Multiple Subsets of Brain Tumor Initiating Cells Coexist in Glioblastoma

Stem Cells. 2016 Jun;34(6):1702-7. doi: 10.1002/stem.2359. Epub 2016 Mar 28.

Abstract

Brain tumor-initiating cells (BTICs) are self-renewing multipotent cells critical for tumor maintenance and growth. Using single-cell microfluidic profiling, we identified multiple subpopulations of BTICs coexisting in human glioblastoma, characterized by distinct surface marker expression and single-cell molecular profiles relating to divergent bulk tissue molecular subtypes. These data suggest BTIC subpopulation heterogeneity as an underlying source of intra-tumoral bulk tissue molecular heterogeneity, and will support future studies into BTIC subpopulation-specific therapies. Stem Cells 2016;34:1702-1707.

Keywords: Brain tumor initiating cells; Glioblastoma; Microfluidics; Molecular heterogeneity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Glioblastoma / genetics
  • Glioblastoma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology*
  • Phenotype
  • Single-Cell Analysis
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor