Roles of EphA2 Receptor in Glioblastoma Angiogenesis Signaling
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Roles of EphA2 Receptor in Angiogenesis Signaling Pathway of Glioblastoma Multiforme
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Wan Noor Ainun Baharuddin, Abdul Aziz Mohamed Yusoff, Jafri Malin Abdullah, Zul Faizuddin Osman, Farizan Ahmad
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Roles of EphA2 Receptor in Angiogenesis Signaling Pathway of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Year: 2018 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.6.3
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly prevalent and aggressive type of primary brain tumor in adults, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all cases. Characterized by intense angiogenesis, GBM displays significant vascular growth and endothelial cell hyperplasia. Unfortunately, despite advancements in treatment, the prognosis for GBM patients is grim, with a mean survival time of only 14.6 months. Recent studies have highlighted the overexpression of the ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) in GBM and its connection to poorer patient outcomes, suggesting that EphA2 plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis, including aspects like invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
The Role of EphA2 in GBM Angiogenesis
EphA2 has emerged as a key modulator of angiogenesis in GBM. Its expression is notably high in advanced grades of tumors and various GBM cell lines, including U87-MG and T98G. Research indicates that EphA2 promotes new blood vessel formation—an essential factor for tumor survival and growth—by interacting with other signaling pathways and molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). Interestingly, while EphA2 is involved in blood vessel sprouting independently of VEGF, the simultaneous inhibition of both EphA2 and VEGFR-2 shows significant promise in reducing microvascular growth. Furthermore, EphA2 has also been linked to the formation of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in glioma stem cells, underscoring its potential importance in promoting aggressive tumor behavior.
Conclusion
GBM is a challenging disease that exhibits aggressive behavior and resistance to standard treatments, complicating patient care and survival rates. Given its status as one of the most vascularized solid tumors, targeting angiogenesis represents a potential therapeutic strategy. The overexpression of EphA2 stands out as a significant molecular target for further exploration, as current research emphasizes its critical involvement in GBM's tumor-associated vasculature and the angiogenic process. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms and pathways linked to EphA2 might open new avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at treating GBM and enhancing patient outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and its prognosis?
GBM is a common primary brain tumor in adults, constituting about 65% of cases. It is characterized by aggressive growth and high angiogenesis. Unfortunately, the prognosis remains poor, with an average survival time of only 14.6 months after diagnosis.
How does EphA2 contribute to tumorigenesis in GBM?
EphA2 overexpression in GBM correlates with aggressive tumor behavior, promoting processes like invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Its signaling pathways negatively impact patient survival and are involved in the modulation of tumor-associated blood vessel formation.
What role does EphA2 play in GBM angiogenesis?
EphA2 is crucial in regulating angiogenesis in GBM by influencing endothelial cell behavior and recruiting growth factors. It facilitates new blood vessel formation, which supports tumor growth and creates a favorable microenvironment for malignancy.
What potential therapies could target EphA2 in GBM treatment?
Targeting EphA2 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM due to its specific expression in tumor tissues compared to normal brain cells. Combination therapies utilizing anti-angiogenic drugs, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy may also enhance treatment efficacy.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Roles of EphA2 Receptor in Glioblastoma Angiogenesis Signaling”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cancer:
Cancer is a critical area of medical research, encompassing various diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. It represents one of the leading health challenges globally, necessitating extensive study into causes, prevention, and treatment options. Identifying molecular targets, like EphA2 in glioblastoma, is paramount for developing effective therapies and improving patient outcomes.
2) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation of phenomena. In a medical context, it involves researching diseases, treatment efficacy, and pathogenesis. Studies contribute to advancing knowledge, identifying new targets like EphA2 in cancer treatments, and often lead to groundbreaking findings that can improve clinical practices and patient care strategies.
3) Blood:
Blood plays a pivotal role in the body, serving as a transport medium for oxygen, nutrients, and signaling molecules. In cancer, understanding blood vessel formation and how tumors manipulate blood supply for growth is essential. Key factors, including EphA2, influence angiogenesis—critical for tumor advancement and malignancy in conditions like glioblastoma.
4) Pur:
The term 'poor' frequently relates to adverse conditions or outcomes, particularly in healthcare settings. Poor prognoses in cancers, including glioblastoma, emphasize urgent research needs to address treatment resistance. Identifying markers like EphA2 that correlate with poor survival rates accentuates the necessity for innovative therapeutic approaches tailored to enhance patient outcomes.
5) Line:
In a medical context, 'line' often refers to treatment paradigms or protocols that outline therapeutic strategies. Understanding the line of treatment available for conditions like glioblastoma is essential. Current lines often include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, with research exploring combinations that may improve efficacy against malignancies involving molecular targets like EphA2.
6) Ter:
Though incomplete, 'ther' likely refers to therapies, indicative of therapeutic interventions designed to combat diseases. In oncology, targeted therapies aim to interfere with specific cancer-promoting pathways. The exploration of EphA2 as a therapeutic target may pave the way for developing new drugs that can more effectively shrink tumors and improve survival rates.
7) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation in cancer biology denotes the process by which normal cells undergo changes to become malignant. This process encompasses genetic, epigenetic, and cellular alterations. Studies indicate that EphA2 plays a significant role in the transformation of glioma cells, influencing their aggressiveness and capability to invade surrounding tissues, which complicates treatment strategies.
