Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Iron Dependency

Abstract

Objectives: Among woman, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide. It is composed of various cell types that are classified into different subtypes such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), triple positive breast cancer (TPBC). TNBCs and TPBCs represent distinct genetic background, thereby leading to therapeutic diversity in breast cancer. It is critical to know their tumorigenic properties to overcome the diversity. Methods: TPBC cell lines; BT474, HCC1954 and TNBC cell lines; MDA-MB-435, Hs578T, MDA-MB-231 were used to measure intracellular iron levels via a fluorescent probe, calcein-AM, utilizing flow cytometry. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are detected by surface expression of CD44+/CD24-markers in the lines.Results: Here, it has shown that TNBCs have higher basal levels of iron and population of BCSCs than TPBCs. Iron addition provides enrichment of BCSCs in TPBCs. Conclusion:Iron is an important element for maintenance of BCSCs.