Precancerous stem cells have the potential for both benign and malignant differentiation.
PLoS One
; 2(3): e293, 2007 Mar 14.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17356702
ABSTRACT
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in hematopoietic and solid tumors. However, their precursors-namely, precancerous stem cells (pCSCs) -have not been characterized. Here we experimentally define the pCSCs that have the potential for both benign and malignant differentiation, depending on environmental cues. While clonal pCSCs can develop into various types of tissue cells in immunocompetent mice without developing into cancer, they often develop, however, into leukemic or solid cancers composed of various types of cancer cells in immunodeficient mice. The progress of the pCSCs to cancers is associated with the up-regulation of c-kit and Sca-1, as well as with lineage markers. Mechanistically, the pCSCs are regulated by the PIWI/AGO family gene called piwil2. Our results provide clear evidence that a single clone of pCSCs has the potential for both benign and malignant differentiation, depending on the environmental cues. We anticipate pCSCs to be a novel target for the early detection, prevention, and therapy of cancers.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Células Madre
/
Diferenciación Celular
/
Transformación Celular Neoplásica
Tipo de estudio:
Screening_studies
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
PLoS One
Asunto de la revista:
CIENCIA
/
MEDICINA
Año:
2007
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos