Researchers at GIGA and CHU analyzed the tumor suppressive effects of Cx30 in malignant astrocytic gliomas. They demonstrated the growth inhibitory potential in these tumors and dissected the involved signaling cascades. In addition, however, Cx30 protected human gliomas against radiation-induced DNA damage via a heat shock protein (HSP 90–dependent) translocation into the mitochondria favoring ATP production, DNA repair, and cell survival. In a clinical setting, it was shown that Cx30 expression adversely affected patient survival in 2 independent cohorts of radiation-treated glioblastoma patients.

These results demonstrate the central regulatory role of Cx30 in the biology of human gliomas. Acting as both a tumor growth suppressor and a radioprotective agent, this protein is a potential biomarker and an attractive target for specific therapeutic interventions against these tumors.

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