Journal
TRENDS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE
Volume 14, Issue 8, Pages 323-332Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2008.06.005
Keywords
-
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Although the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has become an attractive model to account for tumor recurrence, failure to define a cell of origin has created the need to explore alternative models for cancer initiation and maintenance. Recent studies have linked an embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like gene signature with poorly defined high-grade tumors. Here, we review advances in the ESC field with an emphasis on how human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be used to define early tumorigenic events, including potential miRNA and epigenetic targets, as well as proto-oncogene and tumor suppressor networks that might facilitate hierarchal transformation. These studies allow for investigation of cancer initiation in a manner that cannot be achieved using primary tumors, where only retrospective evaluation of CSC development is possible. By comparing transformed hPSCs with their normal counterparts, we hope to develop novel cell-specific therapies that selectively target CSCs.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available