Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers and has seen little improvement in patient survival over the past four decades. Dr. Peiwen Chen’s research could uncover a powerful new strategy to overcome resistance in GBM and offer hope to patients with this deadly cancer.
Dr. Chen’s team uncovered that GBM tumors with mutations in the PTEN gene or that lack the PTEN gene entirely produce high levels of galanin (GAL). GAL is a neuropeptide that attracts immunosuppressive myeloid cells, like macrophages, microglia, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), that block effective immune responses. Cell signaling through the GAL protein receptor called GALR3 shields MDSCs from iron-dependent cell death or “ferroptosis”, reinforcing the tumor’s defenses against immunotherapy.
Dr. Chen is now investigating the GAL-GALR3 signaling pathway to understand how it drives MDSC infiltration and survival. The ultimate goal is to block MDSC recruitment to the GBM tumor microenvironment and induce their destruction, weakening the tumor’s shield and enabling anti-PD-1 immunotherapy to be effective.
Research Focus
Glioblastoma, PTEN mutations, myeloid cells
Projects and Grants
Targeting ferroptosis-linked MDSCs to improve immunotherapy in PTEN-deficient glioblastoma
