Researchers at the Cajal Institute at the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) discovered a new cellular mechanism involved in the progression of glioblastoma , the most lethal and aggressive brain tumor of the nervous system. According to the research, tumor cells ‘vampirize’ a key cellular signaling pathway in the brain, which triggers a reaction that accelerates neurodegeneration. In addition, according to the study, tumor cells establish a feedback loop to promote their expansion.
“Glioblastoma cells form a network of tumor microtubes that envelop neurons and cause neurodegeneration, a process we have defined as ‘va mpirization’. In addition, glioblastoma cells establish a feedback loop to promote their expansion,” explains CSIC researcher Sergio Casas-Tintó.
The mechanism described in this study, published in the journal PLOS , leads to the activation of cellular signaling of the WNT pathway in tumor cells. This route is essential for the normal functions of each cell. In neurons, it is necessary to establish connections with other neurons or with other tissues. But in tumors that route promotes its proliferation and growth.
Neural decay
Therefore, the mechanism described is involved in the production, infiltration and maintenance of tumor microtubes and can explain both the tumor progression dependent on neurons as well as the neural decay associated with glioblastoma.
“The activation of the WNT pathway in these tumors is associated with a poor prognosis. The disease is characterized by progressive neurological deficits. However, it is not yet known whether these symptoms result from direct or indirect damage to neurons,” adds the CSIC researcher.
“Glioblastoma is the deadliest brain tumor. Patients survive 15 months on average and less than 5% survive five years. Therefore, it is necessary to study in detail the mechanisms that govern the progression of glioblastoma,” concludes Casas-Tintó.
Source: SINC
