Abstract
In recent years, the direct interaction between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a crucial regulator of tumor growth and a promising therapeutic target. The TME, including the surrounding peritumoral regions, is dynamically modified during tumor progression and in response to therapies. However, the mechanisms regulating the crosstalk between malignant and non-malignant cells are still poorly understood, especially in the case of glioma, an aggressive form of brain tumor. The presence of unique brain-resident cell types, namely neurons and glial cells, and an exceptionally immunosuppressive microenvironment pose additional important challenges to the development of effective treatments targeting the TME. In this review, we provide an overview on the direct and indirect interplay between glioma and neuronal and glial cells, introducing new players and mechanisms that still deserve further investigation. We will focus on the effects of neural activity and glial response in controlling glioma cell behavior and discuss the potential of exploiting these cellular interactions to develop new therapeutic approaches with the aim to preserve proper brain functionality.
Highlights
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults and children
Neurons and glial cells cooperate to maintain brain homeostasis, and represent major tumor microenvironment (TME) components that substantially contribute to tumor growth
New interactions are established between tumor and brain resident cells. Some of these interactions vary depending on the type of glioma, suggesting a preferred mode of communication that might be intrinsically related to the tumor cell-of-origin or be dictated by specific mutations (Gao et al, 2020)
Summary
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults and children. They account for almost 30% of all primary brain tumors and 80% of malignant brain tumors (Weller et al, 2015). Neurons and glial cells (microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes) cooperate to maintain brain homeostasis, and represent major TME components that substantially contribute to tumor growth. By comparing gene expression profiles of TME-associated astrocytes in low and high grade gliomas, Katz et al (2012) identified a subpopulation of astrocytes localized in perivascular regions of aggressive tumors, where a population of CD44+ stemlike glioma cells reside.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
