Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 4.36 | Sep 23 2015

CD93 Marks a Non-Quiescent Human Leukemia Stem Cell Population and Is Required for Development of MLL-Rearranged Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Researchers showed that acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) with genomic rearrangements of the MLL gene contain a non-quiescent leukemia stem cell (LSC) population. Although human CD34⁺CD38⁻ LSCs are generally highly quiescent, the C-type lectin CD93 is expressed on a subset of actively cycling, non-quiescent AML cells enriched for LSC activity. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Loss of the Tumor Suppressor Spinophilin (PPP1R9B) Increases the Cancer Stem Cell Population in Breast Tumors
Investigators explored the mechanism of how spinophilin downregulation contributes to the malignant phenotype and poor prognosis in breast tumors and found an increase in the stemness phenotype. [Oncogene] Abstract

SLUG Is Required for SOX9 Stabilization and Functions to Promote Cancer Stem Cells and Metastasis in Human Lung Carcinoma
The authors identified two proteins, SLUG and SOX9, which are associated with advanced stage lung cancers and are implicated in the regulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Inhibition of either SLUG or SOX9 sufficiently inhibits CSCs in human lung cancer cells and attenuates experimental lung metastasis in a xenograft mouse model. [Oncogene] Abstract

Anti-Estrogen Resistance in Human Breast Tumors Is Driven by JAG1-NOTCH4-Dependent Cancer Stem Cell Activity
Investigators showed that short-term treatment with the anti-estrogens tamoxifen or fulvestrant decrease cell proliferation but increase breast cancer stem cell activity through JAG1-NOTCH4 receptor activation both in patient-derived samples and xenograft tumors. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Transcriptional Profiling of Dividing Tumor Cells Detects Intratumor Heterogeneity Linked to Cell Proliferation in a Brain Tumor Model
The authors developed a method for transcriptional profiling of gliomas, using a novel technique to dissect the tumors into two fundamental cellular subsets, namely, the proliferating and non-proliferating cell fractions. [Mol Oncol] Abstract

Prognostic Significance of Leucine-Rich-Repeat-Containing G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 5, an Intestinal Stem Cell Marker, in Gastric Carcinomas
Researchers examined the LGR5 expression in gastric cancer tissues by real time-PCR and RNA in situ hybridization, and analyzed its clinicopathological relevance and prognostic value. The effects of LGR5 on cancer cell proliferation and migration were assessed with an in vitro transfection technique. [Gastric Cancer] Abstract

A New Insight into Cancer Stem Cell Markers: Could Local and Circulating Cancer Stem Cell Markers Correlate in Colorectal Cancer?
Scientists investigated the local expression of doublecortin-like kinase 1 and Lgr5 in colorectal cancer tissues at both protein and messenger RNA level, followed by providing a comparison of the local and circulating expression pattern of these markers. [Tumor Biol] Abstract

Current Approaches in Identification and Isolation of Human Renal Cell Carcinoma Cancer Stem Cells
The authors summarize recent data concerning isolation techniques for cancer stem cells using magnetic cell sorting and flow cytometry. They focus on the strategies for sample preparation during flow cytometric analysis, elaborating biomarkers such as CXCR4, CD105, and CD133. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

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Regen Biopharma Inc. Initiates Small Molecule Hit Validation Study on Cancer Stem Cell Target Gene
Regen BioPharma Inc. announced that it has initiated studies for its small molecule drug discovery platform on its cancer stem cell target gene. These studies are expected to be completed within the next two months. [Regen BioPharma Inc. (PR Newswire Association LLC)] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology (Columbia University Medical Center)

NEW Assistant Professor – Stem Cell Biology (University of South Carolina)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Epigenetic Modifiers (Van Andel Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Breast Cancer Invasion / Extracellular Matrix / Proteomics / Microscopy (University of Liverpool)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Cancer Biology (Mass General Cancer Center/Harvard Medical School)

Postdoctoral Position – Immunology/Vascular Biology/Oncology (University of Toulouse)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Biology (National Cancer Institute)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Development and Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer (University College London)

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