Cellular interactions in the nervous system - glioblastoma cells

Vivaldo Moura-Neto

Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas-Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Glial-neuronal cells interactions are fundamental to the organization and physiology of the brain. These interactions are mediated by extracellular matrix proteins and soluble factors, but also by tunneling nanotubes (TNT’s) which emerge from one cells to touch another and exchange elements and signals. These interactions mediate cell development, migration and differentiation and are currently responsive to injuries, parasitic or brain haemorrhage, for instance. These interactions are also responsive to the cerebral parenchyma. In fact the cerebral microenvironment plays a pivotal role in these interactions. We have analyzed the properties of these interactions. Particularly, we have also analyzed how interactions between glial tumor and the cerebral parenchyma influence on expansion, migration and proliferation of tumor cells. By using natural drugs and cellular molecules such as the co-chaperone stress-inducible protein 1 (STI1), we have tried to manipulate migration and proliferation of glial cells tumor in vitro and in vivo. Our data might not only contribute to a better understanding of the cerebral cancer scenario but eventually contribute to design therapeutic approaches to this disease.