Biology and relevance of human acute myeloid leukemia stem cells

Evidence of human acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AML LSCs) was first reported nearly 2 decades ago through the identification of rare subpopulations of engrafting cells in xenotransplantation assays. These AML LSCs were shown to reside at the apex of a cellular hierarchy that initiates and maintains the disease, exhibiting properties of self-renewal, cell cycle quiescence, and chemoresistance. This cancer stem cell model offers an explanation for chemotherapy resistance and disease relapse and implies that approaches to treatment must eradicate LSCs for cure. More recently, a number of studies have both refined and expanded our understanding of LSCs and intrapatient heterogeneity in AML using improved…

• NY
  New York Stem Cell Foundation
• LA
  Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: R01CA188055
• MR
  Medical Research Council
• NH
  National Health and Medical Research Council
• NC
  National Cancer Institute

  Award: R01CA188055