Stem cell-associated heterogeneity in Glioblastoma results from intrinsic tumor plasticity shaped by the microenvironment.

The identity and unique capacity of cancer stem cells (CSC) to drive tumor growth and resistance have been challenged in brain tumors. Here we report that cells expressing CSC-associated cell membrane markers in Glioblastoma (GBM) do not represent a clonal entity defined by distinct functional properties and transcriptomic profiles, but rather a plastic state that most cancer cells can adopt. We show that phenotypic heterogeneity arises from non-hierarchical, reversible state transitions, instructed by the microenvironment and is predictable by mathematical modeling.

Regulation of hypoxia-induced autophagy in glioblastoma involves ATG9A.

Background: Hypoxia is negatively associated with glioblastoma (GBM) patient survival and contributes to tumour resistance. Anti-angiogenic therapy in GBM further increases hypoxia and activates survival pathways. The aim of this study was to determine the role of hypoxia-induced autophagy in GBM.

Comprehensive analysis of glycolytic enzymes as therapeutic targets in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Major efforts have been put in anti-angiogenic treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive and highly vascularized brain tumor with dismal prognosis. However clinical outcome with anti-angiogenic agents has been disappointing and tumors quickly develop escape mechanisms. In preclinical GBM models we have recently shown that bevacizumab, a blocking antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, induces hypoxia in treated tumors, which is accompanied by increased glycolytic activity and tumor invasiveness.