Chemosensitivity of Stem-like Cells in Squamous Cell Cancers
Author Information
Author(s): Loebinger M R, Giangreco A, Groot K R, Prichard L, Allen K, Simpson C, Bazley L, Navani N, Tibrewal S, Davies D, Janes S M
Primary Institution: Centre For Respiratory Research, Rayne Institute, University College London
Hypothesis
Do squamous cell carcinomas contain a subpopulation of cancer stem cell-like cells that are made chemosensitive by ABC transporter blockade?
Conclusion
The study found that squamous cell carcinomas contain a side population of stem-like cells that can be made sensitive to chemotherapy through ATP transporter inhibition.
Supporting Evidence
- SCC-SP cells were found in all tested squamous cell carcinoma lines.
- SCC-SP cell abundance increased with cellular density.
- SCC-SP cells showed enhanced tumorigenicity in vivo.
- SCC-SP cells were sensitive to chemotherapeutic agents when ATP transporters were inhibited.
Takeaway
Some cancer cells act like stem cells and can resist treatment, but we found a way to make them sensitive to drugs again.
Methodology
The study used Hoechst dye efflux assays and fluorescence-activated cell sorting to analyze squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.
Participant Demographics
Cell lines derived from patients with advanced squamous cell carcinomas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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