Dynamic imbalance between cancer cell subpopulations induced by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is associated with a DNA methylome switch.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Distinct subpopulations of neoplastic cells within tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), display pronounced ability to initiate new tumors and induce metastasis. Recent evidence suggests that signals from transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) may increase the survival of these so called tumor initiating cells leading to poor HCC prognosis. However, how TGF-β establishes and modifies the key features of these cell subpopulations is not fully understood.

Results

In the present report we describe the differential DNA methylome of CD133-negative and CD133-expressing liver cancer cells. Next, we show that TGF-β is able to increase the proportion of CD133+ cells in liver cancer cell lines in a way that is stable and persistent across cell division. This pr

SUBMITTER: Martin M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4070873 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature