Alfa Cytology is a leading global life sciences company. We are committed to advancing the understanding of the biological behavior and molecular pathways underlying the growth, survival, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) and to developing new targets and therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer (PC). In addition to obtaining sufficient numbers of functional CSCs, we also offer characterization services for pancreatic CSCs.
Overview of Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy characterized by high-rate distant metastasis and recurrence. 80% of patients with pancreatic cancer are inoperable at diagnosis, and there is no curative therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer. Many studies support that cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to pancreatic cancer initiation, metastasis, and chemotherapy and radiation resistance.
Fig. 1 CSC-mediated immune escape and self-renewal. (Gupta, G.; et al., 2022)
Our Services
CSCs are a small population of cancer cells that can self-regenerate, heterogeneous replication, tumorigenicity, and resistance to apoptosis. There are several commonly used experimental methods to identify CSCs, including sphere-forming assays, the detection of CSC-specific marker expression, and the detection of side population (SP) cells with intracellular to extracellular pumping functions. We offer customized and comprehensive pancreatic CSC detection and identification services to meet the specific project needs of our clients. Our services include but are not limited to the following.
Sphere-forming Assays
Cell spheres formed by normal or cancerous neural tissues under non-adherent culture conditions indicate their ability to self-renew. In the sphere-formation assay, CSCs are incubated in ultra-low attachment dishes, and the CSCs will form floating colonies. The sphere-forming cells have stem cell capacities and exhibit a higher rate of tumor formation compared to non-spherical cells.
Detection of Surface Marker Expression
There are several CSC-specific markers reported in PC. Among them, CD133 CD24, CD44, ESA, and CXCR4 are regarded as the major cell-membrane markers of pancreatic CSCs. We can detect these markers as described above for our customers.
- CD24
- CXCR4
- CD44
- ESA/EpCAM
- CD133
- ABCG2
- c-Met
- ALDH-1
Investigation of Sphere Stem Cell Property
Important markers of embryonic stem cells, such as Oct4 and Nanog are used to evaluate the properties of stem cells.
Chemotherapy Resistance
Chemotherapy resistance is considered a particular characteristic of pancreatic CSCs. Anti-neoplastic drugs such as 5-FU are used to evaluate the cells' drug resistance.
Detection of SP Cells
SP cells can exclude the DNA dye Hoechst 33342, which is thought to have CSC-like characteristics in some tumors. Hoechst 33342 is added to PDAC cells and then incubated to analyze SP cells.
Tumorigenicity In vivo
To assess the tumor initiation ability of pancreatic CSCs, the cells are injected subcutaneously into nude mice, and tumor growth is observed.
Why Choose Us?
Scientific Experience
Professional team of scientists and more than ten years of experience in pancreatic cancer
Customized Service
Tailored services dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction
Data Security
Strictly keep confidential the client's project information and experimental data
Quick Reply
Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday
As the scientific machine continues to turn, Alfa Cytology is committed to keeping pace. We continue to expand our services and improve our existing resources to help our customers accelerate their research and support their careers. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to working on your next projects!
Reference
- Gupta, G.; et al. Cancer resistance to immunotherapy: What is the role of cancer stem cells?. Cancer Drug Resist. 2022, 5, 981-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/cdr.2022.19
