title: The etiopathogenesis of diffuse low-grade gliomas.
abstract: The origins of diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGG) are unknown. Beyond some limited data on their temporal and cellular origins, the mechanisms and risk factors involved are poorly known. First, based on strong relationships between DLGG development and the eloquence of brain regions frequently invaded by these tumors, we propose a "functional theory" to explain the origin of DLGG. Second, the biological pathways involved in DLGG genesis may differ according to tumor location (anatomo-molecular correlations). The cellular and molecular mechanisms of such "molecular theory" will be reviewed. Third, the geographical distribution of diffuse WHO grade II-III gliomas within populations is heterogeneous, suggesting possible environmental risk factors. We will discuss this "environmental theory". Finally, we will summarize the current knowledge on genetic susceptibility in gliomas ("genetic predisposition theory"). These crucial issues illustrate the close relationships between the pathophysiology of gliomagenesis, the anatomo-functional organization of the brain, and personalized management of DLGG patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM) - Val d'Aurelle, 208 Rue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France; Institute for Neuroscience of Montpellier, INSERM U1051, Team "Plasticity of Central Nervous System, Human Stem Cells and Glial Tumors," Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Medical Center, 34295 Montpellier, France. Electronic address: amelie.darlix@icm.unicancer.fr.
authors.forename: Amélie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darlix
authors.affiliation: Institute for Neuroscience of Montpellier, INSERM U1051, Team "Plasticity of Central Nervous System, Human Stem Cells and Glial Tumors," Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Medical Center, 34295 Montpellier, France; Tumor and Cell Biology Laboratory, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, Montpellier University Medical Center, 34295 Montpellier, France. Electronic address: c-goze@chu-montpellier.fr.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gozé
authors.affiliation: Institute for Neuroscience of Montpellier, INSERM U1051, Team "Plasticity of Central Nervous System, Human Stem Cells and Glial Tumors," Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Medical Center, 34295 Montpellier, France; Department of Pathology, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, Montpellier University Medical Center, 34295 Montpellier, France. Electronic address: v-rigau@chu-montpellier.fr.
authors.forename: Valérie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rigau
authors.affiliation: Institute for Neuroscience of Montpellier, INSERM U1051, Team "Plasticity of Central Nervous System, Human Stem Cells and Glial Tumors," Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Medical Center, 34295 Montpellier, France; Department of Neurosurgery, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, Montpellier University Medical Center, 34295 Montpellier, France. Electronic address: l-bauchet@chu-montpellier.fr.
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bauchet
authors.affiliation: Neuro-Oncology Unit, Nancy University Hospital, 29 Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 54000 Nancy, France. Electronic address: l.taillandier@chru-nancy.fr.
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Taillandier
authors.affiliation: Institute for Neuroscience of Montpellier, INSERM U1051, Team "Plasticity of Central Nervous System, Human Stem Cells and Glial Tumors," Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Medical Center, 34295 Montpellier, France; Department of Neurosurgery, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, Montpellier University Medical Center, 34295 Montpellier, France. Electronic address: h-duffau@chu-montpellier.fr.
authors.forename: Hugues
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Duffau
mesh_terms: D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005910:Glioma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D060787:Neoplasm Grading
keywords: Anatomo-molecular correlations; Brain–tumor interactions; Diffuse low-grade gliomas; Eloquent areas; Environmental risk factors; Genetic susceptibility; Oligodendroglial progenitor cells; Ultrastructural mechanisms