Researches on Normal and Cancer Stem Cells

Dear Colleagues,

Stem cells are characterized by the ability to differentiate into specialized cells and by their self-renewal capacity. Many tissues have the ability to regenerate in physiological conditions or response to injury, this is due to the presence of resident stem cells into specialized areas called niches. Like all other cells, stem cells are subject to genotoxic stress and DNA damage accumulation. These events may have profound consequences on the body’s health. Damaged stem cells may be eliminated by apoptosis or they can survive and become senescent cells with a loss of the cell’s functions. The senescence of stem cells contributes to organismal aging by reducing tissue homeostasis.

Alternatively, following a DNA damage occurrence, stem cells could experience a neoplastic transformation. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the presence within tumors of a subpopulation of stem-like cells, which exhibit characteristics of both embryonic stem cells and cancer cells associated with a more aggressive cancer phenotype. These cells are named cancer stem cells (CSCs). The CSCs show characteristics associated with normal stem cells, specifically the ability to give rise to all cell types found in a particular tumor and to self-renew. Current anti-cancer therapies aim to target CSCs to promote tumor regression.

Knowing the mechanisms governing stem cell functions in normal and pathological conditions is of paramount importance for human health.

This Topical Collection will highlight current knowledge on “normal” and cancer stem cells properties in physiological and pathological conditions. Both original research articles and reviews are welcome.

Prof. Umberto Galderisi
Collection Editor

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