{"title":"Tumor heterogeneity and resistance in glioblastoma: the role of stem cells.","authors":"Nikita Ghosh, Debarpan Chatterjee, Aparna Datta","doi":"10.1007/s10495-025-02123-y","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor, characterized by its heterogeneity and the presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are a subpopulation of cells within the tumor that possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, contributing to tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence. This review explores the unique biological properties of GSCs, including their molecular markers, signalling pathways, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. We discuss the mechanisms by which GSCs evade conventional therapies, such as enhanced DNA repair and metabolic plasticity, which complicate treatment outcomes. Furthermore, we highlight recent advancements in identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that may improve the efficacy of treatments aimed at GSCs. The potential of targeted therapies, including immunotherapy and combination strategies, is also examined to overcome the challenges posed by GSCs. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of GSC biology is essential for developing personalized treatment approaches that can enhance patient outcomes in glioblastoma.</p>","PeriodicalId":8062,"journal":{"name":"Apoptosis","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.1000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Apoptosis","FirstCategoryId":"99","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10495-025-02123-y","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor, characterized by its heterogeneity and the presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are a subpopulation of cells within the tumor that possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, contributing to tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence. This review explores the unique biological properties of GSCs, including their molecular markers, signalling pathways, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. We discuss the mechanisms by which GSCs evade conventional therapies, such as enhanced DNA repair and metabolic plasticity, which complicate treatment outcomes. Furthermore, we highlight recent advancements in identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that may improve the efficacy of treatments aimed at GSCs. The potential of targeted therapies, including immunotherapy and combination strategies, is also examined to overcome the challenges posed by GSCs. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of GSC biology is essential for developing personalized treatment approaches that can enhance patient outcomes in glioblastoma.
期刊介绍:
Apoptosis, a monthly international peer-reviewed journal, focuses on the rapid publication of innovative investigations into programmed cell death. The journal aims to stimulate research on the mechanisms and role of apoptosis in various human diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disease, viral infection, AIDS, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, osteoporosis, and aging. The Editor-In-Chief acknowledges the importance of advancing clinical therapies for apoptosis-related diseases. Apoptosis considers Original Articles, Reviews, Short Communications, Letters to the Editor, and Book Reviews for publication.