Abstract
Asymmetric cell division is critical for generating cell diversity in low eukaryotic organisms. We previously have reported that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) induced by cobalt chloride demonstrate the ability to use an evolutionarily conserved process for renewal and fast reproduction, which is normally confined to simpler organisms. The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which reproduces by asymmetric cell division, has long been a model for asymmetric cell division studies. PGCCs produce daughter cells asymmetrically in a manner similar to yeast, in that both use budding for cell polarization and cytokinesis. Here, we review the results of recent studies and discuss the similarities in the budding process between yeast and PGCCs.
Highlights
Asymmetric cell division is essential for generating cell diversity during development in low-level eukaryotes, including yeast
Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are key contributors to the cellular heterogeneity observed in human solid tumors
PGCCs meet the definitions of cancer stem cells and play a fundamental role in regulating heterogeneity, stemness, and chemoresistance among human solid tumor cells
Summary
Asymmetric cell division is essential for generating cell diversity during development in low-level eukaryotes, including yeast. PGCCs meet the definitions of cancer stem cells and play a fundamental role in regulating heterogeneity, stemness, and chemoresistance among human solid tumor cells. The PGCCs were slow-cycling in nature and stained positively for both normal stem cell and cancer stem cell markers. They were prone to differentiate into other tissue types, including adipose, cartilage, and bone, and were found to generate regular cancer cells through the budding, splitting or burst-like mechanisms common in the replication of low-level eukaryotes, including yeast [3,4,5]. We review the possible molecular mechanism of asymmetric cell division in lower eukaryotic cells and PGCCs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
