grafts. The CD133+ and ALDH+ cells isolated from TA2 mouse breast cancer formed more VM channels in vivo.Conclusions: CSCs line VM channels directly. Additionally, CSCs provide more VM-related molecules to synergize VM formation. The signaling pathways that control CSC differentiation may also be potential treatment targets for TNBC.展开更多
Gastric cancer stem-like cells（GCSCs） have been identified to possess the ability of self-renewal and tumor initi-ation.However,the mechanisms involved remain largely unknown.Here,we isolated and characterized the G...Gastric cancer stem-like cells（GCSCs） have been identified to possess the ability of self-renewal and tumor initi-ation.However,the mechanisms involved remain largely unknown.Here,we isolated and characterized the GCSCs by side population（SP） sorting procedure and cultured sphere cells（SC） from human gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901,BGC-823,MGC-803,HGC-27 and MKN-28.The sorting and culture assay revealed that SP cells proliferated in an asymmetric division manner.In addition,SP cells exhibited a higher potential of spheroid colony formation and greater drug resistance than non-SP cells（NSP）.Moreover,the SC were found with enhanced capabilities of drug resistance in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo.Sox2 mRNA and protein was highly and significantly overex-pressed in the SP cells and SC.Importantly,downregulation of Sox2 with siRNA obviously reduced spheroid colony formation and doxorubicin efflux,as well as increased apoptosis rate in sphere cells in vitro and suppressed tumori-genicity in vivo.These results suggest that both SP cells and cultured SC enrich with GCSCs and that Sox2 plays a pivotal role in sustaining stem cell properties and might be a potential target for gastric cancer therapy.展开更多
Carcinogenesis is a multistep process that requires the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic aberrations to drive the progressive malignant transformation of normal human cells.Two major hallmarks of carcino...Carcinogenesis is a multistep process that requires the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic aberrations to drive the progressive malignant transformation of normal human cells.Two major hallmarks of carcinogenesis that have been described are angiogenesis and the stem cell characteristic of limitless replicative potential.These properties have been targeted over the past decade in the development of therapeutic treatments for colorectal cancer(CRC),one of the most commonly diagnosed and lethal cancers worldwide.The treatment of solid tumor cancers such as CRC has been challenging due to the heterogeneity of the tumor itself and the chemoresistance of the malignant cells.Furthermore,the same microenvironment that maintains the pool of intestinal stem cells that contribute to the continuous renewal of the intestinal epithelia also provides the necessary conditions for proliferative growth of cancer stem-like cells.These cancer stem-like cells are responsible for the resistance to therapy and cancer recurrence,though they represent less than 2.5%of the tumor mass.The stromal environment surrounding the tumor cells,referred to as the tumor niche,also supports angiogenesis,which supplies the oxygen and nutrients needed for tumor development.Anti-angiogenic therapy,such as with bevacizumab,a monoclonal antibody against vascular-endothelial growth factor,significantly prolongs the survival of metastatic CRC patients.However,such treatments are not completely curative,and a large proportion of patient tumors retain chemoresistance or show recurrence.This article reviews the current knowledge regarding the molecular phenotype of CRC cancer cells,as well as discusses the mechanisms contributing to their maintenance.Future personalized therapeutic approaches that are based on the interaction of the carcinogenic hallmarks,namely angiogenic and proliferative attributes,could improve survival and decrease adverse effects induced by unnecessary chemotherapy.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the expression of miR-210 and the role it plays in the cell cycle to regulate radioresistance in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC). METHODS: Mi R-210 expression was evaluated in 37 pairs of...AIM: To investigate the expression of miR-210 and the role it plays in the cell cycle to regulate radioresistance in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC). METHODS: Mi R-210 expression was evaluated in 37 pairs of ESCC tissues and matched para-tumorous normal oesophageal tissues from surgical patients who had not received neoadjuvant therapy, and in the cells of two novel radioresistant cell lines, TE-1R and Eca-109 R, using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR). The transient up-regulation of mi R-210 expression in TE-1R and Eca-109 R cells was studied using liposomes and was confirmed using qR T-PCR. The rate of cell survival after a series of radio-treatment doses was evaluated using the cloneformation assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the changes to the cell cycle patterns due to radiation treatment. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of ataxia telangiectasia mutated(ATM) and DNA dependent protein kinase(DNA-PKcs) after irradiation, and the cell sphere formation assay was used to evaluate the proliferative ability of the cancer stem-like cells.RESULTS: The level of mi R-210 expression was significantly decreased, by 21.3% to 97.2%, with the average being 39.2% ± 16.1%, in the ESCC tissues of most patients(81.1%, 30 of 37 vs patients with high mi R-210 expression, P < 0.05). A low level of expression of miR-210 was correlated with a poorly differentiated pathological type(P < 0.01) but was not correlated with the T-stage or lymph node infiltration(both P > 0.05). Early local recurrences(< 18 mo, n = 19) after radiotherapy were significantly related with low miR-210 expression(n = 13, P < 0.05). The level of mi R-210 was decreased by approximately 73%(vs TE-1, 0.27 ± 0.10, P < 0.01) in the established radioresistant TE-IR cell line and by 52%(vs Eca-109, 0.48 ± 0.17, P < 0.05) in the corresponding Eca-109 R line. Transient transfection with a mi R-210 precursor increased the level of mi R-210 expression, leading to a significant increase in cell survival after radiotherapy(P < 0.05). Twenty-four hours after radiation, the proportion of pmiR-210 cells in S phase was increased(vs control cells, 30.4% ± 0.4%, and vs untreated TE-1R cells, 23.3% ± 0.7%, P < 0.05 for both). The levels of DNA-PKcs(0.21 ± 0.07) and ATM(0.12 ± 0.03, P < 0.05) proteins were significantly lower in the PmiR-210 cells than in control cells, but no differences were found in the levels of the corresponding mR NAs in the two cell types(P > 0.05 for all). Exogenous mi R-210 expression decreased the diameter of pmi R-210 cell spheres(vs control cells, 0.60 ± 0.14, P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Mi R-210 expression is negatively correlated with the pathological type and the local survivalrate after radiotherapy, and high expression of miR-210 may reverse the radioresistance of ESCC stem-like cells.展开更多
