Cancer Stem Cell related Antibody Products

Based on a mature development platform and professional team, Amerigo Scientific provides antibodies targeting cancer stem cell (CSC) biomarkers and transcription factors. Our high-quality, validated CSC antibodies ensure reliable results in flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting, empowering CSC research and discovery.

CSCs are a tiny subset of tumor cells with distinct biological features, like self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into diverse cell types within the tumor. They are implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to traditional cancer therapies. CSCs can be generated from normal stem cells or differentiated cancer cells through genetic alterations and abnormal signaling pathways. Various factors, such as microenvironment cues and regulatory molecules, influence their behavior and maintenance. Ongoing research aims to identify specific CSC markers, investigate their role in tumor heterogeneity, decipher their signaling networks, and develop strategies to selectively target and eradicate CSCs, ultimately improving cancer prognosis and patient survival rates.

Fig.1 Proposed models for CSC origin in cancer development.¹

Signaling Pathways of CSCs

CSCs rely on several signaling pathways for their maintenance and functions:

• The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway controls cell proliferation and differentiation. JAK-STAT signaling is crucial for cell survival and immune evasion;
• The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway promotes growth and resistance to apoptosis;
• NF-κB signaling supports inflammation and cell survival;
• Notch signaling influences cell fate decisions and stem cell maintenance;
• TGF-β regulates tumor progression and metastasis;
• The Wnt pathway is vital for self-renewal and differentiation.

These pathways are critical for CSCs' ability to drive tumor growth, resist therapies, and cause relapse, making them key targets for developing more effective cancer treatments.

Fig.2 Signaling pathways involved in CSCs.²

Role of CSCs in Tumorigenic Processes

CSCs play pivotal roles in various tumorigenic processes. During oncogenesis, CSCs initiate tumor formation because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate. They drive tumor growth by continuously producing new cancer cells, maintaining the tumor's cellular diversity. In metastasis, CSCs facilitate the spread of cancer to distant sites by migrating via the bloodstream or lymphatic system, forming new tumors. CSCs are also crucial in cancer recurrence, as they often survive conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, leading to tumor regrowth and therapy resistance.

Biomarkers for CSCs

CSC-specific biomarkers are molecules expressed on the surface or within CSCs that distinguish them from normal stem cells and other tumor cells. Common CSC biomarkers include CD133, CD44, ALDH1, and EpCAM. These markers are found on various types of cancer cells, such as those in brain, breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers. The role of these markers is crucial for identifying and isolating CSCs, understanding their biology, and elucidating their role in tumor progression and resistance to therapies. Research on CSC biomarkers is significant because it aids in the development of targeted therapies aimed at eradicating CSCs, thereby preventing tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence. Identifying reliable CSC biomarkers helps improve diagnostic precision, treatment specificity, and ultimately patient outcomes in cancer therapy.

Targeting CSC biomarkers through immunotherapy is crucial for effectively eliminating CSCs. Amerigo Scientific lists various CSC biomarkers and related transcription factors in human cancers, facilitating the development of tailored immunotherapies that can specifically target and destroy CSCs, thereby improving treatment outcomes and reducing the likelihood of cancer relapse.

Please contact us for an online inquiry for further information.