The Interplay between Glioblastoma Cells and Tumor Microenvironment: New Perspectives for Early Diagnosis and Targeted Cancer Therapy

Brain Sci. 2024 Mar 29;14(4):331. doi: 10.3390/brainsci14040331.

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) stands out as the most tremendous brain tumor, constituting 60% of primary brain cancers, accompanied by dismal survival rates. Despite advancements in research, therapeutic options remain limited to chemotherapy and surgery. GBM molecular heterogeneity, the intricate interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME), and non-selective treatments contribute to the neoplastic relapse. Diagnostic challenges arise from GBM advanced-stage detection, necessitating the exploration of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis. Using data from the literature and a bioinformatic tool, the current manuscript delineates the molecular interplay between human GBM, astrocytes, and myeloid cells, underscoring selected protein pathways belonging to astroglia and myeloid lineage, which can be considered for targeted therapies. Moreover, the pivotal role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in orchestrating a favorable microenvironment for cancer progression is highlighted, suggesting their utility in identifying biomarkers for GBM early diagnosis.

Keywords: chaperoning system; extracellular vesicles; glioblastoma multiforme; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

C.C.B. is supported by European Union–Next Generation EU” componente M4C2, investimento 1.1, “Fondo per il Programma Nazionale di Ricerca e Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale (PRIN)”—CUP: B53D23032960001, Implementation of a patient-derived 3D model of glioblastoma multiforme for the developing of extracellular vesicles-based drug delivery system (EXANDROID- EXtracellular vesicles pAtieNt-DeRived 3d gbm mOdel drug delIvery Developing). This work was funded by the University of Catania, Programma Ricerca di Ateneo Pia.Ce.Ri 2020–2022 linea 3, STARTING GRANT 2020 project number 57722172133.