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Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections
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Targeting epigenetic mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy in gliomas

Panagiotis Skouras1, Mariam Markouli2, Ioanna Papadatou3

  • 1Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece; 1st Department of Neurosurgery, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|October 15, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Glioma drug resistance stems from epigenetic changes like DNA methylation and histone modifications. Understanding these mechanisms can reveal new targets for personalized glioma treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with significant treatment challenges.
  • Tumor heterogeneity and intrinsic resistance limit conventional therapies.
  • Epigenetic alterations interplay with genetic changes, enhancing glioma resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss epigenetic changes contributing to drug resistance in gliomas.
  • To identify novel therapeutic targets for overcoming glioma resistance.
  • To explore potential approaches for personalized glioma treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on glioma epigenetics and drug resistance.
  • Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs.
  • Discussion of the role of epigenetic plasticity and the tumor microenvironment.

Main Results:

  • Aberrant epigenetic patterns alter gene expression related to drug response and survival.
  • Epigenetic plasticity allows glioma cells to adapt and form resistant subpopulations.
  • The tumor microenvironment influences epigenetic regulation, complicating resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic modifications are key drivers of glioma drug resistance.
  • Targeting epigenetic mechanisms offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Personalized treatment approaches informed by epigenetic insights are crucial for improving glioma outcomes.
Keywords:
Drug resistanceGliomasHDAC inhibitorsHistone deacetylasesLncRNAsLysine demethylasesMiRNAsTMZ

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