Background: Despite intense interest in molecular characterization and searches for novel therapeutic targets, the
glioblastoma remains a formidable clinical challenge. Among many contributors to gliomagenesis, chemokines have
drawn special attention due to their involvement in a plethora of biological processes and pathological conditions. In
the present study we aimed to elucidate any pro-gliomagenic chemokine axis and probable roles in development of
glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Method: An array of 84 chemokines, chemokine receptors and related genes were
studied by real time PCR with comparison between low grade astrocytoma (diffuse astrocytoma – grade II) and high
grade astrocytoma (glioblastoma multiforme – grade IV). Gene ontology analysis and database mining were performed
to funnel down the important axis in GBM followed by validation at the protein level by immunohistochemistry on tissue
microarrays. Results: Gene expression and gene ontology analysis identified CXCL8 as an important chemokine which
was more frequently up-regulated in GBM as compared to diffuse astrocytoma. Further we demonstrated localization
of CXCL8 and its receptors in glioblastoma possibly affecting autocrine and paracrine signalling that promotes tumor
cell proliferation and neovascularisation with vascular mimicry. Conclusion: From these results CXCL8 appears to be
an important gliomagenic chemokine which may be involved in GBM growth by promoting tumor cell proliferation
and neovascularization via vascular mimicry. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations are required to explore its
potential candidature in anti-GBM therapy.