GPR55 and PINK1 as emerging therapeutic targets in Glioma: insights into their modulation by phytochemicals and plant extracts.

The expression of certain genes and proteins in brain tumors, particularly gliomas, presents potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers. One of such genes encodes the protein PINK1 (PTEN-induced Kinase 1), which has been primarily studied due to its mutations being linked to Parkinson's disease (PD). Additionally, epidemiological studies have observed a reduced risk of developing certain types of cancer in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and vice versa. The GPR55 receptor (G protein-coupled receptor 55) exhibits pro-oncogenic properties, and its expression correlates with tumor aggressiveness and the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. This review would aim to provide an overview of the current understanding of the relationship between PINK1 and GPR55 proteins in glioma pathophysiology and explore the potential use of plant extracts as a therapeutic alternative to regulate their expression.