Résumé
Diffuse low grade diffuse gliomas (DLGGs), which represent approximately 15% of gliomas, are slow-growing tumors (3–4 mm of mean diameter per year) comprising oligodendrogliomas (OG) and astrocytoma (AG). These gliomas are clinically very heterogeneous and their prognosis somewhat unpredictable, making difficult definition of appropriate treatment. Although initially silent, diffuse low-grade gliomas progress into a more aggressive pathology, ultimately causing death of the patient. Their diffusive nature makes them difficult to fully remove by the surgical approach. Understanding the molecular pathways underlying DLGG dissemination would open new lines of treatments aiming at limiting their spread throughout the brain. However, the rare occurrence of these tumors, the difficulties in growing them in culture, and the quasi-absence of DLGG derived cell lines have definitely impeded the progress of knowledge on this topic. This explains the very few data available today on DLGG invasion and calls for more efforts from the scientific community to tackle this complex challenge. Here we present the in vitro/in vivo models and tools for studying DLGG migration and discuss the influence of location, genetics and molecular components driving their dissemination. We also consider data obtained on the migration of normal oligodendrocyte precursor cells as a possible source for guiding our understanding of glioma cell dissemination. Finally, we point out important issues to address in order to move forward on this topic.