title: Interaction between gastric cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment.
abstract: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are selectively capable of tumor initiation and are implicated in tumor relapse and metastasis, thus, governing the prognosis of GC patients. Stromal cells and extracellular matrix adjacent to cancer cells are known to form a supportive environment for cancer progression. CSC properties are also regulated by their microenvironment through cell signaling and related factors. This review presents the current findings regarding the influence of the tumor microenvironment on GC stem cells, which will support the development of novel therapeutic strategies for patients with GC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
authors.forename: Takatsugu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ishimoto
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sawayama
authors.forename: Hidetaka
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sugihara
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Baba
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs