Gene Expression Profiling of Stemness in ALDH1A1+ Breast Cancer Cells
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Profiling of Gene Expression Associated with Stemness and Aggressiveness of ALDH1A1-Expressing Human Breast Cancer Cells
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Septelia Inawati Wanandi, Resda Akhra Syahrani, Sekar Arumsari, Gita Wideani, Novi Silvia Hardiany
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Profiling of Gene Expression Associated with Stemness and Aggressiveness of ALDH1A1-Expressing Human Breast Cancer Cells
Year: 2019 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.5.4
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Breast cancer is a complex disease characterized by various subtypes, classified based on the expression of hormone receptors like estrogen receptor (ER) and others. One of the significant factors in breast cancer progression is the presence of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), which are thought to exhibit stemness properties such as self-renewal, tumorigenicity, and pluripotency. This study aimed to delve into the gene expression profiles of stemness and aggressiveness in BCSCs compared to typical breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Understanding these expressions can aid in decoding the molecular mechanisms behind breast cancer's aggressiveness and potentially guide treatment strategies.
Significance of Stemness and Aggressiveness in BCSCs
An important finding of the study emphasizes the heightened expression of stemness markers, including OCT4, ALDH1A1, and CD44, in BCSCs in comparison to MCF-7 cells. These markers are essential indicators of the cancer stem cell phenotype, suggesting that BCSCs possess enhanced potential for tumor initiation and metastasis. Additionally, aggressiveness-related genes such as TGF-β1 and its receptor TβR1, alongside MnSOD, were significantly upregulated in BCSCs. These results underline the importance of understanding the molecular underpinnings of these pathways, as they correlate to the aggressive behavior of breast cancer cells and may inform targeted therapeutic approaches.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that estrogen-dependent BCSCs express stemness and aggressiveness genes at higher levels than the estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cells, yet their profiles resemble those of estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 cells. This suggests that the aggressive nature and stemness of BCSCs may not be significantly influenced by estrogen signaling. As this study highlights the critical relationships between stemness, gene expression, and tumor behavior, it suggests potential avenues for future exploration, including the need for further investigation into protein expression levels to validate these findings and their implications for breast cancer therapies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the role of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs)?
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are believed to drive cancer aggressiveness through their self-renewal, tumorigenicity, and pluripotency properties, contributing to therapy resistance, recurrence, and metastasis.
How do BCSCs differ from MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells?
BCSCs show significantly higher expressions of stemness and aggressiveness genes compared to MCF-7 cells, and while their gene expression is similar to MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 cells exhibit lower tumorigenic potential.
What methods were used to assess gene expression in this study?
Total RNA was extracted from cells and analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to measure the mRNA expressions of key genes associated with stemness and aggressiveness.
What conclusions can be drawn about the aggressiveness of BCSCs?
The study concludes that oestrogen-dependent BCSCs express higher levels of stemness and aggressiveness genes compared to MCF-7 cells but show similarity to the oestrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 cells.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Gene Expression Profiling of Stemness in ALDH1A1+ Breast Cancer Cells”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cancer:
Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled division and growth of abnormal cells. It can invade surrounding tissues, leading to metastasis. Understanding cancer's mechanics, including cancer stem cells, gene expression, and treatments, is crucial for developing effective therapies and improving patient outcomes, especially in aggressive types like breast cancer.
2) Table:
In scientific research, a table organizes data systematically for easy reference. Tables present numerical results, comparisons, and demographics clearly and concisely. In this context, it may refer to presenting the primer sequences used in qRT-PCR, an essential method for quantifying gene expression in cancer studies, facilitating reproducibility and analysis.
3) Line:
In research, a 'line' commonly refers to a cell line, which is a population of cells derived from a specific tissue that can be cultured. Cell lines, like MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 in breast cancer studies, are essential tools for investigating cellular behavior, drug responses, and underlying mechanisms of cancer progression.
4) Study (Studying):
A study is a systematic investigation to establish facts or principles. In cancer research, studies examine tumor biology, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes. This study on breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) aims to understand gene expression related to stemness and aggressiveness, contributing to enhanced knowledge and potential novel therapeutic strategies.
