Posted by Stephanie Robert
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Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) of the brain
Pixabay.com |
Each year, approximately 20,000 adults are diagnosed with a malignant brain or CNS tumor in the United States. The majority of these tumors are thought to be derived from the malignant transformation of glial cells, which are the non-neuronal cells of the brain. These glial-derived tumors are called gliomas. There are many classifications of gliomas, however the most prevalent and deadly are classified as Glioblastoma Multiforme, or GBM. GBM patients typically survive only 12-15 months after diagnosis. In addition to a short survival, over half of these patients experience seizures during the course of their illness.
In our lab, we study how these tumors cause seizures in patients. We have found that many GBMs express a transporter called System xc- (SXC), which functions to protect cells from free radicals - which is important because they can kill cells if not controlled. In order for this transporter to function, it must release glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. This is important because too much excitatory drive will initiate seizure activity by causing abberant neuronal firing. We have found that this release of glutamate into the extracellular space in the brain, affects peri-tumoral neurons and causes seizures. Excitingly, there in an FDA-approved drug, Sulfasalazine, which inhibits the activity of SXC, preventing the relase of glutamate. Since this drug is currently used in patients to treat inflammatory bowel disease, it is a potential adjuvant treatment that can be readily tested in patients with GBMs and other gliomas causing seizures.
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