Previous studies have demonstrated that spheroid type cells grown under suspension culture conditions have cancer stem cell（CSC） traits in a number of cancers, but this phenomenon has not yet been reported in the VX...Previous studies have demonstrated that spheroid type cells grown under suspension culture conditions have cancer stem cell（CSC） traits in a number of cancers, but this phenomenon has not yet been reported in the VX2 rabbit oral cancer model. Hence, this study aimed to study the spheroid cells from VX2 rabbit buccal squamous cell carcinomas（SCCs） and assess their CSC characteristics. Five adult male New Zealand white outbred rabbits were used to generate VX2 rabbit buccal SCC. Sphere-forming cell culture was performed for the VX2 rabbit buccal SCC specimens. The self-renewal capability; cluster of designation（CD） 44, CD133, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 1（ALDH1）, B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1（Bmi-1）, Nestin, octamer-binding transcription factor 4（Oct4）and reduced expression protein-1（Rex-1） expression with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）; chemoresistance to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil; and in vivo tumorigenicity of spheroid cell transplantation in nude mice were evaluated to determine the CSC characteristics of the resulting spheroid cells. We successfully obtained spheroid cells from the VX2 rabbit OSCC tissues. The spheroid cells exhibited CSC traits, including the expression of CSC and stem cell markers（CD44, Bmi-1, Nestin, Oct4 and Rex-1）, capacity to generate new spheroid colonies within 1 week of reseeding from single-dissociated spheroid cells, chemoresistance capacity and generation of tumour xenografts（with histological features resembling those of the original VX2 rabbit buccal SCC） from the transplantation of 103 undifferentiated spheroid cells into nude mice. In summary, we demonstrated that spheroid cells with CSC cell traits can be derived from VX2 rabbit buccal SCCs, indicating that this animal cancer model is applicable for studying CSCs in human oral cancers.展开更多
Cancer stem-like cells(CSCs)with potential of self-renewal drive tumorigenesis.Brain tumor microenvironment(TME)has been identified as a critical regulator of malignancy progression.Many researchers are searching new ...Cancer stem-like cells(CSCs)with potential of self-renewal drive tumorigenesis.Brain tumor microenvironment(TME)has been identified as a critical regulator of malignancy progression.Many researchers are searching new ways to characterize tumors with the goal of predicting how they respond to treatment.Here,we describe the striking parallels between normal stem cells and CSCs.We review the microenvironmental aspects of brain tumors,in particular composition and vital roles of immune cells infiltrating glioma and medulloblastoma.By highlighting that CSCs cooperate with TME via various cellular communication approaches,we discuss the recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting the components of TME.Identification of the complex and interconnected factors can facilitate the development of promising treatments for these deadly malignancies.展开更多
BACKGROUND Limonin is one of the most abundant active ingredients of Tetradium ruticarpum.It exerts antitumor effects on several kinds of cancer cells.However,whether limonin exerts antitumor effects on colorectal can...BACKGROUND Limonin is one of the most abundant active ingredients of Tetradium ruticarpum.It exerts antitumor effects on several kinds of cancer cells.However,whether limonin exerts antitumor effects on colorectal cancer(CRC)cells and cancer stem-like cells(CSCs),a subpopulation responsible for a poor prognosis,is unclear.AIM To evaluate the effects of limonin on CSCs derived from CRC cells.METHODS CSCs were collected by culturing CRC cells in serum-free medium.The cytotoxicity of limonin against CSCs and parental cells(PCs)was determined by cholecystokinin octapeptide-8 assay.The effects of limonin on stemness were detected by measuring stemness hallmarks and sphere formation ability.RESULTS As expected,limonin exerted inhibitory effects on CRC cell behaviors,including cell proliferation,migration,invasion,colony formation and tumor formation in soft agar.A relatively low concentration of limonin decreased the expression stemness hallmarks,including Nanog andβ-catenin,the proportion of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1-positive CSCs,and the sphere formation rate,indicating that limonin inhibits stemness without presenting cytotoxicity.Additionally,limonin treatment inhibited invasion and tumor formation in soft agar and in nude mice.Moreover,limonin treatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705 but not S727 and did not affect total STAT3 expression.Inhibition of Nanog andβ-catenin expression and sphere formation by limonin was obviously reversed by pretreatment with 2μmol/L colievlin.CONCLUSION Taken together,these results indicate that limonin is a promising compound that targets CSCs and could be used to combat CRC recurrence and metastasis.展开更多
Objective Vasculogenic mimicry(VM)is a novel vasculogenic process integral to glioma stem cells(GSCs)in glioblastoma(GBM).However,the relationship between VM and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated(ATM)serine/threonine kina...Objective Vasculogenic mimicry(VM)is a novel vasculogenic process integral to glioma stem cells(GSCs)in glioblastoma(GBM).However,the relationship between VM and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated(ATM)serine/threonine kinase activation,which confers chemoradiotherapy resistance,remains unclear.Methods We investigated VM formation and phosphorylated ATM(pATM)levels by CD31/GFAPperiodic acid-Schiff dual staining and immunohistochemical staining in 145 GBM specimens.Glioma stem-like cells(GSLCs)derived from the formatted spheres of U87 and U251 cell lines and their pATM level and VM formation ability were examined using western blot and three-dimensional culture.For the examination of the function of pATM in VM formation by GSLCs,ATM knockdown by shRNAs and deactivated via ATM phosphorylation inhibitor KU55933 were studied.Results VM and high pATM expression occurred in 38.5% and 41.8% of tumors,respectively,and were significantly associated with reduced progression-free and overall survival.Patients with VM-positive GBMs exhibited higher pATM levels(r_(s)=0.425,P=0.01).The multivariate analysis established VM as an independent negative prognostic factor(P=0.002).Furthermore,GSLCs expressed high levels of pATM and formed vascular-like networks in vitro.ATM inactivation or knockdown hindered VM-like network formation concomitant with the downregulation of pVEGFR-2,VE-cadherin,and laminin B2.Conclusion VM may predict a poor GBM prognosis and is associated with pATM expression.We propose that pATM promotes VM through extracellular matrix modulation and VE-Cadherin/pVEGFR-2 activation,thereby highlighting ATM activation as a potential target for enhancing anti-angiogenesis therapies for GBM.展开更多
Although the Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) has spread to all populations in the world, EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is prevalent only in South China and Southeast Asia. The role of EBV in the malignant trans...Although the Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) has spread to all populations in the world, EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is prevalent only in South China and Southeast Asia. The role of EBV in the malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelium is the main focus of current researches. Radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy have been successful in treating early stage NPC, but the recurrence rates remain high. Unfortunately, local relapse and metastasis are commonly unresponsive to conventional treatments. These recurrent and metastatic lesions are believed to arise from residual or surviving cells that have the properties of cancer stem cells. These cancer stem-like cells(CSCs) have the ability to selfrenew, differentiate, and sustain propagation. They are also chemo-resistant and can form spheres in anchorage-independent environments. This review summarizes recent researches on the CSCs in EBVassociated NPC, including the findings regarding cell surface markers, stem cell-related transcription factors, and various signaling pathways. In particular, the review focuses on the roles of EBV latent genes [latent membrane protein 1(LMP1) and latent membrane protein 2A(LMP2A)], cellular microRNAs, and adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-binding cassette chemodrug transporters in contributing to the properties of CSCs, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stem-like transition, and chemo-resistance. Novel therapeutics that enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy and inhibitors that suppress the properties of CSCs are also discussed.展开更多
