Tumour-initiating cells vs. cancer 'stem' cells and CD133: what's in the name?
Recent evidence suggests that a subset of cells within a tumour have 'stem-like' characteristics. These tumour-initiating cells, distinct from non-malignant stem cells, show low proliferative rates, high self-renewing capacity, propensity to differentiate into actively proliferating tumour cells, resistance to chemotherapy or radiation, and they are often characterised by elevated expression of the stem cell surface marker CD133. Understanding the molecular biology of the CD133(+) cancer cells is now essential for developing more effective cancer treatments. These may include drugs targeting organelles, such as mitochondria or lysosomes, using highly efficient and selective inducers of apoptosis. Alternatively, agents or treatment regimens that enhance sensitivity of these therapy-resistant "tumour stem cells" to the current or emerging anti-tumour drugs would be of interest as well.
Neuzil
Jiri
J
Apoptosis Research Group, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, Australia. j.neuzil@griffith.edu.au
Stantic
Marina
M
Zobalova
Renata
R
Chladova
Jaromira
J
Wang
Xiufang
X
Prochazka
Lubomir
L
Dong
Lanfeng
L
Andera
Ladislav
L
Ralph
Stephen J
SJ
D000071916:AC133 Antigen; D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D010455:Peptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D000071916:AC133 Antigen; D015703:Antigens, CD; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006023:Glycoproteins; C000606023:PROM1 protein, human; D010455:Peptides