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Microglia/Astrocytes-Glioblastoma Crosstalk: Crucial Molecular Mechanisms and Microenvironmental Factors

Diana Matias1,2, Joana Balça-Silva1,3,4, Grazielle C da Graça1

  • 1Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer - Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|August 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Glial cells like astrocytes and microglia significantly promote glioblastoma (GB) growth. Targeting the complex interactions between these glial cells and GB presents a promising therapeutic strategy for this aggressive brain tumor.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, play increasingly recognized roles in central nervous system diseases.
  • Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly malignant primary brain tumor with poor patient outcomes.
  • The interaction between glial cells and GB is critical for tumor progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms underlying glial-GB interactions.
  • To highlight alterations in the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting glial-GB crosstalk.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings on glial-GB interactions.
  • Analysis of molecular factors (cytokines, chemokines, etc.) involved.
  • Examination of communication mechanisms (ABC transporters, extracellular vesicles).

Main Results:

  • Glial cells actively promote glioblastoma growth through various molecular signaling pathways.
  • Alterations in the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton are key features of these interactions.
  • Communication occurs via molecular factors, transporters, and extracellular vesicles.

Conclusions:

  • The intricate crosstalk between glial cells and glioblastoma offers potential therapeutic targets.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing novel treatment strategies.
  • Addressing glial-GB communication challenges may improve clinical outcomes for glioblastoma patients.
Keywords:
astrocytescommunication mechanismscrosstalkcytokinesglioblastomamicroenvironmental factorsmicrogliamolecular mechanisms

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