Objective: To explore the role of miR-448 in regulating MAGEA6/AMPK signaling pathway in the biological study of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor stem cells. Methods: Using the database, the hepatocellular carcino...Objective: To explore the role of miR-448 in regulating MAGEA6/AMPK signaling pathway in the biological study of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor stem cells. Methods: Using the database, the hepatocellular carcinoma related expression chips were obtained and the regulatory mirnas of candidate genes were predicted, and the predicted results were analyzed. The effects of miR-448 and MAGEA6 on the pellet formation rate and clone formation rate of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells were detected by immunofluorescence identification of stem cell markers and light microscope counting method. The effects of miR-448 and MAGEA6 on migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells were detected by scratch and Transwell assay. Dual luciferase reporter assay to verify whether miR-448 targets MAGEA6. The expression and influence of miR-448 on MAGEA6 and AMPK pathway were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: It was found that miR-448 may directly regulate the expression of MAGEA6. Overexpression of miR-448 inhibited the characteristics, proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells in vitro, as well as the ability of xenograft tumor formation in vivo. However, inhibition of miR-448 showed opposite results. In addition, miR-448 directly targets MAGEA6 and regulates AMPK signaling. Silencing MAGEA6 and adding AMPK activator further verified that miR-448 activated AMPK signaling pathway by targeting MAGEA6, thus affecting characteristics, proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatoma stem cells. Conclusions: Our results reveal that miR-448 activates AMPK signaling pathway by targeting MAGEA6, thereby affecting characteristics, proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatoma stem cells. It is suggested that overexpression of miR-448 may be a new therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.展开更多
Understanding of the differentiation profile of brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs), the key ones among tumor cell population, through comparison with neural stem cells (NSCs) would lend insight into the origin of glio...Understanding of the differentiation profile of brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs), the key ones among tumor cell population, through comparison with neural stem cells (NSCs) would lend insight into the origin of glioma and ultimately yield new approaches to fight this intractable disease. Here, we cultured and purified BTSCs from surgical glioma specimens and NSCs from human fetal brain tissue, and further analyzed their cellular biological behaviors, especially their differentiation property. As expected, NSCs differentiated into mature neural phenotypes. In the same differentiation condition, however, BTSCs exhibited distinguished differences. Morphologically, cells grew flattened and attached for the first week, but gradually aggregated and reformed floating tumor sphere thereafter. During the corresponding period, the expression rate of undifferentiated cell marker CD 133 and nestin in BTSCs kept decreasing, but 1 week later, they regained ascending tendency. Interestingly, the differentiated cell markers GFAP and β-tubulinlII showed an expression change inverse to that of undifferentiated cell markers. Taken together, BTSCs were revealed to possess a capacity to resist differentiation, which actually represents the malignant behaviors of glioma.展开更多
Although it is believed that glioma is derived from brain tumor stem cells, the source and molecular signal pathways of these cells are still unclear. In this study, we used stable doxycycline-inducible transgenic mou...Although it is believed that glioma is derived from brain tumor stem cells, the source and molecular signal pathways of these cells are still unclear. In this study, we used stable doxycycline-inducible transgenic mouse brain tumor models (c-myc/SV40Tag+/Tet-on+) to explore the malignant trans- formation potential of neural stem cells by observing the differences of neural stem cells and brain tumor stem cells in the tumor models. Results showed that chromosome instability occurred in brain tumor stem cells. The numbers of cytolysosomes and autophagosomes in brain tumor stem cells and induced neural stem cells were lower and the proliferative activity was obviously stronger than that in normal neural stem cells. Normal neural stem cells could differentiate into glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive and microtubule associated protein-2-positive cells, which were also negative for nestin. However, glial fibrillary acidic protein/nestin, microtubule associated protein-2/nestin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein/microtubule associated protein-2 double-positive cells were found in induced neural stem cells and brain tumor stem cells. Results indicate that induced neural stem cells are similar to brain tumor stem cells, and are possibly the source of brain tumor stem cells.展开更多
Extensive in vitro and in vivo research reveals multiple intracellular molecular targets of Antrodia camphorata,and these targets affect growth,apoptosis,angiogenesis,invasion and metastasis of cells.These targets inc...Extensive in vitro and in vivo research reveals multiple intracellular molecular targets of Antrodia camphorata,and these targets affect growth,apoptosis,angiogenesis,invasion and metastasis of cells.These targets include tumor suppressor,cell cycle regulator,transcription factor,angiogenesis and metastasis factor,apoptosis and survival regulator,etc.Additionally,more and more attention has been paid to the molecular mechanism of A.camphorata on the regulation of tumor stem cells.Meanwhile,there is evidence that the immunoregulation of A.camphorata is enhanced,which may lead cell cycle arrest or apoptosis.In this paper,molecular mechanism of tumor cells and tumor stem cells regulated at multiple targets by A.camphorata in vitro and in vivo in the past decade is summarized.展开更多
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are believed to have a significant role in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis. Cancer stem cells play a major role in tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug re...MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are believed to have a significant role in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis. Cancer stem cells play a major role in tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Research has shown that miRNAs can promote or inhibit the sternness of cancer stem cells and regulate the differentiation and self-renewal of cancer stem cells. In this article, the phenotype and regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in cancer stem cells will be described, together with an explanation of their potential role in tumor diagnosis and treatment.展开更多
Objective To investigate the effect of dendritic cells pulsed with brain tumor stem cells which are used to treat on intracranial glioma. Methods We obtained murine brain tumor stem cells by grow ing C6 cells in epide...Objective To investigate the effect of dendritic cells pulsed with brain tumor stem cells which are used to treat on intracranial glioma. Methods We obtained murine brain tumor stem cells by grow ing C6 cells in epidermal grow th factor/basic fibroblast grow th factor w ithout serum.Dendritic cells isolated from rat bone marrow w ere pulsed w ith BTSCs. Rat brain展开更多
Background and Objective: Since the proposal of the tumor stem cell hypothesis, considerable interest has been devoted to the isolation and purification of tumor stem cells. Tumor stem cell enrichment from primary tum...Background and Objective: Since the proposal of the tumor stem cell hypothesis, considerable interest has been devoted to the isolation and purification of tumor stem cells. Tumor stem cell enrichment from primary tumor derived cell spheres has been demonstrated in specific, serum-free media. This goal of this study is to establish a method of cultivating floating tumor spheres from neuroblastoma cells and to confirm that neuroblastoma spheres are rich in tumor stem cells. Methods: Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from pediatric patients diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma. Primary tumor cells were isolated and cultivated in serum-free, stem cell-selective medium. Single sphere-forming cells were cultivated under serum-free conditions; their cloning efficiency and monoclonal tumor sphere formation rates were calculated. The expression of stem cell marker genes Oct-4 and Bmi-1 was detected by RT-PCR in sphere-forming cells and parental neurolastoma cells. Sphere-forming cells were injected into the armpit of nude mice with subsequent assessment for tumor growth. Sphere-forming cells were cultivated in differentiation medium containing 5 μmol/L 13-cis retinoic acid; changes in cell morphology were observed. Results: Neuroblastoma cells formed non-adherent neurospheres under serum-free, stem cell-selective conditions after a period of 4 to 6 days. A single cell dissociated from a neurosphere could reform a monoclonal sphere; cloning efficiency and monoclonal sphere formation rates were 55.3% and 26.3%, respectively. RT-PCR results revealed heightened tumor sphere expression of Oct-4 and Bmi-1 as compared with parental tumor cells. Fourteen days after injection of 104 sphere-forming cells into nude mice, a neuroblastoma xenograft formed. Treatment of sphere-forming cells with 13-cis retinoic acid induced a gradual differentiation to neuronal cell morphology. Conclusions: Neuroblastoma derived tumor spheres enrich tumor stem cells and the cultivation of primary neuroblastoma cells in serum-free, stem cell-selective medium is an effective method to dissociate and purify tumor stem cells in vitro.展开更多
Cancer research over the past decades has focused on neoplastic cells, or a fraction of them, i.e. tumor stem cells, as the ultimate causes of tumorigenesis. However, during recent years, scientists have come to reali...Cancer research over the past decades has focused on neoplastic cells, or a fraction of them, i.e. tumor stem cells, as the ultimate causes of tumorigenesis. However, during recent years, scientists have come to realize that tumorigenesis is not a solo act of neoplastic cells, but rather a cooperative process in which the roles of numerous types of non-neoplastic cells should be recognized. These tumor-residing non-neoplastic cells constitute the so-called tumor-associated stroma, which in certain cases even greatly surpasses the neoplastic cellular compartment that was previously thought of as a sole determiner leading to a seemingly autonomous growth pattern. In this review, we summarize several recent research highlights that have unveiled many previously unappreciated roles for microenvironmental factors, especially during the initiation stage of tumorigenesis. It is becoming increasingly clear that the stroma’s regulatory effects constitute not only an essential force for maintaining tumor growth, but also primary causes initiating tumorigenesis.展开更多
Cancer chemotherapy efficacy is frequently impaired by either intrinsic or acquired tumor resistance.A fundamental problem in cancer research is identifying the cell type that is capable of sustaining neoplastic growt...Cancer chemotherapy efficacy is frequently impaired by either intrinsic or acquired tumor resistance.A fundamental problem in cancer research is identifying the cell type that is capable of sustaining neoplastic growth and its origin from normal tissue cells.In recent years,the cancer stem cell(CSC) theory has changed the classical view of tumor growth and therefore the therapeutic perspective.Overcoming intrinsic and acquired resistance of cancer stem/progenitor cells to current clinical treatments represents a major challenge in treating and curing the most aggressive and metastatic cancers.On the other hand,the identification of CSCs in vivo and in vitro relies on specific surface markers that should allow the sorting cancer cells into phenotypically distinct subpopulations.In the present review,recent papers published on CSCs in solid tumors(breast,prostate,brain and melanoma) are discussed,highlighting critical points such as the choice of markers to sort CSCs and mouse models to demonstrate that CSCs are able to replicate the original tumor.A discussion of the possible role of aldehyde dehydrogenase and CXCR6 biomarkers as signaling molecules in CSCs and normal stem cells is also discussed.The author believes that efforts have to be made to investigate the functional and biological properties of putative CSCs in cancer.Developing diagnostic/prognostic tools to follow cancer development is also a challenge.In this connection it would be useful to develop a multidisciplinary approach combining mathematics,physics and biology which merges experimental approaches and theory.Biological models alone are probably unable to resolve the problem completely.展开更多
The origins of the complex process of intratumoral heterogeneity have been highly debated and different cellular mechanisms have been hypothesized to account for the diversity within a tumor. The clonal evolution and ...The origins of the complex process of intratumoral heterogeneity have been highly debated and different cellular mechanisms have been hypothesized to account for the diversity within a tumor. The clonal evolution and cancer stem cell(CSC) models have been proposed as drivers of this heterogeneity. However, the concept of cancer stem cell plasticity and bidirectional conversion between stem and non-stem cells has added additional complexity to these highly studied paradigms and may help explain the tumor heterogeneity observed in solid tumors. The process of cancer stem cell plasticity in which cancer cel s harbor the dynamic ability of shifting from a non-CSC state to a CSC state and vice versa may be modulated by specific microenvironmental signals and cellular interactions arising in the tumor niche. In addition to promoting CSC plasticity, these interactions may contribute to the cellular transformation of tumor cells and affect response to chemotherapeutic and radiation treatments by providing CSCs protection from these agents. Herein, we review the literature in support of this dynamic CSC state, discuss the effectors of plasticity, and examine their role in the development and treatment of cancer.展开更多
