(149h) Regulation of Cancer Stem Cells By the Tumor Microenvironment

Regulation of cancer stem cells
by the tumor microenvironment

Joseph Wokpetah and Esther W. Gomez

Departments of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, The
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Tumors are
composed of a heterogeneous population of cells surrounded by a dynamic
microenvironment.  A subpopulation
of cells within tumors, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), is believed to drive
tumor growth and recurrence.  CSCs
have been implicated in the progression of a variety of cancers as their
self-renewal potential is thought to be important for colonization of secondary
organ sites.  Likewise, CSCs exhibit
increased resistance to chemotherapeutics and ionizing radiation; thus, current
cancer therapies may fail due to survival of CSCs that can then regenerate new
tumors.  Here, we sought to
understand how properties of the tumor microenvironment regulate CSC qualities.  We find that the rigidity of the
microenvironment is a critical determinant of CSC phenotype.  Results from these studies may suggest
therapeutic approaches for reducing the population of CSCs within tumors and
for improving the efficacy of cancer treatments.