Microglia/Astrocytes-Glioblastoma Crosstalk: Crucial Molecular Mechanisms and Microenvironmental Factors

• Published in: Frontiers in cellular neuroscience Vol. 12; p. 235
• Main Authors: Matias, Diana, Balça-Silva, Joana, da Graça, Grazielle C, Wanjiru, Caroline M, Macharia, Lucy W, Nascimento, Carla Pires, Roque, Natalia R, Coelho-Aguiar, Juliana M, Pereira, Cláudia M, Dos Santos, Marcos F, Pessoa, Luciana S, Lima, Flavia R S, Schanaider, Alberto, Ferrer, Valéria P, Moura-Neto, Vivaldo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Research Foundation 03.08.2018; Frontiers Media S.A
• Subjects: Astrocytes; Brain cancer; Brain tumors; Cell interactions; Central nervous system; Chemokines; Chemotherapy; crosstalk; Cytokines; Cytoskeleton; Extracellular matrix; Genotype & phenotype; Glial cells; Glioblastoma; Glioblastoma cells; Malignancy; Microglia; Microglial cells; molecular mechanisms; Molecular modelling; Mutation; Neuroscience; Non-coding RNA; Reviews; Therapeutic applications; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; Tumors; Brazil; Portugal; Rio de Janeiro Brazil; molecular mechanisms; glioblastoma; crosstalk; microenvironmental factors; cytokines; astrocytes; microglia; communication mechanisms
• ISSN: 1662-5102; 1662-5102
• DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00235

In recent years, the functions of glial cells, namely, astrocytes and microglia, have gained prominence in several diseases of the central nervous system, especially in glioblastoma (GB), the most malignant primary brain tumor that leads to poor clinical outcomes. Studies showed that microglial cells or astrocytes play a critical role in promoting GB growth. Based on the recent findings, the complex network of the interaction between microglial/astrocytes cells and GB may constitute a potential therapeutic target to overcome tumor malignancy. In the present review, we summarize the most important mechanisms and functions of the molecular factors involved in the microglia or astrocytes-GB interactions, which is particularly the alterations that occur in the cell's extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. We overview the cytokines, chemokines, neurotrophic, morphogenic, metabolic factors, and non-coding RNAs actions crucial to these interactions. We have also discussed the most recent studies regarding the mechanisms of transportation and communication between microglial/astrocytes - GB cells, namely through the ABC transporters or by extracellular vesicles. Lastly, we highlight the therapeutic challenges and improvements regarding the crosstalk between these glial cells and GB.