1
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Polverini PJ, Nör F, Nör JE. Crosstalk between cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment drives progression of premalignant oral epithelium. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2023; 3:1095842. [PMID: 36704239 PMCID: PMC9872128 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.1095842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that exhibit properties of self-renewal and differentiation and have been implicated in metastasis and treatment failures. There is mounting evidence that carcinogen-initiated mucosal epithelial stem cells acquire the CSC phenotype following exposure to environmental or infectious mutagens and are responsible for promoting the malignant transformation of premalignant (dysplastic) epithelium. CSC further contribute to the progression of dysplasia by activating signaling pathways through crosstalk with various cell populations in the tumor microenvironment. Two cell types, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and vascular endothelial cells (EC) nurture CSC development, support CSC stemness, and contribute to tumor progression. Despite mounting evidence implicating CSC in the initiation and progression of dysplastic oral epithelium to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the molecular mechanisms underlying these synergistic biological processes remain unclear. This review will examine the mechanisms that underlie the transformation of normal epithelial stem cells into CSC and the mechanistic link between CSC, TAM, and EC in the growth and the malignant conversation of dysplastic oral epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Polverini
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Correspondence: Peter J. Polverini
| | - Felipe Nör
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jacques E. Nör
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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2
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Trosko JE. In Search of a Unifying Concept in Human Diseases. Diseases 2021; 9:68. [PMID: 34698126 PMCID: PMC8544458 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the history of biological/medicine sciences, there has been opposing strategies to find solutions to complex human disease problems. Both empirical and deductive approaches have led to major insights and concepts that have led to practical preventive and therapeutic benefits for the human population. The classic definitions of "science" (to know) has been paired with the classic definition of technology (to do). One knew more as the technology developed, and that development was often based on science. In other words, one could do more if science could improve the technology. In turn, this made possible to know more science with improved technology. However, with the development of new technologies of today in biology and medicine, major advances have been made, such as the information from the Human Genome Project, genetic engineering techniques and the use of bioinformatic uses of sophisticated computer analyses. This has led to the renewed idea that Precision Medicine, while raising some serious ethical concerns, also raises the expectation of improved potential of risk predictions for prevention and treatment of various genetically and environmentally influenced human diseases. This new field Artificial Intelligence, as a major handmaiden to Precision Medicine, is significantly altering the fundamental means of biological discovery. However, can today's fundamental premise of "Artificial Intelligence", based on identifying DNA, as the primary nexus of human health and disease, provide the practical solutions to complex human diseases that involve the interaction of those genes with the broad spectrum of "environmental factors"? Will it be "precise" enough to provide practical solutions for prevention and treatments of diseases? In this "Commentary", with the example of human carcinogenesis, it will be challenged that, without the integration of mechanistic and hypothesis-driven approaches with the "unbiased" empirical analyses of large numbers of data, the Artificial Intelligence approach with fall short.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Edward Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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3
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Trosko JE. On the potential origin and characteristics of cancer stem cells. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:905-912. [PMID: 34014276 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'cancer stem cell' hypothesis has pointed to a specific target for new cancer therapies. The hypothesis is based on the observation that only the 'cancer stem cell' among the other heterogeneous cancer cells can sustain the growth of the cancer. The goal is to identify biomarkers of 'cancer stem cells' to distinguish them from the 'cancer non-stem cells' and normal adult tissue-specific stem cells. This analyst posits a hypothesis that, although all cancers originated from a single cell, there exist two types of 'cancer stem cells' either by the 'Stem Cell hypothesis' or from the 'De-differentiation hypothesis'. It is proposed that there exist two different 'cancer stem cells'. Some 'cancer stem cells' (a) lack the expression of connexins or gap junction genes and lack any form of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) or (b) they have the expressed connexin-coded proteins for functional GJIC but are dysfunctional by some expressed oncogene. This is consistent with the Loewenstein hypothesis that a universal characteristic of cancer cells is they do not have growth control, nor terminally differentiate. This review speculates the normal organ-specific adult stem cell, that is 'initiated', is the origin of the 'cancer stem cells' with expressed Oct4A gene and no expressed connexin genes; whereas the other cancer stem cell has no expressed Oct4A genes but expressed connexin gene, whose coded protein is dysfunctional. Hence. both types of 'cancer stem cells' lack GJIC, for two different reasons, the selective therapies have to be different for these different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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4
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Dou X, Tong P, Huang H, Zellmer L, He Y, Jia Q, Zhang D, Peng J, Wang C, Xu N, Liao DJ. Evidence for immortality and autonomy in animal cancer models is often not provided, which causes confusion on key issues of cancer biology. J Cancer 2020; 11:2887-2920. [PMID: 32226506 PMCID: PMC7086263 DOI: 10.7150/jca.41324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern research into carcinogenesis has undergone three phases. Surgeons and pathologists started the first phase roughly 250 years ago, establishing morphological traits of tumors for pathologic diagnosis, and setting immortality and autonomy as indispensable criteria for neoplasms. A century ago, medical doctors, biologists and chemists started to enhance "experimental cancer research" by establishing many animal models of chemical-induced carcinogenesis for studies of cellular mechanisms. In this second phase, the two-hit theory and stepwise carcinogenesis of "initiation-promotion" or "initiation-promotion-progression" were established, with an illustrious finding that outgrowths induced in animals depend on the inducers, and thus are not authentically neoplastic, until late stages. The last 40 years are the third incarnation, molecular biologists have gradually dominated the carcinogenesis research fraternity and have established numerous genetically-modified animal models of carcinogenesis. However, evidence has not been provided for immortality and autonomy of the lesions from most of these models. Probably, many lesions had already been collected from animals for analyses of molecular mechanisms of "cancer" before the lesions became autonomous. We herein review the monumental work of many predecessors to reinforce that evidence for immortality and autonomy is essential for confirming a neoplastic nature. We extrapolate that immortality and autonomy are established early during sporadic human carcinogenesis, unlike the late establishment in most animal models. It is imperative to resume many forerunners' work by determining the genetic bases for initiation, promotion and progression, the genetic bases for immortality and autonomy, and which animal models are, in fact, good for identifying such genetic bases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Dou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Transmucosal and Transdermal Drug Delivery, Shandong Freda Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Jinan 250101, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Pingzhen Tong
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou Province, P.R. China
| | - Hai Huang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, P.R. China
| | - Lucas Zellmer
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 435 E. River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Yan He
- Key Lab of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases of The Ministry of Education of China in Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province 550004, P. R. China
| | - Qingwen Jia
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Transmucosal and Transdermal Drug Delivery, Shandong Freda Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Jinan 250101, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Daizhou Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Transmucosal and Transdermal Drug Delivery, Shandong Freda Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Jinan 250101, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Peng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Chenguang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Ningzhi Xu
- Tianjin LIPOGEN Gene Technology Ltd., #238 Baidi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
| | - Dezhong Joshua Liao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550001, Guizhou Province, P.R. China
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5
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Trosko JE. What Can Chemical Carcinogenesis Shed Light on the LNT Hypothesis in Radiation Carcinogenesis? Dose Response 2019; 17:1559325819876799. [PMID: 31565039 PMCID: PMC6755642 DOI: 10.1177/1559325819876799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To protect the public’s health from exposure to physical, chemical, and microbiological
agents, it is important that any policy be based on rigorous scientifically based
research. The concept of “linear no-threshold” (LNT) has been implemented to provide
guideline exposures to these agents. The practical limitation to testing this hypothesis
is to provide sufficient samples for experimental or epidemiological studies. While there
is no universally accepted understanding of most human diseases, there seems to be better
understanding of cancer that might help resolve the “LNT” model. The public’s concern,
after being exposed to radiation, is the potential of producing cancer. The most rigorous
hypothesis of human carcinogenesis is the “multistage, multimechanism” chemical
carcinogenesis model. The radiation carcinogenesis LNT model, rarely, if ever, built it
