EMT in breast cancer stem cell generation.
The concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been proposed to explain the ability of single disseminated cancer cells to reconstitute tumours with heterogeneity similar to that of the primary tumour they arise from. Although this concept is now commonly accepted, the origin of these CSCs remains a source of debate. First proposed to arise through stem/progenitor cell transformation, CSCs might also or alternatively arise from differentiated cancer cells through epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), an embryonic transdifferentiation process. Using breast carcinomas as a study model, I propose revisiting the role of EMT in generating CSCs and the debate on potential underlying mechanisms and biological significance.
INSERM UMR 1052, Lyon, France. stephane.ansieau@lyon.fnclcc.fr
Stéphane
S
Ansieau
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D054337:Cell Dedifferentiation / Q000235:genetics; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D058750:Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment / Q000235:genetics