Background and Objective:CD133-positive colon cancer stem like cells (CSLCs) are resistant to the conventional cytotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).Wnt signaling pathway plays important roles in colon cancer carcinoge...Background and Objective:CD133-positive colon cancer stem like cells (CSLCs) are resistant to the conventional cytotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).Wnt signaling pathway plays important roles in colon cancer carcinogenesis and metastasis, and regulates the self-renewal capacity of CSLCs.In the present study, we explored the impact of 5-FU on Wnt signaling pathway of CD133-positive colon CSLCs, and the relation between Wnt signaling pathway and drug resistance of CD133-positive colon CSLCs.Methods:Magnetic activation cell separation was used to collect CD133-positive cells from colon cancer cell line DLD1, which was transfected with luciferase reporter for Wnt signaling activity.The activity of Wnt signaling pathway was compared between CD133-positive and CD133-negative cells.After the treatment with 1 μg/mL of 5-FU, the cell proliferation rates of DLD1 cells, CD133-positive cells, and CD133-negative cells were compared.After the treatment with 1 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL of 5-FU for 48 h, Wnt activity was compared between CD133-positive and CD133-negative cells.The expression of CD133 and cell apoptosis of CD133-positive cells was detected after exposure to 50 ng/mL of dickkopf (DKK)-1, a Wnt pathway inhibitor.Results:After the treatment with 5-FU, the cell proliferation rate of CD133-positive cells was higher than that of CD133-negative cells and the sensitivity of CD133-positive cells to 5-FU decreased.Wnt activity was higher in CD133-positive cells than in CD133-negative cells [(46.3±0.3)% vs.(33.9±2.7)%, P=0.009].After the treatment with 1 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL of 5-FU, Wnt activity of CD133-positive cells was (90.1±10.0)% (P=0.012) and (52.9±2.5)% (P=0.047), respectively, whereas that of CD133-negative cells was (35.5±3.3)% (P=0.434) and (26.5±0.4)% (P=0.046), respectively.CD133 expression in CD133-positive cells decreased from (87.2±5.3)% to (60.6±3.1)% (P=0.022) after treatment with DKK-1, whereas the cell apoptosis rate increased from (11.8±0.2)% to (28.3±0.6)% (P=0.013).Conclusions:Wnt activity is higher in CD133-positive DLD1 cells than in CD133-negative DLD1 cells.5-FU can upregulate Wnt activity of CD133-positive colon CSLCs.Blocking Wnt activity may reverse drug sensitivity of CD133-positive cells to 5-FU.展开更多
OBJECTIVE The eradication of cancer stem cells(CSCs) is signifcant for cancer therapy and prevention.METHODS In this study,we evaluated WM130,a novel derivative of matrine,for its effect on CSCs using human hepatocell...OBJECTIVE The eradication of cancer stem cells(CSCs) is signifcant for cancer therapy and prevention.METHODS In this study,we evaluated WM130,a novel derivative of matrine,for its effect on CSCs using human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell lines,their sphere cells,and sorted EpCAM+cells.RESULTS We revealed that WM130 could not only inhibit proliferation and colony formation of HCC cells,but also suppress the expression of some stemness-related genes and up-regulate some mature hepatocyte marker genes,indicating a promotion of differentiation from CSCs to hepatocytes.WM130 also suppressed the proliferation of doxorubicin-resistant hepatoma cells,and markedly reduced the cells with CSC biomarker EpCAM.Moreover,WM130 suppressed HCC spheres,not only primary spheres but also subsequent spheres,indicating an inhibitory effect on self-renewal capability of CSCs.Interestingly,WM130 exhibiteda remarkable inhibitory preference on HCC spheres and EpCAM+cells rather than their parental HCC cells and EpCAM-cells respectively.In vivo,WM130 inhibited HCC xenograft growth,decreased the number of sphere-forming cells,and remarkably decreased the levels of EpCAM mRNA and protein in tumor xenografts.Better inhibitory effect was achieved by WM130 in combination with doxorubicin.Further mechanism study revealed that WM130 inhibited AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.CONCLUSION Collectively,our results suggest that WM130 remark.ably inhibits hepatic CSCs,and this effect may via the down-regulation of the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway.These findings provide a strong rationale for the use of WM130 as a novel drug candidate in HCC therapy.展开更多
Objective:To establish a method for enriching,culturing and identifying stem-like subpopulation from human hepatic carcinoma cells,and to explore its biological properties.Methods:HepG2cells were cultured in cancer st...Objective:To establish a method for enriching,culturing and identifying stem-like subpopulation from human hepatic carcinoma cells,and to explore its biological properties.Methods:HepG2cells were cultured in cancer stem cell(CSC)medium to form spheroids.The stem-like HepG2cells obtained from tumor spheroids were then expanded.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD90 and CD133on the surface of stem-like HepG2 cells.The in vitro colony forming ability and in vivo tumorigenicity were detected by clone formation assay and tumorigenesis assay.Results:HepG2cells could grow in suspension and form spheroids in CSC medium.The stem-like cells had the ability of self-renewal and proliferation.The expression of CD90and CD133on the surface of these stem-like cells were higher than those of parental HepG2cells(P<0.01).The colony formation ability of stem-like cells was higher than that of parental HepG2cells.When injected with 1×106 cells,stemlike cells could form tumors earlier than parental cells in nude mice.The stem-like cells’tumorigenesis rate was higher and the tumor size was larger than those of parental HepG2cells(P<0.01).Conclusion:The suspension sphere culture method could enrich stem-like cells from HepG2cells.The obtained stem-like cells possessed the properties of self-renewal in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo.展开更多
In current study, cancer stem-like cells in the murine melanoma B16F10 cells were investigated. CD phenotypes of the B16F10 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the specific CD phenotype cells from the B16F10 ce...In current study, cancer stem-like cells in the murine melanoma B16F10 cells were investigated. CD phenotypes of the B16F10 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the specific CD phenotype cells from the B16F10 cells were isolated by MACS. Then we used colony formation assay in soft agar media, the cell growth assay in serum-free culture media as well as the tumorigenicity investigation of the specific CD phenotype cells in C57BL/6 mice, respectively, to identify cancer stem-like cells in the B16F10 cells. The results showed that the B16F10 cells could form spherical clones in serum-free culture media, and the rate of clonegenesis of CD133^＋, CD44^＋ and CD44^＋CD133^＋ cells was higher than that of CD133^-, CD44^- and CD44^＋CD133^＋ cells in soft agar media, respectively. The tumorigenic potential of CD133^＋, CD44^＋, CD44^＋CD133^＋ cells and CD44^＋CD133^＋CD24^＋ cells was stronger than that of CD133^-, CD44^-, CD44^＋CD133^- cells and CD44^＋CD133^＋CD24^- cells in mice, respectively. In conclusion, the CD44^＋CD133^＋CD24^＋ cells have some biological properties of cancer stem-like cells or are highly similar to the characteristics of cancer stem cells （CSC）. These results provide an important method for identifying cancer stem-like cells in B16F10 cells and for further cancer target therapy. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.展开更多
