The molecular genetics of nervous system tumors

Major insights have resulted in the last few years from the application of the techniques of molecular genetics to problems of development, differentiation, growth control, and neoplasia. It is now recognized that these problems are often actually different facets of the central question: how are genes regulated under various circumstances? These problems are of particular interest to neurosurgeons insofar as they relate to the mechanisms of development and differentiation of the nervous system and its tumors. This review attempts to provide an introduction to the salient issues and to the current state of knowledge in these various fields in order to promote an understanding of nervous system neoplasia and of areas that bear potential importance for research and therapy.