[Glial brain tumor stem cells]

The review gives the present views on the origin, identification markers, and specific features of the phenotype of glioma stem cells, considers how the latter interact with the cells of the microenvironment in the perivascular niches. Many signaling pathways that determine properties, such a higher invasive and angiogenic ability, a marked metabolic shift toward glycolysis, and resistance to radio- and chemotherapy, are shown to be activated in the glioma stem cells. The exposure of the latter may contribute to the improvement of the results of treatment for malignant gliomas.