Work

Dark force rising: Reawakening and targeting of fetal-like stem cells in colorectal cancer

Year: 2024

Type: review

Abstract: Stem cells play pivotal roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, orchestrating regeneration, and in key steps of colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression. Intriguingly, adult stem cells are reduced during many of these processes. On the contrary, primitive fetal programs, commonly detected in development, emerge during tissue repair, CRC metastasis, and therapy resistance. Recent findings indicate a dynamic continuum between adult and fetal stem cell programs. We discuss critical mechanisms facilitating the plasticity between stem cell states and highlight the heterogeneity observed upon the appearance of fetal-like states. We focus on therapeutic opportunities that arise by targeting fetal-like CRC cells and how those concepts can be translated into the clinic.

Source: Cell Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114270

Authors: Sigrid K. Fey, Nuria Vaquero-Siguero, Rene Jackstadt

Institutions: German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine, Heidelberg University, Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung

Language: English

Topic: Cancer Cells and Metastasis

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,460