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Tumor microtubes: A new potential therapeutic target for high-grade gliomas
Yunzhu Guo1,2, Yangxin Li3, Peng Su2
1Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, P.R. China.
Abstract:
High-grade infiltrating gliomas are highly aggressive and fatal brain tumors that present significant challenges for research and treatment due to their complex microenvironment and tissue structure. Recent discovery of tumor microtubes (TMs) has provided new insights into how high-grade gliomas develop in the brain and resist treatment. TMs are unique, ultra-long, and highly functional membrane protrusions that form multicellular networks and play crucial roles in glioma invasiveness, drug resistance, recurrence, and heterogeneity. This review focuses on the different roles that TMs play in glioma cell communication, material transport, and tumor cell behavior. Specifically, non-connecting TMs primarily promote glioma invasiveness, likely related to their role in enhancing cell motility. On the other hand, interconnecting TMs form functional and communication networks by connecting with surrounding astrocytes and neurons, thereby promoting glioma malignancy. We summarize the factors that influence the formation of TMs in gliomas and current strategies targeting TMs. As the understanding of TMs advances, we are closer to uncovering whether they might be the long-sought Achilles' heel of treatment-resistant gliomas. By delving deeper into TMs research, we hope to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for patients with malignant gliomas.
Insights
Tumor microtubes (TMs) are newly discovered brain tumor structures that facilitate glioma invasion and treatment resistance. Understanding TMs offers potential new strategies against aggressive, fatal brain cancers.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer biology
- Cellular neuroscience
Background:
- High-grade infiltrating gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with complex microenvironments.
- Tumor microtubes (TMs) are recently identified ultra-long membrane protrusions crucial to glioma progression.
- TMs influence glioma invasiveness, drug resistance, recurrence, and heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of TMs in glioma biology.
- To explore TM-mediated cell communication, material transport, and tumor behavior.
- To summarize TM formation factors and therapeutic targeting strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current research on tumor microtubes in gliomas.
- Analysis of TM structure, function, and impact on glioma malignancy.
- Examination of factors influencing TM formation and potential therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Non-connecting TMs primarily enhance glioma cell motility and invasiveness.
- Interconnecting TMs establish functional networks with neural cells, promoting malignancy.
- TMs are implicated in treatment resistance and recurrence of high-grade gliomas.
Conclusions:
- TMs play distinct roles in glioma progression, influencing invasiveness and malignancy.
- Targeting TMs presents a promising avenue for developing novel therapies for treatment-resistant gliomas.
- Further research into TMs may reveal their potential as an 'Achilles' heel' for malignant gliomas.
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