Alterations in the Brain Microenvironment in Diffusely Infiltrating Low-Grade Glioma

Abstract

Glioma cells diffusely infiltrate the surrounding brain tissue where they intermingle with nonneoplastic brain cells, including astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes and neurons. The infiltrative margins of glioma represent the structural and functional interface between neoplastic and nonneoplastic brain tissue that underlies neurologic alterations associated with glioma, including epilepsy and neurologic deficits. Technological advancements in molecular analysis, including single cell sequencing, now allow us to assess alterations in specific cell types in the brain tumor microenvironment, which can enhance the development of novel therapies that target glioma growth and glioma-induced neurologic symptoms.

Keywords: Diffuse astroctyoma; Microenvironment; Neuronal alterations; Oligodendroglioma.