RNA-Sequencing of Long-Term Label-Retaining Colon Cancer Stem Cells Identifies Novel Regulators of Quiescence

Abstract

Recent data suggests that colon tumors contain a subpopulation of therapy resistant quiescent cancer stem cells (qCSCs) that are the source of relapse following treatment. Here, using colon cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and xenograft (PDX) models, we identify a rare population of long-term label-retaining (PKH26Positive) qCSCs that can re-enter the cell cycle to generate new tumors. RNA-sequencing analyses demonstrated that these cells are enriched for stem cell associated gene sets such as Wnt and hedgehog signaling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), embryonic development, tissue development and p53 pathway but have downregulated expression of genes associated with cell cycle, transcription, biosynthesis and metabolism. Furthermore, qCSCs are enriched for p53 interacting negative regulators of cell cycle, including AKAP12, CD82, CDKN1A, FHL2, GPX3, KIAA0247, LCN2, TFF2, UNC5B and ZMAT3, that we show are indicators of poor prognosis and may be targeted for qCSC abolition. Interestingly, CD82, KIAA0247 and UNC5B proteins localize to the cell surface and may therefore be potential markers for the prospective isolation of qCSCs. These data support the temporal inhibition of p53 signaling for the elimination of qCSCs and prevention of relapse in colorectal cancer.