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Cancer stem cell enrichment is associated with enhancement of nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase expression
Author(s) -
Pozzi Valentina,
Salvolini Eleonora,
Lucarini Guendalina,
Salvucci Alessia,
Campagna Roberto,
Rubini Corrado,
Sartini Davide,
Emanuelli Monica
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
iubmb life
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.132
H-Index - 113
eISSN - 1521-6551
pISSN - 1521-6543
DOI - 10.1002/iub.2265
Subject(s) - cancer stem cell , carcinogenesis , cancer research , metastasis , sox2 , stem cell , stem cell marker , cancer , biology , cell sorting , tumor initiation , colorectal cancer , cancer cell , cell , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , genetics , transcription factor , gene
The cancer stem cell theory states that a subset of tumor cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), has the ability to self‐renew and differentiate within the tumors. According to this theory, CSCs would be mainly responsible for tumor initiation, progression, resistance to therapy, recurrence, and metastasis. In this study, a culture system was setup to enrich CSCs from bladder cancer (T24), lung cancer (A549), colorectal cancer (CaCo‐2), and osteosarcoma (MG63) cell lines, through sphere formation. Magnetic‐activated cell sorting was also used to further increase CSC enrichment. Subsequently, molecular characterization of CSC‐enriched cell populations and parental cells was carried out, by exploring the expression levels of stem markers and the enzyme nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase (NNMT). Results obtained showed a significant upregulation of stem cell markers in CSC‐enriched populations, obtained upon sphere formation, compared with parental counterparts. Moreover, NNMT expression levels were markedly increased in samples enriched with CSCs with respect to control cells. Considering the fundamental role played by CSCs in carcinogenesis, reported data strengthen the hypothesis that sustains a pivotal role of NNMT in cancer growth and metastasis. In addition, these findings could represent an important achievement for the development of new and effective anticancer therapies, based on CSC‐associated targets.