생화학분자생물학회

	Name: Chan Hee Lee ( chl22@hallym.ac.kr )
	2021-present	Assistance Professor, Department of Biomedical Science, Hallym University, South Korea
	2020-2021	Postdoctoral researcher, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Texas, USA
	2019-2020	Research Assistant Professor, Ulsan University, College of Medicine, South Korea
	2016-2019	Postdoctoral researcher, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, South Korea
	2011-2016	Ph.D., Biomedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, KAIST, South Korea

Contribution of the nervous system to cancer progression

Cancer progression is driven by genetic mutations, environmental factors, and intricate interactions within the Tumor Microenvironment (TME), encompassing a complex network involving neurotrophic factors. The interplay between cancer cells and peripheral nerves, particularly the impact of neurotrophic factors such as NGF, BDNF, and GDNF, are associated with poor prognosis across various cancer types. Moreover, sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic regulation plays a significant role in influencing tumor growth. Sympathetic signaling predominantly promotes tumor progression, whereas the role of parasympathetic signaling varies among different cancer types. These effects can occur by directly affecting tumor cells or regulating immune cell functions within the TME. In addition, the sensory nerves significantly promote cancer progression. We also describe the contribution of the CNS to Cancer-Associated Cachexia (CAC), characterized by tissue wasting and a reduced quality of life. This process involves pathways via GDF15-GFRAL signaling and hypothalamic POMC neurons. Our review underscores the multifaceted interactions between the nervous system and cancer progression and presents promising avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies.


BMB Rep. 2024 Apr;57(4):167-175. doi: 10.5483/BMBRep.2024-0019
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38523371/