Targeting sarcoma tumor-initiating cells through differentiation therapy.

ABSTRACT: Human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) down-regulation has been reported in many human cancers to be associated with poor clinical outcome. However, its connection to tumor-initiating cells (TICs) remains unknown. In this study, we report that HLA-I is down-regulated in a subpopulation of cells that have high tumor initiating capacity in different types of human sarcomas. Detailed characterization revealed their distinct molecular profiles regarding proliferation, apoptosis and stemness programs. Notably, these TICs can be induced to differentiate along distinct mesenchymal lineages, including the osteogenic pathway. The retinoic acid receptor signaling pathway is overexpressed in HLA-1 negative TICs. All-trans retinoic acid treatment successfully induced osteogenic differentiation of thi

SUBMITTER: Han D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5988213 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature