Subventricular Zone Dynamics in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Summary
The subventricular zone (SVZ) is a principal neurogenic niche lining the lateral ventricles, populated by neural stem cells (NSCs) and transit‐amplifying progenitors that support lifelong neurogenesis. In glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), this region has emerged as both a potential site of tumour initiation and a reservoir for therapy-resistant cancer stem cells. Genetic analyses have revealed that driver mutations may arise in SVZ‐resident NSCs, which subsequently migrate into adjacent parenchyma and give rise to malignant clones. The SVZ microenvironment, enriched in chemokines, growth factors and specialised extracellular matrix, fosters the survival and self‐renewal of glioma stem cells (GSCs). Aberrant signalling along the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis and other guidance pathways further directs tumour‐initiating cells towards the resection cavity, contributing to local recurrence. Moreover, SVZ contact influences immune cell composition and treatment response, as ventricle‐contacting tumours often exhibit an immunosuppressed niche. Understanding the dynamic interplay between SVZ architecture, stem cell hierarchy and tumour evolution is critical for devising targeted therapies, optimising radiotherapy planning and improving patient outcomes.
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Subventricular Zone Dynamics in Glioblastoma Multiforme publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in subventricular zone dynamics in glioblastoma multiforme across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Subventricular Zone (SVZ): A neurogenic region adjacent to the lateral ventricles containing neural stem and progenitor cells.
Neural Stem Cell (NSC): A multipotent cell capable of self‐renewal and differentiation into neurons and glia.
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): The most aggressive primary brain tumour in adults, characterised by high heterogeneity and poor prognosis.
Glioma Stem Cell (GSC): A subpopulation within GBM that exhibits stem‐like properties, driving tumour initiation and resistance.
CXCR4/CXCL12 axis: A chemokine signalling pathway that regulates cell migration and is co‐opted by tumour cells for invasion and recurrence.
References
- The subventricular zone structure, function and implications for neurological disease. Genes & Diseases (2024).
- Distant origin of glioblastoma recurrence: neural stem cells in the subventricular zone serve as a source of tumor reconstruction after primary resection. Molecular Cancer (2025).
- Targeting the neural stem cells in subventricular zone for the treatment of glioblastoma: an update from preclinical evidence to clinical interventions. Stem Cell Research & Therapy (2023).
- An immunosuppressed microenvironment distinguishes lateral ventricle-contacting glioblastomas. JCI Insight (2023).
- The Role of SVZ Stem Cells in Glioblastoma. Cancers (2019).
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