Reactive oxygen species in cancer stem cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), byproducts of aerobic metabolism, are increased in many types of cancer cells. Increased endogenous ROS lead to adaptive changes and may play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. In contrast, the ROS generated by xenobiotics disturb the redox balance and may selectively kill cancer cells but spare normal cells.


BACKGROUND
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are integral parts of pathophysiological mechanisms of tumor progression, metastasis, and chemo/radio resistance. Currently, intracellular ROS in CSCs is an active field of research.


RESULTS
Normal stem cells such as hematopoietic stem cells reside in niches characterized by hypoxia and low ROS, both of which are critical for maintaining the potential for self-renewal and stemness. However, the roles of ROS in CSCs remain poorly understood.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the regulation of ROS levels in normal stem cells and CSCs, future research may evaluate the potential therapeutic application of ROS elevation by exogenous xenobiotics to eliminate CSCs.
Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Xiaoke
X
Shi
Yan
Y
Zhang
Junheng
J
Zheng
Jingxuan
J
Pan
D006801:Humans; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species