Yuan Zhu, Ph.D.
Professor
Scientific Director, Gilbert Family Neurofibromatosis Institute
Children’s National Medical Center

This presentation will focus on using genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models to study the role of neural stem and progenitor cells in the development of benign Grade I glioma and Grade IV malignant glioma, also known as glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary brain in children and adults, respectively. Our study identifies a critical therapeutic window for targeting glial precursor cells during development in the context of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-associated Grade I glioma. Furthermore, we also reveal a less proliferative precursor population for highly aggressive GBMs, but surprisingly, these two GBM populations are anatomically located in the different regions of the brain.