Nestin-Expressing Cells in the Lung: The Bad and the Good Parts

Abstract

Nestin is a member of the intermediate filament family, which is expressed in a variety of stem or progenitor cells as well as in several types of malignancies. Nestin might be involved in tissue homeostasis or repair, but its expression has also been associated with processes that lead to a poor prognosis in various types of cancer. In this article, we review the literature related to the effect of nestin expression in the lung. According to most of the reports in the literature, nestin expression in lung cancer leads to an aggressive phenotype and resistance to chemotherapy as well as radiation treatments due to the upregulation of phenomena such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Furthermore, nestin may be involved in the pathogenesis of some non-cancer-related lung diseases. On the other hand, evidence also indicates that nestin-positive cells may have a role in lung homeostasis and be capable of generating various types of lung tissues. More research is necessary to establish the true value of nestin expression as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in lung cancer in addition to its usefulness in therapeutic approaches for pulmonary diseases.

Nestin-GFP transgene labels immunoprivileged bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the model of ectopic foci formation

“…It is tempting to extrapolate that a wide range of immunoprivileged cells in an adult mammalian is nestin-positive. Nestin is expressed by quiescent stem cells in immune-privileged organs, such as the testis ( Jiang et al, 2014 ), cartilage ( Jaramillo-Rangel et al, 2021 ), brain ( Li et al, 2003 ), and retina ( Bhatia et al, 2009 ). Moreover, MuSCs and HFSCs are also characterized by GFP expression in Nestin-GFP adult mice ( Li et al, 2003 ; Day et al, 2007 ).…”

Hypoxia-Induced Nestin Regulates Viability and Metabolism of Lung Cancer by Targeting Transcriptional Factor Nrf2, STAT3, and SOX2

“…Lung cancer has a poor prognosis and its death rate is the highest among all malignant tumors [ 5 ]. Nonsmall cell lung cancer is a common subtype of lung cancer, and platinum-based chemotherapy is still the main treatment for NSCLC patients [ 16 ].…”

“…Nestin is a plastic cytoskeletal protein whose expression may vary with the functional state of the cell and is widely used as a marker for neuronal cells derived from embryonic stem cells (hES cells) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). Nestin expression in tumor cells has been reported to result in chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and radioresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines [ 5 , 6 ]. Previously, Nestin has been reported to be associated with neuroendocrine features and involved in malignant phenotypes including cell growth.…”

Expression of Markers Ki-67, Nestin, VEGF, CD34 and Apoptosis in Relatively Healthy Lung Tissue with Non-Changed and Metaplastic Bronchial Epithelium

“…Although typically considered a marker of neural stem cells, nestin is now being viewed outside its original role. Nestin participates in signaling pathways that take part in differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, motility, oxidative stress and migration [ 42 ]. Research suggests that nestin-positive cells have an impact on lung homeostasis.…”

“…It is possible that pluripotent nestin-positive cells that can generate various types of lung tissue exist. This revelation can provide new therapeutic approaches for lung diseases [ 42 ]. Research shows that this marker is present in pathological conditions as well; for example, nestin contributes to progression of pulmonary fibrosis [ 46 ], and hypoxia-induced nestin promotes progression of non-small lung cancer cells by targeting specific transcription factors [ 47 ].…”