Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 3.13 | Apr 9 2014

Oncogenic miR-20a and miR-106a Enhance the Invasiveness of Human Glioma Stem Cells by Directly Targeting TIMP-2
Scientists demonstrated that two functionally related microRNAs, miR-20a and -106a, were capable of enhancing the invasiveness of CD133⁺ glioma stem cells isolated from both glioblastoma cell line U87 and primary human glioma specimens. [Oncogene] Abstract

Hif-1a and Hif-2a Differentially Regulate Notch Signaling through Competitive Interaction with the Intracellular Domain of Notch Receptors in Glioma Stem Cells
Researchers showed that hypoxia promoted proliferation, self-renewal and inhibited the conversion of glioma stem cells into INP-like cells through activating Notch signaling. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Suppressive Expression of CD274 Increases Tumorigenesis and Cancer Stem Cell Phenotypes in Cholangiocarcinoma
Researchers demonstrated that CD274, known as an immunomodulatory ligand, has suppressive effects on cancer stem cell-related phenotypes of cholangiocarcinoma. [Cancer Sci] Abstract

The Acquisition of Cancer Stem Cell-Like Properties and Neoplastic Transformation of Human Keratinocytes Induced by Arsenite Involves Epigenetic Silencing of Let-7c via Ras/NF-?B
Scientists report that there are decreased levels of let-7a, let-7b, and let-7c in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells during malignant transformation induced by a low concentration of arsenite. [Toxicol Lett] Abstract

Triptolide-Induced In Vitro and In Vivo Cytotoxicity in Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Primary Breast Cancer Cells
Scientists investigated the potential efficacy of the Chinese herbal extract triptolide for the treatment of human breast cancer by measuring the triptolide-induced cytotoxicity in cultures of human primary breast cancer cells and breast cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo. [Oncol Rep] Abstract

MicroRNA Expression Pattern Modulates Temozolomide Response in GBM Tumors with Cancer Stem Cells
Researchers evaluated the microRNA expression patterns associated with chemoresistance that is dependent on the cancer stem cells status in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors to identify therapeutic biomarkers. [Cell Mol Neurobiol] Abstract

Triptolide Synergistically Enhances Temozolomide-Induced Apoptosis and Potentiates Inhibition of NF-?B Signaling in Glioma Initiating Cells
Scientists found that glioma-initiating cell-1 cells were resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), with the expected IC50 of 705.7 µmol/L. Co-treatment with triptolide (TPL) yielded a more than three-fold dose reduction of TMZ. TPL significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic cells and suppressed the tumor sphere formation when combined with TMZ. [Am J Chin Med] Abstract

Nanomaterials for Targeted Drug Delivery to Cancer Stem Cells
Understanding the functional biology of cancer stem cells – especially the signaling pathways that are involved in their self-renewal mechanisms – is crucial for discovering new forms of treatment. In this review, the authors highlight current and future prospects for potential cancer therapies based on the use of nano-sized materials. [Drug Metab Rev] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the cancer stem cell research field.

From our sponsor: Free mouse hematopoietic progenitors wallchart. Request your copy.

Pharmacyclics Files Supplemental New Drug Application for IMBRUVICA with Phase III CLL Study Data
Pharmacyclics, Inc. announced that it has submitted a supplemental New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, based on data from the randomized, multi-center, open-label Phase III RESONATETM study, PCYC-1112, a head-to-head comparison of single agent IMBRUVICATM (ibrutinib) versus ofatumumab in 391 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma, who had received at least one prior therapy. [Pharmacyclics, Inc.] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

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)

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the cancer stem cell community.

NEW MSc & PhD Positions – Cell Biology, Neurobiology, Neuroimmunology, Cancer Biology, Computational Biology (Hanyang University)

Postdoctoral Fellowships – Cancer Research (German Cancer Research Center [DKFZ])

Faculty Positions – Cancer Research (Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma)

Postdoctoral Position – Cancer Biology (IRCAN)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cells and Cancer (Brigham & Women’s Hospital – Harvard Medical School)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research (City of Hope)

Tenure-Track Faculty Position – Cancer Biology and Evolution (Moffitt Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Glioblastoma, Oncolytic Virus and Cell Signaling (Ohio State University)

Director of GMP/GLP Quality Operations (University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine)

Faculty Position – Cancer Biology and Evolution (Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – PSC Biology and Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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.