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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Glioma-infiltrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Published on: November 28, 2015
Histidine-rich glycoprotein can prevent development of mouse experimental glioblastoma
Maria Kärrlander1, Nanna Lindberg, Tommie Olofsson
1Department of Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract:
Extensive angiogenesis, formation of new capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels, is an important feature of malignant glioma. Several antiangiogenic drugs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or its receptors are currently in clinical trials as therapy for high-grade glioma and bevacizumab was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of recurrent glioblastoma. However, the modest efficacy of these drugs and emerging problems with anti-VEGF treatment resistance welcome the development of alternative antiangiogenic therapies. One potential candidate is histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), a plasma protein with antiangiogenic properties that can inhibit endothelial cell adhesion and migration. We have used the RCAS/TV-A mouse model for gliomas to investigate the effect of HRG on brain tumor development. Tumors were induced with platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B), in the presence or absence of HRG. We found that HRG had little effect on tumor incidence but could significantly inhibit the development of malignant glioma and completely prevent the occurrence of grade IV tumors (glioblastoma).
Insights
Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) shows promise as an alternative anti-cancer therapy. HRG significantly inhibited malignant glioma development and prevented glioblastoma in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Malignant glioma exhibits extensive angiogenesis, a process targeted by anti-VEGF therapies like bevacizumab.
- Current anti-VEGF treatments for glioma show modest efficacy and face challenges with treatment resistance.
- Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a plasma protein with demonstrated antiangiogenic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) in inhibiting brain tumor development.
- To evaluate the effect of HRG on malignant glioma progression in a preclinical mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the RCAS/TV-A mouse model for glioma induction.
- Gliomas were induced by platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) in the presence or absence of HRG.
- Assessed tumor incidence, development, and grade, specifically focusing on glioblastoma (grade IV).
Main Results:
- HRG demonstrated minimal impact on overall tumor incidence.
- HRG significantly inhibited the development of malignant glioma.
- Complete prevention of grade IV tumor (glioblastoma) occurrence was observed with HRG treatment.
Conclusions:
- HRG is a potential alternative antiangiogenic therapy for malignant glioma.
- HRG effectively suppresses high-grade glioma and glioblastoma development in a preclinical setting.
- Further research into HRG as a glioma therapeutic is warranted.
