GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTORS AS TARGETS FOR THERAPY IN PEDIATRIC BRAIN-TUMORS

Growth factor receptors (GFRs) have been described as overexpressed in several types of brain tumors. Overexpression of these transmembrane proteins is considered to be an important part of tumorigenesis. Genet ic as well as epigenetic modulation of the receptors have to be consid ered when trying to understand the role of GFRs in tumors or as target s for tumor therapy. GFR function can be modulated by membrane compone nts (e.g. gangliosides) or by the change in receptor glycosylation. Th ese types of changes and the occurrence of the expression of mutated r eceptor expressed in tumor cell can result in altered signaling. In th is review, we have focused on GFRs, their expression and mutations in brain tumors. Recently the correlation between GFR expression and pati ent outcome has suggested that these tyrosine kinases and their signal ing might play a decisive role in the course of patients with brain tu mors. The importance of GFRs as possible targets ibr brain tumor thera py is also discussed.