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Cancer Cell International

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Glioma | Research

Microglia-mediated drug substance transfer promotes chemoresistance in brain tumors: insights from an in vitro co-culture model using GCV/Tk prodrug system

Authors: Sheng-Yan Wu, Wen-Jui Yu, Ting-Yi Chien, Yu-An Ren, Chi-Shuo Chen, Chi-Shiun Chiang

Published in: Cancer Cell International | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

It is well known that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play essential roles in brain tumor resistance to chemotherapy. However, the detailed mechanisms of how TAMs are involved in brain tumor resistance are still unclear and lack a suitable analysis model.

Methods

A BV2 microglial cells with ALTS1C1 astrocytoma cells in vitro co-culture system was used to mimic the microglia dominating tumor stroma in the tumor invasion microenvironment and explore the interaction between microglia and brain tumor cells.

Results

Our result suggested that microglia could form colonies with glioma cells under high-density culturing conditions and protect glioma cells from apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. Moreover, this study demonstrates that microglia could hijack drug substances from the glioma cells and reduce the drug intensity of ALTS1C1 via direct contact. Inhibition of gap junction protein prevented microglial-glioma colony formation and microglia-mediated chemoresistance.

Conclusions

This study provides novel insights into how glioma cells acquire chemoresistance via microglia-mediated drug substance transferring, providing a new option for treating chemo-resistant brain tumors.

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Title: Microglia-mediated drug substance transfer promotes chemoresistance in brain tumors: insights from an in vitro co-culture model using GCV/Tk prodrug system
Authors: Sheng-Yan Wu
Wen-Jui Yu
Ting-Yi Chien
Yu-An Ren
Chi-Shuo Chen
Chi-Shiun Chiang
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Glioma
Glioma
Glioma
Brain Tumor
Published in: Cancer Cell International / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2867
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-024-03213-8

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Conclusions

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