Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 4.12 | Apr 1 2015

CD133 and DNA-PK Regulate MDR1 via the PI3K- or Akt-NF-κB Pathway in Multidrug-Resistant Glioblastoma Cells In Vitro
Although CD133, DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) are elevated in CD133 positive glioma cancer stem-like cells, the relationship among these molecules has not been studied. Investigators report that CD133 and DNA-PK may increase MDR1 via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signal pathway. [Oncogene] Abstract

Keratin 19, a Cancer Stem Cell Marker in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Researchers determined whether keratin 19 (K19) can be used as a new cancer stem cell (CSC) marker and therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma. CSC characteristics, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and transforming growth factor beta/Smad signaling were examined in fluorescence-activated cell sorting-isolated K19⁺/K19⁻ cells. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

The Rab2A GTPase Promotes Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Tumorigenesis via Erk Signaling Activation
Proline-directed phosphorylation is regulated by the prolyl isomerase Pin1, which plays a fundamental role in driving breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs). Scientists showed that Pin1 increases Rab2A transcription to promote BCSC expansion and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Progesterone Generates Cancer Stem Cells through Membrane Progesterone Receptor-Triggered Signaling in Basal-Like Human Mammary Cells
Scientists report that in irradiated MCF10A cells, progesterone activated the PI3k/Akt pathway via membrane progesterone receptor. Inhibition of the PI3k/Akt pathway counteracted the generation of cancer stem cells by progesterone and irradiation. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Sialidase NEU3 Contributes Neoplastic Potential on Colon Cancer Cells as a Key Modulator of Gangliosides by Regulating Wnt Signaling
Researchers provide evidence of a close link between NEU3 expression and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colon cancer cells by analyzing tumorigenic potential and cancer stem-like characteristics. [Int J Cancer] Abstract

Dopamine Enhances the Response of Sunitinib in the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Breast Cancer: Involvement of Eradicating Cancer Stem-Like Cells
The authors evaluated the effect of dopamine on the enhancement of sunitinib’s efficacy in the treatment of drug-resistant breast cancer, investigating the involved activation type of dopamine receptor pathway and exploring the underlying anti-cancer stem-like cells mechanisms. [Biochem Pharmacol] Abstract

Specific Preferences in Lineage Choice and Phenotypic Plasticity of Glioma Stem Cells under BMP4 and Noggin Influence
Investigators evaluated glioma stem cell-enriched cell lines behavior towards differentiating conditions by depriving them of growth factors and/or by adding BMP4 at different concentrations. [Brain Pathol] Abstract

Long Noncoding RNA MALAT-1 Enhances Stem Cell-Like Phenotypes in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Researchers hypothesized that MALAT-1 might enhance stem cell-like phenotypes in pancreatic cancer cells. Their data showed that MALAT-1 could increase the proportion of pancreatic cancer stem cells, maintain self-renewing capacity, decrease the chemosensitivity to anticancer drugs, and accelerate tumor angiogenesis in vitro. [Int J Mol Sci] Abstract | Download Full Article

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Cancer Research UK Partners with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to Inspire Innovation
Cancer Research UK has partnered with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, to co-fund multidisciplinary research projects. The new partnership increases the amount of funding for collaborative research to up to £37.5 million over five years. [Cancer Research UK] Press Release

Global Oncology Launches Global Cancer Project Map to Improve Cancer Control Worldwide – in Collaboration with the National Cancer Institute
Nonprofit Global Oncology, Inc. (GO) announced the launch of the Global Cancer Project Map, a first-of-its-kind online resource and virtual information exchange for connecting the global cancer community. Developed by GO in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute Center for Global Health, the Map enables worldwide access to cancer projects and expertise to improve cancer practices and patient outcomes, especially in low-resource settings. [Global Oncology, Inc.] Press Release | Map

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NEW Postdoctoral Position – Cancer Imaging (King’s College London)

Postdoctoral Position – Triple Negative Breast Cancer (King’s College London)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Breast Cancer & Stem Cell Biology (University of Cincinnati)

PhD Position – Peptide-Drug Conjugates for Targeted Delivery in Tumor Therapy (EXIRIS Oncology Research)

PhD Positions – Immunological Aspects of Cancer and Allergy (University of Salzburg)

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

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

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