Glioblastoma stem cell (GSC)

Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are a specialized subpopulation of cells within glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) characterized by their ability to self-renew and differentiate into various neural lineages (Lathia et al., 2015, Genes & Dev). These cells are considered the primary drivers of tumor initiation, maintenance, and recurrence, as they often survive conventional treatments like radiation and chemotherapy (Bao et al., 2006, Nature). GSCs reside in protective microenvironments known as niches, which help maintain their stem-like state and protect them from immune surveillance (Hambardzumyan & Bergers, 2015, Trends in Cancer). Because GSCs are highly plastic and heterogeneous, they represent a significant challenge for drug development, as targeting a single pathway often leads to the emergence of resistant clones. Current therapeutic strategies focus on identifying specific surface markers like CD133 or targeting essential signaling pathways such as Notch and Hedgehog to eradicate this resilient cell population (Singh et al., 2004, Nature). Furthermore, the interaction between GSCs and the vascular niche promotes angiogenesis, further complicating treatment efforts (Bao et al., 2006, Nature). Eradicating GSCs is widely viewed as essential for achieving long-term remission in patients with glioblastoma.

Other names

Brain tumor-initiating cellGlioblastoma-initiating cellGlioma stem-like cellGlioblastoma multiforme cell

Therapeutic agents targeting glioblastoma cells primarily function through DNA alkylation to induce cell cycle arrest, inhibition of pro-angiogenic signaling to disrupt the tumor microenvironment, or the blockade of specific growth factor receptors to prevent proliferation (Stupp et al., 2005, NEJM; Friedman et al., 2009, JCO).