The Nervous System Development Regulator Neuropilin-1 as a Potential Prognostic Marker and Therapeutic Target in Brain Cancer.

Neuropilins are transmembrane glycoproteins that regulate developmental processes in the nervous system and other tissues. Overexpression of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) occurs in many solid tumor types and, in several instances, may predict patient outcome in terms of overall survival. Experimental inhibition of NRP1 activity can display antitumor effects in different cancer models. Here, we review NRP1 expression and function in adult and pediatric brain cancers, particularly glioblastomas (GBMs) and medulloblastomas, and present analyses of NRP1 transcript levels and their association with patient survival in GBMs. The case of NRP1 highlights the potential of regulators of neurodevelopment as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in brain cancer.

Anatomy of the optic radiations from the white matter fiber dissection perspective: A literature review applied to practical anatomical dissection.

Background: Knowledge of the anatomical course of the optic radiations and its relationship to medial temporal lobe structures is of great relevance in preoperative planning for surgery involving the temporal lobe to prevent damage that may result in postsurgical visual field deficits. Methods: In this anatomical study, we reviewed the literature on this topic and applied the information to practical anatomical dissection. The three-dimensional relationship between the course of the optic radiations and structures accessed in the main microneurosurgical approaches to the medial temporal lobe was examined by applying Klingler's white matter fiber dissection technique to five formalin-fixed human brains. The dissections were performed with an operating microscope at magnifications of ×3-×40. High-resolution images were acquired during dissection for identification of the anatomical structures, focusing on the characterization of the course of the optic radiations in relation to medial temporal lobe structures. Results: In all five dissected brains, we could expose and clearly define the relationship between the optic radiations and medial temporal lobe structures, improving our understanding of these complex structures. Conclusion: The knowledge gained by studying these relationships will help neurosurgeons to develop risk-adjusted approaches to prevent damage to the optic radiations in the medial temporal region, which may result in a disabling visual field deficit.