Background A satisfactory animal model of breast cancer metastasizing to bone is unavailable. In this study, we used human breast cancer stem-like cells and human bone to build a novel “human-source” model of human ...Background A satisfactory animal model of breast cancer metastasizing to bone is unavailable. In this study, we used human breast cancer stem-like cells and human bone to build a novel “human-source” model of human breast cancer skeletal metastasis. Methods Human breast cancer stem-like cells, the CD44^＋/CD24^-/lower subpopulation, was separated and cultured. Before injection with the stem-like cells, mice were implanted with human bone in the right or left dorsal flanks. Animals in Groups A, B, and C were injected with 1×10^5, 1×10^6 human breast cancer stem-like cells, and 1×10^6 parental MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. A positive control group （D） without implantation of human bone was also injected with 1×10^6 MDA-MB-231 cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed for determination of CD34, CD105, smooth muscle antibody, CD44, CD24, cytokine, CXC chemokine receptor-4 （CXCR4）, and osteopontin （OPN）. mRNA levels of CD44, CD24, CXCR4, and OPN in bone metastasis tissues were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR）.Results Our results demonstrated that cells in implanted human bones of group B, which received 1×10^6 cancer stem-like cells, stained strongly positive for CD44, CXCR4, and OPN, whereas those of other groups showed no or minimum staining. Moreover, group B had the highest incidence of human bone metastasis （77.8%, P=0.0230） and no accompaniment of other tissue metastasis. The real-time PCR showed an increase of CD44, CXCR4, and OPN mRNA in metastatic bone tissues in group B compared with those of groups C and D, however the expression of CD24 mRNA in group B were the lowest. Conclusions In the novel “human source” model of breast cancer, breast cancer stem-like cells demonstrated a higher human bone-seeking ability. Its mechanism might be related to the higher expressions of CD44, CXCR4, and OPN, and the lower expression of CD24 in breast cancer stem-like cells.展开更多
Meningiomas are the most common primary tumors in central nervous system. While recent studies have revealed genetic clues to lower grade human meningiomas, the molecular determinants driving the progression and recur...Meningiomas are the most common primary tumors in central nervous system. While recent studies have revealed genetic clues to lower grade human meningiomas, the molecular determinants driving the progression and recurrence of anaplastic meningi- oma, the most malignant subtype with a low prevalence but high morbidity, are still poorly understood. It has been proposed that high recurrence rates of malignant meningiomas are linked to cancer stem cells. Indeed, tumor stem-Uke cells have been iso- lated from various meningioma subtypes, but never been obtained from anaplastic meningioma, in this study, we successfully isolated stem-Uke cells from human anaplastic meningioma. These cells are capable of forming spheres and initiating xenograft tumors that recapitulate anaplastic meningioma phenotypes, and thus could serve as an in vitro model for malignant meningi- omas. KLF4, a transcription factor known for its role in sternness maintenance, was identified as one of the most frequently mutated genes in the benign secretory meningioma. Interestingly, we found that KLF4 is downregulated in anaplastic meningi- oma compared with low-grade meningioma subtypes. By manipulating KLF4 expression in anaplastic meningioma stem-like cells, we demonstrated that KLF4 acts as a tumor suppressor during malignant progression in meningioma, affecting apoptosis, prolif- eration, invasion, and cell cycle. These results suggest a potential therapeutic value of KLF4 for clinical intervention of anaplastic meningioma.展开更多
Near infrared(NIR) light-driven nitric oxide(NO) release nano-platform based on upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs) and light sensitive NO precursor Roussin's black salt(RBS) was fabricated to generate NO upon 808 n...Near infrared(NIR) light-driven nitric oxide(NO) release nano-platform based on upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs) and light sensitive NO precursor Roussin's black salt(RBS) was fabricated to generate NO upon 808 nm irradiation. The application of 808 nm laser as the excitation source could achieve better penetration depth and avoid overheating problem. The combination of UCNPs and RBS could realize the on-demand release of NO at desired time and location by simply controlling the output of NIR laser.Cellular uptake results showed that more nanoparticles were internalized in cancer stem-like cells(CSCs)rather than non-CSCs. Therefore, a synergistic cancer therapy strategy to eradicate both CSCs and nonCSCs simultaneously was developed. Traditional chemo-drug could inhibit non-CSCs but has low killing efficiency in CSCs. However, we found that the combination of NO and chemotherapy could efficiently inhibit CSCs in bulk cells, including inhibiting mammosphere formation ability, decreasing CD44^+/CD24^- subpopulation and reducing tumorigenic ability. The mechanism studies confirmed that NO could not only induce apoptosis but also increase drug sensitivity by declining drug efflux in CSCs. This UCNPsbased platform may provide a new combinatorial strategy of NO and chemotherapy to improve cancer treatment.展开更多
Despite of recent advances in cancer research and development of new anti-cancer drugs,tumor patients’prognoses have not yet been improved well enough.Treatment failure of tumors is highly attributed to the drug resi...Despite of recent advances in cancer research and development of new anti-cancer drugs,tumor patients’prognoses have not yet been improved well enough.Treatment failure of tumors is highly attributed to the drug resistance of a small population of cancer cell known as cancer stem-like cells(CSCs).CSCs also have the self-renewal activity and differentiation potency,conferring strong tumorigenicity on them.Therefore,development of CSC targeting therapy is urgently needed in order to overcome possible recurrence and metastasis by them after therapy.CSCs show some characteristic features that are not observed in other differentiated cancer cells,which give them higher resistance against conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy.Targeting such specific features could be useful for CSC eradication.This review will summarize the recent advances in the study of CSC characteristics along with the promising therapeutic strategies targeting them.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Over the years,the numbers of treatment options for colorectal cancer(CRC)have increased,leading to notable improvements in the overall survival of CRC patients.Although therapy may initially yield positive results,the development of drug resistance can result in treatment failure and cancer recurrence.This resistance is often attributed to the presence of cancer stem cells(CSCs).These CSCs not only contribute to therapeutic resistance but also play crucial roles in the initiation and development of tumor metastasis.AIM To investigate the antitumor effects of SH-4-54,which are mediated by targeting CSCs relative to treatment outcomes.METHODS CSCs were enriched by culturing CRC cells in serum-free medium.Hallmarks of stemness and IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling were detected by Western blotting.Indicators of CSC malignancy,including proliferation,invasion,and tumor formation,were measured.RESULTS In this study,we employed SH-4-54,which exhibits anticancer activity in solid tumors through targeting the SH2 domain of both the signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)3 and the STAT5,and evaluated its effects on stemness and chemoresistance in colorectal CSCs.As expected,SH-4-54 treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3(p-STAT3)and decreased the percentage of ALDH1A1-positive CRC cells.The addition of SH-4-54 dissociated colorectal spheroids and decreased the expression of stemness markers,including ALDH1A1,CD44 and Nanog.SH-4-54 treatment decreased IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling by inhibiting p-STAT3 and thus inhibited spheroid formation by SW480 and LoVo cells.Moreover,SH-4-54 treatment inhibited indicators of malignancy,including cell proliferation,invasion,and tumor formation,in CSCs in vitro and in vivo.Notably,SH-4-54 treatment significantly increased chemosensitivity to oxaplatin.CONCLUSION Taken together,these results indicate that SH-4-54 is a promising molecule that exerts antitumor effects on colorectal CSCs by inhibiting STAT3 signaling.
