Overview on Common Genes Involved in the Onset of Glioma and on the Role of Migraine as Risk Factor: Predictive Biomarkers or Therapeutic Targets?

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Mutations in hundreds of genes have been identified in gliomas, and most relevant discoveries showed specific gene alterations as potential risk factors for brain tumor onset. The aim of this study was to clarify the function of these genes in triggering or modulating brain tumors, to early diagnosing brain tumor onset in patients affected by a simple headache. We confirmed a significant modulation of CLOCK, BMLA1 and NOTCH genes in glioma, particularly praising NOTCH genes family to be good as potentially attractive therapeutic targets for glioblastoma, strengthening the protective role observed in clinical trials for brain tumors. The investigation of these genes could suggest potential therapeutic targets for treating brain tumors, open up the possibility of personalized treatments that can target each brain tumor’s specific genetic abnormality. ABSTRACT: Gliomas are relatively rare but fatal cancers, and there has been insufficient research to specifically evaluate the role of headache as a risk factor. Nowadays, gliomas are difficult to cure due to the infiltrative nature and the absence of specific adjuvant therapies. Until now, mutations in hundreds of genes have been identified in gliomas and most relevant discoveries showed specific genes alterations related to migraine as potential risk factors for brain tumor onset. Prognostic biomarkers are required at the time of diagnosis to better adapt therapies for cancer patients. In this review, we aimed to highlight the significant modulation of CLOCK, BMLA1 and NOTCH genes in glioma onset and development, praising these genes to be good as potentially attractive therapeutic markers for brain tumors. A improved knowledge regarding the role of these genes in triggering or modulating glioma maybe the key to early diagnosing brain tumor onset in patients affected by a simple headache. In addition, investigating on these genes we can suggest potential therapeutic targets for treating brain tumors. These considerations open up the possibility of personalized treatments that can target each brain tumor’s specific genetic abnormality.