@entity421 Stem Cells Have Active Wnt/ @entity3546 and Overexpress XXXX and @entity4730 .

@entity3478 @entity5 @entity4730 @entity10430 @entity18609 @entity4731 @entity3546 @entity421
UNASSIGNED: @entity421 is a @entity3478 , displaying significant cellular and histological heterogeneity and a complex genetic phenotype. Although multiple studies strongly suggest the presence of @entity5 stem cells in @entity421 , a consensus on their characterization is still missing. We used a combination of functional assays (sphere-forming, Aldefluor, and side-population) for identification of @entity5 stem cell populations in @entity421 cell lines. Expression of stemness-related transcription factors, quiescent nature, in vivo tumorigenicity, and Wnt/ @entity3546 activation were evaluated. We show that different @entity5 stem cell populations may co-exist in @entity421 cell lines exhibiting distinct functional properties. @entity421 spheres are slowly-proliferating populations, overexpress @entity4731 , and @entity4730 stemness-related genes and have enhanced tumorigenic potential. Additionally, spheres show specific activation of Wnt/ @entity3546 signaling as evidenced by increased nuclear @entity3546 , TCF/LEF activity, and @entity18609 expression, in a subset of the cell lines. Aldefluor-positive populations were detected in all @entity421 cell lines and overexpress @entity4731 , but not @entity4730 . The side-population phenotype is correlated with @entity10430 drug-efflux transporter expression. Distinct functional methods seem to identify @entity5 stem cells with dissimilar characteristics. Intrinsic heterogeneity may exist within @entity5 stem cells and can have implications on the design of targeted therapies aiming to eradicate these cells within @entity5 . J. Cell. Physiol. 9999: 1-11, 2015.    2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
