Understanding genetic factors behind a pediatric brain tumor

Pediatric pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a common type of low-grade brain tumor in children, influenced by specific genetic changes. Led by David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, the Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor of Neurology, researchers at WashU Medicine have conducted a study, published in Genes & Development, using advanced stem cell techniques to investigate the genetic […]

Some brain tumors may be linked to head injury, mouse study suggests

A study in mice by researchers at the School of Medicine indicates that brain injury can lead to brain tumors in susceptible individuals. For this study, they used mice that model people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder that causes brain tumors. The study showed that molecules released by injured neurons set off […]