Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 4.05 | Feb 5 2015

Targeting the hsp70 Gene Delays Mammary Tumor Initiation and Inhibits Tumor Cell Metastasis
Investigators examined the role of heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp72) in mice, using animals in which the hsp70 gene was inactivated. They showed Hsp72 to be upregulated in a fraction of mammary cancer initiating cells within the mammary tumor virus tumor cell population. These cells were characterized by elevated surface levels of stem cell markers CD44 and Sca1 and by rapid metastasis. [Oncogene] Abstract

CD38 Is a Putative Functional Marker for Side Population Cells in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Lines
Investigators identified side population (SP) cells, which are demonstrated rich in cancer stem cells (CSCs), in four nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. SP cells displayed greater proliferation and invasion and expressed high levels of CSCs markers than non SP cells. [Mol Carcinog] Abstract

Elimination of ALDH⁺ Breast Tumor Initiating Cells by Docosahexaenoic Acid and/or Gamma Tocotrienol through SHP-1 Inhibition of STAT3 Signaling
Scientists investigated the ability of docosahexaenoic acid alone and in combination with gamma-tocotrienol to eliminate aldehyde dehydrogenase positive (ALDH⁺) cells and to inhibit mammosphere formation, biomarker and functional assay for tumor initiating cells. [Mol Carcinog] Abstract

The Role of Polycomb Group Protein Bmi-1 and Notch4 in Breast Cancer Stem Cell Inhibition by Benzyl Isothiocyanate
The authors provide insights into the mechanism by which benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) inhibits breast cancer stem cells (bCSC). Inhibition of bCSC markers resulting from BITC exposure was significantly altered by Bmi-1 overexpression and knockdown. [Breast Cancer Res Treat] Abstract

Poly r(C) Binding Protein-1 Is Central to Maintenance of Cancer Stem Cells in Prostate Cancer Cells
Researchers investigated global proteomic changes induced in CD44⁺CD24^– stem cells isolated from the prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and DU145, post prolonged TGF-β treatment in order to understand underlying mechanisms that promote stemness in prostate cancer cells. [Cell Physiol Biochem] Full Article

Characterization and Propagation of Tumor Initiating Cells Derived from Colorectal Liver Metastases: Trials, Tribulations and a Cautionary Note
Tissue was obtained from patients undergoing surgical resection for colorectal liver metastases, and processed into single cell suspension for assessment. Tumor initiating cells from liver metastases were characterized using combinations of EPCAM, Aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, CD133 and CD26. [PLoS One] Full Article

miR-494-3p Regulates Cellular Proliferation, Invasion, Migration, and Apoptosis by PTEN/AKT Signaling in Human Glioblastoma Cells
Scientists explored the role of miR-494-3p and its molecular mechanism in human brain gliomas, malignant glioma cell lines, and cancer stem-like cells. Downregulated expression of miR-494-3p can inhibit the invasion and proliferation and promote apoptosis in glioma cells. [Cell Mol Neurobiol] Full Article

Turning Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells Inside Out – A Deeper Understanding through Multiple Perspectives
The authors discuss the recent findings on hepatic cancer stem cells (CSCs), with special emphasis on their putative origins, relationship with hepatitis viruses, regulatory signaling networks, tumor microenvironment, and how these factors control the stemness of hepatic CSCs. [Mol Cells] Abstract | Full Article

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FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designations to OncoMed’s Tarextumab for the Treatment of Pancreatic and Small Cell Lung Cancer
OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Orphan Products Development has granted orphan drug designation to tarextumab for the treatment of both pancreatic cancer and small cell lung cancer. [OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

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