Malignant Glioma: Lessons from Genomics, Mouse Models, and Stem Cells

Abstract

Eighty percent of malignant tumors that develop in the central nervous system are malignant gliomas, which are essentially incurable. Here, we discuss how recent sequencing studies are identifying unexpected drivers of gliomagenesis, including mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and the NF-κB pathway, and how genome-wide analyses are reshaping the classification schemes for tumors and enhancing prognostic value of molecular markers. We discuss the controversies surrounding glioma stem cells and explore how the integration of new molecular data allows for the generation of more informative animal models to advance our knowledge of glioma's origin, progression, and treatment.

Hyaluronic Acid Mediated Enrichment of CD44 Expressing Glioblastoma Stem Cells in U251MG Xenograft Mouse Model

“…Xenograft models give more simultaneity and reproducibility with their high incidence of the tumor formation Also they allow easy tumor visualization for the drug development process and efficient penetrance of the drug interactions with the tumor [35,36]. Further the establishment of the model system will be advantageous for the replenishment of CSC, as in long turn in vitro culture system these cells undergo differentiation to normal cancer cells.…”

c(RGDyK)-decorated Pluronic micelles for enhanced doxorubicin and paclitaxel delivery to brain glioma

“…1 Despite several treatment options, including surgical resection and radiation, tumor recurrence is common. 2 The median survival time of patients with glioblastoma multiforme, which is the most common and malignant subtype of glioma, is 12-18 months after diagnosis.…”

Function of neuronal nitric oxide synthase enzyme in temozolomide-induced damage of astrocytic tumor cells

“…Beyond modeling tumor pathogenesis, the results from animal models have also identified potential targets for glioma chemotherapy (64)(65)(66)(67). The present study revealed that suppressing the nNOS enzyme improves the effects of TMZ on glioblastoma cells.…”