Primary malignant tumors of the spine are relatively rare, less than 5% of all spinal column tumors. However, these lesions are often among the most difficult to treat and encompass challenging pathologies such as cho...Primary malignant tumors of the spine are relatively rare, less than 5% of all spinal column tumors. However, these lesions are often among the most difficult to treat and encompass challenging pathologies such as chordoma and a variety of invasive sarcomas. The mechanisms of tumor recurrence after surgical intervention, as well as resistance to radiation and chemotherapy, remain a pervasive and costly problem. Recent evidence has emerged supporting the hypothesis that solid tumors contain a sub-population of cancer cells that possess characteristics normally associated with stem cells. Particularly, the potential for long-term proliferation appears to be restricted to subpopulations of cancer stem cells(CSCs) functionally defined by their capacity to self-renew and give rise to differentiated cells that phenotypically recapitulate the original tumor, thereby causing relapse and patient death. These cancer stem cells present a unique opportunity to better understand the biology of solid tumors in general, as well as targets for future therapeutics. The general objective of the current study is to discuss the fundamental concepts for understanding the role of CSCs with respect to chemoresistance, radioresistance, special cell surface markers, cancer recurrence and metastasis intumors of the osseous spine. This discussion is followed by a specific review of what is known about the role of CSCs in chordoma, the most common primary malignant osseous tumor of the spine.展开更多
Mesenchymal stem cells?(MSCs) have been shown to differentiate into liver cells in serum of part-resection liver, but it was hardly feasible in clinical use. Our studies revealed that MSCs could differentiate into hep...Mesenchymal stem cells?(MSCs) have been shown to differentiate into liver cells in serum of part-resection liver, but it was hardly feasible in clinical use. Our studies revealed that MSCs could differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in autologous serum after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy of the liver tumor. Rabbits with liver tumor subsequently treated with RFA therapy. Serum was collected from those rabbits before RFA therapy and 72 hours after RFA therapy. MSCs were isolated from each rabbit’s bone marrow and cultured in DMEM medium containing the following different supplements: 30% fetal calf serum (FCS group), 30% rabbit autologous serum (AS group) or 30% autologous serum after RFA treatment of the liver tumor (ASRF group), observed by electron microscopy, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence. Seven days later, most of the spindle-shaped MSCs in the ASRF group transformed into polygon or round-shaped cells resembling hepatocytes, and the percentage in S/G2/M phase was higher than in the FCS or AS groups. Fourteen days later, slender microvilli, cell-cell junction structures and cholangiole emerged in the cells belonging to the ASRF group, the expression of albumin and CK18 was observed only in the differentiated cells from the ASRF group. These changes were not observed in the FCS group or the AS group. This study may provide a potential cell source and culture process for clinical application in liver injury treatment.展开更多
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a population of tumor-derived cells that detach from the primary tumor and initiate metastasis. However, the mechanisms of this process are still unknown. This phenomenon renders CTC...Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a population of tumor-derived cells that detach from the primary tumor and initiate metastasis. However, the mechanisms of this process are still unknown. This phenomenon renders CTCs as a valuable resource for prognosis and diagnosis of cancer. The involvement of stemness transcription factors and markers, such as NANOG, OCT3/4, CD34, NESTIN, and SOX2, in metastasis initiation has been studied recently because their abnormally elevated expression in cancer cells may be highly important in understanding tumor initiation. This study analyzed the genetic profiles of the above genes in CTCs derived from patients with different types of cancer. Blood samples were randomly collected from 71 cancer patients with various cancer types. CTCs were isolated using enrichment protocols and RNA was extracted. RT-qPCR was performed in triplicate using ACTB as the reference gene. The statistical analysis was performed among the ΔCts of the samples using parametric and non-parametric methods. The molecular analysis revealed that the expression of each gene was different than the others. When each type of cancer was analyzed separately, the gene expression profile was not always the same. It is noteworthy that, in all cases, the gene expression of NESTIN differed from that of transcription factors. According to the above data, gene expression profiles might be used as a potential biomarker or constitute a gene signature.展开更多
The treatment of malignant brain tumors remains a challenge. Stem cell technology has been applied in the treatment of brain tumors largely because of the ability of some stem cells to infiltrate into regions within t...The treatment of malignant brain tumors remains a challenge. Stem cell technology has been applied in the treatment of brain tumors largely because of the ability of some stem cells to infiltrate into regions within the brain where tumor cells migrate as shown in preclinical studies. However, not all of these efforts can translate in the effective treatment that improves the quality of life for pa-tients. Here, we perform a literature review to identify the problems in the field. Given the lack of efficacy of most stem cell-based agents used in the treatment of malignant brain tumors, we found that stem cell distribution(i.e., only a fraction of stem cells applied capable of targeting tumors) are among the limiting factors. We provide guidelines for potential improvements in stem cell distribution. Specifically, we use an engineered tissue graft platform that replicates the in vivo microenvironment, and provide our data to validate that this culture platform is viable for producing stem cells that have better stem cell distribution than with the Petri dish culture system.展开更多
