Cancer Stem Cells in MPNST: A Translational Concept?
Abstract
The concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is of significant interest due to the important implications to our understanding of tumor biology, as well as the development of novel cancer therapeutics. CSCs form a minority population maintaining the integrity and functionality of the whole tumor. Therefore, targeting this minority population has the potential to result in a significant tumor regression due to the “stemness” of these cells. However, practical testing of this idea has not occurred thus far due to lack of specific anti-CSC agents. This concept is also largely unknown in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) research. In this proposal, for the first time, we have shown the existence of a CD133+ (an important marker for cancer stem cells) subpopulation in MPNST cells and tumor tissue samples. We have also developed a gene therapy tool, an oncolytic virus, that is capable of targeting CD133+ cells. In this proposal, we intend to test the effects of this oncolytic virus on MPNST cells growth in vivo and in vitro as an introduction to the potential future use of this virus in MPNST therapy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810569
Entities
People
- Faris Farassati
Organizations
- Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation
- United States Army