Figure 7: A model of neural–tumour crosstalk mediated by the neuropeptide GAL.
From: Galanin modulates the neural niche to favour perineural invasion in head and neck cancer
Neurons release GAL following injury or inflammation and activate tumour-expressed GALR2. GALR2 activation leads to NFATC2-mediated transcription and secretion of COX2/PGE2 and GAL, thereby promoting PNI and neuritogenesis, respectively. Targeting GALR2 or GAL blocks PNI by disrupting neural–tumour crosstalk.
