The Stem Cell Niche as the Key to Early Cancer Development

Abstract

Cancer cells are remarkable for their multiform character. It is now apparent that for normal cells to become cancerous, they shall not have reached a high degree of differentiation and must be properly nourished. Another important factor in the transformation of a normal cell is probably the alteration of the microenvironment that otherwise would hold the cell in check. Loss of niche control over normal stem cells could allow for the reversion of differentiation to a less specialized form, leading to unrestrained growth. The tumor microenvironment consists of the properties conferred by abnormal interactions between tumor and host cells. The aim of the current review is to map out the steps leading to this abnormal interaction process. If indeed the cancer stem cell niche is key to unrestrained proliferation, insights into the alteration in the microenvironment should certainly provide clues as to more effective cancer therapy.

Comparison between Mesenchymal Stem Cells obtained from Bone Marrow, Adipose Tissue and Wharton Gelatin according to the ISCT Criteria

“…Aunque el principal sitio para la obtención de CTM es la médula ósea, otros tejidos como el adiposo y la gelatina de Wharton poseen una gran reserva de este tipo celular [8] . Independientemente de su origen mesodérmico, las CTM pueden adoptar un destino endodermal o ectodermal, lo que se conoce como: plasticidad celular, la cual se atribuye a la influencia que ejerce el microambiente donde residen, característica relevante para su uso en MR [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] . Para que las CTM puedan ser utilizadas en la clínica se debe; a) disponer de un gran número de ellas, b) ser aisladas con procedimientos mínimamente invasivos, c) tener capacidad de diferenciación, d) de ser posible trasplantarlas autóloga o alogénicamente, e) el aislamiento y cultivo deben estar basado en guías de buenas prácticas de manufactura, y cumplir con los postulados de la sociedad internacional para la terapia celular (ISCT) [6,17] .…”