Abstract
Glioblastoma is a heterogeneous glial cell malignancy with extremely high morbidity and mortality. Current treatment is limited and provide minimal therapeutic efficacy. Previous studies were reliant on cell lines that do not accurately reflect the heterogeneity of the glioma microenvironment. Developing reliable models of human glioblastoma is therefore essential. Direct culture of human brain tumours is often difficult and there is a limited number of protocols available. Hence, we have developed an effective method for the primary culture of human glioblastoma samples obtained during surgical resection. Culturing tumour tissue direct from human brain is advantageous in that cultures (1) more closely resemble true human disease, relative to the use of cell lines; (2) comprise a range of cellular components present in the natural tumour microenvironment; and (3) are free of added antibodies and reagents. Additionally, primary glioblastoma cultures are valuable in studies examining the effects of anti-cancer pharmaceuticals and therapeutic agents, and can be further used in live cell imaging, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and immunoassay experiments. Via this protocol, cells are maintained in supplemented medium at 37 °C (5% CO2) and are expected to achieve sufficient confluency within 7 days of initial culture.
Highlights
Glioblastoma is the most predominant and aggressive central nervous system malignancy, accounting for over 60% of all brain tumours in adults [1]
Current treatments are limited in range and efficacy, with patients surviving for a median of only 14 to 15 months post-diagnosis [1]
A deeper understanding of glioblastoma pathology and the mechanisms of tumour pathogenesis is pivotal for research progression
Summary
Glioblastoma is the most predominant and aggressive central nervous system malignancy, accounting for over 60% of all brain tumours in adults [1]. A deeper understanding of glioblastoma pathology and the mechanisms of tumour pathogenesis is pivotal for research progression. The heterogeneity of glioblastoma is reflected by the crosstalk between tumour cells, microglia and a multitude of invading immune cells and cytokines [2,3]. This presents as a hurdle to overcome when developing reliable models of glioblastoma. Glioblastoma research has been based on data obtained from homogeneous, murine and patient-derived cell lines. While cell lines provide a rapid and reproducible means
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
