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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

A Combinatorial Single-cell Approach to Characterize the Molecular and Immunophenotypic Heterogeneity of Human Stem and Progenitor Populations
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Characterizing Glioblastoma Heterogeneity via Single-Cell Receptor Quantification

Si Chen1, Thien Le2, Brendan A C Harley3,4

  • 1Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States.

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|July 28, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Glioblastoma (GBM) drug resistance may stem from cell diversity. A new qFlow cytometry method profiles plasma membrane tyrosine kinase receptors (RTKs) on single cells to understand this heterogeneity and guide future therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Dysregulated tyrosine kinase receptor (RTK) signaling is crucial in glioblastoma (GBM) development.
  • Therapeutic resistance in GBM is a significant challenge, potentially linked to tumor cell heterogeneity.
  • Glioblastoma-associated stem cells and endothelial cells contribute to this heterogeneity and drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce a high-throughput, quantitative method for profiling plasma membrane RTKs on single GBM cells.
  • To explore the role of cell heterogeneity in GBM drug resistance.
  • To present a novel qFlow cytometry approach for analyzing RTK expression.

Main Methods:

  • Review of RTK roles in cancer.
  • Discussion of GBM cell heterogeneity sources.
  • Application of a provisionally patented qFlow cytometry technique for single-cell RTK profiling.
  • Proof-of-concept study using patient-derived xenograft GBM models.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated a high-throughput, quantitative method for single-cell RTK profiling.
  • Provided insights into GBM cell heterogeneity and its link to drug resistance.
  • Successfully applied the qFlow cytometry approach in a patient-derived xenograft model.

Conclusions:

  • Single-cell RTK profiling offers a powerful approach to dissect GBM heterogeneity.
  • Understanding cell diversity is key to overcoming therapeutic resistance in glioblastoma.
  • The qFlow cytometry method shows promise for guiding personalized GBM treatment strategies.
Keywords:
EGFRIGFRRTKVEGFRglioblastomaheterogeneitysingle-cellstem cell

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