CNCR-seminar series: Synaptic Communication between Neurons and Cancer Cells

Alien Contacts: Synaptic Communication between Neurons and Cancer Cells
Prof. Dr. Thomas Kuner, Institute for Anatomy & Cell Biology, Heidelberg University

Host: Matthijs Verhage
Location: Spectrum 5, VU Research building

Professor Thomas Kuner is a leading neuroscientist and Director of the Department of Functional Neuroanatomy at Heidelberg University whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of brain-tumor biology and neuro-oncology. His research integrates neuroanatomical, electrophysiological, and imaging techniques to explore how neural circuits interact with disease states, particularly malignant brain tumors. Kuner’s work has been pivotal in demonstrating that glioblastoma cells do not exist in isolation but form functional communication networks with healthy neurons.

A landmark achievement in his career was co-supervising the groundbreaking 2019 Nature paper “Glutamatergic synaptic input to glioma cells drives brain tumour progression.” In this study, Kuner and colleagues showed for the first time that neurons form bona fide excitatory synapses onto glioma cells, using ultrastructural and functional evidence to reveal that glutamatergic signaling from neurons drives tumor growth and invasion. These synaptic contacts mirror normal
neuronal synapses in structure and function, suggesting that brain activity can accelerate malignancy.

This discovery has reshaped the field of cancer neuroscience by identifying a direct neuronal influence on tumor progression and opening avenues for therapeutic intervention. It has also led to high-profile recognition: Kuner and his collaborators were awarded the BIAL Award in Biomedicine in 2024 for this work, which has propelled clinical trials testing synaptic signaling blockers in glioblastoma patients.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://vu-live.zoom.us/j/93378349128?pwd=WVVvRU8vOG1FeFJLODU5S0Z4azFHQT09

Meeting ID: 933 7834 9128
Passcode: seminar