Interferon-gamma signaling pathway: Modulation of key genes in the progression of glioblastoma

The canonical signaling of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) through the Janus kinase 1 and 2-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) axis leads to the expression of several interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), which have diverse effects depending on the cellular context. In glioblastoma, a highly aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, elements of IFN-γ canonical signaling are deregulated, resulting in the overexpression of STAT1-target ISGs associated with tumor progression. This mini-review highlights key ISGs, including <i>STAT1</i>, interferon regulatory factor 1, programmed death-ligand 1, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, and interferon-stimulated gene 15, involved in the pathology of glioblastoma. These genes may serve as valuable biomarkers and have therapeutic potential for targeting IFN-γ signaling in this malignancy.