Isolation, culture and identification of cancer stem-like cells from human thyroid carcinoma tissues

Abstract

Objective To isolate and culture human thyroid cancer stem-like cells side population(SP) from human thyroid carcinoma specimens and compare the differences in octamer-binding transcription factor 4(Oct-4)and adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter G2(ABCG2)expression between SP cells and non-SP cells. Methods SP and non-SP cells were sorted from human thyroid carcinoma cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting(FACS). The expression of Oct-4 and ABCG2 in SP cells and non-SP cells was detected by Western blotting. Results SP cells with stem cell potency were isolated from human thyroid carcinoma cells. The content of sorted SP cells in experimental group and control group was 1.40% and 0.155% respectively(P< 0.05). The expression of Oct-4 and ABCG2 was significantly higher in SP cells than in non-SP cells. Conclusion SP cells, which have the potency of stem cells, exist in human thyroid carcinoma cells. Key words: Thyroid carcinoma; Side population cells; Cancer stem cells