Nestin (NES) (NES)

Nestin is a type VI intermediate filament protein that serves as a hallmark of neural progenitor cells and is significantly upregulated in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (Dahlstrand et al., 1992; PMID: 15150103). The glioma-associated nestin promoter / transcriptional state refers to the specific regulatory environment in which the Nestin gene is active, characterizing a population of glioma stem cells (GSCs) that drive tumor growth and recurrence (Neftel et al., 2019; PMID: 31327413). This transcriptional state is a focal point for therapeutic development, particularly in gene therapy, where the Nestin promoter is used to drive the selective expression of oncolytic viruses or cytotoxic genes within tumor cells (Kambara et al., 2005; PMID: 15611137). For example, the oncolytic virus rQNestin34.5 utilizes the Nestin promoter to ensure viral replication is restricted to Nestin-expressing glioma cells, thereby minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue (Ishiwata et al., 2011; PMID: 21415461). Consequently, while Nestin itself is a structural protein, its promoter and the associated transcriptional state represent a critical molecular switch for precision oncology in high-grade gliomas.

Other names

NESIntermediate filament protein nestinType VI intermediate filamentNestin promoter

Promoter-driven selective expression of therapeutic genes or oncolytic viral replication within Nestin-positive glioma cells.