Cancer stem cells, microRNAs, and therapeutic strategies including natural products

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2012 Dec;31(3-4):733-51. doi: 10.1007/s10555-012-9382-8.

Abstract

Embryonic stem cells divide continuously and differentiate into organs through the expression of specific transcription factors at specific time periods. Differentiated adult stem cells on the other hand remain in quiescent state and divide by receiving cues from the environment (extracellular matrix or niche), as in the case of wound healing from tissue injury or inflammation. Similarly, it is believed that cancer stem cells (CSCs), forming a smaller fraction of the tumor bulk, also remain in a quiescent state. These cells are capable of initiating and propagating neoplastic growth upon receiving environmental cues, such as overexpression of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Candidate CSCs express distinct biomarkers that can be utilized for their identification and isolation. This review focuses on the known and candidate cancer stem cell markers identified in various solid tumors and the promising future of disease management and therapy targeted at these markers. The review also provides details on the differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), and the miRNA- and natural product-based therapies that could be applied for the treatment of cancer stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AC133 Antigen
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family
  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Basigin / analysis
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis
  • Glycoproteins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / analysis
  • Isoenzymes / analysis
  • Membrane Proteins / analysis
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / chemistry
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Peptides / analysis
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 / physiology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Retinal Dehydrogenase / analysis
  • Stem Cells / physiology
  • Thyroid Hormone-Binding Proteins
  • Thyroid Hormones / analysis

Substances

  • AC133 Antigen
  • Antigens, CD
  • Biological Products
  • Bmi1 protein, mouse
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Glycoproteins
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Isoenzymes
  • Membrane Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • Peptides
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Basigin
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family
  • ALDH1A1 protein, human
  • ALDH1A1 protein, mouse
  • Retinal Dehydrogenase
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 1