Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small group of cancer cells, which contribute to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Cancer cells undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) acquire the chemoresistant ability, which is regarded as an important feature of CSCs. Thus, there emerges an opinion that the generation of CSCs is considered to be driven by EMT. In this complex process, microRNAs (miRNAs) are found to play a key role. In order to overcome the drug resistance, inhibiting EMT as well as CSCs phenotype seem feasible. Thereinto, regulating the EMT- or CSCs-associated miRNAs is a crucial approach. Herein, we conduct this review to elaborate on the complicated interplay between EMT and CSCs in cancer chemoresistance, which is modulated by miRNAs. In addition, we elucidate the therapeutic strategy to overcome drug resistance through targeting EMT and CSCs.
Highlights
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a special subset of cancer cells, which have the ability to self-renew and contribute to tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemoresistance [1, 2]
Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), ATPbinding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), and c-kit have been regarded as the CSC hallmarks, which contribute to chemoresistance by regulating drug metabolism or affecting the gene expression of drug efflux [5]
We conduct this review to elaborate on the mechanistic link between CSCs as well as epithelial-tomesenchymal transition (EMT), and summarize the role of EMT- or CSCsassociated miRNAs in cancer chemoresistance
Summary
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a special subset of cancer cells, which have the ability to self-renew and contribute to tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemoresistance [1, 2]. MiRNAs facilitate EMT to induce chemotherapy resistance MiRNAs can contribute to chemoresistance by directly targeting the epithelial markers.
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