Melanoma stem cell (MSC)

Melanoma stem cells (MSCs), also referred to as melanoma-initiating cells (MICs), are a subpopulation of melanoma cells defined by their capacity for self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation, and the ability to initiate and maintain tumor growth (Schatton et al., 2008, Nature). These cells are typically identified through markers such as CD271 (p75NTR), ABCB5, and CD133, which are associated with increased tumorigenicity and metastatic potential (Boiko et al., 2010, Nature; Monzani et al., 2007, Eur J Cancer). MSCs are notably resistant to standard therapies, including chemotherapy and BRAF/MEK inhibitors, which often leads to disease relapse after initial treatment response (Roesch et al., 2010, Cell). Therapeutic approaches targeting MSCs focus on inhibiting conserved developmental pathways like Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog, or using monoclonal antibodies against surface markers (Santini et al., 2012, Stem Cells). A major challenge in targeting MSCs is the high degree of phenotypic plasticity, where non-stem melanoma cells can revert to a stem-like state in response to environmental cues or therapy (Quintana et al., 2010, Cancer Cell).

Other names

Melanoma-initiating cellMICMelanoma cancer stem cellMelanoma CSC

Targeting of specific cell-surface markers or inhibition of developmental signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog) to deplete the self-renewing subpopulation.