Research Highlights:

Protein Markers in Glioma Research

Author: Laura Pozzi Ph.D., Scientific Content Manager, Atlas Antibodies AB, Sweden

Recent studies in glioma research have revealed the critical importance of new biomarkers to revolutionize the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of this aggressive brain tumor. By leveraging protein markers, researchers can gain greater insight into the underlying mechanisms of gliomas and develop more effective therapeutic strategies.

Gliomas are a type of brain tumor that arises from the glial cells, which provide support and nourishment to the neurons. They are known to be highly invasive and aggressive, making them one of the most challenging types of brain tumors to treat. Protein markers play a crucial role in understanding the underlying mechanisms of these tumors and developing effective treatment strategies. Read on to discover how our antibodies are used in glioma research.

Traditionally, glioma diagnosis relied on imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological analysis. While these methods are extremely valuable, they have limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Protein markers offer the potential for more precise and reliable diagnostic approaches, leading to early detection and ultimately improved patient outcomes.

Understanding Glioma Biomarkers

Biomarkers are measurable substances or indicators that can be found in the body and are associated with a particular condition or disease. In the context of glioma research, biomarkers serve as crucial tools for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and monitoring treatment response. They provide valuable information about the genetic, molecular, and metabolic alterations associated with gliomas.

In gliomas neuropathological diagnostics, antibodies directed towards proteins such as IDH (isocitrate dehydrogenase), ATRX (alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked), GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein), SYN (synaptophysin), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), p53 (tumor suppressor protein 53), and the proliferation marker Ki-67 (MKI67) are the gold standard and routinely used for gliomas classification.

Glioma Markers - Download the white paper

The Limitations of Current Biomarkers

Currently, the most commonly used biomarker for glioma is isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status (WHO CNS5, 2021, Louis 2021).

IDH mutations are found in a significant proportion of lower-grade gliomas and are associated with better overall survival. However, IDH mutations are not present in all gliomas, particularly in high-grade gliomas. IDH mutations occur in about 80% of all grade II/III gliomas (low-grade gliomas) and secondary glioblastomas. IDH mutations are rare in many grade I gliomas (gangliogliomas, subependymal giant cell tumors, pilocytic astrocytomas, ependymomas, and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma) (Thien Nhat Tran, N. The Distribution and Significance of IDH Mutations in Gliomas. IntechOpen, 2022).

Another limitation is the lack of specific biomarkers that can accurately predict treatment response and monitor disease progression. Existing biomarkers, such as O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status, have shown some promise but are not universally applicable (Butler M, et al., MGMT Status as a Clinical Biomarker in Glioblastoma. Trends Cancer. 2020 May;6(5):380-391).

These limitations highlight the need for additional biomarkers that can complement the existing ones and provide a more comprehensive understanding of glioma biology. There is a pressing need for biomarkers that can accurately predict treatment response, allowing for personalized therapeutic strategies and better clinical outcomes.

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The need for new biomarkers in glioma research is clear. By complementing traditional diagnostic methods and providing valuable insights into tumor biology, biomarkers can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of glioma management and hold the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of gliomas.

The availability of robust biomarkers can facilitate early detection of gliomas, enabling intervention at the earliest possible stage. Early diagnosis often translates into better treatment outcomes, as it allows for prompt initiation of appropriate therapies and reduces the risk of tumor progression.

ATRX Marker for Glioma - Download the white paper

Our antibodies are used worldwide: read the latest publications in glioma research

Ajuyah P, et al. Histone H3-wild type diffuse midline gliomas with H3K27me3 loss are a distinct entity with exclusive EGFR or ACVR1 mutation and differential methylation of homeobox genes. Sci Rep 13, 3775 (2023). Featured antibody: Anti-EZHIP (HPA004003)
Chang PC, et al. Ancient ubiquitous protein 1 (AUP1) is a prognostic biomarker connected with TP53 mutation and the inflamed microenvironments in glioma. Cancer Cell Int 23, 62 (2023). Featured antibody: Anti-AUP1 (HPA007674)
Che H, et al. HNF4G accelerates glioma progression by facilitating NRP1 transcription. Oncol Lett. 2023 Feb 1;25(3):102. Featured antibody: Anti-HNF4G antibody (HPA005438)
Fang C, et al. URB2 as an important marker for glioma prognosis and immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Mar 24;14:1113182. Featured antibody: Anti-URB2 (HPA008902)
Ferreyra Vega S, et al. Longitudinal DNA methylation analysis of adult-type IDH-mutant gliomas. acta neuropathol commun 11, 23 (2023). Featured antibody: Anti-ATRX (HPA001906)
Liu H, et al. Correlation between ITGB2 expression and clinical characterization of glioma and the prognostic significance of its methylation in low-grade glioma(LGG). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Jan 13;13:1106120. Featured antibody: Anti-ITGB2 (HPA008877)
Schönrock A, et al MEOX2 homeobox gene promotes growth of malignant gliomas. Neuro Oncol, 2022 Apr 25; 24(11):1911-1924. Featured antibody: Anti-MEOX2 (HPA053793)
Su T, et al. SDHB immunohistochemistry for prognosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: A retrospective and prospective analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Mar 16;14:1121397. Featured antibody: Anti-SDHB antibody (HPA002868)
Zhou Q, et al. A circular RNA derived from GLIS3 accelerates the proliferation of glioblastoma cells through competitively binding with miR-449c-5p to upregulate CAPG and GLIS3. BMC Neurosci, 2022 Sep 16; 23:53. Featured antibody: Anti-CAPG (HPA019080)