Glioblastoma Forces Brain Cells to Help It Grow: Study Reveals a New Mechanism
20:51 29 October, 2026Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine in the United States have discovered a mechanism by which glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain tumors, uses surrounding nerve cells to accelerate its own growth. In animal experiments, the researchers also found that two anti-epileptic drugs can slow the proliferation of tumor cells. The findings were published in the journal Neuron.
Under normal conditions, inhibitory neurons help regulate the brain’s electrical activity. However, glioblastoma disrupts this system, creating conditions that favor tumor development. The researchers found that tumor cells release a protein called DBI, which increases the activity of neural circuits. They also use the protein GAT-1, which is involved in regulating the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which normally reduces the activity of nerve cells.
In experiments, activating inhibitory neurons near the tumor slowed its growth. Conversely, blocking their activity led to faster glioblastoma growth.
The scientists then tested two drugs that enhance GABA signaling: lorazepam and valproic acid. Both significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation in mice compared with a control group.
Glioblastoma is particularly dangerous because it develops rapidly and has limited treatment options. In nearly half of patients, seizures are among the first signs of the disease. The new findings suggest that interactions between tumors and nerve cells may influence not only the occurrence of seizures but also cancer progression.
The authors emphasize that the research has so far been conducted only in animals. Further studies are needed to determine whether these drugs can slow glioblastoma progression in humans and whether they can be used safely for this purpose. The findings open up a promising new avenue of research: targeting not only the tumor itself but also the signals exchanged between neurons and cancer cells.