Analysis of gene expression and chemoresistance of CD133+ cancer stem cells in glioblastoma

Abstract

Background: Recently, a small population of cancer stem cells in adult and pediatric brain tumors has been identified. Some evidence has suggested that CD133 is a marker for a subset of leukemia and glioblastoma cancer stem cells. Especially, CD133 positive cells isolated from human glioblastoma may initiate tumors and represent novel targets for therapeutics. The gene expression and the drug resistance property of CD133 positive cancer stem cells, however, are still unknown.

Advances in Diagnostic and Treatment Modalities for Intracranial Tumors

“…A growing body of evidence has implicated tumor cells with stem cell‐like properties as a potential source of both tumor initiation and tumor recurrence or resistance to treatment 215, 216, 217. Although this is still a controversial area of research, many investigators have defined populations of tumor cells that have genetic and epigenetic phenotypes similar to primitive precursor cells with molecular profiles more typical of cells during brain neuro‐ and gliogenesis and development 218.…”

High expression of leptin receptor leads to temozolomide resistance with exhibiting stem/progenitor cell features in gliobalastoma

“…15,16 We therefore hypothesized that ObR+ cells might exhibit intrinsic properties of stem/progenitor cells. For this purpose, we first evaluated the expression of CD133, Nestin, and GFAP in ObR+ and U87R cells by using immunofluorescence.…”

Pediatric Ependymoma: Biological Perspectives

“…Indeed, a recent report has shown increased resistance of CD133+ glioblastoma cells in response to treatment with chemotherapeutic agents such as temozolomide, carboplatin, paclitaxel (Taxol), and etoposide (VP16; ref. 168), suggesting this may also be a method of resistance worth analyzing in ependymoma. The next generation of chemotherapeutic drugs may include a cocktail of chemosensitizers and cytotoxic agents that alter ABC-transporter activity.…”