Induction of cells with cancer stem cell properties from nontumorigenic human mammary epithelial cells by defined reprogramming factors.

ABSTRACT: Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small and elusive population of undifferentiated cancer cells within tumors that drive tumor growth and recurrence, are believed to resemble normal stem cells. Although surrogate markers have been identified and compelling CSC theoretical models abound, actual proof for the existence of CSCs can only be had retrospectively. Hence, great store has come to be placed in isolating CSCs from cancers for in-depth analysis. On the other hand, although induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great promise for regenerative medicine, concern exists over the inadvertent co-transplantation of partially or undifferentiated stem cells with tumorigenic capacity. Here we demonstrate that the introduction of defined reprogramming factors (OCT4, SOX2, Klf4 and c-Myc) into MCF

SUBMITTER: Nishi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4697746 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature