Research progress of gastric cancer stem cells and microenvironment

VernacularTitle:胃癌干细胞与微环境的研究进展
Author: Chen GAO
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Stomach neoplasms; Tumor stem cells; Niche
From: Cancer Research and Clinic 2011;23(1):68-70
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been defined as an unique subpopulation in tumors that possess the ability to initiate tumor growth and sustain tumor self-renewal. The tumor stem cell model proposes that tumor stem cells are the origin of most tumors. Accompanying with further extension in the investigation of cancer stem cells, the effects of niche that serves as'their microenvironment in tissue on the functions of cancer stem cells attract more and more attention, which plays important roles in maintaining the characteristics of cancer stem cells. It is essential to understand how cancer stem cells interact with their microenvironment. Although the evidence has been provided to support the existence of CSCs in various solid tumors, the identity of gastric CSCs has not been reported. In this review, we will examine gastric cancer stem cell niches and their impact on stem cell biology. The research on gastric cancer stem cell will provide new approaches for improved understanding of gastric cancer biology and gastric cancer treatment.