The functional role of tumor suppressor genes in gliomas - Clues for future therapeutic strategies

Abstract

The ability to transfer exogenous genes to cancer cells has yielded a wealth of information about the neoplastic processes that occur at molecular and cellular levels. Current research focuses on defining the biochemical factors that govern the interplay between cell growth and cell death in gliomas. The identification of tumor suppressor genes has greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanism of brain tumors. Accomplishing the transition from basic science to clinical practice is a major challenge for the future of brain tumor research. The concept of tumor suppressor genes is examined, with particular emphasis on the functional studies of the role of the p53, p16, Rb, and P..