Molecular identification and targeting of colorectal cancer stem cells

Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2010 papers

Abstract

Tumor initiating or cancer stem cells (CSCs) are suggested to be responsible for tumor initiation and growth. Moreover, therapy resistance and minimal residual disease are thought to result from selective resistance of CSCs. Isolation of CSCs from colon carcinomas can be accomplished by selection of a subpopulation of tumor cells based on expression of one or multiple cell surface markers associated with cancer stemness, like CD133, CD44, CD24, CD29, CD166 and Lgr5. Identification of colon CSCs will lead to a better rational for new therapies that aim to target this fraction specifically. In this review, we analyze known markers used for selection of colon CSCs and their potential function in CSC biology. Moreover, we discuss potential targeting strategies for eradicating CSCs specifically in order to develop more effective therapeutic strategies as well as to address more fundamental questions like the actual role of CSCs in tumor growth.

Related Papers

• → Prospective identification of tumorigenic breast cancer cells(2003)10,327 cited
• → A human colon cancer cell capable of initiating tumour growth in immunodeficient mice(2006)4,068 cited
• → Identification and expansion of human colon-cancer-initiating cells(2006)3,977 cited
• → Phenotypic characterization of human colorectal cancer stem cells(2007)2,197 cited
• → Wnt activity defines colon cancer stem cells and is regulated by the microenvironment(2010)1,782 cited