The evolution and application of techniques in molecular biology to human brain tumors: a 25 year perspective.
Since the establishment of the AANS/CNS Section on Tumors in 1984, neurosurgeons have been actively involved in basic science research of human brain tumors that has moved the field forward considerably. Here, we chronicle the major advances that have been made with respect to our understanding of the concepts guiding the biology of human malignant brain tumors. Numerous technical advances in science, such as the development of gene transfer techniques, the polymerase chain reaction, the discovery of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and the refinement of approaches to cancer cytogenetics have enabled researchers to identify many of the non-random genetic alterations associated with brain tumor growth, invasion, immunology, angiogenesis and apoptosis. These data led to some astounding progress, for example with the use of gene therapy, whereby in the 1990s several human clinical trials were conducted for patients with brain tumors. More recently, the human genome project has been completed providing a blueprint for the human species. What has followed are exciting new techniques in molecular biology such as transcriptional profiling, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-arrays, array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH), microRNA profiling, and detection of epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes. The cancer genome is now being sequenced at break neck speed using advanced DNA sequencing techniques. We are on the threshold of cataloguing the major genetic alterations observed in all human brain tumors. What will follow is modeling of these genetic alterations in systems that will allow for the development of novel pharmacotherapeutics and translational research therapies.
The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, The University of Toronto, Suite 1503, 555 University Avenue, M5G 1X8 Toronto, ON, Canada. james.rutka@sickkids.ca
James T
JT
Rutka
Paul
P
Kongkham
Paul
P
Northcott
Carlos
C
Carlotti
Mustafa
M
Guduk
Hirokatsu
H
Osawa
Orlando
O
Moreno
Ho Jun
HJ
Seol
Andres
A
Restrepo
Adrienne
A
Weeks
Shoichi
S
Nagai
Christian
C
Smith
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*