Sample records for glioma cells reduces

  1. Atorvastatin Promotes Cytotoxicity and Reduces Migration and Proliferation of Human A172 Glioma Cells.

    PubMed

    Oliveira, Karen A; Dal-Cim, Tharine; Lopes, Flávia G; Ludka, Fabiana K; Nedel, Cláudia B; Tasca, Carla I

    2018-02-01

    Malignant gliomas have resistance mechanisms to chemotherapy that enable tumor invasiveness and aggressiveness. Alternative therapies in cancer treatment, as statins, have been suggested to decrease proliferation, inhibit cell migration, and induce cell death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin (ATOR) on cell viability, migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy in A172 human glioma cells. Temozolomide (TMZ), a chemotherapic used to glioma treatment, was tested as a comparison to cytotoxic effects on gliomas. Cell viability was also assessed in primary culture of cortical astrocytes. ATOR treatment (0.1 to 20 μM) did not alter astrocytic viability. However, in glioma cells, ATOR showed cytotoxic effect at 10 and 20 μM concentrations. TMZ (500 μM) reduced cell viability similarly to ATOR, and drug association did not show additive effect on cell viability. ATOR, TMZ, and their association decreased cell migration. ATOR also decreased glioma cell proliferation. ATOR increased apoptosis, and TMZ association showed a potentiation effect, enhancing it. ATOR and TMZ treatment increased acidic vesicular organelle (AVO) presence in A172 cells, an indicative of autophagy. ATOR effect of reducing A172 cell viability did not alter glutamate transport and glutamine synthetase activity, but it was partially prevented through antagonism of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. Our data shows a cytotoxic effect of ATOR on glioma cells, whereas no toxicity was observed to astrocytes. ATOR showed similar cytotoxic effect as TMZ to glioma cells, and it may be a safer drug, regarding side effect induction, than chemotherapic agents.

  2. Reduced tumorigenicity of rat glioma cells in the brain when mediated by hygromycin phosphotransferase.

    PubMed

    Hormigo, A; Friedlander, D R; Brittis, P A; Zagzag, D; Grumet, M

    2001-04-01

    A variant of C6 glioma cells, C6R-G/H cells express hygromycin phosphotransferase (HPT) and appear to have reduced tumorigenicity in the embryonic brain. The goal of this study was to investigate their reduced capacity to generate tumors in the adult rat brain. Cell lines were implanted into rat brains and tumorigenesis was evaluated. After 3 weeks, all rats with C6 cells showed signs of neurological disease, whereas rats with C6R-G/H cells did not and were either killed then or allowed to survive until later. Histological studies were performed to analyze tumor size, malignancy, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation. Cells isolated from rat brain tumors were analyzed for mutation to HPT by testing their sensitivity to hygromycin. The results indicate that HPT suppresses tumor formation. Three weeks after implantation, only 44% of animals implanted with C6R-G/H cells developed tumors, whereas all animals that received C6 glioma cells developed high-grade gliomas. The C6R-G/H cells filled a 20-fold smaller maximal cross-sectional area than the C6 cells, and exhibited less malignant characteristics, including reduced angiogenesis, mitosis, and cell proliferation. Similar results were obtained in the brain of nude rats, indicating that the immune system did not play a significant role in suppressing tumor growth. The combination of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and HPT was more effective in suppressing tumorigenesis than either plasmid by itself, indicating that the GFP may protect against inactivation of the HPT. Interestingly. hygromycin resistance was lost in tumor cells that were recovered from a group of animals in which C6R-G/H cells formed tumors, confirming the correlation of HPT with reduced tumorigenicity.

  3. Enriched environment reduces glioma growth through immune and non-immune mechanisms in mice

    PubMed Central

    Garofalo, Stefano; D’Alessandro, Giuseppina; Chece, Giuseppina; Brau, Frederic; Maggi, Laura; Rosa, Alessandro; Porzia, Alessandra; Mainiero, Fabrizio; Esposito, Vincenzo; Lauro, Clotilde; Benigni, Giorgia; Bernardini, Giovanni; Santoni, Angela; Limatola, Cristina

    2015-01-01

    Mice exposed to standard (SE) or enriched environment (EE) were transplanted with murine or human glioma cells and differences in tumour development were evaluated. We report that EE exposure affects: (i) tumour size, increasing mice survival; (ii) glioma establishment, proliferation and invasion; (iii) microglia/macrophage (M/Mφ) activation; (iv) natural killer (NK) cell infiltration and activation; and (v) cerebral levels of IL-15 and BDNF. Direct infusion of IL-15 or BDNF in the brain of mice transplanted with glioma significantly reduces tumour growth. We demonstrate that brain infusion of IL-15 increases the frequency of NK cell infiltrating the tumour and that NK cell depletion reduces the efficacy of EE and IL-15 on tumour size and of EE on mice survival. BDNF infusion reduces M/Mφ infiltration and CD68 immunoreactivity in tumour mass and reduces glioma migration inhibiting the small G protein RhoA through the truncated TrkB.T1 receptor. These results suggest alternative approaches for glioma treatment. PMID:25818172

  4. Coptis Chinensis affects the function of glioma cells through the down-regulation of phosphorylation of STAT3 by reducing HDAC3.

    PubMed

    Li, Jiangan; Ni, Lulu; Li, Bing; Wang, Mingdeng; Ding, Zhemin; Xiong, Chunrong; Lu, Xiaojie

    2017-12-06

    Glioma remains the most common cause of brain cancer-related mortality. Glioma accounts for 50-60% of brain cancer. Due to their low toxicity and infrequent side effects, traditional herbs have been increasingly popular. Coptis Chinensis is commonly used in cancer treatment in combination with other Chinese Medicine herbs. However, little is known about its biological functions and mechanisms in glioma cells. In this study, the anti-glioma cell effect of Coptis Chinensis was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, plate clone test, scratch tests, flow cytometry, western blotting and a glioma xenograft tumor model. The results showed that Coptis Chinensis significantly suppressed glioma cell proliferation, tumor formation, migration and tumor growth, and prolonged the survival time of glioma cell-bearing mice. The flow cytometry result showed that Coptis Chinensis induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in glioma cells. Western blotting showed that Coptis Chinensis down-regulated the Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation levels and reduced the expression of Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) and caspase 3. Coptis Chinensis can inhibit various aspects of glioma cell functions. This study provides favorable scientific evidence for the potential use of natural products such as Coptis Chinensis in the clinical treatment of patients with glioma.

  5. MAD2-p31comet axis deficiency reduces cell proliferation, migration and sensitivity of microtubule-interfering agents in glioma.

    PubMed

    Wu, Dang; Wang, Lepeng; Yang, Yanhong; Huang, Jin; Hu, Yuhua; Shu, Yongwei; Zhang, Jingyu; Zheng, Jing

    2018-03-25

    Mitotic arrest deficient-like-1 (MAD2, also known as MAD2L1) is thought to be an important spindle assembly checkpoint protein, which ensures accurate chromosome segregation and is closely associated with poor prognosis in many cancer. As a MAD2 binding protein, p31 comet counteracts the function of MAD2 and leads to mitotic checkpoint silence. In this study, we explore the function of MAD2-p31 comet axis in malignant glioma cells. Our results showed that disruption of MAD2-p31 comet axis by MAD2 knockdown or p31 comet overexpression suppressed cell proliferation, survival and migration of glioma, indicating that MAD2-p31 comet axis is required for maintaining glioma cells malignancy. It is noted that MAD2 depletion or p31 comet overexpression reduced the sensitivity of glioma cells to microtubule-interfering agents paclitaxel and vinblastine, providing clinical guidance for application of such drugs. Taken together, our findings suggest that MAD2-p31 comet axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target for glioma. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  6. Sea Buckthorn Leaf Extract Inhibits Glioma Cell Growth by Reducing Reactive Oxygen Species and Promoting Apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sung-Jo; Hwang, Eunmi; Yi, Sun Shin; Song, Ki Duk; Lee, Hak-Kyo; Heo, Tae-Hwe; Park, Sang-Kyu; Jung, Yun Joo; Jun, Hyun Sik

    2017-08-01

    Hippophae rhamnoides L., also known as sea buckthorn (SBT), possesses a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities. However, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. The present study examined whether SBT leaf extract could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of rat glioma C6 cells. The results revealed that the treatment with SBT leaf extract inhibited proliferation of rat C6 glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner. SBT-induced reduction of C6 glioma cell proliferation and viability was accompanied by a decrease in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are critical for the proliferation of tumor cells. SBT treatment not only significantly upregulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) but also promoted its localization in the nucleus. Although increased expression and nuclear translocation of Bax were observed in SBT-treated C6 glioma cells, the induced nuclear morphological change was distinct from that of typical apoptotic cells in that most of SBT-treated cells were characterized by convoluted nuclei with cavitations and clumps of chromatin. All of these results suggest that SBT leaf extract could inhibit the rapid proliferation of rat C6 glioma cells, possibly by inducing the early events of apoptosis. Thus, SBT may serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of glioma.

  7. Induction of specific T helper-9 cells to inhibit glioma cell growth

    PubMed Central

    Zheng, Haiyan; Yang, Baohua; Xu, Dedong; Wang, Wenbo; Tan, Jie; Sun, Liyuan; Li, Qinghua; Sun, Li; Xia, Xuewei

    2017-01-01

    The effects of Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) on regulation of immune response have been recognized; whether SEB can enhance the effects of immunotherapy on glioma remains to be investigated. This study tests a hypothesis that administration with SEB enhances the effects of specific immunotherapy on glioma growth in mice. In this study, a glioma-bearing mouse model was developed by adoptive transfer with GL261 cells (a mouse glioma cell line). The mice were treated with the GL261 cell extracts (used as an Ag) with or without administration of SEB. We observed that treating glioma-bearing mice with the glioma Ag and SEB induced glioma-specific Th9 cells in both glioma tissue and the spleen. Treating CD4+ CD25− T cells with SEB increased p300 phosphorylation, histone H3K4 acetylation at the interleukin (IL)-9 promoter locus, and increased the IL-9 transcriptional factor binding to the IL-9 promoter. Treating CD4+ CD25− T cells with both SEB and glioma Ag induced glioma-specific Th9 cells. The glioma-specific Th9 cells induced glioma cell apoptosis in the culture. Treating the glioma-bearing mice with SEB and glioma Ag significantly inhibited the glioma growth. In conclusion, SEB plus glioma Ag immunotherapy inhibits the experimental glioma growth, which may be a novel therapeutic remedy for the treatment of glioma. PMID:28002799

  8. MiR-188 Inhibits Glioma Cell Proliferation and Cell Cycle Progression through Targeting ß-catenin.

    PubMed

    Li, Nan; Shi, Hangyu; Zhang, Lu; Li, Xu; Gao, Lu; Zhang, Gang; Shi, Yongqiang; Guo, Shiwen

    2017-12-21

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in several human cancers. Although miR188 has been suggested to function as a tumor repressor in cancers, its precise role in glioma and the molecular mechanism remain unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of miR-188 on glioma and explored its relevant mechanisms. We found that the expression of miR-188 is dramatically downregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. Subsequent investigation revealed that miR-188 expression was inversely correlated with ß-catenin expression in glioma tissue samples. Using a luciferase reporter assay, ß-catenin was determined to be a direct target of miR-188. Overexpression of miR-188 reduced ß-catenin expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, and inhibition of miR-188 increased ß-catenin expression. Moreover, we found that overexpression of miR-188 suppressed glioma cell proliferation and cell cycle G1-S transition, whereas inhibition of miR-188 promoted glioma cell proliferation. Importantly, silencing ß-catenin recapitulated the cellular and molecular effects seen upon miR-188 overexpression, which included inhibiting glioma cell proliferation and G1-S transition. Taken together, our results demonstrated that miR188 inhibits glioma cell proliferation by targeting ß-catenin, representing an effective therapeutic strategy for glioma.

  9. Products of cells from gliomas: VIII. Multiple-well immunoperoxidase assay of immunoreactivity of primary hybridoma supernatants with human glioma and brain tissue and cultured glioma cells.

    PubMed

    McKeever, P E; Wahl, R L; Shakui, P; Jackson, G A; Letica, L H; Liebert, M; Taren, J A; Beierwaltes, W H; Hoff, J T

    1990-06-01

    To test the feasibility of primary screening of hybridoma supernatants against human glioma tissue, over 5000 combinations of hybridoma supernatants with glioma tissue, cultured glioma cells, and normal central neural tissue were screened with a new multiple-well (M-well) screening system. This is an immunoperoxidase assay system with visual endpoints for screening 20-30 hybridoma supernatants per single microscope slide. There were extensive differences between specificities to tissue and to cultured glioma cells when both were screened with M-wells and when cultured cells were screened with standard semi-automated fluorescence. Primary M-well screening with glioma tissue detected seven hybridoma supernatants that specifically identified parenchymal cells of glioma tissue and that were not detected with cultured cells. Immunoreactivities of individual supernatants for vascular components (nine supernatants), necrosis (five supernatants), and nuclei (three supernatants) were detected. Other supernatants bound multiple sites on glioma tissue and/or subpopulations of neurons and glia of normal tissue. The results show that primary screening with glioma tissue detects a number of different specificities of hybridoma supernatants to gliomas not detected by conventional screening with cultured cells. These are potentially applicable to diagnosis and therapy.

  10. Glioma Stem Cells and Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Malignant Gliomas

    PubMed Central

    Toda, Masahiro

    2013-01-01

    Stem cell research has led to the discovery of glioma stem cells (GSCs), and because these cells are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, analysis of their properties has been rapidly pursued for targeted treatment of malignant glioma. Recent studies have also revealed complex crosstalk between GSCs and their specialized environment (niche). Therefore, targeting not only GSCs but also their niche may be a principle for novel therapies of malignant glioma. One possible novel strategy for targeting GSCs and their niches is immunotherapy with different antitumor mechanism(s) from those of conventional therapy. Recent clinical studies of immunotherapy using peptide vaccines and antibodies have shown promising results. This review describes the recent findings related to GSCs and their niches, as well as immunotherapies for glioma, followed by discussion of immunotherapies that target GSCs for the treatment of malignant glioma. PMID:23762610

  11. Glioma stem cells and immunotherapy for the treatment of malignant gliomas.

    PubMed

    Toda, Masahiro

    2013-01-01

    Stem cell research has led to the discovery of glioma stem cells (GSCs), and because these cells are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, analysis of their properties has been rapidly pursued for targeted treatment of malignant glioma. Recent studies have also revealed complex crosstalk between GSCs and their specialized environment (niche). Therefore, targeting not only GSCs but also their niche may be a principle for novel therapies of malignant glioma. One possible novel strategy for targeting GSCs and their niches is immunotherapy with different antitumor mechanism(s) from those of conventional therapy. Recent clinical studies of immunotherapy using peptide vaccines and antibodies have shown promising results. This review describes the recent findings related to GSCs and their niches, as well as immunotherapies for glioma, followed by discussion of immunotherapies that target GSCs for the treatment of malignant glioma.

  12. Microglia Activate Migration of Glioma Cells through a Pyk2 Intracellular Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Rolón-Reyes, Kimberleve; Kucheryavykh, Yuriy V.; Cubano, Luis A.; Inyushin, Mikhail; Skatchkov, Serguei N.; Eaton, Misty J.; Harrison, Jeffrey K.; Kucheryavykh, Lilia Y.

    2015-01-01

    Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and fatal brain cancers due to the highly invasive nature of glioma cells. Microglia infiltrate most glioma tumors and, therefore, make up an important component of the glioma microenvironment. In the tumor environment, microglia release factors that lead to the degradation of the extracellular matrix and stimulate signaling pathways to promote glioma cell invasion. In the present study, we demonstrated that microglia can promote glioma migration through a mechanism independent of extracellular matrix degradation. Using western blot analysis, we found upregulation of proline rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) protein phosphorylated at Tyr579/580 in glioma cells treated with microglia conditioned medium. This upregulation occurred in rodent C6 and GL261 as well as in human glioma cell lines with varying levels of invasiveness (U-87MG, A172, and HS683). siRNA knock-down of Pyk2 protein and pharmacological blockade by the Pyk2/focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor PF-562,271 reversed the stimulatory effect of microglia on glioma migration in all cell lines. A lower concentration of PF-562,271 that selectively inhibits FAK, but not Pyk2, did not have any effect on glioma cell migration. Moreover, with the use of the CD11b-HSVTK microglia ablation mouse model we demonstrated that elimination of microglia in the implanted tumors (GL261 glioma cells were used for brain implantation) by the local in-tumor administration of Ganciclovir, significantly reduced the phosphorylation of Pyk2 at Tyr579/580 in implanted tumor cells. Taken together, these data indicate that microglial cells activate glioma cell migration/dispersal through the pro-migratory Pyk2 signaling pathway in glioma cells. PMID:26098895

  13. Upregulation of the long non-coding RNA SNHG1 predicts poor prognosis, promotes cell proliferation and invasion, and reduces apoptosis in glioma.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qiang; Li, Qing; Zhou, Peng; Deng, Danni; Xue, Lian; Shao, Naiyuan; Peng, Ya; Zhi, Feng

    2017-07-01

    Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are non-coding RNAs with a length above 200 nucleotides, have emerged as novel and important gene expression modulators in carcinogenesis. Recent evidence indicates that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) functions as an oncogene in several types of human cancers. However, its function in the development of glioma remains unknown. The aim of this research was to investigate the clinical aspects and biological mechanisms of SNHG1 in glioma. SNHG1 expression was measured in glioma tissues and cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The association between SNHG1 expression in tissues and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in glioma patients was also explored. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies using SNHG1 cDNA and siRNA, respectively, were used to investigate the role of SNHG1 in cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis in glioma. SNHG1 was highly expressed in glioma tissues, and its upregulation was closely related to old age. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high expression of SNHG1 was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS). Functionally, ectopic expression of SNHG1 enhanced cell proliferation and cell invasion and reduced cell apoptosis in vitro, while SNHG1 knockdown reversed these effects. Taken together, our findings indicate that SNHG1 functions as an oncogene in glioma and may serve as a novel therapeutic target in future treatments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  14. Eckol suppresses maintenance of stemness and malignancies in glioma stem-like cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hyun, Kyung-Hwan; Yoon, Chang-Hwan; Kim, Rae-Kwon

    A subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell properties is responsible for tumor maintenance and progression, and may contribute to resistance to anticancer treatments. Thus, compounds that target cancer stem-like cells could be usefully applied to destroy cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of Eckol, a phlorotannin compound, on stemness and malignancies in glioma stem-like cells. To determine whether Eckol targets glioma stem-like cells, we examined whether Eckol treatment could change the expression levels of glioma stem-like cell markers and self-renewal-related proteins as well as the sphere forming ability, and the sensitivity to anticancer treatments. Alterations in themore » malignant properties of sphere-derived cells by Eckol were also investigated by soft-agar colony forming assay, by xenograft assay in nude mice, and by cell invasion assay. Treatment of sphere-forming glioma cells with Eckol effectively decreased the sphere formation as well as the CD133{sup +} cell population. Eckol treatment suppressed expression of the glioma stem-like cell markers and the self-renewal-related proteins without cell death. Moreover, treatment of glioma stem-like cells with Eckol significantly attenuated anchorage-independent growth on soft agar and tumor formation in xenograft mice. Importantly, Eckol treatment effectively reduced the resistance of glioma stem-like cells to ionizing radiation and temozolomide. Treatment of glioma stem-like cells with Eckol markedly blocked both phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt and Ras-Raf-1-Erk signaling pathways. These results indicate that the natural phlorotannin Eckol suppresses stemness and malignancies in glioma stem-like cells, and thereby makes glioma stem-like cells more sensitive to anticancer treatments, providing novel therapeutic strategies targeting specifically cancer stem-like cells.« less

  15. Electrophysiology of glioma: a Rho GTPase-activating protein reduces tumor growth and spares neuron structure and function.

    PubMed

    Vannini, Eleonora; Olimpico, Francesco; Middei, Silvia; Ammassari-Teule, Martine; de Graaf, Erik L; McDonnell, Liam; Schmidt, Gudula; Fabbri, Alessia; Fiorentini, Carla; Baroncelli, Laura; Costa, Mario; Caleo, Matteo

    2016-12-01

    Glioblastomas are the most aggressive type of brain tumor. A successful treatment should aim at halting tumor growth and protecting neuronal cells to prevent functional deficits and cognitive deterioration. Here, we exploited a Rho GTPase-activating bacterial protein toxin, cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1), to interfere with glioma cell growth in vitro and vivo. We also investigated whether this toxin spares neuron structure and function in peritumoral areas. We performed a microarray transcriptomic and in-depth proteomic analysis to characterize the molecular changes triggered by CNF1 in glioma cells. We also examined tumor cell senescence and growth in vehicle- and CNF1-treated glioma-bearing mice. Electrophysiological and morphological techniques were used to investigate neuronal alterations in peritumoral cortical areas. Administration of CNF1 triggered molecular and morphological hallmarks of senescence in mouse and human glioma cells in vitro. CNF1 treatment in vivo induced glioma cell senescence and potently reduced tumor volumes. In peritumoral areas of glioma-bearing mice, neurons showed a shrunken dendritic arbor and severe functional alterations such as increased spontaneous activity and reduced visual responsiveness. CNF1 treatment enhanced dendritic length and improved several physiological properties of pyramidal neurons, demonstrating functional preservation of the cortical network. Our findings demonstrate that CNF1 reduces glioma volume while at the same time maintaining the physiological and structural properties of peritumoral neurons. These data indicate a promising strategy for the development of more effective antiglioma therapies. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  16. PAQR3 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion in human glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Tang, Shi-Lei; Gao, Yuan-Lin; Hu, Wen-Zhong

    2017-08-01

    Progestin and AdipoQ Receptor 3 (PAQR3), a member of the PAQR family, is down-regulated in several types of cancers and has been closely associated with tumor progression and development. However, little is known about the functions of PAQR3 in the tumorigenesis of human glioma. Therefore, in this report, we investigated the role of PAQR3 in human glioma. Our results showed that the expression of PAQR3 was significantly reduced in human glioma tissues and cell lines. PAQR3 overexpression inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro and attenuated tumor xenograft growth in vivo. In addition, PAQR3 overexpression suppressed the migration and invasion of glioma cells, as well as prevented the EMT process. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that PAQR3 overexpression significantly down-regulated the levels of phosphorylated PI3K and Akt in U251 cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that PAQR3 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion in glioma cells, at least in part, through the inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, PAQR3 may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Stimulation of glioma cell motility by expression, proteolysis, and release of the L1 neural cell recognition molecule.

    PubMed

    Yang, Muhua; Adla, Shalini; Temburni, Murali K; Patel, Vivek P; Lagow, Errin L; Brady, Owen A; Tian, Jing; Boulos, Magdy I; Galileo, Deni S

    2009-10-29

    Malignant glioma cells are particularly motile and can travel diffusely through the brain parenchyma, apparently without following anatomical structures to guide their migration. The neural adhesion/recognition protein L1 (L1CAM; CD171) has been implicated in contributing to stimulation of motility and metastasis of several non-neural cancer types. We explored the expression and function of L1 protein as a stimulator of glioma cell motility using human high-grade glioma surgical specimens and established rat and human glioma cell lines. L1 protein expression was found in 17 out of 18 human high-grade glioma surgical specimens by western blotting. L1 mRNA was found to be present in human U-87/LacZ and rat C6 and 9L glioma cell lines. The glioma cell lines were negative for surface full length L1 by flow cytometry and high resolution immunocytochemistry of live cells. However, fixed and permeablized cells exhibited positive staining as numerous intracellular puncta. Western blots of cell line extracts revealed L1 proteolysis into a large soluble ectodomain (~180 kDa) and a smaller transmembrane proteolytic fragment (~32 kDa). Exosomal vesicles released by the glioma cell lines were purified and contained both full-length L1 and the proteolyzed transmembrane fragment. Glioma cell lines expressed L1-binding alphavbeta5 integrin cell surface receptors. Quantitative time-lapse analyses showed that motility was reduced significantly in glioma cell lines by 1) infection with an antisense-L1 retroviral vector and 2) L1 ectodomain-binding antibodies. Our novel results support a model of autocrine/paracrine stimulation of cell motility in glioma cells by a cleaved L1 ectodomain and/or released exosomal vesicles containing L1. This mechanism could explain the diffuse migratory behavior of high-grade glioma cancer cells within the brain.

  18. Stimulation of glioma cell motility by expression, proteolysis, and release of the L1 neural cell recognition molecule

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Muhua; Adla, Shalini; Temburni, Murali K; Patel, Vivek P; Lagow, Errin L; Brady, Owen A; Tian, Jing; Boulos, Magdy I; Galileo, Deni S

    2009-01-01

    Background Malignant glioma cells are particularly motile and can travel diffusely through the brain parenchyma, apparently without following anatomical structures to guide their migration. The neural adhesion/recognition protein L1 (L1CAM; CD171) has been implicated in contributing to stimulation of motility and metastasis of several non-neural cancer types. We explored the expression and function of L1 protein as a stimulator of glioma cell motility using human high-grade glioma surgical specimens and established rat and human glioma cell lines. Results L1 protein expression was found in 17 out of 18 human high-grade glioma surgical specimens by western blotting. L1 mRNA was found to be present in human U-87/LacZ and rat C6 and 9L glioma cell lines. The glioma cell lines were negative for surface full length L1 by flow cytometry and high resolution immunocytochemistry of live cells. However, fixed and permeablized cells exhibited positive staining as numerous intracellular puncta. Western blots of cell line extracts revealed L1 proteolysis into a large soluble ectodomain (~180 kDa) and a smaller transmembrane proteolytic fragment (~32 kDa). Exosomal vesicles released by the glioma cell lines were purified and contained both full-length L1 and the proteolyzed transmembrane fragment. Glioma cell lines expressed L1-binding αvβ5 integrin cell surface receptors. Quantitative time-lapse analyses showed that motility was reduced significantly in glioma cell lines by 1) infection with an antisense-L1 retroviral vector and 2) L1 ectodomain-binding antibodies. Conclusion Our novel results support a model of autocrine/paracrine stimulation of cell motility in glioma cells by a cleaved L1 ectodomain and/or released exosomal vesicles containing L1. This mechanism could explain the diffuse migratory behavior of high-grade glioma cancer cells within the brain. PMID:19874583

  19. Photodynamic therapy on the ultrastructure of glioma cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Shaoshan; Zhang, Ruyou; Zheng, Yongri

    2005-07-01

    OBJECTIVE :the main purpose of this experiment was to study the change of C6 glioma cells' ultrastructure treated by photodynamic therapy(PDT), observe the change of morphology METHOD :Make the model of rat glioma by transplanted C6 glioma cells into caudate nucleus,treated the glioma rat by PDT after two weeks. Observed the difference of subcellular structure before and after PDT by electron microscope. RESULT : Apoptosis and necrosis can be seen after treated by PDT in the C6 glioma, basal membrance damaged ,number of cellular organ of endothelial cell of blood capillary declined,tight junction of endothelial cell lengthen and the gap enlarge. The PDT has slightly effect on the nomorl rat"s subcellular structue. CONCLUSION: PDT can induce the apoptosis and necrosis of C6 glioma cell. The damage of the ultramicrostructure of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum was the foundmentol of the change. PDT initiate the damage of BBB of the C6 glioma cell and weeken the function、and makes it a useful way of treating the glioma combained with chemotherapy.

  20. ER stress inducer tunicamycin suppresses the self-renewal of glioma-initiating cell partly through inhibiting Sox2 translation.

    PubMed

    Xing, Yang; Ge, Yuqing; Liu, Chanjuan; Zhang, Xiaobiao; Jiang, Jianhai; Wei, Yuanyan

    2016-06-14

    Glioma-initiating cells possess tumor-initiating potential and are relatively resistant to conventional chemotherapy and irradiation. Therefore, their elimination is an essential factor for the development of efficient therapy. Here, we report that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducer tunicamycin inhibits glioma-initiating cell self-renewal as determined by neurosphere formation assay. Moreover, tunicamycin decreases the efficiency of glioma-initiating cell to initiate tumor formation. Although tunicamycin induces glioma-initiating cell apoptosis, apoptosis inhibitor z-VAD-fmk only partly abrogates the reduction in glioma-initiating cell self-renewal induced by tunicamycin. Indeed, tunicamycin reduces the expression of self-renewal regulator Sox2 at translation level. Overexpression of Sox2 obviously abrogates the reduction in glioma-initiating cell self-renewal induced by tunicamycin. Taken together, tunicamycin suppresses the self-renewal and tumorigenic potential of glioma-initiating cell partly through reducing Sox2 translation. This finding provides a cue to potential effective treatment of glioblastoma through controlling stem cells.

  1. Bromelain Reversibly Inhibits Invasive Properties of Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Tysnes, Berit B; Maurer, H Rainer; Porwol, Torsten; Probst, Beatrice; Bjerkvig, Rolf; Hoover, Frank

    2001-01-01

    Abstract Bromelain is an aqueous extract from pineapple stem that contains proteinases and exhibits pleiotropic therapeutic effects, i.e., antiedematous, antiinflammatory, antimetastatic, antithrombotic, and fibrinolytic activities. In this study, we tested bromelain's effects on glioma cells to assess whether bromelain could be a potential contributor to new antiinvasive strategies for gliomas. Several complementary assays demonstrated that bromelain significantly and reversibly reduced glioma cell adhesion, migration, and invasion without affecting cell viability, even after treatment periods extending over several months. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting experiments demonstrated that α3 and β1 integrin subunits and hyaluronan receptor CD44 protein levels were reduced within 24 hours of bromelain treatment. These effects were not reflected at the RNA level because RNA profiling did not show any significant effects on gene expression. Interestingly, metabolic labelling with 35-S methionine demonstrated that de novo protein synthesis was greatly attenuated by bromelain, in a reversible manner. By using a trans-activating signaling assay, we found that CRE-mediated signaling processes were suppressed. These results indicate that bromelain exerts its antiinvasive effects by proteolysis, signaling cascades, and translational attenuation. PMID:11774029

  2. Protein Kinase C- ɛ Regulates the Apoptosis and Survival of Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Okhrimenko, Hana; Lu, Wei; Xiang, Cunli; Hamburger, Nathan; Kazimirsky, Gila; Brodie, Chaya

    2005-01-01

    In this study, we examined the role of protein kinase C (PKC)-ɛ in the apoptosis and survival of glioma cells using tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)- stimulated cells and silencing of PKCɛ expression. Treatment of glioma cells with TRAIL induced activation, caspase-dependent cleavage, and down-regulation of PKCɛ within 3 to 5 hours of treatment. Overexpression of PKCɛ inhibited the apoptosis induced by TRAIL, acting downstream of caspase 8 and upstream of Bid cleavage and cytochrome c release from the mitochondria. A caspase-resistant PKCɛ mutant (D383A) was more protective than PKCɛ, suggesting that both the cleavage of PKCɛ and its down-regulation contributed to the apoptotic effect of TRAIL. To further study the role of PKCɛ in glioma cell apoptosis, we employed short interfering RNAs directed against the mRNA of PKCɛ and found that silencing of PKCɛ expression induced apoptosis of various glioma cell lines and primary glioma cultures. To delineate the molecular mechanisms involved in the apoptosis induced by silencing of PKCɛ, we examined the expression and phosphorylation of various apoptosis-related proteins. We found that knockdown of PKCɛ did not affect the expression of Bcl2 and Bax or the phosphorylation and expression of Erk1/2, c-Jun-NH2-kinase, p38, or STAT, whereas it selectively reduced the expression of AKT. Similarly, TRAIL reduced the expression of AKT in glioma cells and this decrease was abolished in cells overexpressing PKCɛ. Our results suggest that the cleavage of PKCɛ and its down-regulation play important roles in the apoptotic effect of TRAIL. Moreover, PKCɛ regulates AKT expression and is essential for the survival of glioma cells. PMID:16103081

  3. Effect of inhibition of the ROCK isoform on RT2 malignant glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Inaba, Nobuharu; Ishizawa, Sho; Kimura, Masaki; Fujioka, Kouki; Watanabe, Michiko; Shibasaki, Toshiaki; Manome, Yoshinobu

    2010-09-01

    Malignant glioma is one of the most intractable diseases in the human body. Rho-kinase (ROCK) is overexpressed and has been proposed as the main cause for the refractoriness of the disease. Since efficacious treatment is required, this study investigated the effect of inhibition of ROCK isoforms. The short hairpin RNA transcription vector was transfected into the RT2 rat glioma cell line and the characteristics of the cells were investigated. The effect of nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) anti-neoplastic agent on cells was also measured. Inhibition of ROCK isoforms did not alter cell growth. Cell cycle analysis revealed that ROCK1 down-regulation reduced the G(0) phase population and ROCK2 down-regulation reduced the G(2)/M phase population. When ROCK1-down-regulated cells were exposed to ACNU, they demonstrated susceptibility to the agent. The roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 may be different in glioma cells. Furthermore, the combination of ROCK1 down-regulation and an anti-neoplastic agent may be useful for the therapy of malignant glioma.

  4. STAT3 Activation Promotes Oncolytic HSV1 Replication in Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Okemoto, Kazuo; Wagner, Benjamin; Meisen, Hans; Haseley, Amy; Kaur, Balveen; Chiocca, Ennio Antonio

    2013-01-01

    Recent studies report that STAT3 signaling is a master regulator of mesenchymal transformation of gliomas and that STAT3 modulated genes are highly expressed in the mesenchymal transcriptome of gliomas. A currently studied experimental treatment for gliomas consists of intratumoral injection of oncolytic viruses (OV), such as oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (oHSV). We have described one particular oHSV (rQNestin34.5) that exhibits potent anti-glioma activity in animal models. Here, we hypothesized that alterations in STAT3 signaling in glioma cells may affect the replicative ability of rQNestin34.5. In fact, human U251 glioma cells engineered to either over-express STAT3 or with genetic down-regulation of STAT3 supported oHSV replication to a significantly higher or lesser degree, respectively, when compared to controls. Administration of pharmacologic agents that increase STAT3 phosphorylation/activation (Valproic Acid) or increase STAT3 levels (Interleukin 6) also significantly enhanced oHSV replication. Instead, administration of inhibitors of STAT3 phosphorylation/activation (LLL12) significantly reduced oHSV replication. STAT3 led to a reduction in interferon signaling in oHSV infected cells and inhibition of interferon signaling abolished the effect of STAT3 on oHSV replication. These data thus indicate that STAT3 signaling in malignant gliomas enhances oHSV replication, likely by inhibiting the interferon response in infected glioma cells, thus suggesting avenues for possible potentiation of oncolytic virotherapy. PMID:23936533

  5. Glioma Stem Cells but Not Bulk Glioma Cells Upregulate IL-6 Secretion in Microglia/Brain Macrophages via Toll-like Receptor 4 Signaling.

    PubMed

    a Dzaye, Omar Dildar; Hu, Feng; Derkow, Katja; Haage, Verena; Euskirchen, Philipp; Harms, Christoph; Lehnardt, Seija; Synowitz, Michael; Wolf, Susanne A; Kettenmann, Helmut

    2016-05-01

    Peripheral macrophages and resident microglia constitute the dominant glioma-infiltrating cells. The tumor induces an immunosuppressive and tumor-supportive phenotype in these glioma-associated microglia/brain macrophages (GAMs). A subpopulation of glioma cells acts as glioma stem cells (GSCs). We explored the interaction between GSCs and GAMs. Using CD133 as a marker of stemness, we enriched for or deprived the mouse glioma cell line GL261 of GSCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Over the same period of time, 100 CD133(+ )GSCs had the capacity to form a tumor of comparable size to the ones formed by 10,000 CD133(-) GL261 cells. In IL-6(-/-) mice, only tumors formed by CD133(+ )cells were smaller compared with wild type. After stimulation of primary cultured microglia with medium from CD133-enriched GL261 glioma cells, we observed an selective upregulation in microglial IL-6 secretion dependent on Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4. Our results show that GSCs, but not the bulk glioma cells, initiate microglial IL-6 secretion via TLR4 signaling and that IL-6 regulates glioma growth by supporting GSCs. Using human glioma tissue, we could confirm the finding that GAMs are the major source of IL-6 in the tumor context. © 2016 American Association of Neuropathologists, Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing in Glioma.

    PubMed

    Johnson, Eli; Dickerson, Katherine L; Connolly, Ian D; Hayden Gephart, Melanie

    2018-04-10

    In this review, we seek to summarize the literature concerning the use of single-cell RNA-sequencing for CNS gliomas. Single-cell analysis has revealed complex tumor heterogeneity, subpopulations of proliferating stem-like cells and expanded our view of tumor microenvironment influence in the disease process. Although bulk RNA-sequencing has guided our initial understanding of glioma genetics, this method does not accurately define the heterogeneous subpopulations found within these tumors. Single-cell techniques have appealing applications in cancer research, as diverse cell types and the tumor microenvironment have important implications in therapy. High cost and difficult protocols prevent widespread use of single-cell RNA-sequencing; however, continued innovation will improve accessibility and expand our of knowledge gliomas.

  7. Fascin-1 knock-down of human glioma cells reduces their microvilli/filopodia while improving their susceptibility to lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Hoa, Neil T; Ge, Lisheng; Erickson, Kate L; Kruse, Carol A; Cornforth, Andrew N; Kuznetsov, Yurii; McPherson, Alex; Martini, Filippo; Jadus, Martin R

    2015-01-01

    Cancer cells derived from Glioblastoma multiforme possess membranous protrusions allowing these cells to infiltrate surrounding tissue, while resisting lymphocyte cytotoxicity. Microvilli and filopodia are supported by actin filaments cross-linked by fascin. Fascin-1 was genetically silenced within human U251 glioma cells; these knock-down glioma cells lost their microvilli/filopodia. The doubling time of these fascin-1 knock-down cells was doubled that of shRNA control U251 cells. Fascin-1 knock-down cells lost their transmigratory ability responding to interleukin-6 or insulin-like growth factor-1. Fascin-1 silenced U251 cells were more easily killed by cytolytic lymphocytes. Fascin-1 knock-down provides unique opportunities to augment glioma immunotherapy by simultaneously targeting several key glioma functions: like cell transmigration, cell division and resisting immune responses. PMID:25901196

  8. Inhibition of autophagy induced by proteasome inhibition increases cell death in human SHG-44 glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Ge, Peng-Fei; Zhang, Ji-Zhou; Wang, Xiao-Fei; Meng, Fan-Kai; Li, Wen-Chen; Luan, Yong-Xin; Ling, Feng; Luo, Yi-Nan

    2009-07-01

    The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and lysosome-dependent macroautophagy (autophagy) are two major intracellular pathways for protein degradation. Recent studies suggest that proteasome inhibitors may reduce tumor growth and activate autophagy. Due to the dual roles of autophagy in tumor cell survival and death, the effect of autophagy on the destiny of glioma cells remains unclear. In this study, we sought to investigate whether inhibition of the proteasome can induce autophagy and the effects of autophagy on the fate of human SHG-44 glioma cells. The proteasome inhibitor MG-132 was used to induce autophagy in SHG-44 glioma cells, and the effect of autophagy on the survival of SHG-44 glioma cells was investigated using an autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of autophagy related proteins was determined by Western blot. MG-132 inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell death and cell cycle arrest at G(2)/M phase, and activated autophagy in SHG-44 glioma cells. The expression of autophagy-related Beclin-1 and LC3-I was significantly up-regulated and part of LC3-I was converted into LC3-II. However, when SHG-44 glioma cells were co-treated with MG-132 and 3-MA, the cells became less viable, but cell death and cell numbers at G(2)/M phase increased. Moreover, the accumulation of acidic vesicular organelles was decreased, the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 was significantly down-regulated and the conversion of LC3-II from LC3-I was also inhibited. Inhibition of the proteasome can induce autophagy in human SHG-44 glioma cells, and inhibition of autophagy increases cell death. This discovery may shed new light on the effect of autophagy on modulating the fate of SHG-44 glioma cells.Acta Pharmacologica Sinica (2009) 30: 1046-1052; doi: 10.1038/aps.2009.71.

  9. L1CAM stimulates glioma cell motility and proliferation through the fibroblast growth factor receptor.

    PubMed

    Mohanan, Vishnu; Temburni, Murali K; Kappes, John C; Galileo, Deni S

    2013-04-01

    The L1CAM cell adhesion/recognition molecule (L1, CD171) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) both are expressed by human high-grade glioma cells, but their potential actions in controlling cell behavior have not been linked. L1 actions in cancer cells have been attributed mainly to integrin receptors, and we demonstrated previously that L1-stimulated glioma cell migration correlates with integrin expression, increased focal adhesion kinase activation and focal complex turnover. Our analyses of datasets revealed FGFR is overexpressed in glioma regardless of grade, while ADAM10 metalloprotease expression increases with glioma grade. Here, we used dominant-negative and short hairpin RNA approaches to inhibit the activation of FGFR1 and expression of L1, respectively. An L1 peptide that inhibits L1-FGFR interaction and PD173074, a chemical inhibitor of FGFR1 activity, also were used to elucidate the involvement of L1-FGFR interactions on glioma cell behavior. Time-lapse cell motility studies and flow cytometry cell cycle analyses showed that L1 operates to increase glioma cell motility and proliferation through FGFR activation. Shutdown of both L1 expression and FGFR activity in glioma cells resulted in a complete termination of cell migration in vitro. These studies show for the first time that soluble L1 ectodomain (L1LE) acts on glioma cells through FGFRs, and that FGFRs are used by glioma cells for increasing motility as well as proliferation in response to activation by L1LE ligand. Thus, effective treatment of high-grade glioma may require simultaneous targeting of L1, FGFRs, and integrin receptors, which would reduce glioma cell motility as well as proliferation.

  10. Over-expression of tetraspanin 8 in malignant glioma regulates tumor cell progression

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pan, Si-Jian; Wu, Yue-Bing; Cai, Shang

    Tumor cell invasion and proliferation remain the overwhelming causes of death for malignant glioma patients. To establish effective therapeutic methods, new targets implied in these processes have to be identified. Tetraspanin 8 (Tspn8) forms complexes with a large variety of trans-membrane and/or cytosolic proteins to regulate several important cellular functions. In the current study, we found that Tspn8 was over-expressed in multiple clinical malignant glioma tissues, and its expression level correlated with the grade of tumors. Tspn8 expression in malignant glioma cells (U251MG and U87MG lines) is important for cell proliferation and migration. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Tspn8 markedly reduced in vitromore » proliferation and migration of U251MG and U87MG cells. Meanwhile, Tspn8 silencing also increased the sensitivity of temozolomide (TMZ), and significantly increased U251MG or U87MG cell death and apoptosis by TMZ were achieved with Tspn8 knockdown. We observed that Tspn8 formed a complex with activated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in both human malignant glioma tissues and in above glioma cells. This complexation appeared required for FAK activation, since Tspn8 knockdown inhibited FAK activation in U251MG and U87MG cells. These results provide evidence that Tspn8 contributes to the pathogenesis of glioblastoma probably by promoting proliferation, migration and TMZ-resistance of glioma cells. Therefore, targeting Tspn8 may provide a potential therapeutic intervention for malignant glioma. - Highlights: • Tspn8 is over-expressed in multiple clinical malignant glioma tissues. • Tspn8 expression is correlated with the grade of malignant gliomas. • Tspn8 knockdown suppresses U251MG/U87MG proliferation and in vitro migration. • Tspn8 knockdown significantly increases TMZ sensitivity in U251MG/U87MG cells. • Tspn8 forms a complex with FAK, required for FAK activation.« less

  11. Melatonin inhibits proliferation and invasion via repression of miRNA-155 in glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Gu, Junyi; Lu, Zhongsheng; Ji, Chenghong; Chen, Yuchao; Liu, Yuzhao; Lei, Zhe; Wang, Longqiang; Zhang, Hong-Tao; Li, Xiangdong

    2017-09-01

    Melatonin, an indolamine mostly synthesized in the pineal gland, exerts the anti-cancer effect by various mechanisms in glioma cells. Our previous study showed that miR-155 promoted glioma cell proliferation and invasion. However, the question of whether melatonin may inhibit glioma by regulating miRNAs has not yet been addressed. In this study, we found that melatonin (100μM, 1μM and 1nM) significantly inhibited the expression of miR-155 in human glioma cell lines U87, U373 and U251. Especially, the lowest expression of miR-155 was detected in 1μM melatonin-treated glioma cells. Melatonin (1μM) inhibits cell proliferation of U87 by promoting cell apoptosis. Nevertheless, melatonin had no effect on cell cycle distribution of U87 cells. Moreover, U87 cells treated with 1μM melatonin presented significantly lower migration and invasion ability when compared with control cells. Importantly, melatonin inhibited c-MYB expression, and c-MYB knockdown reduced miR-155 expression and migration and invasion in U87 cells. Taken together, for the first time, our findings show that melatonin inhibits miR-155 expression and thereby represses glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and suggest that melatonin may downregulate the expression of miR-155 via repression of c-MYB. This will provide a theoretical basis for revealing the anti-glioma mechanisms of melatonin. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  12. Guanosine promotes cytotoxicity via adenosine receptors and induces apoptosis in temozolomide-treated A172 glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Oliveira, Karen A; Dal-Cim, Tharine A; Lopes, Flávia G; Nedel, Cláudia B; Tasca, Carla Inês

    2017-09-01

    Gliomas are a malignant tumor group whose patients have survival rates around 12 months. Among the treatments are the alkylating agents as temozolomide (TMZ), although gliomas have shown multiple resistance mechanisms for chemotherapy. Guanosine (GUO) is an endogenous nucleoside involved in extracellular signaling that presents neuroprotective effects and also shows the effect of inducing differentiation in cancer cells. The chemotherapy allied to adjuvant drugs are being suggested as a novel approach in gliomas treatment. In this way, this study evaluated whether GUO presented cytotoxic effects on human glioma cells as well as GUO effects in association with a classical chemotherapeutic compound, TMZ. Classical parameters of tumor aggressiveness, as alterations on cell viability, type of cell death, migration, and parameters of glutamatergic transmission, were evaluated. GUO (500 and 1000 μM) decreases the A172 glioma cell viability after 24, 48, or 72 h of treatment. TMZ alone or GUO plus TMZ also reduced glioma cell viability similarly. GUO combined with TMZ showed a potentiation effect of increasing apoptosis in A172 glioma cells, and a similar pattern was observed in reducing mitochondrial membrane potential. GUO per se did not elevate the acidic vesicular organelles occurrence, but TMZ or GUO plus TMZ increased this autophagy hallmark. GUO did not alter glutamate transport per se, but it prevented TMZ-induced glutamate release. GUO or TMZ did not alter glutamine synthetase activity. Pharmacological blockade of glutamate receptors did not change GUO effect on glioma viability. GUO cytotoxicity was partially prevented by adenosine receptor (A 1 R and A 2A R) ligands. These results point to a cytotoxic effect of GUO on A172 glioma cells and suggest an anticancer effect of GUO as a putative adjuvant treatment, whose mechanism needs to be unraveled.

  13. GBP3 promotes glioma cell proliferation via SQSTM1/p62-ERK1/2 axis.

    PubMed

    Xu, Hui; Sun, Lili; Zheng, Yanwen; Yu, Shuye; Ou-Yang, Jia; Han, Hui; Dai, Xingliang; Yu, Xiaoting; Li, Ming; Lan, Qing

    2018-01-01

    Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) are interferon-inducible large GTPases and play a crucial role in cell-autonomous immunity. However, the biology function of GBPs in cancer remains elusive. GBP3 is specifically expressed in adult brain. Here we show that GBP3 is highly elevated in human glioma tumors and glioma cell lines. Overexpression of GBP3 dramatically increased glioma cell proliferation whereas silencing GBP3 by RNA interference produced opposite effects. We further showed that GBP3 expression was able to induce sequestosome-1(SQSTM1, also named p62) expression and activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2). The SQSTM1-ERK1/2 signaling cascade was essential for GBP3-promoted cell growth because depletion of SQSTM1 markedly reduced the phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels and GBP3-mediated cell growth, and inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase abolished GBP3-induced glioma cell proliferation. Consistently, GBP3 overexpression significantly promoted glioma tumor growth in vivo and its expression was inversely correlated with the survival rate of glioma patients. Taken together, these results for the first time suggest that GBP3 contributes to the proliferation of glioma cells via regulating SQSTM1-ERK1/2 pathway, and GBP3 might represent as a new potential therapeutic target against glioma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. TLR9 is critical for glioma stem cell maintenance and targeting.

    PubMed

    Herrmann, Andreas; Cherryholmes, Gregory; Schroeder, Anne; Phallen, Jillian; Alizadeh, Darya; Xin, Hong; Wang, Tianyi; Lee, Heehyoung; Lahtz, Christoph; Swiderski, Piotr; Armstrong, Brian; Kowolik, Claudia; Gallia, Gary L; Lim, Michael; Brown, Christine; Badie, Behnam; Forman, Stephen; Kortylewski, Marcin; Jove, Richard; Yu, Hua

    2014-09-15

    Understanding supports for cancer stem-like cells in malignant glioma may suggest therapeutic strategies for their elimination. Here, we show that the Toll-like receptor TLR9 is elevated in glioma stem-like cells (GSC) in which it contributes to glioma growth. TLR9 overexpression is regulated by STAT3, which is required for GSC maintenance. Stimulation of TLR9 with a CpG ligand (CpG ODN) promoted GSC growth, whereas silencing TLR9 expression abrogated GSC development. CpG-ODN treatment induced Frizzled4-dependent activation of JAK2, thereby activating STAT3. Targeted delivery of siRNA into GSC was achieved via TLR9 using CpG-siRNA conjugates. Through local or systemic treatment, administration of CpG-Stat3 siRNA to silence STAT3 in vivo reduced GSC along with glioma growth. Our findings identify TLR9 as a functional marker for GSC and a target for the delivery of efficacious therapeutics for glioma treatment. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5218-28. ©2014 AACR. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

  15. Multifunctional targeting vinorelbine plus tetrandrine liposomes for treating brain glioma along with eliminating glioma stem cells

    PubMed Central

    Li, Xue-tao; Tang, Wei; Jiang, Ying; Wang, Xiao-min; Wang, Yan-hong; Cheng, Lan; Meng, Xian-sheng

    2016-01-01

    Malignant brain glioma is the most lethal and aggressive type of cancer. Surgery and radiotherapy cannot eliminate all glioma stem cells (GSCs) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) restricts the movement of antitumor drugs from blood to brain, thus leading to the poor prognosis with high recurrence rate. In the present study, the targeting conjugates of cholesterol polyethylene glycol polyethylenimine (CHOL-PEG2000-PEI) and D-a-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate vapreotide (TPGS1000-VAP) were newly synthesized for transporting drugs across the BBB and targeting glioma cells and GSCs. The multifunctional targeting vinorelbine plus tetrandrine liposomes were constructed by modifying the targeting conjugates. The studies were undertaken on BBB model, glioma cells, GSCs, and glioma-bearing mice. In vitro results showed that multifunctional targeting drugs-loaded liposomes with suitable physicochemical property could enhance the transport drugs across the BBB, increase the intracellular uptake, inhibit glioma cells and GSCs, penetrate and destruct the GSCs spheroids, and induce apoptosis via activating related apoptotic proteins. In vivo results demonstrated that multifunctional targeting drugs-loaded liposomes could significantly accumulate into brain tumor location, show the specificity to tumor sites, and result in a robust overall antitumor efficacy in glioma-bearing mice. These data suggested that the multifunctional targeting vinorelbine plus tetrandrine liposomes could offer a promising strategy for treating brain glioma. PMID:27029055

  16. Recognition of glioma stem cells by genetically modified T cells targeting EGFRvIII and development of adoptive cell therapy for glioma.

    PubMed

    Morgan, Richard A; Johnson, Laura A; Davis, Jeremy L; Zheng, Zhili; Woolard, Kevin D; Reap, Elizabeth A; Feldman, Steven A; Chinnasamy, Nachimuthu; Kuan, Chien-Tsun; Song, Hua; Zhang, Wei; Fine, Howard A; Rosenberg, Steven A

    2012-10-01

    No curative treatment exists for glioblastoma, with median survival times of less than 2 years from diagnosis. As an approach to develop immune-based therapies for glioblastoma, we sought to target antigens expressed in glioma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs have multiple properties that make them significantly more representative of glioma tumors than established glioma cell lines. Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) is the result of a novel tumor-specific gene rearrangement that produces a unique protein expressed in approximately 30% of gliomas, and is an ideal target for immunotherapy. Using PCR primers spanning the EGFRvIII-specific deletion, we found that this tumor-specific gene is expressed in three of three GCS lines. Based on the sequence information of seven EGFRvIII-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), we assembled chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and evaluated the ability of CAR-engineered T cells to recognize EGFRvIII. Three of these anti-EGFRvIII CAR-engineered T cells produced the effector cytokine, interferon-γ, and lysed antigen-expressing target cells. We concentrated development on a CAR produced from human mAb 139, which specifically recognized GSC lines and glioma cell lines expressing mutant EGFRvIII, but not wild-type EGFR and did not recognize any normal human cell tested. Using the 139-based CAR, T cells from glioblastoma patients could be genetically engineered to recognize EGFRvIII-expressing tumors and could be expanded ex vivo to large numbers, and maintained their antitumor activity. Based on these observations, a γ-retroviral vector expressing this EGFRvIII CAR was produced for clinical application.

  17. Boron neutron capture therapy induces cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis of glioma stem/progenitor cells in vitro.

    PubMed

    Sun, Ting; Zhang, Zizhu; Li, Bin; Chen, Guilin; Xie, Xueshun; Wei, Yongxin; Wu, Jie; Zhou, Youxin; Du, Ziwei

    2013-08-06

    Glioma stem cells in the quiescent state are resistant to clinical radiation therapy. An almost inevitable glioma recurrence is due to the persistence of these cells. The high linear energy transfer associated with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) could kill quiescent and proliferative cells. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of BNCT on glioma stem/progenitor cells in vitro. The damage induced by BNCT was assessed using cell cycle progression, apoptotic cell ratio and apoptosis-associated proteins expression. The surviving fraction and cell viability of glioma stem/progenitor cells were decreased compared with differentiated glioma cells using the same boronophenylalanine pretreatment and the same dose of neutron flux. BNCT induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, with changes in the expression of associated proteins. Glioma stem/progenitor cells, which are resistant to current clinical radiotherapy, could be effectively killed by BNCT in vitro via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis using a prolonged neutron irradiation, although radiosensitivity of glioma stem/progenitor cells was decreased compared with differentiated glioma cells when using the same dose of thermal neutron exposure and boronophenylalanine pretreatment. Thus, BNCT could offer an appreciable therapeutic advantage to prevent tumor recurrence, and may become a promising treatment in recurrent glioma.

  18. miR-218 inhibits the invasive ability of glioma cells by direct downregulation of IKK-{beta}

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Song, Libing, E-mail: lb.song1@gmail.com; Huang, Quan; Chen, Kun

    2010-11-05

    Research highlights: {yields} miR-218 is markedly downregulated in glioma cell lines and in primary glioma tissues. {yields} Upregulation of miR-218 dramatically reduces the invasive ability of glioma cells. {yields} Ectopic expression of miR-218 inactivates IKK-{beta}/NF-{kappa}B signaling pathway. {yields} miR-218 directly targets the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of IKK-{beta}. -- Abstract: Aberrant activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-{kappa}B) pathway has been proven to play important roles in the development and progression of cancers. Activation of NF-{kappa}B via the classical pathway is modulated by I{kappa}Bs kinase (IKK-{beta}). However, the mechanism underlying the epigenetic regulation of IKK-{beta}/NF-{kappa}B pathway remains largely unknown. In this study,more » we found that the expression level of miR-218 was markedly downregulated in glioma cell lines and in human primary glioma tissues. Upregulation of miR-218 dramatically reduced the migratory speed and invasive ability of glioma cells. Furthermore, we showed that ectopically expressing miR-218 in glioma cells resulted in downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and reduction in NF-{kappa}B transactivity at a transcriptional level, but inhibition of miR-218 enhanced the expression of MMP-9 and transcriptional activity of NF-{kappa}B. Moreover, we showed that miR-218 inactivated the NF-{kappa}B pathway through downregulating IKK-{beta} expression by directly targeting the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of IKK-{beta}. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-218 plays an important role in preventing the invasiveness of glioma cells, and our results present a novel mechanism of miRNA-mediated direct suppression of IKK-{beta}/NF-{kappa}B pathway in gliomas.« less

  19. R132H mutation in IDH1 gene reduces proliferation, cell survival and invasion of human glioma by downregulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

    PubMed

    Cui, Daming; Ren, Jie; Shi, Jinlong; Feng, Lijing; Wang, Ke; Zeng, Tao; Jin, Yi; Gao, Liang

    2016-04-01

    Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene commonly occur in gliomas. Remarkably, the R132H mutation in IDH1 (IDH1-R132H) is associated with better prognosis and increased survival than patients lacking this mutation. The molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated potential cross-talk between IDH1-R132H and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulating the cellular properties of human glioma. Although aberrant nuclear accumulation of β-catenin is linked to the malignant progression of gliomas, its association with IDH1 remains unknown. We identified an inverse correlation between IDH1-R132H and the expression and activity of β-catenin in human gliomas. In addition, overexpression of IDH1-R132H in glioblastoma cell lines U87 and U251 led to reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, accompanied by increased apoptosis. At the molecular level, we detected a significant reduction in the expression, nuclear accumulation and activity of β-catenin following overexpression of IDH1-R132H. A microarray-based comparison of gene expression indicated that several mediators, effectors and targets of Wnt/β-catenin signaling are downregulated, while negative regulators are upregulated in IDH1-R132H gliomas. Further, overexpression of β-catenin in IDH1-R132H glioma cells restored the cellular phenotype induced by this mutation. Specifically, β-catenin abrogated the decrease in proliferation, invasion and migration, and the increase in apoptosis, triggered by overexpression of IDH1-R132H. Finally, we demonstrate that xenografts of IDH1-R132H overexpressing U87 cells can significantly decrease the growth of tumors in vivo. Altogether, our results strongly suggest that the R132H mutation in IDH1 serves a tumor suppressor function in human glioma by negatively regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. GANT61, a GLI inhibitor, sensitizes glioma cells to the temozolomide treatment.

    PubMed

    Li, Jianlong; Cai, Jinquan; Zhao, Shihong; Yao, Kun; Sun, Ying; Li, Yongli; Chen, Lingchao; Li, Ruiyan; Zhai, Xiuwei; Zhang, Junhe; Jiang, Chuanlu

    2016-11-28

    The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of downregulating Hedgehog pathway by GANT61 on human glioma cells, examine the consequent changes of temozolomide (TMZ)-induced effects and explore the molecular mechanisms. The cytotoxicity of a Gli1/2 inhibitor, GANT61 was examined both alone and in combination with TMZ in human glioma cell lines. The mRNA and protein expression alterations were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. CCK-8 assay detected the cell proliferative capability. Apoptotic cell number was measured by flow cytometry. The transwell assay was used to test the cell invasive capability. DNA damage effect was identified by COMET assay and γH2AX expression. Proliferation of tumor cells treated with GANT61 in combination with TMZ was significantly suppressed compared with those treated with either drug used alone. The combination treatment induced a higher rate of apoptosis, DNA damage and reduced the invasive capability of glioma cells. DNA damage repair enzyme MGMT and the Notch1 pathway increased in the cells treated by TMZ treatment. However, GANT61 could abrogated the protein increasing. GANT61 sensitizes glioma cells to TMZ treatment by enhancing DNA damage effect, decreasing MGMT expression and the Notch1 pathway.

  1. Boron neutron capture therapy induces cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis of glioma stem/progenitor cells in vitro

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Glioma stem cells in the quiescent state are resistant to clinical radiation therapy. An almost inevitable glioma recurrence is due to the persistence of these cells. The high linear energy transfer associated with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) could kill quiescent and proliferative cells. Methods The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of BNCT on glioma stem/progenitor cells in vitro. The damage induced by BNCT was assessed using cell cycle progression, apoptotic cell ratio and apoptosis-associated proteins expression. Results The surviving fraction and cell viability of glioma stem/progenitor cells were decreased compared with differentiated glioma cells using the same boronophenylalanine pretreatment and the same dose of neutron flux. BNCT induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, with changes in the expression of associated proteins. Conclusions Glioma stem/progenitor cells, which are resistant to current clinical radiotherapy, could be effectively killed by BNCT in vitro via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis using a prolonged neutron irradiation, although radiosensitivity of glioma stem/progenitor cells was decreased compared with differentiated glioma cells when using the same dose of thermal neutron exposure and boronophenylalanine pretreatment. Thus, BNCT could offer an appreciable therapeutic advantage to prevent tumor recurrence, and may become a promising treatment in recurrent glioma. PMID:23915425

  2. IFNγ enhances cytotoxic efficiency of the cytotoxic T lymphocytes against human glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Shao, Shengwen; Risch, Eric; Burner, Danielle; Lu, Lingeng; Minev, Boris; Ma, Wenxue

    2017-06-01

    Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are a key player in cancer immunotherapies, and MHC class I molecules on the cell surface are crucial for cellular recognition. However, the aberrant expression of MHC class I molecules is frequently found in various malignancies. IFNγ has dual functions in cancer progression, and its effect on tumor immunity is controversial. To investigate whether IFNγ can enhance cytotoxic efficiency of the tumor antigen-specific CTLs, we generated the CTLs using modified human dendritic cells as antigen presenting cells, then studied the activities of CTLs on human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 positive glioma cells treated with, or without IFNγ. The results from both ELISpot and cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that the CTLs recognized and eliminated the HLA-A2 positive glioma cells treated with IFNγ more effectively when compared to the glioma cells deprived of IFNγ treatment. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that the levels of MHC class I molecules were upregulated in all of the HLA-A2 positive glioma cells. Using the publicly accessed TCGA data of low-grade glioma, we found significantly positive associations between IFNγ and both MHC class I molecules and CD8 + T cell activation score (p<0.0001). Furthermore, we found a significantly reduced risk of death in the glioma patients with high T cell activation score in comparison to those with low score (p=0.022). These findings suggest that a clinical application of IFNγ treatment may have potential benefits. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Autophagy contributes to gefitinib-induced glioma cell growth inhibition

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chang, Cheng-Yi; Graduate Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 406, Taiwan; Kuan, Yu-Hsiang

    Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including gefitinib, have been evaluated in patients with malignant gliomas. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in gefitinib-mediated anticancer effects against glioma are incompletely understood. In the present study, the cytostatic potential of gefitinib was demonstrated by the inhibition of glioma cell growth, long-term clonogenic survival, and xenograft tumor growth. The cytostatic consequences were accompanied by autophagy, as evidenced by monodansylcadaverine staining of acidic vesicle formation, conversion of microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II), degradation of p62, punctate pattern of GFP-LC3, and conversion of GFP-LC3 to cleaved-GFP. Autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenosine and chloroquine and geneticmore » silencing of LC3 or Beclin 1 attenuated gefitinib-induced growth inhibition. Gefitinib-induced autophagy was not accompanied by the disruption of the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Instead, the activation of liver kinase-B1/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling correlated well with the induction of autophagy and growth inhibition caused by gefitinib. Silencing of AMPK suppressed gefitinib-induced autophagy and growth inhibition. The crucial role of AMPK activation in inducing glioma autophagy and growth inhibition was further supported by the actions of AMP mimetic AICAR. Gefitinib was shown to be capable of reducing the proliferation of glioma cells, presumably by autophagic mechanisms involving AMPK activation. - Highlights: • Gefitinib causes cytotoxic and cytostatic effect on glioma. • Gefitinib induces autophagy. • Gefitinib causes cytostatic effect through autophagy. • Gefitinib induces autophagy involving AMPK.« less

  4. Recognition of Glioma Stem Cells by Genetically Modified T Cells Targeting EGFRvIII and Development of Adoptive Cell Therapy for Glioma

    PubMed Central

    Johnson, Laura A.; Davis, Jeremy L.; Zheng, Zhili; Woolard, Kevin D.; Reap, Elizabeth A.; Feldman, Steven A.; Chinnasamy, Nachimuthu; Kuan, Chien-Tsun; Song, Hua; Zhang, Wei; Fine, Howard A.; Rosenberg, Steven A.

    2012-01-01

    Abstract No curative treatment exists for glioblastoma, with median survival times of less than 2 years from diagnosis. As an approach to develop immune-based therapies for glioblastoma, we sought to target antigens expressed in glioma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs have multiple properties that make them significantly more representative of glioma tumors than established glioma cell lines. Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) is the result of a novel tumor-specific gene rearrangement that produces a unique protein expressed in approximately 30% of gliomas, and is an ideal target for immunotherapy. Using PCR primers spanning the EGFRvIII-specific deletion, we found that this tumor-specific gene is expressed in three of three GCS lines. Based on the sequence information of seven EGFRvIII-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), we assembled chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and evaluated the ability of CAR-engineered T cells to recognize EGFRvIII. Three of these anti-EGFRvIII CAR-engineered T cells produced the effector cytokine, interferon-γ, and lysed antigen-expressing target cells. We concentrated development on a CAR produced from human mAb 139, which specifically recognized GSC lines and glioma cell lines expressing mutant EGFRvIII, but not wild-type EGFR and did not recognize any normal human cell tested. Using the 139-based CAR, T cells from glioblastoma patients could be genetically engineered to recognize EGFRvIII-expressing tumors and could be expanded ex vivo to large numbers, and maintained their antitumor activity. Based on these observations, a γ-retroviral vector expressing this EGFRvIII CAR was produced for clinical application. PMID:22780919

  5. Glioma-associated stem cells: a novel class of tumor-supporting cells able to predict prognosis of human low-grade gliomas.

