Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 2.37 | Sep 18 2013

Leptin Receptor Maintains Cancer Stem-Like Properties in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells
The authors previously showed that the adipose tissue cytokine LEPTIN, increased in obesity, promotes the survival of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in vivo.In this study, they tested the hypothesis that the Leptin Receptor, expressed in mammary cancer cells, is necessary for maintaining CSC-like and metastatic properties. [Endocr Relat Cancer] Abstract

Slug/β-Catenin-Dependent Proinflammatory Phenotype in Hypoxic Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Investigators observed that hypoxic bone marrow stroma-derived transforming growth factor-β 1 promotes the growth of human breast cancer stem cells as mammospheres. [Am J Pathol] Abstract

SOX2 Plays a Critical Role in EGFR-Mediated Self-Renewal of Human Prostate Cancer Stem-Like Cells
Researchers report a significant upregulation of SOX2 at both mRNA and protein levels in DU145 prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) propagated as suspension spheres in vitro. The expression of SOX2 in DU145 PCSCs is positively regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. [Cell Signal] Abstract

Concomitant Targeting of Multiple Key Transcription Factors Effectively Disrupts Cancer Stem Cells Enriched in Side Population of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Investigators identified side population cells and characterized s-like properties in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and to exploit the efficacy of concomitant targeting of multiple key transcription factors governing the stemness of pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) in suppressing CSC-like phenotypes. [PLoS One]
Full Article

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Associates with Maintenance of Stemness in Spheroid-Derived Stem-Like Colon Cancer Cells
Despite earlier studies demonstrating characteristics of colon cancer stem cells (CCSCs) and the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor development, it remains controversial as to the relationship between CCSCs and EMT. In order to present an insight into this relationship in colon cancer, scientists developed HCT116 and HT29 sphere models, which are known to be the cells enriching cancer stem cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

Treatment of Agarose-Agarose RENCA Macrobeads with Docetaxel Selects for OCT4⁺ Cells with Tumor-Initiating Capability
The authors recently described the niche-like nature of mouse renal adenocarcinoma (RENCA) cells following encapsulation in agarose macrobeads. In this paper they tested the hypothesis that encapsulated RENCA colonies function as an in vitro model of a cancer stem cell niche and that the majority of cells would undergo chemotherapy-induced death, followed by tumor recurrence. [Cancer Biol Ther]
Abstract | Full Article

Energy Metabolism Characterization of a Novel Cancer Stem Cell-Like Line 3AB-OS
Investigators aimed to comparatively analyze bioenergetics features of the human osteosarcoma 3AB-OS cancer stem cell-like line, and the parental osteosarcoma MG63 cells, from which 3AB-OS cells have been previously selected. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Water Bath Hyperthermia Reduces Stemness of Colon Cancer Cells
Side population (SP) cells are part of a subpopulation of cells that have stem cell-like characteristics. In preliminary experiments, scientists discovered a decrease in SP cells in heat-treated colon cancer cells, which encouraged them to investigate whether hyperthermia had in fact played a role in regulating the stemness of colon cancer cells. [Clin Biochem] Abstract

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Cell Therapy Catapult & Roslin Cells to Create Clinical Grade Stem Cells to Accelerate Research into New Treatments
The Cell Therapy Catapult, which is focused on the development of the UK cell therapy industry to increase the nation’s health and wealth, and Roslin Cells, an expert in the production of stem cells, are partnering to establish a source of clinical grade induced pluripotent stem cells banked according to Good Manufacturing Practice in the UK. [Roslin Cells] Press Release

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Tenure Track Faculty Positions – Cancer Biology (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center)

Assistant Professor – Developmental and Stem Cell Biology (METU Department of Biology)

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Postdoctoral Fellowships – Cancer Stem Cell Biology and Pharmacogenomics (Biotech Research & Innovation Center, University of Copenhagen)

Research Technologist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Appointee – Cell Cycle Regulation in Tumor Stem Cells (Rutgers University, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey)

Research Technician – Self-Renewal of Cancer Stem Cells (University of Chicago)

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