Clinical correlation of cancer stem cells in low and high grade glioma of North Indian population

Background

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are resistant to radiation and chemotherapy, and are most likely cause of cancer recurrence in glioma. Therefore, we aimed at profiling of different CSCs in low and high grade astrocytoma; and their clinical correlation with histopathological parameters, survival and clinical outcome.

Methods

The expression of various CSC markers was compared between tumor tissues and neurospheres derived from low and high grade glioma using RT-PCR, flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

CD44, CD44v6, Nestin and EpCAM mRNA expression levels were upregulated in PA patients. All newly diagnosed DA patients showed upregulation of mRNA expressions of Nestin, CD44, CD44v6, Musashi-1, Bmi-1, Nanog, Sox-2 and Oct4. Almost 50% of the patients enrolled in newly diagnosed DA patients showed upregulation of mRNA expression levels of CD133 and EpCAM. Expression levels of CD90 mRNA was absent in all newly diagnosed DA. The expression levels of various CSCs in newly diagnosed cases of GBM patients were significantly higher than AA patients except for EpCAM and Oct-4. Interestingly, embryonic stem cells markers such as Oct4 and Nanog mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in follow up cases of GBM in comparison to newly diagnosed cases. One recurrent case of GBM showed upregulation of mRNA levels of Nestin, CD44, CD44v6, Bmi-1, EpCAM and Sox-2 when compared to non-neoplastic brain tissues. Furthermore, CD133, CD90, Oct4 and Nanog showed no mRNA expression. These results showed a positive concordance between mRNA expression of CD133, CD44, CD90, Nestin, Musashi-1, BMI-1 and SOX-2 with the immunohistochemical as well as flow cytometry analysis. A significant correlation (P 

Conclusions

The study gives an important insight of CSC signature genes which correlates with clinical outcome and demonstrates the clinical relevance of CSCs in low grade and high grade astrocytoma.

Clinical trial identification

Legal entity responsible for the study

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi

Funding

Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, New Delhi

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.