Insights into the Biological Properties of Prostate Cancer Stem Cells: Implications for Cancer Progression and Therapy

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second prevalent cancer in men. Recent studies have highlighted the critical role of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) in driving tumor initiation and metastasis of the prostate tissue. PCSCs are a rare population of cells in the prostate that possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, making them a potential therapeutic target for effective PCa treatment. Therefore, targeting PCSCs might be a novel strategy for the treatment of PCs. Research has shown that various signaling pathways, such as Notch, SHH, TGF-β, Wnt, STAT3, AKT, and EGFR, are involved in regulating PCSC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Additionally, non-coding RNAs, such as long ncRNAs and miRNAs, have emerged as critical regulators of PCSC pathogenesis and drug resistance. Here, we highlight that targeting these pathways could offer new opportunities for the management of PCa. This review summarizes the current knowledge surrounding the essential signaling pathways implicated in PCSC tumorigenesis and invasiveness.