    PubMed

    Bourkoula, Evgenia; Mangoni, Damiano; Ius, Tamara; Pucer, Anja; Isola, Miriam; Musiello, Daniela; Marzinotto, Stefania; Toffoletto, Barbara; Sorrentino, Marisa; Palma, Anita; Caponnetto, Federica; Gregoraci, Giorgia; Vindigni, Marco; Pizzolitto, Stefano; Falconieri, Giovanni; De Maglio, Giovanna; Pecile, Vanna; Ruaro, Maria Elisabetta; Gri, Giorgia; Parisse, Pietro; Casalis, Loredana; Scoles, Giacinto; Skrap, Miran; Beltrami, Carlo Alberto; Beltrami, Antonio Paolo; Cesselli, Daniela

    2014-05-01

    Translational medicine aims at transferring advances in basic science research into new approaches for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Low-grade gliomas (LGG) have a heterogeneous clinical behavior that can be only partially predicted employing current state-of-the-art markers, hindering the decision-making process. To deepen our comprehension on tumor heterogeneity, we dissected the mechanism of interaction between tumor cells and relevant components of the neoplastic environment, isolating, from LGG and high-grade gliomas (HGG), proliferating stem cell lines from both the glioma stroma and, where possible, the neoplasm. We isolated glioma-associated stem cells (GASC) from LGG (n=40) and HGG (n=73). GASC showed stem cell features, anchorage-independent growth, and supported the malignant properties of both A172 cells and human glioma-stem cells, mainly through the release of exosomes. Finally, starting from GASC obtained from HGG (n=13) and LGG (n=12) we defined a score, based on the expression of 9 GASC surface markers, whose prognostic value was assayed on 40 subsequent LGG-patients. At the multivariate Cox analysis, the GASC-based score was the only independent predictor of overall survival and malignant progression free-survival. The microenvironment of both LGG and HGG hosts non-tumorigenic multipotent stem cells that can increase in vitro the biological aggressiveness of glioma-initiating cells through the release of exosomes. The clinical importance of this finding is supported by the strong prognostic value associated with the characteristics of GASC. This patient-based approach can provide a groundbreaking method to predict prognosis and to exploit novel strategies that target the tumor stroma. © 2013 AlphaMed Press.

  6. Sirt2 suppresses glioma cell growth through targeting NF-κB–miR-21 axis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, Ya’nan; Dai, Dongwei; Lu, Qiong

    Highlights: •Sirt2 expression is down-regulated in human glioma tissues and cell lines. •Sirt2 regresses glioma cell growth and colony formation via inducing apoptosis. •miR-21 is essential for the functions of Sirt2 in glioma cells. •Sirt2 deacetylates p65 to decrease miR-21 expression. -- Abstract: Sirtuins are NAD{sup +}-dependent deacetylases that regulate numerous cellular processes including aging, DNA repair, cell cycle, metabolism, and survival under stress conditions. The roles of sirtuin family members are widely studied in carcinogenesis. However, their roles in glioma remain unclear. Here we report that Sir2 was under expressed in human glioma tissues and cell lines. We foundmore » that Sirt2 overexpression decreased cell proliferation and colony formation capacity. In addition, Sirt2 overexpression induced cellular apoptosis via up-regulating cleaved caspase 3 and Bax, and down-regulating anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Sirt2 knockdown obtained opposing results. We showed that Sirt2 overexpression inhibited miR-21 expression, and Sirt2 was not sufficient to reduce cell proliferation and colony formation as well as to induce apoptosis when miR-21 was knocked down in glioma cells. Mechanically, we demonstrated that Sirt2 deacetylated p65 at K310 and blocked p65 binding to the promoter region of miR-21, thus regressing the transcription of miR-21. In summary, Sirt2 is critical in human glioma via NF-κB–miR-21 pathway and Sirt2 activator may serve as candidate drug for glioma therapy.« less

  7. Dedifferentiation of Glioma Cells to Glioma Stem-like Cells By Therapeutic Stress-induced HIF Signaling in the Recurrent GBM Model.

    PubMed

    Lee, Gina; Auffinger, Brenda; Guo, Donna; Hasan, Tanwir; Deheeger, Marc; Tobias, Alex L; Kim, Jeong Yeon; Atashi, Fatemeh; Zhang, Lingjiao; Lesniak, Maciej S; James, C David; Ahmed, Atique U

    2016-12-01

    Increasing evidence exposes a subpopulation of cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), to be critical for the progression of several human malignancies, including glioblastoma multiforme. CSCs are highly tumorigenic, capable of self-renewal, and resistant to conventional therapies, and thus considered to be one of the key contributors to disease recurrence. To elucidate the poorly understood evolutionary path of tumor recurrence and the role of CSCs in this process, we developed patient-derived xenograft glioblastoma recurrent models induced by anti-glioma chemotherapy, temozolomide. In this model, we observed a significant phenotypic shift towards an undifferentiated population. We confirmed these findings in vitro as sorted CD133-negative populations cultured in differentiation-forcing media were found to acquire CD133 expression following chemotherapy treatment. To investigate this phenotypic switch at the single-cell level, glioma stem cell (GSC)-specific promoter-based reporter systems were engineered to track changes in the GSC population in real time. We observed the active phenotypic and functional switch of single non-stem glioma cells to a stem-like state and that temozolomide therapy significantly increased the rate of single-cell conversions. Importantly, we showed the therapy-induced hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) 1α and HIF2α play key roles in allowing non-stem glioma cells to acquire stem-like traits, as the expression of both HIFs increase upon temozolomide therapy and knockdown of HIFs expression inhibits the interconversion between non-stem glioma cells and GSCs post-therapy. On the basis of our results, we propose that anti-glioma chemotherapy promotes the accumulation of HIFs in the glioblastoma multiforme cells that induces the formation of therapy-resistant GSCs responsible for recurrence. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(12); 3064-76. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

  8. MiR-148a increases glioma cell migration and invasion by downregulating GADD45A in human gliomas with IDH1 R132H mutations.

    PubMed

    Cui, Daming; Sajan, Pandey; Shi, Jinlong; Shen, Yiwen; Wang, Ke; Deng, Xianyu; Zhou, Lin; Hu, Pingping; Gao, Liang

    2017-04-11

    High-grade gliomas are severe tumors with poor prognosis. An R132H mutation in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) gene prolongs the life of glioma patients. In this study, we investigated which genes are differentially regulated in IDH1 wild type (IDH1WT) or IDH1 R132H mutation (IDH1R132H) glioblastoma cells. Growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein (GADD45A) was downregulated and microRNA 148a (miR-148a) was upregulated in in IDH1R132H human glioblastomas tissues. The relationship between GADD45A and miR-148a is unknown. In vitro experiments showed that GADD45A negatively regulates IDH1R132H glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and neurosphere formation in IDH1R132H glioblastoma stem cells (GSC). In addition, a human orthotopic xenograft mouse model showed that GADD45A reduced tumorigenesis in vivo. Our findings demonstrated that miR-148a promotes glioma cell invasion and tumorigenesis by downregulating GADD45A. Our findings provide novel insights into how GADD45A is downregulated by miR-148a in IDH1R132H glioma and may help to identify therapeutic targets for the effective treatment of high-grade glioma.

  9. Involvement of nitric oxide synthase in matrix metalloproteinase-9- and/or urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-mediated glioma cell migration

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Src tyrosine kinase activates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and, in turn, nitric oxide production as a means to transduce cell migration. Src tyrosine kinase plays a key proximal role to control α9β1 signaling. Our recent studies have clearly demonstrated the role of α9β1 integrin in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and/or urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)-mediated glioma cell migration. In the present study, we evaluated the involvement of α9β1 integrin-iNOS pathway in MMP-9- and/or uPAR-mediated glioma cell migration. Methods MMP-9 and uPAR shRNAs and overexpressing plasmids were used to downregulate and upregulate these molecules, respectively in U251 glioma cells and 5310 glioma xenograft cells. The effect of treatments on migration and invasion potential of these glioma cells were assessed by spheroid migration, wound healing, and Matrigel invasion assays. In order to attain the other objectives we also performed immunocytochemical, immunohistochemical, RT-PCR, Western blot and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Results Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the prominent association of iNOS with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Immunofluorescence analysis showed prominent expression of iNOS in glioma cells. MMP-9 and/or uPAR knockdown by respective shRNAs reduced iNOS expression in these glioma cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed elevated iNOS mRNA expression in either MMP-9 or uPAR overexpressed glioma cells. The migration potential of MMP-9- and/or uPAR-overexpressed U251 glioma cells was significantly inhibited after treatment with L-NAME, an inhibitor of iNOS. Similarly, a significant inhibition of the invasion potential of the control or MMP-9/uPAR-overexpressed glioma cells was noticed after L-NAME treatment. A prominent reduction of iNOS expression was observed in the tumor regions of nude mice brains, which were injected with 5310 glioma cells, after MMP-9 and/or uPAR knockdown. Protein expressions

  10. miR-423-5p knockdown enhances the sensitivity of glioma stem cells to apigenin through the mitochondrial pathway.

    PubMed

    Wan, Yi; Fei, Xifeng; Wang, Zhimin; Jiang, Dongyi; Chen, Hanchun; Wang, Mian; Zhou, Shijun

    2017-04-01

    This study aimed to investigate the effect of miR-423-5p on the sensitivity of glioma stem cells to apigenin and to explore the potential mechanism. Previous research indicated that apigenin can effectively inhibit the proliferation of many cancer cells, including glioma cells, though our data unexpectedly showed that apigenin had no effect on glioma stem cell apoptosis. As many studies have reported that malignant transformation and progression of glioma are due to glioma stem cells, an anti-glioma stem cell approach has become an important direction for glioma treatment. In this study, we found miR-423-5p to be overexpressed in glioma tissues and corresponding glioma stem cells. Downregulation of miR-423-5p repressed glioma stem cell growth but did not cause apoptosis. Based on the concept of "Pharmaco-miR," this study further demonstrated that the combination of miR-423-5p knockdown and apigenin had a notable additive effect on inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis in glioma stem cells. Hoechst staining showed higher apoptosis rates and typical apoptotic morphological changes of the cell nucleus, and JC-1 (5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimi-dazolylcarbocya-nine iodide) staining revealed reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Further research demonstrated that the mechanism is associated with a shift in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, an increased cytochrome c level, Apaf-1 induction, and caspase-3 activation. In conclusion, this study indicates that downregulation of miR-423-5p enhances the sensitivity of glioma stem cells to apigenin through the mitochondrial pathway.

  11. Glioma cell VEGFR-2 confers resistance to chemotherapeutic and antiangiogenic treatments in PTEN-deficient glioblastoma

    PubMed Central

    Blaes, Jonas; Osswald, Matthias; Rübmann, Petra; Milford, David; Urban, Severino; Jestaedt, Leonie; Heiland, Sabine; Bendszus, Martin; Hertenstein, Anne; Pfenning, Philipp-Niclas; de Almodóvar, Carmen Ruiz; Wick, Antje; Winkler, Frank; von Deimling, Andreas; Platten, Michael; Wick, Wolfgang; Weiler, Markus

    2015-01-01

    Loss of the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a prerequisite for tumor cell-specific expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 in glioblastoma defining a subgroup prone to develop evasive resistance towards antiangiogenic treatments. Immunohistochemical analysis of human tumor tissues showed VEGFR-2 expression in glioma cells in 19% of specimens examined, mainly in the infiltration zone. Glioma cell VEGFR-2 positivity was restricted to PTEN-deficient tumor specimens. PTEN overexpression reduced VEGFR-2 expression in vitro, as well as knock-down of raptor or rictor. Genetic interference with VEGFR-2 revealed proproliferative, antiinvasive and chemoprotective functions for VEGFR-2 in glioma cells. VEGFR-2-dependent cellular effects were concomitant with activation of 'kappa-light-chain-enhancer’ of activated B-cells, protein kinase B, and N-myc downstream regulated gene 1. Two-photon in vivo microscopy revealed that expression of VEGFR-2 in glioma cells hampers antiangiogenesis. Bevacizumab induces a proinvasive response in VEGFR-2-positive glioma cells. Patients with PTEN-negative glioblastomas had a shorter survival after initiation of bevacizumab therapy compared with PTEN-positive glioblastomas. Conclusively, expression of VEGFR-2 in glioma cells indicates an aggressive glioblastoma subgroup developing early resistance to temozolomide or bevacizumab. Loss of PTEN may serve as a biomarker identifying those tumors upfront by routine neuropathological methods. PMID:25682871

  12. IGFBP6 Regulates Cell Apoptosis and Migration in Glioma.

    PubMed

    Bei, Yuanqi; Huang, Qingfeng; Shen, Jianhong; Shi, Jinlong; Shen, Chaoyan; Xu, Peng; Chang, Hao; Xia, Xiaojie; Xu, Li; Ji, Bin; Chen, JianGuo

    2017-07-01

    The insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 (IGFBP6), as an inhibitor of IGF-II actions, plays an important role in inhibiting survival and migration of tumor cells. In our study, we intended to demonstrate the biological function of IGFBP6 in the development of glioma and its clinical significance. Firstly, Western blot and immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of IGFBP6 inversely correlated with glioma grade. Secondly, multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that IGFBP6 could be an independent prognostic factor for the survival of glioma patients. In addition, overexpression of IGFBP6 induced glioma cell apoptosis, and depletion of IGFBP6 had the opposite action. Finally, overexpression of IGFBP6 inhibited migration of glioma cells, and depletion of IGFBP6 had the opposite action. Together our findings suggest that IGFBP6 might be an important regulator and prognostic factor for glioma.

  13. Arctigenin, a natural lignan compound, induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Maimaitili, Aisha; Shu, Zunhua; Cheng, Xiaojiang; Kaheerman, Kadeer; Sikandeer, Alifu; Li, Weimin

    2017-02-01

    The aim of the current study was to investigate the anticancer potential of arctigenin, a natural lignan compound, in malignant gliomas. The U87MG and T98G human glioma cell lines were treated with various concentrations of arctigenin for 48 h and the effects of arctigenin on the aggressive phenotypes of glioma cells were assessed. The results demonstrated that arctigenin dose-dependently inhibited the growth of U87MG and T98G cells, as determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays. Arctigenin exposure also induced a 60-75% reduction in colony formation compared with vehicle-treated control cells. However, arctigenin was not observed to affect the invasiveness of glioma cells. Arctigenin significantly increased the proportion of cells in the G 0 /G 1 phase and reduced the number of cells in the S phase, as compared with the control group (P<0.05). Western blot analysis demonstrated that arctigenin increased the expression levels of p21, retinoblastoma and p53 proteins, and significantly decreased the expression levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 proteins. Additionally, arctigenin was able to induce apoptosis in glioma cells, coupled with increased expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 and the pro-apoptotic BCL2-associated X protein. Furthermore, arctigenin-induced apoptosis was significantly suppressed by the pretreatment of cells with Z-DEVD-FMK, a caspase-3 inhibitor. In conclusion, the results suggest that arctigenin is able to inhibit cell proliferation and may induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G 0 /G 1 phase in glioma cells. These results warrant further investigation of the anticancer effects of arctigenin in animal models of gliomas.

  14. Arctigenin, a natural lignan compound, induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    Maimaitili, Aisha; Shu, Zunhua; Cheng, Xiaojiang; Kaheerman, Kadeer; Sikandeer, Alifu; Li, Weimin

    2017-01-01

    The aim of the current study was to investigate the anticancer potential of arctigenin, a natural lignan compound, in malignant gliomas. The U87MG and T98G human glioma cell lines were treated with various concentrations of arctigenin for 48 h and the effects of arctigenin on the aggressive phenotypes of glioma cells were assessed. The results demonstrated that arctigenin dose-dependently inhibited the growth of U87MG and T98G cells, as determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays. Arctigenin exposure also induced a 60–75% reduction in colony formation compared with vehicle-treated control cells. However, arctigenin was not observed to affect the invasiveness of glioma cells. Arctigenin significantly increased the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase and reduced the number of cells in the S phase, as compared with the control group (P<0.05). Western blot analysis demonstrated that arctigenin increased the expression levels of p21, retinoblastoma and p53 proteins, and significantly decreased the expression levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 proteins. Additionally, arctigenin was able to induce apoptosis in glioma cells, coupled with increased expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 and the pro-apoptotic BCL2-associated X protein. Furthermore, arctigenin-induced apoptosis was significantly suppressed by the pretreatment of cells with Z-DEVD-FMK, a caspase-3 inhibitor. In conclusion, the results suggest that arctigenin is able to inhibit cell proliferation and may induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in glioma cells. These results warrant further investigation of the anticancer effects of arctigenin in animal models of gliomas. PMID:28356992

  15. TRPV2 channel negatively controls glioma cell proliferation and resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis in ERK-dependent manner.

    PubMed

    Nabissi, Massimo; Morelli, Maria Beatrice; Amantini, Consuelo; Farfariello, Valerio; Ricci-Vitiani, Lucia; Caprodossi, Sara; Arcella, Antonella; Santoni, Matteo; Giangaspero, Felice; De Maria, Ruggero; Santoni, Giorgio

    2010-05-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and function of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) in human glioma cells. By Real-Time-PCR and western blot analysis, we found that TRPV2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were expressed in benign astrocyte tissues, and its expression progressively declined in high-grade glioma tissues as histological grade increased (n = 49 cases), and in U87MG cells and in MZC, FCL and FSL primary glioma cells. To investigate the function of TRPV2 in glioma, small RNA interfering was used to silence TRPV2 expression in U87MG cells. As evaluated by RT-Profiler PCR array, siTRPV2-U87MG transfected cells displayed a marked downregulation of Fas and procaspase-8 mRNA expression, associated with upregulation of cyclin E1, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, E2F1 transcriptor factor 1, V-raf-1 murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bcl-X(L)) mRNA expression. TRPV2 silencing increased U87MG cell proliferation as shown by the increased percentage of cells incorporating 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine expressing beta(III)-tubulin and rescued glioma cells to Fas-induced apoptosis. These events were dependent on extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation: indeed inhibition of ERK activation in siTRPV2-U87MG transfected cells by treatment with PD98059, a specific mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase inhibitor, reduced Bcl-X(L) protein levels, promoted Fas expression, and restored Akt/protein kinase B pathway activation leading to reduced U87MG cell survival and proliferation, and increased sensitivity to Fas-induced apoptosis. In addition, transfection of TRPV2 in MZC glioma cells, by inducing Fas overexpression, resulted in a reduced viability and an increased spontaneous and Fas-induced apoptosis. Overall, our findings indicate that TRPV2 negatively controls glioma cell survival and proliferation, as well as resistance to Fas-induced apoptotic cell

  16. Antitumor Activity of Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Direct or Indirect Co-Culturing with C6 Glioma Cells.

    PubMed

    Gabashvili, A N; Baklaushev, V P; Grinenko, N F; Mel'nikov, P A; Cherepanov, S A; Levinsky, A B; Chehonin, V P

    2016-02-01

    The tumor-suppressive effect of rat mesenchymal stem cells against low-differentiated rat C6 glioma cells during their direct and indirect co-culturing and during culturing of C6 glioma cells in the medium conditioned by mesenchymal stem cells was studied in an in vitro experiment. The most pronounced antitumor activity of mesenchymal stem cells was observed during direct co-culturing with C6 glioma cells. The number of live C6 glioma cells during indirect co-culturing and during culturing in conditioned medium was slightly higher than during direct co-culturing, but significantly differed from the control (C6 glioma cells cultured in medium conditioned by C6 glioma cells). The cytotoxic effect of medium conditioned by mesenchymal stem cells was not related to medium depletion by glioma cells during their growth. The medium conditioned by other "non-stem" cells (rat astrocytes and fibroblasts) produced no tumor-suppressive effect. Rat mesenchymal stem cells, similar to rat C6 glioma cells express connexin 43, the main astroglial gap junction protein. During co-culturing, mesenchymal stem cells and glioma C6 cells formed functionally active gap junctions. Gap junction blockade with connexon inhibitor carbenoxolone attenuated the antitumor effect observed during direct co-culturing of C6 glioma cells and mesenchymal stem cells to the level produced by conditioned medium. Cell-cell signaling mediated by gap junctions can be a mechanism of the tumor-suppressive effect of mesenchymal stem cells against C6 glioma cells. This phenomenon can be used for the development of new methods of cell therapy for high-grade malignant gliomas.

  17. Promoting oligodendroglial-oriented differentiation of glioma stem cell: a repurposing of quetiapine for the treatment of malignant glioma.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yun; Huang, Nanxin; Li, Hongli; Liu, Shubao; Chen, Xianjun; Yu, Shichang; Wu, Nan; Bian, Xiu-Wu; Shen, Hai-Ying; Li, Chengren; Xiao, Lan

    2017-06-06

    As a major contributor of chemotherapy resistance and malignant recurrence, glioma stem cells (GSCs) have been proposed as a target for the treatment of gliomas. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of quetiapine (QUE), an atypical antipsychotic, for the treatment of malignant glioma, we established mouse models with GSCs-initiated orthotopic xenograft gliomas and subcutaneous xenograft tumors, using GSCs purified from glioblastoma cell line GL261. We investigated antitumor effects of QUE on xenograft gliomas and its underlying mechanisms on GSCs. Our data demonstrated that (i) QUE monotherapy can effectively suppress GSCs-initiated tumor growth; (ii) QUE has synergistic effects with temozolomide (TMZ) on glioma suppression, and importantly, QUE can effectively suppress TMZ-resistant (or -escaped) tumors generated from GSCs; (iii) mechanistically, the anti-glioma effect of QUE was due to its actions of promoting the differentiation of GSCs into oligodendrocyte (OL)-like cells and its inhibitory effect on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Together, our findings suggest an effective approach for anti-gliomagenic treatment via targeting OL-oriented differentiation of GSCs. This also opens a door for repurposing QUE, an FDA approved drug, for the treatment of malignant glioma.

  18. Promoting oligodendroglial-oriented differentiation of glioma stem cell: a repurposing of quetiapine for the treatment of malignant glioma

    PubMed Central

    Li, Hongli; Liu, Shubao; Chen, Xianjun; Yu, Shichang; Wu, Nan; Bian, Xiu-Wu; Li, Chengren

    2017-01-01

    As a major contributor of chemotherapy resistance and malignant recurrence, glioma stem cells (GSCs) have been proposed as a target for the treatment of gliomas. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of quetiapine (QUE), an atypical antipsychotic, for the treatment of malignant glioma, we established mouse models with GSCs-initiated orthotopic xenograft gliomas and subcutaneous xenograft tumors, using GSCs purified from glioblastoma cell line GL261. We investigated antitumor effects of QUE on xenograft gliomas and its underlying mechanisms on GSCs. Our data demonstrated that (i) QUE monotherapy can effectively suppress GSCs-initiated tumor growth; (ii) QUE has synergistic effects with temozolomide (TMZ) on glioma suppression, and importantly, QUE can effectively suppress TMZ-resistant (or -escaped) tumors generated from GSCs; (iii) mechanistically, the anti-glioma effect of QUE was due to its actions of promoting the differentiation of GSCs into oligodendrocyte (OL)-like cells and its inhibitory effect on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Together, our findings suggest an effective approach for anti-gliomagenic treatment via targeting OL-oriented differentiation of GSCs. This also opens a door for repurposing QUE, an FDA approved drug, for the treatment of malignant glioma. PMID:28415586

  19. Erythropoietin Augments Survival of Glioma Cells After Radiation and Temozolomide

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hassouna, Imam; Sperling, Swetlana; Kim, Ella

    2008-11-01

    Purpose: Despite beneficial effects of irradiation/chemotherapy on survival of glioblastoma (GBM) patients, collateral damage to intact neural tissue leads to 'radiochemobrain' and reduced quality of life in survivors. For prophylactic neuroprotection, erythropoietin (EPO) is a promising candidate, provided that concerns regarding potential tumor promoting effects are alleviated. Methods and Materials: Human GBM-derived cell lines U87, G44, G112, and the gliosarcoma-derived line G28 were treated with EPO, with and without combinations of irradiation or temozolomide (TMZ). Responsiveness of glioma cells to EPO was measured by cell migration from spheroids, cell proliferation, and clonogenic survival. Implantation of U87 cells into brains ofmore » nude mice, followed 5 days later by EPO treatment (5,000 U/kg intraperitoneal every other day for 2 weeks) should reveal effects of EPO on tumor growth in vivo. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed for EPOR, HIF-1{alpha}, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)vIII in cell lines and 22 human GBM specimens. Results: EPO did not modulate basal glioma cell migration and stimulated proliferation in only one of four cell lines. Importantly, EPO did not enhance tumor growth in mouse brains. Preincubation of glioma cells with EPO for 3 h, followed by irradiation and TMZ for another 24 h, resulted in protection against chemoradiation-induced cytotoxicity in three cell lines. Conversely, EPO induced a dose-dependent decrease in survival of G28 gliosarcoma cells. In GBM specimens, expression of HIF-1{alpha} correlated positively with expression of EPOR and EGFRvIII. EPOR and EGFRvIII expression did not correlate. Conclusions: EPO is unlikely to appreciably influence basal glioma growth. However, concomitant use of EPO with irradiation/chemotherapy in GBM patients is not advisable.« less

  20. The neural stem cell fate determinant TLX promotes tumorigenesis and genesis of cells resembling glioma stem cells.

    PubMed

    Park, Hyo-Jung; Kim, Jun-Kyum; Jeon, Hye-Min; Oh, Se-Yeong; Kim, Sung-Hak; Nam, Do-Hyun; Kim, Hyunggee

    2010-11-01

    A growing body of evidence indicates that deregulation of stem cell fate determinants is a hallmark of many types of malignancies. The neural stem cell fate determinant TLX plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis in the adult brain by maintaining neural stem cells. Here, we report a tumorigenic role of TLX in brain tumor initiation and progression. Increased TLX expression was observed in a number of glioma cells and glioma stem cells, and correlated with poor survival of patients with gliomas. Ectopic expression of TLX in the U87MG glioma cell line and Ink4a/Arf-deficient mouse astrocytes (Ink4a/Arf(-/-) astrocytes) induced cell proliferation with a concomitant increase in cyclin D expression, and accelerated foci formation in soft agar and tumor formation in in vivo transplantation assays. Furthermore, overexpression of TLX in Ink4a/Arf(-/-) astrocytes inhibited cell migration and invasion and promoted neurosphere formation and Nestin expression, which are hallmark characteristics of glioma stem cells, under stem cell culture conditions. Our results indicate that TLX is involved in glioma stem cell genesis and represents a potential therapeutic target for this type of malignancy.

  1. NOS2 expression in glioma cell lines and glioma primary cell cultures: correlation with neurosphere generation and SOX-2 expression.

    PubMed

    Palumbo, Paola; Miconi, Gianfranca; Cinque, Benedetta; Lombardi, Francesca; La Torre, Cristina; Dehcordi, Soheila Raysi; Galzio, Renato; Cimini, Annamaria; Giordano, Antonio; Cifone, Maria Grazia

    2017-04-11

    Nitric oxide has been implicated in biology and progression of glioblastoma (GBM) being able to influence the cellular signal depending on the concentration and duration of cell exposure. NOS2 (inducible nitric oxide synthase) have been proposed as a component of molecular profile of several tumors, including glioma, one of the most aggressive primary brain tumor featuring local cancer stem cells responsible for enhanced resistance to therapies and for tumor recurrence. Here, we investigated the NOS2 mRNA expression by reverse transcription-PCR in human glioma primary cultures at several grade of malignancy and glioma stem cell (GSC) derived neurospheres. Glioma cell lines were used as positive controls both in terms of stemness marker expression that of capacity of generating neurospheres. NOS2 expression was detected at basal levels in cell lines and primary cultures and appeared significantly up-regulated in cultures kept in the specific medium for neurospheres. The immunofluorescence analysis of all cell cultures to evaluate the levels of SOX-2, a stemness marker aberrantly up-regulated in GBM, was also performed. The potential correlation between NOS2 expression and ability to generate neurospheres and between NOS2 and SOX-2 levels was also verified. The results show that the higher NOS2 expression is detected in all primary cultures able to arise neurosphere. A high and significant correlation between NOS2 expression and SOX-2 positive cells (%) in all cell cultures maintained in standard conditions has been observed. The results shed light on the potential relevance of NOS2 as a prognostic factor for glioma malignancy and recurrence.

  2. Exploring the regulatory role of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant protein on glioma stem cell proliferation.

    PubMed

    Lu, H-C; Ma, J; Zhuang, Z; Qiu, F; Cheng, H-L; Shi, J-X

    2016-08-01

    Glioma is the most lethal form of cancer that originates mostly from the brain and less frequently from the spine. Glioma is characterized by abnormal regulation of glial cell differentiation. The severity of the glioma was found to be relaxed in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutant. The present study focused on histological discrimination and regulation of cancer stem cell between IDH1 mutant and in non-IDH1 mutant glioma tissue. Histology, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting techniques are used to analyze the glioma nature and variation in glioma stem cells that differ between IDH1 mutant and in non-IDH1 mutant glioma tissue. The aggressive form of non-IDH1 mutant glioma shows abnormal cellular histological variation with prominent larger nucleus along with abnormal clustering of cells. The longer survival form of IDH1 mutant glioma has a control over glioma stem cell proliferation. Immunohistochemistry with stem cell markers, CD133 and EGFRvIII are used to demonstrate that the IDH1 mutant glioma shows limited dependence on cancer stem cells and it shows marked apoptotic signals in TUNEL assay to regulate abnormal cells. The non-IDH1 mutant glioma failed to regulate misbehaving cells and it promotes cancer stem cell proliferation. Our finding supports that the IDH1 mutant glioma has a regulatory role in glioma stem cells and their survival.

  3. MiR-148a increases glioma cell migration and invasion by downregulating GADD45A in human gliomas with IDH1 R132H mutations

    PubMed Central

    Shi, Jinlong; Shen, Yiwen; Wang, Ke; Deng, Xianyu; Zhou, Lin; Hu, Pingping; Gao, Liang

    2017-01-01

    High-grade gliomas are severe tumors with poor prognosis. An R132H mutation in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) gene prolongs the life of glioma patients. In this study, we investigated which genes are differentially regulated in IDH1 wild type (IDH1WT) or IDH1 R132H mutation (IDH1R132H) glioblastoma cells. Growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein (GADD45A) was downregulated and microRNA 148a (miR-148a) was upregulated in in IDH1R132H human glioblastomas tissues. The relationship between GADD45A and miR-148a is unknown. In vitro experiments showed that GADD45A negatively regulates IDH1R132H glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and neurosphere formation in IDH1R132H glioblastoma stem cells (GSC). In addition, a human orthotopic xenograft mouse model showed that GADD45A reduced tumorigenesis in vivo. Our findings demonstrated that miR-148a promotes glioma cell invasion and tumorigenesis by downregulating GADD45A. Our findings provide novel insights into how GADD45A is downregulated by miR-148a in IDH1R132H glioma and may help to identify therapeutic targets for the effective treatment of high-grade glioma. PMID:28445981

  4. Knockdown of DIXDC1 Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Human Glioma Cells.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jianguo; Shen, Chaoyan; Shi, Jinlong; Shen, Jianhong; Chen, Wenjuan; Sun, Jie; Fan, Shaocheng; Bei, Yuanqi; Xu, Peng; Chang, Hao; Jiang, Rui; Hua, Lu; Ji, Bin; Huang, Qingfeng

    2017-08-01

    DIX domain containing 1 (DIXDC1), the human homolog of coiled-coil-DIX1 (Ccd1), is a positive regulator of Wnt signaling pathway. Recently, it was found to act as a candidate oncogene in colon cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, and gastric cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of DIXDC1 expression in human glioma and its biological function in glioma cells. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis showed that DIXDC1 was overexpressed in glioma tissues and glioma cell lines. The expression level of DIXDC1 was evidently linked to glioma pathological grade and Ki-67 expression. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that high expression of DIXDC1 may lead to poor outcome of glioma patients. Serum starvation and refeeding assay indicated that the expression of DIXDC1 was associated with cell cycle. To determine whether DIXDC1 could regulate the proliferation and migration of glioma cells, we transfected glioma cells with interfering RNA-targeting DIXDC1; investigated cell proliferation with Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8, flow cytometry assays, and colony formation analyses; and investigated cell migration with wound healing assays and transwell assays. According to our data, knockdown of DIXDC1 significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of glioma cells. These data implied that DIXDC1 might participate in the development of glioma, suggesting that DIXDC1 can become a potential therapeutic strategy for glioma.

  5. Regulation of DNA repair mechanism in human glioma xenograft cells both in vitro and in vivo in nude mice.

    PubMed

    Ponnala, Shivani; Veeravalli, Krishna Kumar; Chetty, Chandramu; Dinh, Dzung H; Rao, Jasti S

    2011-01-01

    Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal form of brain tumor. Efficient DNA repair and anti-apoptotic mechanisms are making glioma treatment difficult. Proteases such as MMP9, cathepsin B and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) are over expressed in gliomas and contribute to enhanced cancer cell proliferation. Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair mechanism plays a major role in double strand break (DSB) repair in mammalian cells. Here we show that silencing MMP9 in combination with uPAR/cathepsin B effects NHEJ repair machinery. Expression of DNA PKcs and Ku70/80 at both mRNA and protein levels in MMP9-uPAR (pMU) and MMP9-cathepsin B (pMC) shRNA-treated glioma xenograft cells were reduced. FACS analysis showed an increase in apoptotic peak and proliferation assays revealed a significant reduction in the cell population in pMU- and pMC-treated cells compared to untreated cells. We hypothesized that reduced NHEJ repair led to DSBs accumulation in pMU- and pMC-treated cells, thereby initiating cell death. This hypothesis was confirmed by reduced Ku70/Ku80 protein binding to DSB, increased comet tail length and elevated γH2AX expression in treated cells compared to control. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that EGFR-mediated lowered DNA PK activity in treated cells compared to controls. Treatment with pMU and pMC shRNA reduced the expression of DNA PKcs and ATM, and elevated γH2AX levels in xenograft implanted nude mice. Glioma cells exposed to hypoxia and irradiation showed DSB accumulation and apoptosis after pMU and pMC treatments compared to respective controls. Our results suggest that pMU and pMC shRNA reduce glioma proliferation by DSB accumulation and increase apoptosis under normoxia, hypoxia and in combination with irradiation. Considering the radio- and chemo-resistant cancers favored by hypoxia, our study provides important therapeutic potential of MMP9, uPAR and cathepsin B shRNA in the treatment of glioma from clinical stand

  6. Gpx 4 is involved in the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Hongyu; Ji, Bin; Chen, Jianguo; Huang, Qingfeng; Lu, Xueguan

    2017-06-01

    Glioma is one of the most common and aggressive types of human brain tumor, it is important to explore novel glioma-associated genes. In this report, we defined Gpx4 as a therapeutic target for glioma. Western blot and immunohistochemistry(IHC) analysis revealed that the protein level of Gpx4 was higher in glioma tissues and cell lines. In addition, IHC stain revealed that there was statistical significance between the expression of Gpx4 and the WHO grade (P=0.004) and Ki-67(P=0.000) expression. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that high expression of Gpx4 was associated with poor prognosis of glioma patients (P<0.01). To determine whether Gpx4 could regulate the proliferation and migration of glioma cells, we transfected glioma cells with Gpx4-siRNA and then investigated cell proliferation with cell counting kit (CCK) -8, flow cytometry assay and colony formation analyses, and we used wound-healing and transwell assays to investigate cell migration. Our results indicated that knockdown of Gpx4 would inhibit the proliferation and migration of glioma cells. Besides, silencing of Gpx4 could induce the apoptosis of glioma cells. This research indicated that Gpx4 might be thought of as a new prognostic factor in glioma and be closely correlated with glioma cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  7. [Vitamin K3-induced activation of molecular oxygen in glioma cells].

    PubMed

    Krylova, N G; Kulagova, T A; Semenkova, G N; Cherenkevich, S N

    2009-01-01

    It has been shown by the method of fluorescent analysis that the rate of hydrogen peroxide generation in human U251 glioma cells under the effect of lipophilic (menadione) or hydrophilic (vikasol) analogues of vitamin K3 was different. Analyzing experimental data we can conclude that menadione underwent one- and two-electron reduction by intracellular reductases in glioma cells. Reduced forms of menadione interact with molecular oxygen leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The theoretical model of ROS generation including two competitive processes of one- and two-electron reduction of menadione has been proposed. Rate constants of ROS generation mediated by one-electron reduction process have been estimated.

  8. Human umbilical cord blood stem cells show PDGF-D–dependent glioma cell tropism in vitro and in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Gondi, Christopher S.; Veeravalli, Krishna Kumar; Gorantla, Bharathi; Dinh, Dzung H.; Fassett, Dan; Klopfenstein, Jeffrey D.; Gujrati, Meena; Rao, Jasti S.

    2010-01-01

    Despite advances in clinical therapies and technologies, the prognosis for patients with malignant glioma is poor. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have a chemotactic tropism toward glioma cells. The use of NSCs as carriers of therapeutic agents for gliomas is currently being explored. Here, we demonstrate that cells isolated from the umbilical cord blood show mesenchymal characteristics and can differentiate to adipocytes, osteocytes, and neural cells and show tropism toward cancer cells. We also show that these stem cells derived from the human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) induce apoptosis-like cell death in the glioma cell line SNB19 via Fas-mediated caspase-8 activation. From our glioma tropism studies, we have observed that hUCB cells show tropism toward glioma cells in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo. We determined that this migration is partially dependent on the expression levels of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-D from glioma cells and have observed that local concentration gradient of PDGF-D is sufficient to cause migration of hUCB cells toward the gradient as seen from our brain slice cultures. In our animal experiment studies, we observed that intracranially implanted SNB19 green fluorescent protein cells induced tropism of the hUCB cells toward themselves. In addition, the ability of these hUCBs to inhibit established intracranial tumors was also observed. We also determined that the migration of stem cells toward glioma cells was partially dependent on PDGF secreted by glioma cells and that the presence of PDGF-receptor (PDGFR) on hUCB is required for migration. Our results demonstrate that hUCB are capable of inducing apoptosis in human glioma cells and also show that glioma tropism and hUCB tropism toward glioma cells are partially dependent on the PDGF/PGGFR system. PMID:20406896

  9. mir-300 promotes self-renewal and inhibits the differentiation of glioma stem-like cells.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Daming; Yang, Guang; Chen, Xin; Li, Chunmei; Wang, Lu; Liu, Yaohua; Han, Dayong; Liu, Huailei; Hou, Xu; Zhang, Weiguang; Li, Chenguang; Han, Zhanqiang; Gao, Xin; Zhao, Shiguang

    2014-08-01

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that have been critically implicated in several human cancers. miRNAs are thought to participate in various biological processes, including proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and even the regulation of the stemness properties of cancer stem cells. In this study, we explore the potential role of miR-300 in glioma stem-like cells (GSLCs). We isolated GSLCs from glioma biopsy specimens and identified the stemness properties of the cells through neurosphere formation assays, multilineage differentiation ability analysis, and immunofluorescence analysis of glioma stem cell markers. We found that miR-300 is commonly upregulated in glioma tissues, and the expression of miR-300 was higher in GSLCs. The results of functional experiments demonstrated that miR-300 can enhance the self-renewal of GSLCs and reduce differentiation toward both astrocyte and neural fates. In addition, LZTS2 is a direct target of miR-300. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the critical role of miR-300 in GSLCs and its functions in LZTS2 inhibition and describe a new approach for the molecular regulation of tumor stem cells.

  10. Gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase promotes the growth of human glioma cells by activating Notch-Akt signaling

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shen, Shang-Hang; Yu, Ning; Liu, Xi-Yao

    Glioma as an aggressive type tumor is rapidly growing and has become one of the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. γ-Glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT) has been shown as a diagnostic marker in various cancers. To reveal whether there is a correlation between GGCT and human glioma, GGCT expression in human glioma tissues and cell lines was first determined. We found that GGCT expression was up-regulated in human glioma tissues and cell lines. Further, we demonstrate that GGCT knockdown inhibits glioma cell T98G and U251 proliferation and colony formation, whereas GGCT overexpression leads to oppose effects. GGCT overexpression promotes the expression ofmore » Notch receptors and activates Akt signaling in glioma cells, and Notch-Akt signaling is activated in glioma tissues with high expression of GGCT. Finally, we show that inhibition of Notch-Akt signaling with Notch inhibitor MK-0752 blocks the effects of GGCT on glioma proliferation and colony formation. In conclusion, GGCT plays a critical role in glioma cell proliferation and may be a potential cancer therapeutic target. - Highlights: • GGCT expression is up-regulated in human glioma tissues and cell lines. • GGCT promotes glioma cell growth and colony formation. • GGCT promotes the activation of Notch-Akt signaling in glioma cells and tissues. • Notch inhibition blocks the role of GGCT in human glioma cells.« less

  11. Anticancer activity of flavonoids isolated from Achyrocline satureioides in gliomas cell lines.

    PubMed

    Souza, Priscila Oliveira de; Bianchi, Sara Elis; Figueiró, Fabrício; Heimfarth, Luana; Moresco, Karla Suzana; Gonçalves, Rosângela Mayer; Hoppe, Juliana Bender; Klein, Caroline Peres; Salbego, Christianne Gazzana; Gelain, Daniel Pens; Bassani, Valquíria Linck; Zanotto Filho, Alfeu; Moreira, José Claudio Fonseca

    2018-05-04

    Achyrocline satureioides, popularly known as "marcela", is a medicinal plant found in South America. This plant is rich in flavonoids, which have been reported to exert numerous biological activities. The aim of this study was to purify, identify and evaluate the mechanisms underlining anticancer activity of A. satureioides flavonoids in glioma cell lines (U87, U251 and C6) as well as their comparative toxicity in normal brain cells (primary astrocytes, neurons and organotypic hippocampal cultures). The main flavonoids present in A. satureioides are luteolin, quercetin, 3-O-methyl-quercetin and achyrobichalcone, the later a very unique metabolite present in this plant. Isolated flavonoids as well as A. satureioides extracts reduced proliferation and clonogenic survival, and induced apoptosis of glioma cell lines. In addition, A. satureioides flavonoids potentiated the cytotoxic effect and apoptosis induction by the glioma chemotherapeutic temozolomide (TMZ). Importantly, A. satureioides flavonoids were less cytotoxic to astrocytes, neuron:astrocytes co-cultures and hippocampal cultures if compared to gliomas. Investigation of 10 cancer-related pathways showed a reduced activation of MYC and the Map kinases ERK and JNK by A. satureioides flavonoid-enriched extract, an effect not observed when individual flavonoids were evaluated. Altogether, the herein presented results show that A. satureioides extract possesses a combination of flavonoids, some unique for this plant, which have synergistic anticancer activity and potential for further studies in vivo. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Acyl-CoA Synthetase VL3 Knockdown Inhibits Human Glioma Cell Proliferation and Tumorigenicity

    PubMed Central

    Pei, Zhengtong; Sun, Peng; Huang, Ping; Lal, Bachchu; Laterra, John; Watkins, Paul A.

    2009-01-01

    The contribution of lipid metabolic pathways to malignancy is poorly understood. Expression of the fatty acyl-CoA synthetase, ACSVL3, was found to be markedly elevated in clinical malignant glioma specimens but nearly undetectable in normal glia. ACSVL3 levels correlated with the malignant behavior of human glioma cell lines and glioma cells propagated as xenografts. ACSVL3 expression was induced by the activation of oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) c-Met and EGFR. Inhibiting c-Met activation with neutralizing anti-HGF monoclonal antibodies reduced ACSVL3 expression concurrent with tumor growth inhibition in vivo. ACSVL3 expression knockdown using RNA interference, which decreased long-chain fatty acid activation, inhibited anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent glioma cell growth by ~70% and ~ 90%, respectively. ACSVL3-depleted cells were less tumorigenic than control cells and subcutaneous xenografts grew ~60% slower than control tumors. Orthotopic xenografts produced by ACSVL3-depleted cells were 82–86 % smaller than control xenografts. ACSVL3 knockdown disrupted Akt function as evidenced by RTK-induced transient decreases in total and phosphorylated Akt, as well as GSK3β, via a caspase-dependent mechanism. Expressing constitutively active myr-Akt rescued cells from the anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth inhibitory effects of ACSVL3 depletion. These studies show that ACSVL3 maintains oncogenic properties of malignant glioma cells via a mechanism that involves, in part, the regulation of Akt function. PMID:19920185

  13. Investigation of adhesion and mechanical properties of human glioma cells by single cell force spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy.

    PubMed

    Andolfi, Laura; Bourkoula, Eugenia; Migliorini, Elisa; Palma, Anita; Pucer, Anja; Skrap, Miran; Scoles, Giacinto; Beltrami, Antonio Paolo; Cesselli, Daniela; Lazzarino, Marco

    2014-01-01

    Active cell migration and invasion is a peculiar feature of glioma that makes this tumor able to rapidly infiltrate into the surrounding brain tissue. In our recent work, we identified a novel class of glioma-associated-stem cells (defined as GASC for high-grade glioma--HG--and Gasc for low-grade glioma--LG) that, although not tumorigenic, act supporting the biological aggressiveness of glioma-initiating stem cells (defined as GSC for HG and Gsc for LG) favoring also their motility. Migrating cancer cells undergo considerable molecular and cellular changes by remodeling their cytoskeleton and cell interactions with surrounding environment. To get a better understanding about the role of the glioma-associated-stem cells in tumor progression, cell deformability and interactions between glioma-initiating stem cells and glioma-associated-stem cells were investigated. Adhesion of HG/LG-cancer cells on HG/LG-glioma-associated stem cells was studied by time-lapse microscopy, while cell deformability and cell-cell adhesion strengths were quantified by indentation measurements by atomic force microscopy and single cell force spectroscopy. Our results demonstrate that for both HG and LG glioma, cancer-initiating-stem cells are softer than glioma-associated-stem cells, in agreement with their neoplastic features. The adhesion strength of GSC on GASC appears to be significantly lower than that observed for Gsc on Gasc. Whereas, GSC spread and firmly adhere on Gasc with an adhesion strength increased as compared to that obtained on GASC. These findings highlight that the grade of glioma-associated-stem cells plays an important role in modulating cancer cell adhesion, which could affect glioma cell migration, invasion and thus cancer aggressiveness. Moreover this work provides evidence about the importance of investigating cell adhesion and elasticity for new developments in disease diagnostics and therapeutics.

  14. Silibinin-induced glioma cell apoptosis by PI3K-mediated but Akt-independent downregulation of FoxM1 expression.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Mingjie; Liu, Yunhui; Gao, Yun; Li, Shaoyi

    2015-10-15

    The oncogenic transcription factor Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) is overexpressed in many human tumors, including glioma. As a critical regulator of the cell cycle and apoptosis-related genes, FoxM1 is a potential therapeutic target against human malignant glioma. Silibinin, a flavonoid isolated from Silybum marianum, dose-dependently reduced glioma cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and downregulated FoxM1 expression. Knockdown of FoxM1 by small hairpin RNA (shRNA) transfection also promoted glioma cell apoptosis and augmented the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic properties of silibinin. Moreover, silibinin increased caspase-3 activation, upregulated pro-apoptotic Bax, and suppressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression, effects enhanced by FoxM1 knockdown. Silibinin treatment suppressed U87 cell PI3K phospho-activation, and simultaneous silibinin exposure, FoxM1 knockdown, and PI3K inhibition additively increased U87 cell apoptosis. Furthermore, PI3K inhibition reduced FoxM1 expression. Akt activity was also suppressed by FoxM1 downregulation but Akt inhibition did not alter FoxM1 expression. Thus, silibinin likely inhibited glioma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis through inactivation of PI3K and FoxM1, leading to activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. FoxM1 may be a novel target for chemotherapy against human glioma. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. MicroRNA-128 inhibits proliferation and invasion of glioma cells by targeting COX-2.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yihai; Wu, Zhangyi

    2018-06-05

    MicroRNAs (miRNA), a class of small noncoding RNAs, regulates message RNA (mRNA) by targeting the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) resulting in suppression of gene expression. In this study, we identified the expression and function of miR-128, which was found to be downregulated in glioma tissues and glioma cells by real time PCR. Overexpression of miR-128 mimics into LN229 and U251 cells could inhibit proliferation and invasion of glioma cells. However, the inhibitory effects of miR-128 mimics on the invasion and proliferation of glioma cells were reversed by overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Our data showed that COX-2 was a candidate target of miR-128. Luciferase activity of 3'-UTR of COX-2 was reduced in the presence of miR-128. Additionally, miR-128 obviously decreased COX-2 mRNA stability determined by real time PCR. Contrarily, we found that miR-128 inhibitor significantly increased the COX-2 mRNA expression, and elevated the protein expression of MMP9 and ki67, and promoted the proliferation of glioma cells. Furthermore, luciferase activity of the 3'-UTR was upregulated by miR-128 inhibitor. All of these results supported that miR-128 was a direct regulator of COX-2. Further studies proved that COX-2 was elevated in glioma tissues and its expression was negatively correlated with the levels of miR-128. These findings may establish miR-128 as a new potential target for the treatment of patients with gliomas. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. miR-489 inhibits proliferation, cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis of glioma cells via targeting SPIN1-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway.

    PubMed

    Li, Yan; Ma, Xiaolin; Wang, Yanpeng; Li, Guohua

    2017-09-01

    microRNA-489 (miR-489), a newly identified tumor-related miRNA, functions as an oncogene or tumor suppressor via regulating growth and metastasis of human cancers. But, the clinical significance, biological function and underlying mechanisms of miR-489 in glioma remain rarely known. Here, we showed that the levels of miR-489 in glioma tissues were notably underexpressed compared to corresponding non-tumor tissues. In accordance, the relative levels of miR-489 were decreased in glioma cell lines compared with NHA cells. Kaplan-Meier plots indicated that miR-489 low expressing glioma patients showed a prominent shorter overall survival. In addition, miR-489 overexpression prohibited proliferation and cell cycle progression, and promoted apoptosis in U251 cells. While, miR-489 knockdown showed opposite effects on these cellular processes of U87 cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that miR-489 restoration reduced the tumor volume and weight of subcutaneous glioma xenografts in nude mice. Notably, Spindlin 1 (SPIN1) was inversely and directly regulated by miR-489 in glioma cells. A negative correlation between the expression of miR-489 and SPIN1 mRNA was confirmed in glioma tissues. Interestingly, miR-489 inversely modulated activation of PI3K/AKT pathway and expression of downstream targets including p-mTOR, Cyclin D1 and BCL-XL. SPIN1 re-expression abolished the effects of miR-489 on U251 cells with enhanced activation of PI3K/AKT pathway and malignant phenotype. Meanwhile, AKT inhibitor MK-2206 blocked activation of PI3K/AKT pathway and resulted in reduced proliferation, cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis in miR-489 down-regulating U87 cells. Altogether, our data support that miR-489 loss facilitates malignant phenotype of glioma cells probably via SPIN1-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. IDH1 R132H decreases proliferation of glioma cell lines in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Bralten, Linda B C; Kloosterhof, Nanne K; Balvers, Rutger; Sacchetti, Andrea; Lapre, Lariesa; Lamfers, Martine; Leenstra, Sieger; de Jonge, Hugo; Kros, Johan M; Jansen, Erwin E W; Struys, Eduard A; Jakobs, Cornelis; Salomons, Gajja S; Diks, Sander H; Peppelenbosch, Maikel; Kremer, Andreas; Hoogenraad, Casper C; Smitt, Peter A E Sillevis; French, Pim J

    2011-03-01

    A high percentage of grade II and III gliomas have mutations in the gene encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1). This mutation is always a heterozygous point mutation that affects the amino acid arginine at position 132 and results in loss of its native enzymatic activity and gain of alternative enzymatic activity (producing D-2-hydroxyglutarate). The objective of this study was to investigate the cellular effects of R132H mutations in IDH1. Functional consequences of IDH1(R132H) mutations were examined among others using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, kinome and expression arrays, biochemical assays, and intracranial injections on 3 different (glioma) cell lines with stable overexpression of IDH1(R132H) . IDH1(R132H) overexpression in established glioma cell lines in vitro resulted in a marked decrease in proliferation, decreased Akt phosphorylation, altered morphology, and a more contact-dependent cell migration. The reduced proliferation is related to accumulation of D-2-hydroxyglutarate that is produced by IDH1(R132H) . Mice injected with IDH1(R132H) U87 cells have prolonged survival compared to mice injected with IDH1(wt) or green fluorescent protein-expressing U87 cells. Our results demonstrate that IDH1(R132H) dominantly reduces aggressiveness of established glioma cell lines in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the IDH1(R132H) -IDH1(wt) heterodimer has higher enzymatic activity than the IDH1(R132H) -IDH1(R132H) homodimer. Our observations in model systems of glioma might lead to a better understanding of the biology of IDH1 mutant gliomas, which are typically low grade and often slow growing. Copyright © 2011 American Neurological Association.

  18. Overexpressed KDM5B is associated with the progression of glioma and promotes glioma cell growth via downregulating p21

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dai, Bin; Hu, Zhiqiang, E-mail: zhiqhutg@126.com; Huang, Hui

    Highlights: • KDM5B is overexpressed in glioma samples. • KDM5B stimulated proliferation of glioma cells. • Inhibition of p21contributes to KDM5B-induced proliferation. - Abstract: Epigenetic alterations such as aberrant expression of histone-modifying enzymes have been implicated in tumorigenesis. Upregulation of lysine (K)-specific demethylase 5B (KDM5B) has been reported in a variety of malignant tumors. However, the impact of KDM5B in glioma remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression and prognostic value of KDM5B in glioma. In clinical glioma samples, we found that KDM5B expression was significantly upregulated in cancer lesions compared with normal brain tissues.more » Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with glioma and higher KDM5B expression tend to have shorter overall survival time. By silencing or overexpressing KDM5B in glioma cells, we found that KDM5B could promote cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that KDM5B promoted glioma proliferation partly via regulation of the expression of p21. Our study provided evidence that KDM5B functions as a novel tumor oncogene in glioma and may be a potential therapeutic target for glioma management.« less

  19. Functional analysis of the DEPDC1 oncoantigen in malignant glioma and brain tumor initiating cells.

    PubMed

    Kikuchi, Ryogo; Sampetrean, Oltea; Saya, Hideyuki; Yoshida, Kazunari; Toda, Masahiro

    2017-06-01

    DEP domain containing 1 (DEPDC1) is a novel oncoantigen expressed in cancer cells, which presents oncogenic activity and high immunogenicity. Although DEPDC1 has been predicted to be a useful antigen for the development of a cancer vaccine, its pathophysiological roles in glioma have not been investigated. Here, we analyzed the expression and function of DEPDC1 in malignant glioma. DEPDC1 expression in glioma cell lines, glioma tissues, and brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) was assessed by western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The effect of DEPDC1 downregulation on cell growth and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling in glioma cells was investigated. Overall survival was assessed in mouse glioma models using human glioma cells and induced mouse brain tumor stem cells (imBTSCs) to determine the effect of DEPDC1 suppression in vivo. DEPDC1 expression was increased in glioma cell lines, tissues, and BTICs. Suppression of endogenous DEPDC1 expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited glioma cell viability and induced apoptosis through NFκB signaling. In mouse glioma models using human glioma cells and imBTSCs, downregulation of DEPDC1 expression prolonged overall survival. These results suggest that DEPDC1 represents a target molecule for the treatment of glioma.

  20. Regulation of DNA Repair Mechanism in Human Glioma Xenograft Cells both In Vitro and In Vivo in Nude Mice

    PubMed Central

    Ponnala, Shivani; Veeravalli, Krishna Kumar; Chetty, Chandramu; Dinh, Dzung H.; Rao, Jasti S.

    2011-01-01

    Background Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal form of brain tumor. Efficient DNA repair and anti-apoptotic mechanisms are making glioma treatment difficult. Proteases such as MMP9, cathepsin B and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) are over expressed in gliomas and contribute to enhanced cancer cell proliferation. Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair mechanism plays a major role in double strand break (DSB) repair in mammalian cells. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we show that silencing MMP9 in combination with uPAR/cathepsin B effects NHEJ repair machinery. Expression of DNA PKcs and Ku70/80 at both mRNA and protein levels in MMP9-uPAR (pMU) and MMP9-cathepsin B (pMC) shRNA-treated glioma xenograft cells were reduced. FACS analysis showed an increase in apoptotic peak and proliferation assays revealed a significant reduction in the cell population in pMU- and pMC-treated cells compared to untreated cells. We hypothesized that reduced NHEJ repair led to DSBs accumulation in pMU- and pMC-treated cells, thereby initiating cell death. This hypothesis was confirmed by reduced Ku70/Ku80 protein binding to DSB, increased comet tail length and elevated γH2AX expression in treated cells compared to control. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that EGFR-mediated lowered DNA PK activity in treated cells compared to controls. Treatment with pMU and pMC shRNA reduced the expression of DNA PKcs and ATM, and elevated γH2AX levels in xenograft implanted nude mice. Glioma cells exposed to hypoxia and irradiation showed DSB accumulation and apoptosis after pMU and pMC treatments compared to respective controls. Conclusion/Significance Our results suggest that pMU and pMC shRNA reduce glioma proliferation by DSB accumulation and increase apoptosis under normoxia, hypoxia and in combination with irradiation. Considering the radio- and chemo-resistant cancers favored by hypoxia, our study provides important therapeutic potential of MMP9, uPAR and

  1. Osthole exhibits anti-cancer property in rat glioma cells through inhibiting PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways.

    PubMed

    Ding, Daofang; Wei, Songpu; Song, Yi; Li, Linghui; Du, Guoqing; Zhan, Hongsheng; Cao, Yuelong

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate how Osthole affects glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. Rat glioma cells were treated with different concentrations of Osthole (0 µM, 25 µM, 50 µM, and 100 µM). Cell proliferation was assessed by measuring PCNA expression and CCK8 assay at different time points. Apoptosis was evaluated by measuring the expression of pro-apoptotic protein including Bax, Bcl2, PARP, and cleaved Caspase3, and of anti-apoptotic protein Survivin. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using different methods. Signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK, which are involved in the development of glioma cells, were also investigated in this study. Treatment with Osthole markedly inhibits glioma cell proliferation, as assessed by western blot with the PCNA antibody. Osthole also induces cell apoptosis by upregulating the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, and by reducing the expression of anti-apoptotic factors. Moreover, C6 cell migration and invasion were efficiently inhibited in groups treated with Osthole, compared to the control group. Additionally, inhibition of PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathway was also observed in C6 cells treated with Osthole. Our findings showed an anti-cancer effect of Osthole on glioma cells, including the proliferation inhibition, apoptosis induction, and migration/invasion inhibition. Further investigation in C6 glioma cells implicated the role of Osthole in essential pathways controlling glioma cell progression. Taken together, our data suggested that Osthole may have a potential application in glioma therapy. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  2. IDH1 mutation diminishes aggressive phenotype in glioma stem cells.

    PubMed

    Yao, Qi; Cai, Gang; Yu, Qi; Shen, Jianhong; Gu, Zhikai; Chen, Jian; Shi, Wei; Shi, Jinlong

    2018-01-01

    The R132H mutation in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1-R132H) is associated with better prognosis in glioma patients. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) in glioma are believed to be responsible for glioma growth and maintenance. However, the relation between the R132H mutation and GSCs is not fully understood. In the present study, GSC markers were detected in patients with IDH1-R132H or wild-type IDH1 (IDH1-wt) by tissue microarray immunohistochemistry (TMA-IHC). The relationship between the expression patterns of GSC markers and the clinicopathological characteristics in glioma were analyzed. To confirm this mutation's role in GSCs, the IDH1-R132H in GSCs isolated from glioblastoma patients with IDH1 mutations was overexpressed by using lentiviral constructs in vitro, and then the proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of the transfected GSCs were explored. At the molecular level, we detected Wnt/β-catenin signaling expression to verify its role in regulating the cellular properties of GSCs. The results showed that the positive rate of GSCs in patients with IDH1-R132H was significantly less than that in patients with IDH1-wt. The positive rate of GSCs was correlated with IDH1 mutation, TNM stage and poor overall survive. After transfection in vitro, IDH1-R132H overexpression led to reduced GSCs proliferation, migration and invasion, inducing apoptosis and improving GSC differentiation, accompanied by a significant reduction in activity of β-catenin. Several mediators, effectors and targets of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling were downregulated. The data demonstrate that IDH1 mutation reduces the malignant progression of glioma by causing a less aggressive phenotype of GSCs which are involved in the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling.

  3. Combined radiation and p53 gene therapy of malignant glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Badie, B; Goh, C S; Klaver, J; Herweijer, H; Boothman, D A

    1999-01-01

    More than half of malignant gliomas reportedly have alterations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene. Because p53 plays a key role in the cellular response to DNA-damaging agents, we investigated the role of p53 gene therapy before ionizing radiation in cultured human glioma cells containing normal or mutated p53. Three established human glioma cell lines expressing the wild-type (U87 MG, p53wt) or mutant (A172 and U373 MG, p53mut) p53 gene were transduced by recombinant adenoviral vectors bearing human p53 (Adp53) and Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase genes (AdLacZ, control virus) before radiation (0-20 Gy). Changes in p53, p21, and Bax expression were studied by Western immunoblotting, whereas cell cycle alterations and apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry and nuclear staining. Survival was assessed by clonogenic assays. Within 48 hours of Adp53 exposure, all three cell lines demonstrated p53 expression at a viral multiplicity of infection of 100. p21, which is a p53-inducible downstream effector gene, was overexpressed, and cells were arrested in the G1 phase. Bax expression, which is thought to play a role in p53-induced apoptosis, did not change with either radiation or Adp53. Apoptosis and survival after p53 gene therapy varied. U87 MG (p53wt) cells showed minimal apoptosis after Adp53, irradiation, or combined treatments. U373 MG (p53mut) cells underwent massive apoptosis and died within 48 hours of Adp53 treatment, independent of irradiation. Surprisingly, A172 (p53mut) cells demonstrated minimal apoptosis after Adp53 exposure; however, unlike U373 MG cells, apoptosis increased with radiation dose. Survival of all three cell lines was reduced dramatically after >10 Gy. Although Adp53 transduction significantly reduced the survival of U373 MG cells and inhibited A172 growth, it had no effect on the U87 MG cell line. Transduction with AdLacZ did not affect apoptosis or cell cycle progression and only minimally affected survival in all cell lines. We

  4. MiR-320 inhibits the growth of glioma cells through downregulating PBX3.

    PubMed

    Pan, Cuicui; Gao, Hua; Zheng, Ni; Gao, Qi; Si, Yuanquan; Zhao, Yueran

    2017-09-21

    MiR-320 is downregulated in multiple cancers, including glioma and acts as tumor suppressor through inhibiting tumor cells proliferation and inducing apoptosis. PBX3 (Pre-B cell leukemia homeobox 3), a putative target gene of miR-320, has been reported to be upregulated in various tumors and promote tumor cell growth through regulating MAKP/ERK pathway. This study aimed to verify whether miR-320 influences glioma cells growth through regulating PBX3. Twenty-four human glioma and paired adjacent nontumorous tissues were collected for determination of miR-320 and PBX3 expression using RT-qPCR and western blot assays. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the interaction between miR-320 and its targeting sequence in the 3' UTR of PBX3 in glioma cells U87 and U251. Increased miR-320 level in U87 and U251 cells was achieved through miR-320 mimic transfection and the effect of which on glioma cells growth, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and activation of Raf-1/MAPK pathway was determined using MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry and western blot assays. PBX3 knockdown was performed using shPBX3 and the influence on MAPK pathway activation was evaluated. MiR-320 downregulation and PBX3 upregulation was found in glioma tissues. Luciferase reporter assays identified miR-320 directly blinds to the 3' UTR of PBX3 in glioma cells. MiR-320 mimic transfection suppressed glioma cells proliferation, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Both miR-320 overexpression and PBX3 knockdown inhibited Raf-1/MAPK activation. MiR-320 may suppress glioma cells growth and induced apoptosis through the PBX3/Raf-1/MAPK axis, and miR-320 oligonucleotides may be a potential cancer therapeutic for glioma.

