Metabolism and epigenetics of pancreatic cancer stem cells. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perusina Lanfranca, M.; Thompson, J.K.; Bednar, F.; Halbrook, C.; Lyssiotis, C.; Levi, B.; Frankel, T.L.
• Is Part Of: Seminars in cancer biology. Volume 57(2019)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Pancreatic cancer -- Cancer stem cells -- Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition -- Stemness -- Acinar-ductal-metaplasia -- Metabolism -- Epigenetics; Cancer -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Review Literature; Cancer -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.09.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1044-579X

Abstract

Abstract: Pancreatic Cancer (PDA) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by early spread and a high mortality. Current studies suggest that a subpopulation of cells exist within tumors, cancer stem cell (CSC), which are capable of self-renewal and give rise to unique progeny which form the major neoplastic cellular component of tumors. While CSCs constitute a small cellular subpopulation within the tumor, their resistance to chemotherapy and radiation make them an important therapeutic target for eradication. Along with distinctive phenotypic properties, CSCs possess a unique metabolic plasticity allowing them to rapidly respond and adapt to environmental changes. These cells and their progeny also display a significantly altered epigenetic state with distinctive patterns of DNA methylation. Several mechanisms of cross-talk between epigenetic and metabolic pathways in PDA exist which ultimately contribute to the observed cellular plasticity and enhanced tumorigenesis. In this review we discuss various examples of this metabolic-epigenetic interplay and how it may constitute a new avenue for therapy specifically targeting CSCs in PDA.