Objective:To explore the expression of MGMT gene in glioma stem cells and glioma cells derived from glioblastoma.Methods:BGSC was isolated from glioblastoma and cultured in vitro

and was identified by immunocytochemical stain and flow cytometry.Relative expression of MGMT gene in BGSC and in glioma cells by RT-PCR was analyzed.Results:BGSC from glioblastoma could express Nestin and CD133 antigen

self-renew and differentiate into astrocyte and neuron in vitro.RT-PCR results demonstrated the relative expression of MGMT gene in BGSC was markedly higher than in glioma cells(0.562±0.021 vs 0.112±0.023

P<0.01)

and the relative expression of MGMT gene in glioma cells was markedly higher than in normal brain tissue(0.112±0.023 vs 0.005±0.001

P<0.01).Conclusion:The expression of MGMT gene in BGSC is markedly higher than in glioma cells.MGMT may be the key molecular biology mechanism that leads to drug resistance in BGSC.