Glioblastoma hijacks neuronal mechanisms for brain invasion
Publication date: 31/07/2022
Authors: Venkataramani, V., Yang, Y., Schubert, M.C., et al.
Journal: Cell 185, 2899–2917
Commentary: In this study, Venkataramani and colleagues uncovered a novel mechanism by which glioblastoma (GBM) cells hijack neuronal features to enhance brain invasion. Using single-cell transcriptomics, they identified a subpopulation of GBM cells resembling neurons and neural progenitors. These cells receive synaptic input from neurons, inducing complex calcium signaling that promotes tumor microtube formation and increases invasion speed. Unlike other tumor cells, these neuronal-like GBM cells lack connections with other GBM cells and astrocytes, contributing to their unique invasive behavior. They adopt a Levy-like movement pattern, mimicking neuronal migration mechanisms, which plays a critical role in whole-brain colonization. This study provides significant insights into GBM's invasive behavior and highlights potential therapeutic targets aimed at these unique, neuronal-like tumor cell states. By revealing that neuronal mechanisms govern GBM invasion, this research opens new avenues for interventions targeting the synaptic interactions and calcium signaling pathways of these cells.
Commented by: Giorgia Iegiani (10/03/2025)
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022
