Abstract
Tumors are complex collections of heterogeneous cells with recruited vasculature, inflammatory cells, and stromal elements. Neoplastic cells frequently display a hierarchy in differentiation status. Recent studies suggest that brain tumors have a limited population of neoplastic cells called cancer stem cells with the capacity for sustained self-renewal and tumor propagation. Brain tumor stem cells contribute to therapeutic resistance and tumor angiogenesis. In this minireview, we summarize recent data regarding critical signaling pathways involved in brain tumor stem cell biology and discuss how targeting these molecules may contribute to the development of novel anti-glioma therapies.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / physiology
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Brain Neoplasms / genetics
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Brain Neoplasms / physiopathology*
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Glioma / genetics
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Glioma / physiopathology*
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Hedgehog Proteins / physiology
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Humans
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MicroRNAs / genetics
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Models, Biological
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Neoplastic Stem Cells / physiology*
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RNA, Neoplasm / genetics
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Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / physiology
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Receptors, Notch / physiology
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Signal Transduction / physiology*
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / physiology
Substances
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Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
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Hedgehog Proteins
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MicroRNAs
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RNA, Neoplasm
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Receptors, Notch
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
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Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases