Amino Acids Transport as an Index of Cancer Stem Cells Dysregulation

The appearance, proliferation, metastasis, and even resistance to chemotherapy depend on the molecular identity of the so-called Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). A plethora of evidence points out an activity-dependent abnormal cell signaling that develops in differential transcriptomic patterns. Understanding these altered communication pathways will result in a rationale targeted treatment. Since the metabolic requirements of CSCs are highly dependent on amino acid supply, plasma membrane transporters and their regulatory elements play a significant role in the cellular transformation that we commonly call malignancy. This chapter analyzes the current knowledge of the plausible involvement of deregulated amino acid transport systems in CSCs and their upstream regulators. Moreover, identifying metabolic CSC subpopulations favors a new interpretation of liver cancer development. We further discuss the future direction in delineating the progressive metabolic reprogramming of these stem cells which will undoubtedly provide a novel alternative to the design of successful chemotherapies.