  5. HP1α is highly expressed in glioma cells and facilitates cell proliferation and survival.

    PubMed

    Lai, Xianliang; Deng, Zhifeng; Guo, Hua; Zhu, Xingen; Tu, Wei

    2017-08-19

    Epigenetic alteration plays critical roles in gliomagenesis by regulating gene expression through modifications of Histones and DNA. Trimethylation of H3K9, an essential repressed transcription mark, and one of its methyltransferase, SUV39H1, are implicated in glioma pathogenesis and progression. We find that the protein level of HP1α, a reader of H3K9me3 is elevated in cultured glioma cell lines and glioma tissues. H3K9me3 is also upregulated. Depletion of HP1α and SUV39H1 weakens glioma cell proliferation capacity and results in apoptosis of cells. Furthermore, we find that HP1α and H3K9me3 are enriched in the FAS and PUMA promoters, which suggests that upregulated HP1α and H3K9me3 contribute to cell survival by suppressing apoptotic activators. These data suggests that up-regulated HP1α and H3K9me3 in glioma cells are functionally associated with glioma pathogenesis and progression and may serve as novel biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of brain tumors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. MicroRNA-584-3p, a novel tumor suppressor and prognostic marker, reduces the migration and invasion of human glioma cells by targeting hypoxia-induced ROCK1

    PubMed Central

    Xue, Hao; Guo, Xing; Han, Xiao; Yan, Shaofeng; Zhang, Jinsen; Xu, Shugang; Li, Tong; Guo, Xiaofan; Zhang, Ping; Gao, Xiao; Liu, Qinglin; Li, Gang

    2016-01-01

    Here, we report that microRNA-584-3p (miR-584-3p) is up-regulated in hypoxic glioma cells and in high-grade human glioma tumors (WHO grades III–IV) relative to normoxic cells and to low-grade tumors (WHO grades I–II), respectively. The postoperative survival time was significantly prolonged in the high-grade glioma patients with high miR-584-3p expression compared with those with low miR-584-3p expression. miR-584-3p may function as a potent tumor suppressor and as a prognostic biomarker for malignant glioma. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these properties remain poorly understood. Our mechanistic studies revealed that miR-584-3p suppressed the migration and invasion of glioma cells by disrupting hypoxia-induced stress fiber formation. Specifically, we have found that ROCK1 is a direct and functionally relevant target of miR-584-3p in glioma cells. Our results have demonstrated a tumor suppressive function of miR-584-3p in glioma, in which it inhibits the migration and invasion of tumor cells by antagonizing hypoxia-induced, ROCK1-dependent stress fiber formation. Our findings have potential implications for glioma gene therapy and suggest that miR-584-3p could represent a prognostic indicator for glioma. PMID:26715733

  7. Leptin enhances the invasive ability of glioma stem-like cells depending on leptin receptor expression.

    PubMed

    Han, Guosheng; Zhao, Wenyuan; Wang, Laixing; Yue, Zhijian; Zhao, Rui; Li, Yanan; Zhou, Xiaoping; Hu, Xiaowu; Liu, Jianmin

    2014-01-16

    Glioma stem-like cells have been demonstrated to have highly invasive activity, which is the major cause of glioma recurrence after therapy. Leptin plays a role in glioma invasion, however, whether and how leptin contributes to the biological properties of glioma stem-like cells, such as invasion, remains to be explored. In the current study, we aimed to explore the role of leptin during glioma stem-like cells invasion as well as the signaling pathway. We found that glioma stem-like cells exhibited high invasive potential, especially in the presence of leptin, Ob-R coexpressed with CD133 in glioma stem-like cells was showed to be responsible for leptin mediated invasion of glioma stem-like cells. Our results indicated that leptin served as a key intermediary linking the accumulation of excess adipokine to the invasion of glioma stem-like cells, which may be a novel therapeutic target for suppressing tumor invasion and recurrence. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.

  8. IGFBP2 promotes glioma tumor stem cell expansion and survival

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hsieh, David, E-mail: dhs.zfs@gmail.com; Hsieh, Antony; Stea, Baldassarre

    2010-06-25

    IGFBP2 is overexpressed in the most common brain tumor, glioblastoma (GBM), and its expression is inversely correlated to GBM patient survival. Previous reports have demonstrated a role for IGFBP2 in glioma cell invasion and astrocytoma development. However, the function of IGFBP2 in the restricted, self-renewing, and tumorigenic GBM cell population comprised of tumor-initiating stem cells has yet to be determined. Herein we demonstrate that IGFBP2 is overexpressed within the stem cell compartment of GBMs and is integral for the clonal expansion and proliferative properties of glioma stem cells (GSCs). In addition, IGFBP2 inhibition reduced Akt-dependent GSC genotoxic and drug resistance.more » These results suggest that IGFBP2 is a selective malignant factor that may contribute significantly to GBM pathogenesis by enriching for GSCs and mediating their survival. Given the current dearth of selective molecular targets against GSCs, we anticipate our results to be of high therapeutic relevance in combating the rapid and lethal course of GBM.« less

  9. Zn{sup 2+} induces apoptosis in human highly metastatic SHG-44 glioma cells, through inhibiting activity of the voltage-gated proton channel Hv1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Yifan; Zhang, Shangrong; Li, Shu Jie, E-mail: shujieli@nankai.edu.cn

    Highlights: •Hv1 is expressed in highly metastatic glioma cell. •Zn{sup 2+} ions induces apoptosis in highly metastatic glioma cells. •Zn{sup 2+} ions markedly inhibit proton secretion. •Zn{sup 2+} ions reduce the gelatinase activity. •Inhibition of Hv1 activity via Zn{sup 2+} ions can effectively retard the cancer growth. -- Abstract: In contrast to the voltage-gated K{sup +} channels, the voltage-gated proton channel Hv1 contains a voltage-sensor domain but lacks a pore domain. Here, we showed that Hv1 is expressed in the highly metastatic glioma cell SHG-44, but lowly in the poorly metastatic glioma cell U-251. Inhibition of Hv1 activity by 140more » μM zinc chloride induces apoptosis in the human highly metastatic glioma cells. Zn{sup 2+} ions markedly inhibit proton secretion, and reduce the gelatinase activity in the highly metastatic glioma cells. In vivo, the glioma tumor sizes of the implantation of the SHG-44 xenografts in nude mice that were injected zinc chloride solution, were dramatically smaller than that in the controlled groups. The results demonstrated that the inhibition of Hv1 activity via Zn{sup 2+} ions can effectively retard the cancer growth and suppress the cancer metastasis by the decrease of proton extrusion and the down-regulation of gelatinase activity. Our results suggest that Zn{sup 2+} ions may be used as a potential anti-glioma drug for glioma therapy.« less

  10. MiR-661 inhibits glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting hTERT

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, Zhen, E-mail: lizhen7111@163.com; Liu, Yun-hui; Diao, Hong-yu

    In this study, we analyzed the functional role of miR-661 in glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We found that overexpression of miR-661 obviously suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. MiRNA target prediction algorithms implied that hTERT is a candidate target gene for miR-661. A fluorescent reporter assay confirmed that miR-661 could lead to hTERT gene silencing by recognizing and specifically binding to the predicted site of the hTERT mRNA 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) specifically. Furthermore, hTERT knockdown significantly decreased the growth and viability of glioma cells. These results indicate that miR-661 can inhibit glioma cell proliferation,more » migration and invasion by targeting hTERT. - Highlights: • MiR-661 was downregulated in glioma tissues and functional as a tumor suppressor. • MiR-661 modulates cell proliferation, invasion and migration of glioma cells. • MiR-661 directly target hTERT in glioma cells. • MiR-661 inhibits glioma cell tumorgenesis by targeting hTERT.« less

  11. Combination of an agonistic anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody and the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib induces anti-glioma effects by promotion of type-1 immunity in myeloid cells and T-cells

    PubMed Central

    Kosaka, Akemi; Ohkuri, Takayuki

    2014-01-01

    Malignant gliomas are heavily infiltrated by immature myeloid cells that mediate immuno-suppression. Agonistic CD40 monoclonal antibody (mAb) has been shown to activate myeloid cells and promote antitumor immunity. Our previous study has also demonstrated blockade of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) reduces immunosuppressive myeloid cells, thereby suppressing glioma development in mice. We therefore hypothesized that a combinatory strategy to modulate myeloid cells via two distinct pathways, i.e., CD40/CD40L stimulation and COX-2 blockade, would enhance anti-glioma immunity. We used three different mouse glioma models to evaluate therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of a combination regimen with an agonist CD40 mAb and the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib. Treatment of glioma-bearing mice with the combination therapy significantly prolonged survival compared with either anti-CD40 mAb or celecoxib alone. The combination regimen promoted maturation of CD11b+ cells in both spleen and brain, and enhanced Cxcl10 while suppressing Arg1 in CD11b+Gr-1+ cells in the brain. Anti-glioma activity of the combination regimen was T-cell dependent because depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in vivo abrogated the anti-glioma effects. Furthermore, the combination therapy significantly increased the frequency of CD8+ T-cells, enhanced IFN-γ-production and reduced CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells in the brain, and induced tumor-antigen-specific T-cell responses in lymph nodes. Our findings suggest that the combination therapy of anti-CD40 mAb with celecoxib enhances anti-glioma activities via promotion of type-1 immunity both in myeloid cells and T-cells. PMID:24878890

  12. Dihydroartemisinin increases temozolomide efficacy in glioma cells by inducing autophagy

    PubMed Central

    ZHANG, ZE-SHUN; WANG, JING; SHEN, YOU-BI; GUO, CHENG-CHENG; SAI, KE; CHEN, FU-RONG; MEI, XIN; HAN, FU; CHEN, ZHONG-PING

    2015-01-01

    Artemisinin, a powerful antimalarial medicine, is extracted from the Chinese herb, Artemisia annua L., and has the ability to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the major active metabolite of artemisinin, is able to inhibit the growth of a variety of types of human cancer. However, the effect of DHA on human glioma cells remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of DHA on the proliferation of glioma cells, and whether DHA was able to enhance temozolomide (TMZ) sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. In total, 10 human glioma cell lines were used to analyze the growth inhibition ability of DHA by MTT assay. The typical autophagic vacuoles were monitored by the application of the autofluorescent agent, monodansylcadaverine. Western blotting was used to detect markers of apoptosis and autophagy, namely Caspase-3, Beclin-1 and LC3-B. The combination efficiency of DHA and TMZ was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of DHA differed among the ten human glioma cell lines. The number of autophagic vacuoles was higher in DHA-treated SKMG-4 cells; this was highest of all cell lines analyzed. The expression of autophagy molecular markers, Beclin-1 and LC3-B, was increased following DHA treatment, while no significant alteration was detected in the expression of apoptotic marker Caspase-3. When combined with DHA, the IC50 of TMZ decreased significantly in the four glioma cell lines analyzed. Furthermore, DHA enhanced the tumor inhibition ability of TMZ in tumor-burdened mice. The results of the present study demonstrated that DHA inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells and enhanced the tumor inhibition efficacy of TMZ in vitro and in vivo through the induction of autophagy. PMID:26171034

  13. Significance of perivascular tumour cells defined by CD109 expression in progression of glioma.

    PubMed

    Shiraki, Yukihiro; Mii, Shinji; Enomoto, Atsushi; Momota, Hiroyuki; Han, Yi-Peng; Kato, Takuya; Ushida, Kaori; Kato, Akira; Asai, Naoya; Murakumo, Yoshiki; Aoki, Kosuke; Suzuki, Hiromichi; Ohka, Fumiharu; Wakabayashi, Toshihiko; Todo, Tomoki; Ogawa, Seishi; Natsume, Atsushi; Takahashi, Masahide

    2017-12-01

    In the progression of glioma, tumour cells often exploit the perivascular microenvironment to promote their survival and resistance to conventional therapies. Some of these cells are considered to be brain tumour stem cells (BTSCs); however, the molecular nature of perivascular tumour cells has not been specifically clarified because of the complexity of glioma. Here, we identified CD109, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein and regulator of multiple signalling pathways, as a critical regulator of the progression of lower-grade glioma (World Health Organization grade II/III) by clinicopathological and whole-genome sequencing analysis of tissues from human glioma. The importance of CD109-positive perivascular tumour cells was confirmed not only in human lower-grade glioma tissues but also in a mouse model that recapitulated human glioma. Intriguingly, BTSCs isolated from mouse glioma expressed high levels of CD109. CD109-positive BTSCs exerted a proliferative effect on differentiated glioma cells treated with temozolomide. These data reveal the significance of tumour cells that populate perivascular regions during glioma progression, and indicate that CD109 is a potential therapeutic target for the disease. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  14. Nrf2 suppresses the function of dendritic cells to facilitate the immune escape of glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jialiang; Liu, Peng; Xin, Shaoyan; Wang, Zongbao; Li, Jun

    2017-11-15

    Nrf2 is presented in dendritic cells (DCs) and contributes to the maintenance of redox homeostasis. However, the expression pattern and function of Nrf2 in the maturation of DCs in the glioma-infiltrated microenvironment remain unrevealed. Our study aims to investigate the roles of Nrf2 in glioma cell-tamed DCs and their impact on the downstream T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity to glioma cells. It was showed that the inducible maturation of DCs was significantly suppressed after stimulation with tumor-conditioned medium (TCM) prepared from glioma cells (LN-18 and U118MG), as suggested by the decreased CD80, CD86 and IL-12 p70 expression and higher levels of IL-10 than the normal astrocyte medium treated DCs. Moreover, the TCM-exposed DCs had significantly increased expression and transcriptional activity of Nrf2 compared to the negative control. Nrf2 inhibition in DC cells substantially antagonized the inhibitory effects of TCM on the maturation and activation of DC cells, reflected by the elevated maturation markers and IL-12 p70. We further confirmed that Nrf2 inhibition in TCM-exposed DC cells promoted the proliferation of T cells as evaluated by the CFSE-labeled assay and Th1 response shown by the elevated production of IFN-γ. The cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay revealed that Nrf2 genetic suppression in DC cells greatly enhanced the capacity of T cells in the cytotoxicity to glioma cells dependent on the E:T ratio. Collectively, our study demonstrated that Nrf2 inhibition in DCs in glioma-exposed microenvironment could enhance the maturation of DCs and the subsequent activation of T cells and their cytotoxicity on glioma cells. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  15. MicroRNA-539 inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasion by targeting DIXDC1.

    PubMed

    Quan, Junjie; Qu, Jianqiang; Zhou, Le

    2017-09-01

    Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been suggested to contribute to malignant progression of glioma. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-539 is dysregulated in malignant progression of cancers. However, the potential role and mechanism of miR-539 in the progression of glioma remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression status and functional significance of miR-539 in glioma. We found that miR-539 expression was significantly decreased in glioma cell lines and tissues. Overexpression of miR-539 markedly inhibited glioma cell proliferation and invasion, while miR-539 suppression exhibited the opposite effect. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-539 directly targeted the 3'-untranslated region of Disheveled-axin domain containing 1 (DIXDC1). DIXDC1 expression was negatively regualted by miR-539 overexpression. An inverse correlation between DIXDC1 mRNA expression and miR-539 expression was found in glioma specimens. Furthermore, knockdown of DIXC1 significantly inhibited proliferation, invasion and Wnt signaling in glioma cells. Overexpression of DIXDC1 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-539 on glioma cell proliferation and invasion. Overall, these findings demonstrate that miR-539 inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasion by targeting DIXDC1. Our study suggests that the miR-539 may serve as a potential target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of glioma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  16. Epigenetic therapy with inhibitors of histone methylation suppresses DNA damage signaling and increases glioma cell radiosensitivity.

    PubMed

    Gursoy-Yuzugullu, Ozge; Carman, Chelsea; Serafim, Rodolfo Bortolozo; Myronakis, Marios; Valente, Valeria; Price, Brendan D

    2017-04-11

    Radiation therapy is widely used to treat human malignancies, but many tumor types, including gliomas, exhibit significant radioresistance. Radiation therapy creates DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and DSB repair is linked to rapid changes in epigenetic modifications, including increased histone methylation. This increased histone methylation recruits DNA repair proteins which can then alter the local chromatin structure and promote repair. Consequently, combining inhibitors of specific histone methyltransferases with radiation therapy may increase tumor radiosensitivity, particularly in tumors with significant therapeutic resistance. Here, we demonstrate that inhibitors of the H4K20 methyltransferase SETD8 (UNC-0379) and the H3K9 methyltransferase G9a (BIX-01294) are effective radiosensitizers of human glioma cells. UNC-0379 blocked H4K20 methylation and reduced recruitment of the 53BP1 protein to DSBs, although this loss of 53BP1 caused only limited changes in radiosensitivity. In contrast, loss of H3K9 methylation through G9a inhibition with BIX-01294 increased radiosensitivity of a panel of glioma cells (SER2Gy range: 1.5 - 2.9). Further, loss of H3K9 methylation reduced DSB signaling dependent on H3K9, including reduced activation of the Tip60 acetyltransferase, loss of ATM signaling and reduced phosphorylation of the KAP-1 repressor. In addition, BIX-0194 inhibited DSB repair through both the homologous recombination and nonhomologous end-joining pathways. Inhibition of G9a and loss of H3K9 methylation is therefore an effective approach for increasing radiosensitivity of glioma cells. These results suggest that combining inhibitors of histone methyltransferases which are critical for DSB repair with radiation therapy may provide a new therapeutic route for sensitizing gliomas and other tumors to radiation therapy.

  17. Upregulation of B23 promotes tumor cell proliferation and predicts poor prognosis in glioma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, Jianguo; Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu Province; Sun, Jie

    B23 (also known as Nucleophosmin, NPM, numatrin or NO38) is a ubiquitously expressed phosphoprotein belonging to the nucleoplasmin family of chaperones. In this study we intended to investigate the clinical significance of B23 expression in human glioma and its biological function in glioma cells. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis showed that B23 was overexpressed in glioma tissues and glioma cell lines. In addition, the expression level of B23 was positively correlated with glioma pathological grade and Ki-67 expression. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that a higher B23 expression in patients with glioma was associated with a poorer prognosis. In vitro, after the releasemore » of glioma cell lines from serum starvation, the expression of B23 was upregulated, as well as PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) and cyclin A. In addition, knockdown of B23 by small interfering RNA transfection diminished the expression of PCNA, cyclin D1 and arrested cell growth at G1 phase. Taken together, our results implied that B23 could be a candidate prognostic biomarker as well as a potential therapeutical target of glioma. - Highlights: • B23 expression increased as the malignant degree of glioma increased, which was consistent with Ki-67 expression. • High expression of B23 could be a strong determinant of poor prognosis in glioma. • B23 may be involved in the proliferation of glioma in a cell-cycle-dependent pathway. • Knockdown of B23 expression by siRNA could affect the progression of glioma. • B23 may be a potential prognosis biomarker and a possible therapeutic target for glioma.« less

  18. A proangiogenic signaling axis in myeloid cells promotes malignant progression of glioma.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yujie; Rajappa, Prajwal; Hu, Wenhuo; Hoffman, Caitlin; Cisse, Babacar; Kim, Joon-Hyung; Gorge, Emilie; Yanowitch, Rachel; Cope, William; Vartanian, Emma; Xu, Raymond; Zhang, Tuo; Pisapia, David; Xiang, Jenny; Huse, Jason; Matei, Irina; Peinado, Hector; Bromberg, Jacqueline; Holland, Eric; Ding, Bi-Sen; Rafii, Shahin; Lyden, David; Greenfield, Jeffrey

    2017-05-01

    Tumors are capable of coopting hematopoietic cells to create a suitable microenvironment to support malignant growth. Here, we have demonstrated that upregulation of kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), also known as VEGFR2, in a myeloid cell sublineage is necessary for malignant progression of gliomas in transgenic murine models and is associated with high-grade tumors in patients. KDR expression increased in myeloid cells as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulated, which was associated with the transformation and progression of low-grade fibrillary astrocytoma to high-grade anaplastic gliomas. KDR deficiency in murine BM-derived cells (BMDCs) suppressed the differentiation of myeloid lineages and reduced granulocytic/monocytic populations. The depletion of myeloid-derived KDR compromised its proangiogenic function, which inhibited the angiogenic switch necessary for malignant progression of low-grade to high-grade tumors. We also identified inhibitor of DNA binding protein 2 (ID2) as a key upstream regulator of KDR activation during myeloid differentiation. Deficiency of ID2 in BMDCs led to downregulation of KDR, suppression of proangiogenic myeloid cells, and prevention of low-grade to high-grade transition. Tumor-secreted TGF-β and granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) enhanced the KDR/ID2 signaling axis in BMDCs. Our results suggest that modulation of KDR/ID2 signaling may restrict tumor-associated myeloid cells and could potentially be a therapeutic strategy for preventing transformation of premalignant gliomas.

  19. A proangiogenic signaling axis in myeloid cells promotes malignant progression of glioma

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Yujie; Rajappa, Prajwal; Hu, Wenhuo; Hoffman, Caitlin; Cisse, Babacar; Kim, Joon-Hyung; Gorge, Emilie; Yanowitch, Rachel; Cope, William; Vartanian, Emma; Xu, Raymond; Pisapia, David; Xiang, Jenny; Huse, Jason; Matei, Irina; Peinado, Hector; Bromberg, Jacqueline; Holland, Eric; Ding, Bi-sen; Rafii, Shahin; Lyden, David; Greenfield, Jeffrey

    2017-01-01

    Tumors are capable of coopting hematopoietic cells to create a suitable microenvironment to support malignant growth. Here, we have demonstrated that upregulation of kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), also known as VEGFR2, in a myeloid cell sublineage is necessary for malignant progression of gliomas in transgenic murine models and is associated with high-grade tumors in patients. KDR expression increased in myeloid cells as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulated, which was associated with the transformation and progression of low-grade fibrillary astrocytoma to high-grade anaplastic gliomas. KDR deficiency in murine BM-derived cells (BMDCs) suppressed the differentiation of myeloid lineages and reduced granulocytic/monocytic populations. The depletion of myeloid-derived KDR compromised its proangiogenic function, which inhibited the angiogenic switch necessary for malignant progression of low-grade to high-grade tumors. We also identified inhibitor of DNA binding protein 2 (ID2) as a key upstream regulator of KDR activation during myeloid differentiation. Deficiency of ID2 in BMDCs led to downregulation of KDR, suppression of proangiogenic myeloid cells, and prevention of low-grade to high-grade transition. Tumor-secreted TGF-β and granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) enhanced the KDR/ID2 signaling axis in BMDCs. Our results suggest that modulation of KDR/ID2 signaling may restrict tumor-associated myeloid cells and could potentially be a therapeutic strategy for preventing transformation of premalignant gliomas. PMID:28394259

  20. Functional analysis of a novel glioma antigen, EFTUD1

    PubMed Central

    Saito, Katsuya; Iizuka, Yukihiko; Ohta, Shigeki; Takahashi, Satoshi; Nakamura, Kenta; Saya, Hideyuki; Yoshida, Kazunari; Kawakami, Yutaka; Toda, Masahiro

    2014-01-01

    Background A cDNA library made from 2 glioma cell lines, U87MG and T98G, was screened by serological identification of antigens by recombinant cDNA expression (SEREX) using serum from a glioblastoma patient. Elongation factor Tu GTP binding domain containing protein 1 (EFTUD1), which is required for ribosome biogenesis, was identified. A cancer microarray database showed overexpression of EFTUD1 in gliomas, suggesting that EFTUD1 is a candidate molecular target for gliomas. Methods EFTUD1 expression in glioma cell lines and glioma tissue was assessed by Western blot, quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry. The effect on ribosome biogenesis, cell growth, cell cycle, and induction of apoptosis and autophagy in glioma cells during the downregulation of EFTUD1 was investigated. To reveal the role of autophagy, the autophagy-blocker, chloroquine (CQ), was used in glioma cells downregulating EFTUD1. The effect of combining CQ with EFTUD1 inhibition in glioma cells was analyzed. Results EFTUD1 expression in glioma cell lines and tissue was higher than in normal brain tissue. Downregulating EFTUD1 induced G1 cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis, leading to reduced glioma cell proliferation. The mechanism underlying this antitumor effect was impaired ribosome biogenesis via EFTUD1 inhibition. Additionally, protective autophagy was induced by glioma cells as an adaptive response to EFTUD1 inhibition. The antitumor effect induced by the combined treatment was significantly higher than that of either EFTUD1 inhibition or CQ alone. Conclusion These results suggest that EFTUD1 represents a novel therapeutic target and that the combination of EFTUD1 inhibition with autophagy blockade may be effective in the treatment of gliomas. PMID:25015090

  1. Preclinical investigation of ibrutinib, a Bruton's kinase tyrosine (Btk) inhibitor, in suppressing glioma tumorigenesis and stem cell phenotypes

    PubMed Central

    Wei, Li; Su, Yu-Kai; Lin, Chien-Min; Chao, Tsu-Yi; Huang, Shang-Pen; Huynh, Thanh-Tuan; Jan, Hsun-Jin; Whang-Peng, Jacqueline; Chiou, Jeng-Fong; Wu, Alexander T.H.; Hsiao, Michael

    2016-01-01

    Standard interventions for glioma include surgery, radiation and chemotherapies but the prognosis for malignant cases such as glioblastoma multiforme remain grim. Even with targeted therapeutic agent, bevacitumab, malignant glioma often develops resistance and recurrence. Thus, developing alternative interventions (therapeutic targets, biomarkers) is urgently required. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) has been long implicated in B cell malignancies but surprisingly it has recently been shown to also play a tumorigenic role in solid tumors such as ovarian and prostate cancer. Bioinformatics data indicates that Btk is significantly higher in clinical glioma samples as compared to normal brain cells and Btk expression level is associated with stage progression. This prompts us to investigate the potential role of Btk as a therapeutic target for glioma. Here, we demonstrate Btk expression is associated with GBM tumorigenesis. Down-regulation of Btk in GBM cell lines showed a significantly reduced abilities in colony formation, migration and GBM sphere-forming potential. Mechanistically, Btk-silenced cells showed a concomitant reduction in the expression of CD133 and Akt/mTOR signaling. In parallel, Ibrutinib (a Btk inhibitor) treatment led to a similar anti-tumorigenic response. Using xenograft mouse model, tumorigenesis was significantly reduced in Btk-silenced or ibrutinib-treated mice as compared to control counterparts. Finally, our glioma tissue microarray analysis indicated a higher Btk staining in the malignant tumors than less malignant and normal brain tissues. Collectively, Btk may represent a novel therapeutic target for glioma and ibrunitib may be used as an adjuvant treatment for malignant GBM. PMID:27564106

  2. Preclinical investigation of ibrutinib, a Bruton's kinase tyrosine (Btk) inhibitor, in suppressing glioma tumorigenesis and stem cell phenotypes.

    PubMed

    Wei, Li; Su, Yu-Kai; Lin, Chien-Min; Chao, Tsu-Yi; Huang, Shang-Pen; Huynh, Thanh-Tuan; Jan, Hsun-Jin; Whang-Peng, Jacqueline; Chiou, Jeng-Fong; Wu, Alexander T H; Hsiao, Michael

    2016-10-25

    Standard interventions for glioma include surgery, radiation and chemotherapies but the prognosis for malignant cases such as glioblastoma multiforme remain grim. Even with targeted therapeutic agent, bevacitumab, malignant glioma often develops resistance and recurrence. Thus, developing alternative interventions (therapeutic targets, biomarkers) is urgently required. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) has been long implicated in B cell malignancies but surprisingly it has recently been shown to also play a tumorigenic role in solid tumors such as ovarian and prostate cancer. Bioinformatics data indicates that Btk is significantly higher in clinical glioma samples as compared to normal brain cells and Btk expression level is associated with stage progression. This prompts us to investigate the potential role of Btk as a therapeutic target for glioma. Here, we demonstrate Btk expression is associated with GBM tumorigenesis. Down-regulation of Btk in GBM cell lines showed a significantly reduced abilities in colony formation, migration and GBM sphere-forming potential. Mechanistically, Btk-silenced cells showed a concomitant reduction in the expression of CD133 and Akt/mTOR signaling. In parallel, Ibrutinib (a Btk inhibitor) treatment led to a similar anti-tumorigenic response. Using xenograft mouse model, tumorigenesis was significantly reduced in Btk-silenced or ibrutinib-treated mice as compared to control counterparts. Finally, our glioma tissue microarray analysis indicated a higher Btk staining in the malignant tumors than less malignant and normal brain tissues. Collectively, Btk may represent a novel therapeutic target for glioma and ibrunitib may be used as an adjuvant treatment for malignant GBM.

  3. Anti-invasive and antiangiogenic effects of MMI-166 on malignant glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background The constitutive overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is frequently observed in malignant tumours. In particular, MMP-2 and MMP-9 have been reported to be closely associated with invasion and angiogenesis in malignant gliomas. Our study aimed to evaluate the antitumour effects of MMI-166 (Nalpha-[4-(2-Phenyl-2H- tetrazole-5-yl) phenyl sulfonyl]-D-tryptophan), a third generation MMP inhibitor, on three human glioma cell lines (T98G, U87MG, and ONS12) in vitro and in vivo. Methods The effects of MMI-166 on the gelatinolytic activity was analysed by gelatine zymography. The anti-invasive effect of MMI-166 was analysed by an in vitro invasion assay. An in vitro angiogenesis assay was also performed. In vitro growth inhibition of glioma cells by MMI-166 was determined by the MTT assay. The effect of MMI-166 on an orthotropic implantation model using athymic mice was also evaluated. Results Gelatine zymography revealed that MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were suppressed by MMI-166. The invasion of glioma cells was suppressed by MMI-166. The angiogenesis assay showed that MMI-166 had a suppressive effect on glioma cell-induced angiogenesis. However, MMI-166 did not suppress glioma cell proliferation in the MTT assay. In vivo, MMI-166 suppressed tumour growth in athymic mice implanted orthotropically with T98G cells and showed an inhibitory effect on tumour-induced angiogenesis and tumour growth. This is the first report of the effect of a third generation MMP inhibitor on malignant glioma cells. Conclusions These results suggest that MMI-166 may have potentially suppressive effects on the invasion and angiogenesis of malignant gliomas. PMID:20587068

  4. Differential utilization of ketone bodies by neurons and glioma cell lines: a rationale for ketogenic diet as experimental glioma therapy.

    PubMed

    Maurer, Gabriele D; Brucker, Daniel P; Bähr, Oliver; Harter, Patrick N; Hattingen, Elke; Walenta, Stefan; Mueller-Klieser, Wolfgang; Steinbach, Joachim P; Rieger, Johannes

    2011-07-26

    Even in the presence of oxygen, malignant cells often highly depend on glycolysis for energy generation, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. One strategy targeting this metabolic phenotype is glucose restriction by administration of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diet. Under these conditions, ketone bodies are generated serving as an important energy source at least for non-transformed cells. To investigate whether a ketogenic diet might selectively impair energy metabolism in tumor cells, we characterized in vitro effects of the principle ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate in rat hippocampal neurons and five glioma cell lines. In vivo, a non-calorie-restricted ketogenic diet was examined in an orthotopic xenograft glioma mouse model. The ketone body metabolizing enzymes 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (BDH1 and 2), 3-oxoacid-CoA transferase 1 (OXCT1) and acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) were expressed at the mRNA and protein level in all glioma cell lines. However, no activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway was observed in glioma cells, consistent with the absence of substantial 3-hydroxybutyrate metabolism and subsequent accumulation of succinate. Further, 3-hydroxybutyrate rescued hippocampal neurons from glucose withdrawal-induced cell death but did not protect glioma cell lines. In hypoxia, mRNA expression of OXCT1, ACAT1, BDH1 and 2 was downregulated. In vivo, the ketogenic diet led to a robust increase of blood 3-hydroxybutyrate, but did not alter blood glucose levels or improve survival. In summary, glioma cells are incapable of compensating for glucose restriction by metabolizing ketone bodies in vitro, suggesting a potential disadvantage of tumor cells compared to normal cells under a carbohydrate-restricted ketogenic diet. Further investigations are necessary to identify co-treatment modalities, e.g. glycolysis inhibitors or antiangiogenic agents that efficiently target non-oxidative pathways.

  5. Differential sensitivity of Glioma stem cells to Aurora kinase A inhibitors: implications for stem cell mitosis and centrosome dynamics.

    PubMed

    Mannino, Mariella; Gomez-Roman, Natividad; Hochegger, Helfrid; Chalmers, Anthony J

    2014-07-01

    Glioma stem-cell-like cells are considered to be responsible for treatment resistance and tumour recurrence following chemo-radiation in glioblastoma patients, but specific targets by which to kill the cancer stem cell population remain elusive. A characteristic feature of stem cells is their ability to undergo both symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions. In this study we have analysed specific features of glioma stem cell mitosis. We found that glioma stem cells appear to be highly prone to undergo aberrant cell division and polyploidization. Moreover, we discovered a pronounced change in the dynamic of mitotic centrosome maturation in these cells. Accordingly, glioma stem cell survival appeared to be strongly dependent on Aurora A activity. Unlike differentiated cells, glioma stem cells responded to moderate Aurora A inhibition with spindle defects, polyploidization and a dramatic increase in cellular senescence, and were selectively sensitive to Aurora A and Plk1 inhibitor treatment. Our study proposes inhibition of centrosomal kinases as a novel strategy to selectively target glioma stem cells. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Inhibition of glioma growth by minocycline is mediated through endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis and autophagic cell death

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Wei-Ting; Huang, Chih-Yuan; Lu, I-Chen; Gean, Po-Wu

    2013-01-01

    Background We have reported that minocycline (Mino) induced autophagic death in glioma cells. In the present study, we characterize the upstream regulators that control autophagy and switch cell death from autophagic to apoptotic. Methods Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expressions of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), transcription factor GADD153 (CHOP), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). Short hairpin (sh)RNA was used to knock down eIF2α or CHOP expression. Autophagy was assessed by the conversion of light chain (LC)3-I to LC3-II and green fluorescent protein puncta formation. An intracranial mouse model and bioluminescent imaging were used to assess the effect of Mino on tumor growth and survival time of mice. Results The expression of GRP78 in glioma was high, whereas in normal glia it was low. Mino treatment increased GRP78 expression and reduced binding of GRP78 with protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase. Subsequently, Mino increased eIF2α phosphorylation and CHOP expression. Knockdown of eIF2α or CHOP reduced Mino-induced LC3-II conversion and glioma cell death. When autophagy was inhibited, Mino induced cell death in a caspase-dependent manner. Rapamycin in combination with Mino produced synergistic effects on LC3 conversion, reduction of the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway, and glioma cell death. Bioluminescent imaging showed that Mino inhibited the growth of glioma and prolonged survival time and that these effects were blocked by shCHOP. Conclusions Mino induced autophagy by eliciting endoplasmic reticulum stress response and switched cell death from autophagy to apoptosis when autophagy was blocked. These results coupled with clinical availability and a safe track record make Mino a promising agent for the treatment of malignant gliomas. PMID:23787763

  7. Decreasing glioma recurrence through adjuvant cancer stem cell inhibition.

    PubMed

    Neman, Josh; Jandial, Rahul

    2010-06-24

    Gliomas remain one of the most challenging solid organ tumors to treat and are marked clinically by invariable recurrence despite multimodal intervention (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation). This recurrence perhaps, is as a consequence of the failure to eradicate a tumor cell subpopulation, termed cancer stem cells. Isolating, characterizing, and understanding these tumor-initiating cells through cellular and molecular markers, along with genetic and epigenetic understanding will allow for selective targeting through therapeutic agents and holds promise for decreasing glioma recurrence.

  8. Decreasing glioma recurrence through adjuvant cancer stem cell inhibition

    PubMed Central

    Neman, Josh; Jandial, Rahul

    2010-01-01

    Gliomas remain one of the most challenging solid organ tumors to treat and are marked clinically by invariable recurrence despite multimodal intervention (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation). This recurrence perhaps, is as a consequence of the failure to eradicate a tumor cell subpopulation, termed cancer stem cells. Isolating, characterizing, and understanding these tumor-initiating cells through cellular and molecular markers, along with genetic and epigenetic understanding will allow for selective targeting through therapeutic agents and holds promise for decreasing glioma recurrence. PMID:20631819

  9. Carbon Ion Radiation Inhibits Glioma and Endothelial Cell Migration Induced by Secreted VEGF

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Yang; Liu, Yuanyuan; Sun, Chao; Gan, Lu; Zhang, Luwei; Mao, Aihong; Du, Yuting; Zhou, Rong; Zhang, Hong

    2014-01-01

    This study evaluated the effects of carbon ion and X-ray radiation and the tumor microenvironment on the migration of glioma and endothelial cells, a key process in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis during cancer progression. C6 glioma and human microvascular endothelial cells were treated with conditioned medium from cultures of glioma cells irradiated at a range of doses and the migration of both cell types, tube formation by endothelial cells, as well as the expression and secretion of migration-related proteins were evaluated. Exposure to X-ray radiation-conditioned medium induced dose-dependent increases in cell migration and tube formation, which were accompanied by an upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 expression. However, glioma cells treated with conditioned medium of cells irradiated at a carbon ion dose of 4.0 Gy showed a marked decrease in migratory potential and VEGF secretion relative to non-irradiated cells. The application of recombinant VEGF165 stimulated migration in glioma and endothelial cells, which was associated with increased FAK phosphorylation at Tyr861, suggesting that the suppression of cell migration by carbon ion radiation could be via VEGF-activated FAK signaling. Taken together, these findings indicate that carbon ion may be superior to X-ray radiation for inhibiting tumorigenesis and angiogenesis through modulation of VEGF level in the glioma microenvironment. PMID:24893038

  10. Senescence from glioma stem cell differentiation promotes tumor growth

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ouchi, Rie; Laboratory of Molecular Target Therapy of Cancer, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550; Okabe, Sachiko

    Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal brain tumor composed of heterogeneous cellular populations including glioma stem cells (GSCs) and differentiated non-stem glioma cells (NSGCs). While GSCs are involved in tumor initiation and propagation, NSGCs' role remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that NSGCs undergo senescence and secrete pro-angiogenic proteins, boosting the GSC-derived tumor formation in vivo. We used a GSC model that maintains stemness in neurospheres, but loses the stemness and differentiates into NSGCs upon serum stimulation. These NSGCs downregulated telomerase, shortened telomeres, and eventually became senescent. The senescent NSGCs released pro-angiogenic proteins, including vascular endothelial growth factors and senescence-associated interleukins, such asmore » IL-6 and IL-8. Conditioned medium from senescent NSGCs promoted proliferation of brain microvascular endothelial cells, and mixed implantation of GSCs and senescent NSGCs into mice enhanced the tumorigenic potential of GSCs. The senescent NSGCs seem to be clinically relevant, because both clinical samples and xenografts of GBM contained tumor cells that expressed the senescence markers. Our data suggest that senescent NSGCs promote malignant progression of GBM in part via paracrine effects of the secreted proteins. - Highlights: • Non-stem glioma cells (NSGCs) lose telomerase and eventually become senescent. • Senescent NSGCs secrete pro-angiogenic proteins, such as VEGFs, IL-6, and IL-8. • Senescent NSGCs enhance the growth of brain microvascular endothelial cells. • Senescent NSGCs enhance the tumorigenic potential of glioma stem cells in vivo.« less

  11. Silencing Nrf2 impairs glioma cell proliferation via AMPK-activated mTOR inhibition

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jia, Yue; Wang, Handong, E-mail: njhdwang@hotmail.com; Wang, Qiang

    Gliomas are the leading cause of death among adults with primary brain malignancies. Treatment for malignant gliomas remains limited, and targeted therapies have been incompletely explored. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key transcription regulator for antioxidant and detoxification enzymes, is abundantly expressed in cancer cells. In this study, the role and mechanism of Nrf2 in cancer cell proliferation was investigated in multiple glioma cell lines. We first evaluated the expression patterns of Nrf2 in four glioma cell lines and found all four cell lines expressed Nrf2, but the highest level was observed in U251 cells. We further evaluatedmore » the biological functions of Nrf2 in U251 glioma cell proliferation by specific inhibition of Nrf2 using short hairpin RNA (shRNA). We found that Nrf2 depletion inhibited glioma cell proliferation. Nrf2 depletion also decreased colony formation in U251 cells stably expressing Nrf2 shRNA compared to scrambled control shRNA. Moreover, suppression of Nrf2 expression could lead to ATP depletion (with concomitant rise in AMP/ATP ratio) and consequently to AMPK-activated mTOR inhibition. Finally, activation of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) by treated with phenformin, an AMPK agonist, can mimic the inhibitory effect of Nrf2 knockdown in U251 cells. In conclusion, our findings will shed light to the role and mechanism of Nrf2 in regulating glioma proliferation via ATP-depletion-induced AMPK activation and consequent mTOR inhibition, a novel insight into our understanding the role and mechanism of Nrf2 in glioma pathoetiology. To our knowledge, this is also the first report to provide a rationale for the implication of cross-linking between Nrf2 and mTOR signaling.« less

  12. Recapitulating in vivo-like plasticity of glioma cell invasion along blood vessels and in astrocyte-rich stroma.

    PubMed

    Gritsenko, Pavlo; Leenders, William; Friedl, Peter

    2017-10-01

    Diffuse invasion of glioma cells into the brain parenchyma leads to nonresectable brain tumors and poor prognosis of glioma disease. In vivo, glioma cells can adopt a range of invasion strategies and routes, by moving as single cells, collective strands and multicellular networks along perivascular, perineuronal and interstitial guidance cues. Current in vitro assays to probe glioma cell invasion, however, are limited in recapitulating the modes and adaptability of glioma invasion observed in brain parenchyma, including collective behaviours. To mimic in vivo-like glioma cell invasion in vitro, we here applied three tissue-inspired 3D environments combining multicellular glioma spheroids and reconstituted microanatomic features of vascular and interstitial brain structures. Radial migration from multicellular glioma spheroids of human cell lines and patient-derived xenograft cells was monitored using (1) reconstituted basement membrane/hyaluronan interfaces representing the space along brain vessels; (2) 3D scaffolds generated by multi-layered mouse astrocytes to reflect brain interstitium; and (3) freshly isolated mouse brain slice culture ex vivo. The invasion patterns in vitro were validated using histological analysis of brain sections from glioblastoma patients and glioma xenografts infiltrating the mouse brain. Each 3D assay recapitulated distinct aspects of major glioma invasion patterns identified in mouse xenografts and patient brain samples, including individually migrating cells, collective strands extending along blood vessels, and multicellular networks of interconnected glioma cells infiltrating the neuropil. In conjunction, these organotypic assays enable a range of invasion modes used by glioma cells and will be applicable for mechanistic analysis and targeting of glioma cell dissemination.

  13. Culture conditions tailored to the cell of origin are critical for maintaining native properties and tumorigenicity of glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    Ledur, Pítia F.; He, Hua; Harris, Alexandra R.; Minussi, Darlan C.; Zhou, Hai-Yan; Shaffrey, Mark E.; Asthagiri, Ashok; Lopes, Maria Beatriz S.; Schiff, David; Lu, Yi-Cheng; Mandell, James W.; Lenz, Guido; Zong, Hui

    2016-01-01

    Background Cell culture plays a pivotal role in cancer research. However, culture-induced changes in biological properties of tumor cells profoundly affect research reproducibility and translational potential. Establishing culture conditions tailored to the cancer cell of origin could resolve this problem. For glioma research, it has been previously shown that replacing serum with defined growth factors for neural stem cells (NSCs) greatly improved the retention of gene expression profile and tumorigenicity. However, among all molecular subtypes of glioma, our laboratory and others have previously shown that the oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) rather than the NSC serves as the cell of origin for the proneural subtype, raising questions regarding the suitability of NSC-tailored media for culturing proneural glioma cells. Methods OPC-originated mouse glioma cells were cultured in conditions for normal OPCs or NSCs, respectively, for multiple passages. Gene expression profiles, morphologies, tumorigenicity, and drug responsiveness of cultured cells were examined in comparison with freshly isolated tumor cells. Results OPC media-cultured glioma cells maintained tumorigenicity, gene expression profiles, and morphologies similar to freshly isolated tumor cells. In contrast, NSC-media cultured glioma cells gradually lost their OPC features and most tumor-initiating ability and acquired heightened sensitivity to temozolomide. Conclusions To improve experimental reproducibility and translational potential of glioma research, it is important to identify the cell of origin, and subsequently apply this knowledge to establish culture conditions that allow the retention of native properties of tumor cells. PMID:27106408

  14. Density-Dependent Regulation of Glioma Cell Proliferation and Invasion Mediated by miR-9.

    PubMed

    Katakowski, Mark; Charteris, Nicholas; Chopp, Michael; Khain, Evgeniy

    2016-12-01

    The phenotypic axis of invasion and proliferation in malignant glioma cells is a well-documented phenomenon. Invasive glioma cells exhibit a decreased proliferation rate and a resistance to apoptosis, and invasive tumor cells dispersed in brain subsequently revert to proliferation and contribute to secondary tumor formation. One miRNA can affect dozens of mRNAs, and some miRNAs are potent oncogenes. Multiple miRNAs are implicated in glioma malignancy, and several of which have been identified to regulate tumor cell motility and division. Using rat 9 L gliosarcoma and human U87 glioblastoma cell lines, we investigated miRNAs associated with the switch between glioma cell invasion and proliferation. Using micro-dissection of 9 L glioma tumor xenografts in rat brain, we identified disparate expression of miR-9 between cells within the periphery of the primary tumor, and those comprising tumor islets within the invasive zone. Modifying miR-9 expression in in vitro assays, we report that miR-9 controls the axis of glioma cell invasion/proliferation, and that its contribution to invasion or proliferation is biphasic and dependent upon local tumor cell density. In addition, immunohistochemistry revealed elevated hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the invasive zone as compared to the primary tumor periphery. We also found that hypoxia promotes miR-9 expression in glioma cells. Based upon these findings, we propose a hypothesis for the contribution of miR-9 to the dynamics glioma invasion and satellite tumor formation in brain adjacent to tumor.

  15. Adoptive cell transfer therapy for malignant gliomas.

    PubMed

    Ishikawa, Eiichi; Takano, Shingo; Ohno, Tadao; Tsuboi, Koji

    2012-01-01

    To date, various adoptive immunotherapies have been attempted for treatment of malignant gliomas using nonspecific and/or specific effector cells. Since the late 1980s, with the development of rIL-2, the efficacy of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell therapy with or without rIL-2 for malignant gliomas had been tested with some modifications in therapeutic protocols. With advancements in technology, ex vivo expanded tumor specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) or those lineages were used in clinical trials with higher tumor response rates. In addition, combinations of those adoptive cell transfer using LAK cells, CTLs or natural killer (NK) cells with autologous tumor vaccine (ATV) therapy were attempted. Also, a strategy of high-dose (or lymphodepleting) chemotherapy followed by adoptive cell transfer has been drawing attentions recently. The most important role of these clinical studies using cell therapy was to prove that these ex vivo expanded effector cells could kill tumor cells in vivo. Although recent clinical results could demonstrate radiologic tumor shrinkage in a number of cases, cell transfer therapy alone has been utilized less frequently, because of the high cost of ex vivo cell expansion, the short duration of antitumor activity in vivo, and the recent shift of interest to vaccine immunotherapy. Nevertheless, NK cell therapy using specific feeder cells or allergenic NK cell lines have potentials to be a good choice of treatment because of easy ex vivo expansion and their efficacy especially when combined with vaccine therapy as they are complementary to each other. Also, further studies are expected to clarify the efficacy of the high-dose chemotherapy followed by a large scale cell transfer therapy as a new therapeutic strategy for malignant gliomas.

  16. The top cited articles on glioma stem cells in Web of Science.

    PubMed

    Yi, Fuxin; Ma, Jun; Ni, Weimin; Chang, Rui; Liu, Wenda; Han, Xiubin; Pan, Dongxiao; Liu, Xingbo; Qiu, Jianwu

    2013-05-25

    Glioma is the most common intracranial tumor and has a poor patient prognosis. The presence of brain tumor stem cells was gradually being understood and recognized, which might be beneficial for the treatment of glioma. To use bibliometric indexes to track study focuses on glioma stem cell, and to investigate the relationships among geographic origin, impact factors, and highly cited articles indexed in Web of Science. A list of citation classics for glioma stem cells was generated by searching the database of Web of Science-Expanded using the terms "glioma stem cell" or "glioma, stem cell" or "brain tumor stem cell". The top 63 cited research articles which were cited more than 100 times were retrieved by reading the abstract or full text if needed. Each eligible article was reviewed for basic information on subject categories, country of origin, journals, authors, and source of journals. Inclusive criteria: (1) articles in the field of glioma stem cells which was cited more than 100 times; (2) fundamental research on humans or animals, clinical trials and case reports; (3) research article; (4) year of publication: 1899-2012; and (5) citation database: Science Citation Index-Expanded. Exclusive criteria: (1) articles needing to be manually searched or accessed only by telephone; (2) unpublished articles; and (3) reviews, conference proceedings, as well as corrected papers. Of 2 040 articles published, the 63 top-cited articles were published between 1992 and 2010. The number of citations ranged from 100 to 1 754, with a mean of 280 citations per article. These citation classics came from nineteen countries, of which 46 articles came from the United States. Duke University and University of California, San Francisco led the list of classics with seven papers each. The 63 top-cited articles were published in 28 journals, predominantly Cancer Research and Cancer Cell, followed by Cell Stem Cell and Nature. Our bibliometric analysis provides a historical perspective

  17. Monocyte-derived cells of the brain and malignant gliomas: the double face of Janus.

    PubMed

    Kushchayev, Sergiy V; Kushchayeva, Yevgeniya S; Wiener, Philip C; Scheck, Adrienne C; Badie, Behnam; Preul, Mark C

    2014-12-01

    Monocyte-derived cells of the brain (MDCB) are a diverse group of functional immune cells that are also highly abundant in gliomas. There is growing evidence that MDCB play essential roles in the pathogenesis of gliomas. The aim of this review was to collate and systematize contemporary knowledge about these cells as they relate to glioma progression and antiglioblastoma therapeutic modalities with a view toward improved effectiveness of therapy. We reviewed relevant studies to construct a summary of different MDCB subpopulations in steady state and in malignant gliomas and discuss their role in the development of malignant gliomas and potential future therapies. Current studies suggest that MDCB subsets display different phenotypes and differentiation potentials depending on their milieu in the brain and exposure to tumoral influences. MDCB possess specific and unique functions, including those that are protumoral and those that are antitumoral. Elucidating the role of mononuclear-derived cells associated with gliomas is crucial in designing novel immunotherapy strategies. Much progress is needed to characterize markers to identify cell subsets and their specific regulatory roles. Investigation of MDCB can be clinically relevant. Specific MDCB populations potentially can be used for glioma therapy as a target or as cell vehicles that might deliver cytotoxic substances or processes to the glioma microenvironment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. RAD18 mediates resistance to ionizing radiation in human glioma cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xie, Chen; Wang, Hongwei; Cheng, Hongbin

    Highlights: • RAD18 is an important mediator of the IR-induced resistance in glioma cell lines. • RAD18 overexpression confers resistance to IR-mediated apoptosis. • The elevated expression of RAD18 is associated with recurrent GBM who underwent IR therapy. - Abstract: Radioresistance remains a major challenge in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). RAD18 a central regulator of translesion DNA synthesis (TLS), has been shown to play an important role in regulating genomic stability and DNA damage response. In the present study, we investigate the relationship between RAD18 and resistance to ionizing radiation (IR) and examined the expression levels of RAD18more » in primary and recurrent GBM specimens. Our results showed that RAD18 is an important mediator of the IR-induced resistance in GBM. The expression level of RAD18 in glioma cells correlates with their resistance to IR. Ectopic expression of RAD18 in RAD18-low A172 glioma cells confers significant resistance to IR treatment. Conversely, depletion of endogenous RAD18 in RAD18-high glioma cells sensitized these cells to IR treatment. Moreover, RAD18 overexpression confers resistance to IR-mediated apoptosis in RAD18-low A172 glioma cells, whereas cells deficient in RAD18 exhibit increased apoptosis induced by IR. Furthermore, knockdown of RAD18 in RAD18-high glioma cells disrupts HR-mediated repair, resulting in increased accumulation of DSB. In addition, clinical data indicated that RAD18 was significantly higher in recurrent GBM samples that were exposed to IR compared with the corresponding primary GBM samples. Collectively, our findings reveal that RAD18 may serve as a key mediator of the IR response and may function as a potential target for circumventing IR resistance in human GBM.« less

  19. Boron neutron capture therapy induces apoptosis of glioma cells through Bcl-2/Bax

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    treated with BPA-BNCT were significantly higher than those in Group B and Group C irradiated by [60Co] γ-rays (P < 0.01). The clonogenicity of glioma cells was reduced by BPA-BNCT compared with cells treated in the reactor (Group F, G, H, I), and with the control cells (P < 0.01). Upon BPA-BNCT treatment, the Bax level increased in glioma cells, whereas Bcl-2 expression decreased. Conclusions Compared with γ-ray and reactor neutron irradiation, a higher RBE can be achieved upon treatment of glioma cells with BNCT. Glioma cell apoptosis induced by BNCT may be related to activation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. PMID:21122152

  20. Systemic T Cells Immunosuppression of Glioma Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Is Mediated by Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

    PubMed Central

    Domenis, Rossana; Cesselli, Daniela; Toffoletto, Barbara; Bourkoula, Evgenia; Caponnetto, Federica; Manini, Ivana; Beltrami, Antonio Paolo; Ius, Tamara; Skrap, Miran; Di Loreto, Carla

    2017-01-01

    A major contributing factor to glioma development and progression is its ability to evade the immune system. Nano-meter sized vesicles, exosomes, secreted by glioma-stem cells (GSC) can act as mediators of intercellular communication to promote tumor immune escape. Here, we investigated the immunomodulatory properties of GCS-derived exosomes on different peripheral immune cell populations. Healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with anti-CD3, anti-CD28 and IL-2, were treated with GSC-derived exosomes. Phenotypic characterization, cell proliferation, Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion and intracellular cytokine production were analysed by distinguishing among effector T cells, regulatory T cells and monocytes. In unfractionated PBMCs, GSC-derived exosomes inhibited T cell activation (CD25 and CD69 expression), proliferation and Th1 cytokine production, and did not affect cell viability or regulatory T-cell suppression ability. Furthermore, exosomes were able to enhance proliferation of purified CD4+ T cells. In PBMCs culture, glioma-derived exosomes directly promoted IL-10 and arginase-1 production and downregulation of HLA-DR by unstimulated CD14+ monocytic cells, that displayed an immunophenotype resembling that of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Mo-MDSCs). Importantly, the removal of CD14+ monocytic cell fraction from PBMCs restored T-cell proliferation. The same results were observed with exosomes purified from plasma of glioblastoma patients. Our results indicate that glioma-derived exosomes suppress T-cell immune response by acting on monocyte maturation rather than on direct interaction with T cells. Selective targeting of Mo-MDSC to treat glioma should be considered with regard to how immune cells allow the acquirement of effector functions and therefore counteracting tumor progression. PMID:28107450

  1. Systemic T Cells Immunosuppression of Glioma Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Is Mediated by Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells.

    PubMed

    Domenis, Rossana; Cesselli, Daniela; Toffoletto, Barbara; Bourkoula, Evgenia; Caponnetto, Federica; Manini, Ivana; Beltrami, Antonio Paolo; Ius, Tamara; Skrap, Miran; Di Loreto, Carla; Gri, Giorgia

    2017-01-01

    A major contributing factor to glioma development and progression is its ability to evade the immune system. Nano-meter sized vesicles, exosomes, secreted by glioma-stem cells (GSC) can act as mediators of intercellular communication to promote tumor immune escape. Here, we investigated the immunomodulatory properties of GCS-derived exosomes on different peripheral immune cell populations. Healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with anti-CD3, anti-CD28 and IL-2, were treated with GSC-derived exosomes. Phenotypic characterization, cell proliferation, Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion and intracellular cytokine production were analysed by distinguishing among effector T cells, regulatory T cells and monocytes. In unfractionated PBMCs, GSC-derived exosomes inhibited T cell activation (CD25 and CD69 expression), proliferation and Th1 cytokine production, and did not affect cell viability or regulatory T-cell suppression ability. Furthermore, exosomes were able to enhance proliferation of purified CD4+ T cells. In PBMCs culture, glioma-derived exosomes directly promoted IL-10 and arginase-1 production and downregulation of HLA-DR by unstimulated CD14+ monocytic cells, that displayed an immunophenotype resembling that of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Mo-MDSCs). Importantly, the removal of CD14+ monocytic cell fraction from PBMCs restored T-cell proliferation. The same results were observed with exosomes purified from plasma of glioblastoma patients. Our results indicate that glioma-derived exosomes suppress T-cell immune response by acting on monocyte maturation rather than on direct interaction with T cells. Selective targeting of Mo-MDSC to treat glioma should be considered with regard to how immune cells allow the acquirement of effector functions and therefore counteracting tumor progression.

  2. The effects of CD147 on the cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis in glioma.

    PubMed

    Yin, Haoyuan; Shao, Ying; Chen, Xuan

    2017-01-01

    To analyze the effects of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (CD147) on glioma proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Tissue samples were obtained from 101 glioma cases while normal brain tissues were obtained from 30 brain injury cases. Immunohistochemical assay was performed to detect the expressions of CD147, CD34, and VEGF in tissue samples. QRT-PCR was performed to detect the relative expression of CD147 mRNA in human glioma cell lines. CD147 siRNA was transfected into glioma cell line U251. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis were tested by MTT, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, and vasculogenic mimicry assay, respectively. Expressions of relative proteins were analyzed with western blot. CD147 was positively expressed with the percentage of 0, 37.5, 44.8, 67.9, and 85.7 % in normal tissues and glioma tissues with WHO grades I-IV, respectively, and the scores of MVDand VEGF were associated with the expression of CD147. CD147 was significantly upregulated in the human glioma cell lines (P < 0.05). Downregulated the expression of CD147 suppressed cell proliferation, blocked cell cycle, induced apoptosis, inhibited cell invasion and angiogenesis in glioma cells in vitro. The expression of CD147 was significantly associated with WHO tumor grade and angiogenesis; silencing of CD147 contributed to inhibition of glioma proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Our study provided firm evidence that CD 147 is a potential glioma target for anti-angiogenic therapies.

  3. Neural Precursor-Derived Pleiotrophin Mediates Subventricular Zone Invasion by Glioma.

    PubMed

    Qin, Elizabeth Y; Cooper, Dominique D; Abbott, Keene L; Lennon, James; Nagaraja, Surya; Mackay, Alan; Jones, Chris; Vogel, Hannes; Jackson, Peter K; Monje, Michelle

    2017-08-24

    The lateral ventricle subventricular zone (SVZ) is a frequent and consequential site of pediatric and adult glioma spread, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating this are poorly understood. We demonstrate that neural precursor cell (NPC):glioma cell communication underpins this propensity of glioma to colonize the SVZ through secretion of chemoattractant signals toward which glioma cells home. Biochemical, proteomic, and functional analyses of SVZ NPC-secreted factors revealed the neurite outgrowth-promoting factor pleiotrophin, along with required binding partners SPARC/SPARCL1 and HSP90B, as key mediators of this chemoattractant effect. Pleiotrophin expression is strongly enriched in the SVZ, and pleiotrophin knock down starkly reduced glioma invasion of the SVZ in the murine brain. Pleiotrophin, in complex with the binding partners, activated glioma Rho/ROCK signaling, and ROCK inhibition decreased invasion toward SVZ NPC-secreted factors. These findings demonstrate a pathogenic role for NPC:glioma interactions and potential therapeutic targets to limit glioma invasion. PAPERCLIP. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Formononetin sensitizes glioma cells to doxorubicin through preventing EMT via inhibition of histone deacetylase 5.

    PubMed

    Liu, Quan; Sun, Yan; Zheng, Jie-Min; Yan, Xian-Lei; Chen, Hong-Mou; Chen, Jia-Kang; Huang, He-Qing

    2015-01-01

    Chemoresistance is a major obstacle to successful chemotherapy for glioma. Formononetin is a novel herbal isoflavonoid isolated from Astragalus membranaceus and possesses antitumorigenic properties. In the present study, we investigated the anti-proliferative effects of formononetin on human glioma cells, and further elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-tumor property. We found that formononetin enhanced doxorubicin cytotoxicity in glioma cells. Combined treatment with formononetin reversed the doxorubicin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. Moreover, we found that formononetin treatment significantly decreased the expression of HDAC5. Overexpression of HDAC5 diminished the suppressive effects of formononetin on glioma cell viability. Furthermore, knockdown of HDAC5 by siRNA inhibited the doxorubicin-induced EMT in glioma cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated that formononetin-combined therapy may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin in glioma cells by preventing EMT through inhibition of HDAC5.

  5. Formononetin sensitizes glioma cells to doxorubicin through preventing EMT via inhibition of histone deacetylase 5

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Quan; Sun, Yan; Zheng, Jie-Min; Yan, Xian-Lei; Chen, Hong-Mou; Chen, Jia-Kang; Huang, He-Qing

    2015-01-01

    Chemoresistance is a major obstacle to successful chemotherapy for glioma. Formononetin is a novel herbal isoflavonoid isolated from Astragalus membranaceus and possesses antitumorigenic properties. In the present study, we investigated the anti-proliferative effects of formononetin on human glioma cells, and further elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-tumor property. We found that formononetin enhanced doxorubicin cytotoxicity in glioma cells. Combined treatment with formononetin reversed the doxorubicin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. Moreover, we found that formononetin treatment significantly decreased the expression of HDAC5. Overexpression of HDAC5 diminished the suppressive effects of formononetin on glioma cell viability. Furthermore, knockdown of HDAC5 by siRNA inhibited the doxorubicin-induced EMT in glioma cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated that formononetin-combined therapy may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin in glioma cells by preventing EMT through inhibition of HDAC5. PMID:26261519

  6. Mangiferin regulates proliferation and apoptosis in glioma cells by induction of microRNA-15b and inhibition of MMP-9 expression.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Jinsong; Liu, Li; Zhong, Zian; Xiao, Cheng; Zhang, Junjian

    2015-06-01

    Mangiferin, a flavonoid extracted from the leaves of the Anacardiaceae plant, the mango tree, has physiological activity and pharmacological effects in many aspects. The present study aimed to clarify the effect of mangiferin on proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells and the mechanism of these curative effects of mangiferin. In this experiment, we detected the proliferation using 3-(4,5-dimethylthylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Then, cell apoptosis of U87 glioma cells was measured with the Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis detection kit, DAPI staining assay and the caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity assay kit. Next, quantitative real-time PCR and gelatin zymography were used to analyze the expression of microRNA-15b (miR-15b) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), respectively. MMP-9 agonist, miR-15b mimics and anti-miR-15b mimics were added to the U87 glioma cells for elucidating the mechanisms involved in the curative effects of mangiferin. In the present study, mangiferin notably restrained the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of the U87 glioma cells. Meanwhile, mangiferin specifically promoted the expression of miR-15b and suppressed the level of MMP-9 in the U87 glioma cells. miR-15b regulated the expression of MMP-9 in the U87 glioma cells. MMP-9 agonist and anti-miR‑15b reduced the curative effects of mangiferin in the U87 glioma cells. In summary, mangiferin regulates proliferation and apoptosis in glioma cells by induction of miR-15b and inhibition of MMP-9 expression.

  7. Gefitinib Radiosensitizes Stem-Like Glioma Cells: Inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Akt-DNA-PK Signaling, Accompanied by Inhibition of DNA Double-Strand Break Repair

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kang, Khong Bee, E-mail: dmskkb@nccs.com.sg; Zhu Congju; Wong Yinling

    Purpose: We compared radiosensitivity of brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) with matched nonstem glioma cells, and determined whether gefitinib enhanced BTSC radiosensitivity by inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-Akt-DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) signaling, followed by enhanced DNA double-stand breaks (DSBs) and inhibition of DSB repair. Methods and Materials: Radiosensitivity of stem-like gliomaspheres and nonstem glioma cells (obtained at patient neurosurgical resection) were evaluated by clonogenic assays, {gamma}-H{sub 2}AX immunostaining and cell cycle distribution. Survival of irradiated and nonirradiated NOD-SCID mice intracranially implanted with stem-like gliomaspheres were monitored. Glioma cells treated with gefitinib, irradiation, or both were assayed for clonogenic survival,more » {gamma}-H{sub 2}AX immunostaining, DNA-PKcs expression, and phosphorylation of EGFR and Akt. Results: Stem-like gliomaspheres displayed BTSC characteristics of self-renewal; differentiation into lineages of neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes; and initiation of glioma growth in NOD-SCID mice. Irradiation dose-dependently reduced clonogenic survival, induced G{sub 2}/M arrest and increased {gamma}-H{sub 2}AX immunostaining of nonstem glioma cells, but not stem-like gliomaspheres. There was no difference in survival of irradiated and nonirradiated mice implanted with stem-like gliomaspheres. The addition of gefitinib significantly inhibited clonogenic survival, increased {gamma}-H{sub 2}AX immunostaining, and reduced DNA-PKcs expression of irradiated stem-like gliomaspheres, without affecting irradiated-nonstem glioma cells. Gefitinib alone, and when combined with irradiation, inhibited phosphorylation of EGFR (Y1068 and Y1045) and Akt (S473) in stem-like gliomaspheres. In nonstem glioma cells, gefitinib alone inhibited EGFR Y1068 phosphorylation, with further inhibition by combined gefitinib and irradiation. Conclusions: Stem-like gliomaspheres are

  8. Gefitinib radiosensitizes stem-like glioma cells: inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor-Akt-DNA-PK signaling, accompanied by inhibition of DNA double-strand break repair.

