Human pancreatic cancer contains a side population expressing cancer stem cell-associated and prognostic genes.

ABSTRACT: In many types of cancers, a side population (SP) has been identified based on high efflux capacity, thereby enriching for chemoresistant cells as well as for candidate cancer stem cells (CSC). Here, we explored whether human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) contains a SP, and whether its gene expression profile is associated with chemoresistance, CSC and prognosis. After dispersion into single cells and incubation with Hoechst dye, we analyzed human PDAC resections specimens using flow cytometry (FACS). We identified a SP and main population (MP) in all human PDAC resection specimens (n = 52) analyzed, but detected immune (CD45(+)) and endothelial (CD31(+)) cells in this fraction together with tumor cells. The SP and MP cells, or more purified fractions depleted from CD31(+)/CD45(+)

SUBMITTER: Van den Broeck A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3775803 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature