Nima Shadan

Dr. Nima Shadan

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 September 2025 in Cells
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMaria Antonella Antonella Augello
Maria Antonella Antonella Augello
NSNima Shadan
Nima Shadan
GDGiuseppa D'Amico
Giuseppa D'Amico
Rosario BaroneRosario Barone
Rosario Barone
Celeste Caruso BavisottoCeleste Caruso Bavisotto
Celeste Caruso Bavisotto
AVAlessandra Maria Vitale
Alessandra Maria Vitale
Molecular chaperones, especially Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs), play complex, context-dependent roles in cancer, particularly in nervous system (NS) tumors like glioblastoma (GBM) and neuroblastoma (NB). They are often upregulated, promoting tumor growth, poor prognosis, and resistance to therapy and immune responses. This supports the potential of negative chaperonotherapy, aimed at inhibiting them. However, some studies suggest chaperones can also act as tumor suppressors in certain cancers, indicating that positive chaperonotherapy—enhancing or restoring their function—may be beneficial. For NS tumors, this latter area is still understudied. With emphasis on GBM and NB, in this review we address the potential of molecular chaperones, particularly HSPs, as therapeutic targets or agents. We discuss strategies to inhibit pro-tumorigenic chaperones as well as the underexplored potential of chaperone induction and immunomodulation. Ultimately, we examine the emerging use of pharmacological and chemical chaperones to improve treatment outcomes in these NS tumors. These strategies, whether applied alone or in combination, may offer significant benefits for GBM and NB, which are presently among the most aggressive and challenging tumors to manage.