The tumor microenvironment(TME) is complex and constantly evolving. This is due, in part, to the crosstalk between tumor cells and the multiple cell types that comprise the TME, which results in a heterogeneous popula...The tumor microenvironment(TME) is complex and constantly evolving. This is due, in part, to the crosstalk between tumor cells and the multiple cell types that comprise the TME, which results in a heterogeneous population of tumor cells and TME cells. This review will focus on two stromal cell types, the cancerassociated adipocyte(CAA) and the cancer-associated fibroblast(CAF). In the clinic, the presence of CAAs and CAFs in the TME translates to poor prognosis in multiple tumor types. CAAs and CAFs have an activated phenotype and produce growth factors, inflammatory factors, cytokines, chemokines, extracellular matrix components, and proteases in an accelerated and aberrant fashion. Through this activated state, CAAs and CAFs remodel the TME, thereby driving all aspects of tumor progression, including tumor growth and survival, chemoresistance, tumor vascularization, tumor invasion, and tumor cell metastasis. Similarities in the tumorpromoting functions of CAAs and CAFs suggest that a multipronged therapeutic approach may be necessary to achieve maximal impact on disease. While CAAs and CAFs are thought to arise from tissues adjacent to the tumor, multiple alternative origins for CAAs and CAFs have recently been identified. Recent studies from our lab and others suggest that the hematopoietic stem cell, through the myeloid lineage, may serve as a progenitor for CAAs and CAFs. We hypothesize that the multiple origins of CAAs and CAFs may contribute to the heterogeneity seen in the TME. Thus, a better understanding of the origin of CAAs and CAFs, how this origin impacts their functions in the TME, and thetemporal participation of uniquely originating TME cells may lead to novel or improved anti-tumor therapeutics.展开更多
Tumors are believed to consist of a heterogeneous population of tumor ceils originating from rare cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, emerging evidence suggests that tumor may also origi- nate from non-CSCs. To suppo...Tumors are believed to consist of a heterogeneous population of tumor ceils originating from rare cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, emerging evidence suggests that tumor may also origi- nate from non-CSCs. To support this viewpoint, we are here to present definitive evidence indicating that the number of tumorigenic tumor cells is greater than that of CSCs in tumor, and tumor can also derive from non-CSCs. To achieve this, an idealized mathematical model was employed in the pre- sent study and theoretical calculation revealed that non-CSCs could initiate the occurrence of tumor if their proliferation potential was adequate. Further, experimental studies demonstrated that 17.7%, 38.6% and 5.2% of tumor cells in murine B16 solid melanoma, H22 hepatoma and Lewis lung carci2 noma, respectively, were potentially tumorigenic. Thus, based on the aforementioned findings, we propose that the scarce CSCs, if exist, are not the sole source of a tumor.展开更多
Objective Gliomas are the most common malignant tumors in the central nervous system.Despite multiple therapies including surgery,chemotherapy,and radiotherapy,the prognosis of patients remains poor.Immunotherapy is a...Objective Gliomas are the most common malignant tumors in the central nervous system.Despite multiple therapies including surgery,chemotherapy,and radiotherapy,the prognosis of patients remains poor.Immunotherapy is an alternative method of treating glioma,and the use of dendritic cell vaccines is one of the promising treatment options.However,there is no specific tumor cell antigen that can trigger dendritic cells(DCs).IL-13Ra2 is a specific antigen expressed in glioma cells;in the current study,we have attempted to explore whether IL-13Ra2 could be the antigen that triggers DCs and to envisage its application as potential therapy for glioma.Methods The expression of IL-13Ra2 was detected in U251 glioma cell lines and primary glioma tissues using different methods.DCs from human blood were isolated and pulsed with recombinant IL-13Ra2,following which the cytotoxicity of these DCs on glioma cells was detected and analyzed.Results About 55.9% human glioma tissue cells expressed IL-13Ra2,while normal brain tissue cells did not show any expression.DC vaccines loaded with IL-13Ra2,glioma cell antigen,and brain tumor stem cell(BTSC) antigen could significantly stimulate the proliferation of T lymphocytes and induce cell death in the glioma tissue.Compared to other groups,DC vaccines loaded with BTSC antigen showed the strongest ability to activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTLs),while the glioma cell antigen group showed no significant difference.Conclusion IL-13Ra2,which is expressed in gliomas and by glioma stem cells,as well as IL-13Ra2 could prove to be potential antigens for DC vaccine-based immunotherapy.展开更多
MicroRNA (miR)-125b has been shown to play a potential role in the development of glioma stem cells.However,the relationship between miRNA and glioma stem cells is still elusive.This study was designed to elucidate th...MicroRNA (miR)-125b has been shown to play a potential role in the development of glioma stem cells.However,the relationship between miRNA and glioma stem cells is still elusive.This study was designed to elucidate this potential relationship.We established a highly invasive glioma stem cell and progenitor (GSCP) cell line SU3.SU3 cell suspensions were injected into nude mice brains in situ,and the invasiveness of graft tumors was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as immunohistochemistry.Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure the expression levels of miR-125b in SU3 and other cells.In vitro,SU3 cells expressed CD133 and nestin as well as differentiation markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and β-tubulin III,which were consistent with the characteristics of glioma stem cells.Scratch assays indicated that the migration ability of SU3 cells was stronger than that of U251 stem cells (U251s).In vivo,SU3 cells invaded into each part of the mouse brain from the caudate nucleus in a diffuse pattern and highly expressed invasive and proliferative cell markers matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2),MMP9,and Ki-67.Real-time PCR results revealed that the levels of miR-125b and MMP9 were significantly higher in SU3 and SU2,also a highly invasive GSCP cell line we established before,than in U251s.High expression of miR-125b both in newly established GSCPs,SU3,and long-term cultured GSCPs,SU2 suggests that miR-125b exhibits oncogene-like behavior.This behavior should be considered in further studies of miR-125b in cancer stem cells.Furthermore,MMP9,which plays a role in cancer stem cell invasion,may be a target gene of miR-125b.展开更多
