Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Cancer Stem Cells and Their Implications for Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer is a disease driven by genetic mutations and/or epigenetic alterations, in which the normal cellular hierarchy is often disrupted. In this context, the concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) was first proposed in the field of leukemia research, and has since been extended to a variety of other cancer types. The gold-standard method for identifying CSCs is generally considered to be the evaluation of their in vivo tumor-initiating capacity. Paradoxically, some CSCs have also been reported to exist in quiescent or dormant states, which are often associated with drug resistance. CSCs are associated with the expression of several genes that are evolutionarily conserved across a wide range of species, including Drosophila, zebrafish, and mammals. More recently, high-resolution and high-dimensional gene expression profiles of CSCs have become accessible through advanced methodologies, including single-cell DNA and RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and gene signature analysis applied to both model organisms and human clinical samples.

This Special Issue provides an updated perspective on the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of CSC biology, encompassing studies whose focal points range from basic research to clinical applications across diverse cancer types.

We welcome submissions of original research and review articles that contribute to this evolving and critical area of cancer biology.

Dr. Fumihiko Kakizaki
Prof. Dr. Frank Buchholz
Guest Editors

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