biostudies-literatureCui JSwiss National Science Foundation1007-1022https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5352030biostudies-literatureUnknown8(1)Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play major roles in cancer initiation, metastasis, recurrence and therapeutic resistance. Targeting CSCs represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify selective inhibitors of breast CSCs (BCSCs). We carried out a cell-based phenotypic screening with cell viability as a primary endpoint, using a collection of 2,546 FDA-approved drugs and drug-like molecules in spheres formed by malignant human breast gland-derived cells (HMLER-shEcad cells, representing BCSCs) and control immortalized non-tumorigenic human mammary cells (HMLE cells, representing normal stem cells). 19 compounds were identified from screening. The chemically related molecules benztropine mesylate and deptropine citrate were selected for further validaOncotargetNew use of an old drug: inhibition of breast cancer stem cells by benztropine mesylate.PMC5352030147087Schneider GHollmen MProulx STReker DCui JChen YLi LDetmar MfalseNew use of an old drug: inhibition of breast cancer stem cells by benztropine mesylate.Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play major roles in cancer initiation, metastasis, recurrence and therapeutic resistance. Targeting CSCs represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify selective inhibitors of breast CSCs (BCSCs). We carried out a cell-based phenotypic screening with cell viability as a primary endpoint, using a collection of 2,546 FDA-approved drugs and drug-like molecules in spheres formed by malignant human breast gland-derived cells (HMLER-shEcad cells, representing BCSCs) and control immortalized non-tumorigenic human mammary cells (HMLE cells, representing normal stem cells). 19 compounds were identified from screening. The chemically related molecules benztropine mesylate and deptropine citrate were selected for further valida2017-01-01T00:00:00Z2017 Jan2025-04-04T09:00:55.085Z2019-03-27T02:38:41ZS-EPMC53520302789409310.18632/oncotarget.13537