The p21-Ras signal transduction pathway and growth regulation in human high-grade gliomas

Deregulated p21-Ras function, as a result of mutation, overexpression or gr owth factor-induced overactivation, contributes to at least 30% of human ca ncer. This article reviews the potential role of the p21-Ras family of GTPa ses in the regulation of growth of high-grade gliomas and describes how tar geting this oncoprotein clinically may provide a novel strategy to countera ct glioma proliferation. The application of strategies directed at selectiv ely opposing the deregulated signal transduction pathway of high-grade glio mas may be of potential therapeutic benefit and may offer a whole new arsen al of antineoplastic agents to be included in the multimodal treatment of t hese challenging neoplasms. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reser ved.