CD44 as a Marker for Cancer Stem Cells in Esophageal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Zhao Jiang-Sha, Li Wen-Jie, Ge Di, Zhang Pei-Jing, Li Jing-Jing, Lu Chun-Lai, Ji Xiao-Dan, Guan Dong-Xian, Gao Hong, Xu Li-Yan, Li Eng-Ming, Soukiasian Harmik, Koeffler H. Phillip, Wang Xiao-Fan, Xie Dong
Primary Institution: Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hypothesis
CD44 expression correlates with tumorigenicity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Conclusion
The study identified CD44 as a novel surface marker for tumor initiating cells in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, which can help in developing targeted therapies.
Supporting Evidence
- CD44 expression was found to correlate with tumorigenicity in ESCC cell lines.
- Inducing differentiation of ESCC cells reduced CD44 expression.
- CD44H cells showed increased colony formation and drug resistance in vitro.
- 70% of ESCC specimens were strongly positive for CD44.
- Higher CD44 expression was associated with greater tumorigenicity in NOD/SCID mice.
Takeaway
Researchers found that a specific marker called CD44 helps identify cancer stem cells in esophageal cancer, which could lead to better treatments.
Methodology
The study used flow cytometry, colony formation assays, and tumorigenicity assays in immune-deficient mice to characterize TICs in ESCC.
Limitations
The study did not exclusively purify TICs, indicating the need for further research to identify additional markers.
Participant Demographics
Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from China.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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