Cancer Stem Cells: Biological Functions and Therapeutically Targeting

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Marius Eugen Ciurea²  Ada Maria Georgescu²  Stefana Oana Purcaru²  Stefan-Alexandru Artene²  Ghazaleh Hooshyar Emami²  Mihai Virgil Boldeanu¹  Daniela Elise Tache² 

[1] Stem Cell Bank Unit, Medico Science SRL, Str. Brazda lui Novac nr. 1B, Craiova 200690, Romania; E-Mail:;Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, Craiova 710204, Romania; E-Mails:

关键词: cancer stem cell;    tumorigenicity;    signalling pathways;    cancer stem cell markers;    cancer therapy;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms15058169

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Almost all tumors are composed of a heterogeneous cell population, making them difficult to treat. A small cancer stem cell population with a low proliferation rate and a high tumorigenic potential is thought to be responsible for cancer development, metastasis and resistance to therapy. Stem cells were reported to be involved in both normal development and carcinogenesis, some molecular mechanisms being common in both processes. No less controversial, stem cells are considered to be important in treatment of malignant diseases both as targets and drug carriers. The efforts to understand the role of different signalling in cancer stem cells requires in depth knowledge about the mechanisms that control their self-renewal, differentiation and malignant potential. The aim of this paper is to discuss insights into cancer stem cells historical background and to provide a brief review of the new therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer stem cells.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland