Differences in the Properties and Mirna Expression Profiles between Side Populations from Hepatic Cancer Cells and Normal Liver Cells
2011

Differences in Properties and MiRNA Expression Profiles between Cancer and Normal Liver Stem Cells

Sample size: 30 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Liu Wei-hui, Tao Kai-shan, You Nan, Liu Zheng-cai, Zhang Hong-tao, Dou Ke-feng

Primary Institution: PLA Center of General Surgery, General Hospital of Chengdu Army Region, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

Hypothesis

The identification of differences that distinguish hepatic cancer stem cells from hepatic normal stem cells is important.

Conclusion

MiRNAs may contribute to the different characteristics that distinguish cancer stem cells from normal liver stem cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • SP-NLCs were capable of repairing liver injury, while NSP-NLCs could not.
  • Only 1×10^4 SP-HCCs were necessary to initiate a tumor, while NSP-HCCs could not form a tumor.
  • 68 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated miRNAs were present in SP-HCCs.

Takeaway

This study looked at two types of liver cells: one from healthy livers and one from cancerous livers. It found that the cancer cells behave differently and have different tiny molecules called miRNAs that help control their behavior.

Methodology

The study involved isolating side population cells from rat liver tissues, analyzing their stem cell marker expression, and examining their differentiation capabilities in vitro and in vivo.

Limitations

The exact roles of the deregulated miRNAs in the process of hepatic cancer stem cell genesis need further verification.

Participant Demographics

Thirty male Fisher 344 rats were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023311

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