Deciphering the “Rosetta Stone” of ovarian cancer stem cells: Opportunities and challenges

Jixue Tan & Shengtao Zhou et al. · 2025-05-06

Ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) play a pivotal role in the initiation, maintenance, and progression of ovarian cancer, functioning through complex molecular mechanisms that are closely linked to metastasis and drug resistance. The complexity of these underlying mechanisms contributes to cancer hallmarks such as the high plasticity of OCSCs, leading to chemotherapy resistance; activation of invasion and metastasis, epigenetic reprogramming, and cell death resistance; and deregulation of cellular metabolism. OCSCs are characterized by the expression of markers including ALDH, CD133, CD44, and CD24. They preserve their stemness through intricate molecular mechanisms that involve interactions with the tumor microenvironment and various signaling pathways. To investigate these molecular mechanisms, both in vitro and in vivo models of OCSC have been established. The results of these studies can be applied in clinical practice, facilitating the development of various new therapies. This review aims to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which OCSCs function, highlighting significant opportunities for future research aimed at improving ovarian cancer treatment.
Authors
Jixue Tan, Bohao Zheng, Shengtao Zhou
Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China

2022YFA1106600

National Natural Science Foundation of China

82273255

National Natural Science Foundation of China

81821002

National Natural Science Foundation of China

81822034

National Natural Science Foundation of China

82325039