Loss of GFAP expression in high-grade astrocytomas does not contribute to tumor development or progression

Ulrika Wilhelmsson, Camilla Eliasson, Rolf Bjerkvig, Milos Pekny*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

49 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In astrocytic neoplasms, the number of cells expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is inversely proportional to the extent of anaplasia. The loss of GFAP expression, the principal marker of astroglial cells, in these tumors has been proposed to constitute a step in their development and progression. To test this hypothesis, we crossed p53-negative (p53-/-) mice, which frequently develop astrocytomas after intrauterine exposure to ethylnitrosourea, with GFAP-negative (GFAP-/-) mice or GFAP+/+ controls. Brain tumors of glial origin were found in 12 of 35 GFAP+/+ p53-/- mice (34%) and in 11 of 27 GFAP-/- p53-/- mice (41%). The two groups did not differ in the age at which tumors were detected or in tumor histology or progression. Thus, the loss of GFAP expression frequently seen in high-grade astrocytomas does not constitute a step in tumor development. Rather, it may represent the undifferentiated state of these cells.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3407-3411
Number of pages5
JournalOncogene
Volume22
Issue number22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 May 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Astrocytoma
  • Gene targeting
  • Glial fibrillary acidic protein
  • Intermediate filaments
  • p53

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Loss of GFAP expression in high-grade astrocytomas does not contribute to tumor development or progression'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this