Cell adhesion molecules and their relation to (cancer) cell stemness

Abstract

Despite decades of search for anticancer drugs targeting solid tumors, this group of diseases remains largely incurable, especially if in advanced, metastatic stage. In this review, we draw comparison between reprogramming and carcinogenesis, as well as between stem cells (SCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs), focusing on changing garniture of adhesion molecules. Furthermore, we elaborate on the role of adhesion molecules in the regulation of (cancer) SCs division (symmetric or asymmetric), and in evolving interactions between CSCs and extracellular matrix. Among other aspects, we analyze the role and changes of expression of key adhesion molecules as cancer progresses and metastases develop. Here, the role of cadherins, integrins, as well as selected transcription factors like Twist and Snail is highlighted, not only in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition but also in the avoidance of anoikis. Finally, we briefly discuss recent developments and new strategies targeting CSCs, which focus on adhesion molecules or targeting tumor vasculature.

Low Oxygen Modulates Multiple Signaling Pathways, Increasing Self-Renewal, While Decreasing Differentiation, Senescence, and Apoptosis in Stromal MIAMI Cells

“…Stemness of a cell can be defined as the capability of selfrenewal and developing into more differentiated cell types [50]. This distinctive state of the cell is assigned to various cell types, including ESCs, cancer stem cells, and adult stem cells such as the stromal MIAMI cells studied here.…”

Nuclear localized Akt enhances breast cancer stem-like cells through counter-regulation of p21Waf1/Cip1and p27kip1

“…1,2 The origin of CSCs is still debated. They may either originate from normal (tissue) stem cells or form in a process similar to reprogramming (dedifferentiation).…”

Human Gyrovirus-Apoptin Interferes with the Cell Cycle and Induces G2/M Arrest Prior to Apoptosis

“…Like in some other diseases (Likus et al 2016a), it is however sometimes difficult to clearly associate the given pathogen with cancer etiology. Many viruses preferentially or exclusively replicate in dividing cells; hence, their components are potentially becoming an important source/inspiration in the search of drugs that preferentially target cancer stem cells (AkbariBirgani et al 2016;Farahani et al 2014;Wasik et al 2014). Beside viral methods, some clinically tested as well as new drugs with preferential toxicity towards cancer stem cells are increasingly becoming available (Jangamreddy et al 2013;Likus et al 2016b;Moosavi et al 2016).…”