Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 4.08 | Mar 4 2015

Inhibition of CD47 Effectively Targets Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells via Dual Mechanism
The authors studied in vitro and in vivo, the effects of CD47 inhibition on cancer stem cells (CSCs) using a large set of primary pancreatic cancer (stem) cells as well as xenografts of primary human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissue. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

Extracellular Vesicles in the Biology of Brain Tumour Stem Cells – Implications for Inter-Cellular Communication, Therapy and Biomarker Development
Glioma stem cells may carry signatures of either proneural or mesenchymal glioblastoma (GBM) subtypes and differ in several biological characteristics that are, at least in part, represented by the output and repertoire of extracellular vesicleproduction (vesiculome). Researchers report that vesiculomes differ between known GBM subtypes [Semin Cell Dev Biol] Abstract

Vemurafenib Resistance Selects for Highly Malignant Brain and Lung-Metastasizing Melanoma Cells
Researchers identified possible biomarkers associated with the emergence of drug resistant melanoma cells. Resistant cells expressed higher levels of genes coding for cancer stem cell markers, as well as genes involved in drug resistance, cell invasion and promotion of metastasis. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) Signaling Promotes Tumorigenicity and Stemness via Activation of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Bladder Cancer
Investigators show a role for Shh signaling in the promotion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumorigenicity, and stemness in the bladder cancer. The bladder cancer specific stem cell markers CK5 and CK14 were upregulated in the TGF-β1 treated xenograft tumor samples, while CD44 remained unchanged in both treated and untreated tumors. [Mol Carcinog] Abstract

VAV3 Overexpressed in Cancer Stem Cells Is a Poor Prognostic Indicator in Ovarian Cancer Patients
A subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) of ovarian carcinoma was isolated and the genes differentially expressed in these cells were identified to characterize CSCs, and to find candidate biomarkers. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Dormancy Activation Mechanism of Oral Cavity Cancer Stem Cells
Understanding the mechanisms by which cancer stem cells are maintained in the dormant G0 phase, and how they become active is key to developing new cancer therapies. Scientists found that the anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil, acting on the oral squamous cell carcinoma KB cell line, selectively killed proliferating cells while sparing cells in the G0 phase. [Tumor Biol] Abstract

Wnt Signaling Regulates the Stemness of Lung Cancer Stem Cells and Its Inhibitors Exert Anticancer Effect on Lung Cancer SPC-A1 Cells
The authors explored the role of Wnt signaling in the lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs). They showed that LCSCs were successfully generated as they expressed pluripotent stem cell markers Nanog and Oct 4, and lung distal epithelial markers CCSP and SP-C, by which the phenotype characterization of stem cells can be confirmed. [Med Oncol] Abstract

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Cryoport, Inc. Expands Support of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Clinical Research Division
Cryoport, Inc. announced the expansion of its relationship with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centers’ Clinical Research Division with the inclusion of additional labs to be supported by Cryoport’s validated cryogenic logistics solutions for its cell-based therapies. [Cryoport, Inc.] Press Release

US Studies Confirm Ability of TRXE-009 to Kill Brain Cancer Stem Cells
Novogen Limited announced that it has confirmed that one of its lead candidate products, TRXE-009, is showing the potential to become an important new therapy in the fight against adult and pediatric brain cancer. [Novogen Limited] Press Release

Oncolytics Biotech^® Inc. Announces Receipt of Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA for Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Oncolytics Biotech^® Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation for its lead product candidate, REOLYSIN^®, for the treatment of primary peritoneal cancers. [Oncolytics Biotech^® Inc.] Press Release

Oncolytics Biotech^® Inc. Announces Receipt of Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA for Cancer of the Fallopian Tube
Oncolytics Biotech^® Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation for its lead product candidate, REOLYSIN^®, for the treatment of cancer of the fallopian tube. [Oncolytics Biotech^® Inc.] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell and Cancer (Brigham & Women’s Hospital)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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

Research Technician II – Pediatric Cancer and Stem Cells (Massachusetts General Hospital)

Director – Vector Production (Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.)

Senior Process Development Engineer (Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cells and Breast Cancer (Albert Einstein College of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation Governing Cancer Cell Behavior (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

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