The understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of cancer has advanced in recent years, leading to the emergence of personalized molecular treatment. In particular, our knowledge of specific cancer cells referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs), has transformed the contextual approach to target cancers. High prevalence of CSC cells is associated with aggressive tumor phenotypes; however, their profiles are diverse and are influenced by the microenvironment.
Gaps exist in our understanding of the molecular interactions within CSCs, their maintenance in niches, their ability to divide unequally that commits to both self-renewal and tumor heterogeneity, and their capacity to confer chemoresistance. In addition, defining the natural roles of stem cells and stem cell genes during early stages of tissue development may help in understanding the functional involvement of CSCs and CSC genes in cancer in relation to cell propagation and specific cell lineages.
Desired contributions
This topic covers the area of the molecular biology of CSCs where modern methodologies, recent findings, and critical reviews shed light into the multiple roles of CSCs and provide a platform to define relevant translational and targeting therapeutic options. Researchers involved in these areas of CSC studies are particularly encouraged to submit their manuscripts to this topic.
The understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of cancer has advanced in recent years, leading to the emergence of personalized molecular treatment. In particular, our knowledge of specific cancer cells referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs), has transformed the contextual approach to target cancers. High prevalence of CSC cells is associated with aggressive tumor phenotypes; however, their profiles are diverse and are influenced by the microenvironment.
Gaps exist in our understanding of the molecular interactions within CSCs, their maintenance in niches, their ability to divide unequally that commits to both self-renewal and tumor heterogeneity, and their capacity to confer chemoresistance. In addition, defining the natural roles of stem cells and stem cell genes during early stages of tissue development may help in understanding the functional involvement of CSCs and CSC genes in cancer in relation to cell propagation and specific cell lineages.
Desired contributions
This topic covers the area of the molecular biology of CSCs where modern methodologies, recent findings, and critical reviews shed light into the multiple roles of CSCs and provide a platform to define relevant translational and targeting therapeutic options. Researchers involved in these areas of CSC studies are particularly encouraged to submit their manuscripts to this topic.
