Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 2.39 | Oct 2 2013

CD44 Expressed on CAFs Is a Functional Molecule Supporting the Stemness and Drug Resistance of Malignant Cancer Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment
Scientists showed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) support tumor growth in vivo and maintain the stemness of cancer stem/initiating cells in an in vitro model using an established CAF cell line. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Inhibition of Monocarboxylate Transporter-4 Depletes Stem-Like Glioblastoma Cells and Inhibits HIF Transcriptional Response in a Lactate-Independent Manner
Researchers found that monocarboxylate transporter-4 (MCT4) knockdown was associated with a decreased percentage of glioblastoma cells expressing the stem-cell marker CD133 and increased apoptotic fraction. They also found that flow-sorted CD133-positive cells had almost sixfold higher MCT4 levels than CD133-negative cells, suggesting that the stem-like population might have a greater requirement for MCT4. [Oncogene] Abstract

Tumor Resident Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Endow Naïve Stromal Cells with Tumor-Promoting Properties
Using a mouse lymphoma model, scientists showed that lymphoma resident mesenchymal stem/stromal cells are able to confer tumor-promoting property to naïve cocultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells. [Oncogene] Abstract

In Vivo 5FU-Exposed Human Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Cells Contain a Chemoresistant CD133+ Tumor-Initiating Cell Subset
Researchers investigated whether Glycoprotein Prominin-1 (CD133)+ cells derived from human medullary thyroid carcinoma possess tumor-initiating properties in vivo and exhibit differential responses to chemotherapeutic agents. [Thyroid] Abstract

Physiological Beta-Catenin Signaling Controls Self-Renewal Networks and Generation of Stem-Like Cells from Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
HONE1 hybrid cells displayed stem cell-like properties, including enhancement of CD24+ and CD44+ populations and generation of spheres that were not observed in parental HONE1 cells. [BMC Cell Biol] Abstract | Full Article

miR-34 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis of Patients with Gallbladder Cancer through Regulating Telomere Length in Tumor Stem Cells
The miR–34a level and telomere length were measured in 77 gallbladder adenocarcinomas and 36 peritumoral tissues by real-time PCR. Forced miR–34a expression was established by an adenovirus carrying a miR–34a expression cassette. The colony-forming ability of isolated CD44⁺CD133⁺ gallbladder cancer tumor stem-like cells was measured by matrigel colony assay. [Tumour Biol] Abstract

Isolation and Characterization of Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Derived Stem-Like Cells: Role in Tumor Formation
Since epithelial tumors originate from keratinocyte stem cells, investigators evaluated the features of rapidly adhering keratinocytes derived from primary human squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. [Int J Mol Sci] Abstract | Full Article

The Deubiquitinase USP28 Stabilizes LSD1 and Confers Stem-Cell-Like Traits to Breast Cancer Cells
Using an unbiased siRNA screening against all the human deubiquitinases, investigators identified USP28 as a bona fide deubiquitinase of LSD1. USP28 interacted with and stabilized LSD1 via deubiquitination. USP28 overexpression correlated with LSD1 upregulation in multiple cancer cell lines and breast tumor samples. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

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Verastem Initiates Phase II Trial of Defactinib in Lung Cancer
Verastem, Inc. announced the initiation of a Phase II trial of defactinib (VS-6063), a potent inhibitor of focal adhesion kinase, in KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. [Verastem, Inc.] Press Release

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