Open AccessConcise Review: Stem Cells and Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer: Biological Implications and Therapeutic Targets
Author(s) -
Sato Ryo,
Semba Takashi,
Saya Hideyuki,
Arima Yoshimi
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
stem cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.159
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1549-4918
pISSN - 1066-5099
DOI - 10.1002/stem.2406
Subject(s) - cancer stem cell , biology , epithelial–mesenchymal transition , cancer research , cancer cell , stem cell , cancer , transcription factor , tumor initiation , tumor progression , microbiology and biotechnology , metastasis , gene , genetics
A bstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a small subpopulation of cancer cells with stem‐like properties that are able to self‐renew, generate differentiated daughter cells, and give rise to heterogeneous tumor tissue. Tumor heterogeneity is a hallmark of cancer and underlies resistance to anticancer therapies and disease progression. The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a reversible phenomenon that is mediated by EMT‐inducing transcription factors (EMT‐TFs) and plays an important role in normal organ development, wound healing, and the invasiveness of cancer cells. Recent evidence showing that overexpression of several EMT‐TFs is associated with stemness in cancer cells has suggested the existence of a link between EMT and CSCs. In this review, we focus on the roles of CSCs and EMT signaling in driving tumor heterogeneity. A better understanding of the dynamics of both CSCs and EMT‐TFs in the generation of tumor heterogeneity may provide a basis for the development of new treatment options for cancer patients. S tem C ells 2016;34:1997–2007