Radiation resistance and stem-like cells in brain tumors.
The concepts of stem cells being resistant to therapy, stem-like cells existing in brain tumors, and these tumors initially responding to therapy followed by recurrence are well documented. On this foundation, a recent paper in Nature has demonstrated that CD133-expressing glioma cells in vivo and in culture are relatively resistant to radiation. The mechanism of resistance involves the cell-cycle-regulating proteins CHK1/CHK2. The data raise many questions about the details of radiobiology of stem-like cells in their native environment within tumors in vivo. These answers may lead to better optimization of radiation treatments and schedules for these patients.
Hambardzumyan
Dolores
D
Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Squatrito
Massimo
M
Squartro
Massimo
M
Holland
Eric C
EC
D000071916:AC133 Antigen; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D010455:Peptides / Q000032:analysis; D011836:Radiation Tolerance
D000071916:AC133 Antigen; D015703:Antigens, CD; D006023:Glycoproteins; C000606023:PROM1 protein, human; D010455:Peptides