Cancer Stem Cell News Volume 6.19 | May 17 2017

TOP STORY

Salinomycin Kills Cancer Stem Cells by Sequestering Iron in Lysosomes

Scientists provide evidence that a synthetic derivative of salinomycin, which they named ironomycin, exhibits a more potent and selective activity against breast cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo, by accumulating and sequestering iron in lysosomes. [Nat Chem] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Phosphorylation of Pkp1 by RIPK4 Regulates Epidermal Differentiation and Skin Tumorigenesis

Investigators surveyed the epidermal cell differentiation in a systematic manner by combining quantitative phosphoproteomics with mammalian kinome cDNA library screen. This approach identified a key signaling event, phosphorylation of a desmosome component, plakophilin-1 (PKP1) by receptor-interacting serine–threonine kinase 4 (RIPK4) during epidermal differentiation. [EMBO J] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

VEGFA Links Self-Renewal and Metastasis by Inducing Sox2 to Repress miR-452, Driving Slug

Scientists showed that VEGFA induction of Sox2 promotes EMT and tumor metastasis. In breast lines and primary cancer culture, VEGFA rapidly upregulates SOX2 expression, leading to SNAI2 induction, EMT, increased invasion and metastasis. [Oncogene] Full Article

NMI Inhibits Cancer Stem Cell Traits by Downregulating hTERT in Breast Cancer

The authors investigated the regulation of N-myc and STAT interactor (NMI) on cancer stem cells traits in breast cancer and uncovered the underlying molecular mechanisms. They found that NMI was lowly expressed in breast cancer stem cells-enriched populations. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

MiR-520b as a Novel Molecular Target for Suppressing Stemness Phenotype of Head-Neck Cancer by Inhibiting CD44

Researchers identified miR-520b as a novel molecular target to suppress head-neck cancer with stemness phenotype. MiR-520b inhibited cellular migration and invasion via the mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. [Sci Rep] Full Article

PDE3 Inhibitor and EGCG Combination Treatment Suppress Cancer Stem Cell Properties in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

The authors showed that in cancer cells overexpressing the 67-kDa laminin receptor-dependent cyclic GMP inducer, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) and a phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) inhibitor in combination significantly suppressed the Forkhead box O3 and CD44 axis, which is indispensable for the cancer stem cell properties of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Inhibition of PRDM14 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Suppresses Cancer Stem-Like Properties and Liver Metastasis in Mice

Investigators assessed PRDM14 expression and the effects of PRDM14 knockdown on cancer stem-like phenotypes in pancreatic cancer. They observed that PRDM14 protein was overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues compared with normal pancreatic tissues. [Carcinogenesis] Abstract

FOXO3/PGC-1β Signaling Axis Is Essential for Cancer Stem Cell Properties of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Researchers have performed knockin/knock down experiments and they demonstrated that the forkhead box O3 (FOXO3)/liver kinase B1/AMP-activated protein kinase/PPAR-γ co-activator-1β (PGC- 1β)/pyruvate dehydrogenase -A1 pathway is essential for CD44 expression and cancer stem cell properties. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

NDGA-P21, a Novel Derivative of Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Inhibits Glioma Cell Proliferation and Stemness

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA)-P21 exhibited stronger capability in suppression of glioblastoma (GBM) cell growth as compared to Nordy. Mechanically, NDGA-P21 was able to arrest cell cycle of GBM cells in G0/G1 phase, and to block cell proliferation sequentially. [Lab Invest] Abstract

MYB Fusions and CD Markers as Tools for Authentication and Purification of Cancer Stem Cells from Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Based on a highly conserved SOX10 gene signature that the authors identified in the majority of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) tumors, they suggested the existence in ACC of SOX10⁺ cells with neural stem properties and corroborated this hypothesis via isolation from ACC tissue a novel population of cancer stem cell (CSC), termed ACC-CSC. [Stem Cell Res] Full Article

Soluble Bone-Derived Osteopontin Promotes Migration and Stem-Like Behavior of Breast Cancer Cells

Researchers tested the hypothesis that these ALDH^hiCD44⁺CD24^– breast cancer cells interact with factors in the bone secondary organ microenvironment to facilitate metastasis. Specifically, they focused on bone-derived osteopontin and its ability to promote the migration and stem-like phenotype of breast cancer cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

Reprogramming of Central Carbon Metabolism in Cancer Stem Cells

The authors summarize the current knowledge of cancer stem cell (CSC) metabolism in carcinogenesis and highlights the potential of targeting CSC metabolism for therapy. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the cancer stem cell research field.

DelMar Formalizes Collaboration with PRA Health Sciences for Phase III Trial of VAL-083 in Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

DelMar Pharmaceuticals announced the formalization of an agreement with PRA Health Sciences to conduct the company’s Phase III trial of VAL-083 in recurrent GBM. [DelMar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Synaffix Secures End-to-End Patent Protection of Its ADC Technology Platform as Its HydraSpace™ Patent Grants in the United States

Synaffix BV announced that a key patent covering its HydraSpace™ spacer technology has been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. [Synaffix BV] Press Release

China’s Belt and Road Infrastructure Plan Also Includes Science

China’s plan to make massive investments in land and sea links with global trading partners also includes a little noticed commitment to support science and engineering, including the creation of dozens of new laboratories. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Trump Officials Act to Tilt Federal Science Boards toward Industry

Critics say that changes to advisory groups at the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Interior could restrict or paralyze them. [Nature News] Editorial

Biology Needs More Staff Scientists

Most research institutions are essentially collections of independent laboratories, each run by principal investigators who head a team of trainees. This scheme has ancient roots and a track record of success. But it is not the only way to do science. Indeed, for much of modern biomedical research, the traditional organization has become limiting. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Worldwide Innovative Networking in Personalized Cancer Medicine (WIN) 2017
June 26-27, 2017
Paris, France

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.

NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Cancer Biology (University of Minnesota)

NEW Faculty Positions – Cancer and Stem Cell Biology (Sun Yat-Sen University)

Research Scientist – Leukemia (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Associate – Cancer Biology/Immunology/Leukemia Research (University of Miami)

Postdoctoral Associate – Cancer Research/Oncology (University of Miami)

Postdoctoral Fellow Positions – Signaling Pathways in Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma (University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston)

Postdoctoral Fellows – Cancer Stem Cell Biology (Genome Institute of Singapore)

Research Officers – Cancer Stem Cell Biology (Genome Institute of Singapore)

Postdoctoral Fellows – Cancer Biology (University of Texas Medical School at Houston)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Breast Cancer Stem Cell (University of Kentucky)

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