Abstract
This study aimed to explore cell surface biomarkers related to cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their role in the tumorigenesis of colon cancer. Various colon cancer cell lines were screened for CD133 and CD44 expression. CD44high/CD133high and CD44low/CD133low cells were separately isolated by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS). The cell proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle characteristics, and tumorigenic properties in CD44high/CD133high and CD44low/CD133low cells were investigated through in vitro experiments and in vivo tumor xenograft models. The expression profiles of stem cell-related genes were examined by RT-PCR. With HCT-116 cells, flow cytometry analysis revealed that CD44high/CD133high cells had higher proliferation potency than CD44low/CD133low cells. Compared to CD44low/CD133low cells, CD44high/CD133high cells had more stem cell-related genes, and displayed increased tumorigenic ability. In summary, CD44high/CD133high cells isolated from HCT-116 cells harbor CSC properties that may be related to the tumor growth of colon cancer. These results suggest that CD44 and CD133 could be strong markers of colorectal cancer stem cells.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in the world [1, 2]
We identify that a colon cancer cell line, HCT-116 yield a high percentage of CD44+/CD133+ cells and look further into their relevance to tumor growth property in colon cancer
CD133 and CD44 expressed cells were found to be highest in the HCT-116 cells, a metastatic colon cancer cell line [26]
Summary
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in the world [1, 2]. There has been a decline in incidence in the past two decades due to better cancer screening measures [3]. Despite these actions, the morbidity of the disease has not decreased as drastically as those with other types of cancer. The morbidity of the disease has not decreased as drastically as those with other types of cancer This could be changed, with the expanding knowledge of the biology of colon cancer cells, with the new subset of cells referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Because the heterogeneity of colorectal tumors calls for individualized treatments [4, 5], understanding the characteristics of colon CSCs may lead to revolutionary findings in targeted therapeutic strategies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
