Cancer stem cell-associated signaling pathway (CSC signaling pathway)

Cancer stem cell-associated signaling pathways represent a cluster of evolutionary conserved developmental cascades—primarily Wnt/beta-catenin, Notch, and Hedgehog—that are frequently dysregulated in human malignancies. These pathways are fundamental to the biology of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of tumor cells capable of self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation, and high tumorigenicity (Takebe et al., 2015, Nat Rev Clin Oncol). By driving the expression of stemness-related transcription factors like SOX2 and OCT4, these pathways enable tumors to resist conventional therapies, undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and initiate metastatic colonization (Nimmakayala et al., 2019, Semin Cancer Biol). Pharmacological targeting of these pathways involves small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies designed to disrupt ligand-receptor interactions or downstream signal transduction, such as SMO inhibitors for Hedgehog or gamma-secretase inhibitors for Notch (Katoh, 2017, Clin Cancer Res). Despite their therapeutic potential, these pathways are also essential for the maintenance and repair of normal adult tissues, leading to significant safety concerns regarding gastrointestinal, hematopoietic, and skeletal toxicities (Yang et al., 2020, J Hematol Oncol).

Other names

Cancer stem cell signalingCSC signaling pathwaysStemness pathwaysCancer stem cell-associated pathways

Inhibition of self-renewal signaling and induction of differentiation in cancer stem cell populations (Takebe et al., 2015, Nat Rev Clin Oncol).