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Current concepts in the molecular
genetics of pediatric brain tumors: implications for emerging
therapies Mandeep S. Tamber1,
2, Krishan Bansal1, 2, Muh-Lii Liang1,
2, Todd G. Mainprize1, 2, Bodour Salhia1,
2, Paul Northcott1, 2, Michael Taylor1,
2 and James T. Rutka1, 2, 3,* 1Division
of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, The University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 2Arthur
and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick
Children, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3The
Division of Neurosurgery, Suite 1504, The Hospital for Sick Children,
555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, 518, Canada. --
*Correspondence: James T. Rutka, Email: james.rutka@sickkids.ca,
Phone: +1-416-8136425, Fax: +1-416-8134975 -- Received: 14 March 2006 Published
online: 2 September 2006
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Background.
The revolution in molecular biology that has taken place
over the past 2 decades has provided researchers with new and
powerful tools for detailed study of the molecular mechanisms giving
rise to the spectrum of pediatric brain tumors.
Application of these tools has greatly advanced our understanding of
the molecular pathogenesis of these lesions.
Review. After
familiarizing readers with some promising new techniques in the field
of oncogenomics, this review will present the current state of
knowledge as it pertains to the molecular biology of pediatric brain
neoplasms.
Along the way, we hope to highlight specific instances where the
detailed mechanistic knowledge acquired thus far may be exploited for
therapeutic advantage.
Keywords: Brain
neoplasms, Molecular biology, Pediatrics, Review, Therapeutics
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