The catalytic activity of Neu4 has been shown to trigger key events in glioblastoma stem cells, including (a) glycogen synthase kinase 3B (GSK3b) activation, (b) subsequent suppression of Sonic Hedgehog and Wnt/B-catenin signaling, (c) downregulation of stem cell-like gene expression and biomarkers (characterized by a significant decrease in NANOG, OCT-4, SOX-2, CD133, ganglioside GD3, and aberrant protein glycosylation patterns), and (d) a marked reduction in GSC viability. The gene discussed is NANOG; the disease is glioblastoma.