POU5F1 and neoplasm: Ectopic expression of Oct4 and Nanog in lung cancer cells was associated with a significant increase in the percentage of CD133+ cell and mesenchymal cell populations, the ability to form tumour spheres and enhanced drug resistance.25 To provide further support the contention that thiostrepton is a potential anti‐CSC agent, we utilized a cell model that A549 cells with overexpression of Oct‐4A/Nanog exhibits enhanced CSC characteristics and EMT potential.