KLF-8: A novel integrin signalling molecule, which enhances malignant proliferation in gliomas and is expressed grade dependent

Objective: The downstream mechanisms used by integrins to promote proliferation of malignant cells in brain tumors are widely unknown. In the present study we investigate for the first time pivotal factors of a newly found integrin proliferation pathway including the potent transcription factor KLF-8 that stimulates cyclin D1 and subsequently G1/S-progression of the cell cycle in gliomas of different WHO grades. Methods: Sections and single tumor cells from primary diagnosed glioblastomas (WHO grade IV, n=5), anaplastic astrocytomas (WHO grade III, n=5), low grade astrocytomas (WHO grade II, n=5) as well as norm…