We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Stem Cells Depend on NOTCH1 and SOX10 Signaling

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 05 May 2016
Print article
Image: An expression of NOTCH 1 (green color) in ACC stem cells (Photo courtesy of Yale University).
Image: An expression of NOTCH 1 (green color) in ACC stem cells (Photo courtesy of Yale University).
Cancer researchers have isolated a stem cell population from the cells making up an adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) tumor and showed that the signaling factors NOTCH1 and SOX10 were essential for the cancer stem cells to proliferate and resist radiation treatment.

ACC is a rare and lethal glandular cancer with a high recurrence rate and few treatment options. Although the existence of cancer stem cells (CSC) in ACC had been proposed, lack of assays for their propagation and uncertainty about molecular markers prevented their characterization.

Investigators at Yale University (New Haven, CT, USA) used differential cell culture techniques followed by immunomagnetic cell sorting to isolate CSCs from mixtures of ACC cells. In vitro and in vivo assays for CSC viability and tumorigenicity confirmed their identity.

In a paper published in the April 15, 2016, online edition of the journal Clinical Cancer Research the investigators reported the identification in ACC of CD133-positive CSCs that expressed the signaling factors NOTCH1 and SOX10, formed spheroids, and initiated tumors in nude mice. The rare CD133+ CSC population is one that undergoes self-renewal and differentiation, and can propagate tumors when injected into immune-compromised mice. However, previous studies had indicated the difficulty in isolating pure CSC populations.

The investigators reported that CD133+ ACC cells produced activated NOTCH1 and generated CD133− cells that expressed JAG1 (Jagged1 - one of five cell surface proteins that interact with four receptors in the mammalian Notch signaling pathway) as well as several neural differentiation factors.

The Notch family of transmembrane proteins share structural characteristics including an extracellular domain consisting of multiple epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) repeats, and an intracellular domain consisting of multiple, different domain types. Notch family members play a role in a variety of developmental processes by controlling cell fate decisions. The Notch signaling network is an evolutionarily conserved intercellular signaling pathway that regulates interactions between physically adjacent cells.

“Within ACC cells, we found the especially aggressive cancer stem cells. As important, we found the Achilles heel of these cells, which is their addiction to NOTCH1, a signaling molecule that helps these cells to survive therapy and multiply,” said senior author Dr. Sergey Ivanov, research scientist in surgery at Yale University. “Fortunately, cancer stem cells can be killed by blocking NOTCH1 production.”

Related Links:
Yale University

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
Gold Member
Real-time PCR System
GentierX3 Series

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.