Genetic evidence of the neoplastic nature of gemistocytes in astrocytomas.

摘要: Gemistocytic astrocytoma is characterized by a predominance of large astrocytes with plump processes and massive accumulation glial fibrillary acidic protein (gemistocytes). This histological variant low-grade diffuse (WHO grade II) prone to more rapid progression anaplastic glioblastoma than the ordinary astrocytoma. The biological basis this unfavorable prognosis unclear, since gemistocytes themselves have low proliferative activity, even if present in astrocytomas or glioblastomas. has raised question whether are neoplastic cells dysplastic reactive astrocytes. In study, non-gemistocytic were separated laser-assisted microdissection from six gemistocytic carrying TP53 mutations. all cases, identical mutations identified both cell types, indicating that indeed cells. Their lack activity may indicate terminal differentiation.