A CD90+ tumor-initiating cell population with an aggressive signature and metastatic capacity in esophageal cancer

Kwan Ho Tang, Yong Dong Dai, Man Tong, Yuen Piu Chan, Pak Shing Kwan, Li Fu, Yan Ru Qin, Sai Wah Tsao, Hong Lok Lung, Maria L. Lung, Daniel K. Tong, Simon Law, Kwok Wah Chan*, Stephanie Ma*, Xin Yuan Guan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

132 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Tumor-initiating cells (TIC), also known as cancer stem cells, are regarded widely as a specific subpopulation of cells needed for cancer initiation and progression. TICs have yet to be identified in esophageal tumors that have an increasing incidence in developed countries. Here, we report a CD90+ cell population found in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which is endowed with stem cell–like properties and high tumorigenic and metastatic potential. mRNA profiling of these cells suggested pathways through which they drive tumor growth and metastasis, with deregulation of an Ets-1/MMP signaling pathway and epithelial–mesenchymal transition figuring prominently. These cells possessed higher self-renewal activity and were sufficient for tumor growth, differentiation, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance. CD90+ TICs were isolated and characterized from ESCC clinical specimens as well as ESCC cell lines. In freshly resected clinical specimens, they represented a rare cell population, the levels of which correlated with strong family histories and lymph node metastasis. Our results prompt further study of this CD90+ population of esophageal TICs as potential therapeutic targets. Cancer Res; 73(7); 2322–32. ©2013 AACR.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2322-2332
Number of pages11
JournalCancer Research
Volume73
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2013

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A CD90+ tumor-initiating cell population with an aggressive signature and metastatic capacity in esophageal cancer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this