Cancer-associated fibroblasts nurture LGR5 marked liver tumor-initiating cells and promote their tumor formation, growth, and metastasis.

Mingna ZhangYiqiao FangXia FuJiaye LiuYang LiuZhounan ZhuYinyun NiMenglin YaoQiuwei PanWanlu CaoZhihui LiChunyan Dong

Published in: Cancer medicine (2023)

Altogether, in a 3D co-culture type of murine liver LGR5+ cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, we have demonstrated robust effects of CAFs in the promotion of LGR5 marked liver TICs. We also further revealed the influence of tumor microenvironment on stem cell-related therapy, suggesting the possibility of combing CAF-targeted and tumor stem cell targeted therapy in treating liver cancer.

Keyphrases

stem cells
induced apoptosis
cell cycle arrest
endoplasmic reticulum stress
cell death
extracellular matrix
oxidative stress
cell proliferation
drug delivery
replacement therapy