The activity of four transcription factors — proteins that regulate the expression of other genes — appears to distinguish the small proportion of
glioblastoma cells responsible for the aggressiveness and treatment resistance of the deadly brain tumor.
Small populations of adult stem
cells with somewhat limited developmental potential are
responsible for the body's ability to heal injuries and replace worn out
cells and tissues, and evidence is growing that rare cancer stem
cells are
responsible for the uncontrolled growth of some malignant tumors, including
glioblastoma.