International Journal of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (IJMCM)

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cells within tumors that exhibit stem cell-like characteristics, including the ability to self-renew and differentiate. CSCs are the cause of carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis. The expression of cell surface markers, which varies linked to the kind of tumor, is utilized to recognize CSCs. An essential part of tumor invasion and metastasis is played by CSCs. Numerous investigations have been carried out to find distinguished markers and different phenotypes of CSCs, which are especially crucial for identifying and separating this subset of cells. It was discovered that the regulation of CSCs involves a multitude of signaling pathways. These cells are determined by their ability to self-renewal pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT3, PTEN/PI3-K/Akt, and Hedgehog, their surface biomarkers, and their resistance to many drugs. Aberrant activation of these signaling pathways is associated with cell growth. Thus, focusing on CSCs is seen to be a viable anti-cancer treatment approach. It is encouraging that CSCs' self-renewal pathways present a viable target for changing their survival tactics and limiting their capacity to proliferate tumors. This study highlights the characterization and investigation of CSC self-renewal pathways, also discusses potential targeted therapy for CSC, and gives a summary of the significant factors and pathways that adjust CSC formation.