Dysregulation of signaling pathways and putative biomarkers in liver             cancer stem cells (Review).
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumors in the world.             At present, the details of the mechanism responsible for HCC formation and maintenance             remain unclear. However, the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory suggests that liver             cancer stem cells (LCSCs) may be responsible for the biological characteristics             of HCC. Dysregulation of signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor β             (TGF-β), Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog pathways, has been found to be involved in the             process of hepatocarcinogenesis and is considered the key determinant of LCSC             function. Numerous LCSC biomarkers have been identified including CD133, epithelial             cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), ABCG2 and CD90, which would contribute to the             isolation of LCSCs.
Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower                     Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R.                     China.
Kai
K
Song
Junhua
J
Wu
Chunping
C
Jiang
D000818:Animals; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D011379:Prognosis; D015398:Signal Transduction
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor