Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 4.28 | Jul 29 2015

CXCR7 Mediates TGFβ1-Promoted EMT and Tumor-Initiating Features in Lung Cancer
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) upregulated CXC chemokine receptor expression, migration, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell formation in lung adenocarcinoma. [Oncogene] Abstract

mTOR Inhibitors Counteract Tamoxifen-Induced Activation of Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Tamoxifen was effective in reducing proliferation of ER⁺ adherent cancer cells, but not their cancer stem cell (CSC) population. Scientists isolated, expanded and incubated CSC from seven breast cancers with or without tamoxifen. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Blockade of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Suppresses Breast Cancer Metastasis by Inhibiting CSC-Like Phenotype
The authors investigated the effects of inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling on cancer cell migratory potential by examining the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC)-related genes and examined how this pathway links metastatic potential with tumor formation in vitro and in vivo. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Acquisition of Cancer Stem Cell-Like Properties in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Acquired Resistance to Afatinib
Investigators established various afatinib-resistant cell lines and investigated the resistance mechanisms. EGFR T790M mutations were not detected using direct sequencing in established resistant cells. [Cancer Sci] Abstract

In Vitro Screening of Clinical Drugs Identifies Sensitizers of Oncolytic Viral Therapy in Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells
Investigators addressed the feasibility of clinically applicable drugs to enhance the oncolytic potential of the oncolytic viruses Delta24-RGD in glioblastoma. In total, 446 drugs were screened for their viral sensitizing properties in glioblastoma stem-like cells in vitro. [Gene Ther] Abstract

Downregulation of Cancer Stem Cell Properties via mTOR Signaling Pathway Inhibition by Rapamycin in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
In examining samples of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, scientists found regions of CD44-positive cancer cells co-expressing the stem cell biomarker OCT4, suggesting the presence of cancer stem cells. [Int J Oncol]
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Inhibitory Effect of Epirubicin-Loaded Lipid Microbubbles with Conjugated Anti-ABCG2 Antibody Combined with Therapeutic Ultrasound on Multiple Myeloma Cancer Stem Cells
Researchers used an ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction technique to investigate the inhibitory effect of their novel reagent on multiple myeloma (MM) cancer stem cells that are MM cells with CD138−CD34−phenotypes, responsible for MM-initiating potential, drug resistance and eventual relapse. [J Drug Target] Abstract

Inhibition of Hedgehog Signaling Reduces the Side Population in Human Malignant Mesothelioma Cell Lines
Researchers evaluated the potential anticancer effects of cyclopamine, a chemical inhibitor of hedgehog signaling, in human malignant mesothelioma (HMM) cell lines. Treatment of HMM cells with cyclopamine significantly reduced the abundance of side population cells, which were measured using an assay composed of Hoechst 33342 dye staining and subsequent flow cytometry. [Cancer Gene Ther] Full Article

Stem Cell Hierarchy and Clonal Evolution in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
The authors discuss the concepts of cancer stem cells and clonal evolution in respect to leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) mainly in B-ALL and sheds light onto the technical controversies in LIC isolation and evaluation. [Stem Cell Int] Full Article

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OncoMed Initiates Phase I Clinical Trial for Anti-RSPO3 Antibody
OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced dosing of the first patient in its anti-RSPO3 antibody Phase Ia/Ib clinical trial. Anti-RSPO3 is the first drug in its class to target the R-spondin-LGR pathway, an important cancer stem cell pathway identified by OncoMed researchers. [OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

TapImmune Announces Finalization of License Agreement with Mayo Clinic to Commercialize a Folate Receptor Alpha Vaccine for Multiple Cancer Indications
TapImmune, Inc. announced that the company has exercised its option agreement with Mayo Clinic. TapImmune has signed a worldwide exclusive license agreement to commercialize a proprietary folate receptor alpha vaccine technology for all cancer indications. [TapImmune, Inc.] Press Release

CDRD & OICR Team up to Advance Cutting-Edge New Cancer Treatments
Two of Canada’s leading drug research and commercialization centers have announced a call for proposals to help bring new cancer treatments to patients through collaborative technology-development projects from academic investigators across Canada. [Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD)] Press Release

University of Toronto to Transform Regenerative Medicine Thanks to Historic $114 Million Federal Grant
The University of Toronto is set to cement its position as one of the world’s leading centers for the design and manufacture of cells, tissues and organs that can be used to treat degenerative disease, thanks to a $114-million grant from the federal government. [University of Toronto] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellowship – Brain Tumor Biology and Stem Cells (Universität Basel)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Research (National University of Singapore)

Postdoctoral Cancer Research – Molecular Targets for Tumor Therapy (University of Würzburg)

Higher Scientific Officer – Cancer Proteomics (Institute of Cancer Research)

Postdoctoral Positions- Cancer Research (Rutgers University)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Breast Stem Cell Biology (University of Miami Miller School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellowships – Cancer Research (German Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy (University of California, Los Angeles)

Professor – Cancer Stem Cells (Dalian Medical University)

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