Open AccessRecent Insights into PDGF‐Induced Gliomagenesis
Author(s) -
Calzolari Filippo,
Malatesta Paolo
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
brain pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.986
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1750-3639
pISSN - 1015-6305
DOI - 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2009.00335.x
Subject(s) - platelet derived growth factor receptor , platelet derived growth factor , glioma , neuroscience , progenitor cell , biology , growth factor , cell growth , cancer research , neurogenesis , cell , cell type , microbiology and biotechnology , stem cell , receptor , genetics
Gliomas are aggressive and almost incurable glial brain tumors which frequently display abnormal platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling. Evidence gained from studies on several in vivo animal models has firmly established a causal connection between aberrant PDGF signaling and the formation of some gliomas. However, only recently has significant knowledge been gained regarding crucial issues such as the glioma cell of origin and the relationship between the transforming stimulus and the cellular characteristics of the resulting tumor. Based on recent evidence, we propose that PDGF can bias cell‐fate decisions, driving the acquisition of cell type‐specific features by the progeny of multipotent neural progenitors, thus determining the shape and direction of the transformation path. Furthermore, recent data about the cellular mechanisms of PDGF‐driven glioma progression and maintenance indicate that PDGF may be required, unexpectedly, to override cell contact inhibition and promote glioma cell infiltration rather than to stimulate cell proliferation.