Formation of Tumorspheres with Increased Stemness without External Mitogens in a Lung Cancer Model

摘要: Like with most solid tumors, the presence of a subpopulation cancer stem cells (CSCs) or stem-like (CS-LCs) has been associated chemoresistance and tumor relapse in lung cells. In absence serum, CSCs/CS-LCs have ability to grow as tumorspheres (LTSs), this system is routinely used for isolation characterization putative CSCs/CS-LCs. Methods isolate LTSs are usually performed serum-free media supplemented specific additives such epidermal growth factor basic fibroblast factor. study, we report generation without addition any external mitogenic stimulation. generated manner demonstrated several traits increased stemness elevated expression stemness-associated marker Sox2 conventional anticancer drugs. addition, that FDA-approved drug Digitoxin, at concentration close its therapeutic level, decreased viability downregulated independent PI3K/AKT pathway. The potential use stimulation study role factor(s) properties also discussed.