Astrocytes reverted to a neural progenitor-like state with transforming growth factor alpha are sensitized to cancerous transformation.

ABSTRACT: Gliomas, the most frequent primitive central nervous system tumors, have been suggested to originate from astrocytes or from neural progenitors/stem cells. However, the precise identity of the cells at the origin of gliomas remains a matter of debate because no pre-neoplastic state has been yet identified. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, an epidermal growth factor family member, is frequently overexpressed in the early stages of glioma progression. We previously demonstrated that prolonged exposure of astrocytes to TGF-alpha is sufficient to trigger their reversion to a neural progenitor-like state. To determine whether TGF-alpha dedifferentiating effects are associated with cancerous transforming effects, we grafted intracerebrally dedifferentiated astrocytes. We show that these c

SUBMITTER: Dufour C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3245240 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature