Featured Post from ChristianaCare

Researchers Discover That Cancer Stem Cell Populations in Colorectal Cancers Are Diverse, Not Uniform

Apr 4, 2023

4 min

Discovery may lead to more precise treatments for advanced colorectal cancer


Researchers at ChristianaCare’s Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute have demonstrated for the first time that microRNA (miRNA) expression leads to a diversity of cancer stem cells within a colorectal cancer tumor. This diversity of cancer cells may explain why advanced colorectal cancer is difficult to treat. Study results have been in the Journal of Stem Cell Research and Therapy.


The findings broaden the understanding of how miRNA expression adds to cancer stem cell diversity and may lead to more precise anti-cancer treatments for patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The research builds on prior discoveries by scientists at the Graham Cancer Center about how cancer stem cell activity contributes to the development and spread of colorectal cancer.


“Our research shows — at least in the laboratory — that there are different subpopulations of cancer stem cells in a tumor, and they may be driving the growth of the cancer,” said Principal Investigator Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D., MSPH, FACP, medical director of Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Biology at the Graham Cancer Center. “In one subpopulation of cancer stem cells, its miRNA will shut down the stem cell genes that are expressed in another subpopulation, and vice versa, within the same tumor.”


From left: ChristianaCare researchers Lynn Opdenaker, Ph.D., Brian Osmond, Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D., Chi Zhang, Victoria Hunsu, Caroline Facey, Ph.D. Not pictured Victoria Stark, MS.


The study focused on the composition of cancer stem cells within a colorectal cancer cell line (HT29) in the laboratory setting. Researchers evaluated the different cancer stem cell subpopulations that were identified by examining patterns of miRNA expression in each subpopulation and looking for differences. The researchers found that each of the four diverse subpopulations that were studied (ALDH, LRIG1, CD166 and LGR5) had a different miRNA expression or gene signature.


The researchers found that miRNA expression could inhibit the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries instructions from the DNA to encode specific proteins within cells. Therefore, miRNA, by controlling gene expression, dictate which proteins are contained in the stem cells. The researchers discovered the miRNA that are upregulated in certain cancer stem cell subpopulations are downregulated in other cancer stem cell subpopulations. In this way, differential miRNA expression leads to cancer stem cell heterogeneity within colorectal tumor tissue.


“It’s an early research finding and needs to be followed up with other experiments, but it has clear relevance to the clinic,” Boman said. “The question is: Can you target the miRNA to make cancer more sensitive to certain treatments? Because we know what the current anti-cancer treatments are targeting, we may be able to modulate or manipulate the cancer, so it becomes more sensitive to the treatment.”


Identification of a network of genes regulated by microRNAs in a cancer stem cell subpopulation.



For more than a decade, ChristianaCare’s researchers have contributed to the understanding of the role that cancer stem cells and miRNA expression play in the development and spread of colorectal cancer. This latest finding builds on earlier discoveries that examined a link between two cellular signaling pathways: retinoic acid (RA) signaling and wingless-related integration site (WNT) signaling, which are dysregulated by different gene mutations in colorectal tumors.


The RA signaling pathway induces growth arrest and differentiation of cancer stem cells. Notably, retinoic acid is effective against other types of cancer such as leukemia. The role of the WNT signaling pathway has an opposite effect on tumor growth. The WNT signaling pathway is activated by a mutation in the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene in about 90% of cases of colorectal cancer. In APC mutant tissue, dysregulated miRNA expression may underlie an imbalance between the RA and WNT signaling, which then leads to intratumoral cancer stem cell heterogeneity. Still, this mechanism that may enable the cancer to proliferate could also provide clues on how to more effectively treat cancer.


“If you’ve got an imbalance between these two signaling pathways, then you’ve likely got a growth driver,” Boman said. “The question is: Can you suppress the WNT signaling and enhance the retinoic acid signaling?”


It may be possible to increase the sensitivity of colorectal cancer to retinoic acid-type drugs, and therapeutically shift the balance between different cancer stem cell subpopulations, thereby suppressing cancer growth. More research is needed to determine how targeted cancer therapies containing retinoic acid-type drugs may be made more effective against advanced cancer.


This research will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Orlando, Florida, April 14-19.


This research project was supported by a grant from the Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation.

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from ChristianaCare

3 min

Jennifer Oldham of ChristianaCare Champions Life-Saving CPR Care

“Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother/ You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.” Nearly 50 years since this song’s debut, the faint symphony of the Bees Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” can be still heard around the world, though not only through an ordinary radio or Bluetooth speaker. Some people, like Jennifer Oldham, MSN, RN, CEN, AACC, play the tune in their thoughts when giving and demonstrating rhythmic CPR compressions. The song’s tempo serves as guidance to match the timing of CPR chest compressions. Oldham, a cardiovascular quality and innovation nurse program manager at ChristianaCare’s Center for Heart & Vascular Health, has dedicated the last three decades to teaching others about harnessing the power of CPR to save patients and loved ones. She knows firsthand the miracles CPR can produce. Knowledge is power Community members, health care professionals and students have the ability to save a life thanks to Oldham. She’s conducted dozens of classes and lectures to give nurses and bystanders the tools and confidence to perform CPR in an emergency. Her profound work recently earned her an honor at the American Heart Association’s Delaware Heart Ball. The Heart Association recognized four individuals representing four key tenets or “chambers” — “discovery, advocacy, equity, and knowledge.” Oldham was chosen as the honoree for the Knowledge Chamber for her dedication to empowering others with life-saving education and tools. “Jen Oldham’s work is the heartbeat of our Knowledge Chamber. Her dedication to CPR education reflects the very mission of the American Heart Association – to ensure more lives are saved through awareness and action,” said Ellen Vild, director of the Delaware Heart Ball. “Jen’s story reminds us that knowledge is power, but more importantly, it’s compassion in action. We are honored to recognize her as someone who lives that mission every single day.” Oldham’s colleague Neil Wimmer, M.D., MS, interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, was delighted to see her recognized. “Jen is an amazing colleague and friend who is driven by compassion and empathy. She makes everyone in our state safer, whether they know it or not,” Wimmer said. The gift of life To Oldham, teaching others about CPR is rewarding. She makes a meaningful impact on patients’ lives every day through care, education, emotional support and community connection. CPR is more than just a technique, she said: It’s a lifechanging bond. “In my opinion, performing CPR is one of the most kind and loving acts one person can do for another. It is incredibly intimate … laying hands on someone’s chest and pushing, circulating their blood to save their life,” Oldham said. “What a beautiful gift to give someone — the gift of life, the gift of more time with their loved one.” Walking to save lives The ChristianaCare team and Oldham support heart health as part of the annual Wilmington Heart Walk. Last year they raised over $42,000 for the American Heart Association to fund research and education to help Americans live longer, healthier lives. Oldham has been a co-chair of the event since 2017 and is a strong advocate of the AHA’s mission. Valerie Dechant, M.D., MBA, FACP, chief medical officer of Christiana Hospital, knows the value of Oldham’s efforts in the community. “Jen’s passion for educating the public about acute cardiac emergencies is unmatched,” she said. “With decades of experience and a remarkable ability to translate clinical expertise into clear actionable knowledge, she empowers others to learn to feel confident and prepared in a crisis.”

1 min

ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove Grand Opening Draws Over 1,500 Guests for a Day of Celebration and Community

In a landmark moment for ChristianaCare, more than 1,500 guests gathered on Saturday, July 26, to celebrate the grand opening of ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove, the organization’s first neighborhood hospital in its 188-year history. The event was a vibrant showcase of community spirit, heartfelt connection and ChristianaCare’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care. “This day was about more than opening our doors. It was about opening our hearts to the community,” said Pauline Corso, president of Ambulatory Network Continuity and Growth at ChristianaCare. “We are here to serve, to listen and to grow with the people of West Grove,” Corso said. “Today’s celebration was a joyful reflection of that commitment.” The West Grove campus was full of energy and excitement, with activities for all ages. Kids enjoyed face painting and bounce houses, while families took guided tours of the new hospital, sampled tasty treats and checked out emergency vehicles during the popular Touch-a-Truck experience. The ChristianaCare LifeNet helicopter was a crowd favorite. Guests were among the first to step inside the state-of-the-art facility and meet the caregivers who will soon deliver health care with excellence and love, right in the heart of southern Chester County. Set to open in mid-August, ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove introduces a new model of emergency and acute care designed to meet the needs of the community. The exact opening date will be confirmed following final inspection by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, scheduled for the first week of August.

