Concise Review: Stem Cells and Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer: Biological Implications and Therapeutic Targets. (20th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sato, Ryo; Semba, Takashi; Saya, Hideyuki; Arima, Yoshimi
• Is Part Of: Stem cells. Volume 34:Number 8(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1997
• Page End: 2007
• Publication Date: 2016-06-20
• Subjects: Cancer stem cell -- Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition -- Tumor heterogeneity -- Therapeutic resistance; Cloning -- Periodicals; Clone cells -- Periodicals; Stem cells -- Periodicals; Cell Differentiation -- Periodicals; Cell Division -- Periodicals; Clone Cells -- Periodicals; Hematopoietic Stem Cells -- Periodicals; Stem Cells -- Periodicals; 571.84
• DOI: 10.1002/stem.2406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1066-5099

Abstract

Abstract : Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a small subpopulation of cancer cells with stem‐like properties that are able to self‐renew, generate differentiated daughter cells, and give rise to heterogeneous tumor tissue. Tumor heterogeneity is a hallmark of cancer and underlies resistance to anticancer therapies and disease progression. The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a reversible phenomenon that is mediated by EMT‐inducing transcription factors (EMT‐TFs) and plays an important role in normal organ development, wound healing, and the invasiveness of cancer cells. Recent evidence showing that overexpression of several EMT‐TFs is associated with stemness in cancer cells has suggested the existence of a link between EMT and CSCs. In this review, we focus on the roles of CSCs and EMT signaling in driving tumor heterogeneity. A better understanding of the dynamics of both CSCs and EMT‐TFs in the generation of tumor heterogeneity may provide a basis for the development of new treatment options for cancer patients. Stem Cells 2016;34:1997–2007