基金supported by the Student’s Platform for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program, China (Grant No. 201510062001)
文摘Objective: Vasculogenic mimicry(VM) channels that are lined by tumor cells are a functional blood supply in malignant tumors.However, the role of VM-initiating cells remains poorly understood. Cancer stem-like cells(CSCs) are positively correlated with VM. In this study, triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC) enriched with CSCs was used to investigate the relationship between VM and CSCs.Methods: The expression of several CSC markers was detected by immunohistochemistry in 100 human breast cancer samples.The clinical significance of CSC markers and the relationship between VM, CSCs, breast cancer subtypes, and VM-associated proteins were analyzed. CD133+ and ALDH+ human and mouse TNBC cells were isolated by FACS to examine the ability of VM formation and the spatial relationship between VM and CSCs.Results: CSCs were associated with TNBC subtype and VM in human invasive breast cancer. CSCs in TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells formed more VM channels and expressed more molecules promoting VM than the non-TNBC MCF-7 cells in vitro. MDA-MB-231 cells that encircled VM channels on Matrigel expressed CD133. Moreover, CSCs were located near VM channels in the 3D reconstructed blood supply system in human TNBC grafts. The CD133+ and ALDH+ cells isolated from TA2 mouse breast cancer formed more VM channels in vivo.Conclusions: CSCs line VM channels directly. Additionally, CSCs provide more VM-related molecules to synergize VM formation. The signaling pathways that control CSC differentiation may also be potential treatment targets for TNBC.
基金supported in part by the Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine,the project funded by the Priority Academic Program Development(PAPD) of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutionsthe National Natural Science Foundation of China(No. 30930080 and 81161120537)
文摘Gastric cancer stem-like cells（GCSCs） have been identified to possess the ability of self-renewal and tumor initi-ation.However,the mechanisms involved remain largely unknown.Here,we isolated and characterized the GCSCs by side population（SP） sorting procedure and cultured sphere cells（SC） from human gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901,BGC-823,MGC-803,HGC-27 and MKN-28.The sorting and culture assay revealed that SP cells proliferated in an asymmetric division manner.In addition,SP cells exhibited a higher potential of spheroid colony formation and greater drug resistance than non-SP cells（NSP）.Moreover,the SC were found with enhanced capabilities of drug resistance in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo.Sox2 mRNA and protein was highly and significantly overex-pressed in the SP cells and SC.Importantly,downregulation of Sox2 with siRNA obviously reduced spheroid colony formation and doxorubicin efflux,as well as increased apoptosis rate in sphere cells in vitro and suppressed tumori-genicity in vivo.These results suggest that both SP cells and cultured SC enrich with GCSCs and that Sox2 plays a pivotal role in sustaining stem cell properties and might be a potential target for gastric cancer therapy.
基金Supported by Grants from the University of Limoges,Limoges University Hospital,La Ligue Contre le Cancer and the Région Limousin,which was given financial by the ComitéOrientation Recherche Cancer(to Perraud A,Christou N and Akil H)
文摘Carcinogenesis is a multistep process that requires the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic aberrations to drive the progressive malignant transformation of normal human cells.Two major hallmarks of carcinogenesis that have been described are angiogenesis and the stem cell characteristic of limitless replicative potential.These properties have been targeted over the past decade in the development of therapeutic treatments for colorectal cancer(CRC),one of the most commonly diagnosed and lethal cancers worldwide.The treatment of solid tumor cancers such as CRC has been challenging due to the heterogeneity of the tumor itself and the chemoresistance of the malignant cells.Furthermore,the same microenvironment that maintains the pool of intestinal stem cells that contribute to the continuous renewal of the intestinal epithelia also provides the necessary conditions for proliferative growth of cancer stem-like cells.These cancer stem-like cells are responsible for the resistance to therapy and cancer recurrence,though they represent less than 2.5%of the tumor mass.The stromal environment surrounding the tumor cells,referred to as the tumor niche,also supports angiogenesis,which supplies the oxygen and nutrients needed for tumor development.Anti-angiogenic therapy,such as with bevacizumab,a monoclonal antibody against vascular-endothelial growth factor,significantly prolongs the survival of metastatic CRC patients.However,such treatments are not completely curative,and a large proportion of patient tumors retain chemoresistance or show recurrence.This article reviews the current knowledge regarding the molecular phenotype of CRC cancer cells,as well as discusses the mechanisms contributing to their maintenance.Future personalized therapeutic approaches that are based on the interaction of the carcinogenic hallmarks,namely angiogenic and proliferative attributes,could improve survival and decrease adverse effects induced by unnecessary chemotherapy.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30972962
文摘AIM: To investigate the expression of miR-210 and the role it plays in the cell cycle to regulate radioresistance in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC). METHODS: Mi R-210 expression was evaluated in 37 pairs of ESCC tissues and matched para-tumorous normal oesophageal tissues from surgical patients who had not received neoadjuvant therapy, and in the cells of two novel radioresistant cell lines, TE-1R and Eca-109 R, using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR). The transient up-regulation of mi R-210 expression in TE-1R and Eca-109 R cells was studied using liposomes and was confirmed using qR T-PCR. The rate of cell survival after a series of radio-treatment doses was evaluated using the cloneformation assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the changes to the cell cycle patterns due to radiation treatment. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of ataxia telangiectasia mutated(ATM) and DNA dependent protein kinase(DNA-PKcs) after irradiation, and the cell sphere formation assay was used to evaluate the proliferative ability of the cancer stem-like cells.RESULTS: The level of mi R-210 expression was significantly decreased, by 21.3% to 97.2%, with the average being 39.2% ± 16.1%, in the ESCC tissues of most patients(81.1%, 30 of 37 vs patients with high mi R-210 expression, P < 0.05). A low level of expression of miR-210 was correlated with a poorly differentiated pathological type(P < 0.01) but was not correlated with the T-stage or lymph node infiltration(both P > 0.05). Early local recurrences(< 18 mo, n = 19) after radiotherapy were significantly related with low miR-210 expression(n = 13, P < 0.05). The level of mi R-210 was decreased by approximately 73%(vs TE-1, 0.27 ± 0.10, P < 0.01) in the established radioresistant TE-IR cell line and by 52%(vs Eca-109, 0.48 ± 0.17, P < 0.05) in the corresponding Eca-109 R line. Transient transfection with a mi R-210 precursor increased the level of mi R-210 expression, leading to a significant increase in cell survival after radiotherapy(P < 0.05). Twenty-four hours after radiation, the proportion of pmiR-210 cells in S phase was increased(vs control cells, 30.4% ± 0.4%, and vs untreated TE-1R cells, 23.3% ± 0.7%, P < 0.05 for both). The levels of DNA-PKcs(0.21 ± 0.07) and ATM(0.12 ± 0.03, P < 0.05) proteins were significantly lower in the PmiR-210 cells than in control cells, but no differences were found in the levels of the corresponding mR NAs in the two cell types(P > 0.05 for all). Exogenous mi R-210 expression decreased the diameter of pmi R-210 cell spheres(vs control cells, 0.60 ± 0.14, P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Mi R-210 expression is negatively correlated with the pathological type and the local survivalrate after radiotherapy, and high expression of miR-210 may reverse the radioresistance of ESCC stem-like cells.