into their support. It will be argued that this multistage, multimechanism model of
carcinogenesis, involving the “initiation” of a single cell by a mutagen event, followed
by chronic exposure to threshold levels of epigenetic agents or conditions that stimulate
the clonal expansion of the “initiated” cell, can convert these benign cells to become
invasive and metastatic. This “promotion” process can be interrupted, thereby preventing
these initiated cells from transitioning to the “progression” process of invasion and
metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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6
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Review of the evidence for thresholds for DNA-Reactive and epigenetic experimental chemical carcinogens. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 301:88-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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7
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Trosko JE. Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Two Types of Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication⁻Deficient "Cancer Stem Cell". Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11010087. [PMID: 30646567 PMCID: PMC6356618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early observations showed a lack of growth control and terminal differentiation with a lack of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Subsequent observations showed that epigenetic tumor promoters and activated oncogenes, which block gap junction function, provide insights into the multi-stage, multi-mechanism carcinogenic process. With the isolation of embryonic induced pluri-potent stem cells and organ-specific adult stem cells, gap junctions were linked to early development. While tumors and tumor cell lines are a heterogeneous mixture of "cancer stem cells" and "cancer non-stem cells", the cancer stem cells seem to be of two types, namely, they express (a) no connexin genes or (b) connexin genes, but do not have functional GJIC. These observations suggest that these "cancer stem cells" originate from normal adult stem cells or from the de-differentiation or re-programming of somatic differentiated cells. This "Concept Paper" provides a hypothesis that "cancer stem cells" either originate from (a) organ-specific adult stem cells before the expression of the connexin genes or (b) organ-specific adult stem cells that just express gap junction genes but that the connexin proteins are rendered dysfunctional by activated oncogenes. Therefore, cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies must account for these two different types of "cancer stem cell".
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department Pediatrics & Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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8
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Trosko JE. The Role of the Mitochondria in the Evolution of Stem Cells, Including MUSE Stem Cells and Their Biology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1103:131-152. [DOI: 10.1007/978-4-431-56847-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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9
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Lambertz IU, Luo L, Berton TR, Schwartz SL, Hursting SD, Conti CJ, Fuchs-Young R. Early Exposure to a High Fat/High Sugar Diet Increases the Mammary Stem Cell Compartment and Mammary Tumor Risk in Female Mice. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2017; 10:553-562. [DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-17-0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Clément F, Grockowiak E, Zylbersztejn F, Fossard G, Gobert S, Maguer-Satta V. Stem cell manipulation, gene therapy and the risk of cancer stem cell emergence. Stem Cell Investig 2017; 4:67. [PMID: 28815178 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2017.07.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) have been extensively studied in the context of regenerative medicine. Human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-based therapies have been applied to treat leukemic patients for decades. Handling of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has also raised hopes and concerns in the field of tissue engineering. Lately, discovery of cell reprogramming by Yamanaka's team has profoundly modified research strategies and approaches in this domain. As we gain further insight into cell fate mechanisms and identification of key actors and parameters, this also raises issues as to the manipulation of SCs. These include the engraftment of manipulated cells and the potential predisposition of those cells to develop cancer. As a unique and pioneer model, the use of HSCs to provide new perspectives in the field of regenerative and curative medicine will be reviewed. We will also discuss the potential use of various SCs from embryonic to adult stem cells (ASCs), including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as well as MSCs. Furthermore, to sensitize clinicians and researchers to unresolved issues in these new therapeutic approaches, we will highlight the risks associated with the manipulation of human SCs from embryonic or adult origins for each strategy presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Clément
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, F-69008, France.,Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, F-69008, France
| | - Elodie Grockowiak
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, F-69008, France.,Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, F-69008, France
| | - Florence Zylbersztejn
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, F-69008, France
| | - Gaëlle Fossard
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, F-69008, France.,Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, F-69008, France.,Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hematology Department, Tours, France
| | - Stéphanie Gobert
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, F-69008, France.,Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, F-69008, France
| | - Véronique Maguer-Satta
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, F-69008, France.,Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, F-69008, France
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11
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Trosko JE. Reflections on the use of 10 IARC carcinogenic characteristics for an objective approach to identifying and organizing results from certain mechanistic studies. TOXICOLOGY RESEARCH AND APPLICATION 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/2397847317710837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To find a scientifically based method for evaluating mechanistic data related to risks to human beings, a new protocol for identifying, organizing, and summarizing mechanistic data for decision-making on cancer hazard identification was proposed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and by an international working group of multidisciplinary experts. This Commentary examined the 10 key carcinogens’ characteristics proposed in the context of several paradigms assumed in the using of these 10 characteristics. These characteristics were assumed to represent a “carcinogen’s” mechanism of action but what was ignored were characteristics of the mechanisms of the “initiation,” “promotion,” and “progression” carcinogenic process. Challenges were made to the interpretation of genotoxicity data as well as from concepts and findings related to the promotion phase and the role of adult human stem cells. Reliance of interpretation of “genotoxicity” data (molecular-DNA lesions in DNA; induction of free radicals/oxidative stress markers; phenotypic surrogates of gene mutations), as well as from lesions in genomic versus mitochondrial DNA, or in the target cells for the carcinogenic process in either in vitro cultures or in vivo tissues, makes this “objective” use of the data questionable. A challenge to the “dedifferentiation” hypothesis of cancer was made. Because of an agent being misclassified as “genotoxic”—rather than an “epigenetic”—agent (which works by threshold levels; can be blocked; and must be present at critical times during development and at regular, sustained chronic exposures) could lead to unwise policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Center of Integrative Toxicology, Department Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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12
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Amey CL, Karnoub AE. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells-A Renewed Therapeutic Paradigm. ONCOLOGY & HEMATOLOGY REVIEW 2017; 13:45-55. [PMID: 33959299 PMCID: PMC8098671 DOI: 10.17925/ohr.2017.13.01.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is often accompanied by radio- and chemotherapeutic resistance to anticancer treatments and is the major cause of death in cancer patients. Better understanding of how cancer cells circumvent therapeutic insults and how disseminated cancer clones generate life-threatening metastases would therefore be paramount to the development of effective therapeutic approaches for clinical management of malignant disease. Mounting reports over the past two decades have provided evidence for the existence of a minor population of highly malignant cells within liquid and solid tumors, which are capable of self-renewing and of regenerating secondary growths with the heterogeneity of the primary tumors from which they derive. These cells, called tumor-initiating cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit increased resistance to standard radio- and chemotherapies and appear to have mechanisms that enable them to evade immune surveillance. CSCs are therefore considered to be responsible for systemic residual disease after cancer therapy, as well as for disease relapse. How CSCs develop, the nature of the interactions they establish with their microenvironment, their phenotypic and functional characteristics, as well as their molecular dependencies have all taken center stage in cancer therapy. Indeed, improved understanding of CSC biology is critical to the development of important CSC-based anti-neoplastic approaches that have the potential to radically improve cancer management. Here, we summarize some of the most pertinent elements regarding CSC development and properties, and highlight some of the clinical modalities in current development as anti-CSC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antoine E Karnoub
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, US; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, US; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, US
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13
