• Cancer Stem Cells: metabolic profiles, DNA repair mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies
  • AmirReza(Erwin) Homaei,1,*
    1. Medical Genomics Research Center, Islamic Azad Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran


  • Introduction: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that possess the ability to self-renew, differentiate into multiple cell types, and form tumors.CSCs are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, and relapse, making them a critical target for cancer therapy.
  • Methods: This poster summarizes the findings of six recent research articles on CSCs. The studies investigated the metabolic profiles, DNA repair mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies for targeting CSCs.
  • Results: Metabolic Profiles of Cancer Stem Cells : A study published in Cells investigated the metabolic profiles of CSCs and normal stem cells [1]. The researchers found that CSCs exhibit a distinct metabolic signature characterized by increased glycolysis and reduced oxidative phosphorylation. This metabolic shift allows CSCs to survive under stress conditions and maintain their self-renewal capacity. DNA Repair and Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer Stem Cells : Another study, published in Cancers, explored the challenges of treating CSCs due to their enhanced DNA repair mechanisms [2]. The researchers identified several potential therapeutic strategies for targeting CSCs, including: 1. DNA-damaging agents: These agents can induce DNA damage in CSCs, leading to cell death or senescence. 2. PARP inhibitors: PARP inhibitors block DNA repair pathways, making CSCs more susceptible to DNA-damaging agents. 3. EZH2 inhibitors: EZH2 is a histone methyltransferase that promotes CSC self-renewal. EZH2 inhibitors can disrupt CSC self-renewal and sensitize them to therapy. The Warburg Effect and Dedifferentiation : A study published in SciOpen examined the role of the Warburg effect, a metabolic process characterized by increased lactate production even in the presence of oxygen, in CSC dedifferentiation [3]. The researchers found that the Warburg effect promotes epigenetic reprogramming, leading to the conversion of differentiated cancer cells into CSCs.
  • Conclusion: CSCs pose a significant challenge for cancer therapy due to their unique properties and resistance to conventional treatments. However, recent research has shed light on the metabolic and DNA repair mechanisms of CSCs, providing promising avenues for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Keywords: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) Metastasis Therapeutic strategies Warburg effect