Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 3.20 | May 28 2014

Integrated Analysis Identifies Different Metabolic Signatures for Tumor-Initiating Cells in a Murine Glioblastoma Model
Malignant transformation of neural stem cells resulted in a shift in metabolism characterized by an increase in lactic acid production. However, isogenic clonal populations of glioma-initiating cells manifested pronounced differences in glucose and oxygen consumption, lactate production, and nucleoside levels. [Neuro Oncol] Abstract

Wnt Inhibitory Factor 1 Suppresses Cancer Stemness and Induces Cellular Senescence
Scientists report for the first time that downregulation of the Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) is a widespread event in salivary gland carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CaExPA). They also showed that WIF1 downregulation occurs in the CaExPA precursor lesion pleomorphic adenoma and indicates a higher risk of progression from benign to malignant tumor. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Identification of Stem-Like Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells with Specific Peptides
Lung cancer stem cells (CSCs)/cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) were enriched by sphere-forming assay. Screening and selection of specific binding peptides for lung CSCs/CSLCs were performed with bacterial surface display method. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Human Colorectal CD24+ Cancer Stem Cells Are Susceptible to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Scientists report that CD24+ cells are susceptible to induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a phenotype important for cancer metastasis. They studied the responsiveness of cancer stem cell markers to TGF-β, an effective EMT inducer. [Int J Oncol] Abstract

Metformin Sensitizes Chemotherapy by Targeting Cancer Stem Cells and the mTOR Pathway in Esophageal Cancer
Reduction in cell survival and induction of apoptosis by metformin were observed in several esophageal cancer (EC) cell lines. The use of metformin in combination with 5-FU significantly sensitized EC cells to the cytotoxic effect of 5-FU. [Int J Oncol] Abstract

miR-888 Regulates Side Population Properties and Cancer Metastasis in Breast Cancer Cells
Researchers investigated a correlation between microRNAs (miRNAs) and the side population of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 with cancer stem cells properties. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

HGF and the Regulation of Tight Junctions in Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Researchers evaluated the effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on the function of tight junctions in human prostate epithelial, prostate stem cell-like and prostate cancer cell lines. [Oncol Rep] Abstract

Brain Metastasis-Initiating Cells: Survival of the Fittest
Despite the high rate of brain metastases (BMs)-associated mortality, very little research is conducted in this area. Lack of research and staggeringly low patient survival is indicative that a novel approach to BMs and their treatment is needed. [Int J Mol Sci] Abstract | Download Full Article

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Bristol-Myers Squibb and CytomX Therapeutics Announce Worldwide Collaboration to Develop Probody™ Therapeutics against Multiple Immuno-Oncology Targets
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. announced the companies have signed a worldwide research collaboration and license agreement to discover, develop and commercialize novel therapies against multiple immuno-oncology targets using CytomX’s proprietary Probody™ Platform. [Bristol-Myers Squibb Company] Press Release

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NEW Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

PhD Studentship – Cancer Studies (Cardiff University)

PhD Scholarship – Inorganic Nanoparticles for Cancer Stem Cell Targeting and Detection (The Italian Institute of Technology)

Positions for Principal Investigators – Translational Medical Research of Cancer Biology (Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell Biology/Cancer Biology (Oregon Health and Science University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Cancer Genomics (University of Chicago)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Development and Stem Cells (University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Biology (University of Cincinnati)

Faculty Position – Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology (Oregon Health & Science 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)

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

Research Technologist – hPSC (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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

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

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