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Published on: September 13, 2022
Anoikis resistance in diffuse glioma: The potential therapeutic targets in the future
Zhengyang Zhu1, Chaoyou Fang1, Houshi Xu1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Glioma is the most common malignant intracranial tumor and exhibits diffuse metastasis and a high recurrence rate. The invasive property of glioma results from cell detachment. Anoikis is a special form of apoptosis that is activated upon cell detachment. Resistance to anoikis has proven to be a protumor factor. Therefore, it is suggested that anoikis resistance commonly occurs in glioma and promotes diffuse invasion. Several factors, such as integrin, E-cadherin, EGFR, IGFR, Trk, TGF-β, the Hippo pathway, NF-κB, eEF-2 kinase, MOB2, hypoxia, acidosis, ROS, Hsp and protective autophagy, have been shown to induce anoikis resistance in glioma. In our present review, we aim to summarize the underlying mechanism of resistance and the therapeutic potential of these molecules.
Insights
Glioma cells resist anoikis (apoptosis triggered by cell detachment), promoting their invasion and spread. Understanding these resistance mechanisms offers new therapeutic targets for treating this common brain tumor.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Cell Death Research
Background:
- Glioma is a prevalent malignant brain tumor characterized by diffuse metastasis and frequent recurrence.
- Tumor invasion in glioma is linked to cell detachment and resistance to anoikis, a form of apoptosis.
- Anoikis resistance is recognized as a significant factor contributing to glioma's aggressive phenotype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms underlying anoikis resistance in glioma.
- To summarize the molecular factors implicated in promoting anoikis resistance in glioma cells.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting anoikis resistance pathways in glioma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating anoikis resistance in glioma.
- Analysis of molecular pathways and factors contributing to anoikis resistance.
- Synthesis of information on therapeutic strategies targeting identified resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Anoikis resistance is a common feature in glioma, facilitating diffuse invasion.
- Multiple factors, including integrins, growth factor receptors (EGFR, IGFR, Trk), TGF-β, Hippo pathway, NF-κB, eEF-2 kinase, MOB2, hypoxia, acidosis, ROS, Hsp, and autophagy, contribute to anoikis resistance.
- These factors collectively enable glioma cells to survive detachment and promote tumor spread.
Conclusions:
- Anoikis resistance is a critical mechanism driving glioma invasion and recurrence.
- Targeting the identified molecular factors and pathways involved in anoikis resistance presents a promising therapeutic avenue for glioma.
- Further research into these mechanisms could lead to novel treatment strategies for patients with malignant glioma.