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Trosko JE, Lenz HJ. What roles do colon stem cells and gap junctions play in the left and right location of origin of colorectal cancers? J Cell Commun Signal 2017; 11:79-87. [PMID: 28220297 PMCID: PMC5362582 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-017-0381-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This "Commentary" examines an important clinical observation that right-sided colorectal cancers appear less treatable than the left-sided cancers. The concepts of (a) the "initiation/promotion/progression" process, (b) the stem cell hypothesis, (c) the role gap junctional intercellular communication, (d) cancer cells lacking GJIC either because of the non-expression of connexin genes or of non-functional gap junction proteins, and (e) the role of the microbiome in promoting initiated colon stem cells to divide symmetrically or asymmetrically are examined to find an explanation. It has been speculated that "embryonic-like" lesions in the ascending colon are initiated stem cells, promoted via symmetrical cell division, while the polyp-type lesions in the descending colon are initiated stem cells stimulated to divide asymmetrically. To test this hypothesis, experiments could be designed to examine if right-sided lesions might express Oct4A and ABCG2 genes but not any connexin genes, whereas the left-sided lesions might express a connexin gene, but not Oct4A or the ABCG2 genes. Treatment of the right sided lesions might include transcriptional regulators, whereas the left-sided lesions would need to restore the posttranslational status of the connexin proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Heinz-Josef Lenz
- University of California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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14
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Localisation Microscopy of Breast Epithelial ErbB-2 Receptors and Gap Junctions: Trafficking after γ-Irradiation, Neuregulin-1β, and Trastuzumab Application. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020362. [PMID: 28208769 PMCID: PMC5343897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In cancer, vulnerable breast epithelium malignance tendency correlates with number and activation of ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases. In the presented work, we observe ErbB receptors activated by irradiation-induced DNA injury or neuregulin-1β application, or alternatively, attenuated by a therapeutic antibody using high resolution fluorescence localization microscopy. The gap junction turnover coinciding with ErbB receptor activation and co-transport is simultaneously recorded. DNA injury caused by 4 Gray of 6 MeV photon γ-irradiation or alternatively neuregulin-1β application mobilized ErbB receptors in a nucleograde fashion—a process attenuated by trastuzumab antibody application. This was accompanied by increased receptor density, indicating packing into transport units. Factors mobilizing ErbB receptors also mobilized plasma membrane resident gap junction channels. The time course of ErbB receptor activation and gap junction mobilization recapitulates the time course of non-homologous end-joining DNA repair. We explain our findings under terms of DNA injury-induced membrane receptor tyrosine kinase activation and retrograde trafficking. In addition, we interpret the phenomenon of retrograde co-trafficking of gap junction connexons stimulated by ErbB receptor activation.
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15
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Wang KH, Kao AP, Chang CC, Lin TC, Kuo TC. Upregulation of Nanog and Sox-2 genes following ectopic expression of Oct-4 in amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2015; 62:591-7. [PMID: 25385323 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), an important gene regulating stem cell pluripotency, is well-known for its ability to reprogram somatic cells in vitro, either alone or in concert with other factors. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ectopic expression of Oct human amniotic fluid stem cells. We developed a novel method for isolation of putative human amniotic fluid-derived multipotent stem cells. These cells showing mesenchymal stem cell phenotypes (human amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells, hAFMSCs) were transfected with a plasmid carrying genes for Oct-4 and the green fluorescent protein (GFP). The stably transfected cells, hAFMSCs-Oct4/GFP, were selected by using G418 and found to express the GFP reporter gene under the control of Oct-4 promoter. We found that hAFMSCs developed by our method possess very high self-renewal ability (about 78 cumulative population doublings) and multilineage differentiation potency. Significantly, the hAFMSCs-Oct4/GFP cells showed enhanced expression of the three major pluripotency genes Oct-4, Nanog, and Sox-2, and increased colony-forming ability and growth rate compared with the parental hAFMSCs. We demonstrated that the ectopic expression of Oct-4 gene in hAFMSCs with high self-renewal ability could upregulate Nanog and Sox-2 gene expression and enhance cell growth rate and colony-forming efficiency. Therefore, the ectopic expression of Oct-4 could be a strategy to develop pluripotency in hAFMSCs for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Hung Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - An-Pei Kao
- Department of Research and Development, NeoAsia, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Cheng Chang
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Ta-Chin Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Cheng Kuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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Trosko JE, Kang KS. Evolution of energy metabolism, stem cells and cancer stem cells: how the warburg and barker hypotheses might be linked. Int J Stem Cells 2013; 5:39-56. [PMID: 24298354 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc.2012.5.1.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary transition from single cells to the metazoan forced the appearance of adult stem cells and a hypoxic niche, when oxygenation of the environment forced the appearance of oxidative phosphorylation from that of glycolysis. The prevailing paradigm in the cancer field is that cancers start from the "immortalization" or "re-programming" of a normal, differentiated cell with many mitochondria, that metabolize via oxidative phosphorylation. This paradigm has been challenged with one that assumes that the target cell for carcinogenesis is the normal, immortal adult stem cell, with few mitochondria. This adult organ-specific stem cell is blocked from "mortalizing" or from "programming" to be terminally differentiated. Two hypotheses have been offered to explain cancers, namely, the "stem cell theory" and the "de-differentiation" or "re-programming" theory. This Commentary postulates that the paleochemistry of the oceans, which, initially, provided conditions for life' s energy to arise via glycolysis, changed to oxidative phosphorylation for life' s processes. In doing so, stem cells evolved, within hypoxic niches, to protect the species germinal and somatic genomes. This Commentary provides support for the "stem cell theory", in that cancer cells, which, unlike differentiated cells, have few mitochondria and metabolize via glycolysis. The major argument against the "de-differentiation theory" is that, if re-programming of a differentiated cell to an "induced pluri-potent stem cell" happened in an adult, teratomas, rather than carcinomas, should be the result.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Eas Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Trosko JE. Induction of iPS cells and of cancer stem cells: the stem cell or reprogramming hypothesis of cancer? Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2013; 297:161-73. [PMID: 24293264 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This article as designed to examine whether the "stoichiometric" or "elite models" of the origin of the "induced pluripotent stem" (iPS) cells fits some experiment facts from the developmental biology of adult stem cells and from the field of cancer research. In brief, since the evidence presented to support the stoichiometric model failed to recognize the factual existence of adult organ specific stem cells, the model has not been rigorously tested. In addition, the demonstration of a subset of cells (MUSE cells) in normal primary in vitro cultures of human fibroblasts (the usual source of iPS cells) seems to be the origin of the iPS cells. Moreover, from the field of carcinogenesis, the "stem cell" versus "de-differentiation" or "reprogramming" hypotheses were examined. Again, using the role of glycolysis, known to be associated with the Warburg effect in cancer cells, a list of experiments showing that (a) normal stem cells, which have few mitochondria, metabolize via glycolysis; (b) the stem cells are targets for "initiation" or "immortalization" or the blockage of differentiation and apoptosis of the stem cells by "immortalizing viruses"; (c) Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), when expressed, is associated with glycolysis and therefore, must be expressed in normal adult stem cells, as well as in cancer cells; and (d) p53, depleted or rendered dysfunctional by SV40 Large T antigen, is associated with the reduction of mitochondrial function and mass and is associated with the Warburg effect. Together, these observations from the iPS and "cancer stem cell" fields support the idea that both iPS cells and cancer stem cell are derived from adult organ-specific stem cells that do not restore or switch their metabolism of glucose from oxidative metabolism to glycolysis but, rather, in both cases, the adult stem cell, which metabolizes by glycolysis, is prevented from differentiation or from metabolizing by oxidative phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Yang SR, Rahman I, Trosko JE, Kang KS. Oxidative stress-induced biomarkers for stem cell-based chemical screening. Prev Med 2012; 54 Suppl:S42-9. [PMID: 22197760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2011.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells have been considered for their potential in pharmaceutical research, as well as for stem cell-based therapy for many diseases. Despite the potential for their use, the challenge remains to examine the safety and efficacy of stem cells for their use in therapies. Recently, oxidative stress has been strongly implicated in the functional regulation of cell behavior of stem cells. Therefore, development of rapid and sensitive biomarkers, related to oxidative stress is of growing importance in stem cell-based therapies for treating various diseases. Since stem cells have been implicated as targets for carcinogenesis and might be the origin of "cancer stem cells", understanding of how oxidative stress-induced signaling, known to be involved in the carcinogenic process could lead to potential screening of cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. An evaluation of antioxidant states reducing equivalents like GSH and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) generation, can be effective markers in stem cell-based therapies. In addition, oxidative adducts, such as 4-hydroxynonenal, can be reliable markers to detect cellular changes during self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells. This review highlights the biomarker development to monitor oxidative stress response for stem cell-based chemical screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ran Yang
