The evolution of the cancer stem cell state in glioblastoma: emerging insights into the next generation of functional interactions

Abstract

Cellular heterogeneity is a hallmark of advanced cancers and has been ascribed in part to a population of self-renewing, therapeutically resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary malignant brain tumor, has served as a platform for the study of CSCs. In addition to illustrating the complexities of CSC biology, these investigations have led to a deeper understanding of GBM pathogenesis, revealed novel therapeutic targets, and driven innovation towards the development of next-generation therapies. While there continues to be an expansion in our knowledge of how CSCs contribute to GBM progression, opportunities have emerged to revisit this conceptual framework. In this review, we will summarize the current state of CSCs in GBM using key concepts of evolution as a paradigm (variation, inheritance, selection, and time) to describe how the CSC state is subject to alterations of cell intrinsic and extrinsic interactions that shape their evolutionarily trajectory. We identify emerging areas for future consideration, including appreciating CSCs as a cell state that is subject to plasticity, as opposed to a discrete population. These future considerations will not only have an impact on our understanding of this ever-expanding field but will also provide an opportunity to inform future therapies to effectively treat this complex and devastating disease.