Cancer stem cell niche models and contribution by mesenchymal stroma/stem cells. Issue 1 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Melzer, Catharina; von der Ohe, Juliane; Lehnert, Hendrik; Ungefroren, Hendrik; Hass, Ralf
• Is Part Of: Molecular cancer. Volume 16:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Cancer stem cells -- Tumor cell interaction -- Tumor microenvironment -- MSC -- Retrodifferentiation; Cancer -- Molecular aspects -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0595-x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-4598

Abstract

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.