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Brain Tumor Networks in Diffuse Glioma
Yvonne Yang1,2, Marc C Schubert1,2,3, Thomas Kuner3
1Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Diffuse gliomas are primary brain tumors associated with a poor prognosis. Cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the invasive growth patterns and therapeutic resistance are incompletely understood. The emerging field of cancer neuroscience offers a novel approach to study these brain tumors in the context of their intricate interactions with the nervous system employing and combining methodological toolsets from neuroscience and oncology. Increasing evidence has shown how neurodevelopmental and neuronal-like mechanisms are hijacked leading to the discovery of multicellular brain tumor networks. Here, we review how gap junction-coupled tumor-tumor-astrocyte networks, as well as synaptic and paracrine neuron-tumor networks drive glioma progression. Molecular mechanisms of these malignant, homo- and heterotypic networks, and their complex interplay are reviewed. Lastly, potential clinical-translational implications and resulting therapeutic strategies are discussed.
Insights
Cancer neuroscience reveals how brain tumor networks, including neuron-tumor and tumor-astrocyte connections, drive diffuse glioma progression and resistance. Understanding these interactions offers new therapeutic strategies for brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Diffuse gliomas are aggressive primary brain tumors with poor prognoses.
- Invasive growth and therapeutic resistance mechanisms remain poorly understood.
- Cancer neuroscience provides a new framework to study brain tumors within the nervous system context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of cancer neuroscience in understanding diffuse glioma progression.
- To explore multicellular brain tumor networks, including neuron-tumor and tumor-astrocyte interactions.
- To discuss clinical-translational implications and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature at the intersection of cancer neuroscience and oncology.
- Analysis of neurodevelopmental and neuronal-like mechanisms in glioma.
- Examination of gap junction-coupled, synaptic, and paracrine signaling networks.
Main Results:
- Evidence highlights hijacked neurodevelopmental pathways in glioma formation.
- Multicellular brain tumor networks, involving astrocytes and neurons, are crucial for glioma progression.
- Both homo- and heterotypic networks and their interplay significantly influence tumor behavior.
Conclusions:
- Cancer neuroscience offers novel insights into diffuse glioma pathogenesis.
- Targeting neuron-tumor and tumor-astrocyte networks presents potential therapeutic avenues.
- Further research into these complex interactions is critical for improving patient outcomes.
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