brain
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Scientists have discovered a network of genetic changes involved in the development and progression of glioblastoma, a severe form of brain cancer.

While previous studies had reported hundreds of gene mutations accounting for brain cancers, a new study finds seven key genes acting as the 'Achilles heel' of these tumors.

According to the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the development and progression of malignant glioblastomas is related to the interaction between seven genes.

These genes -- POLD2, CYCS, MYC, AKR1C3, YME1L1, ANXA7, and PDCD4 --are also responsible for determining the severity of the tumor and therefore can predict the patients' survival rate.

Any increase in the number of mutated genes of this group was reported to be associated with a poor prognosis.

The study showed that these network genes work through deregulating critical signaling pathways of the annexin A7 (ANXA7) gene.

Scientists are optimistic that their findings would lead to tests that predict patient survival and drugs that target the culprit genes.