Targeting glioblastoma stem cells: cell surface markers

Curr Med Chem. 2012;19(35):6050-5.

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor and among the most lethal cancers. There is increasing evidence that cancer stem cells within GBMs, which are often referred to as glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), play a critical role in tumor initiation and maintenance. Identification of novel markers for GSCs will lead to better targeting of GSCs which could have tremendous impact on treatment of GBMs. Cell surface markers are particularly suitable as therapeutic targets. Although several promising cell surface markers have successfully been used for enrichment of GSCs, their functional roles in maintenance of GSC properties as well as in GBM formation and development remain to be characterized. In this review, we primarily summarize recent advances in identification of GSC markers, with a particular focus on cell surface markers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Glioblastoma / metabolism*
  • Glioblastoma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Proteomics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Membrane Proteins