CD133+ and CD133- CSC lines in primary human GBM

We cultured tumor cells from 22 GBM under medium conditions favoring the growth of neural stem cells. 11 out of 15 primary GBM contained a significant CD133+ subpopulation that comprised cells showing all hallmarks of neural stem cells. Cell lines derived from these CD133+ GBM showed a neurosphere-like, non-adherent growth pattern. In contrast, 4 out of 15 cell lines derived from primary GBM grew adherent in vitro and were driven by CD133- tumor cells that fulfilled stem cell criteria. In vivo, these GBM were characterized by a significantly lower proliferation index but similar GFAP staining as compared to CD133+ GBM. Gene arrays from 2x3 representative cells lines are given. Keywords: Cancer stem cell, CD133, glioblastoma Human glioblastoma cells cultured in DMEM supplemented with EGF, FGF, LIF, B27.