Molecular interactions between tumor and its microenvironment in malignant gliomas

Abstract

Growing evidence supports a critical role of the tumor-reprogrammed stromal cells in tumor growth and progression. Several extracellular communication networks are hijacked by the tumors to influence the surrounding tumor microenvironment. In malignant gliomas, tumor derived factors attract brain resident microglia and peripheral macrophages. These cells, instead of initiating antitumor responses, are re-educated by tumor cells and participate in matrix remodeling, support invasion and angiogenesis, and induce immunosuppression. Molecular underlining of these mutual and complex interactions in malignant gliomas is the main scope of this review.