[Genetic and molecular abnormalities of glioblastomas (GBM)]

This presentation reports a series of data dealing with recurrent genetic abnormalities and gene expression profiles that characterize primary glioblastomas and secondary glioblastomas resulting from the transformation of low grade tumors (grade II and III astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas). The most recent aspects of the concept of tumor stem cells that may explain the relentless growth of GBM will be reported. Molecular features of tumor neoangiogenesis will be described. Epigenetic alterations and deregulation of gene expression by microRNAs (miRs) will be also included. Some aspects of tumor predisposition will be also discussed. Finally, a short description of exosomes as vectors of tumor information will be presented.