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Trosko JE. Pre-Natal Epigenetic Influences on Acute and Chronic Diseases Later in Life, such as Cancer: Global Health Crises Resulting from a Collision of Biological and Cultural Evolution. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.3746/jfn.2011.16.4.394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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Kang KS, Trosko JE. Stem cells in toxicology: fundamental biology and practical considerations. Toxicol Sci 2010; 120 Suppl 1:S269-89. [PMID: 21163910 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfq370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This "Commentary" has examined the use of human stem cells for detection of toxicities of physical, chemical, and biological toxins/toxicants in response to the challenge posed by the NRC Report, "Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A vision and Strategy." Before widespread application of the use of human embryonic, pluripotent, "iPS," or adult stem cells be considered, the basic characterization of stem cell biology should be undertaken. Because no in vitro system can mimic all factors that influence cells in vivo (individual genetic, gender, developmental, immunological and diurnal states; niche conditions; complex intercellular interactions between stem, progenitor, terminal differentiated cells, and the signaling from extracellular matrices, oxygen tensions, etc.), attempts should be made to use both embryonic and adult stem cells, grown in three dimension under "niche-like" conditions. Because many toxins and toxicants work by "epigenetic" mechanisms and that epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in regulating gene expression and in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, epigenetic toxicity must be incorporated in toxicity testing. Because modulation of gap junctional intercellular communication by epigenetic agents plays a major role in homeostatic regulation of both stem and progenitor cells in normal tissues, the modulation of this biological process by both endogenous and endogenous chemicals should be incorporated as an end point to monitor for potential toxicities or chemo-preventive attributes. In addition, modulation of quantity, as well as the quality, of stem cells should be considered as potential source of a chemical's toxic potential in affecting any stem cell-based pathology, such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Sun Kang
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, Laboratory for Stem Cell and Tumor Biology, Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Sillim-Dong, Seoul 151-742, Korea
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Trosko JE. The gap junction as a "Biological Rosetta Stone": implications of evolution, stem cells to homeostatic regulation of health and disease in the Barker hypothesis. J Cell Commun Signal 2010; 5:53-66. [PMID: 21484590 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-010-0108-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 11/12/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the gap junction structure, its functions and the family of the "connexin" genes, has been basically ignored by the major biological disciplines. These connexin genes code for proteins that organize to form membrane-associated hemi-channels, "connexons", co-join with the connexons of neighboring cells to form gap junctions. Gap junctions appeared in the early evolution of the metazoan. Their fundamental functions, (e.g., to synchronize electrotonic and metabolic functions of societies of cells, and to regulate cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis), were accomplished via integrating the extra-cellular triggering of intra-cellular signaling, and therefore, regulating gene expression. These functions have been documented by genetic mutations of the connexin genes and by chemical modulation of gap junctions. Via genetic alteration of connexins in knock-out and transgenic mice, as well as inherited connexin mutations in various human syndromes, the gap junction has been shown to be directly linked to many normal cell functions and multiple diseases, such as birth defects, reproductive, neurological disorders, immune dysfunction and cancer. Specifically, the modulation of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), either by increasing or decreasing its functions by non-mutagenic chemicals or by oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in normal or "initiated" stem cells and their progenitor cells, can have a major impact on tumor promotion or cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy. The overview of the roles of the gap junction in the evolution of the metazoan and its potential in understanding a "systems" view of human health and aging and the diseases of aging will be attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 246 Food Safety and Toxicology Bldg, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA,
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Trosko JE, Chang CC. Factors to consider in the use of stem cells for pharmaceutic drug development and for chemical safety assessment. Toxicology 2009; 270:18-34. [PMID: 19948204 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2009.