P19 embryonal carcinoma stem cells (CSCs)
constitute an appropriate model for the study of cancer
stem cell maintenance and differentiation. In fact, upon its
loss of pluripotency through differentiation with retinoic
acid these cells retain their immortalized phenotype [21,
22]. We had previously observed that P19 CSCs possess
specific mitochondrial and metabolic properties that are
altered during cell differentiation. These properties are
inter-connected with pluripotency and resistance to the
mitochondrial agent dichloroacetate. Thus, the stimulation
of mitochondrial activity by culturing P19 stem cells in
galactose (glucose-free), glutamine/pyruvate- containing
medium reduced their glycolytic phenotype and
stemness, triggered cell differentiation, and increased the
susceptibility of P19 cells to dichloroacetate