Previous studies indicated that B7-H4,the youngest B7 family,negatively regulates T cell-mediated immunity and is significantly overexpressed in many human tumors.Tumor stem cells are purported to play a role in tumor...Previous studies indicated that B7-H4,the youngest B7 family,negatively regulates T cell-mediated immunity and is significantly overexpressed in many human tumors.Tumor stem cells are purported to play a role in tumor renewal and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy.However,the link between B7-H4and tumor stem cells is unclear.In this study,we investigated B7-H4 expression in the medium of human glioma U251 cell cultures.Immunofluorescence results showed that U251 cells cultured in serum-free medium(supplemented with 2%B27,20 ng/mL epidermal growth factor,20 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor)maintained stem-like cell characteristics,including expression of stem cell marker CD133 and the neural progenitor cell markers nestin and SOX2.In contrast,U251 cells cultured in serum-containing medium highly expressed differentiation marker glial fibrillary acidic protein.Flow cytometry analysis showed serum-free medium-cultured U251 cells expressed higher intracellular B7-H4 than serumcontaining medium-cultured U251 cells(24%-35%vs.8%-11%,P<0.001).Immunofluorescence in purified monocytes from normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed moderate expression of B7-H4 after stimulation with conditioned medium from U251 cells cultured in serum-containing medium.Moreover,conditioned medium from U251 stem-like cells had a significant stimulation effect on B7-H4expression compared with serum-containing conditioned medium(P<0.01).Negative costimulatory molecule B7-H4 was preferentially expressed in U251 stem-like cells,and conditioned medium from these cells more effectively induced monocytes to express B7-H4 than conditioned medium from U251 cells cultured in the presence of serum.Our results show that U251 stem-like cells may play a more crucial role in tumor immunoloregulation with high expression of B7-H4.展开更多
文摘Objective: To explore the role of miR-448 in regulating MAGEA6/AMPK signaling pathway in the biological study of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor stem cells. Methods: Using the database, the hepatocellular carcinoma related expression chips were obtained and the regulatory mirnas of candidate genes were predicted, and the predicted results were analyzed. The effects of miR-448 and MAGEA6 on the pellet formation rate and clone formation rate of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells were detected by immunofluorescence identification of stem cell markers and light microscope counting method. The effects of miR-448 and MAGEA6 on migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells were detected by scratch and Transwell assay. Dual luciferase reporter assay to verify whether miR-448 targets MAGEA6. The expression and influence of miR-448 on MAGEA6 and AMPK pathway were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: It was found that miR-448 may directly regulate the expression of MAGEA6. Overexpression of miR-448 inhibited the characteristics, proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells in vitro, as well as the ability of xenograft tumor formation in vivo. However, inhibition of miR-448 showed opposite results. In addition, miR-448 directly targets MAGEA6 and regulates AMPK signaling. Silencing MAGEA6 and adding AMPK activator further verified that miR-448 activated AMPK signaling pathway by targeting MAGEA6, thus affecting characteristics, proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatoma stem cells. Conclusions: Our results reveal that miR-448 activates AMPK signaling pathway by targeting MAGEA6, thereby affecting characteristics, proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatoma stem cells. It is suggested that overexpression of miR-448 may be a new therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
文摘Understanding of the differentiation profile of brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs), the key ones among tumor cell population, through comparison with neural stem cells (NSCs) would lend insight into the origin of glioma and ultimately yield new approaches to fight this intractable disease. Here, we cultured and purified BTSCs from surgical glioma specimens and NSCs from human fetal brain tissue, and further analyzed their cellular biological behaviors, especially their differentiation property. As expected, NSCs differentiated into mature neural phenotypes. In the same differentiation condition, however, BTSCs exhibited distinguished differences. Morphologically, cells grew flattened and attached for the first week, but gradually aggregated and reformed floating tumor sphere thereafter. During the corresponding period, the expression rate of undifferentiated cell marker CD 133 and nestin in BTSCs kept decreasing, but 1 week later, they regained ascending tendency. Interestingly, the differentiated cell markers GFAP and β-tubulinlII showed an expression change inverse to that of undifferentiated cell markers. Taken together, BTSCs were revealed to possess a capacity to resist differentiation, which actually represents the malignant behaviors of glioma.
文摘Although it is believed that glioma is derived from brain tumor stem cells, the source and molecular signal pathways of these cells are still unclear. In this study, we used stable doxycycline-inducible transgenic mouse brain tumor models (c-myc/SV40Tag+/Tet-on+) to explore the malignant trans- formation potential of neural stem cells by observing the differences of neural stem cells and brain tumor stem cells in the tumor models. Results showed that chromosome instability occurred in brain tumor stem cells. The numbers of cytolysosomes and autophagosomes in brain tumor stem cells and induced neural stem cells were lower and the proliferative activity was obviously stronger than that in normal neural stem cells. Normal neural stem cells could differentiate into glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive and microtubule associated protein-2-positive cells, which were also negative for nestin. However, glial fibrillary acidic protein/nestin, microtubule associated protein-2/nestin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein/microtubule associated protein-2 double-positive cells were found in induced neural stem cells and brain tumor stem cells. Results indicate that induced neural stem cells are similar to brain tumor stem cells, and are possibly the source of brain tumor stem cells.
基金Shandong Medical and Health Development Plan(2018WS423).
文摘Extensive in vitro and in vivo research reveals multiple intracellular molecular targets of Antrodia camphorata,and these targets affect growth,apoptosis,angiogenesis,invasion and metastasis of cells.These targets include tumor suppressor,cell cycle regulator,transcription factor,angiogenesis and metastasis factor,apoptosis and survival regulator,etc.Additionally,more and more attention has been paid to the molecular mechanism of A.camphorata on the regulation of tumor stem cells.Meanwhile,there is evidence that the immunoregulation of A.camphorata is enhanced,which may lead cell cycle arrest or apoptosis.In this paper,molecular mechanism of tumor cells and tumor stem cells regulated at multiple targets by A.camphorata in vitro and in vivo in the past decade is summarized.
文摘MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are believed to have a significant role in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis. Cancer stem cells play a major role in tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Research has shown that miRNAs can promote or inhibit the sternness of cancer stem cells and regulate the differentiation and self-renewal of cancer stem cells. In this article, the phenotype and regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in cancer stem cells will be described, together with an explanation of their potential role in tumor diagnosis and treatment.
