Depletion of S100A4+ stromal cells does not prevent HCC development but reduces the stem cell-like phenotype of the tumors
Abstract
There is a pressing need for the development of novel approaches to treat and prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The S100 calcium-binding protein S100A4 is associated with poor prognosis and metastasis in several human cancers. In addition, a role for S100A4 in modulating cancer-initiating cells stemness properties was recently proposed in head and neck and gastric cancers. Whether S100A4+ stromal cells contribute to tumor onset remains, however, an unanswered question. To address that question, we generated a new mouse model allowing for the depletion of S100A4+ cells in a mouse model of HCC with stemness properties, by crossing mice with hepatic deletion of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) with mice expressing viral thymidine kinase under the control of S100A4 promoter. Depletion of S100A4+ cells by ganciclovir injection did not prevent the development of HCC but reduced the stemness phenotype of the tumor as measured by the expression of progenitor cell, biliary cell and hepatocyte markers. The results were further confirmed by histology analysis showing reduction of cholangiolar tumor components and degree of oval cell hyperplasia in the adjacent liver. Depletion of S100A4+ cells had also some beneficial effect on...Continue Reading
References
Hepatocellular carcinomas expressing 'stemness'-related markers: clinicopathological characteristics
Citations
Software Mentioned
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer and frequently occurs in individuals with chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis. Here is the latest research.
Adult Stem Cells
Adult stem cells reside in unique niches that provide vital cues for their survival, self-renewal, and differentiation. They hold great promise for use in tissue repair and regeneration as a novel therapeutic strategies. Here is the latest research.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
Hepatocellular Carcinoma is a malignant cancer in liver epithelial cells. Discover the latest research on Hepatocellular Carcinoma here.