8) Family:
The term 'family' could refer to families of proteins or mechanisms within biological systems. In the context of EphA2, it is part of the Ephrin receptor family, which includes various receptors that mediate significant physiological functions like angiogenesis and cell signaling. Understanding these families helps identify potential therapeutic targets and create novel treatment strategies.
9) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy refers to the use of drugs to treat cancer by killing or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. It is often a cornerstone in treating tumors but can be limited by resistance mechanisms. Research into EphA2 may explore how modulating this target can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in glioblastoma patients.
10) Radiotherapy:
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells. It is a standard treatment for various cancers, including glioblastoma. The interaction of radiotherapy with molecular targets like EphA2 is of great interest, as understanding such dynamics may lead to improved strategies that enhance tumor responses to radiation therapy.
11) Knowledge:
Knowledge pertains to the information accumulated through research and studies, especially in scientific fields like oncology. It informs treatment decisions, guides clinical practices, and aids in understanding disease mechanisms. Expanding knowledge about EphA2's role in glioblastoma can lead to novel therapeutic approaches and improved patient management strategies.
12) Disease:
Disease typically refers to an abnormal condition impairing bodily functions, and in the context of this text, it relates primarily to cancer, specifically glioblastoma. Understanding the biology of disease, including processes like angiogenesis mediated by receptors such as EphA2, is essential for developing targeted therapies to effectively combat these conditions.
13) Harita:
Haritha likely refers to a researcher or author involved in studies connected to glioblastoma or EphA2. Individual contributions to the field are vital for advancing knowledge, highlighting the importance of collaboration in research endeavors. Recognizing researchers helps in establishing connections between academic findings and clinical practice improvements.
14) Thomas:
Thomas appears as a name associated with research contributions in the domain of cancer studies or medical science. Such individuals often drive innovation and breakthroughs in understanding disease mechanisms, particularly involving critical pathways in cancer like EphA2-mediated angiogenesis, fostering new therapeutic targets and clinical strategies for treatment.
15) Chang:
Chang signifies a contributor to the ongoing research in cancer biology. Important findings often arise from collaborative work among researchers like Chang, providing insights into molecular pathways in diseases. Their work can help pinpoint critical targets and develop effective treatment modalities, particularly in aggressive cancers like glioblastoma.
16) Qian:
Qian is another contributor's name, indicating involvement in studying cancer mechanisms or treatment development. Contributions from researchers with such expertise are crucial to enhancing understanding of tumor dynamics, including how key factors like EphA2 facilitate tumor growth and angiogenesis, thereby advancing novel therapeutic strategies.
17) Education:
Education is fundamental for disseminating knowledge and skills related to medical research and practices. Programs that focus on cancer biology, such as those discussing EphA2's role in glioblastoma, equip future researchers with necessary insights to foster innovation and improve treatment methods, highlighting the importance of continuing education in healthcare.
18) Realising (Realizing):
Realising pertains to the acknowledgment and understanding of concepts or implications, particularly in research. In cancer studies, realising the role of EphA2 in tumor biology can drive the development of new therapies tailored for malignancies like glioblastoma. Such realizations are key to translating research findings into clinical applications.
19) Activity:
Activity in this context likely relates to the biological functions or signaling pathways involved in cancer development and progression. Understanding cellular activities, specifically how receptors like EphA2 interact and promote aggressiveness in tumors, is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies that can disrupt these harmful processes.
20) Surface:
Surface often refers to the external aspect of cells, particularly regarding receptors like EphA2 that reside on cell membranes. The interactions occurring at this surface, such as ephrin binding, play essential roles in signal transduction, influencing cancer cell behavior and angiogenesis, thus becoming targets for therapeutic development.
21) Table:
Table may refer to data presentation or relationships among different entities in research. In scientific studies on glioblastoma, tables can summarize findings about receptor expressions, patient outcomes, and treatment efficacies. Such organized information is critical for analyzing results, drawing conclusions, and guiding future research directions.
22) Field:
Field denotes a specific area of study or expertise such as cancer biology. The field of research surrounding EphA2 encompasses molecular signaling, cellular behavior in malignancies, and therapeutic targeting. Advancements in such fields contribute significantly to understanding complex diseases and developing novel interventions to combat cancer effectively.
23) Mara:
Mara could refer to an educational institution or organization, indicating a supportive role in advancing studies related to cancer. Institutions play an essential role in fostering research, facilitating collaborative projects, and providing resources that contribute to breakthroughs in understanding carcinogenic mechanisms and developing new therapeutic options.
24) Muda:
Muda might reference a particular educational or research initiative focused on addressing cancer challenges. Programs like this are essential in cultivating new experts in oncology research, promoting innovative studies that contribute to understanding diseases like glioblastoma and their associated pathways, ultimately aiding in treatment development and patient care.
25) Post:
Post usually refers to the academic or professional progression following specific milestones. In research, post-doctoral positions often facilitate extensive studies into specialized areas, such as glioblastoma research focusing on receptors like EphA2. These roles are important for advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing therapeutic strategies in oncology.
26) Drug:
Drug refers to pharmacological agents developed for therapeutic interventions. In the context of cancer, targeted drugs aim to interrupt specific pathways to inhibit tumor growth. Research into drugs that target receptors like EphA2 may enhance treatment efficacy for glioblastoma, delivering new hope to patients through improved therapeutic strategies.