TY - JOUR
T1 - Cancer stem cells and their microenvironment: Biology and therapeutic implications
AU - Lau, Eunice Yuen Ting
AU - Ho, Nicole Pui Yu
AU - Lee, Kin Wah
PY - 2017/2/26
Y1 - 2017/2/26
N2 - Tumor consists of heterogeneous cancer cells including cancer stem cells (CSCs) that can terminally differentiate into tumor bulk. Normal stem cells in normal organs regulate self-renewal within a stem cell niche. Likewise, accumulating evidence has also suggested that CSCs are maintained extrinsically within the tumor microenvironment, which includes both cellular and physical factors. Here, we review the significance of stromal cells, immune cells, extracellular matrix, tumor stiffness, and hypoxia in regulation of CSC plasticity and therapeutic resistance.With a better understanding of how CSC interacts with its niche, we are able to identify potential therapeutic targets for the development of more effective treatments against cancer.
AB - Tumor consists of heterogeneous cancer cells including cancer stem cells (CSCs) that can terminally differentiate into tumor bulk. Normal stem cells in normal organs regulate self-renewal within a stem cell niche. Likewise, accumulating evidence has also suggested that CSCs are maintained extrinsically within the tumor microenvironment, which includes both cellular and physical factors. Here, we review the significance of stromal cells, immune cells, extracellular matrix, tumor stiffness, and hypoxia in regulation of CSC plasticity and therapeutic resistance.With a better understanding of how CSC interacts with its niche, we are able to identify potential therapeutic targets for the development of more effective treatments against cancer.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85015302236&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1155/2017/3714190
DO - 10.1155/2017/3714190
M3 - Review article
SN - 1687-9678
VL - 2017
JO - Stem Cells International
JF - Stem Cells International
M1 - 3714190
ER -
