REVIEW article
Front. Oncol.
Sec. Cancer Molecular Targets and Therapeutics
Volume 15 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1570380
The double role of GABAergic system in systemic tumors: an updated review
Provisionally accepted
- Hebei University, Baoding, China
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The GABAergic system is the main inhibitory nervous system. In addition, GABA has been reported to affect tumour growth and its expression differs between tumour tissue and normal tissue. However, the impact of GABAergic system on tumor progression is context-dependent. The dual potential of the GABAergic system to exert either pro-tumor or anti-tumor effects is fundamentally shaped by the distinct histological features of the neoplasm. The complex components of the GABAergic system and signaling pathways involved might be responsible for this phenomenon. In this study, we reviewed the role of the GABAergic system in promoting or inhibiting tumorigenesis in different organ systems and summarized the possible signalling pathways regulated via GABAA receptor-associated protein (GABARAP). We also discussed the possible role of GABARAP in tumor progression through the regulation of autophagy. Additionally, this study suggest novel therapeutic approach targeting the GABAergic system in the treatment of tumors.
Keywords: GABA, systemic tumors, Autophagy, Tumor Microenvironment, therapeutic targets
Received: 03 Feb 2025; Accepted: 30 Jul 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Yang, Zu, Wang, Li and Zhang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Lijian Zhang, Hebei University, Baoding, China
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