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2009] [Accepted: 11/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Given the reality of the inadequacies of current concepts of the mechanisms of chemical toxicities, of the various assays to predict toxicities from current molecular, biochemical, in vitro and animal bioassays, and of the failure to generate efficacious and safe chemicals for medicines, food supplements, industrial, consumer and agricultural chemicals, the recent NAS Report, "Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A Vision and a Strategy", has drawn attention to a renewed examination of what needs to be done to improve our current approach for better assessment of potential risk to human health. This "Commentary" provides a major paradigm challenge to the current concepts of how chemicals induce toxicities and how these various mechanisms of toxicities can contribute to the pathogenesis of some human diseases, such as birth defects and cancer. In concordance with the NAS Report to take "... advantage of the on-going revolution in biology and biotechnology", this "Commentary" supports the use of human embryonic and adult stem cells, grown in vitro under simulated "in vivo niche conditions". The human being should be viewed "as greater than the sum of its parts". Homeostatic control of the "emergent properties" of the human hierarchy, needed to maintain human health, requires complex integration of endogenous and exogenous signaling molecules that control cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and senescence of stem, progenitor and differentiated cells. Currently, in vitro toxicity assays (mutagenesis, cytotoxicity, epigenetic modulation), done on 2-dimensional primary rodent or human cells (which are always mixtures of cells), on immortalized or tumorigenic rodent or human cell lines do not represent normal human cells in vivo [which do not grow on plastic and which are in micro-environments representing 3 dimensions and constantly interacting factors]. In addition, with the known genetic, gender, and developmental state of cells in vivo, any in vitro toxicity assay will need to mimic these conditions in vitro. More specifically, while tissues contain a few stem cells, many progenitor/transit cells and terminally differentiated cells, it should be obvious that both embryonic and adult stem cells would be critical "target" cells for toxicity testing. The ultimate potential for in vitro testing of human stem cells will to try to mimic a 3-D in vitro micro-environment on multiple "organ-specific and multiple genotypic/gender "adult stem cells. The role of stem cells in many chronic diseases, such as cancer, birth defects, and possibly adult diseases after pre-natal and early post-natal exposures (Barker hypothesis), demands toxicity studies of stem cells. While alteration of gene expression ("toxico-epigenomics") is a legitimate endpoint of these toxicity studies, alteration of the quantity of stem cells during development must be serious considered. If the future utility of human stem cells proves to be valid, the elimination of less relevant, expensive and time-consuming rodent and 2-D human in vitro assays will be eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Edward Trosko
- Center for Integrative Toxicology, Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Sun B, Park SB, Jung JW, Seo KW, Lee YS, Kang KS. In Vitro Differentiation and Expansion of Intrathymic T Cell Progenitors from Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived CD34(+) Cells. Int J Stem Cells 2009; 2:45-50. [PMID: 24855519 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc.2009.2.1.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES CD4 positive cells play a central role in many lethal diseases, such as AIDS, cancer and autoimmunity diseases. CD4(-) commitment of hematopoietic stem cells involved in T cell lineage, monocyte and dendritic cells development. In this study, we showed that CD4 commitment out of thymus which may happen when hematopoietic cells undergo monocyte, dendritic cells or even earlier T cell progenitor differentiation. METHODS AND RESULTS after culturing in our medium for more than five weeks, CD4(-)CD34(+) fraction, isolated from human umbilical cord blood, decreased to 1%. However, the fraction expressing CD4 went up to 86.5%. After CD4(+) cells were cultured in methylcellulose-based CFU medium, about 40 colonies/2×10(4) cells could developed. An activation of notch-1 pathway in the freshly isolated CD34(+) cells and up-regulation of PI3K/JNK/c-Myc pathway may provide an explanation for the differentiation and proliferation of CD4(+) cells from CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells respectively. CONCLUSIONS ACD4(+) enriched population was obtained after highly purified CD34(+) cells, isolated from human cord blood, underwent long term culture in a feeder layer-free culturing system. Colonigenic ability was maintained in the population of CD4(+) cells. This finding will be a benefit for the studies on the cell therapy for immune dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea ; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tumor Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea ; Zoonotic Disease Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Bum Park
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea ; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tumor Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Won Jung
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea ; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tumor Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea ; Zoonotic Disease Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Won Seo
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea ; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tumor Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Soon Lee
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tumor Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea ; Zoonotic Disease Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Sun Kang
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea ; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tumor Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea ; Zoonotic Disease Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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