Intro

Question 0

Different types of glial cells give rise to gliomas which can be classified according to their origin:

Answer 0

1. Astrocytomas (most aggressive).
2. Oligodendrogliomas.
3. Ependymomas.
4. Oligoastrocytomas.

Question 1

MC primary brain tumor:

Answer 1

Gliomas –> Deregulated proliferation of glial cells.

Question 2

Dysfunction of many critical signaling molecules like … have been shown to contribute to brain tumor formation.

Answer 2

1. Serine/threonine kinase AKT.
2. Ras.
3. MAP kinases.
4. EGFR.
5. VEGF.
6. Tyrosine kinase receptors.

Question 3

How are the cytokines regulated?

Answer 3

Strict limitation of their action through negative feedback mechanisms responsible either for the suppression of their expression or positive target responsiveness.

Question 4

What was the initial role of the cytokines?

Answer 4

They have been primarily characterized as essential mediators of brain development.

Question 5

Which cytokines have also a specific role in synaptogenesis, besides microglial and neuronal migration?

Answer 5

IL-6 and TGF-β.

Question 6

Is there an evidence of cytokine activity in the mature nervous system?

Answer 6

Yes.

Question 7

Function of cytokines in the mature nervous system?

Answer 7

An important function is their ability to modulate the release of specific neurotransmitters during an inflammatory reaction, regulating further the balance between healthy and non healthy situations.

Question 8

Moreover, extensive research on cytokine functions reveals what other specific actions?

Answer 8

Over fundamental cellular processes of glia, including regulation of cytoskeletal activity and cell survival.