White matter tracts (WMs) are one of the main invasion paths of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The lack of ideal research models hinders our understanding of the details and mechanisms of GBM invasion along WMs. To date, many potential in vitro models have been reported; nerve fiber culture models and nanomaterial models are biocompatible, and the former have electrically active neurons. Brain slice culture models, organoid models, and microfluidic chip models can simulate the real brain and tumor microenvironment (TME), which contains a variety of cell types. These models are closer to the real in vivo environment and are helpful for further studying not only invasion along WMs by GBM, but also perineural invasion and brain metastasis by solid tumors.
Brain Neoplasms , Glioblastoma , White Matter , Humans , Glioblastoma/metabolism , Glioblastoma/pathology , White Matter/metabolism , White Matter/pathology , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Brain Neoplasms/metabolism , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Cell Line, Tumor , Tumor Microenvironment
Recent studies have revealed that glioma-associated mesenchymal stem cells play instrumental roles in tumorigenesis and tumour progression and cannot be ignored as a cellular component of the glioma microenvironment. Nevertheless, the origin of these cells and their roles are poorly understood. The only relevant studies have shown that glioma-associated mesenchymal stem cells play a large role in promoting tumour proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis. This review provides a comprehensive summary of their discovery and definition, origin, differences from other tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, spatial distribution, functions and prognostic and therapeutic opportunities to deepen the understanding of these cells and provide new insight into the treatment of glioma.
Brain Neoplasms , Glioma , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Humans , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Cell Proliferation , Glioma/pathology , Tumor Microenvironment