5) Activity:
Activity in scientific contexts often refers to the functional capacity of biological entities. For example, assessing the activity of cancer stem cells, such as their ability to form mammospheres, indicates their potential for self-renewal and tumor initiation, which is critical for understanding tumorigenesis and designing effective cancer therapies.
6) Relative:
Relative comparisons are crucial in research for establishing the significance of differences among data points. In this study, relative mRNA expression levels of genes associated with cancer stemness and aggressiveness, such as OCT4 and TGF-β1, are compared between BCSCs and breast cancer cell lines, providing insights into their biological roles.
7) Medium:
In cell culture, the medium is the nutrient-rich solution that supports cell growth, including factors essential for maintaining cellular functions. For the study, serum-free Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM/F12) is used for culturing BCSCs, highlighting its importance in providing a controlled environment for examining cellular behaviors and properties.
8) Surface:
Surface refers to the outer boundary of a biological structure. In cancer research, surface markers, such as CD44, are important for characterizing cancer stem cells (CSCs). These markers have implications for cell adhesion, migration, and metastasis; studying them helps differentiate CSCs from non-stem cancer cells and understand their functional roles.
9) Pur:
The term 'poor' may describe various outcomes in cancer research, such as poor prognosis or low survival rates. The expression of specific markers, like ALDH1A1, is associated with poor clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Recognizing these factors helps identify high-risk patients who may require more aggressive or tailored treatment approaches.
10) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment using drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. However, resistance can develop, particularly in cancer stem cells. Understanding how factors like ALDH1A1 expression correlate with chemotherapy resistance is vital for improving treatment strategies and developing suitable therapies aimed at CSC populations.
11) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
In cancer biology, transformation often describes the process by which normal cells acquire characteristics of cancer cells. Understanding the transformation process helps elucidate mechanisms of tumorigenesis, provided insights into targetable pathways for therapies directed at preventing or reversing progression, thus contributing to cancer treatment strategies and patient management.
12) Mallikarjuna (Mallika-arjuna):
Mallikarjuna could refer to a contributing author or researcher involved in the study, highlighting collaboration within the scientific community. Research often relies on teamwork to analyze data and interpret findings accurately, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of cancer research and underscoring the importance of diverse expertise in addressing complex issues.
13) Prasanna:
Prasanna likely identifies a researcher or contributor to the study. Collaboration among scientists, such as Prasanna's contributions to understanding stemness in breast cancer, emphasizes the collective nature of scientific discovery, where different perspectives and expertise converge to enhance research quality, findings, and implications in the field of oncology.
14) Miriyala:
Miriyala possibly refers to a researcher involved in the analysis of data regarding manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in cancer studies. Identifying key researchers helps acknowledge individual contributions to scientific advancements, especially in complex fields like cancer research, where many players work to unravel mechanisms of cancer aggressiveness and treatment resistance.
15) Mutation:
Mutation refers to a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence, which can give rise to cancer through oncogenic transformations. Understanding mutations is critical in cancer biology as they can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor progression. Research into mutations assists in identifying potential therapeutic target pathways and developing personalized medicine approaches.
16) Tamara:
Tamara may designate a researcher or author associated with the study, reflecting the collaborative effort in conducting research. Each author's contribution is crucial, as diverse skill sets and insights lead to a comprehensive understanding of complex phenomena, such as the aggressiveness of breast cancer stem cells and their underlying genetic mechanisms.
17) Hara:
Hara likely references a researcher contributing to the study's findings. Authors' roles in scientific papers indicate their expertise and collaborative nature of research. Hara's contributions may involve vital insights into the mechanisms of cancer biology, critical for addressing the challenges in treating aggressive cancer forms effectively.
18) Ter:
Ther could reference a specific aspect of therapy or theoretical implications in the study's context. Understanding how therapies interact with cancer stem cells, their gene expressions, and pathways is crucial as it informs clinical practices to improve patient survival rates and overall treatment efficacy for aggressive cancer types.
19) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the build-up of genetic changes or factors over time that can lead to cancer development or progression. Studying the accumulation of mutations and changes in expression of specific genes can illuminate the pathways contributing to cancer stem cell characteristics and aggressiveness, aiding in targeted therapy development.
20) Discussion:
Discussion sections in scientific papers analyze and interpret results, placing findings in the context of existing literature. This segment is vital for elucidating the significance of the study, its implications for cancer therapies, stem cell behavior, and potential impacts on current and future treatment paradigms in oncology research.
21) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to methods and principles based on observation, experimentation, and critical analysis. Research in cancer, such as studying breast cancer stem cells, exemplifies scientific inquiry, seeking to expand understanding, refine therapeutic strategies, and bolster biomedical knowledge essential for advancing effective cancer interventions and patient care.
22) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. In the context of cancer research, understanding the biology of cancer stem cells informs clinical practices and treatment designs, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and fostering the development of innovative medications and therapeutic approaches in oncology.
23) Purity:
Purity in a biological context often refers to the absence of contaminants in cultures, which is essential for the validity of experimental results. Ensuring the purity of breast cancer stem cell cultures allows for accurate assessments of behavior, gene expression, and response to treatments, crucial for deriving reliable scientific conclusions.
24) Pitta:
Pitta may reference a funding source or grant, typically supporting research endeavors. Funding is a vital aspect of scientific progression, enabling researchers to conduct critical studies, such as examining gene expression profiles in cancer stem cells, ultimately enhancing our understanding and treatment options available to patients diagnosed with aggressive cancers.
25) Joshi (Josi):
Joshi might refer to an author or researcher involved in the study, emphasizing the collaborative nature of scientific research. Each contributor aids in refining hypotheses and analyzing data, which enhances the quality of findings and their implications in understanding breast cancer stem cells and potential therapeutic developments.
26) Kumar:
Kumar likely references a researcher involved in the study, showcasing the collaborative effort in scientific inquiry. Each researcher’s contribution is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of complex issues in cancer biology, enhancing the quality of research findings, and ultimately contributing to advancements in treatment strategies for breast cancer.
27) Rules:
Rules in a scientific context often refer to principles governing experimental protocols or guidelines for research integrity. Understanding and adhering to these rules ensures the reliability and reproducibility of findings in cancer research, fostering trust in results related to cancer stem cell properties and the effectiveness of potential therapeutic interventions.
28) Eagle:
Eagle may refer to a type of culture medium, such as Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), used in cell culture. This medium provides nutrients necessary for cell survival and growth, playing a crucial role in research like this study by facilitating the maintenance of viable breast cancer stem cell cultures for experimentation.
29) Beta:
Beta often signifies various components within scientific contexts, including signaling pathways like TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta) implicated in cancer progression. Beta's role in understanding the molecular interactions and cellular responses in breast cancer dynamics is vital for uncovering therapeutic targets and pathways that drive tumorigenesis and metastasis.
30) Post:
Post refers to ongoing inquiries or thoughts after completing an initial analysis or conclusion. In scientific papers, discussions about further research or follow-up studies highlight the continuous nature of inquiry and knowledge expansion in understanding complex topics, such as the behavior of breast cancer stem cells and their implications for treatment.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Gene Expression Profiling of Stemness in ALDH1A1+ Breast Cancer Cells’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Breast cancer, Gene expression, MCF-7, Self-renewal, MRNA expression, Metastasis, MCF-7 cells, Targeted therapy, Cell line, Hypoxia, Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1, Stem cell, Cancer stem cell, Quantitative real-time PCR, MDA-MB-231, Human breast cancer, MDA-MB-231 cells, Human breast cancer cell, Gene expression profile, Triple negative, QRT-PCR, Luminal Subtype, Protein level, Pluripotency, Tumourigenicity, Manganese superoxide dismutase, Stem cell pluripotency, Mouse embryonic stem cells, Pluripotency marker, Human cancer, Stem cell marker, Poor clinical outcome, STAT3, Breast cancer cell, Stemness, Aggressiveness, OCT4, CD44, MnSOD, Paracrine, Autocrine, HER2, Estrogen signaling, CD24, AKT pathway, Invasive properties.