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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
Co-culture of Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells on Patterned Neurons to Study Migration and Cellular Interactions
Published on: February 24, 2021
A malignant cellular network in gliomas: potential clinical implications.
Matthias Osswald1, Gergely Solecki1, Wolfgang Wick1
1Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (M.O., G.S., W.W., F.W.); Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuro-oncology, German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany (M.O., G.S., W.W., F.W.).
Glioma tumors form ultra-long "tumor microtubes" (TMs) that aid their brain progression and therapy resistance. Targeting these TMs offers a potential new strategy for treating aggressive brain cancers.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Cellular Neuroscience
Background:
- Gliomas, particularly astrocytomas, exhibit unique, ultra-long membrane protrusions called tumor microtubes (TMs).
- These TMs form a malignant multicellular network, influencing tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore targeting strategies for tumor microtubes (TMs) in gliomas.
- To discuss TM-specific features, biological functions, and their role in therapy resistance.
- To propose TMs as potential biomarkers for glioma patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of TM-specific features and biological functions.
- Analysis of the link between 1p/19q codeletion and TM formation.
- Discussion of therapeutic approaches targeting TM network functionality.
- Exploration of TMs as potential biomarkers.
Main Results:
- TMs are crucial for glioma progression and resistance to cytotoxic therapies.
- The inability to form functional TMs may explain distinct clinical features in oligodendrogliomas (linked to 1p/19q codeletion).
- Disrupting TM network functionality presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
Conclusions:
- Tumor microtubes (TMs) represent a significant factor in glioma aggressiveness and treatment failure.
- Targeting TMs offers a novel therapeutic strategy and potential biomarker for glioma management.
- Further understanding of TMs could reveal an Achilles' heel for treatment-resistant gliomas.
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