    PubMed

    Kang, Khong Bee; Zhu, Congju; Wong, Yin Ling; Gao, Qiuhan; Ty, Albert; Wong, Meng Cheong

    2012-05-01

    We compared radiosensitivity of brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) with matched nonstem glioma cells, and determined whether gefitinib enhanced BTSC radiosensitivity by inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-Akt-DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) signaling, followed by enhanced DNA double-stand breaks (DSBs) and inhibition of DSB repair. Radiosensitivity of stem-like gliomaspheres and nonstem glioma cells (obtained at patient neurosurgical resection) were evaluated by clonogenic assays, γ-H(2)AX immunostaining and cell cycle distribution. Survival of irradiated and nonirradiated NOD-SCID mice intracranially implanted with stem-like gliomaspheres were monitored. Glioma cells treated with gefitinib, irradiation, or both were assayed for clonogenic survival, γ-H(2)AX immunostaining, DNA-PKcs expression, and phosphorylation of EGFR and Akt. Stem-like gliomaspheres displayed BTSC characteristics of self-renewal; differentiation into lineages of neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes; and initiation of glioma growth in NOD-SCID mice. Irradiation dose-dependently reduced clonogenic survival, induced G(2)/M arrest and increased γ-H(2)AX immunostaining of nonstem glioma cells, but not stem-like gliomaspheres. There was no difference in survival of irradiated and nonirradiated mice implanted with stem-like gliomaspheres. The addition of gefitinib significantly inhibited clonogenic survival, increased γ-H(2)AX immunostaining, and reduced DNA-PKcs expression of irradiated stem-like gliomaspheres, without affecting irradiated-nonstem glioma cells. Gefitinib alone, and when combined with irradiation, inhibited phosphorylation of EGFR (Y1068 and Y1045) and Akt (S473) in stem-like gliomaspheres. In nonstem glioma cells, gefitinib alone inhibited EGFR Y1068 phosphorylation, with further inhibition by combined gefitinib and irradiation. Stem-like gliomaspheres are resistant to irradiation-induced cytotoxicity, G(2)/M arrest, and DNA DSBs, compared with nonstem

  9. AKT Axis, miR-21, and RECK Play Pivotal Roles in Dihydroartemisinin Killing Malignant Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Shao, Ying-Ying; Zhang, Tao-Lan; Wu, Lan-Xiang; Zou, He-Cun; Li, Shuang; Huang, Jin; Zhou, Hong-Hao

    2017-01-01

    Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, is known to play important roles in inhibiting proliferation rate, inducing apoptosis, as well as hindering the metastasis and invasion of glioma cells, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear so far. In this study, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), colony-forming, wound healing, invasion, and apoptosis assays were performed to investigate the effect of DHA on malignant glioma cells. Results showed that DHA induced apoptosis of malignant glioma cells through Protein Kinase B (AKT) axis, induced death of malignant glioma cells by downregulating miR-21, and inhibited the invasion of malignant glioma cells corresponding with up-regulation of the reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK). These results revealed that AKT axis, miR-21, and RECK play pivotal roles in DHA killing malignant glioma cells, suggesting that DHA is a potential agent for treating glioma. PMID:28208619

  10. MicroRNA-675 promotes glioma cell proliferation and motility by negatively regulating retinoblastoma 1.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Yungui; Lu, Xiaowen; Xu, Liepeng; Chen, Zhe; Li, Qinxi; Yuan, Jun

    2017-11-01

    Previous studies indicated that microRNA (miR)-675 and its precursor lncRNA H19 were both overexpressed in glioma tissues, and H19 might play an oncogenic role. To investigate the involvement of miR-675 in gliomas and its underlying mechanisms, we here collected candidate target genes of miR-675-5p from miRTarBase (http://mirtarbase.mbc.nctu.edu.tw/, Release 6.0), which contains the experimentally validated microRNA-target interactions. Then, regulatory effects of miR-675 on its target genes were validated using clinical samples and glioma cell lines. Involvement of the miR-675-target axis deregulation in cell proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma was demonstrated by both gain- and loss-of-function experiments. As a result, retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) was identified as a candidate target gene of miR-675-5p. Expression levels of miR-675-5p in glioma tissues and cells were negatively correlated with RB1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Importantly, deregulation of the miR-675-5p-RB1 axis was significantly associated with advanced World Health Organization (WHO) grade and low Karnofsky performance score (KPS) score of glioma patients. Luciferase reporter assay verified that RB1 was a direct target gene of miR-675 in glioma cells. Functionally, miR-675 promoted glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Notably, simulation of RB1 antagonized the effects induced by miR-675 up-regulation in glioma cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that miR-675 may be a key negative regulator of RB1 and the imbalance of the miR-675-RB1 axis may be clinically associated with aggressive progression of glioma patients. In addition, miR-675 may act as an oncogenic miRNA in glioma cells via regulating its target gene RB1. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Knockdown of HDAC1 expression suppresses invasion and induces apoptosis in glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiao-Qiang; Bai, Hong-Min; Li, Shi-Ting; Sun, Hui; Min, Ling-Zhao; Tao, Bang-Bao; Zhong, Jun; Li, Bin

    2017-07-18

    Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system, with a low survival rate of five years worldwide. Although high expression and prognostic value of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) have been recently reported in various types of human tumors, the molecular mechanism underlying the biological function of HDAC1 in glioma is still unclear. We found that HDAC1 was elevated in glioma tissues and cell lines. HDAC1 expression was closely related with pathological grade and overall survival of patients with gliomas. Downregulation of HDAC1 inhibited cell proliferation, prevented invasion of glioma cell lines, and induced cell apoptosis. The expression of apoptosis and metastasis related molecules were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively, in U251 and T98G cells with HDAC1 knockdown. We found that HDAC1 knockdown upregulated expression of BIM, BAX, cleaved CASPASE3 and E-CADHERIN, and decreased expression of TWIST1, SNAIL and MMP9 in U251 and T98G cells with HDAC1 knockdown. In vivo data showed that knockdown of HDAC1 inhibited tumor growth in nude mice. In summary, HDAC1 may therefore be considered an unfavorable progression indicator for glioma patients, and may also serve as a potential therapeutic target.

  12. WWC3 Inhibits Glioma Cell Proliferation Through Suppressing the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yanni; Jiang, Man; Yao, Yongshan; Cai, Zhengwei

    2018-01-01

    The scaffolding protein WW and C2 domain-containing protein 3 (WWC3) belonging to the WWC protein family plays important roles in regulating cell proliferation, cell migration, and synaptic signaling. The critical role of WWC3 in tumorigenesis has emerged recently; however, the expression and function of WWC3 in glioma remain largely unknown. Here, we found that WWC3 was significantly downregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of WWC3 inhibited the glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Depletion of WWC3 promoted the proliferation of glioma cells. Mechanistically, we found that overexpression of WWC3 suppressed the activity of β-catenin, the signaling that tightly associates with cell proliferation and growth. Depletion of WWC3 enhanced the activity of β-catenin/Wnt signaling. Further investigation demonstrated that WWC3 interacted with T cell factor 4 (TCF4), an identified associated binding partner of β-catenin. The interaction between WWC3 and TCF4 might inhibit the transcriptional activation of β-catenin. Our results provide novel insights into the aberrant expression and molecular mechanism of WWC3 in glioma, which indicated WWC3 as a potential target for clinical intervention in glioma.

  13. Single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) inhibited proliferation of human glioma cells and promoted its apoptosis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Yunjun; Zhang, Jinqian; Zhao, Ming; Shi, Zujin; Chen, Xin; He, Xihui; Han, Nanyin; Xu, Ruxiang

    2013-08-01

    Although single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) have been demonstrated to accumulate to cytotoxic levels within organs of various animal models and cell types, they have been exploited for cancer therapies. The role of SWNHs in human glioma cell lines was unclear. To address this question, the research about direct role of SWNHs on the growth, proliferation, and apoptosis of human glioma cell lines (U87, U251, and U373) had been performed. Our results indicate that particle size of SWNHs in water is between 342 and 712 nm, the films of SEM show that SWNHs on PS surface are individual particles. SWNHs significantly delayed mitotic entry of human glioma cell lines cells, and inhibited its proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. SWNHs induced a significant increase in G1 phase and inhibition of S phase followed the gradually increasing concentrations. SWNHs in human glioma cell lines cells significantly induced apoptosis followed by their gradually increasing concentrations. The TEM images showed that individual spherical SWNHs particles smaller than 100 nm in diameters were localized inside lysosomes of human glioma cell lines. SWNHs inhibited mitotic entry, growth, and proliferation of human glioma cell lines, and promoted its apoptosis. SWNHs may be a novel opportunity or method for the research on treatment of human glioma.

  14. Homozygously deleted gene DACH1 regulates tumor-initiating activity of glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    Watanabe, Akira; Ogiwara, Hideki; Ehata, Shogo; Mukasa, Akitake; Ishikawa, Shumpei; Maeda, Daichi; Ueki, Keisuke; Ino, Yasushi; Todo, Tomoki; Yamada, Yasuhiro; Fukayama, Masashi; Saito, Nobuhito; Miyazono, Kohei; Aburatani, Hiroyuki

    2011-01-01

    Loss or reduction in function of tumor suppressor genes contributes to tumorigenesis. Here, by allelic DNA copy number analysis using single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping array and mass spectrometry, we report homozygous deletion in glioblastoma multiformes at chromosome 13q21, where DACH1 gene is located. We found decreased cell proliferation of a series of glioma cell lines by forced expression of DACH1. We then generated U87TR-Da glioma cells, where DACH1 expression could be activated by exposure of the cells to doxycycline. Both ex vivo cellular proliferation and in vivo growth of s.c. transplanted tumors in mice are reduced in U87TR-Da cells with DACH1 expression (U87-DACH1-high), compared with DACH1-nonexpressing U87TR-Da cells (U87-DACH1-low). U87-DACH1-low cells form spheroids with CD133 and Nestin expression in serum-free medium but U87-DACH1-high cells do not. Compared with spheroid-forming U87-DACH1-low cells, adherent U87-DACH1-high cells display lower tumorigenicity, indicating DACH1 decreases the number of tumor-initiating cells. Gene expression analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay reveal that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2/bFGF) is transcriptionally repressed by DACH1, especially in cells cultured in serum-free medium. Exogenous bFGF rescues spheroid-forming activity and tumorigenicity of the U87-DACH1-high cells, suggesting that loss of DACH1 increases the number of tumor-initiating cells through transcriptional activation of bFGF. These results illustrate that DACH1 is a distinctive tumor suppressor, which does not only suppress growth of tumor cells but also regulates bFGF-mediated tumor-initiating activity of glioma cells. PMID:21750150

  15. Culture conditions tailored to the cell of origin are critical for maintaining native properties and tumorigenicity of glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Ledur, Pítia F; Liu, Chong; He, Hua; Harris, Alexandra R; Minussi, Darlan C; Zhou, Hai-Yan; Shaffrey, Mark E; Asthagiri, Ashok; Lopes, Maria Beatriz S; Schiff, David; Lu, Yi-Cheng; Mandell, James W; Lenz, Guido; Zong, Hui

    2016-10-01

    Cell culture plays a pivotal role in cancer research. However, culture-induced changes in biological properties of tumor cells profoundly affect research reproducibility and translational potential. Establishing culture conditions tailored to the cancer cell of origin could resolve this problem. For glioma research, it has been previously shown that replacing serum with defined growth factors for neural stem cells (NSCs) greatly improved the retention of gene expression profile and tumorigenicity. However, among all molecular subtypes of glioma, our laboratory and others have previously shown that the oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) rather than the NSC serves as the cell of origin for the proneural subtype, raising questions regarding the suitability of NSC-tailored media for culturing proneural glioma cells. OPC-originated mouse glioma cells were cultured in conditions for normal OPCs or NSCs, respectively, for multiple passages. Gene expression profiles, morphologies, tumorigenicity, and drug responsiveness of cultured cells were examined in comparison with freshly isolated tumor cells. OPC media-cultured glioma cells maintained tumorigenicity, gene expression profiles, and morphologies similar to freshly isolated tumor cells. In contrast, NSC-media cultured glioma cells gradually lost their OPC features and most tumor-initiating ability and acquired heightened sensitivity to temozolomide. To improve experimental reproducibility and translational potential of glioma research, it is important to identify the cell of origin, and subsequently apply this knowledge to establish culture conditions that allow the retention of native properties of tumor cells. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  16. Suppression of autophagy augments the radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibition on human glioma cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yuan, Xiaopeng; Du, Jie; Hua, Song

    Radiotherapy is an essential component of the standard therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma. To increase the radiosensitivity of glioma cells is a feasible solution to improve the therapeutic effects. It has been suggested that inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) can radiosensitize glioma cells, probably via the activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In this study, human malignant glioma cells, U251 and A172, were treated with an STAT3 inhibitor, WP1066, or a short hairpin RNA plasmid targeting STAT3 to suppress the activation of STAT3 signaling. The radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibition were confirmed in glioma cells. Intriguingly,more » combination of ionizing radiation exposure and STAT3 inhibition triggered a pronounced increase of autophagy flux. To explore the role of autophagy, glioma cells were treated with 3-methyladenine or siRNA for autophagy-related gene 5, and it was demonstrated that inhibition of autophagy further strengthened the radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibition. Accordingly, more apoptotic cells were induced by the dual inhibition of autophagy and STAT3 signaling. In conclusion, our data revealed a protective role of autophagy in the radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibition, and inhibition of both autophagy and STAT3 might be a potential therapeutic strategy to increase the radiosensitivity of glioma cells. - Highlights: • Inactivation of STAT3 signaling radiosensitizes malignant glioma cells. • STAT3 inhibition triggers a significant increase of autophagy flux induced by ionizing radiation in glioma cells. • Suppression of autophagy further strengthens the radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibition in glioma cells. • Dual inhibition of autophagy and STAT3 induce massive apoptotic cells upon exposure to ionizing radiation.« less

  17. Glioma Invasiveness Responds Variably to Irradiation in a Co-Culture Model

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nakamura, Jean L.; Haas-Kogan, Daphne A.; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

    2007-11-01

    Purpose: We developed a co-culture system to quantitate the growth and invasion of human malignant gliomas into a background of confluent normal human astrocytes, then used this assay to assess independently the effects of irradiating both cell types on glioma invasion. Methods and Materials: Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-labeled immortalized human astrocytes, human malignant glioma cells, or transformed human astrocytes were focally plated onto a confluent layer of normal human astrocytes, and the invasiveness of EGFP-labeled cells was scored after 96 h. To address the consequences of irradiation on glioma invasion, the invasiveness of irradiated glioma cell lines and irradiatedmore » astrocytic backgrounds was assessed. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was used to quantitate the total number of EGFP-labeled cells. Results: Growth in the co-culture assay consistently reflected transformation states of the plated cells. Immortalized, but untransformed human astrocytes failed even to establish growth on confluent normal human astrocytes. In contrast, all malignant human glioma cell lines and transformed human astrocytes demonstrated various degrees of infiltration into the astrocytic bed. Irradiation failed to alter the invasiveness of U87, A172, and U373. A 1-Gy dose slightly reduced the invasiveness of U251 MG by 75% (p < 0.05 by one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Neuman-Keuls), without reducing total cell numbers. Independently irradiating the human astrocytic bed did not alter the invasiveness of nonirradiated U251, whereas the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor GM6001 reduced U251 invasiveness in the co-culture assay. Conclusions: Growth in the co-culture assay reflects the transformation status and provides a useful in vitro model for assessing invasiveness. Human glioma invasiveness in the co-culture model responds variably to single low-dose fractions. MMP activity promotes invasiveness in the co-culture model. Reduced

  18. Chloroquine activates the p53 pathway and induces apoptosis in human glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Ella L.; Wüstenberg, Robin; Rübsam, Anne; Schmitz-Salue, Christoph; Warnecke, Gabriele; Bücker, Eva-Maria; Pettkus, Nadine; Speidel, Daniel; Rohde, Veit; Schulz-Schaeffer, Walter; Deppert, Wolfgang; Giese, Alf

    2010-01-01

    Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. The currently available treatments offer only a palliative survival advantage and the need for effective treatments remains an urgent priority. Activation of the p53 growth suppression/apoptotic pathway is one of the promising strategies in targeting glioma cells. We show that the quinoline derivative chloroquine activates the p53 pathway and suppresses growth of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo in an orthotopic (U87MG) human glioblastoma mouse model. Induction of apoptosis is one of the mechanisms underlying the effects of chloroquine on suppressing glioma cell growth and viability. siRNA-mediated downregulation of p53 in wild-type but not mutant p53 glioblastoma cells substantially impaired chloroquine-induced apoptosis. In addition to its p53-activating effects, chloroquine may also inhibit glioma cell growth via p53-independent mechanisms. Our results clarify the mechanistic basis underlying the antineoplastic effect of chloroquine and reveal its therapeutic potential as an adjunct to glioma chemotherapy. PMID:20308316

  19. Sox2 is translationally activated by eukaryotic initiation factor 4E in human glioma-initiating cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ge, Yuqing; Zhou, Fengbiao; Chen, Hong

    2010-07-09

    Sox2, a master transcription factor, contributes to the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells and plays significant roles in sustaining the self-renewal of neural stem cells and glioma-initiating cells. Understanding the functional differences of Sox2 between glioma-initiating cells and normal neural stem cells would contribute to therapeutic approach for treatment of brain tumors. Here, we first demonstrated that Sox2 could contribute to the self-renewal and proliferation of glioma-initiating cells. The following experiments showed that Sox2 was activated at translational level in a subset of human glioma-initiating cells compared with the normal neural stem cells. Further investigation revealed there was amore » positive correlation between Sox2 and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) in glioma tissues. Down-regulation of eIF4E decreased Sox2 protein level without altering its mRNA level in glioma-initiating cells, indicating that Sox2 was activated by eIF4E at translational level. Furthermore, eIF4E was presumed to regulate the expression of Sox2 by its 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) sequence. Our results suggest that the eIF4E-Sox2 axis is a novel mechanism of unregulated self-renewal of glioma-initiating cells, providing a potential therapeutic target for glioma.« less

  20. Vitamin K1 enhances sorafenib-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of human malignant glioma cells by blocking the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background The combined effects of anticancer drugs with nutritional factors against tumor cells have been reported previously. This study characterized the efficacy and possible mechanisms of the combination of sorafenib and vitamin K1 (VK1) on glioma cell lines. Methods We examined the effects of sorafenib, VK1 or their combination on the proliferation and apoptosis of human malignant glioma cell lines (BT325 and U251) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) assay. The signaling pathway changes were detected by western blotting. Results Sorafenib, as a single agent, showed antitumor activity in a dose-dependent manner in glioma cells, but the effects were more pronounced when used in combination with VK1 treatment. Sorafenib in combination with VK1 treatment produced marked potentiation of growth inhibition and apoptosis, and reduced expression of phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Furthermore, the expression levels of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 were significantly reduced. Conclusions Our findings indicated that VK1 enhanced the cytotoxicity effect of sorafenib through inhibiting the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in glioma cells, and suggested that sorafenib in combination with VK1 maybe a new therapeutic option for patients with gliomas. PMID:22520038

  1. Compound 331 selectively induces glioma cell death by upregulating miR-494 and downregulating CDC20

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Lei; Niu, Tianhui; Huang, Yafei; Zhu, Haichuan; Zhong, Wu; Lin, Jian; Zhang, Yan

    2015-01-01

    Malignant gliomas are the most common malignant tumors in the central nervous system (CNS). Up to date, the prognosis of glioma is still very poor, effective therapy with less side-effect is very necessary. Herein, we identify a compound named as “331” selectively induced cell death in glioma cells but not in astrocytes. Compound 331 upregulated miR-494 and downregulated CDC20 in glioma cells but not in astrocytes. These results suggest that compound 331 could be a potential drug selectively targeting glioma cells through upregulating miR-494 and downregulating CDC20. PMID:26153143

  2. Quantitative Analysis of Complex Glioma Cell Migration on Electrospun Polycaprolactone Using Time-Lapse Microscopy

    PubMed Central

    Johnson, Jed; Nowicki, M. Oskar; Lee, Carol H.; Chiocca, E. Antonio; Viapiano, Mariano S.; Lawler, Sean E.

    2009-01-01

    Malignant gliomas are the most common tumors originating within the central nervous system and account for over 15,000 deaths annually in the United States. The median survival for glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive of these tumors, is only 14 months. Therapeutic strategies targeting glioma cells migrating away from the tumor core are currently hampered by the difficulty of reproducing migration in the neural parenchyma in vitro. We utilized a tissue engineering approach to develop a physiologically relevant model of glioma cell migration. This revealed that glioma cells display dramatic differences in migration when challenged by random versus aligned electrospun poly-ɛ-caprolactone nanofibers. Cells on aligned fibers migrated at an effective velocity of 4.2 ± 0.39 μm/h compared to 0.8 ± 0.08 μm/h on random fibers, closely matching in vivo models and prior observations of glioma spread in white versus gray matter. Cells on random fibers exhibited extension along multiple fiber axes that prevented net motion; aligned fibers promoted a fusiform morphology better suited to infiltration. Time-lapse microscopy revealed that the motion of individual cells was complex and was influenced by cell cycle and local topography. Glioma stem cell–containing neurospheres seeded on random fibers did not show cell detachment and retained their original shape; on aligned fibers, cells detached and migrated in the fiber direction over a distance sixfold greater than the perpendicular direction. This chemically and physically flexible model allows time-lapse analysis of glioma cell migration while recapitulating in vivo cell morphology, potentially allowing identification of physiological mediators and pharmacological inhibitors of invasion. PMID:19199562

  3. Transmigration of Neural Stem Cells across the Blood Brain Barrier Induced by Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Díaz-Coránguez, Mónica; Segovia, José; López-Ornelas, Adolfo; Puerta-Guardo, Henry; Ludert, Juan; Chávez, Bibiana; Meraz-Cruz, Noemi; González-Mariscal, Lorenza

    2013-01-01

    Transit of human neural stem cells, ReNcell CX, through the blood brain barrier (BBB) was evaluated in an in vitro model of BBB and in nude mice. The BBB model was based on rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMECs) cultured on Millicell inserts bathed from the basolateral side with conditioned media (CM) from astrocytes or glioma C6 cells. Glioma C6 CM induced a significant transendothelial migration of ReNcells CX in comparison to astrocyte CM. The presence in glioma C6 CM of high amounts of HGF, VEGF, zonulin and PGE2, together with the low abundance of EGF, promoted ReNcells CX transmigration. In contrast cytokines IFN-α, TNF-α, IL-12p70, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10, as well as metalloproteinases -2 and -9 were present in equal amounts in glioma C6 and astrocyte CMs. ReNcells expressed the tight junction proteins occludin and claudins 1, 3 and 4, and the cell adhesion molecule CRTAM, while RBMECs expressed occludin, claudins 1 and 5 and CRTAM. Competing CRTAM mediated adhesion with soluble CRTAM, inhibited ReNcells CX transmigration, and at the sites of transmigration, the expression of occludin and claudin-5 diminished in RBMECs. In nude mice we found that ReNcells CX injected into systemic circulation passed the BBB and reached intracranial gliomas, which overexpressed HGF, VEGF and zonulin/prehaptoglobin 2. PMID:23637756

  4. Atypical nuclear localization of VIP receptors in glioma cell lines and patients

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Barbarin, Alice; Séité, Paule; Godet, Julie

    Highlights: • The VIP receptor VPAC1 contains a putative NLS signal. • VPAC1 is predominantly nuclear in GBM cell lines but not VPAC2. • Non-nuclear VPAC1/2 protein expression is correlated with glioma grade. • Nuclear VPAC1 is observed in 50% of stage IV glioma (GBM). - Abstract: An increasing number of G protein-coupled receptors, like receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), are found in cell nucleus. As VIP receptors are involved in the regulation of glioma cell proliferation and migration, we investigated the expression and the nuclear localization of the VIP receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 in this cancer. First, bymore » applying Western blot and immunofluorescence detection in three human glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines, we observed a strong nuclear staining for the VPAC1 receptor and a weak nuclear VPAC2 receptor staining. Second, immunohistochemical staining of VPAC1 and VPAC2 on tissue microarrays (TMA) showed that the two receptors were expressed in normal brain and glioma tissues. Expression in the non-nuclear compartment of the two receptors significantly increased with the grade of the tumors. Analysis of nuclear staining revealed a significant increase of VPAC1 staining with glioma grade, with up to 50% of GBM displaying strong VPAC1 nuclear staining, whereas nuclear VPAC2 staining remained marginal. The increase in VPAC receptor expression with glioma grades and the enhanced nuclear localization of the VPAC1 receptors in GBM might be of importance for glioma progression.« less

  5. Tunicamycin inhibits progression of glioma cells through downregulation of the MEG-3-regulated wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Li, Xin; Xue, Lei; Peng, Qin

    2018-06-01

    Glioma is derived from the oncogenic transformation of brain and spinal cord glial cells, and is one of the most common primary brain tumors. Tunicamycin (TUN) can significantly inhibit glioma growth and aggressiveness by promoting apoptosis in glioma cells. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of TUN on growth of glioma cells and examine the TUN-mediated signaling pathway. The inhibitory effects of TUN on apoptosis, growth, aggressiveness and cell cycle arrest of glioma tumor cells were determined by western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, apoptotic assays and immunofluorescence. The results demonstrated that treatment with TUN suppressed growth, migration and invasion of glioma carcinoma cells. In addition, TUN treatment induced apoptosis of glioma cells through downregulation of Bcl-2 and P53 expression levels. Findings also indicated that TUN suppressed proliferation and arrested the glioma cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Further analysis of the mechanisms of TUN demonstrated that TUN treatment upregulated the expression levels of maternally expressed gene (MEG)-3, wnt and β-catenin in glioma cells. Furthermore, knockdown of MEG-3 expression reversed the TUN-decreased wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which subsequently also reversed the TUN-inhibited growth and aggressiveness of glioma cells. In conclusion, the findings in the present study indicated that TUN treatment inhibited growth and aggressiveness through MEG-3-mediated wnt/β-catenin signaling, suggesting that TUN may be an efficient anticancer agent for the treatment of glioma.

  6. Endothelial Cell Implantation and Survival within Experimental Gliomas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lal, Bachchu; Indurti, Ravi R.; Couraud, Pierre-Olivier; Goldstein, Gary W.; Laterra, John

    1994-10-01

    The delivery of therapeutic genes to primary brain neoplasms opens new opportunities for treating these frequently fatal tumors. Efficient gene delivery to tissues remains an important obstacle to therapy, and this problem has unique characteristics in brain tumors due to the blood-brain and blood-tumor barriers. The presence of endothelial mitogens and vessel proliferation within solid tumors suggests that genetically modified endothelial cells might efficiently transplant to brain tumors. Rat brain endothelial cells immortalized with the adenovirus E1A gene and further modified to express the β-galactosidase reporter were examined for their ability to survive implantation to experimental rat gliomas. Rats received 9L, F98, or C6 glioma cells in combination with endothelial cells intracranially to caudate/putamen or subcutaneously to flank. Implanted endothelial cells were identified by β-galactosidase histochemistry or by polymerase chain reaction in all tumors up to 35 days postimplantation, the latest time examined. Implanted endothelial cells appeared to cooperate in tumor vessel formation and expressed the brain-specific endothelial glucose transporter type 1 as identified by immunohistochemistry. The proliferation of implanted endothelial cells was supported by their increased number within tumors between postimplantation days 14 and 21 (P = 0.015) and by their expression of the proliferation antigen Ki67. These findings establish that genetically modified endothelial cells can be stably engrafted to growing gliomas and suggest that endothelial cell implantation may provide a means of delivering therapeutic genes to brain neoplasms and other solid tumors. In addition, endothelial implantation to brain may be useful for defining mechanisms of brain-specific endothelial differentiation.

  7. Precursor N-cadherin mediates glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-promoted human malignant glioma

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Shuang; Zhang, Baole; Qin, Yuxia; Yao, Ruiqin; Zhou, Hao; Gao, Dian Shuai

    2017-01-01

    As the most prevalent primary brain tumor, gliomas are highly metastatic, invasive and are characteristic of high levels of glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GDNF is an important factor for invasive glioma cell growth; however, the underlying mechanism involved is unclear. In this study, we affirm a significantly higher expression of the precursor of N-cadherin (proN-cadherin) in most gliomas compared with normal brain tissues. Our findings reveal that GDNF interacts with the extracellular domain of proN-cadherin, which suggests that proN-cadherin mediates GDNF-induced glioma cell migration and invasion. We hypothesize that proN-cadherin might cause homotypic adhesion loss within neighboring cells and at the same time promote heterotypic adhesion within the extracellular matrix (ECM) through a certain mechanism. This study also demonstrates that the interaction between GDNF and proN-cadherin activates specific intracellular signaling pathways; furthermore, GDNF promoted the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the ECM via proN-cadherin. To reach the future goal of developing novel therapies of glioma, this study, reveals a unique mechanism of glioma cell migration and invasion. PMID:28212546

  8. Precursor N-cadherin mediates glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-promoted human malignant glioma.

    PubMed

    Xiong, Ye; Liu, Liyun; Zhu, Shuang; Zhang, Baole; Qin, Yuxia; Yao, Ruiqin; Zhou, Hao; Gao, Dian Shuai

    2017-04-11

    As the most prevalent primary brain tumor, gliomas are highly metastatic, invasive and are characteristic of high levels of glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GDNF is an important factor for invasive glioma cell growth; however, the underlying mechanism involved is unclear. In this study, we affirm a significantly higher expression of the precursor of N-cadherin (proN-cadherin) in most gliomas compared with normal brain tissues. Our findings reveal that GDNF interacts with the extracellular domain of proN-cadherin, which suggests that proN-cadherin mediates GDNF-induced glioma cell migration and invasion. We hypothesize that proN-cadherin might cause homotypic adhesion loss within neighboring cells and at the same time promote heterotypic adhesion within the extracellular matrix (ECM) through a certain mechanism. This study also demonstrates that the interaction between GDNF and proN-cadherin activates specific intracellular signaling pathways; furthermore, GDNF promoted the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the ECM via proN-cadherin. To reach the future goal of developing novel therapies of glioma, this study, reveals a unique mechanism of glioma cell migration and invasion.

  9. TGF-β promotes glioma cell growth via activating Nodal expression through Smad and ERK1/2 pathways

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sun, Jing; Liu, Su-zhi; Lin, Yan

    Highlights: •TGF-β promoted Nodal expression in glioma cells. •TGF-β promoted Nodal expression via activating Smad and ERK1/2 pathways. •TGF-β promotes glioma cell growth via activating Nodal expression. -- Abstract: While there were certain studies focusing on the mechanism of TGF-β promoting the growth of glioma cells, the present work revealed another novel mechanism that TGF-β may promote glioma cell growth via enhancing Nodal expression. Our results showed that Nodal expression was significantly upregulated in glioma cells when TGF-β was added, whereas the TGF-β-induced Nodal expression was evidently inhibited by transfection Smad2 or Smad3 siRNAs, and the suppression was especially significantmore » when the Smad3 was downregulated. Another, the attenuation of TGF-β-induced Nodal expression was observed with blockade of the ERK1/2 pathway also. Further detection of the proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of glioma cells indicated that Nodal overexpression promoted the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells and inhibited their apoptosis, resembling the effect of TGF-β addition. Downregulation of Nodal expression via transfection Nodal-specific siRNA in the presence of TGF-β weakened the promoting effect of the latter on glioma cells growth, and transfecting Nodal siRNA alone in the absence of exogenous TGF-β more profoundly inhibited the growth of glioma cells. These results demonstrated that while both TGF-β and Nodal promoted glioma cells growth, the former might exert such effect by enhancing Nodal expression, which may form a new target for glioma therapy.« less

  10. Current update of adoptive immunotherapy using cytokine-induced killer cells to eliminate malignant gliomas.

    PubMed

    Ryu, Je Il; Han, Myung Hoon; Cheong, Jin Hwan; Kim, Jae Min; Kim, Choong Hyun

    2017-03-01

    The therapeutic outcome for those with malignant glioma is poor, even though diverse therapeutic modalities have been developed. Immunotherapy has emerged as a therapeutic approach for malignant gliomas, making it possible to selectively treat tumors while sparing normal tissue. Here, we review clinical trials of adoptive immunotherapy approaches for malignant gliomas. We also describe a clinical trial that examined the efficacy and safety of autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells along with concomitant chemoradiotherapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma. These CIK cells identify and kill autologous tumor cells. This review focuses on the use of adoptive immunotherapy for malignant gliomas and reviews the current literature on the concept of antitumor activity mediated by CIK cells.

  11. A syngeneic glioma model to assess the impact of neural progenitor target cell age on tumor malignancy

    PubMed Central

    Mikheev, Andrei M; Stoll, Elizabeth A; Mikheeva, Svetlana A; Maxwell, John-Patrick; Jankowski, Pawel P; Ray, Sutapa; Uo, Takuma; Morrison, Richard S; Horner, Philip J; Rostomily, Robert C

    2010-01-01

    Summary Human glioma incidence, malignancy and treatment resistance are directly proportional to patient age. Cell intrinsic factors are reported to contribute to human age-dependent glioma malignancy but suitable animal models to examine the role of aging are lacking. Here we developed an orthotopic syngeneic glioma model to test the hypothesis that the age of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), presumed cells of glioma origin, influences glioma malignancy. Gliomas generated from transformed donor 3-, 12-, and 18-month-old NPCs in same-aged adult hosts all formed highly invasive glial tumors that phenocopied the human disease. Survival analysis indicated increased malignancy of gliomas generated from older 12- and 18-month-old transformed NPCs compared with their 3-month counterparts (median survival of 38.5 and 42.5 vs. 77 days, respectively). This study showed for the first time that age of target cells at the time of transformation can affect malignancy and demonstrated the feasibility of a syngeneic model using transformed NPCs for future examination of the relative impacts of age-related cell intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors in glioma malignancy. PMID:19489742

  12. miR-4725-3p targeting Stim1 signaling is involved in xanthohumol inhibition of glioma cell invasion.

    PubMed

    Ho, Kuo-Hao; Chang, Cheng-Kuei; Chen, Peng-Hsu; Wang, Yu-Jia; Chang, Wei-Chiao; Chen, Ku-Chung

    2018-05-10

    Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common brain tumor in adults. Due to its highly invasive nature, it is not easy to treat, resulting in high mortality rates. Stromal interacting molecule 1 (Stim1) plays important roles in regulating store-operated Ca 2+ entry (SOCE), and controls invasion by cancer cells. However, the mechanisms and functions of Stim1 in glioma progression are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of targeting Stim1 expression on glioma cell invasion. By analyzing profiles of GBM patients from RNA-sequencing data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), higher expression levels of STIM1 were correlated with the poor survival. Furthermore, signaling pathways associated with tumor malignancy, including the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), were activated in patients with high STIM1 expression according to gene set enrichment analyses. Higher Stim1 levels were found in glioma cells compared to human astrocytes, and these higher levels enhanced glioma cell invasion. Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated flavonoid extracted from the hop plant Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae), significantly reduced cell invasion through inhibiting Stim1 expression. From an micro(mi)RNA array analysis, miR-4725-3p was upregulated by XN treatment. Overexpression of miR-4725-3p inhibited glioma cell invasion via directly targeting the 3'-untranslated region of STIM1. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase/c-Fos pathway was also validated to participate in XN-upregulated miR-4725-3p expression according to promoter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. These results emphasize that miR-4725-3p-inhibited STIM1 signaling is involved in XN-attenuated glioma cell invasion. These findings may provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies for future glioblastoma therapy and drug development. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  13. Glioma

    MedlinePlus

    ... cells are called mixed gliomas. Tumors such as “optic nerve glioma” and “brain stem glioma” are named ... Oligodendroglioma: Click here to learn more about oligodendroglioma. Optic Glioma: These tumors may involve any part of ...

  14. LuIII Parvovirus Selectively and Efficiently Targets, Replicates in, and Kills Human Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Paglino, Justin C.; Ozduman, Koray

    2012-01-01

    Because productive infection by parvoviruses requires cell division and is enhanced by oncogenic transformation, some parvoviruses may have potential utility in killing cancer cells. To identify the parvovirus(es) with the optimal oncolytic effect against human glioblastomas, we screened 12 parvoviruses at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI). MVMi, MVMc, MVM-G17, tumor virus X (TVX), canine parvovirus (CPV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), rat parvovirus 1A (RPV1A), and H-3 were relatively ineffective. The four viruses with the greatest oncolytic activity, LuIII, H-1, MVMp, and MVM-G52, were tested for the ability, at a low MOI, to progressively infect the culture over time, causing cell death at a rate higher than that of cell proliferation. LuIII alone was effective in all five human glioblastomas tested. H-1 progressively infected only two of five; MVMp and MVM-G52 were ineffective in all five. To investigate the underlying mechanism of LuIII's phenotype, we used recombinant parvoviruses with the LuIII capsid replacing the MVMp capsid or with molecular alteration of the P4 promoter. The LuIII capsid enhanced efficient replication and oncolysis in MO59J gliomas cells; other gliomas tested required the entire LuIII genome to exhibit enhanced infection. LuIII selectively infected glioma cells over normal glial cells in vitro. In mouse models, human glioblastoma xenografts were selectively infected by LuIII when administered intratumorally; LuIII reduced tumor growth by 75%. LuIII also had the capacity to selectively infect subcutaneous or intracranial gliomas after intravenous inoculation. Intravenous or intracranial LuIII caused no adverse effects. Intracranial LuIII caused no infection of mature mouse neurons or glia in vivo but showed a modest infection of developing neurons. PMID:22553327

  15. LuIII parvovirus selectively and efficiently targets, replicates in, and kills human glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Paglino, Justin C; Ozduman, Koray; van den Pol, Anthony N

    2012-07-01

    Because productive infection by parvoviruses requires cell division and is enhanced by oncogenic transformation, some parvoviruses may have potential utility in killing cancer cells. To identify the parvovirus(es) with the optimal oncolytic effect against human glioblastomas, we screened 12 parvoviruses at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI). MVMi, MVMc, MVM-G17, tumor virus X (TVX), canine parvovirus (CPV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), rat parvovirus 1A (RPV1A), and H-3 were relatively ineffective. The four viruses with the greatest oncolytic activity, LuIII, H-1, MVMp, and MVM-G52, were tested for the ability, at a low MOI, to progressively infect the culture over time, causing cell death at a rate higher than that of cell proliferation. LuIII alone was effective in all five human glioblastomas tested. H-1 progressively infected only two of five; MVMp and MVM-G52 were ineffective in all five. To investigate the underlying mechanism of LuIII's phenotype, we used recombinant parvoviruses with the LuIII capsid replacing the MVMp capsid or with molecular alteration of the P4 promoter. The LuIII capsid enhanced efficient replication and oncolysis in MO59J gliomas cells; other gliomas tested required the entire LuIII genome to exhibit enhanced infection. LuIII selectively infected glioma cells over normal glial cells in vitro. In mouse models, human glioblastoma xenografts were selectively infected by LuIII when administered intratumorally; LuIII reduced tumor growth by 75%. LuIII also had the capacity to selectively infect subcutaneous or intracranial gliomas after intravenous inoculation. Intravenous or intracranial LuIII caused no adverse effects. Intracranial LuIII caused no infection of mature mouse neurons or glia in vivo but showed a modest infection of developing neurons.

  16. Overexpression of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant proteins renders glioma cells more sensitive to radiation.

    PubMed

    Li, Sichen; Chou, Arthur P; Chen, Weidong; Chen, Ruihuan; Deng, Yuzhong; Phillips, Heidi S; Selfridge, Julia; Zurayk, Mira; Lou, Jerry J; Everson, Richard G; Wu, Kuan-Chung; Faull, Kym F; Cloughesy, Timothy; Liau, Linda M; Lai, Albert

    2013-01-01

    Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) or 2 (IDH2) are found in a subset of gliomas. Among the many phenotypic differences between mutant and wild-type IDH1/2 gliomas, the most salient is that IDH1/2 mutant glioma patients demonstrate markedly improved survival compared with IDH1/2 wild-type glioma patients. To address the mechanism underlying the superior clinical outcome of IDH1/2 mutant glioma patients, we investigated whether overexpression of the IDH1(R132H) protein could affect response to therapy in the context of an isogenic glioma cell background. Stable clonal U87MG and U373MG cell lines overexpressing IDH1(WT) and IDH1(R132H) were generated, as well as U87MG cell lines overexpressing IDH2(WT) and IDH2(R172K). In vitro experiments were conducted to characterize baseline growth and migration and response to radiation and temozolomide. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured under various conditions. U87MG-IDH1(R132H) cells, U373MG-IDH1(R132H) cells, and U87MG-IDH2(R172K) cells demonstrated increased sensitivity to radiation but not to temozolomide. Radiosensitization of U87MG-IDH1(R132H) cells was accompanied by increased apoptosis and accentuated ROS generation, and this effect was abrogated by the presence of the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine. Interestingly, U87MG-IDH1(R132H) cells also displayed decreased growth at higher cell density and in soft agar, as well as decreased migration. Overexpression of IDH1(R132H) and IDH2(R172K) mutant protein in glioblastoma cells resulted in increased radiation sensitivity and altered ROS metabolism and suppression of growth and migration in vitro. These findings provide insight into possible mechanisms contributing to the improved outcomes observed in patients with IDH1/2 mutant gliomas.

  17. The flavonoid apigenin from Croton betulaster Mull inhibits proliferation, induces differentiation and regulates the inflammatory profile of glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Coelho, Paulo L C; Oliveira, Mona N; da Silva, Alessandra B; Pitanga, Bruno P S; Silva, Victor D A; Faria, Giselle P; Sampaio, Geraldo P; Costa, Maria de Fatima D; Braga-de-Souza, Suzana; Costa, Silvia L

    2016-11-01

    This study aimed to investigate the antitumor and immunomodulatory properties of the flavonoid apigenin (5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavone), which was extracted from Croton betulaster Mull, in glioma cell culture using the high-proliferative rat C6 glioma cell line as a model. Apigenin was found to have the ability to reduce the viability and proliferation of C6 cells in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 22.8 µmol/l, 40 times lower than that of temozolomide (1000 µmol/l), after 72 h of apigenin treatment. Even after C6 cells were treated with apigenin for 48 h, high proportions of C6 cells entered apoptosis (39.56%) and autophagy (22%) as shown by flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide and acridine orange staining, respectively. In addition, the flavonoid apigenin induced cell accumulation in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and inhibited glioma cell migration efficiently. Moreover, apigenin induced astroglial differentiation and morphological changes in C6 cells, characterized by increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and decreased expression of nestin protein, a typical marker of neuronal precursors. The immunomodulating effects of apigenin were also characterized by a change in the inflammatory profile as evidenced by a significant decrease in interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor production and increased nitric oxide levels. Because apigenin can induce differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy, can alter the profile of cytokines involved in regulating the immune response, and can reduce the survival, growth, proliferation, and migration of C6 cells, this flavonoid may be considered a potential antitumor drug for the adjuvant treatment of malignant gliomas.

  18. CREB1 regulates glucose transport of glioma cell line U87 by targeting GLUT1.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jiaying; Zhang, Can; Mi, Yang; Chen, Fuxue; Du, Dongshu

    2017-12-01

    Glioma is stemmed from the glial cells in the brain, which is accounted for about 45% of all intracranial tumors. The characteristic of glioma is invasive growth, as well as there is no obvious boundary between normal brain tissue and glioma tissue, so it is difficult to resect completely with worst prognosis. The metabolism of glioma is following the Warburg effect. Previous researches have shown that GLUT1, as a glucose transporter carrier, affected the Warburg effect, but the molecular mechanism is not very clear. CREB1 (cAMP responsive element-binding protein1) is involved in various biological processes, and relevant studies confirmed that CREB1 protein regulated the expression of GLUT1, thus mediating glucose transport in cells. Our experiments mainly reveal that the CREB1 could affect glucose transport in glioma cells by regulating the expression of GLUT1, which controlled the metabolism of glioma and affected the progression of glioma.

  19. Angelica polysaccharides inhibit the growth and promote the apoptosis of U251 glioma cells in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Wen-Feng; Yang, Yan; Li, Xin; Xu, Da-Yan; Yan, Yu-Li; Gao, Qiao; Jia, Ai-Ling; Duan, Ming-Hua

    2017-09-15

    Angelica sinensis (Oliv) Diels (Apiaceae) is a traditional medicine that has been used for more than 2000 years in China. It exhibits various therapeutic effects including neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Angelica polysaccharides (APs), bioactive constituents of Angelica have been shown to be responsible for these effects; however, the utility of APs for the treatment of glioma and their mechanism of action remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of APs on a glioma cell line and their molecular mechanism of action. U251 cells were utilized to confirm the effects of APs on glioma. The human glioblastoma cell line U251 was utilized for both in vitro and in vivo models, in which we tested the effects of APs. Flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, western blotting, and MTT assays were used to elucidate the effects of APs on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The results demonstrated that APs significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of U251 cells and induced their apoptosis. Furthermore, APs effectively reduced the expression of several cell cycle regulators: cyclins D1, B, and E. The apoptosis suppressor protein Bcl-2 was also downregulated, and the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 increased. Additionally, APs inhibited the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway and stimulated the expression of E-cadherin, thus prohibiting cell growth. In conclusion, the results indicate that APs attenuate the tumorigenicity of glioma cells and promote their apoptosis by suppressing the TGF-β signaling pathway. The present study therefore provides evidence of the inhibitory effects of APs against glioma progression, and proposes their potential application as alternative therapeutic agents for glioma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  20. Reversing chemoresistance of malignant glioma stem cells using gold nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Orza, Anamaria; Soriţău, Olga; Tomuleasa, Ciprian; Olenic, Liliana; Florea, Adrian; Pana, Ovidiu; Bratu, Ioan; Pall, Emoke; Florian, Stefan; Casciano, Dan; Biris, Alexandru S

    2013-01-01

    The low rate of survival for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma may be attributed to the existence of a subpopulation of cancer stem cells. These stem cells have certain properties that enable them to resist chemotherapeutic agents and ionizing radiation. Herein, we show that temozolomide-loaded gold nanostructures are efficient in reducing chemoresistance and destroy 82.7% of cancer stem cells compared with a 42% destruction rate using temozolomide alone. Measurements of in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis indicate that combination with gold facilitated the ability of temozolomide, an alkylating drug, to alter the resistance of these cancer stem cells, suggesting a new chemotherapy strategy for patients diagnosed with inoperable recurrent malignant glioma. PMID:23467447

  1. Nitric oxide donors attenuate clongenic potential in rat C6 glioma cells treated with alkylating chemotherapeutic agents.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jir-Jei; Yin, Jiu-Haw; Yang, Ding-I

    2007-05-11

    1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) kills tumor cells via multiple actions including alkylation and carbamoylation. Previously, we have reported that formation of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) in glioma cells overexpressing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) contributed to nitric oxide (NO)-dependent carbamoylating chemoresistance against BCNU. To further characterize the effects of NO on alkylating cytotoxicity, colony formation assay was applied to evaluate the effects of various NO donors on rat C6 glioma cells challenged with alkylating agents. We demonstrate that NO donors including GSNO, diethylamine NONOate (DEA/NO), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) substantially reduced the extent of colony formation in glioma cells treated with alkylating agents, namely methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), and N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). Without alkylating agents these NO-releasing agents alone had no effects on clongenic potential of rat C6 glioma cells. Among these three NO donors used, the effectiveness in potentiating alkylating cytotoxicity is in the order of "GSNO>DEA/NO>SNP" when applied at the same dosages. GSNO also exerted similar synergistic actions reducing the extents of colony formation when co-administrated with 1,2-bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(2-chloroethyl)-hydrazine (compound #1), another alkylating agent that mimics the chloroethylating action of BCNU. Together with our previous findings, we propose that NO donors may be used as adjunct chemotherapy with alkylating agents for such malignant brain tumors as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In contrast, production of NO as a result of iNOS induction, such as that occurring after surgical resection of brain tumors, may compromise the efficacy of carbamoylating chemotherapy.

  2. Characterizing invading glioma cells based on IDH1-R132H and Ki-67 immunofluorescence.

    PubMed

    Sabit, Hemragul; Nakada, Mitsutoshi; Furuta, Takuya; Watanabe, Takuya; Hayashi, Yutaka; Sato, Hiroshi; Kato, Yukinari; Hamada, Jun-ichiro

    2014-10-01

    Glioma, the most common primary brain tumor, is characterized by proliferative-invasive growth. However, the detailed biological characteristics of invading glioma cells remain to be elucidated. A monoclonal antibody (clone HMab-1) that specifically and sensitively recognizes the isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) protein carrying the R132H mutation can identify invading glioma cells by immunostaining. To investigate the degree of invasion in gliomas of distinct grades and the proliferative capacity of the invading cells, immunofluorescent staining was conducted using antibodies against IDH1-R132H and Ki-67 on 11 surgical and autopsy specimens of the tumor core and the invading area. Higher numbers of IDH1-R132H-positive cells in the invading area correlated with a higher tumor grade. Double staining for IDH1-R132H and Ki-67 demonstrated that most invading cells that expressed IDH1-R132H were not stained by the Ki-67 antibody, and the ratio of Ki-67-positive cells among IDH1-R132H-positive cells was significantly lower in the invasion area than in the tumor core in all grades of glioma. These data suggest that higher grade gliomas have a greater invasive potential and that invading cells possess low proliferative capacity.

  3. In vitro modulation of microglia motility by glioma cells is mediated by hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor.

    PubMed

    Badie, B; Schartner, J; Klaver, J; Vorpahl, J

    1999-05-01

    Considered as immune effector cells of the central nervous system, microglia represent a major component of the inflammatory cells found in malignant gliomas. Although their role in brain tumor biology is unclear, accumulation of microglia in malignant brain tumors may be mediated through active secretion of cytokines by glioma cells. Because hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) has been shown to modulate glioma motility through an autocrine mechanism, and because microglia have been reported to express the HGF/SF receptor Met, we hypothesized that microglia recruitment by gliomas may also occur through the secretion of HGF/SF. The effect of glioma cells in augmenting BV-2 murine microglia motility was studied by using an in vitro Boyden chamber migration assay. To determine the chemokines involved in microglia migration, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and HGF/SF were tested. Immunoblotting was used to check for the expression of HGF/SF by glioma cells, and the expression of Met by BV-2 cells was examined by flow cytometry. BV-2 migration was noted within 7 hours of incubation with both human (U251 MG and U373 MG) and murine (GL261) glioma cell lines. This migration corresponded to HGF/SF secretion by glioma cells and was completely inhibited by neutralizing monoclonal antibody against HGF/SF, but not monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Exposure of BV-2 cells to recombinant HGF/SF, but not monocyte chemotactic protein-1, resulted in their migration and down-regulation of Met in a dose-dependent fashion. HGF/SF, which plays a role in glioma motility and mitogenesis, may also act as a chemokine for microglia and may be responsible for the microglia infiltration in malignant gliomas. This active recruitment of microglia may play an important role in glioma biology.

  4. Bex2 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in malignant glioma cells via the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase pathway

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhou, Xiuping, E-mail: xpzhou@xzmc.edu.cn; Lab of Neurosurgery, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu; Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Biology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Jiangsu

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The expression levels of Bex2 markedly increased in glioma tissues. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Bex2 over-expression promoted cell proliferation, while its down-regulation inhibited cell growth. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Bex2 down-regulation promoted cell apoptosis via JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway. -- Abstract: The function of Bex2, a member of the Brain Expressed X-linked gene family, in glioma is controversial and its mechanism is largely unknown. We report here that Bex2 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in malignant glioma cells via the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. The expression level of Bex2 is markedly increased in glioma tissues. We observed that Bex2 over-expression promotes cell proliferation, whilemore » down-regulation of Bex2 inhibits cell growth. Furthermore, Bex2 down-regulation promotes cell apoptosis and activates the JNK pathway; these effects were abolished by administration of the JNK specific inhibitor, (SP600125). Thus, Bex2 may be an important player during the development of glioma.« less

  5. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles inhibit the growth of human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Chu, Sheng-Hua; Feng, Dong-Fu; Ma, Yan-Bin; Li, Zhi-Qiang

    2012-01-01

    Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano-HAPs) have been reported to exhibit antitumor effects on various human cancers, but the effects of nano-HAPs on human glioma cells remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effect of nano-HAPs on the growth of human glioma U251 and SHG44 cells in vitro and in vivo. Nano-HAPs could inhibit the growth of U251 and SHG44 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, according to methyl thiazoletetrazolium assay and flow cytometry. Treated with 120 mg/L and 240 mg/L nano-HAPs for 48 hours, typical apoptotic morphological changes were noted under Hoechst staining and transmission electron microscopy. The tumor growth of cells was inhibited after the injection in vivo, and the related side effects significantly decreased in the nano-HAP-and-drug combination group. Because of the function of nano-HAPs, the expression of c-Met, SATB1, Ki-67, and bcl-2 protein decreased, and the expression of SLC22A18 and caspase-3 protein decreased noticeably. The findings indicate that nano-HAPs have an evident inhibitory action and induce apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. In a drug combination, they can significantly reduce the adverse reaction related to the chemotherapeutic drug 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU).

  6. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles inhibit the growth of human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Chu, Sheng-Hua; Feng, Dong-Fu; Ma, Yan-Bin; Li, Zhi-Qiang

    2012-01-01

    Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano-HAPs) have been reported to exhibit antitumor effects on various human cancers, but the effects of nano-HAPs on human glioma cells remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effect of nano-HAPs on the growth of human glioma U251 and SHG44 cells in vitro and in vivo. Nano-HAPs could inhibit the growth of U251 and SHG44 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, according to methyl thiazoletetrazolium assay and flow cytometry. Treated with 120 mg/L and 240 mg/L nano-HAPs for 48 hours, typical apoptotic morphological changes were noted under Hoechst staining and transmission electron microscopy. The tumor growth of cells was inhibited after the injection in vivo, and the related side effects significantly decreased in the nano-HAP-and-drug combination group. Because of the function of nano-HAPs, the expression of c-Met, SATB1, Ki-67, and bcl-2 protein decreased, and the expression of SLC22A18 and caspase-3 protein decreased noticeably. The findings indicate that nano-HAPs have an evident inhibitory action and induce apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. In a drug combination, they can significantly reduce the adverse reaction related to the chemotherapeutic drug 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). PMID:22888225

  7. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibits the proliferation and apoptosis of U87 glioma cells via different mechanisms

    PubMed Central

    Gao, Liyang; Chen, Bing; Li, Jinhong; Yang, Fan; Cen, Xuecheng; Liao, Zhuangbing; Long, Xiao’ao

    2017-01-01

    The Wnt signaling pathway is necessary for the development of the central nervous system and is associated with tumorigenesis in various cancers. However, the mechanism of the Wnt signaling pathway in glioma cells has yet to be elucidated. Small-molecule Wnt modulators such as ICG-001 and AZD2858 were used to inhibit and stimulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Techniques including cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, Matrigel cell invasion assay, cell cycle assay and Genechip microarray were used. Gene Ontology Enrichment Analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis have enriched many biological processes and signaling pathways. Both the inhibiting and stimulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways could influence the cell cycle, moreover, reduce the proliferation and survival of U87 glioma cells. However, Affymetrix expression microarray indicated that biological processes and networks of signaling pathways between stimulating and inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway largely differ. We propose that Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway might prove to be a valuable therapeutic target for glioma. PMID:28837560

  8. The construction of the multifunctional targeting ursolic acids liposomes and its apoptosis effects to C6 glioma stem cells

    PubMed Central

    Ying, Xue; Wang, Yahua; Xu, Haolun; Li, Xia; Yan, Helu; Tang, Hui; Wen, Chen; Li, Yingchun

    2017-01-01

    Brain gliomas, one of the most fatal tumors to human, severely threat the health and life of human. They are capable of extremely strong invasion ability. And invasive glioma cells could rapidly penetrate into normal brain tissues and break them. We prepared a kind of functional liposomes, which could be transported acrossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and afterwards induce the apoptosis of glioma stem cells. In this research, we chose ursolic acids (UA) as an anti-cancer drug to inhibit the growth of C6 glioma cells, while epigallocatechin 3-gallate(EGCG) as the agent that could induce the apoptosis of C6 glioma stem cells. With the targeting ability of MAN, the liposomes could be delivered through the BBB and finally were concentrated on the brain gliomas. Cell experiments in vitro demonstrated that the functional liposomes were able to significantly enhance the anti-cancer effects of the drugs due to promoting the apoptosis and endocytosis effects of C6 glioma cells and C6 glioma stem cells at the same time. Furthermore, the evaluations through animal models showed that the drugs could obviously prolong the survival period of brain glioma-bearing mice and inhibit the tumor growth. Consequently, multifunctional targeting ursolic acids liposomes could potentially improve the therapeutic effects on C6 glioma cells and C6 glioma stem cells. PMID:28969057

  9. Carbon Ion Irradiation Inhibits Glioma Cell Migration Through Downregulation of Integrin Expression

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rieken, Stefan, E-mail: Stefan.Rieken@med.uni-heidelberg.de; Habermehl, Daniel; Wuerth, Lena

    2012-05-01

    Purpose: To investigate the effect of carbon ion irradiation on glioma cell migration. Methods and Materials: U87 and Ln229 glioma cells were irradiated with photons and carbon ions. Migration was analyzed 24 h after irradiation. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis was performed in order to quantify surface expression of integrins. Results: Single photon doses of 2 Gy and 10 Gy enhanced {alpha}{sub {nu}}{beta}{sub 3} and {alpha}{sub {nu}}{beta}{sub 5} integrin expression and caused tumor cell hypermigration on both vitronectin (Vn) and fibronectin (Fn). Compared to integrin expression in unirradiated cells, carbon ion irradiation caused decreased integrin expression and inhibited cell migration onmore » both Vn and Fn. Conclusion: Photon radiotherapy (RT) enhances the risk of tumor cell migration and subsequently promotes locoregional spread via photon induction of integrin expression. In contrast to photon RT, carbon ion RT causes decreased integrin expression and suppresses glioma cell migration on both Vn and Fn, thus promising improved local control.« less

  10. Enhanced radiosensitivity of malignant glioma cells after adenoviral p53 transduction.

    PubMed

    Broaddus, W C; Liu, Y; Steele, L L; Gillies, G T; Lin, P S; Loudon, W G; Valerie, K; Schmidt-Ullrich, R K; Fillmore, H L

    1999-12-01

    The goal of this study was to determine whether adenoviral vector-mediated expression of human wildtype p53 can enhance the radiosensitivity of malignant glioma cells that express native wild-type p53. The p53 gene is thought to function abnormally in the majority of malignant gliomas, although it has been demonstrated to be mutated in only approximately 30%. This has led to studies in which adenoviral transduction with wild-type human p53 has been investigated in an attempt to slow tumor cell growth. Recent studies suggest that reconstitution of wild-type p53 can render cells more susceptible to radiation-mediated death, primarily by p53-mediated apoptosis. Rat RT2 glioma cells were analyzed for native p53 status by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis and for p53 expression by Western blot analysis. Clonogenic survival and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay were used to characterize RT2 cell radiosensitivity and apoptosis, respectively, with and without prior transduction with p53-containing and control adenoviral vectors. Animal survival length was monitored after intracerebral implantation with transduced and nontransduced RT2 cells, with and without cranial radiation. The RT2 cells were demonstrated to express native rat wild-type p53 and to markedly overexpress human p53 following adenoviral p53 transduction. The combination of p53 transduction followed by radiation resulted in marked decreases in RT2 cell survival and increases in apoptosis at radiation doses from 2 to 6 Gy. Animals receiving cranial radiation after intracerebral implantation with RT2 cells previously transduced with p53 survived significantly longer than control animals (p<0.01). The ability to enhance the radiosensitivity of malignant glioma cells that express wild-type p53 by using adenoviral transduction to induce overexpression of p53 offers hope for this approach as a therapeutic strategy

  11. DSE promotes aggressive glioma cell phenotypes by enhancing HB-EGF/ErbB signaling.

    PubMed

    Liao, Wen-Chieh; Liao, Chih-Kai; Tsai, You-Huan; Tseng, To-Jung; Chuang, Li-Ching; Lan, Chyn-Tair; Chang, Hung-Ming; Liu, Chiung-Hui

    2018-01-01

    Remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment promotes glioma progression. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans appear in the ECM and on the cell surface, and can be catalyzed by dermatan sulfate epimerase to form chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) hybrid chains. Dermatan sulfate epimerase 1 (DSE) is overexpressed in many types of cancer, and CS/DS chains mediate several growth factor signals. However, the role of DSE in gliomas has never been explored. In the present study, we determined the expression of DSE in gliomas by consulting a public database and conducting immunohistochemistry on a tissue array. Our investigation revealed that DSE was upregulated in gliomas compared with normal brain tissue. Furthermore, high DSE expression was associated with advanced tumor grade and poor survival. We found high DSE expression in several glioblastoma cell lines, and DSE expression directly mediated DS chain formation in glioblastoma cells. Knockdown of DSE suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells. In contrast, overexpression of DSE in GL261 cells enhanced these malignant phenotypes and in vivo tumor growth. Interestingly, we found that DSE selectively regulated heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF)-induced signaling in glioblastoma cells. Inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ErbB2 with afatinib suppressed DSE-enhanced malignant phenotypes, establishing the critical role of the ErbB pathway in regulating the effects of DSE expression. This evidence indicates that upregulation of DSE in gliomas contributes to malignant behavior in cancer cells. We provide novel insight into the significance of DS chains in ErbB signaling and glioma pathogenesis.

  12. Methylation Status of the RIZ1 Gene Promoter in Human Glioma Tissues and Cell Lines.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chenran; Meng, Wei; Wang, Jiajia; Lu, Yicheng; Hu, Guohan; Hu, Liuhua; Ma, Jie

    2017-08-01

    Retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc-finger gene 1 (RIZ1), a strong tumor suppressor, is silenced in many human cancers. Our previous studies showed that RIZ1 expression was negatively correlated with the grade of glioma and was a key predictor of patient survival. Therefore, RIZ1 could be a potential tumor suppressor during glioma pathogenesis, although the mechanism underlying RIZ1 gene inactivation in gliomas is unknown. We investigated the methylation status of the RIZ1 promoter in human glioma tissues and four glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines, and verified the effect of the methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR) on RIZ1 transcription and cell proliferation. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was performed to determine RIZ1 promoter methylation in human glioma specimens. The correlation between RIZ1 hypermethylation in tumors and clinicopathological features also was analyzed. 5-Aza-CdR treatment was used to reactivate gene expression silenced by hypermethylation in the U87 glioblastoma cell line, and real-time PCR was then used to measure RIZ1 expression. The ability of 5-aza-CdR to inhibit the proliferation of glioma cell lines whose RIZ1 promoters were hypermethylated was measured by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Among 51 human glioma specimens, RIZ1 promoter methylation was detected in 23 cases. Clinicopathological evaluation suggested that RIZ1 hypermethylation was negatively associated with tumor grade and patient age (P < 0.05). Hypermethylation of the RIZ1 promoter was detected in the U87 and U251 cell lines. RIZ1 mRNA expression in U87 cells was upregulated after treatment with 5-aza-Cdr, which correlated with inhibition of cell proliferation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Promoter hypermethylation may play an important role in the epigenetic silencing of RIZ1 expression in human glioma tissues and GBM cell lines.

  13. Dobesilate diminishes activation of the mitogen - activated protein kinase ERK1/2 in glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    Cuevas, P; Diaz-González, Diana; Garcia-Martin-Córdova, C; Sánchez, I; Lozano, Rosa Maria; Giménez-Gallego, G; Dujovny, M

    2006-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors, regularly expressed at high levels in gliomas, are further upregulated during the transition of the tumor from low- to high-grade malignancy, and are essential for glioma progression. FGFs induce upregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade in cultured glioma cells, which suggests that MAPK pathway participates in the FGF-dependent glioma development. Recently, it has been shown that dobesilate, an inhibitor of FGF mitogenic activity, shows antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities in glioma cell cultures. Accordingly, it should be expected this new synthetic FGF inhibitor to affect the activation levels of MAPK. Here we report that immunocytochemical and Western blot data unequivocally show that treatment of cell cultures with dobesilate causes a significant decrease of the intracellular levels of ERK1/2 activation, one of the components of the MAPK signalling cascade. This finding supports an important role for dobesilate in glioma growth, suggesting that dobesilate should be a treatment to be born in mind for glioma management. PMID:16563234

  14. T11TS immunotherapy repairs PI3K-AKT signaling in T-cells: Clues toward enhanced T-cell survival in rat glioma model.

    PubMed

    Chaudhuri, Suhnrita; Singh, Manoj K; Bhattacharya, Debanjan; Datta, Ankur; Hazra, Iman; Mondal, Somnath; Faruk Sk Md, Omar; Ronsard, Larance; Ghosh, Tushar K; Chaudhuri, Swapna

    2018-02-01

    Malignant glioma is the most fatal of astrocytic lineage tumors despite therapeutic advances. Onset and progression of gliomas is accompanied by severe debilitation of T-cell defense and T-cell survival. One of the chief contributors to T-cell survival downstream of activation is the PI3K-AKT pathway. Our prior studies showed that the novel immunotherapeutic molecule T11-target structure (T11TS) blocks T-cell apoptosis in glioma. We also showed activation of immunological synapse components and calcineurin-NFAT pathway following T11TS immunotherapy of glioma-bearing rats. This lead to investigations whether such T-cell activation upon T11TS therapy translates into activation of downstream PI3K/AKT signals which may be related to observed blockade of T-cell apoptosis. For the purpose, we assessed by flowcytometry and immunoblotting, expressions of PI3K, PDK1, AKT, p-AKT, and PTEN in splenic T-cells of normal, experimentally-induced glioma-bearing rats and glioma-bearing rats receiving first, second and third doses of T11TS. We also determined comparative nuclear translocation of NF-κB across groups. We found significant increases in T-cell expressions of PDK1, PI3K, and p-AKT in T11TS-treated animal groups compared to sharp downregulations in glioma. AKT levels remained unchanged across groups. PTEN levels declined sharply after T11TS immunotherapy. T11TS also caused enhanced NF-κB translocation to the T-cell nucleus compared to glioma group. Results showed heightened activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway in glioma-bearing rats following T11TS immunotherapy. These results illustrate the novel role of T11TS immunotherapy in ameliorating the PI3K pathway in T-cells in glioma-bearing animals to enhance T-cell survival, according greater defense against glioma. The study thus has far-reaching clinical outcomes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. Curcumin exerts its tumor suppressive function via inhibition of NEDD4 oncoprotein in glioma cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xue; Deng, Jiaojiao; Yuan, Jinxia; Tang, Xin; Wang, Yuelong; Chen, Haifeng; Liu, Yi; Zhou, Liangxue

    2017-08-01

    Glioblastoma is the most common brain cancer in adults. It represents one of the top ten malignant tumors with an average survival time of nine months despite treatments with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Curcumin is a phytochemical turmeric isolated from root of the Curcuma longa plant. Accumulating evidence have proved that curcumin targets numerous cancer signaling pathways. The E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4, neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 4, is frequently overexpressed in various cancers. However, whether curcumin regulates NEDD4 expression has not been described in human cancers. Therefore, in this study, we explored the roles of NEDD4 in glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis and mobility. We further investigated whether curcumin exerts its antitumor activities via suppressing NEDD4 expression. We found that curcumin reduced the expression of NEDD4 and Notch1 and pAKT, leading to glioma cell growth inhibition, apoptosis, and suppression of migration and invasion. Moreover, deletion of NEDD4 expression enhanced the sensitivity of glioma cells to curcumin treatment. Thus, inactivation of NEDD4 by curcumin could be a promising approach for therapeutic intervention.

