Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Glioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor in humans, and the second most common in canines. This tumor type originates from glial cells in the brain and is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes regulating important cellular functions. The current diagnosis of glioma is based on histopathological evaluations and gradings. The complexity of the disease requests advanced gene technologies and bioinformatics tools which can aid in the development of new and better diagnosis criteria and therapies. Using Genome wide association studies (GWAS) several genes have been found to be associated with glioma. And with next generation sequencing (NGS) methods, large amounts of genetic information can be produced, stored and analyzed for a low cost. Glioma develops spontaneously in dogs in a similar fashion as in humans and is proposed as a model in glioma research. The findings of new genes associated with glioma can be used for gene, small molecular and immune therapies. Receptor tyrosine kinases VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, EGFR-1, PDGFR, EGFR and c-MET have been found to be overexpressed in both canine and human gliomas, and growth-factor-targeted therapies have been proposed as treatment for gliomas in canine and humans. Gene therapies including methods as; conditionally cytotoxic therapies, suppression of angiogenesis, immune stimulation, tumor suppressors etc. are progressing in research and clinical trials. No therapy has yet been developed that alone can cure or slow the growth of glioma effectively, but several are in use for complementary treatment in humans. The use of dogs in glioma research and clinical trials can hopefully provide novel findings on how to proceed with more effective therapies and earlier diagnosis. This is a review of the genetics behind glioma and how this information can be used in research for better treatment.