Small interfering RNA-mediated xCT silencing in gliomas inhibits neurodegeneration and alleviates brain edema.

Savaskan, Nicolai E; Heckel, Alexandra; Hahnen, Eric; Engelhorn, Tobias; Doerfler, Arnd; Ganslandt, Oliver; Nimsky, Christopher; Buchfelder, Michael et al. · Nat Med · 2008

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Neurodegeneration and brain edema are hallmarks of human malignant brain tumors. Here we show that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the glutamate transporter xCT (X(c-) system, encoded by SLC7a11) in vivo leads to abrogated neurodegeneration, attenuated perifocal edema and prolonged survival. These results show a crucial role for xCT in glioma-induced neurodegeneration and brain edema, corroborating the concept that edema formation may be in part a consequence of peritumoral cell death.

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