Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 4.15 | Apr 22 2015

High Nitric Oxide Production, Secondary to Inducible-Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression, Is Essential for Regulation of the Tumor-Initiating Properties of Colon Cancer Stem Cells
The authors explored the contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to the development of colon cancer stem cells (CSC) features and evaluated potential strategies to treat colon cancer by modulating NO production. Their data showed an integral role for endogenous NO and inducible NO synthase activity in the biology of colon CSCs. [J Pathol] Abstract

Targeted Therapy of Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells and Tumor Non-Stem Cells Using Cetuximab-Conjugated Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles
Treatment with cetuximab-iron-oxide nanoparticles resulted in a significant antitumor effect that was greater than with cetuximab alone due to more efficient, CD133-independent cellular targeting and uptake, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling alterations, EGFR internalization, and apoptosis induction in EGFR-expressing glioblastoma stem-like cells and neurospheres. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Preclinical Analysis of the Anti-Tumor and Anti-Metastatic Effects of Raf265 on Colon Cancer Cells and CD26⁺ Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Carcinoma
Cells were treated with Raf265 in combination with 5FU to demonstrate the anti-migratory and invasive effects by targeting on the CD26⁺ cancer stem cells and the anti-metastatic effect of the combined treatment was shown in an orthotopic colorectal carcinoma model. [Mol Cancer] Abstract | Full Article

Identification of RIP1 as a Critical Mediator of Smac Mimetic-Mediated Sensitization of Glioblastoma Cells for Drozitumab-Induced Apoptosis
Researchers report that BV6 and drozitumab synergistically induce apoptosis and reduce colony formation in several glioblastoma cell lines. Also, BV6 profoundly enhanced drozitumab-induced apoptosis in primary glioblastoma cultures and glioblastoma stem-like cells. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Therapeutic Targeting of CBP/β-Catenin Signaling Reduces Cancer Stem-Like Population and Synergistically Suppresses Growth of EBV-Positive Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells with Cisplatin
Investigators evaluated the effect of ICG-001 on the cancer stem cell (CSC)-like population, and the combination effect of ICG-001 with cisplatin in the C666-1 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Results showed that ICG-001 inhibited C666-1 cell growth and reduced expression of CSC-associated proteins with altered expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Combined Inhibition of AKT/mTOR and MDM2 Enhances Glioblastoma Multiforme Cell Apoptosis and Differentiation of Cancer Stem Cells
FC85 and ISA27 blocked proliferation and promoted the differentiation of glioma stem cells (GSCs). The simultaneous use of these compounds significantly enhanced GSC differentiation/apoptosis. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Identification of a Unique Hepatocellular Carcinoma Line, Li-7, with CD13⁺ Cancer Stem Cells Hierarchy and Population Change upon Its Differentiation during Culture and Effects of Sorafenib
To evaluate the CSC hierarchy, scientists investigated reconstructivity, proliferation, ALDH activity, spheroid formation, chemosensitivity and microarray analysis of the hepatocellular carcinoma cell populations sorted by FACS. [BMC Cancer] Full Article

In Vitro and In Vivo Antiproliferative Activity of Metformin on Stem-Like Cells Isolated from Spontaneous Canine Mammary Carcinomas: Translational Implications for Human Tumors
Phenotypic and functional characterization of canine mammary carcinoma (CMC)-derived stem cells was performed in vitro, by assessment of self-renewal, long-lasting proliferation, marker expression, and drug sensitivity, and in vivo, by tumorigenicity experiments. Metformin efficacy on CMC stem cell viability was analyzed both in vitro and in vivo. [BMC Cancer] Abstract

Demethoxycurcumin Was Prior to Temozolomide on Inhibiting Proliferation and Induced Apoptosis of Glioblastoma Stem Cells
Investigators showed that demethoxycurcumin (DMC) was prior to temozolomide (TMZ) on resulting in a significant increase in glioma stem cells (GSCs) apoptosis and a marked inhibition of cell growth in vitro. And combined treatment of DMC and TMZ showed more significant anti-GSC effects. [Tumor Biol] Abstract

The Novel Inhibitor BRM270 Downregulates Tumorigenesis by Suppression of NF-κB Signaling Cascade in MDR-Induced Stem Like Cancer-Initiating Cells
Researchers investigated the selective and potential efficacy of BRM270 against stem-like cancer-initiating cells via the molecular mechanisms of its anticancer effects. [Int J Oncol] Abstract

Targeting Cancer Stem Cells Using Immunologic Approaches
Identification of specific antigens or genetic alterations in cancer stem cells (CSCs) may provide more specific targets for immunotherapy. ALDH, CD44, CD133 and HER2 have served as markers to isolate CSCs from a number of tumor types in animal models and human tumors. They might serve as useful targets for CSC immunotherapy. [Stem Cells] Abstract

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OncoMed Presents Data on Clinical and Preclinical Anti-Cancer Stem Cell Programs at American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting
OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage company developing novel therapeutics that target cancer stem cells (CSCs), or tumor-initiating cells, announced data from seven poster presentations. [Press release from OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discussing research presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Philadelphia] Press Release

DelMar Pharmaceuticals Presents Promising Preclinical Data on VAL-083’s Potential to Treat Temozolomide-Resistant Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
DelMar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced promising preclinical data on the potential for its lead product candidate VAL-083 (dianhydrogalactitol) to treat patients with temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma multiforme. [Press release from DelMar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discussing research presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Philadelphia] Press Release

Cantrixil Highly Successful in Preventing Growth of Chemo-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Novogen Ltd, its subsidiary, CanTx., Inc, and Yale University disclosed key pre-clinical data on experimental anti-cancer drug, Cantrixil, justifying the optimism in the ability of this drug candidate to significantly improve the survival outlook for patients with ovarian cancer. [Press release from Novogen Ltd discussing research presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Philadelphia] Press Release

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American Association for Cancer Research Recognizes 2015 Research Grantees at Annual Meeting
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) honored its new grantee recipients at the AACR Annual Meeting 2015. [American Association for Cancer Research] Press Release

American Association for Cancer Research Inaugurates New Leadership at 2015 Annual Meeting
The American Association for Cancer Research welcomes José Baselga, MD, PhD, as president of the organization for 2015-2016. Baselga’s research focuses on the clinical development of novel molecularly targeted agents for the treatment of cancer, particularly breast cancer, is physician-in-chief and chief medical officer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. [American Association for Cancer Research] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer & Potential Therapies (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Colon Cancer (Baylor Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Cell Death of Normal Tissue Stem Cells & Cancer Stem Cells (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Cancer Biology (University of Pennsylvania)

Postdoctoral Scholar – Cancer Stem Cell Biology (Case Western Reserve University)

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

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

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