Fig. 1

Specific aspects of neuro-oncology regulation: A Neural activity regulates the differentiation direction of neural stem cells and promotes the proliferation of cancer cells by non-synaptically secreting neurotransmitters such as glutamate. B Neural activity can facilitate the metastasis of cancer cells. Breast cancer cells that have metastasized to the brain can replace astrocytes and surround normal nerve synapses, receive glutamate released from the presynaptic membrane, and activate the NMDAR signaling to promote the growth of tumors at the metastatic sites. C Interaction between nerves and tumors: Tumor cells can secrete signals such as BDNF and NGF to promote nerve growth into the microenvironment. Meanwhile, nerves can secrete neurotransmitters to promote tumor growth. D Anti-tumor effect of nerves: Nerves can inhibit tumors by reducing tumor growth and neovascularization. E Immunological remodeling of the tumor microenvironment by nerves: Nerves can regulate the differentiation of macrophages into the M2 type and have a pro-inflammatory effect. It increases the exhaustion of CD8 + T cells and creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment. F Nerves promote angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment. Catecholamine stimulation can regulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression through β-adrenergic receptors. Original figure created with BioRender.com