Cancer Stem Cells in Thyroid Tumors: From the Origin to Metastasis.

摘要: Thyroid tumors are extremely heterogeneous varying from almost benign with good prognosis as papillary or follicular tumors, to the undifferentiated ones severe prognosis. Recently, several models of thyroid carcinogenesis have been described, mostly hypothesizing a major role cancer stem cell (TCSC) population in both initiation and metastasis formation. However, cellular origin TCSC is still incompletely understood. Here, we review principal epigenetic mechanisms relevant maintenance well-differentiated anaplastic tumors. Specifically, describe alterations DNA methylation, histone modifiers, microRNAs (miRNAs) involved survival, focusing on potential targeting aberrant modifications for developing novel therapeutic approaches. Moreover, discuss bidirectional relationship between TCSCs immune cells. The cells innate adaptive response can promote TCSC-driven tumorigenesis, conversely, may favor expansion protumorigenic functions. Finally, evaluate tumor microenvironment complex cross-talk chemokines, hormones, cytokines regulating initiation, progression, therapy refractoriness. re-education stromal be an effective strategy fight cancer. Dissecting genetic landscape their interactions urgently needed select more appropriate treatment improve outcome patients affected by advanced differentiated cancers.