Molecular Mechanisms and Pathways of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-mediated Therapy in Brain Cancer

Kuldeep Singh; Geetanjali Singh; Jeetendra Kumar Gupta; Alka N Choudhary; Arun Kumar; Divya Jain; Mukesh Chandra Sharma; Shivendra Kumar

doi:10.2174/011574888X341525250116052000

Molecular Mechanisms and Pathways of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-mediated Therapy in Brain Cancer

Curr Stem Cell Res Ther. 2025 Jan 23. doi: 10.2174/011574888X341525250116052000. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Kuldeep Singh¹, Geetanjali Singh², Jeetendra Kumar Gupta¹, Alka N Choudhary³, Arun Kumar⁴, Divya Jain⁵, Mukesh Chandra Sharma⁶, Shivendra Kumar¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura Uttar Pradesh, India.
² Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, India.
³ ICFAI School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The ICFAI University, Rajawala Road, Selaqui Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
⁴ School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
⁵ Department of Microbiology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
⁶ School of Pharmacy, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidalaya, Indore (M.P.), India.

PMID: 39851121
DOI: 10.2174/011574888X341525250116052000

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of brain cancer due to their unique biological properties, including their ability to home tumor sites, modulate the tumor microenvironment, and exert anti-tumor effects. This review delves into the molecular mechanisms and pathways underlying MSC-mediated therapy in brain cancer. We explore the various signalling pathways activated by MSCs that contribute to their therapeutic efficacy, such as the PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch pathways. Additionally, we discuss the role of exosomes and microRNAs secreted by MSCs in mediating anti-tumor effects. The review also addresses the challenges and future directions in optimizing MSC-based therapies for brain cancer, including issues related to MSC sourcing, delivery methods, and potential side effects. Through a comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms and pathways, we aim to highlight the potential of MSCs as a viable therapeutic option for brain cancer and to guide future research in this field.

Keywords: MSC-based therapy.; Mesenchymal stem cells; MicroRNAs; brain cancer; exosomes; molecular mechanisms; signalling pathways; therapeutic efficacy; tumour microenvironment.