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Understanding the Link Between Brain Activity and Cancer Growth

Glioma synapses recruit mechanisms of adaptive plasticity

Research reveals that the nervous system plays a significant role in cancer regulation, particularly in gliomas, a type of brain cancer. Neuronal activity influences tumor progression through specific signaling factors. In gliomas, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes synaptic plasticity, similar to healthy brain functions. Malignant synapses in cancer cells exhibit plasticity regulated by BDNF, promoting tumor growth. Blocking BDNF-related pathways inhibits glioma progression, highlighting the connection between neural activity, synaptic strength, and cancer advancement.

Taylor, K.R., Barron, T., Hui, A. et al. Glioma synapses recruit mechanisms of adaptive plasticity. Nature (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06678-1

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06678-1

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