Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026

In Vitro Modeling of Cancerous Neural Invasion: The Dorsal Root Ganglion Model
Published on: April 12, 2016
Ganoderma Spore Lipids Inhibit Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer by Downregulating NGF-TrkA Pathway
Haohui Lin1, Manhon Chung2, Yi Yang1
1Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
Ganoderma spore lipid (GSL) inhibits pancreatic cancer cell invasion by targeting the NGF-TrkA pathway. This study suggests GSL as a potential adjuvant therapy to prevent cancer recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Perineural invasion (PNI) is a key driver of pancreatic cancer (PanCa) recurrence.
- The Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)-Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) pathway is implicated in PNI progression.
- Ganoderma spore lipid (GSL) exhibits anti-cancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of GSL in preventing PanCa PNI.
- To determine if GSL inhibits PanCa PNI by targeting the NGF-TrkA pathway.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies: Wound healing, Transwell assays, 3D co-culture, Immunofluorescence, Western blotting.
- In vivo studies: Sciatic nerve invasion mouse model (BALB/c).
- Assessment of cell migration, invasion, pathway markers (NGF, TrkA), epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers (Vimentin, E-Cadherin), and nerve markers (S100, PGP9.5).
Main Results:
- GSL significantly inhibited PanCa cell migration and invasion in vitro.
- GSL downregulated NGF-TrkA pathway activation and reversed effects with recombinant NGF.
- GSL suppressed tumor growth in vivo, downregulated TrkA, NGF, vimentin, S100, PGP9.5, and upregulated E-Cadherin.
Conclusions:
- GSL effectively inhibits PanCa PNI by downregulating the NGF-TrkA pathway.
- GSL demonstrates potential as a novel adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Enzyme-linked Receptors
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Regulation of Food Intake

