MicroRNAs as regulators of neural stem cell-related pathways in glioblastoma multiforme

Mol Neurobiol. 2011 Dec;44(3):235-49. doi: 10.1007/s12035-011-8196-y. Epub 2011 Jul 5.

Abstract

MicroRNAs are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that have been described as highly conserved regulators of gene expression. They are involved in cancer and in the regulation of neural development and stem cell function. Recent studies suggest that a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has the capacity to repopulate solid tumours such as glioblastoma (GBM), drive malignant progression and mediate radio- and chemoresistance. GBM-derived CSCs share the fundamental stem cell properties of self-renewal and multipotency with neural stem cells (NSCs) and may be regulated by miRNAs. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of miRNAs in GBM development with a focus on the regulation of GBM-CSCs. We propose a list of miRNAs that could serve as molecular classifiers for GBMs and/or as promising therapeutic targets for such brain tumours.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Brain Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Glioblastoma / genetics*
  • Glioblastoma / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Microarray Analysis
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / physiology
  • Neural Stem Cells / cytology
  • Neural Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs