KDM4C, a H3K9me3 Histone Demethylase, is Involved in the Maintenance of Human ESCC-Initiating Cells by Epigenetically Enhancing SOX2 Expression.

ABSTRACT: Our studies investigating the existence of tumor-initiating cell (TIC) populations in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) had identified a subpopulation of cells isolated from ESCC patient-derived tumor specimens marked by an ALDH^bri+ phenotype bear stem cell-like features. Importantly, KDM4C, a histone demethylase was enhanced in ALDH^bri+ subpopulation, suggesting that strategies interfering with KDM4C may be able to target these putative TICs. In the present study, by genetic and chemical means, we demonstrated that, KDM4C blockade selectively decreased the ESCC ALDH^bri+ TICs population in vitro and specifically targeted the TICs in ALDH^bri+-derived xenograft, retarding engraftment. Subsequent studies of the KDM4C functional network

SUBMITTER: Yuan X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5035342 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature