Biomedical Sciences

New zebrafish model sheds light on glioblastoma tumours

Congratulations to the Sieger lab on publishing their study on a new zebrafish microglia-glioblastoma model, which uncovered new findings on the complex interactions between microglia and glioblastoma cells.

Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive brain tumour. These tumours are highly infiltrated by microglia which are the resident immune cells of the brain and are meant to protect our brain. However, their response to glioblastomas is detrimental; instead of fighting the tumour microglia actively support tumour growth.

The new zebrafish model will help to understand the mechanisms triggering this behaviour and to identify new drugs that convert microglial activity within the glioblastoma.

This publication has received extensive world media coverage and Cancer Research UK, who fund the Sieger lab, have covered the study in their latest science blog.

News coverage on the story

BBC – Reporting Scotland – Lunch Time News – Tue 22 Nov

STV – 6 pm News Edinburgh 

STV - Scotland Tonight | Tue 22 Nov, 10.35pm 

The Scotsman: Zebrafish help Edinburgh scientists probe brain tumour growth

World News Feed : Zebrafish in Edinburgh brain tumour research

The National: Brain cancer breakthrough: cells found to aid rather than fight against tumour growth

Cancer Research UK blog

 

Further information

Read the full article in ZEBRAFISH

Dr Sieger's staff profile

Centre for Neuroregeneration website