Comparative gene expression profile analysis of neurofibromatosis 1-associated and sporadic pilocytic astrocytomas.

摘要: Pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) are WHO grade I brain tumors that do not typically progress to more malignant grades of astrocytoma. Whereas there have been significant advances in the molecular genetics high-grade astrocytomas, relatively little is known about genetic changes associated with PA formation. In an effort better characterize these low-grade neoplasms, we compared gene expression profiles six sporadic and two neurofibromatosis 1-associated PAs other tissues cell lines both astrocytic oligodendroglial origin. Hierarchical cluster analysis data clearly delineated from oligodendrogliomas normal white matter. The NF1-associated one displayed were closely related those cultured human fetal astrocytes. However, also expressed individual genes lineage (e.g., proteolipid protein PMP-22). patterns specific ApoD) unique tumors, whereas characteristic encountered. Differential transcripts, neural cellular adhesion molecule connexin-43, was confirmed at level, suggesting molecules might be particularly important pathogenesis tumors. We conclude genetically gliomas resemble astrocytes and, a lesser extent, precursors.