• GABAergic interneurons
• Glioblatoma Multiforme
• mouse models
• peritumoral

Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive brain tumor with few therapeutic options. The development of novel therapies requires a better understanding of the bi-directional communication between the tumor cells and the surrounding neuronal networks. Recent studies have demonstrated that peritumoral pyramidal neurons establish glutamatergic synapses with glioma cells. Importantly, optogenetic stimulation of pyramidal neurons enhances calcium oscillations in the glioma network and promotes tumor proliferation
and invasion. Whether and how non-pyramidal neurons contribute to GB progression remains poorly understood. In this thesis we have studied the hyperexcitbaility present in the tumor microenviroment and the possible mechanisms underlying it.