Glioma Stem Cells

摘要: Gliomas are the most frequent primary brain tumors and classified as grade I to IV according their degree of malignancy (Daumas-Duport et al., 1988). Grade II gliomas clinically benign or semi-benign with relatively long-term survival, while III malignant lethal within several years. In particular, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), glioma often relapse even after radical surgical resection standard chemo/radiation therapies, because diffuse infiltration into surrounding parenchyma high chemo/radioresistance. Despite extensive efforts, overall survival GBM patients remains still short has not yet been dramatically improved for more than decades. GBMs composed various types cells distinct morphology clinical phenotypes. Their histological biological multiformity classically explained by stochastic clonal evolution model (Nowell, 1976). According this model, all tumor should have low but inheritable ability form tumors. However, recent evidence suggested another concept, cancer stem cell (CSC) hierarchy which shows that only a rare population proliferate (Jordan 2006). CSCs similar characters normal in way having self-renew differentiate multiple progenies organize tissue architectures. Exclusively, can uncontrollably propagate cells. CSC direct relevance replenishment, disease recurrence metastatic activity, suggesting be target eradicate The aim chapter is provide our insights how human glioma; i.e. (GSCs) attacked. first parts, we summarize general basis concept inclusive current knowledge on defined, technically prepared modeled, what characteristics possess. following part, highlight abnormal signaling pathways regulate potential therapeutic targets. Understanding framework GSC research field could help us think novel treatment strategy. Most importantly, however, enhanced resistance conventional chemotherapies. Considering fact, finally propose it promising strategy disrupt extracellular environments