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genes linked to Glioblastoma Spread Identified
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By Alice Roberts | STOCKHOLM – 2025/08/26 12:55:53
Researchers have pinpointed key genes influencing the spread of glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, perhaps opening new avenues for treatment.
Glioblastoma, a prevalent and lethal brain cancer in adults, is characterized by it’s localized spread within brain tissue, rather than forming distant metastases. Current treatments struggle to reach the scattered cancer cells, highlighting the need to understand and control its spread.
Tumor Cells Exhibit Varied Growth Patterns
An international study spearheaded by Uppsala University revealed that glioblastoma cells adopt different growth strategies: some proliferate along blood vessels, while others disperse through brain tissue. This behavior is dictated by the cell’s internal “condition.”
– We combined advanced analysis of individual cells with mapping of where different proteins are found in both mouse models and patient tissue. Depending on which genes were active in the cells, we were able to divide them into different conditions and found a strong link between cell state and their way of spreading, says Sven nelander, professor at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology in a press release from Uppsala University.
Gene Disruption Alters Tumor Spread
The research team identified three genes that appear to modulate brain tumor spread. The Axa1 gene was associated with tumor cells growing near blood vessels, while Hopx and RFX4 were linked to a more diffuse spread within the brain tissue.
To investigate the genes’ roles, researchers deactivated them in mice. This intervention altered the tumor’s spread, and in many instances, extended the animals’ lifespans.
– Our findings show that glioblastoma is not a uniform disease but consists of several cell types with different modes of distribution. If we can understand and control the spread patterns,it opens up new targeted treatments,says Professor Sven Nelander.
Our findings show that glioblastoma is not a uniform disease but consists of several cell types with different modes of distribution.
Proteins as potential Biomarkers
The researchers detected proteins derived from these genes in patient tissue samples. Higher levels of ANXA1 and RFX4 correlated with poorer survival rates, suggesting these proteins could serve as biomarkers to assess disease severity.
