Epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cells: Shedding light on the refractory/relapsed cancers

The resistance to drugs, ability to enter quiescence and generate heterogeneous cancer cells, and enhancement of aggressiveness, make cancer stem cells (CSCs) integral part of tumor progression, metastasis and recurrence after treatment. The epigenetic modification machinery is crucial for the viability of CSCs and evolution of aggressive forms of a tumor. These mechanisms can also be targeted by specific drugs, providing a promising approach for blocking CSCs. In this review, we summarize the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in CSCs which contribute to drug resistance, quiescence and tumor heterogeneity. We also discuss the drugs that can potentially target these processes and data from experimental and clinical studies.

Automated summary

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in tumor progression, metastasis, and recurrence. The epigenetic modification machinery is essential for the viability and aggressive evolution of CSCs. Targeting these mechanisms with specific drugs offers a promising approach to block CSCs and reduce drug resistance, quiescence, and tumor heterogeneity.