Enriched CD44(+)/CD24(-) population drives the aggressive phenotypes presented in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

Cancer Lett. 2014 Oct 28;353(2):153-9. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.06.022. Epub 2014 Aug 14.

Abstract

The mechanism underlying the aggressive behaviors of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is not well characterized yet. The association between cancer stem cell (CSC) population and the aggressive behaviors of TNBC has not been established. We found the CD44(+)/CD24(-) cell population was enriched in TNBC tissues and cell lines, with a higher capacity of proliferation, migration, invasion and tumorigenicity as well as lower adhesion ability. The CD44(+)/CD24(-) cell population with cancer stem cell-like properties may play an important role in the aggressive behaviors of TNBC. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting CD44(+)/CD24(-) cell population in TNBC.

Keywords: CD44(+)/CD24(−).; Cancer stem cells; Triple negative breast cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD24 Antigen / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / secondary*
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Mice, SCID
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Phenotype
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • CD24 Antigen
  • CD24 protein, human
  • CD44 protein, human
  • Hyaluronan Receptors