Gene signatures of quiescent glioblastoma cells reveal mesenchymal shift and interactions with niche microenvironment

Abstract

Our in vitro study in 3D GBM organoids supports the presence of a quiescent cell population that displays self-renewal capacity, high therapy resistance, and mesenchymal gene signatures. It also sheds light on how GBM cells may acquire and maintain quiescence through ECM organization and interaction with niche factors such as TGFβ and hypoxia. Our findings provide a starting point for developing strategies to tackle the quiescent population of GBM. FUND: National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).