Stem Cells and Cellular Origins of Breast Cancer: Updates in the Rationale, Controversies, and Therapeutic Implications.

Jiaojiao Zhou,Yiheng Zou,Qishan Chen,Lina Qi,Yiding Chen,Huihui Chen

doi:10.3389/fonc.2019.00820

Abstract

Breast cancer stem cells have been known to contribute immensely to the carcinogenesis of the breast and therapeutic resistance in the clinic. Current studies show that the population of breast cancer stem cells is heterogeneous, involving various cellular markers and regulatory signaling pathways. In addition, different subtypes of breast cancer exhibit distinct subtypes and frequencies of breast cancer stem cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the characteristics of breast cancer stem cells, including their various molecular markers, prominent regulatory signaling, and complex microenvironment. The cellular origins of breast cancer are discussed to understand the heterogeneity and diverse differentiations of stem cells. Importantly, we also outline the recent advances and controversies in the therapeutic implications of breast cancer stem cells in different subtypes of breast cancer.

Highlights

Breast cancer is the most commonly reported type of cancer in women worldwide, and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality [1]
Impressive advances have been witnessed in understanding the carcinogenesis of breast cancer, in which breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) hypothesis provided very important models
BCSC-targeted therapy may eradicate the cancer stem cells, which are regarded as the “the seed of tumor.”

Summary

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most commonly reported type of cancer in women worldwide, and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality [1]. Stem Cells of Breast Cancer cellular heterogeneity within breast tumors. Numerous other BCSCs markers were identified in different mouse models and breast cancer cell lines (Table 1).

Results

Conclusion