文摘Objective To investigate the effect of dendritic cells pulsed with brain tumor stem cells which are used to treat on intracranial glioma. Methods We obtained murine brain tumor stem cells by grow ing C6 cells in epidermal grow th factor/basic fibroblast grow th factor w ithout serum.Dendritic cells isolated from rat bone marrow w ere pulsed w ith BTSCs. Rat brain
基金Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai City (No08411953700)Research Foundation from Health Bureau of Shanghai City(No 2008026)
文摘Background and Objective: Since the proposal of the tumor stem cell hypothesis, considerable interest has been devoted to the isolation and purification of tumor stem cells. Tumor stem cell enrichment from primary tumor derived cell spheres has been demonstrated in specific, serum-free media. This goal of this study is to establish a method of cultivating floating tumor spheres from neuroblastoma cells and to confirm that neuroblastoma spheres are rich in tumor stem cells. Methods: Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from pediatric patients diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma. Primary tumor cells were isolated and cultivated in serum-free, stem cell-selective medium. Single sphere-forming cells were cultivated under serum-free conditions; their cloning efficiency and monoclonal tumor sphere formation rates were calculated. The expression of stem cell marker genes Oct-4 and Bmi-1 was detected by RT-PCR in sphere-forming cells and parental neurolastoma cells. Sphere-forming cells were injected into the armpit of nude mice with subsequent assessment for tumor growth. Sphere-forming cells were cultivated in differentiation medium containing 5 μmol/L 13-cis retinoic acid; changes in cell morphology were observed. Results: Neuroblastoma cells formed non-adherent neurospheres under serum-free, stem cell-selective conditions after a period of 4 to 6 days. A single cell dissociated from a neurosphere could reform a monoclonal sphere; cloning efficiency and monoclonal sphere formation rates were 55.3% and 26.3%, respectively. RT-PCR results revealed heightened tumor sphere expression of Oct-4 and Bmi-1 as compared with parental tumor cells. Fourteen days after injection of 104 sphere-forming cells into nude mice, a neuroblastoma xenograft formed. Treatment of sphere-forming cells with 13-cis retinoic acid induced a gradual differentiation to neuronal cell morphology. Conclusions: Neuroblastoma derived tumor spheres enrich tumor stem cells and the cultivation of primary neuroblastoma cells in serum-free, stem cell-selective medium is an effective method to dissociate and purify tumor stem cells in vitro.
文摘Cancer research over the past decades has focused on neoplastic cells, or a fraction of them, i.e. tumor stem cells, as the ultimate causes of tumorigenesis. However, during recent years, scientists have come to realize that tumorigenesis is not a solo act of neoplastic cells, but rather a cooperative process in which the roles of numerous types of non-neoplastic cells should be recognized. These tumor-residing non-neoplastic cells constitute the so-called tumor-associated stroma, which in certain cases even greatly surpasses the neoplastic cellular compartment that was previously thought of as a sole determiner leading to a seemingly autonomous growth pattern. In this review, we summarize several recent research highlights that have unveiled many previously unappreciated roles for microenvironmental factors, especially during the initiation stage of tumorigenesis. It is becoming increasingly clear that the stroma’s regulatory effects constitute not only an essential force for maintaining tumor growth, but also primary causes initiating tumorigenesis.
文摘Cancer chemotherapy efficacy is frequently impaired by either intrinsic or acquired tumor resistance.A fundamental problem in cancer research is identifying the cell type that is capable of sustaining neoplastic growth and its origin from normal tissue cells.In recent years,the cancer stem cell(CSC) theory has changed the classical view of tumor growth and therefore the therapeutic perspective.Overcoming intrinsic and acquired resistance of cancer stem/progenitor cells to current clinical treatments represents a major challenge in treating and curing the most aggressive and metastatic cancers.On the other hand,the identification of CSCs in vivo and in vitro relies on specific surface markers that should allow the sorting cancer cells into phenotypically distinct subpopulations.In the present review,recent papers published on CSCs in solid tumors(breast,prostate,brain and melanoma) are discussed,highlighting critical points such as the choice of markers to sort CSCs and mouse models to demonstrate that CSCs are able to replicate the original tumor.A discussion of the possible role of aldehyde dehydrogenase and CXCR6 biomarkers as signaling molecules in CSCs and normal stem cells is also discussed.The author believes that efforts have to be made to investigate the functional and biological properties of putative CSCs in cancer.Developing diagnostic/prognostic tools to follow cancer development is also a challenge.In this connection it would be useful to develop a multidisciplinary approach combining mathematics,physics and biology which merges experimental approaches and theory.Biological models alone are probably unable to resolve the problem completely.
文摘The origins of the complex process of intratumoral heterogeneity have been highly debated and different cellular mechanisms have been hypothesized to account for the diversity within a tumor. The clonal evolution and cancer stem cell(CSC) models have been proposed as drivers of this heterogeneity. However, the concept of cancer stem cell plasticity and bidirectional conversion between stem and non-stem cells has added additional complexity to these highly studied paradigms and may help explain the tumor heterogeneity observed in solid tumors. The process of cancer stem cell plasticity in which cancer cel s harbor the dynamic ability of shifting from a non-CSC state to a CSC state and vice versa may be modulated by specific microenvironmental signals and cellular interactions arising in the tumor niche. In addition to promoting CSC plasticity, these interactions may contribute to the cellular transformation of tumor cells and affect response to chemotherapeutic and radiation treatments by providing CSCs protection from these agents. Herein, we review the literature in support of this dynamic CSC state, discuss the effectors of plasticity, and examine their role in the development and treatment of cancer.
文摘Primary malignant tumors of the spine are relatively rare, less than 5% of all spinal column tumors. However, these lesions are often among the most difficult to treat and encompass challenging pathologies such as chordoma and a variety of invasive sarcomas. The mechanisms of tumor recurrence after surgical intervention, as well as resistance to radiation and chemotherapy, remain a pervasive and costly problem. Recent evidence has emerged supporting the hypothesis that solid tumors contain a sub-population of cancer cells that possess characteristics normally associated with stem cells. Particularly, the potential for long-term proliferation appears to be restricted to subpopulations of cancer stem cells(CSCs) functionally defined by their capacity to self-renew and give rise to differentiated cells that phenotypically recapitulate the original tumor, thereby causing relapse and patient death. These cancer stem cells present a unique opportunity to better understand the biology of solid tumors in general, as well as targets for future therapeutics. The general objective of the current study is to discuss the fundamental concepts for understanding the role of CSCs with respect to chemoresistance, radioresistance, special cell surface markers, cancer recurrence and metastasis intumors of the osseous spine. This discussion is followed by a specific review of what is known about the role of CSCs in chordoma, the most common primary malignant osseous tumor of the spine.
文摘Mesenchymal stem cells?(MSCs) have been shown to differentiate into liver cells in serum of part-resection liver, but it was hardly feasible in clinical use. Our studies revealed that MSCs could differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in autologous serum after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy of the liver tumor. Rabbits with liver tumor subsequently treated with RFA therapy. Serum was collected from those rabbits before RFA therapy and 72 hours after RFA therapy. MSCs were isolated from each rabbit’s bone marrow and cultured in DMEM medium containing the following different supplements: 30% fetal calf serum (FCS group), 30% rabbit autologous serum (AS group) or 30% autologous serum after RFA treatment of the liver tumor (ASRF group), observed by electron microscopy, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence. Seven days later, most of the spindle-shaped MSCs in the ASRF group transformed into polygon or round-shaped cells resembling hepatocytes, and the percentage in S/G2/M phase was higher than in the FCS or AS groups. Fourteen days later, slender microvilli, cell-cell junction structures and cholangiole emerged in the cells belonging to the ASRF group, the expression of albumin and CK18 was observed only in the differentiated cells from the ASRF group. These changes were not observed in the FCS group or the AS group. This study may provide a potential cell source and culture process for clinical application in liver injury treatment.
文摘Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a population of tumor-derived cells that detach from the primary tumor and initiate metastasis. However, the mechanisms of this process are still unknown. This phenomenon renders CTCs as a valuable resource for prognosis and diagnosis of cancer. The involvement of stemness transcription factors and markers, such as NANOG, OCT3/4, CD34, NESTIN, and SOX2, in metastasis initiation has been studied recently because their abnormally elevated expression in cancer cells may be highly important in understanding tumor initiation. This study analyzed the genetic profiles of the above genes in CTCs derived from patients with different types of cancer. Blood samples were randomly collected from 71 cancer patients with various cancer types. CTCs were isolated using enrichment protocols and RNA was extracted. RT-qPCR was performed in triplicate using ACTB as the reference gene. The statistical analysis was performed among the ΔCts of the samples using parametric and non-parametric methods. The molecular analysis revealed that the expression of each gene was different than the others. When each type of cancer was analyzed separately, the gene expression profile was not always the same. It is noteworthy that, in all cases, the gene expression of NESTIN differed from that of transcription factors. According to the above data, gene expression profiles might be used as a potential biomarker or constitute a gene signature.
基金Supported by The CHOC Children’s Foundation,CHOC Neuroscience Institute,CHOC Research Institute,The Austin Ford Tribute and Keck Foundationby The United States National Institutes of Health,1R01CA164509-01The United States National Science Foundation,CHE-1213161
文摘The treatment of malignant brain tumors remains a challenge. Stem cell technology has been applied in the treatment of brain tumors largely because of the ability of some stem cells to infiltrate into regions within the brain where tumor cells migrate as shown in preclinical studies. However, not all of these efforts can translate in the effective treatment that improves the quality of life for pa-tients. Here, we perform a literature review to identify the problems in the field. Given the lack of efficacy of most stem cell-based agents used in the treatment of malignant brain tumors, we found that stem cell distribution(i.e., only a fraction of stem cells applied capable of targeting tumors) are among the limiting factors. We provide guidelines for potential improvements in stem cell distribution. Specifically, we use an engineered tissue graft platform that replicates the in vivo microenvironment, and provide our data to validate that this culture platform is viable for producing stem cells that have better stem cell distribution than with the Petri dish culture system.
基金Supported by In part by the NIH/NCI(R01 CA148772,ACL)the Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs(Merit Awards,ACL)the Hollings Cancer Center(Translational Research Pilot Project,P30 CA138313,ACL)
文摘The tumor microenvironment(TME) is complex and constantly evolving. This is due, in part, to the crosstalk between tumor cells and the multiple cell types that comprise the TME, which results in a heterogeneous population of tumor cells and TME cells. This review will focus on two stromal cell types, the cancerassociated adipocyte(CAA) and the cancer-associated fibroblast(CAF). In the clinic, the presence of CAAs and CAFs in the TME translates to poor prognosis in multiple tumor types. CAAs and CAFs have an activated phenotype and produce growth factors, inflammatory factors, cytokines, chemokines, extracellular matrix components, and proteases in an accelerated and aberrant fashion. Through this activated state, CAAs and CAFs remodel the TME, thereby driving all aspects of tumor progression, including tumor growth and survival, chemoresistance, tumor vascularization, tumor invasion, and tumor cell metastasis. Similarities in the tumorpromoting functions of CAAs and CAFs suggest that a multipronged therapeutic approach may be necessary to achieve maximal impact on disease. While CAAs and CAFs are thought to arise from tissues adjacent to the tumor, multiple alternative origins for CAAs and CAFs have recently been identified. Recent studies from our lab and others suggest that the hematopoietic stem cell, through the myeloid lineage, may serve as a progenitor for CAAs and CAFs. We hypothesize that the multiple origins of CAAs and CAFs may contribute to the heterogeneity seen in the TME. Thus, a better understanding of the origin of CAAs and CAFs, how this origin impacts their functions in the TME, and thetemporal participation of uniquely originating TME cells may lead to novel or improved anti-tumor therapeutics.
基金supported by Scientific Research Fund of Shanghai Health Bureau of China(No.2008131)
文摘Tumors are believed to consist of a heterogeneous population of tumor ceils originating from rare cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, emerging evidence suggests that tumor may also origi- nate from non-CSCs. To support this viewpoint, we are here to present definitive evidence indicating that the number of tumorigenic tumor cells is greater than that of CSCs in tumor, and tumor can also derive from non-CSCs. To achieve this, an idealized mathematical model was employed in the pre- sent study and theoretical calculation revealed that non-CSCs could initiate the occurrence of tumor if their proliferation potential was adequate. Further, experimental studies demonstrated that 17.7%, 38.6% and 5.2% of tumor cells in murine B16 solid melanoma, H22 hepatoma and Lewis lung carci2 noma, respectively, were potentially tumorigenic. Thus, based on the aforementioned findings, we propose that the scarce CSCs, if exist, are not the sole source of a tumor.
文摘Objective Gliomas are the most common malignant tumors in the central nervous system.Despite multiple therapies including surgery,chemotherapy,and radiotherapy,the prognosis of patients remains poor.Immunotherapy is an alternative method of treating glioma,and the use of dendritic cell vaccines is one of the promising treatment options.However,there is no specific tumor cell antigen that can trigger dendritic cells(DCs).IL-13Ra2 is a specific antigen expressed in glioma cells;in the current study,we have attempted to explore whether IL-13Ra2 could be the antigen that triggers DCs and to envisage its application as potential therapy for glioma.Methods The expression of IL-13Ra2 was detected in U251 glioma cell lines and primary glioma tissues using different methods.DCs from human blood were isolated and pulsed with recombinant IL-13Ra2,following which the cytotoxicity of these DCs on glioma cells was detected and analyzed.Results About 55.9% human glioma tissue cells expressed IL-13Ra2,while normal brain tissue cells did not show any expression.DC vaccines loaded with IL-13Ra2,glioma cell antigen,and brain tumor stem cell(BTSC) antigen could significantly stimulate the proliferation of T lymphocytes and induce cell death in the glioma tissue.Compared to other groups,DC vaccines loaded with BTSC antigen showed the strongest ability to activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTLs),while the glioma cell antigen group showed no significant difference.Conclusion IL-13Ra2,which is expressed in gliomas and by glioma stem cells,as well as IL-13Ra2 could prove to be potential antigens for DC vaccine-based immunotherapy.
基金funded by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of China(NO.81172400,81000963)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(NO.BK2011341)the Natural Science Foundation of Suzhou(NO.SYS201063,SYS201161)
文摘MicroRNA (miR)-125b has been shown to play a potential role in the development of glioma stem cells.However,the relationship between miRNA and glioma stem cells is still elusive.This study was designed to elucidate this potential relationship.We established a highly invasive glioma stem cell and progenitor (GSCP) cell line SU3.SU3 cell suspensions were injected into nude mice brains in situ,and the invasiveness of graft tumors was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as immunohistochemistry.Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure the expression levels of miR-125b in SU3 and other cells.In vitro,SU3 cells expressed CD133 and nestin as well as differentiation markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and β-tubulin III,which were consistent with the characteristics of glioma stem cells.Scratch assays indicated that the migration ability of SU3 cells was stronger than that of U251 stem cells (U251s).In vivo,SU3 cells invaded into each part of the mouse brain from the caudate nucleus in a diffuse pattern and highly expressed invasive and proliferative cell markers matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2),MMP9,and Ki-67.Real-time PCR results revealed that the levels of miR-125b and MMP9 were significantly higher in SU3 and SU2,also a highly invasive GSCP cell line we established before,than in U251s.High expression of miR-125b both in newly established GSCPs,SU3,and long-term cultured GSCPs,SU2 suggests that miR-125b exhibits oncogene-like behavior.This behavior should be considered in further studies of miR-125b in cancer stem cells.Furthermore,MMP9,which plays a role in cancer stem cell invasion,may be a target gene of miR-125b.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81272797 to Y.Y.)nnovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (No.13ZZ010 to Y.Y.)Shanghai Talents Development Funds (No.2011063 to Y.Y.)
文摘Previous studies indicated that B7-H4,the youngest B7 family,negatively regulates T cell-mediated immunity and is significantly overexpressed in many human tumors.Tumor stem cells are purported to play a role in tumor renewal and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy.However,the link between B7-H4and tumor stem cells is unclear.In this study,we investigated B7-H4 expression in the medium of human glioma U251 cell cultures.Immunofluorescence results showed that U251 cells cultured in serum-free medium(supplemented with 2%B27,20 ng/mL epidermal growth factor,20 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor)maintained stem-like cell characteristics,including expression of stem cell marker CD133 and the neural progenitor cell markers nestin and SOX2.In contrast,U251 cells cultured in serum-containing medium highly expressed differentiation marker glial fibrillary acidic protein.Flow cytometry analysis showed serum-free medium-cultured U251 cells expressed higher intracellular B7-H4 than serumcontaining medium-cultured U251 cells(24%-35%vs.8%-11%,P<0.001).Immunofluorescence in purified monocytes from normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed moderate expression of B7-H4 after stimulation with conditioned medium from U251 cells cultured in serum-containing medium.Moreover,conditioned medium from U251 stem-like cells had a significant stimulation effect on B7-H4expression compared with serum-containing conditioned medium(P<0.01).Negative costimulatory molecule B7-H4 was preferentially expressed in U251 stem-like cells,and conditioned medium from these cells more effectively induced monocytes to express B7-H4 than conditioned medium from U251 cells cultured in the presence of serum.Our results show that U251 stem-like cells may play a more crucial role in tumor immunoloregulation with high expression of B7-H4.