Metabolite buildup reveals how aggressive brain tumors activate nearby neurons

Metabolite buildup reveals how aggressive brain tumors activate nearby neurons

Virtually all high-grade, aggressive gliomas in adults accumulate massive amounts of a metabolite called guanidinoacetate (GAA) that overstimulates nearby neurons and promotes tumor growth, according to new research from scientists at Children's Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) published in Cell.

Scientists Discover Metabolite Fueling Aggressive Brain Tumor Growth

Virtually all high-grade, aggressive gliomas in adults accumulate massive amounts of a metabolite called guanidinoacetate (GAA) that overstimulates nearby neurons and promotes tumor growth, according to new research from scientists at Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) published in Cell.

Gliomas Phenocopy an Inborn Error of Metabolism to Drive Neuronal Activity and Tumor Growth

Scientists revealed that glioma-generated guanidinoacetate (GAA) excites surrounding neurons. After depleting tumoral GAA, they found decreased electrochemical activity, neuron-glioma interactions, and tumor aggressiveness. [Cell] Full ArticleGraphical Abstract