Glioma (Shete, 2009)

Reports / By
abstract image of the brain

STUDY TITLE: Genome-wide association study identifies five susceptibility loci for glioma

SUMMARY: Identification of 5 risk variants associated with the development of gliomas.

OVERVIEW: Glial cells are found in the brain, spine, and other parts of the nervous system. The function of the glial cells is to protect and support the nervous system. Gliomas are a form of cancer that result from the uncontrolled growth of glial cells. To identify risk variants for this disease, this study examined the genetic information of over 11,000 individuals of Western European ancestry. Five variants associated with this type of cancer were discovered. The variants were linked to genes that play a role in maintaining genomic stability. Together, the identified variants may explain between 7 and 14% of the heritable risk of developing this cancer.

DID YOU KNOW? Age, exposure to radiation and family history are the main risk factors for developing gliomas. [SOURCE]

SAMPLE RESULTS: Learn more about the Nebula Research Library.

Glioma sample results

STUDY-ASSOCIATED VARIANTS: rs4295627, rs2736100, rs4977756, rs6010620, rs498872

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Glial cells
Cancer of the glial cells

WEEKLY UPDATE: March 9, 2020

About The Author

Garrett Dunlap earned a B.S. in Biology from Case Western Reserve University with a minor in Political Science. He earned an M.S. and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) Ph.D. program at Harvard University. He has experience in science policy as an intern at the Science and Innovation Network where he assisted in the science diplomacy functions of the British Consulate-General and as a research associate at TScan Therapeutics. He is also interested in science communication and writing. You can read more about Garrett's experience and publications on LinkedIn and ORCID.