A significant challenge in cancer research field is to define molecular features that distinguish cancer stem cells from normal stem cells. In this study, microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in human glioblastoma stem cells were compared to that of normal neural stem cells using combined microarray and deep sequencing analyzes. These studies led to the identification of several miRNAs that are differentially expressed in glioblastoma stem cells and normal neural stem cells. Characterizing the role of these miRNAs in glioblastoma stem cells is important for the development of miRNA-based therapies that specifically target tumor stem cells, but spare normal stem cells.
Differentially expressed microRNA molecules for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer