Co-Expression of Putative Cancer Stem Cell Markers CD44 and CD133 in Prostate Carcinomas

Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the main players of prostate tumorigenesis thus; characterization of CSCs can pave the way for understanding the early detection, drug resistance, metastasis and relapse. The current study was conducted to evaluate the expression level and clinical significance of the potential CSC markers CD44 and CD133 in a series of prostate tissues. One hundred and forty eight prostate tissues composed of prostate cancer (PCa), high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) were immunostained for the putative CSC markers CD44 and CD133. Subsequently, the correlation between the expression of these markers and the clinicopathological variables was examined. A higher level of CD44 expression was observed in 42% of PCa, 57% of HGPIN, and 42% BPH tissues. In the case of CD133 expression PCa, HGPIN, and BPH samples demonstrated high immunoreactivity in 46%, 43%, and 42% of cells, respectively. Statistical analysis showed an inverse significant correlation between CD44 expression with Gleason score of PCa (P = 0.02), while no significant correlation was observed between CD133 expression and clinicopathological parameters. A significant reciprocal correlation was observed between the expression of two putative CSC markers CD44 and CD133 in PCa specimens while not indicating clinical significance. Further clinical investigation is required to consider these markers as targets of new therapeutic strategies for PCa.

Characterization of stem cell and cancer stem cell populations in ovary and ovarian tumors

“…In similar context, Paula et al [ 66 ] reported ALDH1 + /CD44 + co-expressing cells in non-malignant and neoplastic breast tissues. Similarly, Kalantari et al [ 67 ] reported CD44 + /CD133 + co-expressing putative CSC markers in prostate carcinoma. Consistent with these studies, expression of various stem and CSC-specific markers such as OCT4, SSEA4, ALDH, CD117, CD133, CD44, CD24, and LGR5 in our study, suggests presence of various CSC populations with characteristics which may explain heterogeneity, aggressiveness and metastatic potential of ovarian cancer.…”

miR‐133a‐3p/FOXP3 axis regulates cell proliferation and autophagy in gastric cancer

“…Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a subpopulation of tumor cells, with capabilities of self‐renewal and differentiation, have been reported to be involved in the development of cancer. In‐depth study of CSCs can aid in the early detection of cancer, drug resistance, metastasis, and recurrence . Identification of miRNA transcriptome analysis in breast cancer spheres with CSC characteristics suggests that certain miRNAs can be used as new potential biomarkers for breast CSC diagnosis and targeted therapy .…”

<p>Leucine Zipper-EF-Hand Containing Transmembrane Protein 1 Is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Promotes Cell Progression in Prostate Cancer</p>

“…PCa cells express several stem cell biomarkers, such as LSD1, SOX2, CD44, and CD133. [28][29][30][31][32] LSD1 and its inhibitor have been reported to target CSC markers in several cancers. 33,34 Sehrawat et al showed that LSD1 promotes PCa cell survival by activating gene networks that regulate the stem cell phenotype.…”