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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells: From the Crypt to the Clinic

Matilde TodaroRuggero De MariaGiorgio StassiAnn Zeuner

subject

Pluripotent Stem CellsColorectal cancerAnimals; Colonic Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Disease Models Animal; Gene Expression Regulation Neoplastic; Humans; Intestines; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Pluripotent Stem Cells; Tumor EscapeCryptAnimals; Colonic Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Disease Models Animal; Gene Expression Regulation Neoplastic; Humans; Intestines; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Pluripotent Stem Cells; Tumor Escape; Molecular Medicine; Genetics; Cell BiologyBiologySettore MED/04 - PATOLOGIA GENERALEmedicineGeneticsAnimalsHumansEpigeneticsRegulation of gene expressionNeoplasticAnimalCancerCell Biologymedicine.diseasePhenotypeGene Expression Regulation NeoplasticIntestinesDisease Models AnimalTumor EscapeGene Expression RegulationImmunologyColonic NeoplasmsDisease ModelsCancer researchNeoplastic Stem CellsMolecular MedicineTumor EscapeStem cellColorectal Neoplasmscolorectal cancer stem cells CSCs

description

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.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2014-12-01Cell Stem Cell
10.1016/j.stem.2014.11.012http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2014.11.012