Building a framework for embryonic microenvironments and cancer stem cells.
The putative existence of a cancer stem cell niche consisting of bi-directional stromal and stem cell secreting factors that trigger cancer stem cell growth and proliferation has been hypothesized in the nervous and hematopoietic systems. In light of this theory, it has been proposed that embryonic stem cell microenvironments, upon interactions with cancer stem cells, may reprogram cancer cells resulting in a substantial inhibition of tumor cell properties. Here, we discuss emerging data that support this novel concept of cancer inhibitory factors produced in the context of embryonic microenvironments as well as by embryonic stem cells (ESCs).
Ruiz-Vela
Antonio
A
Valencia Node of the Spanish Stem Cell Bank, Prince Felipe Research Center (CIPF), 46012 Valencia, Spain.
Aguilar-Gallardo
Cristóbal
C
Simón
Carlos
C
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers