Expression of oligodendrocyte progenitor cell antigens by gliomas: Implications for the histogenesis of brain tumors

The early events in neoplastic transformation can be understood only by com parison of the neoplastic cell with its nontransformed counterpart. The mos t common central nervous system gliomas traditionally are thought to arise from mature astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. We examined the possibility th at gliomas arise from a population of glia that has properties of oligodend rocyte progenitors. These glial cells express the NG2 chondroitin sulfate p roteoglycan and the cw receptor of platelet-derived growth factor in vivo. We identified NG2 and the cw receptor of platelet-derived growth factor exp ression in tissue from seven of seven oligodendrogliomas, three of three pi locytic astrocytomas, and one of five glioblastoma multiforme. These data p rovide evidence that glial tumors arise from glial progenitor cells. Molecu les expressed by these progenitor cells should be considered as targets for novel therapeutics.