BACKGROUND: Much attention has been focused on CD133 as a marker of cancer cells with stem-cell-like ability. In the cancer stem cells (CSCs) model, only a small proportion of tumour cells are able to self-renew extensively, while the bulk of cells proceed to differentiate into committed heterogeneous clones. On the basis of the involvement of CSCs in tumourigenesis and treatment resistance, it is conceivable that only eradication of CSCs can lead to a cancer cure. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the most recent evidence about the role of CD133 as a marker of CSCs in human tumours, and the therapeutic perspectives associated with its specific targeting. METHODS: A literature search through Medline to locate published full articles using the following key words for selection: 'CD133 and cancer targeting', 'CD133 and chemo resistance', and 'CD133 and molecular pathways'. Only studies in English are considered. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS: The role of CD133 as a marker of CSCs has been documented in several human neoplasms; its expression seems to predict unfavourable prognosis. Novel therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting molecular pathways critical for CD133+ CSCs survival are being examined.
BACKGROUND: Much attention has been focused on CD133 as a marker of cancer cells with stem-cell-like ability. In the cancer stem cells (CSCs) model, only a small proportion of tumour cells are able to self-renew extensively, while the bulk of cells proceed to differentiate into committed heterogeneous clones. On the basis of the involvement of CSCs in tumourigenesis and treatment resistance, it is conceivable that only eradication of CSCs can lead to a cancer cure. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the most recent evidence about the role of CD133 as a marker of CSCs in humantumours, and the therapeutic perspectives associated with its specific targeting. METHODS: A literature search through Medline to locate published full articles using the following key words for selection: 'CD133 and cancer targeting', 'CD133 and chemo resistance', and 'CD133 and molecular pathways'. Only studies in English are considered. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS: The role of CD133 as a marker of CSCs has been documented in several humanneoplasms; its expression seems to predict unfavourable prognosis. Novel therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting molecular pathways critical for CD133+ CSCs survival are being examined.
Authors: Anthony B Mak; Kim M Blakely; Rashida A Williams; Pier-Andrée Penttilä; Andrey I Shukalyuk; Khan T Osman; Dahlia Kasimer; Troy Ketela; Jason Moffat Journal: J Biol Chem Date: 2011-09-21 Impact factor: 5.157
Authors: Anthony B Mak; Mariana Pehar; Allison M L Nixon; Rashida A Williams; Andrea C Uetrecht; Luigi Puglielli; Jason Moffat Journal: J Mol Biol Date: 2014-02-17 Impact factor: 5.469