Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is classified as a grade IV tumor (the highest grade) by the World Health Organization (WHO). As the deadliest type of adult brain tumor, only 5% of the GBM patients survive 5 years or more after diagnosis. Its high mortality rates are attributed to stem-like cancer cells within GBM, which result in tumor initiation, therapeutic resistance, and even tumor recurrence. By exploring the underlying mechanism of GBM stem cell induction and maintenance, the aim is to identify human genes that are induced in GBM cancer stem cells. The study will utilize quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (Q RT-PCR) and protein quantification immunoblotting assays (Western blotting) employing RNA and protein samples extracted from human brain tumor cells for analysis. The results of this study through a quantitative approach would benefit people who want to focus on the aspects of tumor angiogenesis (blood vessel growth), and the identification of genes induced in GSCs (Glioblastoma stem cells).

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Chang Sung

Department of Biology and Health Sciences