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Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine pp 127–139Cite as

Epigenetic Identity in Cancer Stem Cells

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Part of the book series: Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine ((STEMCELL))

Abstract

Growing evidence supports the existence of a subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell characteristics within tumors. As occurs with normal embryogenesis, epigenetic changes define the balance between pluripotency and differentiation in cancer stem cells (CSCs). The basis and implications of this novel concept are discussed, together with the evidence supporting a role for epigenetic mechanisms in the induction of CSCs. We discuss the evidence favoring the plasticity of these mechanisms and its potential therapeutic implications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 cours Albert-Thomas, Lyon Cedex 08, 69372, France

    Zdenko Herceg (Epigenetics Group Leader)

Authors
  1. Maria Ouzounova
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  2. Hector Hernandez-Vargas
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  3. Zdenko Herceg
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zdenko Herceg .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Gene Expression Systems, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, USA

    Krishnarao Appasani

  2. Student Science, Wyllys Ave 45, Middletown, 06459, Connecticut, USA

    Raghu K. Appasani

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Ouzounova, M., Hernandez-Vargas, H., Herceg, Z. (2011). Epigenetic Identity in Cancer Stem Cells. In: Appasani, K., Appasani, R. (eds) Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine. Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-860-7_8

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