234P Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells: Missing link in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cancer cells with characteristics similar to normal stem cells, including the ability for self-renewal and differentiation. CSCs can differentiate into tumor-supporting cells potentially enabling metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance. Complex networks involving several transcription factors, such as Nanog, Oct4, SOX2, and various miRNAs, have been identified to regulate CSC properties. The EMT is a process in which epithelial cells change their morphology, lose their polarity and acquire the migratory properties of mesenchymal cells.