title: Breast cancer brain metastases: evidence for neuronal-like adaptation in a 'breast-to-brain' transition?
abstract: Brain metastases remain a significant challenge in the treatment of breast cancer patients due to the unique environment posed by the central nervous system. A better understanding of the biology of breast cancer cells that have metastasized to the brain is required to develop improved therapies. A recent Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences article demonstrates that breast cancer cells in the brain microenvironment express γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-related genes, enabling them to utilize GABA as an oncometabolite, thus gaining a proliferative advantage. In this viewpoint, we highlight these findings and their potential impact on the treatment of breast cancer brain metastases.
authors: Amanda Ed
authors: AE
authors: Van Swearingen
authors: Marni B
authors: MB
authors: Siegel
authors: Carey K
authors: CK
authors: Anders
mesh_terms: D000612:4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000556:secondary; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D050485:GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000378:metabolism; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment / Q000187:drug effects; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D050485:GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000612:4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase