Stem cells, cancer, and cancer stem cells

Citation
T. Reya et al., Stem cells, cancer, and cancer stem cells, NATURE, 414(6859), 2001, pp. 105-111
Citations number
83
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary,Multidisciplinary,Multidisciplinary
Journal title
NATURE
ISSN journal
00280836 → ACNP
Volume
414
Issue
6859
Year of publication
2001
Pages
105 - 111
Database
ISI
SICI code
0028-0836(20011101)414:6859<105:SCCACS>2.0.ZU;2-F
Abstract
Stem cell biology has come of age. Unequivocal proof that stem cells exist in the haematopoietic system has given way to the prospective isolation of several tissue-specific stem and progenitor cells, the initial delineation of their properties and expressed genetic programmes, and the beginnings of their utility in regenerative medicine. Perhaps the most important and use ful property of stem cells is that of self-renewal. Through this property, striking parallels can be found between stem cells and cancer cells: tumour s may often originate from the transformation of normal stem cells, similar signalling pathways may regulate self-renewal in stem cells and cancer cel ls, and cancer cells may include 'cancer stem cells'-rare cells with indefi nite potential for self-renewal that drive tumorigenesis.