致癌与突变杂志

抽象的

Cancer Stem Cell - Essence of Tumorigenesis

Rabindra Kumar Jena, Sandeep Sadashivrao Kansurkar and Trupti Rekha Swain

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are pool of dedicated undifferentiated cells responsible for maintenance of tumorigenesis. They play a key role by continuing growth and propagation of cancer. These cancer stem cells share many similarities with natural stem cells like self renewal and plasticity of differentiation. Activity of these stem cells is regulated by various paracrine signals. Stem cell activity is dependent on complex interplay between cancer stem cell and its microenvironment called niche. MicroRNAs are newer class of molecules involved in modulating differentiation of stem cells. Cancer stem cells also determine propensity for metastasis of a tumour. They have considerable resistance against conventional chemotherapy or radiation. Therefore pose significant challenge for elimination of tumour. Now days, targeting these stem cells are a new focus of attention in cancer therapeutics.