A rare population of CD24(+)ITGB4(+)Notch(hi) cells drives tumor propagation in NSCLC and requires Notch3 for self-renewal

Cancer Cell. 2013 Jul 8;24(1):59-74. doi: 10.1016/j.ccr.2013.05.021.

Abstract

Sustained tumor progression has been attributed to a distinct population of tumor-propagating cells (TPCs). To identify TPCs relevant to lung cancer pathogenesis, we investigated functional heterogeneity in tumor cells isolated from Kras-driven mouse models of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CD24(+)ITGB4(+)Notch(hi) cells are capable of propagating tumor growth in both a clonogenic and an orthotopic serial transplantation assay. While all four Notch receptors mark TPCs, Notch3 plays a nonredundant role in tumor cell propagation in two mouse models and in human NSCLC. The TPC population is enriched after chemotherapy, and the gene signature of mouse TPCs correlates with poor prognosis in human NSCLC. The role of Notch3 in tumor propagation may provide a therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD24 Antigen / analysis*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Humans
  • Integrin beta4 / analysis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Receptor, Notch3
  • Receptors, Notch / physiology*
  • Spheroids, Cellular

Substances

  • CD24 Antigen
  • CD24 protein, human
  • ITGB4 protein, human
  • Integrin beta4
  • Notch3 protein, mouse
  • Receptor, Notch3
  • Receptors, Notch