Molecular pathogenesis of astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme

Our understanding of the complexity of genetic abnormalities involved in the tumourigenesis of malignant gliomas is as yet rudimentary. However, we can discern distinctive patterns of loss of genetic material and amplification of chromosomal regions that characterize both the different types of gliomas as well as the different malignancy grades. In this review, we discuss through specific examples of recent work on astrocytomas and glioblastoma multiforme, the importance of several tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes in the development of these glial tumours. In conclusion it would seem that distinct genetic changes in different genes, the protein products of which interact in particular growth control mechanism may lead to the same cellular abnormality. It seems likely that many further genetic abnormalities affecting genes coding for proteins, either involved in the cellular mechanisms yet identified or in new growth control mechanisms. Will be found in the near future.