Role of Oncogenic K-Ras in Cancer Stem Cell Activation by Aberrant Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Abstract

K-Ras mutation activates CSCs, contributing to colorectal tumorigenesis and metastasis in CRC cells harboring APC mutations. Initial activation of β-catenin by APC loss and further enhancement through K-Ras mutation induces CD44, CD133, and CD166 expression.