1. ¹Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N Lauderdale Street, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
2. ²Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N Lauderdale Street, Memphis, TN 38105, USA

Correspondence: Dr RJ Gilbertson, Department of Developmental Neurobiology and Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N Lauderdale Street, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. E-mail: Richard.Gilbertson@stjude.org

Received 21 July 2006; Revised 9 November 2006; Accepted 10 November 2006; Published online 19 December 2006.

Abstract

Ependymomas are tumours that arise throughout the central nervous system. Little is known regarding the aberrant cellular and molecular processes that generate these tumours. This lack of knowledge has hampered efforts to reduce the significant mortality and morbidity that are associated with ependymoma. Here, we review recent data that suggest that radial glia are cells of origin of ependymoma, and discuss the processes that might transform these neural progenitors into ependymoma cancer stem cells.