Jornal de Citologia e Histologia

The Stem Cell Niche as the Key to Early Cancer Development

Abstract

Julio Roberto Cáceres Cortés

Cancer cells are remarkable for their multiform character. It is now apparent that for normal cells to become cancerous, they shall not have reached a high degree of differentiation and must be properly nourished. Another important factor in the transformation of a normal cell is probably the alteration of the microenvironment that otherwise would hold the cell in check. Loss of niche control over normal stem cells could allow for the reversion of differentiation to a less specialized form, leading to unrestrained growth. The tumor microenvironment consists of the properties conferred by abnormal interactions between tumor and host cells. The aim of the current review is to map out the steps leading to this abnormal interaction process. If indeed the cancer stem cell niche is key to unrestrained proliferation, insights into the alteration in the microenvironment should certainly provide clues as to more effective cancer therapy.