  16. Curcumin exerts its tumor suppressive function via inhibition of NEDD4 oncoprotein in glioma cancer cells

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Xue; Deng, Jiaojiao; Yuan, Jinxia; Tang, Xin; Wang, Yuelong; Chen, Haifeng; Liu, Yi; Zhou, Liangxue

    2017-01-01

    Glioblastoma is the most common brain cancer in adults. It represents one of the top ten malignant tumors with an average survival time of nine months despite treatments with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Curcumin is a phytochemical turmeric isolated from root of the Curcuma longa plant. Accumulating evidence have proved that curcumin targets numerous cancer signaling pathways. The E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4, neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 4, is frequently overexpressed in various cancers. However, whether curcumin regulates NEDD4 expression has not been described in human cancers. Therefore, in this study, we explored the roles of NEDD4 in glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis and mobility. We further investigated whether curcumin exerts its antitumor activities via suppressing NEDD4 expression. We found that curcumin reduced the expression of NEDD4 and Notch1 and pAKT, leading to glioma cell growth inhibition, apoptosis, and suppression of migration and invasion. Moreover, deletion of NEDD4 expression enhanced the sensitivity of glioma cells to curcumin treatment. Thus, inactivation of NEDD4 by curcumin could be a promising approach for therapeutic intervention. PMID:28627598

  17. CD44 Interacts with HIF-2α to Modulate the Hypoxic Phenotype of Perinecrotic and Perivascular Glioma Cells.

    PubMed

    Johansson, Elinn; Grassi, Elisa S; Pantazopoulou, Vasiliki; Tong, Bei; Lindgren, David; Berg, Tracy J; Pietras, Elin J; Axelson, Håkan; Pietras, Alexander

    2017-08-15

    Hypoxia-inducible factors enhance glioma stemness, and glioma stem cells have an amplified hypoxic response despite residing within a perivascular niche. Still, little is known about differential HIF regulation in stem versus bulk glioma cells. We show that the intracellular domain of stem cell marker CD44 (CD44ICD) is released at hypoxia, binds HIF-2α (but not HIF-1α), enhances HIF target gene activation, and is required for hypoxia-induced stemness in glioma. In a glioma mouse model, CD44 was restricted to hypoxic and perivascular tumor regions, and in human glioma, a hypoxia signature correlated with CD44. The CD44ICD was sufficient to induce hypoxic signaling at perivascular oxygen tensions, and blocking CD44 cleavage decreased HIF-2α stabilization in CD44-expressing cells. Our data indicate that the stem cell marker CD44 modulates the hypoxic response of glioma cells and that the pseudo-hypoxic phenotype of stem-like glioma cells is achieved by stabilization of HIF-2α through interaction with CD44, independently of oxygen. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Combination of photodynamic therapy and temozolomide on glioma in a rat C6 glioma model.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaoming; Guo, Mian; Shen, Lei; Hu, Shaoshan

    2014-12-01

    For glioma, temozolomide (TMZ) is a commonly used chemotherapy drug and photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an important adjuvant therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of their combination for the treatment of glioma. A rat C6 glioma model using male Wistar rats (n=180) weighing 280-300 g was established. Glioma-bearing rats (n=100) were treated with mock, hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME), laser or PDT. The expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in endothelial cells of the blood-tumor-barrier and in glioma tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry and western blot, respectively. Glioma-bearing rats (n=40) were treated with normal saline, TMZ (60 mg/m(2) for five consecutive days), PDT (630 nm for 10 min) or a combination of TMZ and PDT. TMZ concentration in glioma tissues was detected using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and cell death was observed using transmission microscopy. Concurrently, another batch of 40 glioma-bearing rats was subjected to the same treatment, and the survival of these rats was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. PDT significantly decreased the expression of P-gp in endothelial cells comprising the blood-tumor-barrier and in glioma tissues. The combination of TMZ with PDT significantly increased TMZ concentration in glioma tissues, enhanced glioma cell apoptosis and prolonged the median survival of glioma-bearing rats. The combination of PDT with TMZ shows synergistic effect in rat C6 glioma model, indicating its potential clinical use in glioma treatment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Efficacy of ribavirin against malignant glioma cell lines: Follow-up study

    PubMed Central

    Ochiai, Yushi; Sano, Emiko; Okamoto, Yutaka; Yoshimura, Sodai; Makita, Kotaro; Yamamuro, Shun; Ohta, Takashi; Ogino, Akiyoshi; Tadakuma, Hisashi; Ueda, Takuya; Nakayama, Tomohiro; Hara, Hiroyuki; Yoshino, Atsuo; Katayama, Yoichi

    2018-01-01

    Ribavirin, a nucleic acid analog, has been employed as an antiviral agent against RNA and DNA viruses and has become the standard agent used for chronic hepatitis C in combination with interferon-α2a. Furthermore, the potential antitumor efficacy of ribavirin has attracted increasing interest. Recently, we demonstrated a dose-dependent antitumor effect of ribavirin for seven types of malignant glioma cell lines. However, the mechanism underlying the antitumor effect of ribavirin has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to provide further relevant data using two types of malignant glioma cell lines (U-87MG and U-138MG) with different expression of MGMT. Dotted accumulations of γH2AX were found in the nuclei and increased levels of ATM and phosphorylated ATM protein expression were also observed following ribavirin treatment (10 µM of ribavirin, clinical relevant concentration) in both the malignant glioma cells, indicating double-strand breaks as one possible mechanism underlying the antitumor effect of ribavirin. In addition, based on assessements using FACS, ribavirin treatment tended to increase the G0/G1 phase, with a time-lapse, indicating the induction of G0/G1-phase arrest. Furthermore, an increased phosphorylated p53 and p21 protein expression was confirmed in both glioma cells. Additionally, analysis by FACS indicated that apoptosis was induced following ribavirin treatment and caspase cascade, downstream of the p53 pathway, which indicated the activation of both exogenous and endogenous apoptosis in both malignant glioma cell lines. These findings may provide an experimental basis for the clinical treatment of glioblastomas with ribavirin. PMID:29251333

  20. Asiatic Acid Inhibits Pro-Angiogenic Effects of VEGF and Human Gliomas in Endothelial Cell Culture Models

    PubMed Central

    Kavitha, Chandagirikoppal V.; Agarwal, Chapla; Agarwal, Rajesh; Deep, Gagan

    2011-01-01

    Malignant gliomas are one of the most devastating and incurable tumors. Sustained excessive angiogenesis by glioma cells is the major reason for their uncontrolled growth and resistance toward conventional therapies resulting in high mortality. Therefore, targeting angiogenesis should be a logical strategy to prevent or control glioma cell growth. Earlier studies have shown that Asiatic Acid (AsA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is effective against glioma and other cancer cells; however, its efficacy against angiogenesis remains unknown. In the present study, we examined the anti-angiogenic efficacy of AsA using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). Our results showed that AsA (5–20 µM) inhibits HUVEC growth and induces apoptotic cell death by activating caspases (3 and 9) and modulating the expression of apoptosis regulators Bad, survivin and pAkt-ser473. Further, AsA showed a dose-dependent inhibition of HUVEC migration, invasion and capillary tube formation, and disintegrated preformed capillary network. AsA also inhibited the VEGF-stimulated growth and capillary tube formation by HUVEC and HBMEC. Next, we analyzed the angiogenic potential of conditioned media collected from human glioma LN18 and U87-MG cells treated with either DMSO (control conditioned media, CCM) or AsA 20 µM (AsA20 conditioned media, AsA20CM). CCM from glioma cells significantly enhanced the capillary tube formation in both HUVEC and HBMEC, while capillary tube formation in both endothelial cell lines was greatly compromised in the presence of AsA20CM. Consistent with these results, VEGF expression was lesser in AsA20CM compared to CCM, and indeed AsA strongly inhibited VEGF level (both cellular and secreted) in glioma cells. AsA also showed dose-dependent anti-angiogenic efficacy in Matrigel plug assay, and inhibited the glioma cells potential to attract HUVEC/HBMEC. Overall, the present study clearly showed the strong anti

  1. Proteasome inhibition with bortezomib induces cell death in GBM stem-like cells and temozolomide-resistant glioma cell lines, but stimulates GBM stem-like cells' VEGF production and angiogenesis.

    PubMed

    Bota, Daniela A; Alexandru, Daniela; Keir, Stephen T; Bigner, Darell; Vredenburgh, James; Friedman, Henry S

    2013-12-01

    Recurrent malignant gliomas have inherent resistance to traditional chemotherapy. Novel therapies target specific molecular mechanisms involved in abnormal signaling and resistance to apoptosis. The proteasome is a key regulator of multiple cellular functions, and its inhibition in malignant astrocytic lines causes cell growth arrest and apoptotic cell death. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib was reported to have very good in vitro activity against malignant glioma cell lines, with modest activity in animal models as well as in clinical trials as a single agent. In this paper, the authors describe the multiple effects of bortezomib in both in vitro and in vivo glioma models and offer a novel explanation for its seeming lack of activity. Glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) were obtained from resected glioblastomas (GBMs) at surgery and expanded in culture. Stable glioma cell lines (U21 and D54) as well as temozolomide (TMZ)-resistant glioma cells derived from U251 and D54-MG were also cultured. GSCs from 2 different tumors, as well as D54 and U251 cells, were treated with bortezomib, and the effect of the drug was measured using an XTT cell viability assay. The activity of bortezomib was then determined in D54-MG and/or U251 cells using apoptosis analysis as well as caspase-3 activity and proteasome activity measurements. Human glioma xenograft models were created in nude mice by subcutaneous injection. Bevacizumab was administered via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg/kg daily. Bortezomib was administered by intraperitoneal injection 1 hour after bevacizumab administration in doses of at a dose of 0.35 mg/kg on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 every 21 days. Tumors were measured twice weekly. Bortezomib induced caspase-3 activation and apoptotic cell death in stable glioma cell lines and in glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) derived from malignant tumor specimens Furthermore, TMZ-resistant glioma cell lines retained susceptibility to the proteasome inhibition. The bortezomib

  2. Curcumin suppresses cell growth and invasion and induces apoptosis by down-regulation of Skp2 pathway in glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    Su, Jingna; Ma, Renqiang; Yin, Xuyuan; Zhou, Xiuxia; Li, Huabin; Wang, Zhiwei

    2015-01-01

    Studies have demonstrated that curcumin exerts its tumor suppressor function in a variety of human cancers including glioma. However, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. Emerging evidence has revealed that Skp2 (S-phase kinase associated protein 2) plays an oncogenic role in tumorigenesis. Therefore, we aim to determine whether curcumin suppresses the Skp2 expression, leading to the inhibition of cell growth, invasion, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. To this end, we conducted multiple methods such as MTT assay, Flow cytometry, Wound healing assay, invasion assay, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and transfection to explore the functions and molecular insights of curcumin in glioma cells. We found that curcumin significantly inhibited cell growth, suppressed cell migration and invasion, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in glioma cells. Furthermore, we observed that overexpression of Skp2 promoted cell growth, migration, and invasion, whereas depletion of Skp2 suppressed cell growth, migration, and invasion and triggered apoptosis in glioma cells. Mechanistically, we defined that curcumin markedly down-regulated Skp2 expression and subsequently up-regulated p57 expression. Moreover, our results demonstrated that curcumin exerts its antitumor activity through inhibition of Skp2 pathway. Collectively, our findings suggest that targeting Skp2 by curcumin could be a promising therapeutic approach for glioma prevention and therapy. PMID:26046466

  3. Inhibition of GPR158 by microRNA-449a suppresses neural lineage of glioma stem/progenitor cells and correlates with higher glioma grades.

    PubMed

    Li, Ningning; Zhang, Ying; Sidlauskas, Kastytis; Ellis, Matthew; Evans, Ian; Frankel, Paul; Lau, Joanne; El-Hassan, Tedani; Guglielmi, Loredana; Broni, Jessica; Richard-Loendt, Angela; Brandner, Sebastian

    2018-05-03

    To identify biomarkers for glioma growth, invasion and progression, we used a candidate gene approach in mouse models with two complementary brain tumour phenotypes, developing either slow-growing, diffusely infiltrating gliomas or highly proliferative, non-invasive primitive neural tumours. In a microRNA screen we first identified microRNA-449a as most significantly differentially expressed between these two tumour types. miR-449a has a target dependent effect, inhibiting cell growth and migration by downregulation of CCND1 and suppressing neural phenotypes by inhibition of G protein coupled-receptor (GPR) 158. GPR158 promotes glioma stem cell differentiation and induces apoptosis and is highest expressed in the cerebral cortex and in oligodendrogliomas, lower in IDH mutant astrocytomas and lowest in the most malignant form of glioma, IDH wild-type glioblastoma. The correlation of GPR158 expression with molecular subtypes, patient survival and therapy response suggests a possible role of GPR158 as prognostic biomarker in human gliomas.

  4. In vitro antineoplastic effects of brivaracetam and lacosamide on human glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Rizzo, Ambra; Donzelli, Sara; Girgenti, Vita; Sacconi, Andrea; Vasco, Chiara; Salmaggi, Andrea; Blandino, Giovanni; Maschio, Marta; Ciusani, Emilio

    2017-06-06

    Epilepsy is a frequent symptom in patients with glioma. Although treatment with antiepileptic drugs is generally effective in controlling seizures, drug-resistant patients are not uncommon. Multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) and P-gp are over-represented in brain tissue of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, suggesting their involvement in the clearance of antiepileptic medications. In addition to their anticonvulsant action, some drugs have been documented for cytotoxic effects. Aim of this study was to evaluate possible in vitro cytotoxic effects of two new-generation antiepileptic drugs on a human glioma cell line U87MG. Cytotoxicity of brivaracetam and lacosamide was tested on U87MG, SW1783 and T98G by MTS assay. Expression of chemoresistance molecules was evaluated using flow cytometry in U87MG and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). To investigate the putative anti-proliferative effect, apoptosis assay, microRNA expression profile and study of cell cycle were performed. Brivaracetam and lacosamide showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic and anti-migratory effects. Cytotoxicity was not related to apoptosis. The exposure of glioma cells to brivaracetam and lacosamide resulted in the modulation of several microRNAs; particularly, the effect of miR-195-5p modulation seemed to affect cell cycle, while miR-107 seemed to be implicated in the inhibition of cells migration. Moreover, brivaracetam and lacosamide treatment did not modulate the expression of chemoresistance-related molecules MRPs1-3-5, GSTπ, P-gp on U87MG and HUVECs. Based on antineoplastic effect of brivaracetam and lacosamide on glioma cells, we assume that patients with glioma could benefit by the treatment with these two molecules, in addition to standard therapeutic options.

  5. MiR-200c Inhibits the Tumor Progression of Glioma via Targeting Moesin

    PubMed Central

    Qin, Yuanyuan; Chen, Weilong; Liu, Bingjie; Zhou, Lei; Deng, Lu; Niu, Wanxiang; Bao, Dejun; Cheng, Chuandong; Li, Dongxue; Liu, Suling; Niu, Chaoshi

    2017-01-01

    We attempt to demonstrate the regulatory role of miR-200c in glioma progression and its mechanisms behind. Here, we show that miR-200c expression was significantly reduced in the glioma tissues compared to paratumor tissues, especially in malignant glioma. Exogenous overexpression of miR-200c inhibited the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells. In addition, the in vivo mouse xenograft model showed that miR-200c inhibited glioma growth and liver metastasis, which is mainly regulated by targeting moesin (MSN). We demonstrated that the expression of MSN in glioma specimens were negatively correlated with miR-200c expression, and MSN overexpression rescued the phenotype about cell proliferation and invasion induced by miR-200c. Moreover, knockdown of MSN was able to mimic the effects induced by miR-200c in glioma cells. These results indicate that miR-200c plays an important role in the regulation of glioma through targeting MSN. PMID:28529643

  6. Bag-1 and Bcl-2 gene transfer in malignant glioma: modulation of cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Roth, W; Grimmel, C; Rieger, L; Strik, H; Takayama, S; Krajewski, S; Meyermann, R; Dichgans, J; Reed, J C; Weller, M

    2000-04-01

    Bag-1 is a heat shock 70 kDa (Hsp70)-binding protein that can collaborate with Bcl-2 in suppressing apoptosis under some conditions. Here, we report that 11 of 12 human glioma cell lines express Bag-1 protein in vitro. Moreover, 15 of 19 human glioblastomas expressed Bag-1 as assessed by immunohistochemistry in primary tumor specimens. To examine the biological effects of Bag-1 in glioma cells, we expressed Bag-1 or Bcl-2 transgenes in 2 human malignant glioma cell lines, LN-18 and LN-229. Bag-1 significantly slowed glioma cell growth and reduced clonogenicity of both cell lines in vitro. Coexpressed Bcl-2 abrogated these effects of Bag-1. Intracranial LN-229 glioma xenografts implanted into nude mice revealed a substantial growth advantage afforded by Bcl-2. Bag-1 had no such effect, either in the absence or presence of Bcl-2. Upon serum starvation in vitro, Bcl-2 prevented cell death whereas Bag-1 did not. Both Bcl-2 and Bag-1 slowed proliferation of serum-starved cells when expressed alone. Importantly, coexpression of Bcl-2 and Bag-1 provided a distinct growth advantage under conditions of serum starvation that is probably the result of (i) the death-preventing activity of Bcl-2 and (ii) the property of Bag-1 to overcome a Bcl-2-mediated enhancement of exit from the cell cycle. In contrast to these Bcl-2/Bag-1 interactions observed under serum starvation conditions, Bag-1 did not further enhance the strong protection from staurosporine-, CD95 (Fas/Apo1) ligand-, Apo2 ligand (TRAIL)- or chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis afforded by Bcl-2. Taken together, these results indicate a role for Bag-1/Bcl-2 interactions in providing a survival advantage to cancer cells in a deprived microenvironment that may be characteristic of ischemic/hypoxic tumors such as human glioblastoma multiforme, and suggest that Bcl-2/Bag-1 interactions also modulate cell proliferation.

  7. Armodafinil in Reducing Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With High Grade Glioma | Division of Cancer Prevention

    Cancer.gov

    This randomized phase III trial studies armodafinil to see how well it works in reducing cancer-related fatigue in patients with high grade glioma. Armodafinil may help relieve fatigue in patients with high grade glioma. |

  8. The Ubiquitin Ligase COP1 Promotes Glioma Cell Proliferation by Preferentially Downregulating Tumor Suppressor p53.

    PubMed

    Zou, Shenshan; Zhu, Yufu; Wang, Bin; Qian, Fengyuan; Zhang, Xiang; Wang, Lei; Fu, Chunling; Bao, Hanmo; Xie, Manyi; Gao, Shangfeng; Yu, Rutong; Shi, Hengliang

    2017-09-01

    Human glioma causes substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma progression are still largely unknown. COP1 (constitutively photomorphogenic 1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is important in cell survival, development, cell growth, and cancer biology by regulating different substrates. As is well known, both tumor suppressor p53 and oncogenic protein c-JUN could be ubiquitinated and degraded by ubiquitin ligase COP1, which may be the reason that COP1 serves as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in different cancer types. Up to now, the possible role of COP1 in human glioma is still unclear. In the present study, we found that the expression of COP1 was upregulated in human glioma tissues. The role of COP1 in glioma cell proliferation was investigated using COP1 loss- and gain-of-function. The results showed that downregulation of COP1 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) inhibited glioma cell proliferation, while overexpression of COP1 significantly promoted it. Furthermore, we demonstrated that COP1 only interacted with and regulated p53, but not c-JUN. Taken together, these results indicate that COP1 may play a role in promoting glioma cell proliferation by interacting with and downregulating tumor suppressor p53 rather than oncogenic protein c-JUN.

  9. CPEB1 modulates differentiation of glioma stem cells via downregulation of HES1 and SIRT1 expression

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Jeong Eun; Park, Ju Young; Kim, Tae-Hoon; Kim, Youn-Jae; Lee, Seung-Hoon; Yoo, Heon; Kim, Jong Heon; Park, Jong Bae

    2014-01-01

    Glioma stemness has been recognized as the most important reason for glioma relapse and drug resistance. Differentiation of glioma stem cells (GSCs) has been implicated as a novel approach to target recurrent glioma. However, the detailed molecular mechanism involved in the differentiation of GSCs has not yet been elucidated. This study identified CPEB1 as the key modulator that induces the differentiation of GSCs at the post-transcriptional level. Gain and loss of function experiments showed that CPEB1 expression reduced sphere formation ability and the expression of stemness markers such as Nestin and Notch. To elucidate the detailed molecular mechanism underlying the action of CPEB1, we investigated the interacting ribonome of the CPEB1 complex using a Ribonomics approach. CPEB1 specifically suppressed the translation of HES1 and SIRT1 by interacting with a cytoplasmic polyadenylation element. The expression profile of CPEB1 negatively correlated with overall survival in glioma patients. Overexpression of CPEB1 decreased the number of GSCs in an orthotopically implanted glioma animal model. These results suggest that CPEB1-mediated translational control is essential for the differentiation of GSCs and provides novel therapeutic concepts for differentiation therapy. PMID:25216517

  10. MicroRNAs let-7b/i suppress human glioma cell invasion and migration by targeting IKBKE directly

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tian, Yuan; Hao, Shaobo; Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin 300052

    We demonstrated that IKBKE is overexpressed in human gliomas and that the downregulation of IKBKE markedly inhibits the proliferative and invasive abilities of glioma cells, which is consistent with the results reported by several different research groups. Therefore, IKBKE represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma. In the present study, we verified that the microRNAs let-7b and let-7i target IKBKE through luciferase assays and found that let-7b/i mimics can knock down IKBKE and upregulate E-cadherin through western blot analysis. Moreover, the expression levels of let-7b/i were significantly lower in glioma cell lines than that in normal brainmore » tissues, as determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, let-7b/i inhibit the invasion and migration of glioma cells, as determined through wound healing and Transwell assays. The above-mentioned data suggest that let-7b/i inhibit the invasive ability of glioma cells by directly downregulating IKBKE and indirectly upregulating E-cadherin. - Highlights: • Let-7b and let-7i are downregulated in glioma cell lines. • IKBKE is a target gene of let-7b/i. • Let-7b/i inhibit the invasion and migration of glioma cells. • Let-7b/i upregulate E-cadherin by downregulating IKBKE.« less

  11. Metabolic Remodeling Precedes Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeabilization in Human Glioma Xenograft Cells

    PubMed Central

    Ponnala, Shivani; Chetty, Chandramu; Veeravalli, Krishna Kumar; Dinh, Dzung H.; Klopfenstein, Jeffrey D.; Rao, Jasti S.

    2011-01-01

    Glioma cancer cells adapt to changing microenvironment and shift from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis for their metabolic needs irrespective of oxygen availability. In the present study, we show that silencing MMP-9 in combination with uPAR/cathepsin B switch glioma cells glycolytic metabolism to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to predispose glioma cells to mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. shRNA for MMP-9 and uPAR (pMU) as well as shRNA for MMP-9 and cathepsin B (pMC) activated complexes of mitochondria involved in OXPHOS and inhibited glycolytic hexokinase expression. The decreased interaction of hexokinase 2 with mitochondria in the treated cells indicated the inhibition of glycolysis activation. Overexpression of Akt reversed the pMU- and pMC-mediated glycolysis to OXPHOS switch. OXPHOS un-coupler oligomycin A altered the expression levels of the Bcl-2 family of proteins; treatment with pMU or pMC reversed this effect and induced mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. In addition, our results show changes in mitochondrial pore transition to release cytochrome c due to change in the VDAC-Bcl-XL and BAX-BAK interaction with pMU and pMC treatments. Taken together, our results suggest that pMU and pMC treatments switch glioma cells from glycolytic to OXPHOS pathway through an inhibitory effect on Akt, ROS induction, and an increase of cytosolic cytochrome c accumulation. These results demonstrate the potential of pMU and pMC as therapeutic candidates for treatment of glioma. PMID:22076676

  12. Metabolic remodeling precedes mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization in human glioma xenograft cells.

    PubMed

    Ponnala, Shivani; Chetty, Chandramu; Veeravalli, Krishna Kumar; Dinh, Dzung H; Klopfenstein, Jeffrey D; Rao, Jasti S

    2012-02-01

    Glioma cancer cells adapt to changing microenvironment and shift from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis for their metabolic needs irrespective of oxygen availability. In the present study, we show that silencing MMP-9 in combination with uPAR/cathepsin B switch the glycolytic metabolism of glioma cells to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to predispose glioma cells to mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. shRNA for MMP-9 and uPAR (pMU) as well as shRNA for MMP-9 and cathepsin B (pMC) activated complexes of mitochondria involved in OXPHOS and inhibited glycolytic hexokinase expression. The decreased interaction of hexokinase 2 with mitochondria in the treated cells indicated the inhibition of glycolysis activation. Overexpression of Akt reversed the pMU- and pMC-mediated OXPHOS to glycolysis switch. The OXPHOS un-coupler oligomycin A altered the expression levels of the Bcl-2 family of proteins; treatment with pMU or pMC reversed this effect and induced mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. In addition, our results show changes in mitochondrial pore transition to release cytochrome c due to changes in the VDAC-Bcl-XL and BAX-BAK interaction with pMU and pMC treatments. Taken together, our results suggest that pMU and pMC treatments switch glioma cells from the glycolytic to the OXPHOS pathway through an inhibitory effect on Akt, ROS induction and an increase of cytosolic cytochrome c accumulation. These results demonstrate the potential of pMU and pMC as therapeutic candidates for the treatment of glioma.

  13. Cyclic hexapeptide-conjugated nanoparticles enhance curcumin delivery to glioma tumor cells and tissue.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xuemei; Li, Xuejuan; Hua, Hongchen; Wang, Aiping; Liu, Wanhui; Li, Youxin; Fu, Fenghua; Shi, Yanan; Sun, Kaoxiang

    2017-01-01

    Glioma has one of the highest mortality rates among primary brain tumors. The clinical treatment for glioma is very difficult due to its infiltration and specific growth locations. To achieve improved drug delivery to a brain tumor, we report the preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-NPs). The cyclic hexapeptide c(RGDf(N-me) VK)-C (cHP) has increased affinity for cells that overexpress integrins and was designed to target Cur-NPs to tumors. Functional polyethyleneglycol-modified poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PEG-PLGA) conjugated to cHP was synthesized, and targeted Cur-NPs were prepared using a self-assembly nanoprecipitation process. The physicochemical properties and the in vitro cytotoxicity, accuracy, and penetration capabilities of Cur-NPs targeting cells with high levels of integrin expression were investigated. The in vivo targeting and penetration capabilities of the NPs were also evaluated against glioma in rats using in vivo imaging equipment. The results showed that the in vitro cytotoxicity of the targeted cHP-modified curcumin nanoparticles (cHP/Cur-NPs) was higher than that of either free curcumin or non-targeted Cur-NPs due to the superior ability of the cHP/Cur-NPs to target tumor cells. The targeted cHP/Cur-NPs, c(RGDf(N-me)VK)-C-modified Cur-NPs, exhibited improved binding, uptake, and penetration abilities than non-targeting NPs for glioma cells, cell spheres, and glioma tissue. In conclusion, c(RGDf(N-me)VK)-C can serve as an effective targeting ligand, and cHP/Cur-NPs can be exploited as a potential drug delivery system for targeting gliomas.

  14. Cyclic hexapeptide-conjugated nanoparticles enhance curcumin delivery to glioma tumor cells and tissue

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Xuemei; Li, Xuejuan; Hua, Hongchen; Wang, Aiping; Liu, Wanhui; Li, Youxin; Fu, Fenghua; Shi, Yanan; Sun, Kaoxiang

    2017-01-01

    Glioma has one of the highest mortality rates among primary brain tumors. The clinical treatment for glioma is very difficult due to its infiltration and specific growth locations. To achieve improved drug delivery to a brain tumor, we report the preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-NPs). The cyclic hexapeptide c(RGDf(N-me) VK)-C (cHP) has increased affinity for cells that overexpress integrins and was designed to target Cur-NPs to tumors. Functional polyethyleneglycol-modified poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PEG-PLGA) conjugated to cHP was synthesized, and targeted Cur-NPs were prepared using a self-assembly nanoprecipitation process. The physicochemical properties and the in vitro cytotoxicity, accuracy, and penetration capabilities of Cur-NPs targeting cells with high levels of integrin expression were investigated. The in vivo targeting and penetration capabilities of the NPs were also evaluated against glioma in rats using in vivo imaging equipment. The results showed that the in vitro cytotoxicity of the targeted cHP-modified curcumin nanoparticles (cHP/Cur-NPs) was higher than that of either free curcumin or non-targeted Cur-NPs due to the superior ability of the cHP/Cur-NPs to target tumor cells. The targeted cHP/Cur-NPs, c(RGDf(N-me)VK)-C-modified Cur-NPs, exhibited improved binding, uptake, and penetration abilities than non-targeting NPs for glioma cells, cell spheres, and glioma tissue. In conclusion, c(RGDf(N-me)VK)-C can serve as an effective targeting ligand, and cHP/Cur-NPs can be exploited as a potential drug delivery system for targeting gliomas. PMID:28848349

  15. Increasing the efficacy of antitumor glioma vaccines by photodynamic therapy and local injection of allogeneic glioma cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Christie, Catherine E.; Peng, Qian; Madsen, Steen J.; Uzal, Francisco A.; Hirschberg, Henry

    2016-03-01

    Immunotherapy of brain tumors involves the stimulation of an antitumor immune response. This type of therapy can be targeted specifically to tumor cells thus sparing surrounding normal brain. Due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier, the brain is relatively isolated from the systemic circulation and, as such, the initiation of significant immune responses is more limited than other types of cancers. The purpose of this study was to show that the efficacy of tumor primed antigen presenting macrophage vaccines could be increased by: (1) PDT of the priming tumor cells, and (2) injection of allogeneic glioma cells directly into brain tumors. Experiments were conducted in an in vivo brain tumor model using Fisher rats and BT4C (allogeneic) and F98 (syngeneic) glioma cells. Preliminary results showed that vaccination alone had significantly less inhibitory effect on F98 tumor growth compared to the combination of vaccination and allogeneic cell (BT4C) injection.

  16. Combating immunosuppression in glioma

    PubMed Central

    Vega, Eleanor A; Graner, Michael W; Sampson, John H

    2012-01-01

    Despite maximal therapy, malignant gliomas have a very poor prognosis. Patients with glioma express significant immune defects, including CD4 lymphopenia, increased fractions of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood and shifts in cytokine profiles from Th1 to Th2. Recent studies have focused on ways to combat immunosuppression in patients with glioma as well as in animal models for glioma. We concentrate on two specific ways to combat immunosuppression: inhibition of TGF-β signaling and modulation of regulatory T cells. TGF-β signaling can be interrupted by antisense oligonucleotide technology, TGF-β receptor I kinase inhibitors, soluble TGF-β receptors and antibodies against TGF-β. Regulatory T cells have been targeted with antibodies against T-cell markers, such as CD25, CTLA-4 and GITR. In addition, vaccination against Foxp3 has been explored. The results of these studies have been encouraging; combating immunosuppression may be one key to improving prognosis in malignant glioma. PMID:18518768

  17. Therapeutic Strategy for Targeting Aggressive Malignant Gliomas by Disrupting Their Energy Balance.

    PubMed

    Hegazy, Ahmed M; Yamada, Daisuke; Kobayashi, Masahiko; Kohno, Susumu; Ueno, Masaya; Ali, Mohamed A E; Ohta, Kumiko; Tadokoro, Yuko; Ino, Yasushi; Todo, Tomoki; Soga, Tomoyoshi; Takahashi, Chiaki; Hirao, Atsushi

    2016-10-07

    Although abnormal metabolic regulation is a critical determinant of cancer cell behavior, it is still unclear how an altered balance between ATP production and consumption contributes to malignancy. Here we show that disruption of this energy balance efficiently suppresses aggressive malignant gliomas driven by mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) hyperactivation. In a mouse glioma model, mTORC1 hyperactivation induced by conditional Tsc1 deletion increased numbers of glioma-initiating cells (GICs) in vitro and in vivo Metabolic analysis revealed that mTORC1 hyperactivation enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, as evidenced by elevations in oxygen consumption rate and ATP production. Inhibition of mitochondrial ATP synthetase was more effective in repressing sphere formation by Tsc1-deficient glioma cells than that by Tsc1-competent glioma cells, indicating a crucial function for mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity in GIC expansion. To translate this observation into the development of novel therapeutics targeting malignant gliomas, we screened drug libraries for small molecule compounds showing greater efficacy in inhibiting the proliferation/survival of Tsc1-deficient cells compared with controls. We identified several compounds able to preferentially inhibit mitochondrial activity, dramatically reducing ATP levels and blocking glioma sphere formation. In human patient-derived glioma cells, nigericin, which reportedly suppresses cancer stem cell properties, induced AMPK phosphorylation that was associated with mTORC1 inactivation and induction of autophagy and led to a marked decrease in sphere formation with loss of GIC marker expression. Furthermore, malignant characteristics of human glioma cells were markedly suppressed by nigericin treatment in vivo Thus, targeting mTORC1-driven processes, particularly those involved in maintaining a cancer cell's energy balance, may be an effective therapeutic strategy for glioma patients. © 2016 by The American

  18. Nitrosoureas inhibit the stathmin-mediated migration and invasion of malignant glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Liang, Xing-Jie; Choi, Yong; Sackett, Dan L; Park, John K

    2008-07-01

    Malignant gliomas are the most common primary intrinsic brain tumors and are highly lethal. The widespread migration and invasion of neoplastic cells from the initial site of tumor formation into the surrounding brain render these lesions refractory to definitive surgical treatment. Stathmin, a microtubule-destabilizing protein that mediates cell cycle progression, can also regulate directed cell movement. Nitrosoureas, traditionally viewed as DNA alkylating agents, can also covalently modify proteins such as stathmin. We therefore sought to establish a role for stathmin in malignant glioma cell motility, migration, and invasion and determine the effects of nitrosoureas on these cell movement-related processes. Scratch wound-healing recovery, Boyden chamber migration, Matrigel invasion, and organotypic slice invasion assays were performed before and after the down-regulation of cellular stathmin levels and in the absence and presence of sublethal nitrosourea ([1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-l-nitrosourea]; CCNU) concentrations. We show that decreases in stathmin expression lead to significant decreases in malignant glioma cell motility, migration, and invasion. CCNU, at a concentration of 10 micromol/L, causes similar significant decreases, even in the absence of any effects on cell viability. The direct inhibition of stathmin by CCNU is likely a contributing factor. These findings suggest that the inhibition of stathmin expression and function may be useful in limiting the spread of malignant gliomas within the brain, and that nitrosoureas may have therapeutic benefits in addition to their antiproliferative effects.

  19. Nitrosoureas Inhibit the Stathmin Mediated Migration and Invasion of Malignant Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Liang, Xing-Jie; Choi, Yong; Sackett, Dan L.; Park, John K.

    2008-01-01

    Malignant gliomas are the most common primary intrinsic brain tumors and are highly lethal. The widespread migration and invasion of neoplastic cells from the initial site of tumor formation into the surrounding brain render these lesions refractory to definitive surgical treatment. Stathmin, a microtubule destabilizing protein that mediates cell cycle progression, can also regulate directed cell movement. Nitrosoureas, traditionally viewed as DNA alkylating agents, can also covalently modify proteins such as stathmin. We therefore sought to establish a role for stathmin in malignant glioma cell motility, migration, and invasion and determine the effects of nitrosoureas on these cell movement related processes. Scratch-wound healing recovery, Boyden chamber migration, Matrigel invasion, and organotypic slice invasion assays were performed before and after the down regulation of cellular stathmin levels and in the absence and presence of sub-lethal nitrosourea (CCNU; [1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-l-nitrosourea]) concentrations. We demonstrate that decreases in stathmin expression lead to significant decreases in malignant glioma cell motility, migration, and invasion. CCNU, at a concentration of 10 μM, causes similar significant decreases, even in the absence of any effects on cell viability. The direct inhibition of stathmin by CCNU is likely a contributing factor. These findings suggest that the inhibition of stathmin expression and function may be useful in limiting the spread of malignant gliomas within the brain and that nitrosoureas may have therapeutic benefits in addition to their anti-proliferative effects. PMID:18593927

  20. Saw Palmetto Extract Inhibits Metastasis and Antiangiogenesis through STAT3 Signal Pathway in Glioma Cell

    PubMed Central

    Ding, Hong; Shen, Jinglian; Yang, Yang; Che, Yuqin

    2015-01-01

    Signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) plays an important role in the proliferation and angiogenesis in human glioma. Previous research indicated that saw palmetto extract markedly inhibited the proliferation of human glioma cells through STAT3 signal pathway. But its effect on tumor metastasis and antiangiogenesis is not clear. This study is to further clear the impact of saw palmetto extract on glioma cell metastasis, antiangiogenesis, and its mechanism. TUNEL assay indicated that the apoptotic cells in the saw palmetto treated group are higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The apoptosis related protein is detected and the results revealed that saw palmetto extract inhibits the proliferation of human glioma. Meanwhile pSTAT3 is lower in the experimental group and CD34 is also inhibited in the saw palmetto treated group. This means that saw palmetto extract could inhibit the angiogenesis in glioma. We found that saw palmetto extract was an important phytotherapeutic drug against the human glioma through STAT3 signal pathway. Saw palmetto extract may be useful as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for treatment of individuals with glioma and other types of cancer in which STAT3 signaling is activated. PMID:26788112

  1. Saw Palmetto Extract Inhibits Metastasis and Antiangiogenesis through STAT3 Signal Pathway in Glioma Cell.

    PubMed

    Ding, Hong; Shen, Jinglian; Yang, Yang; Che, Yuqin

    2015-01-01

    Signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) plays an important role in the proliferation and angiogenesis in human glioma. Previous research indicated that saw palmetto extract markedly inhibited the proliferation of human glioma cells through STAT3 signal pathway. But its effect on tumor metastasis and antiangiogenesis is not clear. This study is to further clear the impact of saw palmetto extract on glioma cell metastasis, antiangiogenesis, and its mechanism. TUNEL assay indicated that the apoptotic cells in the saw palmetto treated group are higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The apoptosis related protein is detected and the results revealed that saw palmetto extract inhibits the proliferation of human glioma. Meanwhile pSTAT3 is lower in the experimental group and CD34 is also inhibited in the saw palmetto treated group. This means that saw palmetto extract could inhibit the angiogenesis in glioma. We found that saw palmetto extract was an important phytotherapeutic drug against the human glioma through STAT3 signal pathway. Saw palmetto extract may be useful as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for treatment of individuals with glioma and other types of cancer in which STAT3 signaling is activated.

  2. SIRT6 suppresses glioma cell growth via induction of apoptosis, inhibition of oxidative stress and suppression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.

    PubMed

    Feng, Jun; Yan, Peng-Fei; Zhao, Hong-Yang; Zhang, Fang-Cheng; Zhao, Wo-Hua; Feng, Min

    2016-03-01

    Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is a member of the mammalian NAD+‑dependent deacetylase sirtuin family that acts to maintain genomic stability and to repress genes. SIRT6 has recently been reported to be a tumor suppressor that controls cancer metabolism, although this effect of SIRT6 is still in dispute. Moreover, the role of SIRT6 in glioma is largely unknown. In the present study, we found that overexpression of SIRT6 using an adenovirus inhibited glioma cell growth and induced marked cell injury in two glioma cell lines (U87‑MG and T98G). Fluorescent terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‑mediated biotin‑16‑dUTP nick‑end labelling (TUNEL) assay showed that SIRT6 overexpression induced obvious apoptosis in the T98G glioma cells. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that SIRT6 overexpression promoted the mitochondrial-to‑nuclear translocation of apoptosis‑inducing factor (AIF), a potent apoptosis inducer. Moreover, we found that SIRT6 overexpression largely reduced oxidative stress and suppressed the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in glioma cells. Finally, we showed that SIRT6 mRNA and protein levels in human glioblastoma multiforme tissues were significantly lower than the levels in peritumor tissues. In summary, our data suggest that SIRT6 suppresses glioma cell growth via induction of apoptosis, inhibition of oxidative stress and inhibition of the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. These results indicate that SIRT6 may be a promising therapeutic target for glioma treatment.

  3. Up-regulation of plakophilin-2 is correlated with the progression of glioma.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Degeng; Qian, Yuxia; Liu, Xiaoxing; Yu, Hong; Zhao, Niangao; Wu, Zhengdong

    2017-06-01

    Glioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor in the CNS. Due to its poor prognosis and high mortality rates, it is urgent to find out more effective therapies. Plakophilin-2 (PKP2) is a widespread desmosomal plaque protein. Recently, the important roles of PKP2 in the proliferation and migration of cancer cells and tumor progression has been shown. However, the expression and potential function of PKP2 in glioma was still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that PKP2 protein expression level was increased in glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues, and its level was significantly associated with the Ki-67 expression and WHO grade by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Clinically, high PKP2 expression was tightly related to poor prognosis of glioma patients. Interestingly, we found that down-regulated PKP2 expression was shown to inhibit the migration of cells in glioma. Moreover, cell counting kit (CCK)-8 and colony formation analyses proved that reduced expression of PKP2 could weaken glioma cell proliferation. Taken together, these data uncover a potential role for PKP2 in the pathogenic process of glioma, suggesting that PKP2 may be a promising therapeutic target of glioma. © 2017 Japanese Society of Neuropathology.

  4. [Establishment of a new human glioma cell line and analysis of its biological characteristics].

    PubMed

    Chen, Guilin; Li, Yanyan; Xie, Xueshun; Chen, Jinming; Wu, Tingfeng; Li, Xuetao; Wang, Hangzhou; Zhou, Youxin; Du, Ziwei

    2015-02-01

    To establish a new glioma cell line and analyze its biological characteristics, and to provide a useful cellular tool with new features for cancer research. Glioma tissue was taken from surgical specimen clinical of a clinical patient. Primary culture was carried out, and a cell line (SHG139) was established after 10 passages. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of proteins, and cell proliferation and cycle were detected by flow cytometry method (FCM). The biological characteristics of SHG139 cells were detected by chromosome karyotype analysis. SHG139s glioma cells derived from SHG139 glioma cell line were cultured with neural stem cell medium. Then stem cell markers were determined. SHG139s cells were induced with serum-containing medium, and their expression of A2B5, GFAP, β-III tubulin, and GalC was detected. Intracranial xenograft tumor of both SHG139 glioma cells and SHG139s glioma stem cell spheres was generated in rats. The expressions of A2B5, GalC, GFAP, S-100, and vimentin in the 20 and 60 passages of SHG139 cells were positive, consistent with the immunohistochemical results and pathological features. SHG139 cells proliferated significantly within 24 h after subculture, and their total number of chromosomes was 68 and mostly multiploid. They were positive for A2B5 (84.12±9.96)%, nestin (73.86±5.01)%, and NG2 (73.37±2.09)%. SHG139s cells were induced, and the ratio of positive cells of GFAP, β-III tubulin and GalC was (92.89±2.24)%, (64.85±4.09)% and (33.57±4.14)%, respectively. SHG139 is an astroglioma cell line, from which SHG139s cells can be successfully obtained by culture with NSCM. SHG139s cells are of A2B5(+)/CD133(-) GSCs subgroup cells, with potentials of self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation. Compared with the intracranial SHG139 xenograft tumor, the intracranial SHG139s xenograft tumor is more malignant and aggressive.

  5. L1 stimulation of human glioma cell motility correlates with FAK activation

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Muhua; Li, Yupei; Chilukuri, Kalyani; Brady, Owen A.; Boulos, Magdy I.; Kappes, John C.

    2011-01-01

    The neural adhesion/recognition protein L1 (L1CAM; CD171) has been shown or implicated to function in stimulation of cell motility in several cancer types, including high-grade gliomas. Our previous work demonstrated the expression and function of L1 protein in stimulation of cell motility in rat glioma cells. However, the mechanism of this stimulation is still unclear. This study further investigated the function of L1 and L1 proteolysis in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell migration and invasion, as well as the mechanism of this stimulation. L1 mRNA was found to be present in human T98G GBM cell line but not in U-118 MG grade III human glioma cell line. L1 protein expression, proteolysis, and release were found in T98G cells and human surgical GBM cells by Western blotting. Exosome-like vesicles released by T98G cells were purified and contained full-length L1. In a scratch assay, T98G cells that migrated into the denuded scratch area exhibited upregulation of ADAM10 protease expression coincident with loss of surface L1. GBM surgical specimen cells exhibited a similar loss of cell surface L1 when xenografted into the chick embryo brain. When lentivirally introduced shRNA was used to attenuate L1 expression, such T98G/shL1 cells exhibited significantly decreased cell motility by time lapse microscopy in our quantitative Super Scratch assay. These cells also showed a decrease in FAK activity and exhibited increased focal complexes. L1 binding integrins which activate FAK were found in T98G and U-118 MG cells. Addition of L1 ectodomain-containing media (1) rescued the decreased cell motility of T98G/shL1 cells and (2) increased cell motility of U-118 MG cells but (3) did not further increase T98G cell motility. Injection of L1-attenuated T98G/shL1 cells into embryonic chick brains resulted in the absence of detectable invasion compared to control cells which invaded brain tissue. These studies support a mechanism where glioma cells at the edge of a cell mass

  6. L1 stimulation of human glioma cell motility correlates with FAK activation.

    PubMed

    Yang, Muhua; Li, Yupei; Chilukuri, Kalyani; Brady, Owen A; Boulos, Magdy I; Kappes, John C; Galileo, Deni S

    2011-10-01

    The neural adhesion/recognition protein L1 (L1CAM; CD171) has been shown or implicated to function in stimulation of cell motility in several cancer types, including high-grade gliomas. Our previous work demonstrated the expression and function of L1 protein in stimulation of cell motility in rat glioma cells. However, the mechanism of this stimulation is still unclear. This study further investigated the function of L1 and L1 proteolysis in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell migration and invasion, as well as the mechanism of this stimulation. L1 mRNA was found to be present in human T98G GBM cell line but not in U-118 MG grade III human glioma cell line. L1 protein expression, proteolysis, and release were found in T98G cells and human surgical GBM cells by Western blotting. Exosome-like vesicles released by T98G cells were purified and contained full-length L1. In a scratch assay, T98G cells that migrated into the denuded scratch area exhibited upregulation of ADAM10 protease expression coincident with loss of surface L1. GBM surgical specimen cells exhibited a similar loss of cell surface L1 when xenografted into the chick embryo brain. When lentivirally introduced shRNA was used to attenuate L1 expression, such T98G/shL1 cells exhibited significantly decreased cell motility by time lapse microscopy in our quantitative Super Scratch assay. These cells also showed a decrease in FAK activity and exhibited increased focal complexes. L1 binding integrins which activate FAK were found in T98G and U-118 MG cells. Addition of L1 ectodomain-containing media (1) rescued the decreased cell motility of T98G/shL1 cells and (2) increased cell motility of U-118 MG cells but (3) did not further increase T98G cell motility. Injection of L1-attenuated T98G/shL1 cells into embryonic chick brains resulted in the absence of detectable invasion compared to control cells which invaded brain tissue. These studies support a mechanism where glioma cells at the edge of a cell mass

  7. Induction of anti-glioma NK cell response following multiple low-dose intracerebral CpG therapy

    PubMed Central

    Alizadeh, Darya; Zhang, Leying; Brown, Christine E.; Farrukh, Omar; Jensen, Michael C.; Badie, Behnam

    2010-01-01

    Purpose Stimulation of toll-like receptor-9 (TLR9) by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) has been shown to counteract the immunosuppressive microenvironment and to inhibit tumor growth in glioma models. These studies, however, have used high doses of CpG-ODN which can induce toxicity in a clinical setting. The goal of this study was to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of multiple low-dose intratumoral CpG- ODN in a glioma model. Experimental Design Mice bearing four-day old intracranial GL261 gliomas received a single or multiple (two or four) intratumoral injections of CpG-ODN (3 μg) every 4 days. Tumor growth was measured by bioluminescent imaging, brain histology, and animal survival. Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays were used to assess anti-glioma immune response. Results Two and four intracranial injections of low-dose CpG-ODN, but not a single injection, eradicated gliomas in 70% of mice. Moreover, surviving animals exhibited durable tumor free remission (> 3 months), and were protected from intracranial rechallenge with GL21 gliomas, demonstrating the capacity for long-term anti-tumor immunity. Although most inflammatory cells appeared to increase, activated NK cells (i.e. NK+CD107a+) were more frequent than CD8+CD107a+ in the brains of rechallenged CpG-ODN-treated animals and demonstrated a stronger in vitro cytotoxicity against GL261 target cells. Leukocyte depletion studies confirmed that NK cells played an important role in the initial CpG-ODN anti-tumor response, but both CD8 and NK cells were equally important in long-term immunity against gliomas. Conclusions These findings suggest that multiple low-dose intratumoral injections of CpG-ODN can eradicate intracranial gliomas possibly through mechanisms involving NK mediated effector function. PMID:20570924

  8. Centrosomal Protein of 55 Regulates Glucose Metabolism, Proliferation and Apoptosis of Glioma Cells via the Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Guangzhi; Liu, Mingna; Wang, Hongjun; Yu, Shan; Jiang, Zhenfeng; Sun, Jiahang; Han, Ke; Shen, Jia; Zhu, Minwei; Lin, Zhiguo; Jiang, Chuanlu; Guo, Mian

    2016-01-01

    Introduction: Glioma is one of the most common and most aggressive brain tumors in humans. The molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the onset and the progression of glioma are elusive and controversial. Centrosomal protein of 55 (CEP55) was initially described as a highly coiled-coil protein that plays critical roles in cell division, but was recently identified as being overexpressed in many human cancers. The function of CEP55 has not previously been characterized in glioma. We aim to discover the effect and mechanism of CEP55 in glioma development. Method: qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze CEP55 expression. Glucose uptake, western blot, MTS, CCK-8, Caspase-3 activity and TUNEL staining assays were performed to investigate the role and mechanism of CEP55 on glioma cell process. Results: We found that the levels of CEP55 expression were upregulated in glioma. In addition, CEP55 appeared to regulate glucose metabolism of glioma cells. Furthermore, knockdown of CEP55 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in glioma. Finally, we provided preliminary evidence that knockdown of CEP55 inhibited glioma development via suppressing the activity of Akt/mTOR signaling. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that CEP55 regulates glucose metabolism, proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and its promotive effect on glioma tumorigenesis can be a potential target for glioma therapy in the future. PMID:27471559

  9. The antiproliferative effect of indomethacin-loaded lipid-core nanocapsules in glioma cells is mediated by cell cycle regulation, differentiation, and the inhibition of survival pathways

    PubMed Central

    Bernardi, Andressa; Frozza, Rudimar L; Hoppe, Juliana B; Salbego, Christianne; Pohlmann, Adriana R; Battastini, Ana Maria O; Guterres, Sílvia S

    2013-01-01

    Despite recent advances in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical techniques, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) prognosis remains dismal. There is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers for anticancer drug delivery have attracted intense interest in recent years because they can provide sustained, controlled, and targeted delivery. Here, we investigate the mechanisms involved in the antiproliferative effect of indomethacin-loaded lipid-core nanocapsules (IndOH-LNC) in glioma cells. IndOH-LNC were able to reduce cell viability by inducing apoptotic cell death in C6 and U138-MG glioma cell lines. Interestingly, IndOH-LNC did not affect the viability of primary astrocytes, suggesting that this formulation selectively targeted transformed cells. Mechanistically, IndOH-LNC induced inhibition of cell growth and cell-cycle arrest to be correlated with the inactivation of AKT and β-catenin and the activation of GSK-3β. IndOH-LNC also induced G0/G1 and/or G2/M phase arrest, which was accompanied by a decrease in the levels of cyclin D1, cyclin B1, pRb, and pcdc2 and an increase in the levels of Wee1 CDK inhibitor p21WAF1. Additionally, IndOH-LNC promoted GBM cell differentiation, observed as upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) protein and downregulation of nestin and CD133. Taken together, the crosstalk among antiproliferative effects, cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, and cell differentiation should be considered when tailoring pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing glioma growth by using formulations with multiples targets, such as IndOH-LNC. PMID:23440594

  10. Compression stiffening of brain and its effect on mechanosensing by glioma cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pogoda, Katarzyna; Chin, LiKang; Georges, Penelope C.; Byfield, FitzRoy J.; Bucki, Robert; Kim, Richard; Weaver, Michael; Wells, Rebecca G.; Marcinkiewicz, Cezary; Janmey, Paul A.

    2014-07-01

    Many cell types, including neurons, astrocytes and other cells of the central nervous system, respond to changes in the extracellular matrix or substrate viscoelasticity, and increased tissue stiffness is a hallmark of several disease states, including fibrosis and some types of cancers. Whether the malignant tissue in brain, an organ that lacks the protein-based filamentous extracellular matrix of other organs, exhibits the same macroscopic stiffening characteristic of breast, colon, pancreatic and other tumors is not known. In this study we show that glioma cells, like normal astrocytes, respond strongly in vitro to substrate stiffness in the range of 100 to 2000 Pa, but that macroscopic (mm to cm) tissue samples isolated from human glioma tumors have elastic moduli in the order of 200 Pa that are indistinguishable from those of normal brain. However, both normal brain and glioma tissues increase their shear elastic moduli under modest uniaxial compression, and glioma tissue stiffens more strongly under compression than normal brain. These findings suggest that local tissue stiffness has the potential to alter glial cell function, and that stiffness changes in brain tumors might arise not from increased deposition or crosslinking of the collagen-rich extracellular matrix, but from pressure gradients that form within the tumors in vivo.

  11. Hu antigen R (HuR) multimerization contributes to glioma disease progression.

    PubMed

    Filippova, Natalia; Yang, Xiuhua; Ananthan, Subramaniam; Sorochinsky, Anastasia; Hackney, James R; Gentry, Zachery; Bae, Sejong; King, Peter; Nabors, L Burt

    2017-10-13

    Among primary brain cancers, gliomas are the most deadly and most refractory to current treatment modalities. Previous reports overwhelmingly support the role of the RNA-binding protein Hu antigen R (HuR) as a positive regulator of glioma disease progression. HuR expression is consistently elevated in tumor tissues, and a cytoplasmic localization appears essential for HuR-dependent oncogenic transformation. Here, we report HuR aggregation (multimerization) in glioma and the analysis of this tumor-specific HuR protein multimerization in clinical brain tumor samples. Using a split luciferase assay, a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer technique, and site-directed mutagenesis, we examined the domains involved in HuR multimerization. Results obtained with the combination of the split HuR luciferase assay with the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer technique suggested that multiple (at least three) HuR molecules come together during HuR multimerization in glioma cells. Using these data, we developed a model of HuR multimerization in glioma cells. We also demonstrate that exposing glioma cells to the HuR inhibitor tanshinone group compound 15,16-dihydrotanshinone-I or to the newly identified compound 5 disrupts HuR multimerization modules and reduces tumor cell survival and proliferation. In summary, our findings provide new insights into HuR multimerization in glioma and highlight possible pharmacological approaches for targeting HuR domains involved in cancer cell-specific multimerization.

  12. Frequent Nek1 overexpression in human gliomas

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhu, Jun; Neurosurgery Department, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai; Cai, Yu, E-mail: aihaozuqiu22@163.com

    Never in mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinase 1 (Nek1) regulates cell cycle progression to mitosis. Its expression and potential functions in human gliomas have not been studied. Here, our immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay and Western blot assay results showed that Nek1 expression was significantly upregulated in fresh and paraffin-embedded human glioma tissues. Its level in normal brain tissues was low. Nek1 overexpression in human gliomas was correlated with the proliferation marker (Ki-67), tumor grade, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) and more importantly, patients’ poor survival. Further studies showed that Nek1 expression level was also increased in multiple human glioma cell lines (U251-MG, U87-MG,more » U118, H4 and U373). Significantly, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nek1 inhibited glioma cell (U87-MG/U251-MG) growth. Nek1 siRNA also sensitized U87-MG/U251-MG cells to temozolomide (TMZ), causing a profound apoptosis induction and growth inhibition. The current study indicates Nek1 might be a novel and valuable oncotarget of glioma, it is important for glioma cell growth and TMZ-resistance. - Highlights: • Nek1 is upregulated in multiple human glioma tissues and cell lines. • Nek1 overexpression correlates with glioma grades and patients’ KPS score. • Nek1 overexpression correlates with patients’ poor overall survival. • siRNA knockdown of Nek1 inhibits glioma cell growth. • siRNA knockdown of Nek1 sensitizes human glioma cells to temozolomide.« less

  13. Inhibition of the Rac1-WAVE2-Arp2/3 signaling pathway promotes radiosensitivity via downregulation of cofilin-1 in U251 human glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Tao; Wang, Chen-Han; Yan, Hua; Zhang, Rui; Zhao, Jin-Bing; Qian, Chun-Fa; Xiao, Hong; Liu, Hong-Yi

    2016-05-01

    The Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)-WASP-family verprolin-homologous protein-2 (WAVE2)-actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) signaling pathway has been identified to be involved in cell migration and invasion in various types of cancer cell. Cofilin‑1 (CFL‑1), which is regulated by the Rac1‑WAVE2‑Arp2/3 signaling pathway, may promote radioresistance in glioma. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential role of the Rac1‑WAVE2‑Arp2/3 signaling pathway in radioresistance in U251 human glioma cells and elucidate its affect on CFL‑1 expression. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the protein expression of CFL‑1. In the present study, Rac1 was inhibited by NSC 23766, WAVE2 was inhibited by transfection with short hairpin (sh)RNA‑WAVE2 using Lipofectamine™ 2000 and Arp2/3 was inhibited by CK‑666. Cell viability was measured using the 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)-2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, the cell migration ability was examined by a wound‑healing assay, and the cell invasion ability was assessed using a Transwell culture chamber system. The results showed that inhibition of the Rac1‑WAVE2‑Arp2/3 signaling pathway using NSC 23766, shRNA‑WAVE2 or CK‑666 reduced the cell viability, migration and invasion abilities in U251 human glioma cells, concordant with a reduced expression of CFL‑1. Furthermore, the expression of CFL‑1 was significantly increased in radioresistant U251 glioma cells when compared with normal U251 human glioma cells. These findings indicate that inhibition of the Rac1‑WAVE2‑Arp2/3 signaling pathway may promote radiosensitivity, which may partially result from the downregulation of CFL‑1 in U251 human glioma cells.

  14. The involvement of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in stem cell differentiation and in malignant glioma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kundu, Soumi; Xiong, Anqi; Forsberg-Nilsson, Karin

    2016-04-01

    Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans (HSPG) are major components of the extracellular matrix. They interact with a plethora of macromolecules that are of physiological importance. The pattern of sulfation of the HS chain determines the specificity of these interactions. The enzymes that synthesize and degrade HS are thus key regulators of processes ranging from embryonic development to tissue homeostasis and tumor development. Formation of the nervous system is also critically dependent on appropriate HSPGs as shown by several studies on the role of HS in neural induction from embryonic stem cells. High-grade glioma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor among adults, and the prognosis is poor. Neural and glioma stem cells share several traits, including sustained proliferation and highly efficient migration in the brain. There are also similarities between the neurogenic niche where adult neural stem cells reside and the tumorigenic niche, including their interactions with components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The levels of many of these components, for example HSPGs and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and modification of HS are attenuated in gliomas. In this paper, HS regulation of pathways involved in neural differentiation and how these may be of importance for brain development are discussed. The literature suggesting that modifications of HS could regulate glioma growth and invasion is reviewed. Targeting the invasiveness of glioma cells by modulating HS may improve upon present therapeutic options, which only marginally enhance the survival of glioma patients.

  15. Long noncoding RNA FTX is upregulated in gliomas and promotes proliferation and invasion of glioma cells by negatively regulating miR-342-3p.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Weiguang; Bi, Yunke; Li, Jianhua; Peng, Fei; Li, Hui; Li, Chenguang; Wang, Laizang; Ren, Fubin; Xie, Chen; Wang, Pengwei; Liang, Weiwei; Wang, Zhi; Zhu, Dan

    2017-04-01

    Gliomas remain a major public health challenge, posing a high risk for brain tumor-related morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanisms that drive the development of gliomas remain largely unknown. Emerging evidence has shown that long noncoding RNAs are key factors in glioma pathogenesis. qRT-PCR analysis was used to assess the expression of FTX and miR-342-3p in the different stages of gliomas in tissues. Bioinformatics tool DIANA and TargetSCan were used to predict the targets of FTX and miR-342-3p, respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to test the correlation between the expression levels of FTX, miR-342-3p, and astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1). To examine the role of FTX in regulating proliferation and invasion of glioma cells, specific siRNA was used to knockdown FTX, and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and transwell assays were performed. Furthermore, rescue experiments were performed to further confirm the regulation of miR-342-3p by FTX. We then found that the expression of FTX and miR-342-3p was associated with progression of gliomas. FTX directly inhibited the expression of miR-342-3p, which subsequently regulates the expression of AEG-1. Collectively, FTX is critical for proliferation and invasion of glioma cells by regulating miR-342-3p and AEG-1. Our findings indicate that FTX and miR-342-3p may serve as a biomarker of glioma diagnosis, and offer potential novel therapeutic targets of treatment of gliomas.

  16. MicroRNA-105 inhibits human glioma cell malignancy by directly targeting SUZ12.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jie; Wu, Weining; Xu, Shuo; Zhang, Jian; Zhang, Jiale; Yu, Qun; Jiao, Yuanyuan; Wang, Yingyi; Lu, Ailin; You, Yongping; Zhang, Junxia; Lu, Xiaoming

    2017-06-01

    Glioma accounts for the majority of primary malignant brain tumors in adults and is highly aggressive. Although various therapeutic approaches have been applied, outcomes of glioma treatment remain poor. MicroRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs that function as regulators of gene expression. Accumulating evidence shows that microRNAs are associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression. In this study, we found that miR-105 is significantly downregulated in glioma tissues and glioma cell lines. We identified suppressor of Zeste 12 homolog as a novel direct target of miR-105 and showed that suppressor of Zeste 12 homolog protein levels were inversely correlated with the levels of miR-105 expression in clinical specimens. Overexpression of miR-105 inhibited cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, migration, invasion, and drug sensitivity, whereas overexpression of suppressor of Zeste 12 homolog antagonized the tumor-suppressive functions of miR-105. Taken together, our results indicate that miR-105 plays a significant role in tumor behavior and malignant progression, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of glioma and other cancers.

  17. Diversity and divergence of the glioma-infiltrating T-cell receptor repertoire

    PubMed Central

    Sims, Jennifer S.; Grinshpun, Boris; Feng, Yaping; Ung, Timothy H.; Neira, Justin A.; Samanamud, Jorge L.; Canoll, Peter; Shen, Yufeng; Sims, Peter A.; Bruce, Jeffrey N.

    2016-01-01

    Although immune signaling has emerged as a defining feature of the glioma microenvironment, how the underlying structure of the glioma-infiltrating T-cell population differs from that of the blood from which it originates has been difficult to measure directly in patients. High-throughput sequencing of T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires (TCRseq) provides a population-wide statistical description of how T cells respond to disease. We have defined immunophenotypes of whole repertoires based on TCRseq of the α- and β-chains from glioma tissue, nonneoplastic brain tissue, and peripheral blood from patients. Using information theory, we partitioned the diversity of these TCR repertoires into that from the distribution of VJ cassette combinations and diversity due to VJ-independent factors, such as selection due to antigen binding. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) possessed higher VJ-independent diversity than nonneoplastic tissue, stratifying patients according to tumor grade. We found that the VJ-independent components of tumor-associated repertoires diverge more from their corresponding peripheral repertoires than T-cell populations in nonneoplastic brain tissue, particularly for low-grade gliomas. Finally, we identified a “signature” set of TCRs whose use in peripheral blood is associated with patients exhibiting low TIL divergence and is depleted in patients with highly divergent TIL repertoires. This signature is detectable in peripheral blood, and therefore accessible noninvasively. We anticipate that these immunophenotypes will be foundational to monitoring and predicting response to antiglioma vaccines and immunotherapy. PMID:27261081

  18. Roles of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors in malignant behavior of glioma cells. Differential effects of S1P{sub 2} on cell migration and invasiveness

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Young, Nicholas; Van Brocklyn, James R.

