Identification of Human Prostate Cancer Stem Cells by Creation and Characterization of Prostaspheres
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) are present in specialized niches within tissues and enable long-term organ function by replacing dying cells over time. SCs have the unique capability for self-renewal and can be stimulated to transform into different cell types within the organ. Since SCs are genetically coded to live longer than other cells and resist mechanisms that would normally induce cell death, they may be especially susceptible to carcinogenic changes. Recent evidence suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) exist and are responsible for cancer propagation, despite representing the minority of cells within tumors. Consequently, the development of drugs that target CSCs may result in better clinical outcomes. As a first step, identifying CSCs in solid tumors must occur. Early studies to identify SCs within normal prostate and prostate cancers are promising, but limited by the difficulty of cultivating these rare cells. Development of the prostasphere assay, using cells derived from human tissue specimens, may enable in-depth characterization of prostate stem cells. Prostaspheres are globes of stem and early progenitor cells that can be induced to grow in culture. The prostasphere assay may enable enrichment of SCs from normal and cancerous specimens for further characterization, with the long-term goal of defining new therapeutic targets within this population.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA483725
Entities
People
- Isla P Garraway
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles