Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 4.24 | Jun 24 2015

Loss of ATOH8 Increases Stem Cell Features of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
The authors investigated the effects of loss of atonal homolog 8 (ATOH8) in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and cell lines. ATOH8 repressed transcription of stem-cell associated genes including OCT4, NANOG, and CD133. [Gastroenterology] Abstract

FOXM1-Induced PRX3 Regulates Stemness and Survival of Colon Cancer Cells via Maintenance of Mitochondrial Function
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) had a higher mitochondrial membrane potential and increased levels of ATP, Ca²⁺, reactive oxygen species, and oxygen consumption than non-CSCs. Levels of PRX3 were increased in colon CSCs compared with non-CSCs. [Gastroenterology] Abstract

LGR5 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression and Maintains Stem-Like Cells through Activation Of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
To determine the mechanism of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in breast cancer, scientists focused on LGR5, a marker of adult stem cells that potentially serves as a functional factor in CSCs. LGR5 promoted cell mobility, tumor formation and EMT in breast cancer cells by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. [Stem Cells] Abstract

A Microfluidic Platform for Studying Chemotaxis of Adhesive Cells Revealed a Gradient-Dependent Migration and Acceleration of Cancer Stem Cells
Researchers developed a microfluidic device capable of generating multiple stable gradients, culturing cells on-chip, and monitoring single cell migratory behavior. The microfluidic platform was used to study gradient-induced chemotaxis of lung cancer stem cell and differentiated LCSC in real time. [Anal Chem] Abstract

Targeting PBK/TOPK Decreases Growth and Survival of Glioma Initiating Cells In Vitro and Attenuates Tumor Growth In Vivo
Researchers investigated a protein kinase, PBK/TOPK as a candidate for regulating growth, survival and in vivo tumorigenicity of glioma initiating cells (GICs). They assessed viability, tumorsphere formation and apoptosis in three patient derived GIC cultures. [Mol Cancer] Full Article

Regulation of Non Small-Cell Lung Cancer Stem Cell Like Cells by Neurotransmitters and Opioid Peptides
Epinephrine increased the number of cancer stem cell like cells from three non small-cell lung cancer cell lines in spheroid formation assays while enhancing intracellular cAMP and the stem cell markers sonic hedgehog, aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 and Gli1, effects reversed by GABA or dynorphin B via Gαi-mediated inhibition of cAMP formation. [Int J Cancer] Abstract

Co-Eradication of Breast Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cells by Cross-Linked Multilamellar Liposomes Enhances Tumor Treatment
A novel drug delivery system, cross-linked multilamellar liposomal vesicles, was optimized to allow for the co-delivery salinomycin and doxorubicin, targeting both cancer stem cells and breast cancer cells. [Mol Pharmaceut] Abstract

Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer Stem Cells by Liposomal Delivery of siRNA against Fibronectin EDB
A novel liposomal system (APT_EDB-LS-siRNA^EDB) that enables simultaneous targeting and knockdown of extra domain B (EDB) of fibronectin showed potent therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer stem cell-derived tumors in vivo. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1 Promotes the Migration and Invasion of Sphere-Forming Stem-Like Cell Subpopulations in Esophageal Cancer
Scientists enriched and identified the esophageal cancer cell subpopulation with stem-like properties and helped to develop new target therapy strategies for cancer stem cells. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

Precursor States of Brain Tumor Initiating Cell Lines Are Predictive of Survival in Xenografts and Associated with Glioblastoma Subtypes
Investigators applied a stem cell biology approach and compared self-renewal, marker expression, label retention, and asymmetric cell division in 20 brain-tumor-initiating cell (BTIC) lines. Through cluster analysis, they identified two subgroups of BTIC lines with distinct precursor states, stem- or progenitor-like, predictive of survival after xenograft. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article

TGen and Mayo Clinic Help Launch National Clinical Trials to Combat Advanced Skin Cancer
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and Mayo Clinic are helping launch a national clinical trial that will apply the latest in precision medicine to treat advanced melanoma skin cancer. [Translational Genomics Research Institute] Press Release

ERYTECH Announces Two Positive DSMB Reviews
ERYTECH Pharma announced positive safety reviews after the completion of the first cohort in the company’s US Phase I study with ERY-ASP in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and following the treatment of the first three patients with ERY-ASP in combination with Folfox in its Phase II study in pancreatic cancer. [ERYTECH Pharma] Press Release

Ontario Invests in Better Health and Economic Opportunity through Support for Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine
A new $25 million commitment positions Ontario to be an early adopter of new treatments and technologies emerging from research and commercial developments in regenerative medicine. [Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine] Press Release

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