CAV2-expressing nerves induce metabolic switch toward mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to promote cancer stemness.

ABSTRACT: Cancer cells and the nervous system engage in a dynamic interplay, significantly influencing initiation and progression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Our findings highlight that cancer cells drive an increase in caveolin-2 (Cav2) expression within trigeminal ganglia and associated neural fibers in the tumor milieu, fostering a reciprocal attractant relationship between tumor cells and nerves. Notably, the knockout of Cav2, either globally or specifically in sensory neurons or glial cells, markedly attenuates the growth of orthotopically implanted tongue tumors. Moreover, Cav2-expressing nerves are implicated in shifting cancer cell metabolism towards mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, a process involved in maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Our results also

SUBMITTER: Zhang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12780207 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature