Advances in Molecular Characterization and Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells
A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Biological and Bio- Materials".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2022) | Viewed by 19598
Special Issue Editors
Interests: basic research; translational medicine; clinical trial of using mesenchymal stem cells; nanotechnology in theranostics; cancer stem cells; organoid culture
Interests: colorectal cancer; cancer stem cells; metastases; tumor microenvironment; tumor-stroma interaction; cancer associated fibroblasts; spheroids/3D cultures; RNA/non-coding RNA
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of multipotent cells with unique properties of self-renewal, long-term maintenance, and plasticity. CSCs are able to differentiate, switching between CSC and non-CSC states, in a dynamic crosstalk with components of the tumor microenvironment. First described in hematological cancers, CSCs have been identified at varying frequencies in multiple solid tumors. CSCs are responsible for cancer initiation and progression, metastatic spread, drug resistance, and tumor relapse. Thus, efficient targeting and eradication of CSCs are necessary for effective and durable cancer therapies. These cells exhibit multiple therapeutic resistance, including immune evasion, quiescence, enhanced drug-efflux pumps, DNA repair, and ROS protection. The identification of key players responsible for their robustness and resilience is critical for the development of novel therapeutic strategies able to eradicate cancer. Advanced technologies are currently applied to cancer research to dissect molecular roots of cancer in a patient-specific resolution. Here, we invite authors to contribute with research or review articles describing recent progress in CSC molecular characterization and therapeutic targeting.
The focus of this Special Issue includes but is not limited to the following topics:
- CSC molecular profiling/specific gene-expression signatures;
- CSC epigenetic regulation;
- Identification/study of signaling pathways activated in CSCs;
- Identification and in vivo tracing of CSCs;
- Novel therapeutic strategies selectively targeting cancer stem cells, their plasticity, and drug resistance.
Cutting-edge studies on in vitro models (3D cultures) derived from human primary samples and/or mouse models are also highly welcome.
Dr. Shih-Chieh Hung
Dr. Micol Eleonora Fiori
Dr. Sara Vitale
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- Cancer stem cells
- Metastasis
- Tumor microenvironment
- CSC metabolism
- CSCs epigenetic regulation
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