    2007-05-01

    Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that signals through a family of five G-protein-coupled receptors, termed S1P{sub 1-5}. S1P stimulates growth and invasiveness of glioma cells, and high expression levels of the enzyme that forms S1P, sphingosine kinase-1, correlate with short survival of glioma patients. In this study we examined the mechanism of S1P stimulation of glioma cell proliferation and invasion by either overexpressing or knocking down, by RNA interference, S1P receptor expression in glioma cell lines. S1P{sub 1}, S1P{sub 2} and S1P{sub 3} all contribute positively to S1P-stimulated glioma cell proliferation, with S1P{sub 1} being the major contributor. Stimulationmore » of glioma cell proliferation by these receptors correlated with activation of ERK MAP kinase. S1P{sub 5} blocks glioma cell proliferation, and inhibits ERK activation. S1P{sub 1} and S1P{sub 3} enhance glioma cell migration and invasion. S1P{sub 2} inhibits migration through Rho activation, Rho kinase signaling and stress fiber formation, but unexpectedly, enhances glioma cell invasiveness by stimulating cell adhesion. S1P{sub 2} also potently enhances expression of the matricellular protein CCN1/Cyr61, which has been implicated in tumor cell adhesion, and invasion as well as tumor angiogenesis. A neutralizing antibody to CCN1 blocked S1P{sub 2}-stimulated glioma invasion. Thus, while S1P{sub 2} decreases glioma cell motility, it may enhance invasion through induction of proteins that modulate glioma cell interaction with the extracellular matrix.« less

  19. ER-mitochondria contacts control surface glycan expression and sensitivity to killer lymphocytes in glioma stem-like cells.

    PubMed

    Bassoy, Esen Yonca; Kasahara, Atsuko; Chiusolo, Valentina; Jacquemin, Guillaume; Boydell, Emma; Zamorano, Sebastian; Riccadonna, Cristina; Pellegatta, Serena; Hulo, Nicolas; Dutoit, Valérie; Derouazi, Madiha; Dietrich, Pierre Yves; Walker, Paul R; Martinvalet, Denis

    2017-06-01

    Glioblastoma is a highly heterogeneous aggressive primary brain tumor, with the glioma stem-like cells (GSC) being more sensitive to cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated killing than glioma differentiated cells (GDC). However, the mechanism behind this higher sensitivity is unclear. Here, we found that the mitochondrial morphology of GSCs modulates the ER-mitochondria contacts that regulate the surface expression of sialylated glycans and their recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. GSCs displayed diminished ER-mitochondria contacts compared to GDCs. Forced ER-mitochondria contacts in GSCs increased their cell surface expression of sialylated glycans and reduced their susceptibility to cytotoxic lymphocytes. Therefore, mitochondrial morphology and dynamism dictate the ER-mitochondria contacts in order to regulate the surface expression of certain glycans and thus play a role in GSC recognition and elimination by immune effector cells. Targeting the mitochondrial morphology, dynamism, and contacts with the ER could be an innovative strategy to deplete the cancer stem cell compartment to successfully treat glioblastoma. © 2017 The Authors.

  20. Malat1 activates autophagy and promotes cell proliferation by sponging miR-101 and upregulating STMN1, RAB5A and ATG4D expression in glioma.

    PubMed

    Fu, Zhenqiang; Luo, Wenzheng; Wang, Jingtao; Peng, Tao; Sun, Guifang; Shi, Jingyu; Li, Zhihong; Zhang, Boai

    2017-10-21

    The long noncoding RNA Malat1 has been reported to be an oncogene that promotes tumor progress and correlates with prognosis in glioma. Growing evidence shows that autophagy plays a very important role in tumorigenesis and tumor cell survival, but whether Malat1 regulates autophagy in glioma is still unclear. In this study, we found that Malat1 expression and autophagy activity were significantly increased in glioma tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Additionally, Malat1 level was positively correlated with the expression of LC3-II (autophagy marker) mRNA in vivo. In vitro assays revealed that Malat1 significantly promoted autophagy activation and cell proliferation in glioma cells. More importantly, inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA relieved Malat1-induced cell proliferation. These data demonstrated that Malat1 activates autophagy and increases cell proliferation in glioma. We further investigated the molecular mechanisms whereby Malat1 functioned on glioma cell autophagy and proliferation. We found that Malat1 served as an endogenous sponge to reduce miR-101 expression by directly binding to miR-101. Moreover, Malat1 abolished the suppression effects of miR-101 on glioma cell autophagy and proliferation, which involved in upregulating the expression of miR-101 targets STMN1, RAB5A and ATG4D. Overall, our study elucidated a novel Malat1-miR-101-STMN1/RAB5A/ATG4D regulatory network that Malat1 activates autophagy and promotes cell proliferation by sponging miR-101 and upregulating STMN1, RAB5A and ATG4D expression in glioma cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Resveratrol induces cellular senescence with attenuated mono-ubiquitination of histone H2B in glioma cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gao, Zhen; Xu, Michael S.; Barnett, Tamara L.

    2011-04-08

    Research highlights: {yields} Resveratrol induces cellular senescence in glioma cell. {yields} Resveratrol inhibits mono-ubiquitination of histone H2B at K120. {yields} Depletion of RNF20, phenocopies the inhibitory effects of resveratrol. {yields} Mono-ubiquitination of histone H2B at K120 is a novel target of resveratrol. {yields} RNF20 inhibits cellular senescence in proliferating glioma cells. -- Abstract: Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a polyphenol naturally occurring in grapes and other plants, has cancer chemo-preventive effects and therapeutic potential. Although resveratrol modulates multiple pathways in tumor cells, how resveratrol or its affected pathways converge on chromatin to mediate its effects is not known. Using glioma cells as amore » model, we showed here that resveratrol inhibited cell proliferation and induced cellular hypertrophy by transforming spindle-shaped cells to enlarged, irregular and flatten-shaped ones. We further showed that resveratrol-induced hypertrophic cells expressed senescence-associated-{beta}-galactosidase, suggesting that resveratrol-induced cellular senescence in glioma cells. Consistent with these observations, we demonstrated that resveratrol inhibited clonogenic efficiencies in vitro and tumor growth in a xenograft model. Furthermore, we found that acute treatment of resveratrol inhibited mono-ubiquitination of histone H2B at K120 (uH2B) in breast, prostate, pancreatic, lung, brain tumor cells as well as primary human cells. Chronic treatment with low doses of resveratrol also inhibited uH2B in the resveratrol-induced senescent glioma cells. Moreover, we showed that depletion of RNF20, a ubiquitin ligase of histone H2B, inhibited uH2B and induced cellular senescence in glioma cells in vitro, thereby recapitulated the effects of resveratrol. Taken together, our results suggest that uH2B is a novel direct or indirect chromatin target of resveratrol and RNF20 plays an important role in inhibiting

  2. The Potential of Cellular- and Viral-Based Immunotherapies for Malignant Glioma-Dendritic Cell Vaccines, Adoptive Cell Transfer, and Oncolytic Viruses.

    PubMed

    Maxwell, Russell; Luksik, Andrew S; Garzon-Muvdi, Tomas; Lim, Michael

    2017-06-01

    Malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, are the most frequent primary brain tumors and present with many treatment challenges. In this review, we discuss the potential of cellular- and viral-based immunotherapies in the treatment of malignant glioma, specifically focusing on dendritic cell vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and oncolytic viruses. Diverse cellular- and viral-based strategies have been engineered and optimized to generate either a specific or broad antitumor immune response in malignant glioma. Due to their successes in the preclinical arena, many of these therapies have undergone phase I and II clinical testing. These early clinical trials have demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of these immunotherapies. Dendritic cell vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, and oncolytic viruses may have a potential role in the treatment of malignant glioma. However, these modalities must be investigated in well-designed phase III trials to prove their efficacy.

  3. Sensitivity of C6 Glioma Cells Carrying the Human Poliovirus Receptor to Oncolytic Polioviruses.

    PubMed

    Sosnovtseva, A O; Lipatova, A V; Grinenko, N F; Baklaushev, V P; Chumakov, P M; Chekhonin, V P

    2016-10-01

    A humanized line of rat C6 glioma cells expressing human poliovirus receptor was obtained and tested for the sensitivity to oncolytic effects of vaccine strains of type 1, 2, and 3 polioviruses. Presentation of the poliovirus receptor on the surface of C6 glioma cells was shown to be a necessary condition for the interaction of cells with polioviruses, but insufficient for complete poliovirus oncolysis.

  4. MicroRNA-145 is downregulated in glial tumors and regulates glioma cell migration by targeting connective tissue growth factor.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hae Kyung; Bier, Ariel; Cazacu, Simona; Finniss, Susan; Xiang, Cunli; Twito, Hodaya; Poisson, Laila M; Mikkelsen, Tom; Slavin, Shimon; Jacoby, Elad; Yalon, Michal; Toren, Amos; Rempel, Sandra A; Brodie, Chaya

    2013-01-01

    Glioblastomas (GBM), the most common and aggressive type of malignant glioma, are characterized by increased invasion into the surrounding brain tissues. Despite intensive therapeutic strategies, the median survival of GBM patients has remained dismal over the last decades. In this study we examined the expression of miR-145 in glial tumors and its function in glioma cells. Using TCGA analysis and real-time PCR we found that the expression of miR-145/143 cluster was downregulated in astrocytic tumors compared to normal brain specimens and in glioma cells and glioma stem cells (GSCs) compared to normal astrocytes and neural stem cells. Moreover, the low expression of both miR-145 and miR-143 in GBM was correlated with poor patient prognosis. Transfection of glioma cells with miR-145 mimic or transduction with a lentivirus vector expressing pre-miR 145 significantly decreased the migration and invasion of glioma cells. We identified connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) as a novel target of miR-145 in glioma cells; transfection of the cells with this miRNA decreased the expression of CTGF as determined by Western blot analysis and the expression of its 3'-UTR fused to luciferase. Overexpression of a CTGF plasmid lacking the 3'-UTR and administration of recombinant CTGF protein abrogated the inhibitory effect of miR-145 on glioma cell migration. Similarly, we found that silencing of CTGF decreased the migration of glioma cells. CTGF silencing also decreased the expression of SPARC, phospho-FAK and FAK and overexpression of SPARC abrogated the inhibitory effect of CTGF silencing on cell migration. These results demonstrate that miR-145 is downregulated in glial tumors and its low expression in GBM predicts poor patient prognosis. In addition miR-145 regulates glioma cell migration by targeting CTGF which downregulates SPARC expression. Therefore, miR-145 is an attractive therapeutic target for anti-invasive treatment of astrocytic tumors.

  5. Predominant antitumor effects by fully human anti-TRAIL-receptor2 (DR5) monoclonal antibodies in human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Nagane, Motoo; Shimizu, Saki; Mori, Eiji; Kataoka, Shiro; Shiokawa, Yoshiaki

    2010-01-01

    Tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2 L) preferentially induces apoptosis in human tumor cells through its cognate death receptors DR4 or DR5, thereby being investigated as a potential agent for cancer therapy. Here, we applied fully human anti-human TRAIL receptor monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to specifically target one of death receptors for TRAIL in human glioma cells, which could also reduce potential TRAIL-induced toxicity in humans. Twelve human glioma cell lines treated with several fully human anti-human TRAIL receptor mAbs were sensitive to only anti-DR5 mAbs, whereas they were totally insensitive to anti-DR4 mAb. Treatment with anti-DR5 mAbs exerted rapid cytotoxicity and lead to apoptosis induction. The cellular sensitivity was closely associated with cell-surface expression of DR5. Expression of c-FLIPL, Akt, and Cyclin D1 significantly correlated with sensitivity to anti-DR5 mAbs. Primary cultures of glioma cells were also relatively resistant to anti-DR5 mAbs, exhibiting both lower DR5 and higher c-FLIPL expression. Downregulation of c-FLIPL expression resulted in the sensitization of human glioma cells to anti-DR5 mAbs, whereas overexpression of c-FLIPL conferred resistance to anti-DR5 mAb. Treatment of tumor-burden nude mice with the direct agonist anti-DR5 mAb KMTR2 significantly suppressed growth of subcutaneous glioma xenografts leading to complete regression. Similarly, treatment of nude mice bearing intracerebral glioma xenografts with KMTR2 significantly elongated lifespan without tumor recurrence. These results suggest that DR5 is the predominant TRAIL receptor mediating apoptotic signals in human glioma cells, and sensitivity to anti-DR5 mAbs was determined at least in part by the expression level of c-FLIPL and Akt. Specific targeting of death receptor pathway through DR5 using fully human mAbs might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for intractable malignant gliomas. PMID:20511188

  6. Nectin-like molecule 1 inhibits the migration and invasion of U251 glioma cells by regulating the expression of an extracellular matrix protein osteopontin.

    PubMed

    Yin, Bin; Li, Ke-han; An, Tai; Chen, Tao; Peng, Xiao-zhong

    2010-06-01

    To investigate the molecular mechanism of nectin-like molecule 1 (NECL1) inhibiting the migration and invasion of U251 glioma cells. We infected U251 glioma cells with adeno-nectin-like molecule 1 (Ad-NECL1) or empty adenovirus (Ad). Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to observe the migration of U251 cells incubated with the cell supernatant from Ad-NECL1 or Ad infected U251 cells. DNA microarray was applied to screen the gene expression profile after the restoration of NECL1 in U251 glioma cell lines. The differential expression of osteopontin (OPN), a gene related to migration and invasion, was further analyzed with semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The restoration of NECL1 inhibited migration of U251 cells significantly (P<0.05). Altogether 195 genes were found differentially expressed by microarray, in which 175 were up-regulated and 20 down-regulated, including 9 extracellular matrix proteins involved in the migration of cells. Both mRNA and protein expressions of OPN, the most markedly reduced extracellular matrix protein, were found decreased in U251 cells after restoration of NECL1. Immunohistochemical assay also detected an increase of OPN in glioma tissues, related with the progressing of malignant grade. A link might exist between NECL1 and the extracellular matrix protein OPN in inhibiting the migration and invasion of U251 glioma cells.

  7. Synergism between PKCδ regulators hypericin and rottlerin enhances apoptosis in U87 MG glioma cells after light stimulation.

    PubMed

    Misuth, Matus; Horvath, Denis; Miskovsky, Pavol; Huntosova, Veronika

    2017-06-01

    Gliomas belong to the most infiltrative types of tumors. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be applied to regulate glioma cell proliferation. The inhibitors of PKCs (Protein Kinase C) are very promising drugs that can mediate glioma cells apoptosis in PDT. Hypericin is one of PKCs regulators, and thanks to its physicochemical properties it can be used in PDT. Rottlerin is also considered to be the PKCδ inhibitor. Its implementation in PDT may significantly influence glioma cells response to PDT. The viability of U87 MG glioma cells in the presence of rottlerin and hypericin was assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry in the absence and presence of light. The flow cytometric data were analyzed through Shannon entropy. The oxidative stress and immunocytochemistry of PKCδ and phosphorylated Bcl-2 (the regulators of apoptosis) were observed using fluorescence microscopy. A pretreatment of glioma cells with rottlerin before hypericin induced PDT led to significant increase in apoptosis accompanied by the decrease of intracellular oxidative stress and increase of phosphorylated Bcl-2 in the cytoplasm of U87 MG cells. In conclusion, we assume that the synergism between rottlerin and hypericin leads firstly to activation of rescue mechanisms in the glioma cells, but finally this cooperation triggers apoptosis rather than necrosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Long non-coding RNA DANCR facilitates glioma malignancy by sponging miR-33a-5p.

    PubMed

    Yang, J X; Sun, Y; Gao, L; Meng, Q; Yang, B Y

    2018-06-26

    Glioma is among the most fatal brain tumors characterized by a highly malignancy and rapid progression and early metastasis. Dysregulation of long non-coding RNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (LncRNA DANCR) is associated with the development, progression and metastasis of various cancers. In the present study, we investigated functional role of LncRNA DANCR in the malignancy of glioma. The results showed that LncRNA DANCR was increased in glioma tissues and cells compared with normal brain tissues and cells. DANCR expression was positively correlated with the malignancy and poor prognosis of glioma patients. DANCR contained a binding site of miR-33a-5p. miR-33a-5p was decreased in glioma tissues and cells compared with normal brain tissues and cells. Downregulation of miR-33a-5p was positively correlated with the malignancy and poor prognosis of glioma patients. In glioma tissues, the expression of DANCR was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-33a-5p. Downregulation of DANCR increased miR-33a-5p expression. miR-33a-5p mimic reduced the luciferase of DANCR-WT but not DANCR-MUT. DANCR pull-down showed the expression of miR-33a-5p. miR-33a-5p mimic enhanced knockdown of DANCR -induced inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and EMT, and increase of apoptosis. Anti-miR-33a-5p reversed the effects of si- DANCR on cell malignancy. Knockdown of DANCR remarkably reduced the increase of tumor volumes in xenograft mouse models. In tumor tissues, knockdown of DANCR increased the expression of miR-33a-5p, reduced EMT and increased apoptosis. Our study provides novel insights in the functions of LncRNA DANCR-miR-33a-5p axis in tumorigenesis of glioma.

  9. Triacetin-based acetate supplementation as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant therapy in glioma.

    PubMed

    Tsen, Andrew R; Long, Patrick M; Driscoll, Heather E; Davies, Matthew T; Teasdale, Benjamin A; Penar, Paul L; Pendlebury, William W; Spees, Jeffrey L; Lawler, Sean E; Viapiano, Mariano S; Jaworski, Diane M

    2014-03-15

    Cancer is associated with epigenetic (i.e., histone hypoacetylation) and metabolic (i.e., aerobic glycolysis) alterations. Levels of N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA), the primary storage form of acetate in the brain, and aspartoacylase (ASPA), the enzyme responsible for NAA catalysis to generate acetate, are reduced in glioma; yet, few studies have investigated acetate as a potential therapeutic agent. This preclinical study sought to test the efficacy of the food additive Triacetin (glyceryl triacetate, GTA) as a novel therapy to increase acetate bioavailability in glioma cells. The growth-inhibitory effects of GTA, compared to the histone deacetylase inhibitor Vorinostat (SAHA), were assessed in established human glioma cell lines (HOG and Hs683 oligodendroglioma, U87 and U251 glioblastoma) and primary tumor-derived glioma stem-like cells (GSCs), relative to an oligodendrocyte progenitor line (Oli-Neu), normal astrocytes, and neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro. GTA was also tested as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant with temozolomide (TMZ) in orthotopically grafted GSCs. GTA-induced cytostatic growth arrest in vitro comparable to Vorinostat, but, unlike Vorinostat, GTA did not alter astrocyte growth and promoted NSC expansion. GTA alone increased survival of mice engrafted with glioblastoma GSCs and potentiated TMZ to extend survival longer than TMZ alone. GTA was most effective on GSCs with a mesenchymal cell phenotype. Given that GTA has been chronically administered safely to infants with Canavan disease, a leukodystrophy due to ASPA mutation, GTA-mediated acetate supplementation may provide a novel, safe chemotherapeutic adjuvant to reduce the growth of glioma tumors, most notably the more rapidly proliferating, glycolytic and hypoacetylated mesenchymal glioma tumors. © 2013 UICC.

  10. Triacetin-based acetate supplementation as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant therapy in glioma

    PubMed Central

    Tsen, Andrew R.; Long, Patrick M.; Driscoll, Heather E.; Davies, Matthew T.; Teasdale, Benjamin A.; Penar, Paul L.; Pendlebury, William W.; Spees, Jeffrey L.; Lawler, Sean E.; Viapiano, Mariano S.; Jaworski, Diane M.

    2013-01-01

    Cancer is associated with epigenetic (i.e., histone hypoacetylation) and metabolic (i.e., aerobic glycolysis) alterations. Levels of N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA), the primary storage form of acetate in the brain, and aspartoacylase (ASPA), the enzyme responsible for NAA catalysis to generate acetate, are reduced in glioma; yet, few studies have investigated acetate as a potential therapeutic agent. This preclinical study sought to test the efficacy of the food additive Triacetin (glyceryl triacetate, GTA) as a novel therapy to increase acetate bioavailability in glioma cells. The growth-inhibitory effects of GTA, compared to the histone deacetylase inhibitor Vorinostat (SAHA), were assessed in established human glioma cell lines (HOG and Hs683 oligodendroglioma, U87 and U251 glioblastoma) and primary tumor-derived glioma stem-like cells (GSCs), relative to an oligodendrocyte progenitor line (Oli-Neu), normal astrocytes, and neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro. GTA was also tested as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant with temozolomide (TMZ) in orthotopically grafted GSCs. GTA induced cytostatic growth arrest in vitro comparable to Vorinostat, but, unlike Vorinostat, GTA did not alter astrocyte growth and promoted NSC expansion. GTA alone increased survival of mice engrafted with glioblastoma GSCs and potentiated TMZ to extend survival longer than TMZ alone. GTA was most effective on GSCs with a mesenchymal cell phenotype. Given that GTA has been chronically administered safely to infants with Canavan disease, a leukodystrophy due to ASPA mutation, GTA-mediated acetate supplementation may provide a novel, safe chemotherapeutic adjuvant to reduce the growth of glioma tumors, most notably the more rapidly proliferating, glycolytic, and hypoacetylated mesenchymal glioma tumors. PMID:23996800

  11. Disruption of astrocyte-vascular coupling and the blood-brain barrier by invading glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    Watkins, Stacey; Robel, Stefanie; Kimbrough, Ian F.; Robert, Stephanie M.; Ellis-Davies, Graham; Sontheimer, Harald

    2014-01-01

    Astrocytic endfeet cover the entire cerebral vasculature and serve as exchange sites for ions, metabolites, and energy substrates from the blood to the brain. They maintain endothelial tight junctions that form the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and release vasoactive molecules that regulate vascular tone. Malignant gliomas are highly invasive tumors that use the perivascular space for invasion and co-opt existing vessels as satellite tumors form. Here we use a clinically relevant mouse model of glioma and find that glioma cells, as they populate the perivascular space of pre-existing vessels, displace astrocytic endfeet from endothelial or vascular smooth muscle cells. This causes a focal breach in the BBB. Furthermore, astrocyte-mediated gliovascular coupling is lost, and glioma cells seize control over regulation of vascular tone through Ca2+-dependent release of K+. These findings have important clinical implications regarding blood flow in the tumor-associated brain and the ability to locally deliver chemotherapeutic drugs in disease. PMID:24943270

  12. The immunohistochemical expression of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) in human gliomas

    PubMed Central

    Benes, L; Kappus, C; McGregor, G P; Bertalanffy, H; Mennel, H D; Hagner, S

    2004-01-01

    Background: Gliomas are the most common primary tumours of the central nervous system and exhibit rapid growth that is associated with neovascularisation. Adrenomedullin is an important tumour survival factor in human carcinogenesis. It has growth promoting effects on gliomas, and blockade of its actions has been experimentally shown to reduce the growth of glioma tissues and cell lines. There is some evidence that the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) mediates the tumorigenic actions of adrenomedullin. Aim: To determine whether CRLR is expressed in human gliomas and the probable cellular targets of adrenomedullin. Methods: Biopsies from 95 human gliomas of varying grade were processed for immunohistochemical analysis using a previously developed and characterised antibody to CRLR. Results: All tumour specimens were positive for CRLR. As previously found in normal peripheral tissues, CRLR immunostaining was particularly intense in the endothelial cells. This was evident in all the various vascular conformations that were observed, and which are typical of gliomas. In addition, clear immunostaining of tumour cells with astrocyte morphology was observed. These were preferentially localised around vessels. Conclusions: This study has shown for the first time that the CRLR protein is present in human glioma tissue. The expression of the receptor in endothelial cells and in astrocytic tumour cells is consistent with the evidence that its endogenous ligand, adrenomedullin, may influence glioma growth by means of both direct mitogenic and indirect angiogenic effects. CRLR may be a valuable target for effective therapeutic intervention in these malignant tumours. PMID:14747444

  13. The immunohistochemical expression of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) in human gliomas.

    PubMed

    Benes, L; Kappus, C; McGregor, G P; Bertalanffy, H; Mennel, H D; Hagner, S

    2004-02-01

    Gliomas are the most common primary tumours of the central nervous system and exhibit rapid growth that is associated with neovascularisation. Adrenomedullin is an important tumour survival factor in human carcinogenesis. It has growth promoting effects on gliomas, and blockade of its actions has been experimentally shown to reduce the growth of glioma tissues and cell lines. There is some evidence that the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) mediates the tumorigenic actions of adrenomedullin. To determine whether CRLR is expressed in human gliomas and the probable cellular targets of adrenomedullin. Biopsies from 95 human gliomas of varying grade were processed for immunohistochemical analysis using a previously developed and characterised antibody to CRLR. All tumour specimens were positive for CRLR. As previously found in normal peripheral tissues, CRLR immunostaining was particularly intense in the endothelial cells. This was evident in all the various vascular conformations that were observed, and which are typical of gliomas. In addition, clear immunostaining of tumour cells with astrocyte morphology was observed. These were preferentially localised around vessels. This study has shown for the first time that the CRLR protein is present in human glioma tissue. The expression of the receptor in endothelial cells and in astrocytic tumour cells is consistent with the evidence that its endogenous ligand, adrenomedullin, may influence glioma growth by means of both direct mitogenic and indirect angiogenic effects. CRLR may be a valuable target for effective therapeutic intervention in these malignant tumours.

  14. Hypoxia-induced expression of VE-cadherin and filamin B in glioma cell cultures and pseudopalisade structures.

    PubMed

    Nissou, Marie-France; El Atifi, Michèle; Guttin, Audrey; Godfraind, Catherine; Salon, Caroline; Garcion, Emmanuel; van der Sanden, Boudewijn; Issartel, Jean-Paul; Berger, François; Wion, Didier

    2013-06-01

    Most of our knowledge regarding glioma cell biology comes from cell culture experiments. For many years the standards for glioma cell culture were the use of cell lines cultured in the presence of serum and 20 % O2. However, in vivo, normoxia in many brain areas is in close to 3 % O2. Hence, in cell culture, the experimental value referred as the norm is hyperoxic compared to any brain physiological value. Likewise, cells in vivo are not usually exposed to serum, and low-passaged glioma neurosphere cultures maintained in serum-free medium is emerging as a new standard. A consequence of changing the experimental normoxic standard from 20 % O2 to the more brain physiological value of 3 % O2, is that a 3 % O2 normoxic reference point enabled a more rigorous characterization of the level of regulation of genes by hypoxia. Among the glioma hypoxia-regulated genes characterized using this approach we found VE-cadherin that is required for blood vessel formation, and filamin B a gene involved in endothelial cell motility. Both VE-cadherin and filamin B were found expressed in pseudopalisades, a glioblastoma pathognomonic structure made of hypoxic migrating cancer cells. These results provide additional clues on the role played by hypoxia in the acquisition of endothelial traits by glioma cells and on the functional links existing between pseudopalisades, hypoxia, and tumor progression.

  15. 4'-Acetoamido-4-hydroxychalcone, a chalcone derivative, inhibits glioma growth and invasion through regulation of the tropomyosin 1 gene

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ku, Bo Mi; Ryu, Hyung Won; Lee, Yeon Kyung

    2010-11-19

    Research highlights: {yields} 4'-Acetoamido-4-hydroxychalcone (AHC) has anti-cancer property for glioma. {yields} 4'-Acetoamido-4-hydroxychalcone (AHC) increased tropomyosin expreesion through activattion of PKA signaling. {yields} 4'-Acetoamido-4-hydroxychalcone (AHC) inhibits glioma cell migration and invasion. {yields} In vivo administration of 4'-acetoamido-4-hydroxychalcone (AHC) reduced tumor growth. -- Abstract: Chalcones are precursors of flavonoids and have been shown to have anti-cancer activity. Here, we identify the synthetic chalcone derivative 4'-acetoamido-4-hydroxychalcone (AHC) as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of glioma. Treatment with AHC reduced glioma cell invasion, migration, and colony formation in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, AHC inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor-induced migration, invasion, andmore » tube formation in HUVECs. To determine the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of AHC on glioma cell invasion and migration, we investigated the effect of AHC on the gene expression change and found that AHC affects actin dynamics in U87MG glioma cells. In actin cytoskeleton regulating system, AHC increased tropomyosin expression and stress fiber formation, probably through activation of PKA. Suppression of tropomyosin expression by siRNA or treatment with the PKA inhibitor H89 reduced the inhibitory effects of AHC on glioma cell invasion and migration. In vivo experiments also showed that AHC inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft mouse tumor model. Together, these data suggest that the synthetic chalcone derivative AHC has potent anti-cancer activity through inhibition of glioma proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis and is therefore a potential chemotherapeutic candidate for the treatment of glioma.« less

  16. Induction of anti-glioma natural killer cell response following multiple low-dose intracerebral CpG therapy.

    PubMed

    Alizadeh, Darya; Zhang, Leying; Brown, Christine E; Farrukh, Omar; Jensen, Michael C; Badie, Behnam

    2010-07-01

    Stimulation of toll-like receptor-9 by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) has been shown to counteract the immunosuppressive microenvironment and to inhibit tumor growth in glioma models. These studies, however, have used high doses of CpG-ODN, which can induce toxicity in a clinical setting. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of multiple low-dose intratumoral CpG-ODN in a glioma model. Mice bearing 4-day-old intracranial GL261 gliomas received a single or multiple (two or four) intratumoral injections of CpG-ODN (3 microg) every 4 days. Tumor growth was measured by bioluminescent imaging, brain histology, and animal survival. Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays were used to assess anti-glioma immune response. Two and four intracranial injections of low-dose CpG-ODN, but not a single injection, eradicated gliomas in 70% of mice. Moreover, surviving animals exhibited durable tumor-free remission (> 3 months) and were protected from intracranial rechallenge with GL261 gliomas, showing the capacity for long-term antitumor immunity. Although most inflammatory cells seemed to increase, activated natural killer (NK) cells (i.e., NK(+)CD107a(+)) were more frequent than CD8(+)CD107a(+) in the brains of rechallenged CpG-ODN-treated animals and showed a stronger in vitro cytotoxicity against GL261 target cells. Leukocyte depletion studies confirmed that NK cells played an important role in the initial CpG-ODN antitumor response, but both CD8 and NK cells were equally important in long-term immunity against gliomas. These findings suggest that multiple low-dose intratumoral injections of CpG-ODN can eradicate intracranial gliomas possibly through mechanisms involving NK-mediated effector function.

  17. Resveratrol Represses Pokemon Expression in Human Glioma Cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yutao; Cui, Jiajun; Xue, Feng; Overstreet, Anne-Marie; Zhan, Yiping; Shan, Dapeng; Li, Hui; Li, Hui; Wang, Yongjun; Zhang, Mengmeng; Yu, Chunjiang; Xu, Zhi-Qing David

    2016-03-01

    POK erythroid myeloid ontogenic factor (Pokemon), an important proto-oncoprotein, is a transcriptional repressor that regulates the expression of many genes and plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenolic compound, has many beneficial biological effects on health. In this study, we investigated the role of Pokemon in RSV-induced biological effects and the effect of RSV on the expression of Pokemon in glioma cells. We found that overexpression of Pokemon decreased RSV-induced cell apoptosis, senescence, and anti-proliferative effects. Moreover, we showed that RSV could efficiently decrease the activity of the Pokemon promoter and the expression of Pokemon. Meanwhile, RSV also inhibited Sp1 DNA binding activity to the Pokemon promoter; whereas, it did not influence the expression and nuclear translocation of Sp1. In addition, we found that RSV could increase the recruitment of HDAC1, but decreased p300 to the Pokemon promoter. Taken together, all these results extended our understanding on the anti-cancer mechanism of RSV in glioma cells.

  18. Exosomes from Glioma-Associated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Increase the Tumorigenicity of Glioma Stem-like Cells via Transfer of miR-1587.

    PubMed

    Figueroa, Javier; Phillips, Lynette M; Shahar, Tal; Hossain, Anwar; Gumin, Joy; Kim, Hoon; Bean, Andrew J; Calin, George A; Fueyo, Juan; Walters, Edgar T; Kalluri, Raghu; Verhaak, Roel G; Lang, Frederick F

    2017-11-01

    Tumor-stromal communications impact tumorigenesis in ways that are incompletely understood. Here, we show that glioma-associated human mesenchymal stem cells (GA-hMSC), a newly identified stromal component of glioblastoma, release exosomes that increase the proliferation and clonogenicity of tumor-initiating glioma stem-like cells (GSC). This event leads to a significantly greater tumor burden and decreased host survival compared with untreated GSCs in orthotopic xenografts. Analysis of the exosomal content identified miR-1587 as a mediator of the exosomal effects on GSCs, in part via downregulation of the tumor-suppressive nuclear receptor corepressor NCOR1. Our results illuminate the tumor-supporting role for GA-hMSCs by identifying GA-hMSC-derived exosomes in the intercellular transfer of specific miRNA that enhance the aggressiveness of glioblastoma. Cancer Res; 77(21); 5808-19. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

  19. miR-152 regulated glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis via Runx2 mediated by DNMT1.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Peng; Sun, Hongwei; Yang, Bo; Luo, Wenzheng; Liu, Zengjin; Wang, Junkuan; Zuo, Yuchao

    2017-08-01

    Aberrant DNA methylation is associated with tumor onset and progression. Study has verified that the DNA methylation of miR-152 was mediated in many tumors, but whether it involved in glioblastomas was still unclear. This study enrolled 20 patients with glioma to analyze the expression pattern of miR-152. Real-time PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA or protein expression level, respectively. The relationship between miR-152 and runx2 was detected by Luciferase reporter assay. The methylation level of miR-152 was determined by methylation-specific PCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by MTT and Annexin-FITC/PI assay. The expression of miR-152 was down-regulated while the expression of DNMT1 was up-regulated in both glioma tissue and cell lines. MiR-152 was hypermethylated and its expression was negatively correlated with DNMT in glioma cell lines. DNMT1 knockdown promoted the expression of miR-152, however, DNMT1 overexpression suppressed the expression of miR-152. MiR-152 overexpression promoted glioma cell apoptosis while miR-152 knockdown promoted cell proliferation. MiR-152 targets Runx2 to regulate its expression, Runx2 overexpression abolished the effects of miR-152 overexpression. MiR-152 regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis of glioma mediated by Runx2, while the mechanism of down regulated miR-152 in glioma tissues and cells was its hypermethylation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  20. DNA lability induced by nimustine and ramustine in rat glioma cells.

    PubMed Central

    Mineura, K; Fushimi, S; Itoh, Y; Kowada, M

    1988-01-01

    The DNA labile sites induced by two nitrosoureas, nimustine (ACNU) and ramustine (MCNU) synthesised in Japan, have been examined in highly reiterated DNA sequences of rat glioma cells. Reiterated fragments of 167 and 203 base pairs (bp), obtained after Hind III and Hae III restriction endonuclease digestion of rat glioma cells DNA, were used as target DNA sequences to determine the labile sites. In vitro reaction with ACNU and MCNU resulted in scission products corresponding to the locations of guanine. Subsequent piperidine hydrolysis produced more frequent breaks of the phosphodiester bonds at guanine positions, thus forming alkali-labile sites. Images PMID:3236017

  1. Local delivery of cancer-cell glycolytic inhibitors in high-grade glioma

    PubMed Central

    Wicks, Robert T.; Azadi, Javad; Mangraviti, Antonella; Zhang, Irma; Hwang, Lee; Joshi, Avadhut; Bow, Hansen; Hutt-Cabezas, Marianne; Martin, Kristin L.; Rudek, Michelle A.; Zhao, Ming; Brem, Henry; Tyler, Betty M.

    2015-01-01

    Background 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) and dichloroacetate (DCA) are inhibitors of cancer-cell specific aerobic glycolysis. Their application in glioma is limited by 3-BrPA's inability to cross the blood-brain-barrier and DCA's dose-limiting toxicity. The safety and efficacy of intracranial delivery of these compounds were assessed. Methods Cytotoxicity of 3-BrPA and DCA were analyzed in U87, 9L, and F98 glioma cell lines. 3-BrPA and DCA were incorporated into biodegradable pCPP:SA wafers, and the maximally tolerated dose was determined in F344 rats. Efficacies of the intracranial 3-BrPA wafer and DCA wafer were assessed in a rodent allograft model of high-grade glioma, both as a monotherapy and in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (XRT). Results 3-BrPA and DCA were found to have similar IC50 values across the 3 glioma cell lines. 5% 3-BrPA wafer-treated animals had significantly increased survival compared with controls (P = .0027). The median survival of rats with the 50% DCA wafer increased significantly compared with both the oral DCA group (P = .050) and the controls (P = .02). Rats implanted on day 0 with a 5% 3-BrPA wafer in combination with TMZ had significantly increased survival over either therapy alone. No statistical difference in survival was noted when the wafers were added to the combination therapy of TMZ and XRT, but the 5% 3-BrPA wafer given on day 0 in combination with TMZ and XRT resulted in long-term survivorship of 30%. Conclusion Intracranial delivery of 3-BrPA and DCA polymer was safe and significantly increased survival in an animal model of glioma, a potential novel therapeutic approach. The combination of intracranial 3-BrPA and TMZ provided a synergistic effect. PMID:25053853

  2. JNK Activation Contributes to Oxidative Stress-Induced Parthanatos in Glioma Cells via Increase of Intracellular ROS Production.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Linjie; Wang, Chen; Luo, Tianfei; Lu, Bin; Ma, Hongxi; Zhou, Zijian; Zhu, Dong; Chi, Guangfan; Ge, Pengfei; Luo, Yinan

    2017-07-01

    Parthanatos is a form of PARP-1-dependent programmed cell death. The induction of parthanatos is emerging as a new strategy to kill gliomas which are the most common type of primary malignant brain tumor. Oxidative stress is thought to be a critical factor triggering parthanatos, but its underlying mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we used glioma cell lines and H 2 O 2 to investigate the role of JNK in glioma cell parthanatos induced by oxidative stress. We found that exposure to H 2 O 2 not only induced intracellular accumulation of ROS but also resulted in glioma cell death in a concentration- and incubation time-dependent manner, which was accompanied with cytoplasmic formation of PAR polymer, expressional upregulation of PARP-1, mitochondrial depolarization, and AIF translocation to nucleus. Pharmacological inhibition of PARP-1 with 3AB or genetic knockdown of its level with siRNA rescued glioma cell death, as well as suppressed cytoplasmic accumulation of PAR polymer and nuclear translocation of AIF, which were consistent with the definition of parthanatos. Moreover, the phosphorylated level of JNK increased markedly with the extension of H 2 O 2 exposure time. Either attenuation of intracellular ROS with antioxidant NAC or inhibition of JNK phosphorylation with SP600125 or JNK siRNA could significantly prevent H 2 O 2 -induced parthanatos in glioma cells. Additionally, inhibition of JNK with SP600125 alleviated intracellular accumulation of ROS and attenuated mitochondrial generation of superoxide. Thus, we demonstrated that JNK activation contributes to glioma cell parthanatos caused by oxidative stress via increase of intracellular ROS generation.

  3. IDH1(R132H) mutation causes a less aggressive phenotype and radiosensitizes human malignant glioma cells independent of the oxygenation status.

    PubMed

    Kessler, Jacqueline; Güttler, Antje; Wichmann, Henri; Rot, Swetlana; Kappler, Matthias; Bache, Matthias; Vordermark, Dirk

    2015-09-01

    In malignant glioma the presence of the IDH1 mutation (IDH1(R132H)) is associated with better clinical outcome. However, it is unclear whether IDH1 mutation is associated with a less aggressive phenotype or directly linked to increased sensitivity to radiotherapy. We determined the influence of IDH1(R132H) mutant protein on proliferation and growth in 3D culture, migration, cell survival and radiosensitivity in vitro under normoxia (21% O2) and hypoxia (<1% O2) in a panel of human malignant glioma cell lines (U-251MG, U-343MG, LN-229) with stable overexpression of wild-type (IDH1(wt)) and mutated IDH1 (IDH1(R132H)). Overexpression of IDH1(R132H) in glioma cells resulted in slightly decreased cell proliferation, considerably reduced cell migration and caused differences in growth properties in 3D spheroid cultures. Furthermore, IDH1(R132H)-positive cells consistently demonstrated an increased radiosensitivity in human malignant glioma cells U-251MG (DMF10: 1.52, p<0.01 and 1.42, p<0.01), U-343MG (DMF10: 1.78, p<0.01 and 1.75, p<0.01) and LN-229 (DMF10: 1.41, p<0.05 and 1.68, p<0.01) under normoxia and hypoxia, respectively. Our data indicate that IDH1(R132H) mutation causes both a less aggressive biological behavior and direct radiosensitization of human malignant glioma cells. Targeting IDH1 appears to be an attractive approach in combination with radiotherapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Glioma grading using cell nuclei morphologic features in digital pathology images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reza, Syed M. S.; Iftekharuddin, Khan M.

    2016-03-01

    This work proposes a computationally efficient cell nuclei morphologic feature analysis technique to characterize the brain gliomas in tissue slide images. In this work, our contributions are two-fold: 1) obtain an optimized cell nuclei segmentation method based on the pros and cons of the existing techniques in literature, 2) extract representative features by k-mean clustering of nuclei morphologic features to include area, perimeter, eccentricity, and major axis length. This clustering based representative feature extraction avoids shortcomings of extensive tile [1] [2] and nuclear score [3] based methods for brain glioma grading in pathology images. Multilayer perceptron (MLP) is used to classify extracted features into two tumor types: glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and low grade glioma (LGG). Quantitative scores such as precision, recall, and accuracy are obtained using 66 clinical patients' images from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) [4] dataset. On an average ~94% accuracy from 10 fold crossvalidation confirms the efficacy of the proposed method.

  5. RasGRP3 regulates the migration of glioma cells via interaction with Arp3

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Hae Kyung; Finniss, Susan; Cazacu, Simona; Xiang, Cunli; Poisson, Laila M.; Blumberg, Peter M.; Brodie, Chaya

    2015-01-01

    Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive primary brain tumors, are highly infiltrative. Although GBM express high Ras activity and Ras proteins have been implicated in gliomagenesis, Ras-activating mutations are not frequent in these tumors. RasGRP3, an important signaling protein responsive to diacylglycerol (DAG), increases Ras activation. Here, we examined the expression and functions of RasGRP3 in GBM and glioma cells. RasGRP3 expression was upregulated in GBM specimens and glioma stem cells compared with normal brains and neural stem cells, respectively. RasGRP3 activated Ras and Rap1 in glioma cells and increased cell migration and invasion partially via Ras activation. Using pull-down assay and mass spectroscopy we identified the actin-related protein, Arp3, as a novel interacting protein of RasGRP3. The interaction of RasGRP3 and Arp3 was validated by immunofluorescence staining and co-immunoprecipitation, and PMA, which activates RasGRP3 and induces its translocation to the peri-nuclear region, increased the association of Arp3 and RasGRP3. Arp3 was upregulated in GBM, regulated cell spreading and migration and its silencing partially decreased these effects of RasGRP3 in glioma cells. In summary, RasGRP3 acts as an important integrating signaling protein of the DAG and Ras signaling pathways and actin polymerization and represents an important therapeutic target in GBM. PMID:25682201

  6. Involvement of estrogen receptor β5 in the progression of glioma.

    PubMed

    Li, Wenjun; Winters, Ali; Poteet, Ethan; Ryou, Myoung-Gwi; Lin, Song; Hao, Shuyu; Wu, Zhen; Yuan, Fang; Hatanpaa, Kimmo J; Simpkins, James W; Yang, Shao-Hua

    2013-03-29

    Emerging evidence suggests a decline of ERβ expression in various peripheral cancers. ERβ has been proposed as a cancer brake that inhibits tumor proliferation. In the current study, we have identified ERβ5 as the predominant isoform of ERβ in human glioma and its expression was significantly increased in human glioma as compared with non-neoplastic brain tissue. Hypoxia and activation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) increased ERβ transcription in U87 cells, suggesting elevated ERβ expression in glioma might be induced by the hypoxic stress in the tumor. Over-expression of either ERβ1 or ERβ5 increased PTEN expression and inhibited activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In addition, ERβ5 inhibited the MAPK/ERK pathway. In U87 cells, ERβ1 and ERβ5 inhibit cell proliferation and reduced cells in the S+G2/M phase. Our findings suggest hypoxia induced ERβ5 expression in glioma as a self-protective mechanism against tumor proliferation and that ERβ5 might serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Pankiller effect of prolonged exposure to menadione on glioma cells: potentiation by vitamin C.

    PubMed

    Vita, Marina F; Nagachar, Nivedita; Avramidis, Dimitrios; Delwar, Zahid M; Cruz, Mabel H; Siden, Åke; Paulsson, Kajsa M; Yakisich, Juan Sebastian

    2011-12-01

    Menadione (Vitamin K3) has anti-tumoral effects against a wide range of cancer cells. Its potential toxicity to normal cells and narrow therapeutic range limit its use as single agent but in combination with radiation or other anti-neoplastic agents can be of therapeutic use. In this paper, we first evaluated the early (within 3 h) effect of menadione on ongoing DNA replication. In normal rat cerebral cortex mini-units menadione showed an age dependent anti-proliferative effect. In tissue mini-units prepared from newborn rats, menadione inhibited ongoing DNA replication with an IC (50) of approximately 10 μM but 50 μM had no effect on mini-units from prepared adult rat tissue. The effect of short (72 h) and prolonged exposure (1-2 weeks) to menadione alone in the DBTRG.05MG human glioma cells line and in combination with vitamin C was studied. After short period of exposure data show that menadione alone or in combination with vitamin C provided similar concentration-response curves (and IC(50) values). Prolonged exposure to these drugs was evaluated by their ability to kill 100% of glioma cells and prevent regrowth when cells are re-incubated in drug-free media. In this long-term assay, menadione:vitamin C at a ratio 1:100 showed higher anti-proliferative activity when compared to each drug alone and allowed to reduce each drug concentration between 2.5 to 5-fold. Similar anti-proliferative effect was demonstrated in 8 patient derived glioblastoma cell cultures. Our data should be able to encourage further advanced studies on animal models to evaluate the potential use of this combination therapy for glioma treatment.

  8. Modulating glioma-mediated myeloid-derived suppressor cell development with sulforaphane

    PubMed Central

    Kumar, Ravi; de Mooij, Tristan; Peterson, Timothy E.; Kaptzan, Tatiana; Johnson, Aaron J.; Daniels, David J.; Parney, Ian F.

    2017-01-01

    Glioblastoma is the most common primary tumor of the brain and has few long-term survivors. The local and systemic immunosuppressive environment created by glioblastoma allows it to evade immunosurveillance. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a critical component of this immunosuppression. Understanding mechanisms of MDSC formation and function are key to developing effective immunotherapies. In this study, we developed a novel model to reliably generate human MDSCs from healthy-donor CD14+ monocytes by culture in human glioma-conditioned media. Monocytic MDSC frequency was assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The resulting MDSCs robustly inhibited T cell proliferation. A cytokine array identified multiple components of the GCM potentially contributing to MDSC generation, including Monocyte Chemoattractive Protein-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF). Of these, Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor is a particularly attractive therapeutic target as sulforaphane, a naturally occurring MIF inhibitor derived from broccoli sprouts, has excellent oral bioavailability. Sulforaphane inhibits the transformation of normal monocytes to MDSCs by glioma-conditioned media in vitro at pharmacologically relevant concentrations that are non-toxic to normal leukocytes. This is associated with a corresponding increase in mature dendritic cells. Interestingly, sulforaphane treatment had similar pro-inflammatory effects on normal monocytes in fresh media but specifically increased immature dendritic cells. Thus, we have used a simple in vitro model system to identify a novel contributor to glioblastoma immunosuppression for which a natural inhibitor exists that increases mature dendritic cell development at the expense of myeloid-derived suppressor cells when normal monocytes are exposed to glioma conditioned media. PMID:28666020

  9. Growth inhibition and chemosensitization of exogenous nitric oxide released from NONOates in glioma cells in vitro.

    PubMed

    Weyerbrock, Astrid; Baumer, Brunhilde; Papazoglou, Anna

    2009-01-01

    Exogenous nitric oxide (NO) from NO donors has cytotoxic, chemosensitizing, and radiosensitizing effects, and increases vascular permeability and blood flow in tumors. Yet little is known about whether these cytotoxic and chemosensitizing effects can be observed in glioma cells at doses that alter tumor physiological characteristics in vivo and whether these effects are tumor selective. The effect of NO released from proline NONOate, diethylamine NONOate, spermine NONOate, and sodium nitrite on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and chemosensitivity to carboplatin of cultured glioma cells was studied in C6, U87 glioma cells, human glioblastoma cells, and human astrocytes and fibroblasts. Although proline NONOate failed to induce cell death, the other NO donors induced growth arrest when present in high concentrations (10(-2) M) in all cell lines. Chemosensitization was observed after concomitant incubation with spermine NONOate and carboplatin in C6 and human glioblastoma cells. There is strong evidence that cell death occurs primarily by necrosis and to a lesser degree by apoptosis. The NO doses, which altered tumor physiology in vivo, were not cytotoxic, indicating that NO alters vascular permeability and cell viability in vivo by different mechanisms. The authors found that NO-generating agents at high concentrations are potent growth inhibitors and might also be useful as chemosensitizers in glioma cells. These data corroborate the theory that the use of NOgenerating agents may play a role in the multimodal treatment of malignant gliomas but that the NO release must be targeted more specifically to tumor cells to improve selectivity and efficacy.

  10. RB mutation and RAS overexpression induce resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Orozco-Morales, Mario; Sánchez-García, Francisco Javier; Golán-Cancela, Irene; Hernández-Pedro, Norma; Costoya, Jose A; de la Cruz, Verónica Pérez; Moreno-Jiménez, Sergio; Sotelo, Julio; Pineda, Benjamín

    2015-01-01

    Several theories aim to explain the malignant transformation of cells, including the mutation of tumor suppressors and proto-oncogenes. Deletion of Rb (a tumor suppressor), overexpression of mutated Ras (a proto-oncogene), or both, are sufficient for in vitro gliomagenesis, and these genetic traits are associated with their proliferative capacity. An emerging hallmark of cancer is the ability of tumor cells to evade the immune system. Whether specific mutations are related with this, remains to be analyzed. To address this issue, three transformed glioma cell lines were obtained (Rb(-/-), Ras(V12), and Rb(-/-)/Ras(V12)) by in vitro retroviral transformation of astrocytes, as previously reported. In addition, Ras(V12) and Rb(-/-)/Ras(V12) transformed cells were injected into SCID mice and after tumor growth two stable glioma cell lines were derived. All these cells were characterized in terms of Rb and Ras gene expression, morphology, proliferative capacity, expression of MHC I, Rae1δ, and Rae1αβγδε, mult1, H60a, H60b, H60c, as ligands for NK cell receptors, and their susceptibility to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Our results show that transformation of astrocytes (Rb loss, Ras overexpression, or both) induced phenotypical and functional changes associated with resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Moreover, the transfer of cell lines of transformed astrocytes into SCID mice increased resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, thus suggesting that specific changes in a tumor suppressor (Rb) and a proto-oncogene (Ras) are enough to confer resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in glioma cells and therefore provide some insight into the ability of tumor cells to evade immune responses.

  11. Role of lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) in the expansion of glioma-initiating cells by fractionated radiation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Rae-Kwon; Yoon, Chang-Hwan; Hyun, Kyung-Hwan

    2010-11-26

    Research highlights: {yields} Activation of Lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) is involved in the fractionated radiation-induced expansion of glioma stem-like cells. {yields} Inhibition of LCK prevents acquisition of fractionated radiation-induced resistance to chemotherapeutic treatment. {yields} LCK activity is critical for the maintenance of self-renewal in glioma stem-like cells. -- Abstract: Brain cancers frequently recur or progress as focal masses after treatment with ionizing radiation. Radiation used to target gliomas may expand the cancer stem cell population and enhance the aggressiveness of tumors; however, the mechanisms underlying the expansion of cancer stem cell population after radiation have remained unclear. In thismore » study, we show that LCK (lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase) is involved in the fractionated radiation-induced expansion of the glioma-initiating cell population and acquisition of resistance to anticancer treatments. Fractionated radiation caused a selective increase in the activity of LCK, a Src family non-receptor tyrosine kinase. The activities of other Src family kinases Src, Fyn, and Lyn were not significantly increased. Moreover, knockdown of LCK expression with a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) effectively blocked fractionated radiation-induced expansion of the CD133{sup +} cell population. siRNA targeting of LCK also suppressed fractionated radiation-induced expression of the glioma stem cell marker proteins CD133, Nestin, and Musashi. Expression of the known self-renewal-related proteins Notch2 and Sox2 in glioma cells treated with fractionated radiation was also downregulated by LCK inhibition. Moreover, siRNA-mediated knockdown of LCK effectively restored the sensitivity of glioma cells to cisplatin and etoposide. These results indicate that the non-receptor tyrosine kinase LCK is critically involved in fractionated radiation-induced expansion of the glioma-initiating cell population

  12. HOXB1 Is a Tumor Suppressor Gene Regulated by miR-3175 in Glioma

    PubMed Central

    Han, Liang; Liu, Dehua; Li, Zhaohui; Tian, Nan; Han, Ziwu; Wang, Guang; Fu, Yao; Guo, Zhigang; Zhu, Zifeng

    2015-01-01

    The HOXB1 gene plays a critical role as an oncogene in diverse tumors. However, the functional role of HOXB1 and the mechanism regulating HOXB1 expression in glioma are not fully understood. A preliminary bioinformatics analysis showed that HOXB1 is ectopically expressed in glioma, and that HOXB1 is a possible target of miR-3175. In this study, we investigated the function of HOXB1 and the relationship between HOXB1 and miR-3175 in glioma. We show that HOXB1 expression is significantly downregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines, and that its expression may be closely associated with the degree of malignancy. Reduced HOXB1 expression promoted the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells, and inhibited their apoptosis in vitro, and the downregulation of HOXB1 was also associated with worse survival in glioma patients. More importantly, HOXB1 was shown experimentally to be a direct target of miR-3175 in this study. The downregulated expression of miR-3175 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, and promoted apoptosis in glioma. The oncogenicity induced by low HOXB1 expression was prevented by an miR-3175 inhibitor in glioma cells. Our results suggest that HOXB1 functions as a tumor suppressor, regulated by miR-3175 in glioma. These results clarify the pathogenesis of glioma and offer a potential target for its treatment. PMID:26565624

  13. Metabolic Reprogramming in Glioma

    PubMed Central

    Strickland, Marie; Stoll, Elizabeth A.

    2017-01-01

    Many cancers have long been thought to primarily metabolize glucose for energy production—a phenomenon known as the Warburg Effect, after the classic studies of Otto Warburg in the early twentieth century. Yet cancer cells also utilize other substrates, such as amino acids and fatty acids, to produce raw materials for cellular maintenance and energetic currency to accomplish cellular tasks. The contribution of these substrates is increasingly appreciated in the context of glioma, the most common form of malignant brain tumor. Multiple catabolic pathways are used for energy production within glioma cells, and are linked in many ways to anabolic pathways supporting cellular function. For example: glycolysis both supports energy production and provides carbon skeletons for the synthesis of nucleic acids; meanwhile fatty acids are used both as energetic substrates and as raw materials for lipid membranes. Furthermore, bio-energetic pathways are connected to pro-oncogenic signaling within glioma cells. For example: AMPK signaling links catabolism with cell cycle progression; mTOR signaling contributes to metabolic flexibility and cancer cell survival; the electron transport chain produces ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which act as signaling molecules; Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIFs) mediate interactions with cells and vasculature within the tumor environment. Mutations in the tumor suppressor p53, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 and 2 have been implicated in oncogenic signaling as well as establishing metabolic phenotypes in genetically-defined subsets of malignant glioma. These pathways critically contribute to tumor biology. The aim of this review is two-fold. Firstly, we present the current state of knowledge regarding the metabolic strategies employed by malignant glioma cells, including aerobic glycolysis; the pentose phosphate pathway; one-carbon metabolism; the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which is central to amino acid

  14. Interference with the HSF1/HSP70/BAG3 Pathway Primes Glioma Cells to Matrix Detachment and BH3 Mimetic-Induced Apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Antonietti, Patrick; Linder, Benedikt; Hehlgans, Stephanie; Mildenberger, Iris C; Burger, Michael C; Fulda, Simone; Steinbach, Joachim P; Gessler, Florian; Rödel, Franz; Mittelbronn, Michel; Kögel, Donat

    2017-01-01

    Malignant gliomas exhibit a high intrinsic resistance against stimuli triggering apoptotic cell death. HSF1 acts as transcription factor upstream of HSP70 and the HSP70 co-chaperone BAG3 that is overexpressed in glioblastoma. To specifically target this resistance mechanism, we applied the selective HSF1 inhibitor KRIBB11 and the HSP70/BAG3 interaction inhibitor YM-1 in combination with the pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor AT-101. Here, we demonstrate that lentiviral BAG3 silencing significantly enhances AT-101-induced cell death and reactivates effector caspase-mediated apoptosis in U251 glioma cells with high BAG3 expression, whereas these sensitizing effects were less pronounced in U343 cells expressing lower BAG3 levels. KRIBB11 decreased protein levels of HSP70, BAG3, and the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein Mcl-1, and both KRIBB11 and YM-1 elicited significantly increased mitochondrial dysfunction, effector caspase activity, and apoptotic cell death after combined treatment with AT-101 and ABT-737. Depletion of BAG3 also led to a pronounced loss of cell-matrix adhesion, FAK phosphorylation, and in vivo tumor growth in an orthotopic mouse glioma model. Furthermore, it reduced the plating efficiency of U251 cells in three-dimensional clonogenic assays and limited clonogenic survival after short-term treatment with AT-101. Collectively, our data suggest that the HSF1/HSP70/BAG3 pathway plays a pivotal role for overexpression of prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins and cell death resistance of glioma. They also support the hypothesis that interference with BAG3 function is an effective novel approach to prime glioma cells to anoikis. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(1); 156-68. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

  15. JS-K, a glutathione S-transferase-activated nitric oxide donor with antineoplastic activity in malignant gliomas.

    PubMed

    Weyerbrock, Astrid; Osterberg, Nadja; Psarras, Nikolaos; Baumer, Brunhilde; Kogias, Evangelos; Werres, Anna; Bette, Stefanie; Saavedra, Joseph E; Keefer, Larry K; Papazoglou, Anna

    2012-02-01

    Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) control multidrug resistance and are upregulated in many cancers, including malignant gliomas. The diazeniumdiolate JS-K generates nitric oxide (NO) on enzymatic activation by glutathione and GST, showing promising NO-based anticancer efficacy. To evaluate the role of NO-based antitumor therapy with JS-K in U87 gliomas in vitro and in vivo. U87 glioma cells and primary glioblastoma cell lines were exposed to JS-K and a variety of inhibitors to study cell death by necrosis, apoptosis, and other mechanisms. GST expression was evaluated by immunocytochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot, and NO release from JS-K was studied with a NO assay. The growth-inhibitory effect of JS-K was studied in a U87 xenograft model in vivo. Dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation was observed in human U87 glioma cells and primary glioblastoma cells in vitro. Cell death was partially induced by caspase-dependent apoptosis, which could be blocked by Z-VAD-FMK and Q-VD-OPH. Inhibition of GST by sulfasalazine, cGMP inhibition by ODQ, and MEK1/2 inhibition by UO126 attenuated the antiproliferative effect of JS-K, suggesting the involvement of various intracellular death signaling pathways. Response to JS-K correlated with mRNA and protein expression of GST and the amount of NO released by the glioma cells. Growth of U87 xenografts was reduced significantly, with immunohistochemical evidence for increased necrosis and apoptosis and reduced proliferation. Our data show for the first time the potent antiproliferative effect of JS-K in gliomas in vitro and in vivo. These findings warrant further investigation of this novel NO-releasing prodrug in gliomas.

  16. Reciprocal Activation of Transcription Factors Underlies the Dichotomy between Proliferation and Invasion of Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Dhruv, Harshil D.; McDonough Winslow, Wendy S.; Armstrong, Brock; Tuncali, Serdar; Eschbacher, Jenny; Kislin, Kerri; Loftus, Joseph C.; Tran, Nhan L.; Berens, Michael E.

    2013-01-01

    Histology of malignant glioma depicts dense proliferative areas rich in angiogenesis as well as dissemination of neoplastic cells into adjacent brain tissue. Although the mechanisms that trigger transition from proliferative to invasive phenotypes are complex, the dichotomy of cell proliferation and migration, the “Go or Grow” hypothesis, argues for specific and coordinated regulation of these phenotypes. We investigated transcriptional elements that accompany the phenotypes of migration and proliferation, and consider the therapeutic significance of the “Go or Grow” hypothesis. Interrogation of matched core and rim regions from human glioblastoma biopsy specimens in situ (n = 44) revealed higher proliferation (Ki67 labeling index) in cells residing at the core compared to the rim. Profiling activated transcription factors in a panel of migration-activated versus migration-restricted GBM cells portrayed strong NF-κB activity in the migratory cell population. In contrast, increased c-Myc activity was found in migration-restricted proliferative cells. Validation of transcriptional activity by NF-κB- or c-Myc-driven GFP or RFP, respectively, showed an increased NF-κB activity in the active migrating cells, whereas the proliferative, migration restricted cells displayed increased c-Myc activity. Immunohistochemistry on clinical specimens validated a robust phosphorylated c-Myc staining in tumor cells at the core, whereas increased phosphorylated NF-κB staining was detected in the invasive tumor cells at the rim. Functional genomics revealed that depletion of c-Myc expression by siRNA oligonucleotides reduced cell proliferation in vitro, but surprisingly, cell migration was enhanced significantly. Conversely, inhibition of NF-κB by pharmacological inhibitors, SN50 or BAY-11, decreased both cell migration in vitro and invasion ex vivo. Notably, inhibition of NF-κB was found to have no effect on the proliferation rate of glioma cells. These findings

  17. Podoplanin increases migration and angiogenesis in malignant glioma

    PubMed Central

    Grau, Stefan J; Trillsch, Fabian; Tonn, Joerg-Christian; Goldbrunner, Roland H; Noessner, Elfriede; Nelson, Peter J; von Luettichau, Irene

    2015-01-01

    Expression of podoplanin in glial brain tumors is grade dependent. While serving as a marker for tumor progression and modulating invasion in various neoplasms, little is known about podoplanin function in gliomas. Therefore we stably transfected two human glioma cell lines (U373MG and U87MG) with expression plasmids encoding podoplanin. The efficacy of transfection was confirmed by FACS analysis, PCR and immunocytochemistry. Cells were then sorted for highly podoplanin expressing cells (U373Phigh/U87Phigh). Transfection did not influence the production of pro-angiogenic factors including VEGF, VEGF-C and D. Also, expression of VEGF receptors (VEGFR) remained unchanged except for U87Phigh, where a VEGFR3 expression was induced. U373Phigh showed significantly reduced proliferation as compared to mock transfected group. By contrast, podoplanin significantly increased migration and invasion into collagen matrix. Furthermore, conditioned media from Phigh glioma cells strongly induced tube formation on matrigel. In conclusion, podoplanin increased migration of tumor cells and enhanced tube formation activity in endothelial cells independent from VEGF. Thus, podoplanin expression may be an important step in tumor progression. PMID:26339454

  18. Cas IIgly Induces Apoptosis in Glioma C6 Cells In Vitro and In Vivo through Caspase-Dependent and Caspase-Independent Mechanisms1

    PubMed Central

    Trejo-Solís, Cristina; Palencia, Guadalupe; Zúñiga, Sergio; Rodríguez-Ropon, Andrea; Osorio-Rico, Laura; Torres Luvia, Sanchez; Gracia-Mora, Isabel; Marquez-Rosado, Lucrecia; Sánchez, Aurora; Moreno-García, Miguel E; Cruz, Arturo; Bravo-Gómez, María Elena; Ruiz-Ramírez, Lena; Rodríguez-Enriquez, Sara; Sotelo, Julio

    2005-01-01

    Abstract In this work, we investigated the effects of Casiopeina II-gly (Cas IIgly)—a new copper compound exhibiting antineoplastic activity—on glioma C6 cells under both in vitro and in vivo conditions, as an approach to identify potential therapeutic agents against malignant glioma. The exposure of C6 cells to Cas IIgly significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In cultured C6 cells, Cas IIgly caused mitochondrio-nuclear translocation of apoptosis induction factor (AIF) and endonuclease G at all concentrations tested; in contrast, fragmentation of nucleosomal DNA, cytochrome c release, and caspase-3 activation were observed at high concentrations. Administration of N-acetyl-l-cystein, an antioxidant, resulted in significant inhibition of AIF translocation, nucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activation induced by Cas IIgly. These results suggest that caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways both participate in apoptotic events elicited by Cas IIgly. ROS formation induced by Cas IIgly might also be involved in the mitochondrio-nuclear translocation of AIF and apoptosis. In addition, treatment of glioma C6-positive rats with Cas IIgly reduced tumor volume and mitotic and cell proliferation indexes, and increased apoptotic index. Our findings support the use of Cas IIgly for the treatment of malignant gliomas. PMID:16036107

  19. Synthesis of cytochrome C oxidase 2: a p53-dependent metabolic regulator that promotes respiratory function and protects glioma and colon cancer cells from hypoxia-induced cell death.

