The identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of malignant brain tumors.

A two-step strategy was developed consisting of differential display reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR) with cultured normal human fetal astrocytes and U-373MG glioma cells followed by reverse Northern analysis of normal brain and primary tumor tissues. hu-dek, alpha-NAC, ribosomal proteins L7a and L35a, and five novel genes were identified. Since none of these genes has been previously shown to be associated with malignant brain tumor formation, this approach may be useful to identify novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors.

Beta1,6-N-acetylglucosamine-bearing N-glycans in human gliomas: implications for a role in regulating invasivity.

The metastatic potential of tumor cells has been shown to be correlated with the expression of tri- and tetra-antennary beta1,6-N-acetylglucosamine (beta1,6-GlcNAc)-bearing N-glycans, which are recognized by Phaseolus vulgaris leukoagglutinating lectin (L-PHA). The expression of beta1,6-GlcNAc-bearing N-glycans also has been used as a marker of tumor progression in human breast and colon cancers. In this report, the role of N-glycan branching in regulating glioma migration and invasion was examined.

alpha2,3-sialyltransferase mRNA and alpha2,3-linked glycoprotein sialylation are increased in malignant gliomas.

CMP-NeuAc: Galbeta1,3(4)GlcNAc alpha2,3-sialyltransferase (alpha2,3-ST) mRNA was expressed in human glioma specimens, human fetal astrocytes, and a panel of brain tumor cell lines. Maackia amurensis agglutinin staining revealed the presence of alpha2,3-linked sialic acids on glioma cell surfaces and extracellular matrices whereas normal human adult astrocytes were negative. Increased expression of alpha2,3-linked glycoprotein sialylation may play a role in glial tumorigenesis.

The expression of CMP-NeuAc: Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc alpha 2,6 sialyltransferase [EC 2.4.99.1] and glycoproteins bearing alpha 2,6-linked sialic acids in human brain tumours.

The expression of CMP-NeuAc: Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc alpha 2,6 sialyltransferase (alpha 2,6-ST) [EC 2.4.99.

Acoustic nerve tumor surgery before and since the laser: comparison of results.

A random computer selection of 21 patients who underwent 28 operations for acoustic neurinoma between 1974 and 1980 using conventional methods, including the operating microscope and microtechnique, was compared with a cohort of 22 patients who underwent 25 operations between 1980 and 1984 utilizing a carbon dioxide laser. Completeness of tumor removal, anatomical and functional preservation of the facial nerve, preservation of hearing, morbidity and mortality, average hospital stay, and eventual outcome were used as markers and were compared. Utilizing P values, the study demonstrated a significantly superior outcome, and as a result a better life quality, in patients who were operated on utilizing a CO2 laser in addition to conventional microsurgical technique.