Gliomagenesis and the use of neural stem cells in brain tumor treatment

Pragathi Achanta, Neda I. Sedora Roman, Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

The role of neural stem cells (NSCs) in both the physiological and pathological processes in the brain has been refined through recent studies within the neuro-oncological field. Alterations in NSC regulatory mechanisms may be fundamental for the development and progression of malignant gliomas. A subpopulation of cells within the tumor known as brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) have been shown to share key properties with NSCs. The BTSC hypothesis has significantly contributed to a potential understanding as to why brain tumors hold such dismal prognosis. On the other hand, the normal NSCs possess the capacity to migrate extensively towards the tumor bulk as well as to lingering neoplastic regions of the brain. The tropism of NSCs towards brain tumors may provide an additional tool for the treatment of brain cancer. The creation of potential therapies through the use of NSCs has been studied and includes the delivery of gene products to specific locations of the central nervous system selectively targeting malignant brain tumor cells and maximizing the efficiency of their delivery. Here, the proposed mechanisms of how brain tumors emerge, the molecular pathways interrupted in NSC pathogenesis and the most recent preclinical results in the use of NSCs for glioma treatment are reviewed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)121-130
Number of pages10
JournalAnti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Volume10
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Brain tumor stem cells
  • Brain tumors
  • Cell migration
  • Glioma treatment
  • Gliomagenesis
  • Neural stem cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Cancer Research

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