3 min

ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove to Open Mid-August 2025

ChristianaCare is opening its first neighborhood hospital in the company’s 188 year history — ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove. Set to open in mid-August, this facility offers a new model of emergency and acute care right in the heart of southern Chester County. The exact opening date will be confirmed following final inspection by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which is scheduled to occur in the first week of August. A Modern Hospital, Right in the Neighborhood Located at 1015 West Baltimore Pike, the 20,000-square-foot hospital will operate 24/7, offering around-the-clock care in a modern, easy-to-access setting. Developed in partnership with Emerus Holdings, Inc., the nation’s leading developer of neighborhood hospitals, this facility brings high-quality acute and emergency care directly into the community. It will be staffed with board-certified emergency physicians, skilled nurses and clinical specialists, all dedicated to delivering patient-first, efficient and compassionate care. “It’s an honor and privilege to expand access to high-quality care for our neighbors in southern Chester County,” said Janice Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare. “We will be opening our doors for the families in this community with a steadfast commitment to being their trusted health care partner. We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring love and excellence to those we will serve.” Convenient, Comprehensive Services ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove is designed to meet a wide range of everyday medical needs. Key features include: A full-service emergency department with 10 treatment rooms. A 10-bed inpatient unit for overnight stays, observation and diagnostics. Advanced imaging and lab services, including ultrasound, CT scan and X-ray. Virtual access to specialists in such areas as cardiology, critical care and infectious disease. The emergency department is equipped to treat conditions such as falls, injuries, heart attacks and strokes. Patients requiring surgery or more complex care will be stabilized and seamlessly transferred to a hospital with more expanded service offerings based on the clinical needs of the patient. “This neighborhood hospital brings the right mix of services to support the health and well-being of our neighbors,” said Pauline Corso, president of ambulatory network continuity and growth at ChristianaCare. “We’re excited to bring care close to home to meet the needs of the community. We’re here to stay and grow alongside this community.” The project has received strong local support and was made possible in part by generous grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Chester County Board of Commissioners — Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe — whose leadership helped bring this vision to life. Health Center Expands Access to Primary and Specialty Care As part of its long-term investment in the West Grove Campus, ChristianaCare has also purchased the building at 900 W. Baltimore Pike, across the street from the hospital. This facility currently houses a ChristianaCare primary care practice and imaging services, offering walk-in X-rays and scheduled mammography and ultrasound appointments. This health center will continue to evolve to meet the growing needs of the community. Meeting Regional Needs with a Broader Vision ChristianaCare is expanding its neighborhood hospital model to address care gaps across southeastern Pennsylvania. New hospitals are being planned for Aston and Springfield Townships in Delaware County, with the Aston location already under construction and expected to open in late 2026. In addition, ChristianaCare was the successful bidder for Crozer Health outpatient centers in Glen Mills, Havertown, Broomall and Media, further strengthening its regional footprint and ability to deliver timely, high-quality care. A Legacy of Care in Southeastern Pennsylvania ChristianaCare’s presence in the region is long-standing. The organization currently provides primary care at three Chester County locations — Kennett Square, Jennersville and West Grove — and recently opened a cardiology practice in West Grove. In neighboring Delaware County, the Concord Health Center in Chadds Ford offers a wide range of services, including primary care, women’s health, sports medicine, and behavioral health. Together, these sites serve as the medical home for more than 25,000 residents, underscoring ChristianaCare’s deep commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality care where it’s needed most.

View all posts
Powered by