Cytoskeletal and Cytoskeleton-Associated Proteins: Key Regulators of Cancer Stem Cell Properties

Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells possessing stemness characteristics that are closely associated with tumor proliferation, recurrence and resistance to therapy. Recent studies have shown that different cytoskeletal components and remodeling processes have a profound impact on the behavior of CSCs. In this review, we outline the different cytoskeletal components regulating the properties of CSCs and discuss current and ongoing therapeutic strategies targeting the cytoskeleton. Given the many challenges currently faced in targeted cancer therapy, a deeper comprehension of the molecular events involved in the interaction of the cytoskeleton and CSCs will help us identify more effective therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs and ultimately improve patient survival.

Keywords: cancer stem cells; cytoskeletal; cytoskeleton-associated proteins; drug resistance; metastasis; recurrence.

Figure 1

Actin-binding proteins. This figure shows the proteins involved in actin binding, capping, cross-linking, bundling, severing and anchoring.

Figure 2

Schematic representation of microtubule−associated protein (MAP) binding to microtubules at different sites. The main proteins include microtubule crystal−binding proteins (MAP tau, MAP2, ATIP3, and katanin), microtubule movement proteins in which kinesins carry organelles or molecules to the plus−end of microtubules (anterograde transport); dyneins that transport cellular molecules to the minus−end of microtubules (retrograde transport); multisite microtubule−binding protein stathmin (STMN1); microtubule plus−end−binding proteins (EB and CLASPs); and microtubule minus−end-binding proteins (CAMSAP1, CAMSAP2 and CAMSAP3).