ASCL1 and glioma: Accordingly, it has been recently shown that the PN gene ASCL1 represses mesenchymal features by directly downregulating the expression of N-Myc downstream regulated gene 1, NDRG1. Abrogation of ASCL1 or overexpression of NDRG1 in PN glioma stem cells (GSCs) results in PMT, while overexpression of ASCL1 in MES GSCs enhances their malignant features [27].