Title:Cancer Stem Cells Equipped with Powerful Hedgehog Signaling and Better Epigenetic Memory: Avenues to Look for Cancer Therapeutics
Volume: 19
Issue: 11
Author(s): Ishita Tandon, Asawari Waghmode and Nilesh Kumar Sharma*
Affiliation:
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, 411033,India
Keywords:
CSCs, epigenome, genome, inhibitors, neoplasm, sonic hedgehog signaling, therapeutics.
Abstract: Complex nature of the tumor is depicted at the cellular landscape by showing heterogeneity
in the presence of cancer cells, cancer-associated stromal cells, mesenchymal stem cells and cancer
stem cells (CSCs). One of the plausible views in cancer formation is suggested as the theory of
cancer CSCs that is known as a source of initiation of tumorigenesis. In essence, these powerful
CSCs are equipped with high Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling and epigenetic memory power that
support various tumor hallmarks. Truly, nature justifies its intent by limiting these stem cells with a
potential to turn into CSCs and in turn suppressing the high risk of humans and other organisms. In
short, this mini-review addresses the contribution of SHH signaling to allow reprogramming of epigenetic
memory within CSCs that support tumor hallmarks. Besides, this paper explores therapeutic
approaches to mitigate SHH signaling that may lead to a blockade of the pro-tumor potential of
CSCs.