Several biomarkers have been identified that can potentially indicate the presence of glioblastoma (GBM):
Established Biomarkers
1. MGMT (O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase): Methylation status of MGMT is a widely accepted biomarker that provides prognostic and predictive information[1].
2. IDH1 (Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1): Mutations in IDH1, particularly R132H, are considered a favorable prognostic biomarker for GBM patients, especially in younger patients (18-45 years)[1].
3. EGFR (Epidermal growth factor receptor): Amplification of EGFR is associated with GBM[6].
4. TERT (Telomerase reverse transcriptase): Mutations and polymorphisms in the TERT promoter have been linked to GBM[6].
Emerging Biomarkers
5. MMP9 (Matrix metallopeptidase 9): Identified as a potential hub biomarker gene in GBM[4].
6. POSTN (Periostin): Another potential hub biomarker gene in GBM[4].
7. HES5 (Hes family BHLH transcription factor 5): Also identified as a potential hub biomarker gene[4].
8. SNAP25 (Synaptosome Associated Protein 25): Significantly downregulated in GBM tissues and may inhibit glioma cell proliferation[6].
9. NDUFB7 (NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Subunit B7): Downregulated in GBM tissues and may influence cell apoptosis in glioma cells[6].
Circulating Biomarkers
10. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and extracellular vesicles: These can be detected in blood samples and may provide information about tumor dynamics[3].
11. Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs): Promising source of GBM biomarkers that can be obtained non-invasively[5].
These biomarkers can potentially aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring treatment response in GBM patients. However, it’s important to note that research is ongoing, and the clinical utility of some of these markers is still being evaluated.
[1] Molecular Biomarkers in Glioblastoma: A Systematic Review … – NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9408540/
[2] A Synopsis of Biomarkers in Glioblastoma: Past and Present – MDPI https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/46/7/412
[3] Circulating biomarkers in patients with glioblastoma – Nature https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-019-0603-6
[4] System biology approach to identify the novel biomarkers in … https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1364138/full
[5] Glioblastoma biomarkers in urinary extracellular vesicles reveal the … https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-023-02548-9
[6] Potential glioblastoma biomarkers identified by mass spectroscopy … https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10363635/
