Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and normal stem cells (NSCs) both display phenotypic and functional plasticity and share stemness features and common microenvironmental interactions. The interplay between CSCs and other cells in their niche has been implicated in tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. 

Researchers co-led by Ludwig Princeton’s Yibin Kang and Hirak Sarkar discuss in this review how different spatial technologies are used to identify NSCs and CSCs and characterize their respective niches. Additionally, they review the current challenges and technological limitations in characterizing such niches and the computational approaches used to address them.