TY - JOUR
T1 - Colorectal cancer stem cells: from the crypt to the clinic
AU - Zeuner, Ann
AU - Todaro, Matilde
AU - Stassi, Giorgio
AU - De Maria Marchiano, Ruggero
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - Since their first discovery, investigations of colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) have revealed some unexpected properties, including a high degree of heterogeneity and plasticity. By exploiting a combination of genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors, colorectal CSCs metastasize, resist chemotherapy, and continually adapt to a changing microenvironment, representing a formidable challenge to cancer eradication. Here, we review the current understanding of colorectal CSCs, including their origin, relationship to stem cells of the intestine, phenotypic characterization, and underlying regulatory mechanisms. We also discuss limitations to current preclinical models of colorectal cancer and how understanding CSC plasticity can improve the development of clinical strategies.
AB - Since their first discovery, investigations of colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) have revealed some unexpected properties, including a high degree of heterogeneity and plasticity. By exploiting a combination of genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors, colorectal CSCs metastasize, resist chemotherapy, and continually adapt to a changing microenvironment, representing a formidable challenge to cancer eradication. Here, we review the current understanding of colorectal CSCs, including their origin, relationship to stem cells of the intestine, phenotypic characterization, and underlying regulatory mechanisms. We also discuss limitations to current preclinical models of colorectal cancer and how understanding CSC plasticity can improve the development of clinical strategies.
KW - Animals
KW - Colonic Neoplasms
KW - Colorectal Neoplasms
KW - Disease Models, Animal
KW - Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
KW - Humans
KW - Intestines
KW - Neoplastic Stem Cells
KW - Pluripotent Stem Cells
KW - Tumor Escape
KW - Animals
KW - Colonic Neoplasms
KW - Colorectal Neoplasms
KW - Disease Models, Animal
KW - Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
KW - Humans
KW - Intestines
KW - Neoplastic Stem Cells
KW - Pluripotent Stem Cells
KW - Tumor Escape
UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10807/79791
U2 - 10.1016/j.stem.2014.11.012
DO - 10.1016/j.stem.2014.11.012
M3 - Article
SN - 1934-5909
VL - 15
SP - 692
EP - 705
JO - Cell Stem Cell
JF - Cell Stem Cell
ER -