Genetics and epigenetics of gliomas

Gliomas are the most common primary intrinsic brain tumours. Their classification is based on phenotypic resemblance to normal glial cells (astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, mixed oligoastrocytomas) and pathological grading. Whereas this system is clinically relevant and has been the basis for our...

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Main Author: Mario Luca Suvà
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SMW supporting association (Trägerverein Swiss Medical Weekly SMW) 2014-10-01
Series:Swiss Medical Weekly
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.smw.ch/index.php/smw/article/view/1933
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author Mario Luca Suvà
author_facet Mario Luca Suvà
author_sort Mario Luca Suvà
collection DOAJ
description Gliomas are the most common primary intrinsic brain tumours. Their classification is based on phenotypic resemblance to normal glial cells (astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, mixed oligoastrocytomas) and pathological grading. Whereas this system is clinically relevant and has been the basis for our understanding of gliomas, systematic use of next-generation sequencing has transformed our knowledge of their pathogenesis and has uncovered genetic changes in an unanticipated number of genes and regulatory elements. In the past few years, in-depth analysis of low-grade astrocytomas and glioblastomas in both paediatric and adult populations has clarified our molecular understanding of these diseases, with distinct molecular events occurring in different age groups. In oligodendrogliomas, recent studies have highlighted mutations in candidate tumour suppressor genes located on 1p/19q, chromosome arms frequently deleted in this tumour. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries in the genetics of adult and paediatric gliomas, and highlight how some of the founding genetic mutations reshape the cancer epigenome. These studies provide an in-depth view of the molecular routes leading to brain tumour development and will be key for refining classification systems and improving clinical care.
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spelling doaj.art-13c1e45b5681446c9f19b69a7f8259be2022-12-22T03:03:51ZengSMW supporting association (Trägerverein Swiss Medical Weekly SMW)Swiss Medical Weekly1424-39972014-10-01144434410.4414/smw.2014.14018Genetics and epigenetics of gliomasMario Luca Suvà Gliomas are the most common primary intrinsic brain tumours. Their classification is based on phenotypic resemblance to normal glial cells (astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, mixed oligoastrocytomas) and pathological grading. Whereas this system is clinically relevant and has been the basis for our understanding of gliomas, systematic use of next-generation sequencing has transformed our knowledge of their pathogenesis and has uncovered genetic changes in an unanticipated number of genes and regulatory elements. In the past few years, in-depth analysis of low-grade astrocytomas and glioblastomas in both paediatric and adult populations has clarified our molecular understanding of these diseases, with distinct molecular events occurring in different age groups. In oligodendrogliomas, recent studies have highlighted mutations in candidate tumour suppressor genes located on 1p/19q, chromosome arms frequently deleted in this tumour. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries in the genetics of adult and paediatric gliomas, and highlight how some of the founding genetic mutations reshape the cancer epigenome. These studies provide an in-depth view of the molecular routes leading to brain tumour development and will be key for refining classification systems and improving clinical care. https://www.smw.ch/index.php/smw/article/view/1933Epigeneticsgeneticsadult gliomaspaediatric gliomasnovel fusion genesintra-tumoural heterogeneity
spellingShingle Mario Luca Suvà
Genetics and epigenetics of gliomas
Swiss Medical Weekly
Epigenetics
genetics
adult gliomas
paediatric gliomas
novel fusion genes
intra-tumoural heterogeneity
title Genetics and epigenetics of gliomas
title_full Genetics and epigenetics of gliomas
title_fullStr Genetics and epigenetics of gliomas
title_full_unstemmed Genetics and epigenetics of gliomas
title_short Genetics and epigenetics of gliomas
title_sort genetics and epigenetics of gliomas
topic Epigenetics
genetics
adult gliomas
paediatric gliomas
novel fusion genes
intra-tumoural heterogeneity
url https://www.smw.ch/index.php/smw/article/view/1933
work_keys_str_mv AT mariolucasuva geneticsandepigeneticsofgliomas