    PubMed

    Wanka, C; Brucker, D P; Bähr, O; Ronellenfitsch, M; Weller, M; Steinbach, J P; Rieger, J

    2012-08-16

    P53 has an important role in the processing of starvation signals. P53-dependent molecular mediators of the Warburg effect reduce glucose consumption and promote mitochondrial function. We therefore hypothesized that the retention of wild-type p53 characteristic of primary glioblastomas limits metabolic demands induced by deregulated signal transduction in the presence of hypoxia and nutrient depletion. Here we report that short hairpin RNA-mediated gene suppression of wild-type p53 or ectopic expression of mutant temperature-sensitive dominant-negative p53(V135A) increased glucose consumption and lactate production, decreased oxygen consumption and enhanced hypoxia-induced cell death in p53 wild-type human glioblastoma cells. Similarly, genetic knockout of p53 in HCT116 colon carcinoma cells resulted in reduced respiration and hypersensitivity towards hypoxia-induced cell death. Further, wild-type p53 gene silencing reduced the expression of synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 (SCO2), an effector necessary for respiratory chain function. An SCO2 transgene reverted the metabolic phenotype and restored resistance towards hypoxia in p53-depleted and p53 mutant glioma cells in a rotenone-sensitive manner, demonstrating that this effect was dependent on intact oxidative phosphorylation. Supplementation with methyl-pyruvate, a mitochondrial substrate, rescued p53 wild-type but not p53 mutant cells from hypoxic cell death, demonstrating a p53-mediated selective aptitude to metabolize mitochondrial substrates. Further, SCO2 gene silencing in p53 wild-type glioma cells sensitized these cells towards hypoxia. Finally, lentiviral gene suppression of SCO2 significantly enhanced tumor necrosis in a subcutaneous HCT116 xenograft tumor model, compatible with impaired energy metabolism in these cells. These findings demonstrate that glioma and colon cancer cells with p53 wild-type status can skew the Warburg effect and thereby reduce their vulnerability towards tumor hypoxia in

  20. Microglia immunophenotyping in gliomas

    PubMed Central

    Annovazzi, Laura; Mellai, Marta; Bovio, Enrica; Mazzetti, Samanta; Pollo, Bianca; Schiffer, Davide

    2018-01-01

    Microglia, once assimilated to peripheral macrophages, in gliomas has long been discussed and currently it is hypothesized to play a pro-tumor role in tumor progression. Uncertain between M1 and M2 polarization, it exchanges signals with glioma cells to create an immunosuppressive microenvironment and stimulates cell proliferation and migration. Four antibodies are currently used for microglia/macrophage identification in tissues that exhibit different cell forms and cell localization. The aim of the present work was to describe the distribution of the different cell forms and to deduce their significance on the basis of what is known on their function from the literature. Normal resting microglia, reactive microglia, intermediate and bumpy forms and macrophage-like cells can be distinguished by Iba1, CD68, CD16 and CD163 and further categorized by CD11b, CD45, c-MAF and CD98. The number of microglia/macrophages strongly increased from normal cortex and white matter to infiltrating and solid tumors. The ramified microglia accumulated in infiltration areas of both high- and low-grade gliomas, when hypertrophy and hyperplasia occur. In solid tumors, intermediate and bumpy forms prevailed and there is a large increase of macrophage-like cells in glioblastoma. The total number of microglia cells did not vary among the three grades of malignancy, but macrophage-like cells definitely prevailed in high-grade gliomas and frequently expressed CD45 and c-MAF. CD98+ cells were present. Microglia favors tumor progression, but many aspects suggest that the phagocytosing function is maintained. CD98+ cells can be the product of fusion, but also of phagocytosis. Microglia correlated with poorer survival in glioblastoma, when considering CD163+ cells, whereas it did not change prognosis in isocitrate dehydrogenase-mutant low grade gliomas. PMID:29399160

  1. Biodisposition and metabolism of [18F]fluorocholine in 9L glioma cells and 9L glioma-bearing Fisher rats

    PubMed Central

    Bansal, Aditya; Shuyan, Wang; Hara, Toshiko; Harris, Robert A.; DeGrado, Timothy R.

    2008-01-01

    Purpose [18F]Fluorocholine [18F]FCH) was developed as an analog of [11C]choline for tumor imaging, however, its metabolic handling remains ill-defined. In this study, the metabolism of [18F]FCH is evaluated in cultured 9L glioma cells and Fisher 344 rats bearing 9L glioma tumors. Methods 9L glioma cells were incubated with [18F]FCH and [14C]choline under normoxic and hypoxic (1% O2) conditions and analyzed for metabolic fate. [18F]FCH and [14C]choline kinetics and metabolism were studied in Fisher 344 rats bearing subcutaneous 9L tumors. Results [18F]FCH and [14C]choline were similarly metabolized in 9L cells in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions over a 2 hr incubation period. In normoxia, radioactivity was predominantly in phosphorylated form for both tracers after 5 min incubation. In hypoxia, the tracers remained mainly in nonmetabolized form at early timepoints (< 20 min). Slow dephosphorylation of intracellular [18F]phosphofluorocholine (0.043–0.060 min−1) and [14C]phosphocholine (0.072–0.088 min−1) was evidenced via efflux measurements. In rat, both [18F]FCH and [14C]choline showed high renal and hepatic uptake. Blood clearance of both tracers was rapid with oxidative metabolites, [18F]fluorobetaine and [14C]betaine, representing the majority of radiolabel in plasma after 5 min post-injection. Oxidation (in liver) and lipid incorporation (in lung) were somewhat slower for [18F]FCH relative to [14C]choline. The majority of radiolabel in hypoxic subcutaneous tumor, as in hypoxic cultured 9L cells, was found as nonmetabolized [18F]FCH and [14C]choline. Conclusions [18F]FCH mimics choline uptake and metabolism by 9L glioma cells and tumors. However, subtle changes in biodistribution, oxidative metabolism, dephosphorylation, lipid incorporation and renal excretion show moderate effects of the presence of the radiofluorine atom in [18F]FCH. The decrease in phosphorylation of exogenous choline by cancer cells should be considered in interpretation of PET

  2. Downregulation of miR-130a promotes cell growth and epithelial to mesenchymal transition by activating HMGB2 in glioma.

    PubMed

    Tang, Chunhai; Yang, Zhenxiu; Chen, Dongliang; Xie, Qinghai; Peng, Tao; Wu, Jingzhan; Qi, Songtao

    2017-12-01

    Aberrant expression of miR-130a is usually found in cancer studies; however, the role of miR-130a has seldom been reported in glioma. We explored miR-130a's function and the underlying mechanism in glioma. It was found that miR-130a expression was significantly down-regulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-130a decreased glioma cell growth and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. We identified the oncogene HMGB2 as a downstream target of miR-130a by using luciferase and western blot assays. Knockdown of HMGB2 mimicked the effect of miR-130a in glioma cells. Taken together, our study demonstrate that miR-130a may function as a tumor suppressor in glioma and suggest that miR-130a is a potential therapeutic target for glioma patients. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  3. Long non-coding RNA SNHG6 promotes glioma tumorigenesis by sponging miR-101-3p.

    PubMed

    Meng, Qiang; Yang, Bao-Ying; Liu, Bei; Yang, Ji-Xue; Sun, Yang

    2018-05-01

    Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor. The small nucleolar RNA host gene (SNHG) SNHG6 is a potential oncogene in the development of several types of cancers. In this study, we investigated the functional role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG6 in the malignancy of glioma in cell lines and transplanted nude mice. We found that the expression of lncRNA SNHG6 was higher in glioma tissues and cells than in normal brain tissues and cells. The expression of lncRNA SNHG6 was positively correlated with the malignancy and poor prognosis of glioma patients. microRNA (miR)-101-3p expression was decreased in glioma tissues and cells and was negatively correlated with the malignancy and poor prognosis of glioma patients. In glioma tissues, the expression of lncRNA SNHG6 was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-101-3p. SNHG6 contained a binding site of miR-101-3p. Knockdown of SNHG6 expression resulted in a significant increase of miR-101-3p expression. miR-101-3p mimic markedly decreased the luciferase activity of SNHG6. Knockdown of SNHG6 inhibited glioma cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and increased apoptosis. miR-101-3p mimic enhanced knockdown of SNHG6-induced inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and EMT, and an increase of apoptosis. Anti-miR-101-3p reversed the the effects of si-SNHG6 on cell malignancy. Knockdown of SNHG6 remarkably reduced the increase of tumor volumes in xenograft mouse models. In tumor tissues, knockdown of SNHG6 increased the expression of miR-101-3p and reduced EMT biomarker expression. Our study provides novel insights into the functions of lncRNA SNHG6/miR-101-3p axis in the tumorigenesis of glioma.

  4. Glioma-mediated microglial activation promotes glioma proliferation and migration: roles of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Wen; Carney, Karen E.; Pigott, Victoria M.; Falgoust, Lindsay M.; Clark, Paul A.; Kuo, John S.; Sun, Dandan

    2016-01-01

    Microglia play important roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and suppression of adaptive immunity in glioma. Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) regulates microglial activation and migration. However, little is known about the roles of NHE1 in intratumoral microglial activation and microglia–glioma interactions. Our study revealed up-regulation of NHE1 protein expression in both glioma cells and tumor-associated Iba1+ microglia in glioma xenografts and glioblastoma multiforme microarrays. Moreover, we observed positive correlation of NHE1 expression with Iba1 intensity in microglia/macrophages. Glioma cells, via conditioned medium or non-contact glioma-microglia co-cultures, concurrently upregulated microglial expression of NHE1 protein and other microglial activation markers (iNOS, arginase-1, TGF-β, IL-6, IL-10 and the matrix metalloproteinases MT1-MMP and MMP9). Interestingly, glioma-stimulated microglia reciprocally enhanced glioma proliferation and migration. Most importantly, inhibition of microglial NHE1 activity via small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown or the potent NHE1-specific inhibitor HOE642 significantly attenuated microglial activation and abolished microglia-stimulated glioma migration and proliferation. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that NHE1 function plays an important role in glioma–microglia interactions, enhancing glioma proliferation and invasion by stimulating microglial release of soluble factors. NHE1 upregulation is a novel marker of the glioma-associated microglial activation phenotype. Inhibition of NHE1 represents a novel glioma therapeutic strategy by targeting tumor-induced microglial activation. PMID:27287871

  5. Interleukin-13 conjugated quantum dots for identification of glioma initiating cells and their extracellular vesicles.

    PubMed

    Madhankumar, A B; Mrowczynski, Oliver D; Patel, Suhag R; Weston, Cody L; Zacharia, Brad E; Glantz, Michael J; Siedlecki, Christopher A; Xu, Li-Chong; Connor, James R

    2017-08-01

    Cadmium selenide (CdSe) based quantum dots modified with polyethylene glycol and chemically linked to interleukin-13 (IL13) were prepared with the aim of identifying the high affinity receptor (IL13Rα2) which is expressed in glioma stem cells and exosomes secreted by these cancer stem cells. IL13 conjugated quantum dots (IL13QD) were thoroughly characterized for their physicochemical properties including particle size and surface morphology. Furthermore, the specific binding of the IL13QD to glioma cells and to glioma stem cells (GSC) was verified using a competitive binding study. The exosomes were isolated from the GSC conditioned medium and the expression of IL13Rα2 in the GSC and exosomes was verified. The binding property of IL13QD to the tumor associated exosomes was initially confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The force of attraction between the quantum dots and U251 glioma cells and the exosomes was investigated by atomic force microscopy, which indicated a higher force of binding interaction between the IL13QD and IL13Rα2 expressing glioma cells and exosomes secreted by glioma stem cells. Flow cytometry of the IL13QD and exosomes from the culture media and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with glioma tumors indicated a distinctly populated complex pattern different from that of non-targeted quantum dots and bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugated quantum dots confirming specific binding potential of the IL13QD to the tumor associated exosomes. The results of this study demonstrate that IL13QD can serve as an ex vivo marker for glioma stem cells and exosomes that can inform diagnosis and prognosis of patients harboring malignant disease. Functionalized quantum dots are flexible semiconductor nanomaterials which have an immense application in biomedical research. In particular, when they are functionalized with biomolecules like proteins or antibodies, they have the specialized ability to detect the expression of receptors and antigens in

  6. MiR-592 functions as a tumor suppressor in glioma by targeting IGFBP2.

    PubMed

    Peng, Tao; Zhou, Lixiang; Qi, Hui; Wang, Guangming; Luan, Yongxin; Zuo, Ling

    2017-07-01

    A growing body of evidence suggests that microRNA-592 is involved in tumor initiation and development in several types of human cancers. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanism of microRNA-592 in glioma remain unclear. In this study, we explored the potential role of microRNA-592 in glioma as well as the possible molecular mechanisms. Our results proved that microRNA-592 expression was significantly downregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines (p < 0.01). Functional assays revealed that overexpression of microRNA-592 dramatically reduced the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced cell arrest at G1/G0 phase in vitro. Mechanistic investigations defined insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 as a direct and functional downstream target of microRNA-592, which was involved in the microRNA-592-mediated tumor-suppressive effects in glioma cells. Moreover, the in vivo study showed that microRNA-592 overexpression produced the smaller tumor volume and weight in nude mice. In summary, these results elucidated the function of microRNA-592 in glioma progression and suggested a promising application of it in glioma treatment.

  7. FoxM1 Promotes Glioma Cells Progression by Up-Regulating Anxa1 Expression

    PubMed Central

    Cheng, Shi-Xiang; Tu, Yue; Zhang, Sai

    2013-01-01

    Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) is a member of the forkhead transcription factor family and is overexpression in malignant gliomas. However, the molecular mechanisms by which FoxM1lead to glioma carcinogenesis and progression are still not well known. In the present study, we show that Anxa1 was overexpression in gliomas and predicted the poor outcome. Furthermore, Anxa1 closely related to the FoxM1 expression and was a direct transcriptional target of FoxM1. Overexpression of FoxM1 up-regulated Anxa1 expression, whereas suppression of FoxM1 expression down-regulated Anxa1 expression in glioma cells. Finally, FoxM1 enhanced the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in Anxa1-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide both clinical and mechanistic evidences that FoxM1 contributes to glioma development by directly up-regulating Anxa1 expression. PMID:23991102

  8. Serglycin as a potential biomarker for glioma: association of serglycin expression, extent of mast cell recruitment and glioblastoma progression

    PubMed Central

    Roy, Ananya; Attarha, Sanaz; Weishaupt, Holger; Edqvist, Per-Henrik; Swartling, Fredrik J.; Bergqvist, Michael; Siebzehnrubl, Florian A.; Smits, Anja; Pontén, Fredrik; Tchougounova, Elena

    2017-01-01

    Serglycin is an intracellular proteoglycan with a unique ability to adopt highly divergent structures by glycosylation with variable types of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) when expressed by different cell types. Serglycin is overexpressed in aggressive cancers suggesting its protumorigenic role. In this study, we explored the expression of serglycin in human glioma and its correlation with survival and immune cell infiltration. We demonstrate that serglycin is expressed in glioma and that increased expression predicts poor survival of patients. Analysis of serglycin expression in a large cohort of low- and high-grade human glioma samples reveals that its expression is grade dependent and is positively correlated with mast cell (MC) infiltration. Moreover, serglycin expression in patient-derived glioma cells is significantly increased upon MC co-culture. This is also accompanied by increased expression of CXCL12, CXCL10, as well as markers of cancer progression, including CD44, ZEB1 and vimentin. In conclusion, these findings indicate the importance of infiltrating MCs in glioma by modulating signaling cascades involving serglycin, CD44 and ZEB1. The present investigation reveals serglycin as a potential prognostic marker for glioma and demonstrates an association with the extent of MC recruitment and glioma progression, uncovering potential future therapeutic opportunities for patients. PMID:28445977

  9. Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccines that Utilize Myeloid Rather than Plasmacytoid Cells Offer a Superior Survival Advantage in Malignant Glioma.

    PubMed

    Dey, Mahua; Chang, Alan L; Miska, Jason; Wainwright, Derek A; Ahmed, Atique U; Balyasnikova, Irina V; Pytel, Peter; Han, Yu; Tobias, Alex; Zhang, Lingjiao; Qiao, Jian; Lesniak, Maciej S

    2015-07-01

    Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional APCs that are traditionally divided into two distinct subsets, myeloid DC (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DC (pDCs). pDCs are known for their ability to secrete large amounts of IFN-α. Apart from IFN-α production, pDCs can also process Ag and induce T cell immunity or tolerance. In several solid tumors, pDCs have been shown to play a critical role in promoting tumor immunosuppression. We investigated the role of pDCs in the process of glioma progression in the syngeneic murine model of glioma. We show that glioma-infiltrating pDCs are the major APC in glioma and are deficient in IFN-α secretion (p < 0.05). pDC depletion leads to increased survival of the mice bearing intracranial tumor by decreasing the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and by decreasing the suppressive capabilities of Tregs. We subsequently compared the ability of mDCs and pDCs to generate effective antiglioma immunity in a GL261-OVA mouse model of glioma. Our data suggest that mature pDCs and mDCs isolated from naive mice can be effectively activated and loaded with SIINFEKL Ag in vitro. Upon intradermal injection in the hindleg, a fraction of both types of DCs migrate to the brain and lymph nodes. Compared to mice vaccinated with pDC or control mice, mice vaccinated with mDCs generate a robust Th1 type immune response, characterized by high frequency of CD4(+)T-bet(+) T cells and CD8(+)SIINFEKEL(+) T cells. This robust antitumor T cell response results in tumor eradication and long-term survival in 60% of the animals (p < 0.001). Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  10. JS-K, a glutathione S-transferase-activated nitric oxide donor with antineoplastic activity in malignant gliomas

    PubMed Central

    Weyerbrock, Astrid; Osterberg, Nadja; Psarras, Nikolaos; Baumer, Brunhilde; Kogias, Evangelos; Werres, Anna; Bette, Stefanie; Saavedra, Joseph E.; Keefer, Larry K.; Papazoglou, Anna

    2011-01-01

    Background Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) control multidrug-resistance and are upregulated in many cancers including malignant gliomas. The diazeniumdiolate JS-K generates nitric oxide (NO) on enzymatic activation by glutathione and GST, showing promising NO-based anticancer efficacy. Objective To evaluate the role of NO-based antitumor therapy with JS-K in U87 gliomas in vitro and in vivo. Methods U87 glioma cells and primary glioblastoma cell lines were exposed to JS-K and a variety of inhibitors to study cell death by necrosis, apoptosis and other mechanisms. GST-expression was evaluated by immunocytochemistry, PCR and Western blot and NO release from JS-K using a NO assay. The growth-inhibitory effect of JS-K was studied in a U87 xenograft model in vivo. Results Dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation was observed in human U87 glioma cells and primary glioblastoma cells in vitro. Cell death was partially induced by caspase-dependent apoptosis which could be blocked by Z-VAD-FMK and Q-VD-OPH. GST-inhibition by sulfasalazine, cGMP inhibition by ODQ and MEK 1/2 inhibition by UO126 attenuated the antiproliferative effect of JS-K, suggesting the involvement of various intracellular death signalling pathways. Response to JS-K correlated with mRNA and protein expression of GST and the amount of NO released by the glioma cells. Growth of U87 xenografts was significantly reduced, with immunohistochemical evidence for increased necrosis, apoptosis and reduced proliferation. Conclusion Our data for the first time show the potent antiproliferative effect of JS-K in gliomas in vitro and in vivo. These findings warrant further investigation of this novel NO-releasing prodrug in gliomas. PMID:21849924

  11. D-amino acid oxidase gene therapy sensitizes glioma cells to the antiglycolytic effect of 3-bromopyruvate.

    PubMed

    El Sayed, S M; Abou El-Magd, R M; Shishido, Y; Chung, S P; Sakai, T; Watanabe, H; Kagami, S; Fukui, K

    2012-01-01

    Glioma tumors are refractory to conventional treatment. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive type of primary brain tumors in humans. In this study, we introduce oxidative stress-energy depletion (OSED) therapy as a new suggested treatment for glioblastoma. OSED utilizes D-amino acid oxidase (DAO), which is a promising therapeutic protein that induces oxidative stress and apoptosis through generating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). OSED combines DAO with 3-bromopyruvate (3BP), a hexokinase II (HK II) inhibitor that interferes with Warburg effect, a metabolic alteration of most tumor cells that is characterized by enhanced aerobic glycolysis. Our data revealed that 3BP induced depletion of energetic capabilities of glioma cells. 3BP induced H2O2 production as a novel mechanism of its action. C6 glioma transfected with DAO and treated with D-serine together with 3BP-sensitized glioma cells to 3BP and decreased markedly proliferation, clonogenic power and viability in a three-dimensional tumor model with lesser effect on normal astrocytes. DAO gene therapy using atelocollagen as an in vivo transfection agent proved effective in a glioma tumor model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, especially after combination with 3BP. OSED treatment was safe and tolerable in SD rats. OSED therapy may be a promising therapeutic modality for glioma.

  12. Aspirin inhibits the SHH/GLI1 signaling pathway and sensitizes malignant glioma cells to temozolomide therapy

    PubMed Central

    Li, Ziwei; Lin, Lin; Meng, Xiangqi; Han, Bo; Wang, Ruijia; Wu, Pengfei; Li, Jianlong; Cai, Jinquan; Jiang, Chuanlu

    2017-01-01

    Aberrant activation of sonic hedgehog (SHH)/glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) pathway plays an important role in the tumorigenicity of malignant glioma cells and resistance to temozolomide (TMZ). Here we investigated the aspirin's antineoplastic molecular route by targeting SHH/GLI1 pathway and examined the feasibility of aspirin combined with TMZ therapy. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed that the activity of the SHH/GLI1 pathway was strongly inhibited by aspirin. Aspirin acted as the glioma growth-inhibitory and pro-apoptosis roles by inhibiting the SHH/GLI1 pathway and reprogramming the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The immunofluorescence assay showed aspirin could prevent the nuclear translocation of GLI1 to inhibit its transcriptional regulation. The stable lentiviral overexpression of GLI1 reversed the DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) caused by the GANT61 and TMZ. Furthermore, aspirin combined with TMZ enhanced chemosensitivity and GLI1-induced chemoprotection was partly blocked by aspirin in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, aspirin has a therapeutic potential for SHH/GLI1 targeted therapy against glioma cells. Acquired activation of GLI1 protects glioma cells against TMZ therapy. Impairment of DNA DSBs repair activity might be involved in the route of aspirin-induced chemosensitivity. Combined aspirin with TMZ may be a promising strategy against malignant glioma. PMID:28446712

  13. Aspirin inhibits the SHH/GLI1 signaling pathway and sensitizes malignant glioma cells to temozolomide therapy.

    PubMed

    Ming, Jianguang; Sun, Bo; Li, Ziwei; Lin, Lin; Meng, Xiangqi; Han, Bo; Wang, Ruijia; Wu, Pengfei; Li, Jianlong; Cai, Jinquan; Jiang, Chuanlu

    2017-04-01

    Aberrant activation of sonic hedgehog (SHH)/glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) pathway plays an important role in the tumorigenicity of malignant glioma cells and resistance to temozolomide (TMZ). Here we investigated the aspirin's antineoplastic molecular route by targeting SHH/GLI1 pathway and examined the feasibility of aspirin combined with TMZ therapy. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed that the activity of the SHH/GLI1 pathway was strongly inhibited by aspirin. Aspirin acted as the glioma growth-inhibitory and pro-apoptosis roles by inhibiting the SHH/GLI1 pathway and reprogramming the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The immunofluorescence assay showed aspirin could prevent the nuclear translocation of GLI1 to inhibit its transcriptional regulation. The stable lentiviral overexpression of GLI1 reversed the DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) caused by the GANT61 and TMZ. Furthermore, aspirin combined with TMZ enhanced chemosensitivity and GLI1-induced chemoprotection was partly blocked by aspirin in vitro and in vivo . Collectively, aspirin has a therapeutic potential for SHH/GLI1 targeted therapy against glioma cells. Acquired activation of GLI1 protects glioma cells against TMZ therapy. Impairment of DNA DSBs repair activity might be involved in the route of aspirin-induced chemosensitivity. Combined aspirin with TMZ may be a promising strategy against malignant glioma.

  14. Glioma Cell Death Induced by Irradiation or Alkylating Agent Chemotherapy Is Independent of the Intrinsic Ceramide Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Gramatzki, Dorothee; Herrmann, Caroline; Happold, Caroline; Becker, Katrin Anne; Gulbins, Erich; Weller, Michael; Tabatabai, Ghazaleh

    2013-01-01

    Background/Aims Resistance to genotoxic therapy is a characteristic feature of glioma cells. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) hydrolyzes sphingomyelin to ceramide and glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) catalyzes ceramide metabolism. Increased ceramide levels have been suggested to enhance chemotherapy-induced death of cancer cells. Methods Microarray and clinical data for ASM and GCS in astrocytomas WHO grade II–IV were acquired from the Rembrandt database. Moreover, the glioblastoma database of the Cancer Genome Atlas network (TCGA) was used for survival data of glioblastoma patients. For in vitro studies, increases in ceramide levels were achieved either by ASM overexpression or by the GCS inhibitor DL-threo-1-phenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PPMP) in human glioma cell lines. Combinations of alkylating chemotherapy or irradiation and ASM overexpression, PPMP or exogenous ceramide were applied in parental cells. The anti-glioma effects were investigated by assessing proliferation, metabolic activity, viability and clonogenicity. Finally, viability and clonogenicity were assessed in temozolomide (TMZ)-resistant cells upon treatment with PPMP, exogenous ceramide, alkylating chemotherapy, irradiation or their combinations. Results Interrogations from the Rembrandt and TCGA database showed a better survival of glioblastoma patients with low expression of ASM or GCS. ASM overexpression or PPMP treatment alone led to ceramide accumulation but did not enhance the anti-glioma activity of alkylating chemotherapy or irradiation. PPMP or exogenous ceramide induced acute cytotoxicity in glioblastoma cells. Combined treatments with chemotherapy or irradiation led to additive, but not synergistic effects. Finally, no synergy was found when TMZ-resistant cells were treated with exogenous ceramide or PPMP alone or in combination with TMZ or irradiation. Conclusion Modulation of intrinsic glioma cell ceramide levels by ASM overexpression or GCS inhibition does not

  15. Human cytomegalovirus inhibits apoptosis by regulating the activating transcription factor 5 signaling pathway in human malignant glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    WANG, TONGMEI; QIAN, DONGMENG; HU, MING; LI, LING; ZHANG, LI; CHEN, HAO; YANG, RUI; WANG, BIN

    2014-01-01

    The activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5), also termed ATFx, is a member of the ATF/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) family of basic zipper proteins. ATF5 is an anti-apoptotic protein that is highly expressed in malignant glioma and is essential for glioma cell survival. Accumulating evidence indicates that human malignant gliomas are universally infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Recent studies have shown that HCMV may be resistant to the induction of apoptosis by disrupting cellular pathways in glioblastoma. To investigate the potential anti-apoptotic function of HCMV in glioma, malignant U87 glioma cells were infected with HCMV. The present study showed that HCMV infection suppressed apoptosis in glioblastoma U87 cells by regulating the expression of ATF5. Furthermore, in glioblastoma U87 cells, HCMV infection induced cellular proliferation in parallel with an increase in the expression level of ATF5 and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 to Bcl-2-associated X protein ratio. Loss of ATF5 function was achieved using a dominant-negative form of ATF5 in U87 cells, whereby cells appeared to grow marginally following HCMV infection when compared with the control. However, the anti-apoptotic ability was appeared to decline in the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. These results indicate that ATF5 signaling pathways may be important in the anti-apoptotic activity of HCMV-infected glioblastoma cells; therefore, the anti-apoptotic molecular mechanisms of HCMV in human glioblastoma cells were investigated in the current study. Prevention of HCMV infection may present a potential and promising approach for the treatment of malignant gliomas. PMID:25120656

  16. Long non-coding RNA UCA1/miR-182/PFKFB2 axis modulates glioblastoma-associated stromal cells-mediated glycolysis and invasion of glioma cells.

    PubMed

    He, Zongze; You, Chao; Zhao, Dongdong

    2018-06-07

    Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and deadliest malignant primary brain tumor with a high recurrence. In this study, lncRNA UCA1/miR-182 axis has been regarded as a nodal driver of glioma invasion mediated by GB-associated stromal cells (GASCs) and GASC-secreted chemokine CXCL14. In clinical specimens, CXCL14 upregulation in GASCs also correlated with poor prognosis. Notably, CXCL14-high GASCs mediated lncRNA UCA1 upregulation and miR-182 downregulation in glioma cells. Moreover, miR-182 directly bound to the fructose-2,6-biphosphatase PFKFB2; UCA1/miR-182 axis thereby modulated GASC-induced glycolysis in glioma cells. Overall, UCA1/miR-182/PFKFB2 axis modulates chemokine CXCL14 secretion, glycolysis and invasion of glioma cells in GASCs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Spontaneous in vitro senescence of glioma cells confirmed by an antibody against IDH1R132H.

    PubMed

    Stoczynska-Fidelus, Ewelina; Och, Waldemar; Rieske, Piotr; Bienkowski, Michal; Banaszczyk, Mateusz; Winiecka-Klimek, Marta; Zieba, Jolanta; Janik, Karolina; Rosiak, Kamila; Treda, Cezary; Stawski, Robert; Radomiak-Zaluska, Anna; Piaskowski, Sylwester

    2014-06-01

    We have recently suggested that glioblastoma cells become spontaneously senescent in cell culture conditions. The antibody specific against IDH1(R132H) offers the perfect opportunity to verify this hypothesis. We analyzed the features of senescence in 8 glioma cell cultures showing the IDH1(R132H) mutation based on combination of immunocytochemistry, enzymo-cytochemistry, BrdU incorporation assay and real-time microscopic observation. We report that glioma cells showing the IDH1(R132H) mutation become rapidly and spontaneously senescent in vitro. Senescence was observed in both classical and novel serum-free cell culture conditions. Importantly, the senescent IDH1(R132H)-positive cells showed the expression of stemness marker (SOX2). In vitro senescence appeared to be the main reason of the difficulties in any kind culturing of glioma cells. 3D cell cultures prolonged the survival and in vitro proliferation of neoplastic IDH1(R132H)-positive cells, however, did not enhance the stabilization efficiency. Senescence of glioma cells is spontaneously triggered in vitro, which offers the opportunity of potential new therapeutic strategies based on this phenomenon. Copyright© 2014 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

  18. [The expression of IDH1 (R132H) is positively correlated with cell proliferation and angiogenesis in glioma samples].

    PubMed

    Shi, Jiankuan; Zhao, Yuanlin; Yuan, Yuan; Wang, Chao; Xie, Zhonglin; Gao, Xing; Xiao, Liming; Ye, Jing

    2016-03-01

    To explore the correlations of the expression of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) (R132H) protein with angiogenesis and cell proliferation in glioma. We performed polymerase chain reaction-based IDH gene mutation screening in 385 glioma samples, and the subcellular localization and expression levels of IDH1 (R132H) was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Ki-67 labeling index was introduced to determine the proliferation of glioma cells, and the microvessel density was measured through CD34 staining. Statistical analyses were performed to show the correlations of IDH1 mutation with cell proliferation and microvessel density. The mutant rates of IDH1 were about 50%-60% in grade II-III gliomas and secondary glioblastomas, which were significantly higher than those in pilocytic astrocytoma (grade I) and primary glioblastoma (grade IV). Moreover, the level of IDH1 (R132H) protein was positively correlated with Ki-67 labeling index and microvessel density. IDH mutation was common in grade II-III glioma and secondary glioblastoma, and the mutant IDH1 (R132H) might play a critical role in the cell proliferation and angiogenesis of glioma.

  19. A role for ion channels in perivascular glioma invasion

    PubMed Central

    Thompson, Emily G.

    2017-01-01

    Malignant gliomas are devastating tumors, frequently killing those diagnosed in little over a year. The profuse infiltration of glioma cells into healthy tissue surrounding the main tumor mass is one of the major obstacles limiting the improvement of patient survival. Migration along the abluminal side of blood vessels is one of the salient features of glioma cell invasion. Invading glioma cells are attracted to the vascular network, in part by the neuro-peptide bradykinin, where glioma cells actively modify the gliovascular interface and undergo volumetric alterations to navigate the confined space. Critical to these volume modifications is a proposed hydrodynamic model that involves the flux of ions in and out of the cell, followed by osmotically obligated water. Ion and water channels expressed by the glioma cell are essential in this model of invasion and make opportune therapeutic targets. Lastly, there is growing evidence that vascular-associated glioma cells are able to control the vascular tone, presumably to free up space for invasion and growth. The unique mechanisms that enable perivascular glioma invasion may offer critical targets for therapeutic intervention in this devastating disease. Indeed, a chloride channel-blocking peptide has already been successfully tested in human clinical trials. PMID:27424110

  20. Transcriptional differences between normal and glioma-derived glial progenitor cells identify a core set of dysregulated genes.

    PubMed

    Auvergne, Romane M; Sim, Fraser J; Wang, Su; Chandler-Militello, Devin; Burch, Jaclyn; Al Fanek, Yazan; Davis, Danielle; Benraiss, Abdellatif; Walter, Kevin; Achanta, Pragathi; Johnson, Mahlon; Quinones-Hinojosa, Alfredo; Natesan, Sridaran; Ford, Heide L; Goldman, Steven A

    2013-06-27

    Glial progenitor cells (GPCs) are a potential source of malignant gliomas. We used A2B5-based sorting to extract tumorigenic GPCs from human gliomas spanning World Health Organization grades II-IV. Messenger RNA profiling identified a cohort of genes that distinguished A2B5+ glioma tumor progenitor cells (TPCs) from A2B5+ GPCs isolated from normal white matter. A core set of genes and pathways was substantially dysregulated in A2B5+ TPCs, which included the transcription factor SIX1 and its principal cofactors, EYA1 and DACH2. Small hairpin RNAi silencing of SIX1 inhibited the expansion of glioma TPCs in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a critical and unrecognized role of the SIX1-EYA1-DACH2 system in glioma genesis or progression. By comparing the expression patterns of glioma TPCs with those of normal GPCs, we have identified a discrete set of pathways by which glial tumorigenesis may be better understood and more specifically targeted. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) inhibitors decrease glioma progression.

    PubMed

    Kushal, Swati; Wang, Weijun; Vaikari, Vijaya Pooja; Kota, Rajesh; Chen, Kevin; Yeh, Tzu-Shao; Jhaveri, Niyati; Groshen, Susan L; Olenyuk, Bogdan Z; Chen, Thomas C; Hofman, Florence M; Shih, Jean C

    2016-03-22

    Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor which is currently treated with temozolomide (TMZ). Tumors usually become resistant to TMZ and recur; no effective therapy is then available. Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO A) oxidizes monoamine neurotransmitters resulting in reactive oxygen species which cause cancer. This study shows that MAO A expression is increased in human glioma tissues and cell lines. MAO A inhibitors, clorgyline or the near-infrared-dye MHI-148 conjugated to clorgyline (NMI), were cytotoxic for glioma and decreased invasion in vitro. Using the intracranial TMZ-resistant glioma model, clorgyline or NMI alone or in combination with low-dose TMZ reduced tumor growth and increased animal survival. NMI was localized specifically to the tumor. Immunocytochemistry studies showed that the MAO A inhibitor reduced proliferation, microvessel density and invasion, and increased macrophage infiltration. In conclusion, we have identified MAO A inhibitors as potential novel stand-alone drugs or as combination therapy with low dose TMZ for drug-resistant gliomas. NMI can also be used as a non-invasive imaging tool. Thus has a dual function for both therapy and diagnosis.

  2. Three-dimensional cultured glioma cell lines

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gonda, Steve R. (Inventor); Marley, Garry M. (Inventor)

    1991-01-01

    Three-dimensional glioma spheroids were produced in vitro with size and histological differentiation previously unattained. The spheroids were grown in liquid media suspension in a Johnson Space Center (JSC) Rotating Wall Bioreactor without using support matrices such as microcarrier beads. Spheroid volumes of greater than 3.5 cu mm and diameters of 2.5 mm were achieved with a viable external layer or rim of proliferating cells, a transitional layer beneath the external layer with histological differentiation, and a degenerative central region with a hypoxic necrotic core. Cell debris was evident in the degenerative central region. The necrotics centers of some of the spheroids had hyaline droplets. Granular bodies were detected predominantly in the necrotic center.

  3. N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) promote growth and inhibit differentiation of glioma stem-like cells.

    PubMed

    Long, Patrick M; Moffett, John R; Namboodiri, Aryan M A; Viapiano, Mariano S; Lawler, Sean E; Jaworski, Diane M

    2013-09-06

    Metabolic reprogramming is a pathological feature of cancer and a driver of tumor cell transformation. N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) is one of the most abundant amino acid derivatives in the brain and serves as a source of metabolic acetate for oligodendrocyte myelination and protein/histone acetylation or a precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). NAA and NAAG as well as aspartoacylase (ASPA), the enzyme responsible for NAA degradation, are significantly reduced in glioma tumors, suggesting a possible role for decreased acetate metabolism in tumorigenesis. This study sought to examine the effects of NAA and NAAG on primary tumor-derived glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) from oligodendroglioma as well as proneural and mesenchymal glioblastoma, relative to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (Oli-Neu). Although the NAA dicarboxylate transporter NaDC3 is primarily thought to be expressed by astrocytes, all cell lines expressed NaDC3 and, thus, are capable of NAA up-take. Treatment with NAA or NAAG significantly increased GSC growth and suppressed differentiation of Oli-Neu cells and proneural GSCs. Interestingly, ASPA was expressed in both the cytosol and nuclei of GSCs and exhibited greatest nuclear immunoreactivity in differentiation-resistant GSCs. Both NAA and NAAG elicited the expression of a novel immunoreactive ASPA species in select GSC nuclei, suggesting differential ASPA regulation in response to these metabolites. Therefore, this study highlights a potential role for nuclear ASPA expression in GSC malignancy and suggests that the use of NAA or NAAG is not an appropriate therapeutic approach to increase acetate bioavailability in glioma. Thus, an alternative acetate source is required.

  4. 3-Bromopyruvate inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in CD133+ population in human glioma.

    PubMed

    Xu, Dong-Qiang; Tan, Xiao-Yu; Zhang, Bao-Wei; Wu, Tao; Liu, Ping; Sun, Shao-Jun; Cao, Yin-Guang

    2016-03-01

    The study was aimed to investigate the role of 3-bromopyruvate in inhibition of CD133+ U87 human glioma cell population growth. The results demonstrated that 3-bromopyruvate inhibited the viability of both CD133+ and parental cells derived from U87 human glioma cell line. However, the 3-bromopyruvate-induced inhibition in viability was more prominent in CD133+ cells at 10 μM concentration after 48 h. Treatment of CD133+ cells with 3-bromopyruvate caused reduction in cell population and cell size, membrane bubbling, and degradation of cell membranes. Hoechst 33258 staining showed condensation of chromatin material and fragmentation of DNA in treated CD133+ cells after 48 h. 3-Bromopyruvate inhibited the migration rate of CD133+ cells significantly compared to the parental cells. Flow cytometry revealed that exposure of CD133+ cells to 3-bromopyruvate increased the cell population in S phase from 24.5 to 37.9 % with increase in time from 12 to 48 h. In addition, 3-bromopyruvate significantly enhanced the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 in CD133+ cells compared to the parental cells. Therefore, 3-bromopyruvate is a potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of glioma by targeting stem cells selectively.

  5. Dynamics of circulating gamma delta T cell activity in an immunocompetent mouse model of high-grade glioma

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Human gamma delta T cells are potent effectors against glioma cell lines in vitro and in human/mouse xenograft models of glioblastoma, however, this effect has not been investigated in an immunocompetent mouse model. In this report, we established GL261 intracranial gliomas in syngeneic WT C57BL/6 m...

  6. Purine synthesis promotes maintenance of brain tumor initiating cells in glioma.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiuxing; Yang, Kailin; Xie, Qi; Wu, Qiulian; Mack, Stephen C; Shi, Yu; Kim, Leo J Y; Prager, Briana C; Flavahan, William A; Liu, Xiaojing; Singer, Meromit; Hubert, Christopher G; Miller, Tyler E; Zhou, Wenchao; Huang, Zhi; Fang, Xiaoguang; Regev, Aviv; Suvà, Mario L; Hwang, Tae Hyun; Locasale, Jason W; Bao, Shideng; Rich, Jeremy N

    2017-05-01

    Brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs), also known as cancer stem cells, hijack high-affinity glucose uptake active normally in neurons to maintain energy demands. Here we link metabolic dysregulation in human BTICs to a nexus between MYC and de novo purine synthesis, mediating glucose-sustained anabolic metabolism. Inhibiting purine synthesis abrogated BTIC growth, self-renewal and in vivo tumor formation by depleting intracellular pools of purine nucleotides, supporting purine synthesis as a potential therapeutic point of fragility. In contrast, differentiated glioma cells were unaffected by the targeting of purine biosynthetic enzymes, suggesting selective dependence of BTICs. MYC coordinated the control of purine synthetic enzymes, supporting its role in metabolic reprogramming. Elevated expression of purine synthetic enzymes correlated with poor prognosis in glioblastoma patients. Collectively, our results suggest that stem-like glioma cells reprogram their metabolism to self-renew and fuel the tumor hierarchy, revealing potential BTIC cancer dependencies amenable to targeted therapy.

  7. Reporter gene imaging of targeted T cell immunotherapy in recurrent glioma.

    PubMed

    Keu, Khun Visith; Witney, Timothy H; Yaghoubi, Shahriar; Rosenberg, Jarrett; Kurien, Anita; Magnusson, Rachel; Williams, John; Habte, Frezghi; Wagner, Jamie R; Forman, Stephen; Brown, Christine; Allen-Auerbach, Martin; Czernin, Johannes; Tang, Winson; Jensen, Michael C; Badie, Behnam; Gambhir, Sanjiv S

    2017-01-18

    High-grade gliomas are aggressive cancers that often become rapidly fatal. Immunotherapy using CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), engineered to express both herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) zetakine chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), is a treatment strategy with considerable potential. To optimize this and related immunotherapies, it would be helpful to monitor CTL viability and trafficking to glioma cells. We show that noninvasive positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 9-[4-[ 18 F]fluoro-3-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine ([ 18 F]FHBG) can track HSV1-tk reporter gene expression present in CAR-engineered CTLs. [ 18 F]FHBG imaging was safe and enabled the longitudinal imaging of T cells stably transfected with a PET reporter gene in patients. Further optimization of this imaging approach for monitoring in vivo cell trafficking should greatly benefit various cell-based therapies for cancer. Copyright © 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  8. A cell-penetrating peptide based on the interaction between c-Src and connexin43 reverses glioma stem cell phenotype

    PubMed Central

    Gangoso, E; Thirant, C; Chneiweiss, H; Medina, J M; Tabernero, A

    2014-01-01

    Connexin43 (Cx43), the main gap junction channel-forming protein in astrocytes, is downregulated in malignant gliomas. These tumors are composed of a heterogeneous population of cells that include many with stem-cell-like properties, called glioma stem cells (GSCs), which are highly tumorigenic and lack Cx43 expression. Interestingly, restoring Cx43 reverses GSC phenotype and consequently reduces their tumorigenicity. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which Cx43 exerts its antitumorigenic effects on GSCs. We have focused on the tyrosine kinase c-Src, which interacts with the intracellular carboxy tail of Cx43. We found that Cx43 regulates c-Src activity and proliferation in human GSCs expanded in adherent culture. Thus, restoring Cx43 in GSCs inhibited c-Src activity, which in turn promoted the downregulation of the inhibitor of differentiation Id1. Id1 sustains stem cell phenotype as it controls the expression of Sox2, responsible for stem cell self-renewal, and promotes cadherin switching, which has been associated to epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Our results show that both the ectopic expression of Cx43 and the inhibition of c-Src reduced Id1, Sox2 expression and promoted the switch from N- to E-cadherin, suggesting that Cx43, by inhibiting c-Src, downregulates Id1 with the subsequent changes in stem cell phenotype. On the basis of this mechanism, we found that a cell-penetrating peptide, containing the region of Cx43 that interacts with c-Src, mimics the effect of Cx43 on GSC phenotype, confirming the relevance of the interaction between Cx43 and c-Src in the regulation of the malignant phenotype and pinpointing this interaction as a promising therapeutic target. PMID:24457967

  9. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-independent potentiation of nitrosourea cytotoxicity by 3-aminobenzamide in human malignant glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Winter, S; Weller, M

    2000-06-16

    Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is a zinc-finger DNA-binding protein that detects specifically DNA strand breaks generated by genotoxic agents and is thought to be involved in DNA repair. Here, we examined the effects of 3-aminobenzamide, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, on the chemosensitivity of human malignant glioma cells. 3-Aminobenzamide selectively potentiated the cytotoxicity of the nitrosoureas, nimustine, carmustine and lomustine in 10 of 12 human malignant glioma cell lines. In contrast, 3-aminobenzamide did not modulate the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicine, teniposide, vincristine, camptothecin or cytarabine. The nitrosoureas did not induce poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity in the glioma cells. Ectopic expression of truncated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase containing the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase DNA-binding domain, which acts as a dominant-negative mutant, in LN-18 or LN-229 cells did not alter the 3-aminobenzamide effect on nitrosourea-mediated cytotoxicity. Thus, 3-aminobenzamide may target another nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-requiring enzyme, but not poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, when enhancing nitrosourea cytotoxicity in human malignant glioma cells. Carmustine cytotoxicity was associated with a G2/M arrest. Coexposure to carmustine and 3-aminobenzamide overcame this G2/M arrest in T98G cells, which are sensitized to carmustine by 3-aminobenzamide, but not in U251MG cells, which are refractory to 3-aminobenzamide-mediated sensitization to carmustine. Thus, 3-aminobenzamide-mediated sensitization to carmustine cytotoxicity may result from interference with the stable G2/M arrest response to carmustine in human glioma cells.

  10. Serum-dependent effects of tamoxifen and cannabinoids upon C6 glioma cell viability.

    PubMed

    Jacobsson, S O; Rongård, E; Stridh, M; Tiger, G; Fowler, C J

    2000-12-15

    In the present study, the effects of the combination of tamoxifen ((Z)-2[p-(1,2-diphenyl-1-butenyl)phenoxy]-N,N-dimethylamine citrate) and three cannabinoids (Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol [Delta(9)-THC], cannabidiol, and anandamide [AEA]) upon the viability of C6 rat glioma cells was assessed at different incubation times and using different culturing concentrations of foetal bovine serum (FBS). Consistent with previous data for human glioblastoma cells, the tamoxifen sensitivity of the cells was increased as the FBS content of the culture medium was reduced from 10 to 0.4 and 0%. The cells expressed protein kinase C alpha and calmodulin (the concentration of which did not change significantly as the FBS concentration was reduced), but did not express estrogen receptors. Delta(9)-THC and cannabidiol, but not AEA, produced a modest reduction in cell viability after 6 days of incubation in serum-free medium, whereas no effects were seen in 10% FBS-containing medium. There was no observed synergy between the effects of tamoxifen and the cannabinoids upon cell viability.

  11. MicroRNA-124 inhibits the proliferation of C6 glioma cells by targeting Smad4.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Zechuan; Gong, Qiaoyun; Li, Meiying; Xu, Jinying; Zheng, Yangyang; Ge, Pengfei; Chi, Guangfan

    2017-10-01

    MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) has been shown to be downregulated in glioma; however, its biological functions in glioma are not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the Smad4‑dependent effects of miR‑124 on C6 glioma cell proliferation. In this study, the level of miR‑124 was found to be enhanced in C6 cells upon transfection with miR‑124 mimics, and the mechanisms of action of miR‑124 in C6 cells were investigated by reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, MTT assay, western blot analysis and luciferase reporter assays in vitro. The results revealed that miR‑124 expression was significantly lower in the C6 cells than in either normal rat brain tissue or astrocytes. Upon the overexpression of miR‑124, the proliferation of the C6 cells decreased and Smad4 expression was significantly suppressed. Smad4 was identified as a direct target of miR‑124 through luciferase reporter assays. Furthermore, miR‑124 was found to modulate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) by downregulating Smad4 expression. Using small interfering RNA targeting Smad4 mRNA, we also confirmed that miR‑124 downregulated c‑Myc by modulating Smad4 expression. In addition, caspase‑3 expression was induced by miR‑124 overexpression, but not via Smad4 downregulation. On the whole, our results demonstrate that miR‑124 upregulation inhibits the growth of C6 glioma cells by targeting Smad4 directly. These findings may be clinically useful for the development of therapeutic strategies directed toward miR‑124 function in patients with glioma.

  12. MiR-26b Mimic Inhibits Glioma Proliferation In Vitro and In Vivo Suppressing COX-2 Expression.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zheng-Gang; Zheng, Chuan-Yi; Cai, Wang-Qing; Li, Da-Wei; Ye, Fu-Yue; Zhou, Jian; Wu, Ran; Yang, Kun

    2017-08-11

    Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the nervous system. Studies have shown the microRNA (miR)-26b/cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 axis in the development and progression in many tumor cells. Our study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-26b/COX-2 axis in glioma. Decreased expression of miR-26b with increased level of COX-2 was found in glioma tissues compared with matched normal tissues. A strong negative correlation was observed between the level of miR-26b and COX-2 in 30 glioma tissues. The miR-26b was then overexpressed by transfecting miR-26b mimic into U-373 cells. The invasive cell number and wounld closing rate were reduced in U-373 cells transfected with miR-26b mimic. Besides, COX2 siRNA enhanced the effect of miR-26b mimic in suppressing the expression of p-ERK1 and p-JNK. Finally, the in vivo experiment revealed that miR-26b mimic transfection strongly reduced the tumor growth, tumor volume and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9). Taken together, our research indicated a miR-26b/COX-2/ERK/JNK axis in regulating the motility of glioma in vitro and in vivo, providing a new sight for treatment of glioma.

  13. Downregulation of Pygopus 2 inhibits vascular mimicry in glioma U251 cells by suppressing the canonical Wnt signaling pathway

    PubMed Central

    WANG, HAIDONG; FU, JIANHUA; XU, DIANSHUANG; XU, WEIWEI; WANG, SHIYONG; ZHANG, LIU; XIANG, YONGSHENG

    2016-01-01

    Gliomas are the most common type of malignant primary brain tumor, and the Wnt signaling pathway is associated with glioma malignancy. Pygopus protein plays an important role in developmental brain patterning, and has been identified to be a component of the Wnt signaling pathway. In the present study, the Pygopus 2 (Pygo2) protein was examined in 80 glioma tissue samples. Short hairpin (sh)RNA-Pygo2 was transfected into glioma U251 cells, and the cell proliferation, colony formation and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation were analyzed. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of Pygo2. A vascular mimicry assay was performed to examine the vascular mimicry of U251 cells. A luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the β-catenin/Wnt system. The cyclin D1 protein was also detected using western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that inhibition of the expression of Pygo2 significantly triggered the decrease of cell proliferation, colony formation and BrdU incorporation compared with the cells treated with scramble control shRNA (shRNA-Scr). shRNA-Pygo2 transfection was found to inhibit vascular-mimicry and block the Wnt signaling pathway compared to the cells transfected with shRNA-Scr. The transfection of shRNA-Pygo2 also decreased the expression of the Wnt target gene cyclin D1. In conclusion, shRNA-Pygo2 suppressed glioma cell proliferation effectively and inhibited vascular mimicry by inhibiting the expression of cyclin D1 in the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway in brain glioma cells. PMID:26870266

  14. Cross-talk between T Cells and Hematopoietic Stem Cells during Adoptive Cellular Therapy for Malignant Glioma.

    PubMed

    Wildes, Tyler J; Grippin, Adam; Dyson, Kyle A; Wummer, Brandon M; Damiani, David J; Abraham, Rebecca S; Flores, Catherine T; Mitchell, Duane A

    2018-04-30

    Purpose: Adoptive T-cell immunotherapy (ACT) has emerged as a viable therapeutic for peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) tumors. In peripheral cancers, optimal efficacy of ACT is reliant on dendritic cells (DCs) in the tumor microenvironment. However, the CNS is largely devoid of resident migratory DCs to function as antigen-presenting cells during immunotherapy. Herein, we demonstrate that cellular interactions between adoptively transferred tumor-reactive T cells and bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) lead to the generation of potent intratumoral DCs within the CNS compartment. Experimental Design: We evaluated HSPC differentiation during ACT in vivo in glioma-bearing hosts and HSPC proliferation and differentiation in vitro using a T-cell coculture system. We utilized FACS, ELISAs, and gene expression profiling to study the phenotype and function of HSPC-derived cells ex vivo and in vivo. To demonstrate the impact of HSPC differentiation and function on antitumor efficacy, we performed survival experiments. Results: Transfer of HSPCs with concomitant ACT led to the production of activated CD86 + CD11c + MHCII + cells consistent with DC phenotype and function within the brain tumor microenvironment. These intratumoral DCs largely supplanted abundant host myeloid-derived suppressor cells. We determined that during ACT, HSPC-derived cells in gliomas rely on T-cell-released IFNγ to differentiate into DCs, activate T cells, and reject intracranial tumors. Conclusions: Our data support the use of HSPCs as a novel cellular therapy. Although DC vaccines induce robust immune responses in the periphery, our data demonstrate that HSPC transfer uniquely generates intratumoral DCs that potentiate T-cell responses and promote glioma rejection in situ Clin Cancer Res; 1-12. ©2018 AACR. ©2018 American Association for Cancer Research.

  15. RTVP-1 regulates glioma cell migration and invasion via interaction with N-WASP and hnRNPK

    PubMed Central

    Ziv-Av, Amotz; Giladi, Nissim David; Lee, Hae Kyung; Cazacu, Simona; Finniss, Susan; Xiang, Cunli; Pauker, Maor H.; Barda-Saad, Mira; Poisson, Laila; Brodie, Chaya

    2015-01-01

    Glioblastoma (GBM) are characterized by increased invasion into the surrounding normal brain tissue. RTVP-1 is highly expressed in GBM and regulates the migration and invasion of glioma cells. To further study RTVP-1 effects we performed a pull-down assay using His-tagged RTVP-1 followed by mass spectrometry and found that RTVP-1 was associated with the actin polymerization regulator, N-WASP. This association was further validated by co-immunoprecipitation and FRET analysis. We found that RTVP-1 increased cell spreading, migration and invasion and these effects were at least partly mediated by N-WASP. Another protein which was found by the pull-down assay to interact with RTVP-1 is hnRNPK. This protein has been recently reported to associate with and to inhibit the effect of N-WASP on cell spreading. hnRNPK decreased cell migration, spreading and invasion in glioma cells. Using co-immunoprecipitation we validated the interactions of hnRNPK with N-WASP and RTVP-1 in glioma cells. In addition, we found that overexpression of RTVP-1 decreased the association of N-WASP and hnRNPK. In summary, we report that RTVP-1 regulates glioma cell spreading, migration and invasion and that these effects are mediated via interaction with N-WASP and by interfering with the inhibitory effect of hnRNPK on the function of this protein. PMID:26305187

  16. MicroRNA 203 Modulates Glioma Cell Migration via Robo1/ERK/MMP-9 Signaling

    PubMed Central

    Dontula, Ranadheer; Dinasarapu, Ashok; Chetty, Chandramu; Pannuru, Padmavathi; Herbert, Engelhard; Ozer, Howard

    2013-01-01

    Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant primary adult brain cancer. Allelic deletion on chromosome 14q plays an important role in the pathogenesis of GBM, and this site was thought to harbor multiple tumor suppressor genes associated with GBM, a region that also encodes microRNA-203 (miR-203). In this study, we sought to identify the role of miR-203 as a tumor suppressor in the pathogenesis of GBM. We analyzed the miR-203 expression data of GBM patients in 10 normal and 495 tumor tissue samples derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas data set. Quantitative real-time PCR and in situ hybridization in 10 high-grade GBM and 10 low-grade anaplastic astrocytoma tumor samples showed decreased levels of miR-203 expression in anaplastic astrocytoma and GBM tissues and cell lines. Exogenous expression of miR-203 using a plasmid expressing miR-203 precursor (pmiR-203) suppressed glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We determined that one relevant target of miR-203 was Robo1, given that miR-203 expression decreased mRNA and protein levels as determined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Moreover, cotransfection experiments using a luciferase-based transcription reporter assay have shown direct regulation of Robo1 by miR-203. We also show that Robo1 mediates miR-203 mediated antimigratory functions as up-regulation of Robo1 abrogates miR-203 mediated antimigratory effects. We also show that miR-203 expression suppressed ERK phosphorylation and MMP-9 expression in glioma cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-203 inhibits migration of the glioma cells by disrupting the Robo1/ERK/MMP-9 signaling axis. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that up-regulation of Robo1 in response to the decrease in miR-203 in glioma cells is responsible for glioma tumor cell migration and invasion. PMID:24167656

  17. Gap junctions modulate glioma invasion by direct transfer of microRNA.

    PubMed

    Hong, Xiaoting; Sin, Wun Chey; Harris, Andrew L; Naus, Christian C

    2015-06-20

    The invasiveness of high-grade glioma is the primary reason for poor survival following treatment. Interaction between glioma cells and surrounding astrocytes are crucial to invasion. We investigated the role of gap junction mediated miRNA transfer in this context. By manipulating gap junctions with a gap junction inhibitor, siRNAs, and a dominant negative connexin mutant, we showed that functional glioma-glioma gap junctions suppress glioma invasion while glioma-astrocyte and astrocyte-astrocyte gap junctions promote it in an in vitro transwell invasion assay. After demonstrating that glioma-astrocyte gap junctions are permeable to microRNA, we compared the microRNA profiles of astrocytes before and after co-culture with glioma cells, identifying specific microRNAs as candidates for transfer through gap junctions from glioma cells to astrocytes. Further analysis showed that transfer of miR-5096 from glioma cells to astrocytes is through gap junctions; this transfer is responsible, in part, for the pro-invasive effect. Our results establish a role for glioma-astrocyte gap junction mediated microRNA signaling in modulation of glioma invasive behavior, and that gap junction coupling among astrocytes magnifies the pro-invasive signaling. Our findings reveal the potential for therapeutic interventions based on abolishing alteration of stromal cells by tumor cells via manipulation of microRNA and gap junction channel activity.

  18. Gap junctions modulate glioma invasion by direct transfer of microRNA

    PubMed Central

    Hong, Xiaoting; Sin, Wun Chey; Harris, Andrew L.; Naus, Christian C.

    2015-01-01

    The invasiveness of high-grade glioma is the primary reason for poor survival following treatment. Interaction between glioma cells and surrounding astrocytes are crucial to invasion. We investigated the role of gap junction mediated miRNA transfer in this context. By manipulating gap junctions with a gap junction inhibitor, siRNAs, and a dominant negative connexin mutant, we showed that functional glioma-glioma gap junctions suppress glioma invasion while glioma-astrocyte and astrocyte-astrocyte gap junctions promote it in an in vitro transwell invasion assay. After demonstrating that glioma-astrocyte gap junctions are permeable to microRNA, we compared the microRNA profiles of astrocytes before and after co-culture with glioma cells, identifying specific microRNAs as candidates for transfer through gap junctions from glioma cells to astrocytes. Further analysis showed that transfer of miR-5096 from glioma cells to astrocytes is through gap junctions; this transfer is responsible, in part, for the pro-invasive effect. Our results establish a role for glioma-astrocyte gap junction mediated microRNA signaling in modulation of glioma invasive behavior, and that gap junction coupling among astrocytes magnifies the pro-invasive signaling. Our findings reveal the potential for therapeutic interventions based on abolishing alteration of stromal cells by tumor cells via manipulation of microRNA and gap junction channel activity. PMID:25978028

  19. Phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C inhibition down- regulates CXCR4 expression and interferes with proliferation, invasion and glycolysis in glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    Ricci, Alessandro; Pacella, Aurora; Cigliana, Giovanni; Bozzuto, Giuseppina; Podo, Franca; Carpinelli, Giulia

    2017-01-01

    Background The chemokine receptor CXCR4 plays a crucial role in tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive glioma. Phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC), a catabolic enzyme of PC metabolism, is involved in several aspects of cancer biology and its inhibition down-modulates the expression of growth factor membrane receptors interfering with their signaling pathways. In the present work we investigated the possible interplay between CXCR4 and PC-PLC in GBM cells. Methods Confocal microscopy, immunoprecipitation, western blot analyses, and the evaluation of migration and invasion potential were performed on U87MG cells after PC-PLC inhibition with the xanthate D609. The intracellular metabolome was investigated by magnetic resonance spectroscopy; lactate levels and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were analyzed by colorimetric assay. Results Our studies demonstrated that CXCR4 and PC-PLC co-localize and are associated on U87MG cell membrane. D609 reduced CXCR4 expression, cell proliferation and invasion, interfering with AKT and EGFR activation and expression. Metabolic analyses showed a decrease in intracellular lactate concentration together with a decrement in LDH activity. Conclusions Our data suggest that inhibition of PC-PLC could represent a new molecular approach in glioma biology not only for its ability in modulating cell metabolism, glioma growth and motility, but also for its inhibitory effect on crucial molecules involved in cancer progression. PMID:28423060

  20. Syndecan-1 knockdown inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasion by deregulating a c-src/FAK-associated signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Shi, Shuang; Zhong, Dong; Xiao, Yao; Wang, Bing; Wang, Wentao; Zhang, Fu'an; Huang, Haoyang

    2017-06-20

    Recent studies have shown that increased syndecan-1 (SDC1) expression in human glioma is associated with higher tumor grades and poor prognoses, but its oncogenic functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we examined SDC1 expression in datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus. Elevated SDC1 expression in glioma was closely associated with increases in tumor progression and shorter survival. We also examined SDC1 expression and evaluated the effects of stable SDC1 knockdown in glioma cell lines. SDC1 knockdown attenuated proliferation and invasion by glioma cells and markedly decreased PCNA and MMP-9 mRNA and protein expression. In a xenograft model, SDC1 knockdown suppressed the tumorigenic effects of U87 cells in vivo. SDC1 knockdown decreased phosphorylation of the c-src/FAK complex and its downstream signaling molecules, Erk, Akt and p38 MAPK. These results suggest that SDC1 may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of glioma.

  1. Quercetin-induced downregulation of phospholipase D1 inhibits proliferation and invasion in U87 glioma cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Park, Mi Hee; Min, Do Sik, E-mail: minds@pusan.ac.kr

    Highlights: {yields} Quercetin, a bioactive flavonoid, suppresses expression and enzymatic activity of phospholipase D1. {yields} Quercetin abolishes NFkB-induced phospholipase D1 expression via inhibition of NFkB transactivation. {yields} Quercetin-induced suppression of phospholipase D1 inhibits invasion and proliferation of human glioma cells. -- Abstract: Phospholipase D (PLD) has been recognized as a regulator of cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, but little is known about the molecules regulating PLD expression. Thus, the identification of small molecules inhibiting PLD expression would be an important advance in PLD-mediated physiology. Quercetin, a ubiquitous bioactive flavonoid, is known to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in a variety ofmore » cancer cells. In the present study, we examined the effect of quercetin on the expression of PLD in U87 glioma cells. Quercetin significantly suppressed the expression of PLD1 at the transcriptional level. Moreover, quercetin abolished the protein expression of PLD1 in a time and dose-dependent manner, as well as inhibited PLD activity. Quercetin suppressed NF{kappa}B-induced PLD1 expression via inhibition of NFkB transactivation. Furthermore, quercetin inhibited activation and invasion of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a key modulator of glioma cell invasion, induced by phosphatidic acid (PA), a product of PLD activity. Taken together these data demonstrate that quercetin abolishes PLD1 expression and subsequently inhibits invasion and proliferation of glioma cells.« less

  2. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutant R132H sensitizes glioma cells to BCNU-induced oxidative stress and cell death.

    PubMed

    Mohrenz, Isabelle Vanessa; Antonietti, Patrick; Pusch, Stefan; Capper, David; Balss, Jörg; Voigt, Sophia; Weissert, Susanne; Mukrowsky, Alicia; Frank, Jan; Senft, Christian; Seifert, Volker; von Deimling, Andreas; Kögel, Donat

    2013-11-01

    Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) decarboxylates isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) leading to generation of NADPH, which is required to regenerate reduced glutathione (GSH), the major cellular ROS scavenger. Mutation of R132 of IDH1 abrogates generation of α-KG and leads to conversion of α-KG to 2-hydroxyglutarate. We hypothesized that glioma cells expressing mutant IDH1 have a diminished antioxidative capacity and therefore may encounter an ensuing loss of cytoprotection under conditions of oxidative stress. Our study was performed with LN229 cells stably overexpressing IDH1 R132H and wild type IDH1 or with a lentiviral IDH1 knockdown. Quantification of GSH under basal conditions and following treatment with the glutathione reductase inhibitor BCNU revealed significantly lower GSH levels in IDH1 R132H expressing cells and IDH1 KD cells compared to their respective controls. FACS analysis of cell death and ROS production also demonstrated an increased sensitivity of IDH1-R132H-expressing cells and IDH1 KD cells to BCNU, but not to temozolomide. The sensitivity of IDH1-R132H-expressing cells and IDH1 KD cells to ROS induction and cell death was further enhanced with the transaminase inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid and under glutamine free conditions, indicating that these cells were more addicted to glutaminolysis. Increased sensitivity to BCNU-induced ROS production and cell death was confirmed in HEK293 cells inducibly expressing the IDH1 mutants R132H, R132C and R132L. Based on these findings we propose that in addition to its established pro-tumorigenic effects, mutant IDH1 may also limit the resistance of gliomas to specific death stimuli, therefore opening new perspectives for therapy.

