Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 2.16 | Apr 24 2013

PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

A Pyrrolo-Pyrimidine Derivative Targets Human Primary AML Stem Cells In Vivo
The authors performed a large-scale chemical library screen that integrated a high-throughput enzyme inhibition assay, in silico binding prediction, and crystal structure determination and found a candidate hematopoietic cell kinase inhibitor, RK-20449, a pyrrolo-pyrimidine derivative with an enzymatic IC₅₀ in the subnanomolar range. In vivo administration of RK-20449 to nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient/IL2rg^null mice engrafted with highly aggressive therapy-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) significantly reduced human leukemia stem cell and non-stem AML burden. [Sci Transl Med]
Abstract | Press Release

The Identification and Characterization of Breast Cancer CTCs Competent for Brain Metastasis
In epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-negative circulating tumor cells (CTCs), researchers identified a potential signature of brain metastasis comprising “brain metastasis selected markers” HER2⁺/EGFR⁺/HPSE⁺/Notch1⁺. These CTCs, which are not captured by the CellSearch platform because of their EpCAM negativity, were analyzed for cell invasiveness and metastatic competency in vivo. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

Protein Kinase Cα Suppresses Kras-Mediated Lung Tumor Formation through Activation of a p38 MAPK-TGFβ Signaling Axis
Protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) can activate both pro- and anti-tumorigenic signaling depending upon cellular context. Researchers investigated the role of PKCα in lung tumorigenesis in vivo. [Oncogene] Abstract

Propagation of Human Prostate Cancer Stem-Like Cells Occurs through EGFR-Mediated ERK Activation
Researchers provided evidence that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling promotes prostate cancer stem-like cell self-renewal, in part, by activating the MEK-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway. [PLoS One] Full Article

G Protein-Coupled Receptor 87 (GPR87) Promotes the Growth and Metastasis of CD133⁺ Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Investigators explored the role of GPR87 in the regulation of CD133 expression. They demonstrated that the overexpression of GPR87 up-regulated CD133 expression, promoted cancer stem cell-associated migratory and invasive properties in vitro, and increased tumor initiation in vivo. [PLoS One] Full Article

miR-125b Regulates Side Population in Breast Cancer and Confers a Chemoresistant Phenotype
Researchers isolated and characterized side population (SP) cells in a panel of breast cancer cell lines and primary cancer cells from breast cancer patients. SP cells showed cancer stem cells properties, including self-renewal, resistance to chemotherapy and high expression of stem cell markers. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

The Usefulness of Three-Dimensional Cell Culture in Induction of Cancer Stem Cells from Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines
Cancer stem cells are assumed to be present in esophageal cancer, but experimental methods for identification and culture of these cells have not yet been established. To solve this problem, researchers created spheroids using a NanoCulture® Plate for three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture, which was designed as a means for experimentally reproducing the 3-D structures found in the body. They investigated the potential for induction of cancer stem cells from esophageal cancer cells. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Triggers Cancer Stem Cell Generation in Human Thyroid Cancer Cells
Results indicate that EMT induction promotes cancer stem cell traits and cell proportions in the thyroid cancer cells, which implies that EMT could induce cancer stem cell generation and tumor progression in thyroid cancers. [Int J Oncol] Abstract

NW Bio’s Phase III Trial with DCVax®-L for Brain Cancer “Adopted” as a National Priority Trial in UK
Northwest Biotherapeutics (NW Bio), a biotechnology company developing DCVax^® personalized immune therapies for solid tumor cancers, announced that the Company’s Phase III clinical trial for glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer has been “adopted” as a national priority trial in the UK, under the “adoption” program managed by the National Institute for Health Research, which is part of the UK’s National Health System. [Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Multi-Million Dollar Gift Establishes Brain Tumor Center at Methodist
Brain and pituitary tumor patients will soon have access to a state-of-the-art facility at The Methodist Hospital, a result of a $10 million dollar commitment from a Houston oil executive. [The Methodist Hospital System] Press Release

From our sponsor:
Looking for ALDH⁺ cancer stem cells? Watch a video to see how ALDEFLUOR^TM can help.

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

PhD Studentship Opportunity (University of East Anglia)

Faculties in Cancer Biology & Immunotherapy (Huzhou University School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Pancreatic Cancer (University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences)

Postdoctoral Associate (University of California, Berkeley)

Postdoctoral Scholarship – Leukemia Stem Cell Biology (Lund University – Faculty of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Defining and Targeting Leukemic Stem Cells in Acute Leukemia (University of Oxford)

PhD Position – Cancer Biology (Cardiff School of Biosciences)


Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Cancer Stem Cell News? Click here to submit!

Comments or Suggestions? Email info@connexoncreative.com with your feedback.