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Glioblastoma progression is hindered by melatonin-primed mesenchymal stromal cells through dynamic intracellular and extracellular reorganizations.

Theranostics
May 5, 2025
Laura Olmedo-Moreno et al. (17 authors)
Journal ArticleAnimal StudyMolecular Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to determine whether melatonin enhances the anticancer properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their interaction with glioblastoma (GBM) cells.

Results Summary

Melatonin pre-treated MSCs (MSCMel) delayed tumor growth in mice, increased collagen deposition, and reduced GBM cell migration. Transcriptomic analysis identified genes and pathways related to cell migration and extracellular matrix remodeling, including reduced vimentin expression.

Population

Orthotopic and subcutaneous GBM xenograft mouse models, as well as primary and non-primary GBM cells in vitro.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
melatonin pre-treated MSCs (MSCMel)
decrease
tumor growth
orthotopic and subcutaneous GBM xenograft mouse models
-
delayed
#1
melatonin pre-treated MSCs (MSCMel)
increase
collagen deposition
orthotopic and subcutaneous GBM xenograft mouse models
-
increased
#2
melatonin pre-treated MSCs (MSCMel)
decrease
GBM cell migration
primary and non-primary GBM cells
-
enhanced capacity to prevent
#3
melatonin pre-treated MSCs (MSCMel)
decrease
vimentin expression
GBM cells exposed to MSCMel
-
reduced
#4
melatonin
increase
the anticancer properties of MSCs
-
-
enhances
#5
Abstract

Rationale: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most fatal form of brain cancer and its treatment represents a persistent challenge. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been explored as therapeutic tools in cancer management owing to their tumor-homing abilities. However, their clinical application is limited due to the controversial role of MSCs in carcinogenesis. This study investigates how MSCs influence tumor behavior and explores the synergistic anticancer effects in combination with melatonin (Mel). Methods: Orthotopic and subcutaneous GBM xenograft mouse models were used to assess the antitumor effect of Mel pre-treated MSCs (MSCMel). Histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses were conducted to identify phenotypic changes in tumors. Through a set of in vitro assays, including direct and indirect co-cultures, dynamic single-cell tracking and tumorsphere assay, we explored the impact of MSCMel on primary and non-primary GBM cells. Transcriptomic profiling was used to identify genes and pathways modulated by this synergistic therapy. Results: MSCMel delayed tumor growth in mice and increased collagen deposition. Additionally, MSCMel showed enhanced capacity to prevent GBM cell migration compared to untreated MSCs. Molecular analysis identified genes and proteins related to cell migration, cytoskeletal dynamics and extracellular matrix remodeling in GBM cells exposed to MSCMel, including reduced vimentin expression. Finally, a genetic signature associated with the clinical outcomes of GBM patients was identified. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that melatonin enhances the anticancer properties of MSCs, providing new insights into their interaction with GBM cells and tumor environment. These findings offer valuable guidance for advancing MSC-based therapies in clinical practice.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
MelatoninMesenchymal Stem CellsGlioblastomaAnimalsMiceHumansBrain NeoplasmsCell Line, TumorCell MovementXenograft Model Antitumor AssaysMesenchymal Stem Cell TransplantationDisease ProgressionExtracellular MatrixCell ProliferationMice, Nude
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality78/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score1.28
Normalized Score0.70
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