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Updated: May 22, 2026
Imaging Glioma Initiation In Vivo Through a Polished and Reinforced Thin-skull Cranial Window
Published on: November 20, 2012
The cellular origin for malignant glioma and prospects for clinical advancements
Hui Zong1, Roel G W Verhaak, Peter Canoll
1Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA. hzong@molbio.uoregon.edu
Abstract:
Glioma remains incurable despite great advancements in medicine. Targeting the cell of origin for gliomas could bring great hope for patients. However, as a collection of diverse diseases, each subtype of glioma could derive from a distinct cell of origin. To resolve such a complex problem, one must use multiple research approaches to gain deep insights. Here we review current evidence regarding the cell of origin from clinical observations, whole-genome molecular pathology and glioma animal models. We conclude that neural stem cells, glial progenitors (including oligodendrocyte progenitor cells) and astrocytes could all serve as cells of origin for gliomas, and that cells incurring initial mutations (cells of mutation) might not transform, while their progeny cells could instead transform and act as cells of origin. Further studies with multidisciplinary approaches are needed to link each subtype to a particular cell of origin, and to develop effective therapies that target the signaling network within these cells.
Insights
Identifying the cell of origin for gliomas is crucial for developing new treatments. Research suggests neural stem cells, glial progenitors, and astrocytes are potential glioma origins, with mutations possibly occurring in precursor cells.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Glioma is an incurable brain tumor with diverse subtypes.
- Identifying the cell of origin is key to developing targeted therapies.
- Current understanding of glioma origins remains incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the cell of origin for various glioma subtypes.
- To explore the potential cellular origins of gliomas using multiple research approaches.
- To provide insights into the cellular mechanisms driving glioma development.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical observations.
- Analysis of whole-genome molecular pathology data.
- Examination of established glioma animal models.
Main Results:
- Neural stem cells, glial progenitors (including oligodendrocyte progenitor cells), and astrocytes are identified as potential cells of origin for gliomas.
- Initial mutations may occur in non-transforming cells, with their progeny becoming the cells of origin.
- The cell of origin may differ among glioma subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Multiple cell types can serve as origins for gliomas.
- Understanding the cell of origin is critical for advancing glioma therapy.
- Multidisciplinary research is essential to link specific glioma subtypes to their cellular origins and develop targeted treatments.
