A novel program of infiltrative control in astrocytomas: ADAM23 depletion promotes cell invasion by activating γ-secretase complex

Abstract Background Infiltration is a life-threatening growth pattern in malignant astrocytomas and a significant cause of therapy resistance. It results in the tumor cell spreading deeply into the surrounding brain tissue, fostering tumor recurrence and making complete surgical resection impossible. We need to thoroughly understand the mechanisms underlying diffuse infiltration to develop effective therapies. Methods We integrated in vitro and in vivo functional assays, RNA sequencing, clinical, and expression information from public data sets to investigate the role of ADAM23 expression coupling astrocytoma’s growth and motility. Results ADAM23 downregulation resulted in increased infiltration, reduced tumor growth, and improved overall survival in astrocytomas. Additionally, we show that ADAM23 deficiency induces γ-secretase (GS) complex activity, contributing to the production and deposition of the Amyloid-β and release of NICD. Finally, GS ablation in ADAM23-low astrocytomas induced a significant inhibitory effect on the invasive programs. Conclusions Our findings reveal a role for ADAM23 in regulating the balance between cell proliferation and invasiveness in astrocytoma cells, proposing GS inhibition as a therapeutic option in ADAM23 low-expressing astrocytomas.