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Updated: May 22, 2026
Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections
Published on: July 31, 2017
The molecular profile of microglia under the influence of glioma
1Brain Tumor Research Laboratories, The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
Abstract:
Microglia, which contribute substantially to the tumor mass of glioblastoma, have been shown to play an important role in glioma growth and invasion. While a large number of experimental studies on functional attributes of microglia in glioma provide evidence for their tumor-supporting roles, there also exist hints in support of their anti-tumor properties. Microglial activities during glioma progression seem multifaceted. They have been attributed to the receptors expressed on the microglia surface, to glioma-derived molecules that have an effect on microglia, and to the molecules released by microglia in response to their environment under glioma control, which can have autocrine effects. In this paper, the microglia and glioma literature is reviewed. We provide a synopsis of the molecular profile of microglia under the influence of glioma in order to help establish a rational basis for their potential therapeutic use. The ability of microglia precursors to cross the blood-brain barrier makes them an attractive target for the development of novel cell-based treatments of malignant glioma.
Insights
Microglia play a complex role in glioblastoma, exhibiting both tumor-promoting and anti-tumor properties. Understanding their molecular profile is key to developing novel cell-based therapies for malignant glioma.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Microglia are key immune cells in the brain that significantly contribute to glioblastoma (GBM) tumor mass.
- Existing research presents conflicting evidence regarding microglia's role in glioma, suggesting both tumor-supportive and anti-tumor functions.
- Microglial behavior is influenced by glioma-derived molecules, cell surface receptors, and autocrine signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on microglia and glioma.
- To provide a synopsis of the molecular profile of microglia in the context of glioma.
- To establish a rational basis for the therapeutic use of microglia in malignant glioma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental studies on microglia in glioma.
- Analysis of molecular profiles of microglia under glioma influence.
- Evaluation of microglia precursor cell potential for therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Microglia exhibit multifaceted activities during glioma progression.
- Microglia's dual role (tumor-promoting vs. anti-tumor) is influenced by complex molecular interactions.
- Microglia precursors can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Conclusions:
- Microglia present a complex therapeutic target in glioblastoma due to their multifaceted roles.
- Targeting microglia's molecular profile offers potential for novel glioblastoma treatments.
- The ability of microglia precursors to cross the blood-brain barrier makes them promising candidates for cell-based therapies in malignant glioma.
