Targeting sarcoma tumor-initiating cells through differentiation therapy

Dan Han, Veronica Rodriguez-Bravo, Elizabeth Charytonowicz, Elizabeth Demicco, Josep Domingo-Domenech, Robert G. Maki, Carlos Cordon-Cardo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) down-regulation has been reported in many human cancers to be associated with poor clinical outcome. However, its connection to tumor-initiating cells (TICs) remains unknown. In this study, we report that HLA-I is down-regulated in a subpopulation of cells that have high tumor initiating capacity in different types of human sarcomas. Detailed characterization revealed their distinct molecular profiles regarding proliferation, apoptosis and stemness programs. Notably, these TICs can be induced to differentiate along distinct mesenchymal lineages, including the osteogenic pathway. The retinoic acid receptor signaling pathway is overexpressed in HLA-1 negative TICs. All-trans retinoic acid treatment successfully induced osteogenic differentiation of this subpopulation, in vitro and in vivo, resulting in significantly decreased tumor formation. Thus, our findings indicate down-regulated HLA-I is a shared feature of TICs in a variety of human sarcomas, and differentiation therapy strategies may specifically target undifferentiated TICs and inhibit tumor formation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)117-123
Number of pages7
JournalStem Cell Research
Volume21
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2017

Keywords

  • Human leukocyte antigen class I
  • Sarcomas
  • Tumor-initiating cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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