This thesis investigates regulatory mechanisms that contribute to the aggressive biological behavior of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Established and primary human GBM cells could be isolated based on Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity, tested for stemness and regulatory pathways, that are activated or altered upon exposure to hypoxia. Only cells with high ALDH1 expression show stem-like properties. Cells with low ALDH1 levels fail to show asymetric division and neurosphere formation, but do so after exposure to hypoxia. ALDH1 shRNA knockdown confirmed the findings.     «

This thesis investigates regulatory mechanisms that contribute to the aggressive biological behavior of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Established and primary human GBM cells could be isolated based on Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity, tested for stemness and regulatory pathways, that are activated or altered upon exposure to hypoxia. Only cells with high ALDH1 expression show stem-like properties. Cells with low ALDH1 levels fail to show asymetric division and neurosphere formation, bu...     »