Tumors have long been viewed as a population in which all cells have the equal propensity to form new tumors,the so called conventional stochastic model.The cutting-edge theory on tumor origin and progression,tends to...Tumors have long been viewed as a population in which all cells have the equal propensity to form new tumors,the so called conventional stochastic model.The cutting-edge theory on tumor origin and progression,tends to consider cancer as a stem cell disease.Stem cells are actively involved in the onset and maintenance of colon cancer.This review is intended to examine the state of the art on colon cancer stem cells(CSCs),with regard to the recent achievements of basic research and to the corresponding translational consequences.Specific prominence is given to the hypothesized origin of CSCs and to the methods for their identification.The growing understanding of CSC biology is driving the optimization of novel anti-cancer targeted drugs.展开更多
Among somatic stem cells, those residing in the intestine represent a fascinating and poorly explored research field. Particularly, somatic stem cells reside in the small intestine at the level of the crypt base, in a...Among somatic stem cells, those residing in the intestine represent a fascinating and poorly explored research field. Particularly, somatic stem cells reside in the small intestine at the level of the crypt base, in a constant balance between self-renewal and differentiation. Aim of the present review is to delve into the mechanisms that regulate the delicate equilibrium through which intestinal stem cells orchestrate intestinal architecture. To this aim, special focus will be addressed to identify the integrating signals from the surrounding niche, supporting a model whereby distinct cell populations facilitate homeostatic vs injury-induced regeneration.展开更多
文摘Tumors have long been viewed as a population in which all cells have the equal propensity to form new tumors,the so called conventional stochastic model.The cutting-edge theory on tumor origin and progression,tends to consider cancer as a stem cell disease.Stem cells are actively involved in the onset and maintenance of colon cancer.This review is intended to examine the state of the art on colon cancer stem cells(CSCs),with regard to the recent achievements of basic research and to the corresponding translational consequences.Specific prominence is given to the hypothesized origin of CSCs and to the methods for their identification.The growing understanding of CSC biology is driving the optimization of novel anti-cancer targeted drugs.
文摘Among somatic stem cells, those residing in the intestine represent a fascinating and poorly explored research field. Particularly, somatic stem cells reside in the small intestine at the level of the crypt base, in a constant balance between self-renewal and differentiation. Aim of the present review is to delve into the mechanisms that regulate the delicate equilibrium through which intestinal stem cells orchestrate intestinal architecture. To this aim, special focus will be addressed to identify the integrating signals from the surrounding niche, supporting a model whereby distinct cell populations facilitate homeostatic vs injury-induced regeneration.