Gliomas are common primary brain
malignancies that remain difficult to treat due to their overall aggressiveness and heterogeneity. Although a variety of therapeutic strategies have been employed for the treatment of
gliomas, there is increasing evidence that suggests
ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) can serve as a valuable
biomarker and diagnostic tool in the pathogenesis of
gliomas. Various LGICs, including P2X, SYT16, and PANX2, have the potential to become altered in the pathogenesis of
glioma, which can disrupt the homeostatic activity of neurons, microglia, and astrocytes, further exacerbating the symptoms and progression of
glioma. Consequently, LGICs, including
purinoceptors,
glutamate-gated receptors, and
Cys-loop receptors, have been targeted in clinical trials for their potential therapeutic benefit in the diagnosis and treatment of
gliomas. In this review, we discuss the role of LGICs in the pathogenesis of
glioma, including genetic factors and the effect of altered LGIC activity on the
biological functioning of neuronal cells. Additionally, we discuss current and emerging investigations regarding the use of LGICs as a clinical target and potential therapeutic for
gliomas.