Sensing the dark force of cancer: mechanoreceptor Piezo1 in the oncogenesis and progression of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is defined as IDH1-WT grade IV astrocytic tumor and is one of the most aggressive, untreatable and less understood types of cancers, so deeper understanding of its biology is an unmet clinical need. In this context, our lab focuses on mechanosensation, the ability of cells of sensing mechanical and physical forces. It is well known that the tumor mechanoenvironment is highly altered compared to healthy tissues but little is known regarding the mechanisms underlying these changes and their implications, which is why mechanosensation could be key in cancer biology. Through a preclinical and translational approach using transgenic murine models, patient samples, genetically engineered cell lines and different -omics approaches we have identified Piezo1, one of the main mechanoreceptors in mammals, as a key player in glioblastoma biology participating both in the oncogenesis and tumoral progression. Thus, our studies set this mechanoreceptor as a promising new biomarker and potential therapeutic target for glioblastoma.