Figure 1.

The role of “CSC niche” in regulating cancer stem cell properties. The Tumor associated macrophages (TAM) secretes cytokines initiating JAK/STAT and TGF-β signaling pathways. The regions where blood supply reduces creates hypoxia, which activates Hedge Hog (HH) WNT, Notch and Hippo signaling pathways. The regions where there is no oxygen and nutrient supply undergo necrosis, which creates an acidic pH that activates Notch and Hippo. Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) also secret factors that initiate different signaling pathways. As a result of the pathway activation, several CSC-associated molecules are activated that results in the induction of CSCs.