In Vitro Identification and Characterization of CD133pos Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Cell Lines
2008

Identifying Cancer Stem Cells in Thyroid Cancer

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zito Giovanni, Richiusa Pierina, Bommarito Alessandra, Carissimi Elvira, Russo Leonardo, Coppola Antonina, Zerilli Monica, Rodolico Vito, Criscimanna Angela, Amato Marco, Pizzolanti Giuseppe, Galluzzo Aldo, Giordano Carla

Primary Institution: University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy

Hypothesis

The study aims to investigate the expression of putative stem cell markers in established human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) cell lines.

Conclusion

The study identifies CD133pos cells in ATC cell lines that exhibit stem cell-like features and higher resistance to chemotherapy.

Supporting Evidence

  • CD133pos cells were found in ARO and KAT-4 cell lines with high proliferation rates.
  • ARO/CD133pos cells showed higher self-renewal and colony-forming ability compared to ARO/CD133neg cells.
  • These cells exhibited resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis.

Takeaway

Researchers found special cells in thyroid cancer that act like stem cells and are hard to kill with medicine.

Methodology

The study used flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and immunocytochemistry to analyze CD133 expression in ATC cell lines.

Limitations

The study is limited to in vitro findings and does not confirm the existence of cancer stem cells in vivo.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.028 and p≤0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003544

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