Chemoresistance is associated with cancer stem cell-like properties and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether apoptosis-resistant cancer cells have cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties.

Methods: Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells were incubated in the presence of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for 24 h, and further incubated without 5-FU for 28 days. To assess the capacity of self-renewal, surviving cells were planted for sphere-forming assay. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was induced with TGF-β, then mRNA expression was evaluated by real-time PCR for E-cadherin, SNAIL, and vimentin. The E-Cadherin protein levels were also examined by immunoblot analysis. The Local invasion ability was analyzed by Matrigel invasion assay.

Results: The frequency of cells that were capable of initiating spheres was higher in 5-FU-pre treated cells, which also overexpressed stem cell marker genes, OCT4 and NANOG. Matrigel invasion activity of apoptosis-resistant Panc-1 cells was greater than that of control Panc-1 cells.

Conclusions: Apoptosis-resistant cancer cells have CSC-like properties, i.e., able to initiate sphere formation, express stem cell genes, and respond to EMT stimulation.