Asymmetric Division of Stem Cells and Its Cancer Relevance

Overview

Journal Cell Regen

Publisher Springer

Date 2024 Feb 27

PMID 38411768

Authors

Shanshan Chao

Huiwen Yan

Pengcheng Bu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Asymmetric division is a fundamental process for generating cell diversity and maintaining the stem cell population. During asymmetric division, proteins, organelles, and even RNA are distributed unequally between the two daughter cells, determining their distinct cell fates. The mechanisms orchestrating this process are extremely complex. Dysregulation of asymmetric division can potentially trigger cancer progression. Cancer stem cells, in particular, undergo asymmetric division, leading to intra-tumoral heterogeneity, which contributes to treatment refractoriness. In this review, we delve into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern asymmetric division and explore its relevance to tumorigenesis.

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