Alpha-fetoprotein producing cells act as cancer progenitor cells in human cholangiocarcinoma

作者：Ishii Takamichi^*; Yasuchika Kentaro; Suemori Hirofumi; Nakatsuji Norio; Ikai Iwao; Uemoto Shinji

来源：Cancer Letters, 2010, 294(1): 25-34.

DOI：10.1016/j.canlet.2010.01.019

• Cancer stem cell
• Cholangiocarcinoma
• AFP
• Notch
• ICC

We aimed to demonstrate that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing cells in cholangiocarcinomas possessed cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties. AFP enhancer/promoter-driven EGFP gene was transfected into human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. One cell line, RBE, expressed both AFP and EGFP. Clonal analyses revealed that one EGFP-positive cell generated both EGFP-positive and EGFP-negative cell fractions. However, one EGFP-negative cell never produced EGFP-positive cells. The EGFP-positive cells had a greater tumorigenic potential. Only the EGFP-positive cells expressed Notch1. AFP and Notch1 expression was observed in clinical intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. The AFP-producing cells were suggested to be CSCs. The Notch pathway might play an important role in maintaining the CSC characteristics.

• 出版日期2010-8-1