Cellular Senescence in Diffuse Gliomas: From Physiopathology to Possible Treatments

World Neurosurg. 2024 Nov:191:138-148. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.08.060. Epub 2024 Sep 2.

Abstract

Cellular senescence in gliomas is a complex process that is induced by aging and replication, ionizing radiation, oncogenic stress, and the use of temozolomide. However, the escape routes that gliomas must evade senescence and achieve cellular immortality are much more complex, in which the expression of telomerase and the alternative lengthening of telomeres, as well as the mutation of some proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, are involved. In gliomas, these molecular mechanisms related to cellular senescence can have a tumor-suppressing or promoting effect and are directly involved in tumor recurrence and progression. From these cellular mechanisms related to cellular senescence, it is possible to generate targeted senostatic and senolytic therapies that improve the response to currently available treatments and improve survival rates. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms of induction and evasion of cellular senescence in gliomas, as well as review possible treatments with therapies targeting pathways related to cellular senescence.

Keywords: Cellular senescence; Diffuse glioma; Glioblastoma; Glioma; Molecular pathology; Senescence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Cellular Senescence* / physiology
  • Glioma* / genetics
  • Glioma* / pathology
  • Glioma* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Telomerase / metabolism

Substances

  • Telomerase