Cancer Stem Cells

Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation

Description

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), known also as tumour-initiating cells (TICs), represent quiescent, pluripotent subpopulation of malignant cells that maintain a low but steady level of unlimited proliferation. In experimental animal studies, CSCs show tumour-initiating capacity: even few inoculated cells can develop into a tumour, recapitulating the whole heterogeneity of neoplastic tissues. Nevertheless, TIC features do not mean that CSCs represent the origin of cancer. CSCs are currently considered rather a state then an entity, likely being in dynamic balance with the general malignant population. Nowadays, four sources of CSCs are proposed, including normal stem cells, mature cells, cancer cells and fusion cells. CSCs exhibit a wide scope of genetic, epigenetic (DNA methylation, changes in chromatin architecture, miRNAs), molecular (Notch, Hedgehog, Wnt pathways) and metabolic alterations. In addition, cancer stem cells interact with tumour microenvironment, including niche factors.  Although CSCs represent a minor fraction of tumour, they attract remarkable research interest due to their role in cancer resistance to chemo- and radiation treatment as well as recurrence. The low mitotic activity of CSCs already protects them from approaches that are directed against actively dividing cells. The other CSC resistance mechanisms include increased expression of drug transporters, allowing to eliminate toxic xenobiotics; ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species; and efficient DNA repair. Cancer stem cells escape immune surveillance via upregulation of PD-L1 that suppress activation of T lymphocytes; hypoxia-mediated downregulation of NKG2D ligand, resulting in loss of NK lymphocyte-mediated reactions; and defects in MHC I, affecting antigen presentation. In conclusion, further CSC research is likely to bring significant additions to complex oncological treatment. . ..  ..  .
Period29 Mar 2023
Event titleRSU International Research Conference 2023: Knowledge for Use in Practice
Event typeConference
OrganiserRīga Stradiņš University
LocationRiga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational

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