Three unconventional maxims in the natural selection of cancer cells: Generation of induced tumor-suppressing cells (iTSCs).

Abstract

Induced tumor-suppressing cells (iTSCs) can be generated from cancer and non-cancer cells. Here, three paradoxical maxims for the action of iTSCs are reviewed: the secretion of tumor-suppressing proteins, their role as a "double-edged" sword, and the elimination of lesser-fit cancer cells. "Super-fit" cancer cells secrete an array of proteins, most of which contribute to enhancing their growth and removing "lesser-fit" cancer cells. These maxims explain the potential dilemma with therapeutic agents since the inhibitory agents tend to promote the synthesis of tumor-promoting proteins. The maxims suggest the possibility of a novel treatment option using cancer-guided evolutionary-fit iTSCs.

• Authors: Kexin Li, Qingji Huo, Bai-Yan Li, Hiroki Yokota
• Journal: International journal of biological sciences (Int J Biol Sci) Vol. 19 Issue 5 Pg. 1403-1412 ( 2023) ISSN: 1449-2288 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 37056934 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: © The author(s).

Topics

• Humans
• Neoplasms
• Neural Crest
• Selection, Genetic