文摘Previous studies have demonstrated that spheroid type cells grown under suspension culture conditions have cancer stem cell（CSC） traits in a number of cancers, but this phenomenon has not yet been reported in the VX2 rabbit oral cancer model. Hence, this study aimed to study the spheroid cells from VX2 rabbit buccal squamous cell carcinomas（SCCs） and assess their CSC characteristics. Five adult male New Zealand white outbred rabbits were used to generate VX2 rabbit buccal SCC. Sphere-forming cell culture was performed for the VX2 rabbit buccal SCC specimens. The self-renewal capability; cluster of designation（CD） 44, CD133, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 1（ALDH1）, B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1（Bmi-1）, Nestin, octamer-binding transcription factor 4（Oct4）and reduced expression protein-1（Rex-1） expression with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）; chemoresistance to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil; and in vivo tumorigenicity of spheroid cell transplantation in nude mice were evaluated to determine the CSC characteristics of the resulting spheroid cells. We successfully obtained spheroid cells from the VX2 rabbit OSCC tissues. The spheroid cells exhibited CSC traits, including the expression of CSC and stem cell markers（CD44, Bmi-1, Nestin, Oct4 and Rex-1）, capacity to generate new spheroid colonies within 1 week of reseeding from single-dissociated spheroid cells, chemoresistance capacity and generation of tumour xenografts（with histological features resembling those of the original VX2 rabbit buccal SCC） from the transplantation of 103 undifferentiated spheroid cells into nude mice. In summary, we demonstrated that spheroid cells with CSC cell traits can be derived from VX2 rabbit buccal SCCs, indicating that this animal cancer model is applicable for studying CSCs in human oral cancers.
基金Supported by The Medical Big Data Research Program of Chinese PLA General Hospital,No.2018MBD-20(to Feng SY)National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81902975(to Liu HL)and the 65th China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2019M653940(to Liu HL).
文摘Cancer stem-like cells(CSCs)with potential of self-renewal drive tumorigenesis.Brain tumor microenvironment(TME)has been identified as a critical regulator of malignancy progression.Many researchers are searching new ways to characterize tumors with the goal of predicting how they respond to treatment.Here,we describe the striking parallels between normal stem cells and CSCs.We review the microenvironmental aspects of brain tumors,in particular composition and vital roles of immune cells infiltrating glioma and medulloblastoma.By highlighting that CSCs cooperate with TME via various cellular communication approaches,we discuss the recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting the components of TME.Identification of the complex and interconnected factors can facilitate the development of promising treatments for these deadly malignancies.
文摘BACKGROUND Limonin is one of the most abundant active ingredients of Tetradium ruticarpum.It exerts antitumor effects on several kinds of cancer cells.However,whether limonin exerts antitumor effects on colorectal cancer(CRC)cells and cancer stem-like cells(CSCs),a subpopulation responsible for a poor prognosis,is unclear.AIM To evaluate the effects of limonin on CSCs derived from CRC cells.METHODS CSCs were collected by culturing CRC cells in serum-free medium.The cytotoxicity of limonin against CSCs and parental cells(PCs)was determined by cholecystokinin octapeptide-8 assay.The effects of limonin on stemness were detected by measuring stemness hallmarks and sphere formation ability.RESULTS As expected,limonin exerted inhibitory effects on CRC cell behaviors,including cell proliferation,migration,invasion,colony formation and tumor formation in soft agar.A relatively low concentration of limonin decreased the expression stemness hallmarks,including Nanog andβ-catenin,the proportion of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1-positive CSCs,and the sphere formation rate,indicating that limonin inhibits stemness without presenting cytotoxicity.Additionally,limonin treatment inhibited invasion and tumor formation in soft agar and in nude mice.Moreover,limonin treatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705 but not S727 and did not affect total STAT3 expression.Inhibition of Nanog andβ-catenin expression and sphere formation by limonin was obviously reversed by pretreatment with 2μmol/L colievlin.CONCLUSION Taken together,these results indicate that limonin is a promising compound that targets CSCs and could be used to combat CRC recurrence and metastasis.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province(2208085MH250,2308085MH272)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFF1201000)+2 种基金Natural Science Research Project of the Anhui Educational Committee(2023AH040404,2023AH053402)Anhui Provincial Health and Medical Research Project(AHWJ2023A10143)Research Funds of Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM(2023IHM01043)。
文摘Objective Vasculogenic mimicry(VM)is a novel vasculogenic process integral to glioma stem cells(GSCs)in glioblastoma(GBM).However,the relationship between VM and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated(ATM)serine/threonine kinase activation,which confers chemoradiotherapy resistance,remains unclear.Methods We investigated VM formation and phosphorylated ATM(pATM)levels by CD31/GFAPperiodic acid-Schiff dual staining and immunohistochemical staining in 145 GBM specimens.Glioma stem-like cells(GSLCs)derived from the formatted spheres of U87 and U251 cell lines and their pATM level and VM formation ability were examined using western blot and three-dimensional culture.For the examination of the function of pATM in VM formation by GSLCs,ATM knockdown by shRNAs and deactivated via ATM phosphorylation inhibitor KU55933 were studied.Results VM and high pATM expression occurred in 38.5% and 41.8% of tumors,respectively,and were significantly associated with reduced progression-free and overall survival.Patients with VM-positive GBMs exhibited higher pATM levels(r_(s)=0.425,P=0.01).The multivariate analysis established VM as an independent negative prognostic factor(P=0.002).Furthermore,GSLCs expressed high levels of pATM and formed vascular-like networks in vitro.ATM inactivation or knockdown hindered VM-like network formation concomitant with the downregulation of pVEGFR-2,VE-cadherin,and laminin B2.Conclusion VM may predict a poor GBM prognosis and is associated with pATM expression.We propose that pATM promotes VM through extracellular matrix modulation and VE-Cadherin/pVEGFR-2 activation,thereby highlighting ATM activation as a potential target for enhancing anti-angiogenesis therapies for GBM.
