Natural Products Targeting Hsp90 for a Concurrent Strategy in Glioblastoma and Neurodegeneration
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Sarmistha Mitra1, Raju Dash1, Yeasmin Akter Munni1
1Department of Anatomy, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common aggressive, resistant, and invasive primary brain tumors that share neurodegenerative actions, resembling many neurodegenerative diseases. Although multiple conventional approaches, including chemoradiation, are more frequent in GBM therapy, these approaches are ineffective in extending the mean survival rate and are associated with various side effects, including neurodegeneration. This review proposes an alternative strategy for managing GBM and neurodegeneration by targeting heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). Hsp90 is a well-known molecular chaperone that plays essential roles in maintaining and stabilizing protein folding to degradation in protein homeostasis and modulates signaling in cancer and neurodegeneration by regulating many client protein substrates. The therapeutic benefits of Hsp90 inhibition are well-known for several malignancies, and recent evidence highlights that Hsp90 inhibitors potentially inhibit the aggressiveness of GBM, increasing the sensitivity of conventional treatment and providing neuroprotection in various neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, the overview of Hsp90 modulation in GBM and neurodegeneration progress has been discussed with a summary of recent outcomes on Hsp90 inhibition in various GBM models and neurodegeneration. Particular emphasis is also given to natural Hsp90 inhibitors that have been evidenced to show dual protection in both GBM and neurodegeneration.
Insights
Targeting heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) offers a novel strategy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and neurodegeneration. Hsp90 inhibition shows promise in treating aggressive GBM and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Conventional GBM treatments like chemoradiation have limited efficacy and cause neurodegeneration.
- GBM shares similarities with neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting common underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in GBM and neurodegeneration.
- To explore Hsp90 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for both conditions.
- To highlight natural Hsp90 inhibitors with dual protective effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Hsp90 modulation in GBM and neurodegeneration.
- Analysis of recent outcomes of Hsp90 inhibition in various GBM and neurodegeneration models.
- Focus on natural compounds targeting Hsp90.
Main Results:
- Hsp90 plays a critical role in protein homeostasis, cancer signaling, and neurodegeneration.
- Hsp90 inhibition demonstrates potential in reducing GBM aggressiveness and enhancing treatment sensitivity.
- Hsp90 inhibitors show neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative disease models.
- Natural Hsp90 inhibitors exhibit dual therapeutic potential for GBM and neurodegeneration.
Conclusions:
- Hsp90 is a promising therapeutic target for managing GBM and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Targeting Hsp90 offers a dual approach to combatting aggressive brain tumors and neurodegeneration.
- Further research into natural Hsp90 inhibitors could yield novel treatments.

