Cancer stem cell niche models and contribution by mesenchymal stroma/stem cells

Catharina Melzer, Juliane von der Ohe, Hendrik Lehnert, Hendrik Ungefroren, Ralf Hass*

*Korrespondierende/r Autor/-in für diese Arbeit
28 Zitate (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: The initiation and progression of malignant tumors is driven by distinct subsets of tumor-initiating or cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) which develop therapy/apoptosis resistance and self-renewal capacity. In order to be able to eradicate these CSCs with novel classes of anti-cancer therapeutics, a better understanding of their biology and clinically-relevant traits is mandatory. Main body: Several requirements and functions of a CSC niche physiology are combined with current concepts for CSC generation such as development in a hierarchical tumor model, by stochastic processes, or via a retrodifferentiation program. Moreover, progressive adaptation of endothelial cells and recruited immune and stromal cells to the tumor site substantially contribute to generate a tumor growth-permissive environment resembling a CSC niche. Particular emphasis is put on the pivotal role of multipotent mesenchymal stroma/stem cells (MSCs) in supporting CSC development by various kinds of interaction and cell fusion to form hybrid tumor cells. Conclusion: A better knowledge of CSC niche physiology may increase the chances that cancer stemness-depleting interventions ultimately result in arrest of tumor growth and metastasis.

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer28
ZeitschriftMolecular Cancer
Jahrgang16
Ausgabenummer1
DOIs
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 01.02.2017

Strategische Forschungsbereiche und Zentren

  • Forschungsschwerpunkt: Gehirn, Hormone, Verhalten - Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)

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