基金supported by funding from the Focus Investigation Scheme-A of The Chinese University of Hong Kongthe Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, GRF (471211, 470312), CRF (CUHK8/CRF/11R) and AoE NPC (AoE/M-06/08)the Theme-Based Research Scheme (T12-401/13-R)
文摘Although the Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) has spread to all populations in the world, EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is prevalent only in South China and Southeast Asia. The role of EBV in the malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelium is the main focus of current researches. Radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy have been successful in treating early stage NPC, but the recurrence rates remain high. Unfortunately, local relapse and metastasis are commonly unresponsive to conventional treatments. These recurrent and metastatic lesions are believed to arise from residual or surviving cells that have the properties of cancer stem cells. These cancer stem-like cells(CSCs) have the ability to selfrenew, differentiate, and sustain propagation. They are also chemo-resistant and can form spheres in anchorage-independent environments. This review summarizes recent researches on the CSCs in EBVassociated NPC, including the findings regarding cell surface markers, stem cell-related transcription factors, and various signaling pathways. In particular, the review focuses on the roles of EBV latent genes [latent membrane protein 1(LMP1) and latent membrane protein 2A(LMP2A)], cellular microRNAs, and adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-binding cassette chemodrug transporters in contributing to the properties of CSCs, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stem-like transition, and chemo-resistance. Novel therapeutics that enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy and inhibitors that suppress the properties of CSCs are also discussed.
基金Guangdong Natural Science Fund Committee (No.9451008901002630)
文摘Background and Objective:CD133-positive colon cancer stem like cells (CSLCs) are resistant to the conventional cytotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).Wnt signaling pathway plays important roles in colon cancer carcinogenesis and metastasis, and regulates the self-renewal capacity of CSLCs.In the present study, we explored the impact of 5-FU on Wnt signaling pathway of CD133-positive colon CSLCs, and the relation between Wnt signaling pathway and drug resistance of CD133-positive colon CSLCs.Methods:Magnetic activation cell separation was used to collect CD133-positive cells from colon cancer cell line DLD1, which was transfected with luciferase reporter for Wnt signaling activity.The activity of Wnt signaling pathway was compared between CD133-positive and CD133-negative cells.After the treatment with 1 μg/mL of 5-FU, the cell proliferation rates of DLD1 cells, CD133-positive cells, and CD133-negative cells were compared.After the treatment with 1 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL of 5-FU for 48 h, Wnt activity was compared between CD133-positive and CD133-negative cells.The expression of CD133 and cell apoptosis of CD133-positive cells was detected after exposure to 50 ng/mL of dickkopf (DKK)-1, a Wnt pathway inhibitor.Results:After the treatment with 5-FU, the cell proliferation rate of CD133-positive cells was higher than that of CD133-negative cells and the sensitivity of CD133-positive cells to 5-FU decreased.Wnt activity was higher in CD133-positive cells than in CD133-negative cells [(46.3±0.3)% vs.(33.9±2.7)%, P=0.009].After the treatment with 1 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL of 5-FU, Wnt activity of CD133-positive cells was (90.1±10.0)% (P=0.012) and (52.9±2.5)% (P=0.047), respectively, whereas that of CD133-negative cells was (35.5±3.3)% (P=0.434) and (26.5±0.4)% (P=0.046), respectively.CD133 expression in CD133-positive cells decreased from (87.2±5.3)% to (60.6±3.1)% (P=0.022) after treatment with DKK-1, whereas the cell apoptosis rate increased from (11.8±0.2)% to (28.3±0.6)% (P=0.013).Conclusions:Wnt activity is higher in CD133-positive DLD1 cells than in CD133-negative DLD1 cells.5-FU can upregulate Wnt activity of CD133-positive colon CSLCs.Blocking Wnt activity may reverse drug sensitivity of CD133-positive cells to 5-FU.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81270508)National Major Special Science and Technology Project(2012ZX09103101-043)
文摘OBJECTIVE The eradication of cancer stem cells(CSCs) is signifcant for cancer therapy and prevention.METHODS In this study,we evaluated WM130,a novel derivative of matrine,for its effect on CSCs using human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell lines,their sphere cells,and sorted EpCAM+cells.RESULTS We revealed that WM130 could not only inhibit proliferation and colony formation of HCC cells,but also suppress the expression of some stemness-related genes and up-regulate some mature hepatocyte marker genes,indicating a promotion of differentiation from CSCs to hepatocytes.WM130 also suppressed the proliferation of doxorubicin-resistant hepatoma cells,and markedly reduced the cells with CSC biomarker EpCAM.Moreover,WM130 suppressed HCC spheres,not only primary spheres but also subsequent spheres,indicating an inhibitory effect on self-renewal capability of CSCs.Interestingly,WM130 exhibiteda remarkable inhibitory preference on HCC spheres and EpCAM+cells rather than their parental HCC cells and EpCAM-cells respectively.In vivo,WM130 inhibited HCC xenograft growth,decreased the number of sphere-forming cells,and remarkably decreased the levels of EpCAM mRNA and protein in tumor xenografts.Better inhibitory effect was achieved by WM130 in combination with doxorubicin.Further mechanism study revealed that WM130 inhibited AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.CONCLUSION Collectively,our results suggest that WM130 remark.ably inhibits hepatic CSCs,and this effect may via the down-regulation of the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway.These findings provide a strong rationale for the use of WM130 as a novel drug candidate in HCC therapy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81360347,No.81560493)Key Project of Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi (No. 2015GXNSFDA 139024)the Research Fund for the College Scientific Program of Educational Department of Guangxi Province(No.ZD2014027)
文摘Objective:To establish a method for enriching,culturing and identifying stem-like subpopulation from human hepatic carcinoma cells,and to explore its biological properties.Methods:HepG2cells were cultured in cancer stem cell(CSC)medium to form spheroids.The stem-like HepG2cells obtained from tumor spheroids were then expanded.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD90 and CD133on the surface of stem-like HepG2 cells.The in vitro colony forming ability and in vivo tumorigenicity were detected by clone formation assay and tumorigenesis assay.Results:HepG2cells could grow in suspension and form spheroids in CSC medium.The stem-like cells had the ability of self-renewal and proliferation.The expression of CD90and CD133on the surface of these stem-like cells were higher than those of parental HepG2cells(P<0.01).The colony formation ability of stem-like cells was higher than that of parental HepG2cells.When injected with 1×106 cells,stemlike cells could form tumors earlier than parental cells in nude mice.The stem-like cells’tumorigenesis rate was higher and the tumor size was larger than those of parental HepG2cells(P<0.01).Conclusion:The suspension sphere culture method could enrich stem-like cells from HepG2cells.The obtained stem-like cells possessed the properties of self-renewal in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo.
基金supported in part by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.90406023)Science Foundation of Southeast University(No.9223001446)Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province Hygienical Division,China(No.16230005777).
文摘In current study, cancer stem-like cells in the murine melanoma B16F10 cells were investigated. CD phenotypes of the B16F10 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the specific CD phenotype cells from the B16F10 cells were isolated by MACS. Then we used colony formation assay in soft agar media, the cell growth assay in serum-free culture media as well as the tumorigenicity investigation of the specific CD phenotype cells in C57BL/6 mice, respectively, to identify cancer stem-like cells in the B16F10 cells. The results showed that the B16F10 cells could form spherical clones in serum-free culture media, and the rate of clonegenesis of CD133^＋, CD44^＋ and CD44^＋CD133^＋ cells was higher than that of CD133^-, CD44^- and CD44^＋CD133^＋ cells in soft agar media, respectively. The tumorigenic potential of CD133^＋, CD44^＋, CD44^＋CD133^＋ cells and CD44^＋CD133^＋CD24^＋ cells was stronger than that of CD133^-, CD44^-, CD44^＋CD133^- cells and CD44^＋CD133^＋CD24^- cells in mice, respectively. In conclusion, the CD44^＋CD133^＋CD24^＋ cells have some biological properties of cancer stem-like cells or are highly similar to the characteristics of cancer stem cells （CSC）. These results provide an important method for identifying cancer stem-like cells in B16F10 cells and for further cancer target therapy. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.
基金This work was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 300740076）, Jiangsu Six Kinds of Outstanding Talents Foundation （No. 2006B070）, Jiangsu Science and Education for Health Foundation （No. RC2007054） and Jiangsu Province Post-doctor Foundation （No. 0601048B）.
文摘Background A satisfactory animal model of breast cancer metastasizing to bone is unavailable. In this study, we used human breast cancer stem-like cells and human bone to build a novel “human-source” model of human breast cancer skeletal metastasis. Methods Human breast cancer stem-like cells, the CD44^＋/CD24^-/lower subpopulation, was separated and cultured. Before injection with the stem-like cells, mice were implanted with human bone in the right or left dorsal flanks. Animals in Groups A, B, and C were injected with 1×10^5, 1×10^6 human breast cancer stem-like cells, and 1×10^6 parental MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. A positive control group （D） without implantation of human bone was also injected with 1×10^6 MDA-MB-231 cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed for determination of CD34, CD105, smooth muscle antibody, CD44, CD24, cytokine, CXC chemokine receptor-4 （CXCR4）, and osteopontin （OPN）. mRNA levels of CD44, CD24, CXCR4, and OPN in bone metastasis tissues were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR）.Results Our results demonstrated that cells in implanted human bones of group B, which received 1×10^6 cancer stem-like cells, stained strongly positive for CD44, CXCR4, and OPN, whereas those of other groups showed no or minimum staining. Moreover, group B had the highest incidence of human bone metastasis （77.8%, P=0.0230） and no accompaniment of other tissue metastasis. The real-time PCR showed an increase of CD44, CXCR4, and OPN mRNA in metastatic bone tissues in group B compared with those of groups C and D, however the expression of CD24 mRNA in group B were the lowest. Conclusions In the novel “human source” model of breast cancer, breast cancer stem-like cells demonstrated a higher human bone-seeking ability. Its mechanism might be related to the higher expressions of CD44, CXCR4, and OPN, and the lower expression of CD24 in breast cancer stem-like cells.
基金This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （81372707, 81072070）, Shanghai Committee of Sdence and Technology （15140902200, 16140903000）, and the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai （15ZR1405600）.
文摘Meningiomas are the most common primary tumors in central nervous system. While recent studies have revealed genetic clues to lower grade human meningiomas, the molecular determinants driving the progression and recurrence of anaplastic meningi- oma, the most malignant subtype with a low prevalence but high morbidity, are still poorly understood. It has been proposed that high recurrence rates of malignant meningiomas are linked to cancer stem cells. Indeed, tumor stem-Uke cells have been iso- lated from various meningioma subtypes, but never been obtained from anaplastic meningioma, in this study, we successfully isolated stem-Uke cells from human anaplastic meningioma. These cells are capable of forming spheres and initiating xenograft tumors that recapitulate anaplastic meningioma phenotypes, and thus could serve as an in vitro model for malignant meningi- omas. KLF4, a transcription factor known for its role in sternness maintenance, was identified as one of the most frequently mutated genes in the benign secretory meningioma. Interestingly, we found that KLF4 is downregulated in anaplastic meningi- oma compared with low-grade meningioma subtypes. By manipulating KLF4 expression in anaplastic meningioma stem-like cells, we demonstrated that KLF4 acts as a tumor suppressor during malignant progression in meningioma, affecting apoptosis, prolif- eration, invasion, and cell cycle. These results suggest a potential therapeutic value of KLF4 for clinical intervention of anaplastic meningioma.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(2016YFA2021600,2016YFA0202104,and2015CB932104)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31571015,11621505,and 21320102003)Chinese Academy of Sciences Youth Innovation Promotion Association(2013007)
文摘Near infrared(NIR) light-driven nitric oxide(NO) release nano-platform based on upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs) and light sensitive NO precursor Roussin's black salt(RBS) was fabricated to generate NO upon 808 nm irradiation. The application of 808 nm laser as the excitation source could achieve better penetration depth and avoid overheating problem. The combination of UCNPs and RBS could realize the on-demand release of NO at desired time and location by simply controlling the output of NIR laser.Cellular uptake results showed that more nanoparticles were internalized in cancer stem-like cells(CSCs)rather than non-CSCs. Therefore, a synergistic cancer therapy strategy to eradicate both CSCs and nonCSCs simultaneously was developed. Traditional chemo-drug could inhibit non-CSCs but has low killing efficiency in CSCs. However, we found that the combination of NO and chemotherapy could efficiently inhibit CSCs in bulk cells, including inhibiting mammosphere formation ability, decreasing CD44^+/CD24^- subpopulation and reducing tumorigenic ability. The mechanism studies confirmed that NO could not only induce apoptosis but also increase drug sensitivity by declining drug efflux in CSCs. This UCNPsbased platform may provide a new combinatorial strategy of NO and chemotherapy to improve cancer treatment.
基金This work was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from a Japan Society for Promotion of Science(JSPS)(17K19587,18H02679)a research grant from Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development(AMED)Project for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Evolution(P-CREATE)(No.16cm0106120h0001)Practical Research for Innovative Cancer Control(No.16ck0106194h0001)to Gotoh N.
文摘Despite of recent advances in cancer research and development of new anti-cancer drugs,tumor patients’prognoses have not yet been improved well enough.Treatment failure of tumors is highly attributed to the drug resistance of a small population of cancer cell known as cancer stem-like cells(CSCs).CSCs also have the self-renewal activity and differentiation potency,conferring strong tumorigenicity on them.Therefore,development of CSC targeting therapy is urgently needed in order to overcome possible recurrence and metastasis by them after therapy.CSCs show some characteristic features that are not observed in other differentiated cancer cells,which give them higher resistance against conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy.Targeting such specific features could be useful for CSC eradication.This review will summarize the recent advances in the study of CSC characteristics along with the promising therapeutic strategies targeting them.
