Principles of stem cell pathway heterogeneity in tumor sub-populations

There is an ongoing debate on heterogeneity of stem cell parameters in tumor cells and the existence of tumor stem cells. The enclosed project proposal uses cell cycle parameters and stem cell pathways to analyze and determine mechanisms for creating and maintaining cell heterogeneity in tumors. Parallels to somatic stem cell populations will be drawn. Obtained findings will be used for identifying therapeutic substances that abrogate specifically slow cycling sub-populations in solid tumors.