title: Molecular pathogenesis of adult brain tumors and the role of stem cells.
abstract: Primary brain tumors consist of neoplasms with varied molecular defects, morphologic phenotypes, and clinical outcomes. The genetic and signaling abnormalities involved in tumor initiation and progression of the most prevalent adult primary brain tumors, including gliomas, meningiomas, and medulloblastomas, are described in this article. The current understanding of the cell-of-origin of these neoplasms is reviewed, which suggests that the malignant phenotype is propelled by cells with stem-like qualities. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of transformation and the cell-of-origin of these neoplasms will enable the formulation of more targeted treatment alternatives that could improve survival and quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115-6084, USA.
authors.forename: Claire M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Sauvageot
authors.forename: Santosh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kesari
authors.forename: Charles D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Stiles
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D016158:Genes, p53 / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger