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Cytoskeletal proteins as glioblastoma biomarkers and targets for therapy: A systematic review
Alja Zottel1, Ivana Jovčevska1, Neja Šamec1
1Medical Centre for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma, the most common primary brain malignancy, is an exceptionally fatal cancer. Lack of suitable biomarkers and efficient treatment largely contribute to the therapy failure. Cytoskeletal proteins are crucial proteins in glioblastoma pathogenesis and can potentially serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Among them, GFAP, has gained most attention as potential diagnostic biomarker, while vimentin and microtubules are considered as prospective therapeutic targets. Microtubules represent one of the best anti-cancer targets due to their critical role in cell proliferation. Despite testing in clinical trials, the efficiency of taxanes, epothilones, vinca-domain binding drugs, colchicine-domain binding drugs and γ-tubulin binding drugs remains to be confirmed. Moreover, tumor treating field that disrupts microtubules draw attention because of its high efficiency and is called "the fourth cancer treatment modality". Thereby, because of the involvement of cytoskeleton in key physiological and pathological processes, its therapeutic potential in glioblastoma is currently extensively investigated.
Insights
Cytoskeletal proteins are key in glioblastoma pathogenesis, offering potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Research is exploring their role in improving glioblastoma treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Glioblastoma is a highly fatal primary brain cancer with limited treatment options.
- Effective biomarkers and therapies are lacking, contributing to poor patient outcomes.
- Cytoskeletal proteins play critical roles in glioblastoma development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of cytoskeletal proteins as diagnostic biomarkers for glioblastoma.
- To evaluate cytoskeletal proteins, particularly microtubules, as therapeutic targets for glioblastoma.
- To review current and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the cytoskeleton in glioblastoma.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on glioblastoma pathogenesis and cytoskeletal protein involvement.
- Analysis of the role of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, and microtubules in glioblastoma.
- Examination of preclinical and clinical data for microtubule-targeting agents and tumor-treating fields.
Main Results:
- Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) shows promise as a diagnostic biomarker.
- Vimentin and microtubules are identified as significant therapeutic targets.
- Various microtubule-targeting drugs (taxanes, epothilones, etc.) and tumor-treating fields are under investigation with varying efficiencies.
Conclusions:
- Cytoskeletal proteins are integral to glioblastoma, presenting opportunities for biomarker discovery and novel therapeutic interventions.
- Targeting microtubules offers a promising avenue for glioblastoma treatment, with tumor-treating fields emerging as a significant modality.
- Further research into cytoskeletal protein functions and targeted therapies is crucial for advancing glioblastoma treatment.
