Cancer Stem Cells

Definition

Cancer stem cells are a small subpopulation of cells within a tumor that possess the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into the diverse cell types that comprise the tumor. These cells are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to treatment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cancer stem cells are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, and resistance to conventional cancer treatments.
2. Cancer stem cells have the ability to self-renew, giving rise to new cancer stem cells, as well as differentiate into the diverse cell types that make up the bulk of the tumor.
3. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is associated with the acquisition of cancer stem cell properties, such as increased migratory and invasive capabilities.
4. The tumor microenvironment, including immune cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix, can influence the behavior and survival of cancer stem cells.
5. Targeting cancer stem cells is a promising therapeutic strategy, as they are believed to be the root cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of cancer stem cells in tumor initiation and progression.
  • Cancer stem cells are a small subpopulation of cells within a tumor that possess the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into the diverse cell types that comprise the tumor. These cells are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, as they can give rise to the bulk of the tumor, as well as tumor progression, as they can drive metastasis and resist conventional cancer treatments. The ability of cancer stem cells to self-renew and differentiate is a key factor in their role in driving tumor growth and heterogeneity.
• Describe the relationship between the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell properties.
  • The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process by which epithelial cells lose cell-cell adhesion and polarity, and acquire a more migratory, invasive mesenchymal phenotype. This EMT process is associated with the acquisition of cancer stem cell properties, such as increased self-renewal, differentiation, and metastatic potential. The transition from an epithelial to a mesenchymal state is believed to endow cancer cells with stem-like characteristics, which can contribute to tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to treatment.
• Analyze the role of the tumor microenvironment in influencing the behavior and survival of cancer stem cells.
  • The tumor microenvironment, which includes immune cells, blood vessels, and the extracellular matrix, can significantly influence the behavior and survival of cancer stem cells. The components of the tumor microenvironment can provide signals and support that promote the self-renewal, differentiation, and metastatic potential of cancer stem cells. For example, immune cells in the tumor microenvironment may suppress the immune response against cancer stem cells, while the extracellular matrix can provide a niche that protects cancer stem cells from conventional cancer treatments. Understanding the complex interplay between cancer stem cells and their microenvironment is crucial for developing effective therapies that target this subpopulation of cells.

Related terms

Tumor Heterogeneity: The diverse composition of cell types within a tumor, including cancer stem cells, differentiated cancer cells, and non-cancerous supporting cells.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT): A process by which epithelial cells lose cell-cell adhesion and polarity, and acquire a more migratory, invasive mesenchymal phenotype, which is associated with cancer stem cell properties.

Tumor Microenvironment:

The complex cellular and non-cellular components surrounding a tumor, including immune cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix, which can influence the behavior of cancer stem cells.