Breast cancer stem cells

Abstract

Since the initial discovery of leukemia stem cells nearly a decade ago, a great deal of cancer research has focused on the identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in many types of solid tumors, including breast cancer. Through analysis of cell surface markers and xenotransplant models, a subpopulation of putative human breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) that is CD24-negative/CD44-positive (CD24(-)/CD44+) and bears high aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 activity has been isolated in clinical samples of breast cancer tissues. Human BCSCs are considered to be derived from basal cells that reside in the basal membranes of alveolar units in human adult mammary glands. Furthermore, BCSCs have been shown to express higher levels of oxidative stress-responsive genes, which could confer part of their ability to resist anti-cancer therapy, than non-CSCs. The emerging picture of the biological properties of BCSCs would contribute for devising innovative therapies for breast cancer, targeting the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that maintain the BCSCs.

Three-Dimensional-Engineered Matrix to Study Cancer Stem Cells and Tumorsphere Formation: Effect of Matrix Modulus

“…[48][49][50] CD44 and ABCG2 are well-studied markers in both mouse and human breast CSCs. 51,52 Although CD24 -is also a marker often used as a breast CSC marker, recent studies indicate that both CD44 + /CD24 -and CD44 + /CD24 + cells display CSC phenotypes in MCF7 cells. 53 SCA1 is a murine stem cell marker and it is unclear whether SCA1 is a CSC marker in human cancer cells.…”

Polymer–lipid hybrid anti-HER2 nanoparticles for targeted salinomycin delivery to HER2-positive breast cancer stem cells and cancer cells

“…Our results were consistent with those of previous studies, in which breast CSCs exhibited increased HER2 levels compared with common breast cancer cells. 6,8 Since HER2 expression in normal mammary epithelial cells or breast cancer cells enhances the tumorinitiating cell component driving tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis, it is plausible that HER2 expression would increase in breast CSCs compared with breast cancer cells. 8,32 Thus, HER2 represents not only a promising target in breast cancer cells but also in breast CSCs.…”

“…Briefly, 5×10 6 BT-474 cells were injected subcutaneously into BALB/c nude mice (day 0). By day 10, the tumor growth was visible (~50 mm 3 ).…”

“…1,2 Overall survival is significantly hampered by cancer drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis, 3,4 and breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered responsible for these factors. 5,6 Thus, eliminating breast CSCs may increase the therapeutic efficacy of breast cancer.…”

Screening specific polypeptides of breast cancer stem cells from a phage display random peptide library

“…All types of enrichment methods for tumor stem cells (including those based on stem cell surface markers, intracellular enzyme activity, concentration of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, promoter-driven fluorescent protein expression, autofluorescence, suspension/adherent culture, cell division, identification of side population cells, resistance to cytotoxic compounds or hypoxia, invasiveness/adhesion, immunoselection and physical properties) have contributed to significant progress since Al-Hajj et al (1) isolated breast cancer stem cells successfully in 2003, thus facilitating further research on breast cancer stem cells (1). Breast cancer stem cells originate from normal mammary stem cells or differentiated breast cancer cells, which are characterized by the capability of self-renewal, differentiation and tumorigenicity (2). Breast cancer stem cells have been observed to be highly resistant to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy (3).…”