Induction of cancerous stem cells during embryonic stem cell differentiation

Abstract

Background: Cancer stem cells are responsible for tumorigenesis; however, the developmental process is poorly understood. Results: Differentiating stem cells in aberrant environments are subjected to carcinogenic stress, leading to genomic instabilization, mutation inductions, and cellular transformation with stemness characteristics. Conclusion: Aberrant environment for differentiation risks cancerous stem cell development. Significance: This is the first report showing normal stem cell transformation into malignant counterparts and their process. © 2012 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.