Department of Surgery, VAGLAHS West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA.
Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2012 Dec;31(3-4):733-51. doi: 10.1007/s10555-012-9382-8.
Embryonic stem cells divide continuously and differentiate into organs through the expression of specific transcription factors at specific time periods. Differentiated adult stem cells on the other hand remain in quiescent state and divide by receiving cues from the environment (extracellular matrix or niche), as in the case of wound healing from tissue injury or inflammation. Similarly, it is believed that cancer stem cells (CSCs), forming a smaller fraction of the tumor bulk, also remain in a quiescent state. These cells are capable of initiating and propagating neoplastic growth upon receiving environmental cues, such as overexpression of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Candidate CSCs express distinct biomarkers that can be utilized for their identification and isolation. This review focuses on the known and candidate cancer stem cell markers identified in various solid tumors and the promising future of disease management and therapy targeted at these markers. The review also provides details on the differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), and the miRNA- and natural product-based therapies that could be applied for the treatment of cancer stem cells.
胚胎干细胞通过在特定时间表达特定的转录因子不断分裂并分化为器官。另一方面，分化的成体干细胞处于静止状态，并通过接收来自环境（细胞外基质或龛位）的信号而分裂，例如在组织损伤或炎症的伤口愈合过程中。同样，人们认为肿瘤干细胞（CSC）也处于静止状态，它们形成肿瘤块的一小部分。这些细胞在接收到环境信号（如生长因子、细胞因子和趋化因子的过度表达）后，能够启动和促进肿瘤生长。候选 CSC 表达独特的生物标志物，可用于识别和分离它们。本综述重点介绍了在各种实体瘤中已鉴定出的已知和候选癌症干细胞标志物，以及针对这些标志物的疾病管理和治疗的广阔前景。该综述还详细介绍了 microRNAs（miRNAs）的差异表达，以及可用于治疗癌症干细胞的 miRNA 和天然产物疗法。
