Glioma-associated mesenchymal stem cells

Recent studies revealed that glioma-associated mesenchymal stem cells play instrumental roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression and cannot be ignored as a cellular component of the glioma microenvironment. Nevertheless, the origin of these cells and their roles are poorly understood. The only relevant studies have shown that glioma-associated mesenchymal stem cells play a large role in promoting tumor proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis. The following review provides a comprehensive summary of their discovery and definition, origin, differences from other tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, spatial distribution, functions, and prognostic and therapeutic opportunities to deepen the understanding of these cells and provide new insight into the treatment of glioma.