Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025

Coculture Assays to Study Macrophage and Microglia Stimulation of Glioblastoma Invasion
Published on: October 20, 2016
Microglia and macrophage metabolism: a regulator of cerebral gliomas
Yue Deng1,2,3, Qinyan Chen1,2,3, Chao Wan1,2,3
1Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
Abstract:
Reciprocal interactions between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer cells play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression of glioma. Glioma-associated macrophages (GAMs), either of peripheral origin or representing brain-intrinsic microglia, are the majority population of infiltrating immune cells in glioma. GAMs, usually classified into M1 and M2 phenotypes, have remarkable plasticity and regulate tumor progression through different metabolic pathways. Recently, research efforts have increasingly focused on GAMs metabolism as potential targets for glioma therapy. This review aims to delineate the metabolic characteristics of GAMs within the TME and provide a summary of current therapeutic strategies targeting GAMs metabolism in glioma. The goal is to provide novel insights and therapeutic pathways for glioma by highlighting the significance of GAMs metabolism.
Insights
Glioma-associated macrophages (GAMs) exhibit plasticity and influence tumor growth through their metabolism. Targeting GAM metabolism offers promising therapeutic strategies for glioma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Metabolism
Background:
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer cells interact, driving glioma development.
- Glioma-associated macrophages (GAMs), including microglia, are key immune cells in glioma, influencing tumor progression.
- GAMs display plasticity, with M1 and M2 phenotypes regulating tumor growth via distinct metabolic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the metabolic characteristics of GAMs within the glioma TME.
- To summarize current therapeutic strategies targeting GAM metabolism in glioma.
- To highlight the significance of GAM metabolism for novel glioma therapeutic insights.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on GAM metabolism in glioma.
- Analysis of GAM phenotypes (M1/M2) and their metabolic functions.
- Synthesis of current therapeutic approaches targeting GAM metabolism.
Main Results:
- GAMs are crucial immune components in glioma, with plasticity influencing tumor progression.
- Distinct metabolic pathways are employed by M1 and M2 GAMs to affect glioma.
- Targeting GAM metabolism is an emerging therapeutic strategy for glioma.
Conclusions:
- Understanding GAM metabolism is vital for developing effective glioma therapies.
- Targeting GAM metabolic pathways presents a promising avenue for novel glioma treatments.
- Further research into GAM metabolism can unlock new therapeutic strategies for glioma.

