Autophagy contributes to the survival of CD133+ liver cancer stem cells in the hypoxic and nutrient-deprived tumor microenvironment.

Highlights: [•] CD133+ cells exhibit lower sensitivity to H/S and greater tumorigenesis in mice. [•] CD133+ cells have higher autophagy level compared to CD133- cells. [•] Autophagy is involved in the tolerance of CD133+ cells to H/S. [•] Autophagy is essential for LCSCs maintenance. [•] Autophagy inhibitors may make LCSCs more sensitivity to the tumor microenvironment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]