1. Brain tumor + miRNA = Stem cells?
In this seminar we listened to MD/PhD candidate, Jessian Muñoz , who talked to us about the
possible reproduction of stem cells in brain tumors. Stem cells are cells that maintain both the
capacity of self-renewal and the potential to differentiate into mature cells. In our body, organs
that have stem cells are the brain, prostate, colon, lung, pancreas, and skin, among others. Stem
cells are chemo and radio resistant. Gliomas are the most frequently occurring primary
malignancies in the central nervous system, and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most
common and most aggressive of these tumors. There are four types of glioblastomas. Grade I and
II are low-grade astrocytomas that are slow-growing less aggressive tumors while grade III and
VI are high grade gliomas, making them malignant tumors. GBM usually affects older patients,
maybe in the age of sixty two and so on. A glioblastoma tumor can affect both sides of the brain
by starting at one lobe and then crossing to the other. Dr. Jessian Muñoz is a great scientist and a
great researcher. He demonstrates complete knowledge of biological concepts and understanding
of research practices in biology. Jessian also uses correct grammar, spelling, and pronunciation.
He had a lot of clarity and coherence in his work.