Glioblastoma stem cells: Molecular characteristics and therapeutic implications.
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a grade IV astrocytoma, with a median survival of 14.6 mo. Within GBM, stem-like cells, namely glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), have the ability to self-renew, differentiate into distinct lineages within the tumor and initiate tumor xenografts in immunocompromised animal models. More importantly, GSCs utilize cell-autonomous and tumor microenvironment-mediated mechanisms to overcome current therapeutic approaches. They are, therefore, very important therapeutic targets. Although the functional criteria defining GSCs are well defined, their molecular characteristics, the mechanisms whereby they establish the cellular hierarchy within tumors, and their contribution to tumor heterogeneity are not well understood. This review is aimed at summarizing current findings about GSCs and their therapeutic importance from a molecular and cellular point of view. A better characterization of GSCs is crucial for designing effective GSC-targeted therapies.
Nermin Sumru Bayin, Aram Sandaldjian Modrek, Dimitris George Placantonakis, Department of Neurosurgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
Nermin Sumru
NS
Bayin
Nermin Sumru Bayin, Aram Sandaldjian Modrek, Dimitris George Placantonakis, Department of Neurosurgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
Aram Sandaldjian
AS
Modrek
Nermin Sumru Bayin, Aram Sandaldjian Modrek, Dimitris George Placantonakis, Department of Neurosurgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
Dimitris George
DG
Placantonakis
Differentiation; Glioblastoma; Glioblastoma stem cells; Molecular markers; Self-renewal; Therapy resistance