Rapid reprogramming of primary human astrocytes into potent tumor initiating cells with defined genetic factors

ABSTRACT: Cancer stem cells play key roles in human malignancies. However, their cellular and molecular origins are still poorly understood. Here we report the successful generation of cancer stem cells from primary human astrocytes by use of defined genetic factors. Combined transduction of four factors —myc, Oct-4, p53DD, and ras— induced efficient transformation of primary human astrocytes into malignant cells with powerful tumor-initiating capabilities. Transplantation of 100 of the cells into nude mice is sufficient for tumor formation. The cells also showed unlimited self-renewal ability with robust telomerase activities. In addition, they expressed typical glioma stem cell markers such as CD133, CD15, and CD90. Moreover, transformed cells could form spheres in culture and differentiate in

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

SUBMITTER: Chuan-Yuan Li 

PROVIDER: E-MTAB-4771 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress