Synthesis of the neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) normally occurs in neurons. A study now shows that ectopic expression of GAD leads to GABA accumulation, enhanced tumour cell proliferation and immunosuppression, and blocking GABA signalling improves the anti-tumour efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Huang, W., Cao, L. Targeting GABA signalling for cancer treatment. Nat Cell Biol 24, 131–132 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-021-00839-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-021-00839-y
