Year: 2012
Type: review
Abstract: Microglia, which contribute substantially to the tumor mass of glioblastoma, have been shown to play an important role in glioma growth and invasion. While a large number of experimental studies on functional attributes of microglia in glioma provide evidence for their tumor-supporting roles, there also exist hints in support of their anti-tumor properties. Microglial activities during glioma progression seem multifaceted. They have been attributed to the receptors expressed on the microglia surface, to glioma-derived molecules that have an effect on microglia, and to the molecules released by microglia in response to their environment under glioma control, which can have autocrine effects. In this paper, the microglia and glioma literature is reviewed. We provide a synopsis of the molecular profile of microglia under the influence of glioma in order to help establish a rational basis for their potential therapeutic use. The ability of microglia precursors to cross the blood-brain barrier makes them an attractive target for the development of novel cell-based treatments of malignant glioma.
Source: Neuro-Oncology
Authors: W. Li, M. B. Graeber
Institution: The University of Sydney
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2111354523