August 6, 2008 | Anne-Pierre Morel, Marjory Lièvre, Clémence Thomas, George Hinkal, Stéphane Ansieau, Alain Puisieux
The study by Morel et al. (2008) investigates the generation of breast cancer stem cells through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Using a mammary tumor progression model, the authors demonstrate that human mammary epithelial cells can be transformed into cells with both stem and tumorigenic characteristics by activating the Ras-MAPK pathway and inducing EMT. The acquisition of these stem and tumorigenic properties is driven by EMT induction, which involves the loss of epithelial markers and the gain of mesenchymal markers. The findings suggest that the presence of CD44+CD24-/low cells within primary breast tumors may reflect the sensitivity of cancer cells to EMT-inducing signals, potentially contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. The study also highlights the role of EMT in the development of cancer stem cells and provides insights into the mechanisms underlying tumor initiation and maintenance.The study by Morel et al. (2008) investigates the generation of breast cancer stem cells through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Using a mammary tumor progression model, the authors demonstrate that human mammary epithelial cells can be transformed into cells with both stem and tumorigenic characteristics by activating the Ras-MAPK pathway and inducing EMT. The acquisition of these stem and tumorigenic properties is driven by EMT induction, which involves the loss of epithelial markers and the gain of mesenchymal markers. The findings suggest that the presence of CD44+CD24-/low cells within primary breast tumors may reflect the sensitivity of cancer cells to EMT-inducing signals, potentially contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. The study also highlights the role of EMT in the development of cancer stem cells and provides insights into the mechanisms underlying tumor initiation and maintenance.