  3. Novel histone deacetylase inhibitor N25 exerts anti-tumor effects and induces autophagy in human glioma cells by inhibiting HDAC3

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Xin-Yuan; Qu, Yue; Ni, An-Ran; Wang, Gui-Xiang; Huang, Wei-Bin; Chen, Zhong-Ping; Lv, Zhu-Fen; Zhang, Song; Lindsay, Holly; Zhao, Sibo; Li, Xiao-Nan; Feng, Bing-Hong

    2017-01-01

    N25, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, was created through structural modification of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid. To evaluate the anti-tumor activity of N25 and clarify its molecular mechanism of inducing autophagy in glioma cells, we investigated its in vitro anti-proliferative effect and in vivo anticancer effect. Moreover, we detected whether N25 induces autophagy in glioma cells by transmission electron microscope and analyzed the protein expression level of HDAC3, Tip60, LC3 in glioma samples by western blot. We additionally analyzed the protein expression level of HDAC3, Tip60, ULK1 (Atg1), and Beclin-1 (Atg6) after treatment with N25 in glioma cells. Our results showed that the anti-tumor activity of N25 in glioma cells is slightly stronger than SAHA both in vitro and in vivo. We found that N25 induced autophagy, and HDAC3 was significantly elevated and Tip60 and LC3 significantly decreased in glioma samples compared with normal brain tissues. Nevertheless, N25 inhibited HDAC3 and up-regulated the protein expression of Tip60, ULK1 (Atg1), and Beclin-1 (Atg6) after treatment of glioma cells with N25. In conclusion, these data suggest that N25 has striking anti-tumor activity in part due to inhibition of HDAC3. Additionally, N25 may induce autophagy through inhibiting HDAC3. PMID:29088860

  4. Down-Regulation of AQP4 Expression via p38 MAPK Signaling in Temozolomide-Induced Glioma Cells Growth Inhibition and Invasion Impairment.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yuqin; Gao, Fei; Jiang, Rong; Liu, Hui; Hou, Jiaojiao; Yi, Yaoxing; Kang, Lili; Liu, Xueyuan; Li, Yuan; Yang, Mei

    2017-12-01

    Glioma is the most common and lethal central nervous system tumors. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an effective drug for malignant glioma, however, the intracellular and molecular mechanisms behind this anti-cancer effect have yet to be fully understood. The aim of the present study was to determine whether TMZ inhibits proliferation, invasion of glioma cells in vitro and whether these effects can be mediated through modulation of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and phosphorylation of the MAPK pathway. The viability of U87 and U251 human glioma cells was evaluated using MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution was detected with flow cytometry. Migration ability and invasion ability were tested by scratch assays and transwell assays, respectively. The levels of AQP4 and MAPK were measured using immunoblot analyses. Our results showed that TMZ inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced G2/M arrest in U87 and U251 glioma cell lines. These changes were associated with a decrease in the levels of AQP4 expression as well as activation phosphorylated level of p38. Treatment with a p38 chemical activator (anisomycin) resulted in similar effects as TMZ treatment on glioma cells. And p38 chemical inhibitor (SB203580) could block these effects in glioma treated with TMZ, suggesting a direct up-regulation of the p38 signaling pathway. Therefore, we identified that TMZ might have therapeutic potential for controlling proliferation, invasion of malignant glioma by inhibiting AQP4 expression through activation of p38 signal transduction pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4905-4913, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) and N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) Promote Growth and Inhibit Differentiation of Glioma Stem-like Cells*

    PubMed Central

    Long, Patrick M.; Moffett, John R.; Namboodiri, Aryan M. A.; Viapiano, Mariano S.; Lawler, Sean E.; Jaworski, Diane M.

    2013-01-01

    Metabolic reprogramming is a pathological feature of cancer and a driver of tumor cell transformation. N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) is one of the most abundant amino acid derivatives in the brain and serves as a source of metabolic acetate for oligodendrocyte myelination and protein/histone acetylation or a precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). NAA and NAAG as well as aspartoacylase (ASPA), the enzyme responsible for NAA degradation, are significantly reduced in glioma tumors, suggesting a possible role for decreased acetate metabolism in tumorigenesis. This study sought to examine the effects of NAA and NAAG on primary tumor-derived glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) from oligodendroglioma as well as proneural and mesenchymal glioblastoma, relative to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (Oli-Neu). Although the NAA dicarboxylate transporter NaDC3 is primarily thought to be expressed by astrocytes, all cell lines expressed NaDC3 and, thus, are capable of NAA up-take. Treatment with NAA or NAAG significantly increased GSC growth and suppressed differentiation of Oli-Neu cells and proneural GSCs. Interestingly, ASPA was expressed in both the cytosol and nuclei of GSCs and exhibited greatest nuclear immunoreactivity in differentiation-resistant GSCs. Both NAA and NAAG elicited the expression of a novel immunoreactive ASPA species in select GSC nuclei, suggesting differential ASPA regulation in response to these metabolites. Therefore, this study highlights a potential role for nuclear ASPA expression in GSC malignancy and suggests that the use of NAA or NAAG is not an appropriate therapeutic approach to increase acetate bioavailability in glioma. Thus, an alternative acetate source is required. PMID:23884408

  6. In Vivo MR Imaging of Glioma Recruitment of Adoptive T-Cells Labeled with NaGdF4 -TAT Nanoprobes.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hua; Wu, Yue; Wang, Jing; Tang, Zhongmin; Ren, Yan; Ni, Dalong; Gao, Hongbo; Song, Ruixue; Jin, Teng; Li, Qiao; Bu, Wenbo; Yao, Zhenwei

    2018-01-01

    Adoptive T lymphocyte immunotherapy is one of the most promising methods to treat residual lesions after glioma surgery. However, the fate of the adoptively transferred T-cells in vivo is unclear, hampering the understanding of this emerging therapy. Thus, it is highly desirable to develop noninvasive and quantitative in vivo tracking of these T-cells to glioma for better identification of the migratory fate and to provide objective evaluation of outcomes of adoptive T-cell immunotherapy targeting glioma. In this work, ultrasmall T 1 MR-based nanoprobes, NaGdF 4 -TAT, as molecular probes with high longitudinal relaxivity (8.93 mm -1 s -1 ) are designed. By means of HIV-1 transactivator (TAT) peptides, nearly 95% of the adoptive T-cells are labeled with the NaGdF 4 -TAT nanoprobes without any measurable side effects on the labeled T-cells, which is remarkably superior to that of the control fluorescein isothiocyanate-NaGdF 4 concerning labeling efficacy. Labeled adoptive T-cell clusters can be sensitively tracked in an orthotopic GL261-glioma model 24 h after intravenous infusion of 10 7 labeled T-cells by T 1 -weighted MR imaging. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that the NaGdF 4 -TAT nanoprobes labeling of T-cells may be a promising method to track adoptive T-cells to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology in adoptive immunotherapy for gliomas. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  7. Role of microglia in glioma biology.

    PubMed

    Badie, B; Schartner, J

    2001-07-15

    Microglia, a type of differentiated tissue macrophage, are considered to be the most plastic cell population of the central nervous system (CNS). In response to pathological conditions, resting microglia undergo a stereotypic activation process and become capable of phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and lymphocyte activation. Considering their immune effector function, it is not surprising to see microglia accumulation in almost every CNS disease process, including malignant brain tumors or malignant gliomas. Although the function of these cells in CNS inflammatory processes is being studied, their role in malignant glioma biology remains unclear. On one hand, microglia may represent a CNS anti-tumor response, which is inactivated by local secretion of immunosuppressive factors by glioma cells. On the other hand, taking into account that microglia are capable of secreting a variety of immunomodulatory cytokines, it is possible that they are attracted by gliomas to promote tumor growth. A better understanding of microglia-glioma interaction will be helpful in designing novel immune-based therapies against these fatal tumors. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  8. The pathobiology of collagens in glioma

    PubMed Central

    Payne, Leo S.; Huang, Paul H.

    2013-01-01

    Malignant gliomas are characterised by diffuse infiltration into the surrounding brain parenchyma. Infiltrating glioma cells exist in close proximity with components of the tumour microenvironment, including the extracellular matrix (ECM). While levels of collagens in the normal adult brain are low, in glioma, collagen levels are elevated and play an important role in driving the tumor progression. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the nature of collagens found in gliomas and offer insights into the mechanisms by which cancer cells interact with this ECM via receptors including the integrins, discoidin domain receptors and Endo180. We further describe the major remodelling pathways of brain tumour collagen mediated by the matrix metalloproteinases and highlight the reciprocal relationship between these enzymes and the collagen receptors. Finally, we conclude by offering a perspective on how the biophysical properties of the collagen ECM, in particular, mechanical stiffness and compliance may influence malignant outcome. Understanding the complex interactions between glioma cells and the collagen ECM may provide new avenues to combat the rampant tumor progression and chemoresistance in brain cancer patients. PMID:23861322

  9. 5-Benzylglycinyl-Amiloride Kills Proliferating and Nonproliferating Malignant Glioma Cells through Caspase-Independent Necroptosis Mediated by Apoptosis-Inducing Factor

    PubMed Central

    Pasupuleti, Nagarekha; Leon, Leonardo; Carraway, Kermit L.

    2013-01-01

    5′–Βenzylglycinyl-amiloride (UCD38B) and glycinyl-amiloride (UCD74A) are cell-permeant and cell-impermeant derivatives of amiloride, respectively, and used here to identify the cellular mechanisms of action underlying their antiglioma effects. UCD38B comparably kills proliferating and nonproliferating gliomas cells when cell cycle progression is arrested either by cyclin D1 siRNA or by acidification. Cell impermeant UCD74A inhibits plasmalemmal urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and the type 1 sodium-proton exchanger with potencies analogous to UCD38B, but is cytostatic. In contrast, UCD38B targets intracellular uPA causing mistrafficking of uPA into perinuclear mitochondria, reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential, and followed by the release of apoptotic inducible factor (AIF). AIF nuclear translocation is followed by a caspase-independent necroptotic cell death. Reduction in AIF expression by siRNA reduces the antiglioma cytotoxic effects of UCD38B, while not activating the caspase pathway. Ultrastructural changes shortly following treatment with UCD38B demonstrate dilation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial swelling followed by nuclear condensation within hours consistent with a necroptotic cell death differing from apoptosis and from autophagy. These drug mechanism of action studies demonstrate that UCD38B induces a cell cycle-independent, caspase-independent necroptotic glioma cell death that is mediated by AIF and independent of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and H2AX activation. PMID:23241369

  10. In vitro anti-tubulin effects of mebendazole and fenbendazole on canine glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Lai, S R; Castello, S A; Robinson, A C; Koehler, J W

    2017-12-01

    Benzimidazole anthelmintics have reported anti-neoplastic effects both in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro chemosensitivity of three canine glioma cell lines to mebendazole and fenbendazole. The mean inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) (±SD) obtained from performing the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay after treating J3T, G06-A, and SDT-3G cells for 72 h with mebendazole were 0.030 ± 0.003, 0.080 ± 0.015 and 0.030 ± 0.006 μM respectively, while those for fenbendazole were 0.550  ± 0.015, 1.530 ± 0.159 and 0.690 ± 0.095 μM; treatment of primary canine fibroblasts for 72 h at IC 50 showed no significant effect. Immunofluorescence studies showed disruption of tubulin after treatment. Mebendazole and fenbendazole are cytotoxic in canine glioma cell lines in vitro and may be good candidates for treatment of canine gliomas. Further in vivo studies are required. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. Enrichment of glioma stem cell-like cells on 3D porous scaffolds composed of different extracellular matrix.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xuanzhi; Dai, Xingliang; Zhang, Xinzhi; Li, Xinda; Xu, Tao; Lan, Qing

    2018-04-15

    Cancer stem cells (CSCs), being tumor-initiating with self-renewal capacity and heterogeneity, are most likely the cause of tumor resistance, reoccurrence and metastasis. To further investigate the role of CSCs in tumor biology, there is a need to develop an effective culture system to grow, maintain and enrich CSCs. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model has been widely used in tumor research and drug screening. Recently, researchers have begun to utilize 3D models to culture cancer cells for CSCs enrichment. In this study, glioma cell line was cultured with 3D porous chitosan (CS) scaffolds or chitosan-hyaluronic acid (CS-HA) scaffolds to explore the possibility of glioma stem cells (GSCs)-like cells enrichment, to study the morphology, gene expression, and in vivo tumorigenicity of 3D scaffolds cells, and to compare results to 2D controls. Results showed that glioma cells on both CS and CS-HA scaffolds could form tumor cell spheroids and increased the expression of GSCs biomarkers compared to conventional 2D monolayers. Furthermore, cells in CS-HA scaffolds had higher expression levels of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene. Specifically, the in vivo tumorigenicity capability of CS-HA scaffold cultured cells was greater than 2D cells or CS scaffold cultured cells. It is indicated that the chemical composition of scaffold plays an important role in the enrichment of CSCs. Our results suggest that CS-HA scaffolds have a better capability to enrich GSCs-like cells and can serve as a simple and effective way to cultivate and enrich CSCs in vitro to support the study of CSCs biology and development of novel anti-cancer therapies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Betulinic acid derivative B10 inhibits glioma cell proliferation through suppression of SIRT1, acetylation of FOXO3a and upregulation of Bim/PUMA.

    PubMed

    Huo, Longwei; Bai, Xiaobin; Wang, Yafei; Wang, Maode

    2017-08-01

    Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. B10 is a new glycosylated derivative of betulinic acid with enhanced cytotoxic activity. The present study was designed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer effect of B10 in glioma cells. 25-50μM B10 resulted in a significant decrease of cell viability and BrdU incorporation. 25-50mg/kg B10 significantly reduced the implanted tumor weight and volume in nude mice. Activation of apoptosis was found in glioma cells when the cells were exposed to B10, as evidenced by increased number of TUNEL-stained cells, increased caspase 3 and 9 activities, and Bax and cleaved PARP expression. B10 caused a significant decrease in mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, mitochondrial complex I, II, III, IV, and V activities, and ATP level, and increase of mitochondrial ROS production, indicating the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction. B10 reduced the expression of sirtuin (SIRT) 1 and resulted in an increase in forkhead box O (FOXO) 3a expression and acetylation. Activation of SIRT1 by SRT-1720 and downregualtion of FOXO3a using shRNA significantly inhibited B10-induced cytotoxicity. B10 markedly increased the expression of Bim and PUMA. Downregualtion of FOXO3a or activation of SIRT1 significantly inhibited B10-induced increase of Bim and PUMA expression. Downregualtion of Bim or PUMA could suppress B10-induced increase of Bax expression. Moreover, B10-induced cytotoxicity was significantly suppressed by downregulation of Bim or PUMA. In summary, we identified B10 as a potent therapeutic candidate for glioma treatment and SIRT1-FOXO3a-Bim/PUMA axis as a novel therapeutic target. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  13. CBX7 negatively regulates migration and invasion in glioma via Wnt/β-catenin pathway inactivation.

    PubMed

    Bao, Zhongyuan; Xu, Xiupeng; Liu, Yinlong; Chao, Honglu; Lin, Chao; Li, Zheng; You, Yongping; Liu, Ning; Ji, Jing

    2017-06-13

    CBX7, a member of the Polycomb-group proteins, plays a significant role in normal and cancerous tissues and has been defined as a tumor suppressor in thyroid, breast and pancreatic cancers. However, its function in glioma remains undefined. CBX7 expression is decreased in glioma, especially in higher grade cases, according to data in the CGGA, GSE16001 and TCGA databases. Further experimental evidence has shown that exogenous CBX7 overexpression induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation and migration of glioma cells. In this study, we show that the invasive ability of glioma cells was decreased following CBX7 overexpression and CBX7 overexpression was associated with Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibition, which also decreased downstream expression of ZEB1, a core epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition factor. This reduction in Wnt signaling is controlled by DKK1, a specific Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor. CBX7 enhances DKK1 expression by binding the DKK1 promoter, as shown in Luciferase reporter assays. Our data confirm that CBX7 inhibits EMT and invasion in glioma, which is manifested by influencing the expression of MMP2, MMP9, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin in LN229, T98G cells and primary glioma cells (PGC). Furthermore, as a tumor suppressor, CBX7 expression is pivotal to reduce tumor invasion and evaluate prognosis.

  14. Light-controlled inhibition of malignant glioma by opsin gene transfer

    PubMed Central

    Yang, F; Tu, J; Pan, J-Q; Luo, H-L; Liu, Y-H; Wan, J; Zhang, J; Wei, P-F; Jiang, T; Chen, Y-H; Wang, L-P

    2013-01-01

    Glioblastomas are aggressive cancers with low survival rates and poor prognosis because of their highly proliferative and invasive capacity. In the current study, we describe a new optogenetic strategy that selectively inhibits glioma cells through light-controlled membrane depolarization and cell death. Transfer of the engineered opsin ChETA (engineered Channelrhodopsin-2 variant) gene into primary human glioma cells or cell lines, but not normal astrocytes, unexpectedly decreased cell proliferation and increased mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, upon light stimulation. These optogenetic effects were mediated by membrane depolarization-induced reductions in cyclin expression and mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Importantly, the ChETA gene transfer and light illumination in mice significantly inhibited subcutaneous and intracranial glioma growth and increased the survival of the animals bearing the glioma. These results uncover an unexpected effect of opsin ion channels on glioma cells and offer the opportunity for the first time to treat glioma using a light-controllable optogenetic approach. PMID:24176851

  15. Light-controlled inhibition of malignant glioma by opsin gene transfer.

    PubMed

    Yang, F; Tu, J; Pan, J-Q; Luo, H-L; Liu, Y-H; Wan, J; Zhang, J; Wei, P-F; Jiang, T; Chen, Y-H; Wang, L-P

    2013-10-31

    Glioblastomas are aggressive cancers with low survival rates and poor prognosis because of their highly proliferative and invasive capacity. In the current study, we describe a new optogenetic strategy that selectively inhibits glioma cells through light-controlled membrane depolarization and cell death. Transfer of the engineered opsin ChETA (engineered Channelrhodopsin-2 variant) gene into primary human glioma cells or cell lines, but not normal astrocytes, unexpectedly decreased cell proliferation and increased mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, upon light stimulation. These optogenetic effects were mediated by membrane depolarization-induced reductions in cyclin expression and mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Importantly, the ChETA gene transfer and light illumination in mice significantly inhibited subcutaneous and intracranial glioma growth and increased the survival of the animals bearing the glioma. These results uncover an unexpected effect of opsin ion channels on glioma cells and offer the opportunity for the first time to treat glioma using a light-controllable optogenetic approach.

  16. WITHAFERIN A INDUCES APOPTOSIS IN RAT C6 GLIOMA CELLS THROUGH REGULATING NF-KB NUCLEAR TRANSLOCATION AND ACTIVATION OF CASPASE CASCADE.

    PubMed

    Hou, Wei-Chen; Miao, Xiao-Hui; Ma, Lian-Jun; Bai, Xiao-Xue; Liu, Qun; Song, Lei

    2017-01-01

    The demand for the chemopreventive drug from the plant source is increasing in recent times, owing to its various biological activities without any adverse effect. The intention of this current study was to examine the anti-glioma effect of Withaferin A (WFA) on C6 glioma cell line model. C6 glioma cells were administrated with different concentration of WFA (50, 100, 200 and 500 μg/mL) and DMSO (control) group to examine its anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic activities. Treatment with WFA showed a significant decline in the glioma cell count in a dose-dependent manner and thus proving its anti-proliferative effect. Similarly, inflammatory markers were also substantially lowered upon treatment with different concentration of WFA. However, DNA fragmentation and apoptotic markers like Caspase-3 and 9 were concomitantly enhanced after co-cultured with different concentration of WFA and thus exhibiting its cytotoxicity efficacy. Furthermore, the protein expression of Bcl2 and Bax were markedly downregulated and upregulated respectively; upon treatment with WFA on C6 glioma cells. The outcome of this study evidently demonstrates that C6 glioma cells co-cultured with increased concentration of WFA, showed an anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effect in a dose-dependent fashion.

  17. Immunohistochemical detection and correlation between MHC antigen and cell-mediated immune system in recurrent glioma by APAAP method.

    PubMed

    Miyagi, K; Ingram, M; Techy, G B; Jacques, D B; Freshwater, D B; Sheldon, H

    1990-09-01

    As part of an on-going clinical trial of immunotherapy for recurrent malignant gliomas, using alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase method with monoclonal antibodies, we investigated the correlation between expression of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and the subpopulation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in 38 glioma specimens (20 grade IV, 11 grade III, and 7 grade II) from 33 patients. Thirty specimens (78.9%) were positive to class I MHC antigen and 20 (52.6%) were positive to class II MHC antigen. The correlations between class I MHC antigen expression and the number of infiltrating T8 (p less than 0.01), and also between class II MHC antigen expression and the number of infiltrating T4 (p less than 0.05) were significant. We conclude that TILs are the result of immunoreaction (host-defense mechanism). 31.6% of specimens had perivascular infiltration of T cells. The main infiltrating lymphocyte subset in moderate to marked perivascular cuffing was T4. Our results may indicate that lack of MHC antigen on the glioma cell surface has a share in the poor immunogenicity in glioma-bearing patients. In addition, considering the effector/target ratio, the number of infiltrating lymphocytes against glioma cells was too small, so the immunological intervention seems to be essential in glioma therapy. Previous radiation therapy and chemotherapy, including steroid therapy, did not influence lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration.

  18. Cortical GABAergic excitation contributes to epileptic activities around human glioma

    PubMed Central

    Pallud, Johan; Varlet, Pascale; Cresto, Noemie; Baulac, Michel; Duyckaerts, Charles; Kourdougli, Nazim; Chazal, Geneviève; Devaux, Bertrand; Rivera, Claudio; Miles, Richard; Capelle, Laurent; Huberfeld, Gilles

    2015-01-01

    Rationale Diffuse brain gliomas induce seizures in a majority of patients. As in most epileptic disorders, excitatory glutamatergic mechanisms are involved in the generation of epileptic activities in the neocortex surrounding gliomas. However, chloride homeostasis is known to be perturbed in glial tumor cells. Thus the contribution of GABAergic mechanisms which depend on intracellular chloride and which are defective or pro-epileptic in other structural epilepsies merits closer study. Objective We studied in neocortical slices from the peritumoral security margin resected around human brain gliomas, the occurrence, networks, cells and signaling basis of epileptic activities. Results Postoperative glioma tissue from 69% of patients spontaneously generated interictal-like discharges. These events were synchronized, with a high frequency oscillation signature, in superficial layers of neocortex around glioma areas with tumor infiltration. Interictal-like events depended on both glutamatergic transmission and on depolarizing GABAergic signaling. About 65% of pyramidal cells were depolarized by GABA released by interneurons. This effect was related to perturbations in Chloride homeostasis, due to changes in expression of chloride co-transporters: KCC2 was reduced and expression of NKCC1 increased. Ictal-like activities were initiated by convulsant stimuli exclusively in these epileptogenic areas. Conclusions Epileptic activities are sustained by excitatory effects of GABA in the peritumoral human neocortex, as in temporal lobe epilepsies. Glutamate and GABA signaling are involved in oncogenesis and chloride homeostasis is perturbed. These same factors, induce an imbalance between synaptic excitatory and inhibition underly epileptic discharges in tumor patients. PMID:25009229

  19. Suppression of miR-184 in malignant gliomas upregulates SND1 and promotes tumor aggressiveness

    PubMed Central

    Emdad, Luni; Janjic, Aleksandar; Alzubi, Mohammad A.; Hu, Bin; Santhekadur, Prasanna K.; Menezes, Mitchell E.; Shen, Xue-Ning; Das, Swadesh K.; Sarkar, Devanand; Fisher, Paul B.

    2015-01-01

    Background Malignant glioma is an aggressive cancer requiring new therapeutic targets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post transcriptionally and are implicated in cancer development and progression. Deregulated expressions of several miRNAs, specifically hsa-miR-184, correlate with glioma development. Methods Bioinformatic approaches were used to identify potential miR-184-regulated target genes involved in malignant glioma progression. This strategy identified a multifunctional nuclease, SND1, known to be overexpressed in multiple cancers, including breast, colon, and hepatocellular carcinoma, as a putative direct miR-184 target gene. SND1 levels were evaluated in patient tumor samples and human-derived cell lines. We analyzed invasion and signaling in vitro through SND1 gain-of-function and loss-of-function. An orthotopic xenograft model with primary glioma cells demonstrated a role of miR-184/SND1 in glioma pathogenesis in vivo. Results SND1 is highly expressed in human glioma tissue and inversely correlated with miR-184 expression. Transfection of glioma cells with a miR-184 mimic inhibited invasion, suppressed colony formation, and reduced anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. Similar phenotypes were evident when SND1 was knocked down with siRNA. Additionally, knockdown (KD) of SND1 induced senescence and improved the chemoresistant properties of malignant glioma cells. In an orthotopic xenograft model, KD of SND1 or transfection with a miR-184 mimic induced a less invasive tumor phenotype and significantly improved survival of tumor bearing mice. Conclusions Our study is the first to show a novel regulatory role of SND1, a direct target of miR-184, in glioma progression, suggesting that the miR-184/SND1 axis may be a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool for malignant glioma. PMID:25216670

  20. Doxycycline Impairs Mitochondrial Function and Protects Human Glioma Cells from Hypoxia-Induced Cell Death: Implications of Using Tet-Inducible Systems.

    PubMed

    Luger, Anna-Luisa; Sauer, Benedikt; Lorenz, Nadja I; Engel, Anna L; Braun, Yannick; Voss, Martin; Harter, Patrick N; Steinbach, Joachim P; Ronellenfitsch, Michael W

    2018-05-17

    Inducible gene expression is an important tool in molecular biology research to study protein function. Most frequently, the antibiotic doxycycline is used for regulation of so-called tetracycline (Tet)-inducible systems. In contrast to stable gene overexpression, these systems allow investigation of acute and reversible effects of cellular protein induction. Recent reports have already called for caution when using Tet-inducible systems as the employed antibiotics can disturb mitochondrial function and alter cellular metabolism by interfering with mitochondrial translation. Reprogramming of energy metabolism has lately been recognized as an important emerging hallmark of cancer and is a central focus of cancer research. Therefore, the scope of this study was to systematically analyze dose-dependent metabolic effects of doxycycline on a panel of glioma cell lines with concomitant monitoring of gene expression from Tet-inducible systems. We report that doxycycline doses commonly used with inducible expression systems (0.01⁻1 µg/mL) substantially alter cellular metabolism: Mitochondrial protein synthesis was inhibited accompanied by reduced oxygen and increased glucose consumption. Furthermore, doxycycline protected human glioma cells from hypoxia-induced cell death. An impairment of cell growth was only detectable with higher doxycycline doses (10 µg/mL). Our findings describe settings where doxycycline exerts effects on eukaryotic cellular metabolism, limiting the employment of Tet-inducible systems.

  1. Stem-like tumor-initiating cells isolated from IL13Rα2 expressing gliomas are targeted and killed by IL13-zetakine-redirected T Cells.

    PubMed

    Brown, Christine E; Starr, Renate; Aguilar, Brenda; Shami, Andrew F; Martinez, Catalina; D'Apuzzo, Massimo; Barish, Michael E; Forman, Stephen J; Jensen, Michael C

    2012-04-15

    To evaluate IL13Rα2 as an immunotherapeutic target for eliminating glioma stem-like cancer initiating cells (GSC) of high-grade gliomas, with particular focus on the potential of genetically engineered IL13Rα2-specific primary human CD8(+) CTLs (IL13-zetakine(+) CTL) to target this therapeutically resistant glioma subpopulation. A panel of low-passage GSC tumor sphere (TS) and serum-differentiated glioma lines were expanded from patient glioblastoma specimens. These glioblastoma lines were evaluated for expression of IL13Rα2 and for susceptibility to IL13-zetakine(+) CTL-mediated killing in vitro and in vivo. We observed that although glioma IL13Rα2 expression varies between patients, for IL13Rα2(pos) cases this antigen was detected on both GSCs and more differentiated tumor cell populations. IL13-zetakine(+) CTL were capable of efficient recognition and killing of both IL13Rα2(pos) GSCs and IL13Rα2(pos) differentiated cells in vitro, as well as eliminating glioma-initiating activity in an orthotopic mouse tumor model. Furthermore, intracranial administration of IL13-zetakine(+) CTL displayed robust antitumor activity against established IL13Rα2(pos) GSC TS-initiated orthotopic tumors in mice. Within IL13Rα2 expressing high-grade gliomas, this receptor is expressed by GSCs and differentiated tumor populations, rendering both targetable by IL13-zetakine(+) CTLs. Thus, our results support the potential usefullness of IL13Rα2-directed immunotherapeutic approaches for eradicating therapeutically resistant GSC populations. ©2012 AACR.

  2. Overexpression of high molecular weight FGF-2 forms inhibits glioma growth by acting on cell-cycle progression and protein translation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lemiere, Sylvie; University Bordeaux1, Talence, F-33405; Azar, Rania

    2008-12-10

    In order to clarify the role of HMW FGF-2 in glioma development and angiogenesis, we over-expressed different human FGF-2 isoforms in C6 rat glioma cell line using a tetracycline-regulated expression system. Phenotypic modifications were analyzed in vitro and compared to untransfected cells or to cells over-expressing 18 kDa FGF-2 or all FGF-2 isoforms. In particular, we demonstrate that HMW FGF-2 has unique features in inhibiting glioma cell proliferation. HMW FGF-2 expressing cells showed a cell-cycle arrest at the G2M, demonstrating a role of HMW FGF-2 in controlling the entry in mitosis. Moreover, hydroxyurea was ineffective in blocking cells at themore » G1S boundary when HMW FGF-2 was expressed. We also show that the HMW FGF-2 isoforms inhibit 4E-BP1 phosphorylation at critical sites restoring the translation inhibitory activity of 4E-BP1. In vivo, inhibition of tumor growth was observed when cells expressed HMW FGF-2. This indicates that HMW FGF-2 inhibits tumor growth in glioma cells by acting on cell-cycle progression and protein translation.« less

  3. Intraoperative neuropathology of glioma recurrence: cell detection and classification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abas, Fazly S.; Gokozan, Hamza N.; Goksel, Behiye; Otero, Jose J.; Gurcan, Metin N.

    2016-03-01

    Intraoperative neuropathology of glioma recurrence represents significant visual challenges to pathologists as they carry significant clinical implications. For example, rendering a diagnosis of recurrent glioma can help the surgeon decide to perform more aggressive resection if surgically appropriate. In addition, the success of recent clinical trials for intraoperative administration of therapies, such as inoculation with oncolytic viruses, may suggest that refinement of the intraoperative diagnosis during neurosurgery is an emerging need for pathologists. Typically, these diagnoses require rapid/STAT processing lasting only 20-30 minutes after receipt from neurosurgery. In this relatively short time frame, only dyes, such as hematoxylin and eosin (H and E), can be implemented. The visual challenge lies in the fact that these patients have undergone chemotherapy and radiation, both of which induce cytological atypia in astrocytes, and pathologists are unable to implement helpful biomarkers in their diagnoses. Therefore, there is a need to help pathologists differentiate between astrocytes that are cytologically atypical due to treatment versus infiltrating, recurrent, neoplastic astrocytes. This study focuses on classification of neoplastic versus non-neoplastic astrocytes with the long term goal of providing a better neuropathological computer-aided consultation via classification of cells into reactive gliosis versus recurrent glioma. We present a method to detect cells in H and E stained digitized slides of intraoperative cytologic preparations. The method uses a combination of the `value' component of the HSV color space and `b*' component of the CIE L*a*b* color space to create an enhanced image that suppresses the background while revealing cells on an image. A composite image is formed based on the morphological closing of the hue-luminance combined image. Geometrical and textural features extracted from Discrete Wavelet Frames and combined to classify

  4. β-Elemene Selectively Inhibits the Proliferation of Glioma Stem-Like Cells Through the Downregulation of Notch1.

    PubMed

    Feng, Hai-Bin; Wang, Jing; Jiang, Hao-Ran; Mei, Xin; Zhao, Yi-Ying; Chen, Fu-Rong; Qu, Yue; Sai, Ke; Guo, Cheng-Cheng; Yang, Qun-Ying; Zhang, Zong-Ping; Chen, Zhong-Ping

    2017-03-01

    Glioma is the most frequent primary central nervous system tumor. Although the current first-line medicine, temozolomide (TMZ), promotes patient survival, drug resistance develops easily. Thus, it is important to investigate novel therapeutic reagents to solidify the treatment effect. β-Elemene (bELE) is a compound from a Chinese herb whose anticancer effect has been shown in various types of cancer. However, its role in the inhibition of glioma stem-like cells (GSLCs) has not yet been reported. We studied both the in vitro and the in vivo inhibitory effect of bELE and TMZ in GSLCs and parental cells and their combined effects. The molecular mechanisms were also investigated. We also optimized the delivery methods of bELE. We found that bELE selectively inhibits the proliferation and sphere formation of GSLCs, other than parental glioma cells, and TMZ exerts its effects on parental cells instead of GSLCs. The in vivo data confirmed that the combination of bELE and TMZ worked better in the xenografts of GSLCs, mimicking the situation of tumorigenesis of human cancer. Notch1 was downregulated with bELE treatment. Our data also demonstrated that the continuous administration of bELE produces an ideal effect to control tumor progression. Our findings have demonstrated, for the first time, that bELE could compensate for TMZ to kill both GSLCs and nonstem-like cancer cells, probably improving the prognosis of glioma patients tremendously. Notch1 might be a downstream target of bELE. Therefore, our data shed light on improving the outcomes of glioma patients by combining bELE and TMZ. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:830-839. © 2016 The Authors Stem Cells Translational Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of AlphaMed Press.

  5. Quantitative metabolome analysis profiles activation of glutaminolysis in glioma with IDH1 mutation.

    PubMed

    Ohka, Fumiharu; Ito, Maki; Ranjit, Melissa; Senga, Takeshi; Motomura, Ayako; Motomura, Kazuya; Saito, Kaori; Kato, Keiko; Kato, Yukinari; Wakabayashi, Toshihiko; Soga, Tomoyoshi; Natsume, Atsushi

    2014-06-01

    Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), which localizes to the cytosol and peroxisomes, catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and in parallel converts NADP(+) to NADPH. IDH1 mutations are frequently detected in grades 2-4 gliomas and in acute myeloid leukemias (AML). Mutations of IDH1 have been identified at codon 132, with arginine being replaced with histidine in most cases. Mutant IDH1 gains novel enzyme activity converting α-KG to D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) which acts as a competitive inhibitor of α-KG. As a result, the activity of α-KG-dependent enzyme is reduced. Based on these findings, 2-HG has been proposed to be an oncometabolite. In this study, we established HEK293 and U87 cells that stably expressed IDH1-WT and IDH1-R132H and investigated the effect of glutaminase inhibition on cell proliferation with 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON). We found that cell proliferation was suppressed in IDH1-R132H cells. The addition of α-KG restored cell proliferation. The metabolic features of 33 gliomas with wild type IDH1 (IDH1-WT) and with IDH1-R132H mutation were examined by global metabolome analysis using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOFMS). We showed that the 2-HG levels were highly elevated in gliomas with IDH1-R132H mutation. Intriguingly, in gliomas with IDH1-R132H, glutamine and glutamate levels were significantly reduced which implies replenishment of α-KG by glutaminolysis. Based on these results, we concluded that glutaminolysis is activated in gliomas with IDH1-R132H mutation and that development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting activated glutaminolysis is warranted.

  6. The role of drebrin in glioma migration and invasion

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Terakawa, Yuzo; Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka; Agnihotri, Sameer

    Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Despite current advances in therapy consisting of surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation, the overall survival rate still remains poor. Therapeutic failures are partly attributable to the highly infiltrative nature of tumor adjacent to normal brain parenchyma. Recently, evidence is mounting to suggest that actin cytoskeleton dynamics are critical components of the cell invasion process. Drebrin is an actin-binding protein involved in the regulation of actin filament organization, and plays a significant role in cell motility; however, the role of drebrin in glioma cell invasiveness has not yet beenmore » fully elucidated. Therefore, this study was aimed to clarify the role of drebrin in glioma cell morphology and cell motility. Here we show that drebrin is expressed in glioma cell lines and in operative specimens of GBM. We demonstrate that stable overexpression of drebrin in U87 cells leads to alterations in cell morphology, and induces increased invasiveness in vitro while knockdown of drebrin in U87 cells by small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreases invasion and migration. In addition, we show that depletion of drebrin by siRNA alters glioma cell morphology in A172 GBM cell line. Our results suggest that drebrin contributes to the maintenance of cell shape, and may play an important role in glioma cell motility. - Highlights: ► Drebrin is an actin-binding protein aberrantly expressed in several cancers. ► Role of drebrin in glioma cell morphology and motility is previously unknown. ► We demonstrate that drebrin is expressed in 40% of glioblastoma specimens. ► Drebrin plays a significant role in modulating glioma cell migration and invasion.« less

  7. Ferritin heavy chain as a molecular imaging reporter gene in glioma xenografts.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Sen; Mi, Ruifang; Xu, Yu; Jin, Guishan; Zhang, Junwen; Zhou, Yiqiang; Chen, Zhengguang; Liu, Fusheng

    2017-06-01

    The development of glioma therapy in clinical practice (e.g., gene therapy) calls for efficiently visualizing and tracking glioma cells in vivo. Human ferritin heavy chain is a novel gene reporter in magnetic resonance imaging. This study proposes hFTH as a reporter gene for MR molecular imaging in glioma xenografts. Rat C6 glioma cells were infected by packaged lentivirus carrying hFTH and EGFP genes and obtained by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The iron-loaded ability was analyzed by the total iron reagent kit. Glioma nude mouse models were established subcutaneously and intracranially. Then, in vivo tumor bioluminescence was performed via the IVIS spectrum imaging system. The MR imaging analysis was analyzed on a 7T animal MRI scanner. Finally, the expression of hFTH was analyzed by western blotting and histological analysis. Stable glioma cells carrying hFTH and EGFP reporter genes were successfully obtained. The intracellular iron concentration was increased without impairing the cell proliferation rate. Glioma cells overexpressing hFTH showed significantly decreased signal intensity on T 2 -weighted MRI both in vitro and in vivo. EGFP fluorescent imaging could also be detected in the subcutaneous and intracranial glioma xenografts. Moreover, the expression of the transferritin receptor was significantly increased in glioma cells carrying the hFTH reporter gene. Our study illustrated that hFTH generated cellular MR imaging contrast efficiently in glioma via regulating the expression of transferritin receptor. This might be a useful reporter gene in cell tracking and MR molecular imaging for glioma diagnosis, gene therapy and tumor metastasis.

  8. Hypoxic regulation of the expression of genes encoded estrogen related proteins in U87 glioma cells: eff ect of IRE1 inhibition.

    PubMed

    Minchenko, D O; Riabovol, O O; Ratushna, O O; Minchenko, O H

    2017-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling, mediated by IRE1 (inositol requiring enzyme 1), which is a central mediator of the unfolded protein response on the expression of genes encoded estrogen related proteins (NRIP1/RIP140, TRIM16/EBBP, ESRRA/NR3B1, FAM162A/E2IG5, PGRMC2/PMBP, and SLC39A6/LIV-1) and their hypoxic regulation in U87 glioma cells for evaluation of their possible significance in the control of glioma cells proliferation. The expression of NRIP1, EBBP, ESRRA, E2IG5, PGRMC2, and SLC39A6 genes in U87 glioma cells, transfected by empty vector pcDNA3.1 (control) and cells without IRE1 signaling enzyme function (transfected by dnIRE1) upon hypoxia, was studied by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Inhibition of both enzymatic activities (kinase and endoribonuclease) of IRE1 signaling enzyme function up-regulates the expression of EBBP, E2IG5, PGRMC2, and SLC39A6 genes is in U87 glioma cells in comparison with the control glioma cells, with more significant changes for E2IG5 and PGRMC2 genes. At the same time, the expression of NRIP1 and ESRRA genes is strongly down-regulated in glioma cells upon inhibition of IRE1. We also showed that hypoxia increases the expression of E2IG5, PGRMC2, and EBBP genes and decreases NRIP1 and ESRRA genes expression in control glioma cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of IRE1 in U87 glioma cells decreases the eff ect of hypoxia on the expression of E2IG5 and PGRMC2 genes, eliminates hypoxic regulation of NRIP1 gene, and enhances the sensitivity of ESRRA gene to hypoxic condition. Furthermore, the expression of SLC39A6 gene is resistant to hypoxia in both the glioma cells with and without IRE1 signaling enzyme function. Results of this investigation demonstrate that inhibition of IRE1 signaling enzyme function affects the expression of NRIP1, EBBP, ESRRA, E2IG5, PGRMC2, and SLC39A6 genes in U87 glioma cells in gene specific manner and these changes

  9. EphA2 promotes infiltrative invasion of glioma stem cells in vivo through cross-talk with Akt and regulates stem cell properties.

    PubMed

    Miao, H; Gale, N W; Guo, H; Qian, J; Petty, A; Kaspar, J; Murphy, A J; Valenzuela, D M; Yancopoulos, G; Hambardzumyan, D; Lathia, J D; Rich, J N; Lee, J; Wang, B

    2015-01-29

    Diffuse infiltrative invasion is a major cause for the dismal prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Using human glioma stem cells (GSCs) that recapitulate the invasive propensity of primary GBM, we find that EphA2 critically regulates GBM invasion in vivo. EphA2 was expressed in all seven GSC lines examined, and overexpression of EphA2 enhanced intracranial invasion. The effects required Akt-mediated phosphorylation of EphA2 on serine 897. In vitro the Akt-EphA2 signaling axis is maintained in the absence of ephrin-A ligands and is disrupted upon ligand stimulation. To test whether ephrin-As in tumor microenvironment can regulate GSC invasion, the newly established Efna1;Efna3;Efna4 triple knockout mice (TKO) were used in an ex vivo brain slice invasion assay. We observed significantly increased GSC invasion through the brain slices of TKO mice relative to wild-type (WT) littermates. Mechanistically EphA2 knockdown suppressed stem cell properties of GSCs, causing diminished self-renewal, reduced stem marker expression and decreased tumorigenicity. In a subset of GSCs, the reduced stem cell properties were associated with lower Sox2 expression. Overexpression of EphA2 promoted stem cell properties in a kinase-independent manner and increased Sox2 expression. Disruption of Akt-EphA2 cross-talk attenuated stem cell marker expression and neurosphere formation while having minimal effects on tumorigenesis. Taken together, the results show that EphA2 endows invasiveness of GSCs in vivo in cooperation with Akt and regulates glioma stem cell properties.

  10. Inhibition of HSP27 alone or in combination with pAKT inhibition as therapeutic approaches to target SPARC-induced glioma cell survival

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background The current treatment regimen for glioma patients is surgery, followed by radiation therapy plus temozolomide (TMZ), followed by 6 months of adjuvant TMZ. Despite this aggressive treatment regimen, the overall survival of all surgically treated GBM patients remains dismal, and additional or different therapies are required. Depending on the cancer type, SPARC has been proposed both as a therapeutic target and as a therapeutic agent. In glioma, SPARC promotes invasion via upregulation of the p38 MAPK/MAPKAPK2/HSP27 signaling pathway, and promotes tumor cell survival by upregulating pAKT. As HSP27 and AKT interact to regulate the activity of each other, we determined whether inhibition of HSP27 was better than targeting SPARC as a therapeutic approach to inhibit both SPARC-induced glioma cell invasion and survival. Results Our studies found the following. 1) SPARC increases the expression of tumor cell pro-survival and pro-death protein signaling in balance, and, as a net result, tumor cell survival remains unchanged. 2) Suppressing SPARC increases tumor cell survival, indicating it is not a good therapeutic target. 3) Suppressing HSP27 decreases tumor cell survival in all gliomas, but is more effective in SPARC-expressing tumor cells due to the removal of HSP27 inhibition of SPARC-induced pro-apoptotic signaling. 4) Suppressing total AKT1/2 paradoxically enhanced tumor cell survival, indicating that AKT1 or 2 are poor therapeutic targets. 5) However, inhibiting pAKT suppresses tumor cell survival. 6) Inhibiting both HSP27 and pAKT synergistically decreases tumor cell survival. 7) There appears to be a complex feedback system between SPARC, HSP27, and AKT. 8) This interaction is likely influenced by PTEN status. With respect to chemosensitization, we found the following. 1) SPARC enhances pro-apoptotic signaling in cells exposed to TMZ. 2) Despite this enhanced signaling, SPARC protects cells against TMZ. 3) This protection can be reduced by inhibiting p

  11. A super gene expression system enhances the anti-glioma effects of adenovirus-mediated REIC/Dkk-3 gene therapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oka, Tetsuo; Kurozumi, Kazuhiko; Shimazu, Yosuke; Ichikawa, Tomotsugu; Ishida, Joji; Otani, Yoshihiro; Shimizu, Toshihiko; Tomita, Yusuke; Sakaguchi, Masakiyo; Watanabe, Masami; Nasu, Yasutomo; Kumon, Hiromi; Date, Isao

    2016-09-01

    Reduced expression in immortalized cells/Dickkopf-3 (REIC/Dkk-3) is a tumor suppressor and therapeutic gene in many human cancers. Recently, an adenovirus REIC vector with the super gene expression system (Ad-SGE-REIC) was developed to increase REIC/Dkk-3 expression and enhance therapeutic effects compared with the conventional adenoviral vector (Ad-CAG-REIC). In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of Ad-SGE-REIC on malignant glioma. In U87ΔEGFR and GL261 glioma cells, western blotting confirmed that robust upregulation of REIC/Dkk-3 expression occurred in Ad-SGE-REIC-transduced cells, most notably after transduction at a multiplicity of infection of 10. Cytotoxicity assays showed that Ad-SGE-REIC resulted in a time-dependent and significant reduction in the number of malignant glioma cells attaching to the bottom of culture wells. Xenograft and syngeneic mouse intracranial glioma models treated with Ad-SGE-REIC had significantly longer survival than those treated with the control vector Ad-LacZ or with Ad-CAG-REIC. This study demonstrated the anti-glioma effect of Ad-SGE-REIC, which may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of malignant glioma.

  12. The role of myosin II in glioma invasion: A mathematical model

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Wanho; Lim, Sookkyung; Kim, Yangjin

    2017-01-01

    Gliomas are malignant tumors that are commonly observed in primary brain cancer. Glioma cells migrate through a dense network of normal cells in microenvironment and spread long distances within brain. In this paper we present a two-dimensional multiscale model in which a glioma cell is surrounded by normal cells and its migration is controlled by cell-mechanical components in the microenvironment via the regulation of myosin II in response to chemoattractants. Our simulation results show that the myosin II plays a key role in the deformation of the cell nucleus as the glioma cell passes through the narrow intercellular space smaller than its nuclear diameter. We also demonstrate that the coordination of biochemical and mechanical components within the cell enables a glioma cell to take the mode of amoeboid migration. This study sheds lights on the understanding of glioma infiltration through the narrow intercellular spaces and may provide a potential approach for the development of anti-invasion strategies via the injection of chemoattractants for localization. PMID:28166231

  13. Expression of REST4 in human gliomas in vivo and influence of pioglitazone on REST in vitro

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ren, Huan; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078; Gao, Zhangfeng

    The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) has an irreplaceable role during the differentiation of neurons. REST has multiple splice variants which link to various types of cancer. Previous work had highlighted the role of REST in glioma, where the expression of REST is enhanced. But whether alternative splicing of REST is expressed in glioma has not been described. Here, we show that a specific isoform REST4 is expressed in glioma specimens, and will influence the mRNA level of REST in vivo. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonists have a role of antineoplastic in various tumor cells, which includingmore » glioma cells. Moreover, study indicated that PPARγ agonist pioglitazone can promote alternative splicing of REST pre-mRNA. In this study, we selected pioglitazone as a tool drug to explore whether the role of pioglitazone in anti-glioma is mediated by regulating REST expression or promoting alternative splicing of REST in glioma cells. Results show that pioglitazone can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of glioma cell in vitro, which may be mediated by down-regulating REST mRNA level but not by inducing alternative splicing of REST pre-mRNA. Our study firstly reports the expression of REST4 in glioma tissue samples. And we recommend that pioglitazone, which can reduce the expression level of REST, represents a promising drug for therapy of glioma. - Highlights: • A specific isoform REST4 is expressed in glioma specimens in vivo. • REST4 will influence the mRNA level of REST in vivo. • Pioglitazone can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of glioma cells. • The role of pioglitazone in anti-glioma may be mediated by down-regulating REST.« less

  14. Glioma-Associated Oncogene Homolog Inhibitors Have the Potential of Suppressing Cancer Stem Cells of Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Jeng, Kuo-Shyang; Jeng, Chi-Juei; Sheen, I-Shyan; Wu, Szu-Hua; Lu, Ssu-Jung; Wang, Chih-Hsuan; Chang, Chiung-Fang

    2018-05-05

    Overexpression of Sonic Hedgehog signaling (Shh) pathway molecules is associated with invasiveness and recurrence in breast carcinoma. Therefore, inhibition of the Shh pathway downstream molecule Glioma-associated Oncogene Homolog (Gli) was investigated for its ability to reduce progression and invasiveness of patient-derived breast cancer cells and cell lines. Human primary breast cancer T2 cells with high expression of Shh signaling pathway molecules were compared with breast cancer line MDA-MB-231 cells. The therapeutic effects of Gli inhibitors were examined in terms of the cell proliferation, apoptosis, cancer stem cells, cell migration and gene expression. Blockade of the Shh signaling pathway could reduce cell proliferation and migration only in MDA-MB-231 cells. Hh pathway inhibitor-1 (HPI-1) increased the percentages of late apoptotic cells in MDA-MB-231 cells and early apoptotic cells in T2 cells. It reduced Bcl2 expression for cell proliferation and increased Bim expression for apoptosis. In addition, Gli inhibitor HPI-1 decreased significantly the percentages of cancer stem cells in T2 cells. HPI-1 worked more effectively than GANT-58 against breast carcinoma cells. In conclusion, HPI-1 could inhibit cell proliferation, reduce cell invasion and decrease cancer stem cell population in breast cancer cells. To target Gli-1 could be a potential strategy to suppress breast cancer stem cells.

  15. Monensin, a polyether ionophore antibiotic, overcomes TRAIL resistance in glioma cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress, DR5 upregulation and c-FLIP downregulation.

    PubMed

    Yoon, Mi Jin; Kang, You Jung; Kim, In Young; Kim, Eun Hee; Lee, Ju Ahn; Lim, Jun Hee; Kwon, Taeg Kyu; Choi, Kyeong Sook

    2013-08-01

    Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-induced ligand (TRAIL) is preferentially cytotoxic to cancer cells over normal cells. However, many cancer cells, including malignant glioma cells, tend to be resistant to TRAIL. Monensin (a polyether ionophore antibiotic that is widely used in veterinary medicine) and salinomycin (a compound that is structurally related to monensin and shows cancer stem cell-inhibiting activity) are currently recognized as anticancer drug candidates. In this study, we show that monensin effectively sensitizes various glioma cells, but not normal astrocytes, to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis; this occurs at least partly via monensin-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, CHOP-mediated DR5 upregulation and proteasome-mediated downregulation of c-FLIP. Interestingly, other polyether antibiotics, such as salinomycin, nigericin, narasin and lasalocid A, also stimulated TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in glioma cells via ER stress, CHOP-mediated DR5 upregulation and c-FLIP downregulation. Taken together, these results suggest that combined treatment of glioma cells with TRAIL and polyether ionophore antibiotics may offer an effective therapeutic strategy.

  16. Synergistic inhibition of glioma cell proliferation by Withaferin A and tumor treating fields.

    PubMed

    Chang, Edwin; Pohling, Christoph; Beygui, Nooshin; Patel, Chirag B; Rosenberg, Jarrett; Ha, Dong Ho; Gambhir, Sanjiv S

    2017-09-01

    Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer. Standard therapies are non-specific and often of limited effectiveness; thus, efforts are underway to uncover novel, unorthodox therapies against GBM. In previous studies, we investigated Withaferin A, a steroidal lactone from Ayurvedic medicine that inhibits proliferation in cancers including GBM. Another novel approach, tumor treating fields (TTFields), is thought to disrupt mitotic spindle formation and stymie proliferation of actively dividing cells. We hypothesized that combining TTFields with Withaferin A would synergistically inhibit proliferation in glioblastoma. Human glioblastoma cells (GBM2, GBM39, U87-MG) and human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MDA-MB-231) were isolated from primary tumors. The glioma cell lines were genetically engineered to express firefly luciferase. Proliferative potential was assessed either by bioluminescence imaging or cell counting via hemocytometer. TTFields (4 V/cm) significantly inhibited growth of the four cancer cell lines tested (n = 3 experiments per time point, four measurements per sample, p < 0.02 at least; 2-way ANOVA, control vs. treatment). The combination of Withaferin A (10-100 nM) with TTFields significantly inhibited the growth of the glioma cells to a degree beyond that of Withaferin A or TTFields alone. The interaction of the Withaferin A and TTFields on glioma cells was found to be synergistic in nature (p < 0.01, n = 3 experiments). These findings were validated by both bioluminescence and hemocytometric measurements. The combination of Withaferin A with TTFields represents a novel approach to treat GBM in a manner that is likely better than either treatment alone and that is synergistic.

  17. 14-3-3β exerts glioma-promoting effects and is associated with malignant progression and poor prognosis in patients with glioma.

    PubMed

    Liu, Liang; Liu, Zhixiong; Wang, Hao; Chen, Long; Ruan, Fuqiang; Zhang, Jihui; Hu, Yi; Luo, Hengshan; Wen, Shuai

    2018-03-01

    Glioma is a type of tumor that affects the central nervous system. It has been demonstrated that 14-3-3β, a protein that is mainly concentrated in the brain, serves an important role in tumor regulation. However, the mechanism of action of 14-3-3β that underlies the pathogenesis of glioma remains to be elucidated. In the present study, 14-3-3β was silenced by RNA interference in the human glioma cell line U373-MG. Following knockdown of 14-3-3β, the proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion of U373-MG cells were significantly decreased (P<0.01), whereas cell apoptosis was increased (P<0.01). Furthermore, in a tumor xenograft experiment, silencing 14-3-3β significantly inhibited the in vivo tumor growth of U373-MG cells (P<0.01). The results demonstrated that 14-3-3β levels were significantly higher in human glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues (P<0.01) and high 14-3-3β expression was significantly associated with advanced pathological grade (P<0.03) and low Karnofsky performance scale (P<0.003). Patients with glioma who had high 14-3-3β levels had a significantly shorter survival time compared with those with low expression of 14-3-3β (P=0.031), suggesting that 14-3-3β may be an effective predictor of the prognosis of patients with glioma. The results of the present study indicate that 14-3-3β serves an oncogenic role in glioma, suggesting that 14-3-3β may have potential as a promising therapeutic target for glioma.

  18. N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase and DNA polymerase β modulate BER inhibitor potentiation of glioma cells to temozolomide

    PubMed Central

    Tang, Jiang-bo; Svilar, David; Trivedi, Ram N.; Wang, Xiao-hong; Goellner, Eva M.; Moore, Briana; Hamilton, Ronald L.; Banze, Lauren A.; Brown, Ashley R.; Sobol, Robert W.

    2011-01-01

    Temozolomide (TMZ) is the preferred chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of glioma following surgical resection and/or radiation. Resistance to TMZ is attributed to efficient repair and/or tolerance of TMZ-induced DNA lesions. The majority of the TMZ-induced DNA base adducts are repaired by the base excision repair (BER) pathway and therefore modulation of this pathway can enhance drug sensitivity. N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase (MPG) initiates BER by removing TMZ-induced N3-methyladenine and N7-methylguanine base lesions, leaving abasic sites (AP sites) in DNA for further processing by BER. Using the human glioma cell lines LN428 and T98G, we report here that potentiation of TMZ via BER inhibition [methoxyamine (MX), the PARP inhibitors PJ34 and ABT-888 or depletion (knockdown) of PARG] is greatly enhanced by over-expression of the BER initiating enzyme MPG. We also show that methoxyamine-induced potentiation of TMZ in MPG expressing glioma cells is abrogated by elevated-expression of the rate-limiting BER enzyme DNA polymerase β (Polβ), suggesting that cells proficient for BER readily repair AP sites in the presence of MX. Further, depletion of Polβ increases PARP inhibitor-induced potentiation in the MPG over-expressing glioma cells, suggesting that expression of Polβ modulates the cytotoxic effect of combining increased repair initiation and BER inhibition. This study demonstrates that MPG overexpression, together with inhibition of BER, sensitizes glioma cells to the alkylating agent TMZ in a Polβ-dependent manner, suggesting that the expression level of both MPG and Polβ might be used to predict the effectiveness of MX and PARP-mediated potentiation of TMZ in cancer treatment. PMID:21377995

  19. Participation of an abnormality in the transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway in resistance of malignant glioma cells to growth inhibition induced by that factor.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Lei; Sato, Eiji; Amagasaki, Kenichi; Nakao, Atsuhito; Naganuma, Hirofumi

    2006-07-01

    Malignant glioma cells secrete and activate transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) and are resistant to growth inhibition by that factor. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying this effect remains poorly understood. In this study, the mechanism of the resistance to growth inhibition induced by TGFbeta was investigated. The authors examined the expression of downstream components of the TGFbeta receptor, including Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7, and the effect of TGFbeta1 treatment on the phosphorylation of Smad2 and the nuclear translocation of Smad2 and Smad3 by using 10 glioma cell lines and the A549 cell line, which is sensitive to TGFbeta-mediated growth inhibition. The expression of two transcriptional corepressor proteins, SnoN and Ski, and the effect of TGFbeta1 treatment on the expression of the SnoN protein and the cell cycle regulators p21, p15, cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (CDK4), and cyclin D1 were also examined. Expression of the Smad2 and Smad3 proteins was lower in the glioma cell lines than in the A549 cell line and in normal astrocytes. In particular, Smad3 expression was low or very low in nine of the 10 malignant glioma cell lines. Expression of Smad4 was low in four glioma cell lines, and expression of the Smad7 protein was similar when compared with protein expression in the A549 cell line and in normal astrocytes. The levels of Smad2 phosphorylation after TGFbeta1 treatment were lower in glioma cell lines than in the A549 cell line, except for one glioma cell line. Seven of the 10 glioma cell lines exhibited lower levels of nuclear translocation of Smad2 and Smad3, and two cell lines that expressed very low levels of Smad3 protein showed no nuclear translocation. All glioma cell lines expressed the SnoN protein and its expression was unaltered by treatment with TGFbeta1. Three glioma cell lines expressed high levels of the Ski protein. The expression of the p21(cip1), p15(INK4B), CDK4, and cyclin D1 proteins was not altered by TGFbeta1

  20. Revealing the potential pathogenesis of glioma by utilizing a glioma associated protein-protein interaction network.

    PubMed

    Pan, Weiran; Li, Gang; Yang, Xiaoxiao; Miao, Jinming

    2015-04-01

    This study aims to explore the potential mechanism of glioma through bioinformatic approaches. The gene expression profile (GSE4290) of glioma tumor and non-tumor samples was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. A total of 180 samples were available, including 23 non-tumor and 157 tumor samples. Then the raw data were preprocessed using robust multiarray analysis, and 8,890 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by using t-test (false discovery rate < 0.0005). Furthermore, 16 known glioma related genes were abstracted from Genetic Association Database. After mapping 8,890 DEGs and 16 known glioma related genes to Human Protein Reference Database, a glioma associated protein-protein interaction network (GAPN) was constructed. In addition, 51 sub-networks in GAPN were screened out through Molecular Complex Detection (score ≥ 1), and sub-network 1 was found to have the closest interaction (score = 3). What' more, for the top 10 sub-networks, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis (p value < 0.05) was performed, and DEGs involved in sub-network 1 and 2, such as BRMS1L and CCNA1, were predicted to regulate cell growth, cell cycle, and DNA replication via interacting with known glioma related genes. Finally, the overlaps of DEGs and human essential, housekeeping, tissue-specific genes were calculated (p value = 1.0, 1.0, and 0.00014, respectively) and visualized by Venn Diagram package in R. About 61% of human tissue-specific genes were DEGs as well. This research shed new light on the pathogenesis of glioma based on DEGs and GAPN, and our findings might provide potential targets for clinical glioma treatment.

  1. Molecular markers in glioma.

    PubMed

    Ludwig, Kirsten; Kornblum, Harley I

    2017-09-01

    Gliomas are the most malignant and aggressive form of brain tumors, and account for the majority of brain cancer related deaths. Malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma are treated with radiation and temozolomide, with only a minor benefit in survival time. A number of advances have been made in understanding glioma biology, including the discovery of cancer stem cells, termed glioma stem cells (GSC). Some of these advances include the delineation of molecular heterogeneity both between tumors from different patients as well as within tumors from the same patient. Such research highlights the importance of identifying and validating molecular markers in glioma. This review, intended as a practical resource for both clinical and basic investigators, summarizes some of the more well-known molecular markers (MGMT, 1p/19q, IDH, EGFR, p53, PI3K, Rb, and RAF), discusses how they are identified, and what, if any, clinical relevance they may have, in addition to discussing some of the specific biology for these markers. Additionally, we discuss identification methods for studying putative GSC's (CD133, CD15, A2B5, nestin, ALDH1, proteasome activity, ABC transporters, and label-retention). While much research has been done on these markers, there is still a significant amount that we do not yet understand, which may account for some conflicting reports in the literature. Furthermore, it is unlikely that the investigator will be able to utilize one single marker to prospectively identify and isolate GSC from all, or possibly, any gliomas.

  2. Forkhead box K2 inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human glioma cells and predicts a favorable prognosis.

    PubMed

    Wang, Bo; Zhang, XueBin; Wang, Wei; Zhu, ZhiZhong; Tang, Fan; Wang, Dong; Liu, Xi; Zhuang, Hao; Yan, XiaoLing

    2018-01-01

    Forkhead box K2 (FOXK2) is a member of the forkhead box family of transcription factors. Recently, researchers discovered that overexpression of FOXK2 inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and colorectal cancer, and is related to the clinical prognosis. However, in hepatocellular carcinoma, FOXK2 results in the opposite phenotypes. Currently, the contribution of FOXK2 to glioma pathogenesis is not clear. We evaluated the expression of FOXK2 in 151 glioma patients using immunohistochemistry assays. The associations among the expression of FOXK2, clinicopathological parameters, and the prognosis of glioma patients were statistically analyzed. We downregulated and upregulated the level of FOXK2 in glioma cells by transfections with small interfering RNA and plasmids. Then, we investigated the effects on tumor cell behavior in vitro by Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, colony-formation assay, transwell assay, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarker levels. The clinical data showed that expression of FOXK2 gradually decreased with increasing World Health Organization (WHO) grades and a low level of FOXK2 indicates a poor prognosis. FOXK2 expression is negatively correlated with Ki67 expression and the WHO degree but is not correlated with other clinicopathological parameters, including sex, age, Karnofsky Performance Status, tumor diameter, O -6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, and glutathione S -transferase pi. FOXK2 knockdown enhances glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT process, and, in contrast, FOXK2 overexpression inhibits glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the EMT process. Expression of FOXK2 gradually decreases with increasing WHO grades. FOXK2 inhibits tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion. FOXK2 is a critical mediator of the EMT process.

  3. Lessons we learned from high-throughput and top-down systems biology analyses about glioma stem cells.

    PubMed

    Mock, Andreas; Chiblak, Sara; Herold-Mende, Christel

    2014-01-01

    A growing body of evidence suggests that glioma stem cells (GSCs) account for tumor initiation, therapy resistance, and the subsequent regrowth of gliomas. Thus, continuous efforts have been undertaken to further characterize this subpopulation of less differentiated tumor cells. Although we are able to enrich GSCs, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of GSC phenotypes and behavior. The advent of high-throughput technologies raised hope that incorporation of these newly developed platforms would help to tackle such questions. Since then a couple of comparative genome-, transcriptome- and proteome-wide studies on GSCs have been conducted giving new insights in GSC biology. However, lessons had to be learned in designing high-throughput experiments and some of the resulting conclusions fell short of expectations because they were performed on only a few GSC lines or at one molecular level instead of an integrative poly-omics approach. Despite these shortcomings, our knowledge of GSC biology has markedly expanded due to a number of survival-associated biomarkers as well as glioma-relevant signaling pathways and therapeutic targets being identified. In this article we review recent findings obtained by comparative high-throughput analyses of GSCs. We further summarize fundamental concepts of systems biology as well as its applications for glioma stem cell research.

  4. System analysis identifies distinct and common functional networks governed by transcription factor ASCL1, in glioma and small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Donakonda, Sainitin; Sinha, Swati; Dighe, Shrinivas Nivrutti; Rao, Manchanahalli R Satyanarayana

    2017-07-25

    ASCL1 is a basic Helix-Loop-Helix transcription factor (TF), which is involved in various cellular processes like neuronal development and signaling pathways. Transcriptome profiling has shown that ASCL1 overexpression plays an important role in the development of glioma and Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC), but distinct and common molecular mechanisms regulated by ASCL1 in these cancers are unknown. In order to understand how it drives the cellular functional network in these two tumors, we generated a gene expression profile in a glioma cell line (U87MG) to identify ASCL1 gene targets by an si RNA silencing approach and then compared this with a publicly available dataset of similarly silenced SCLC (NCI-H1618 cells). We constructed TF-TF and gene-gene interactions, as well as protein interaction networks of ASCL1 regulated genes in glioma and SCLC cells. Detailed network analysis uncovered various biological processes governed by ASCL1 target genes in these two tumor cell lines. We find that novel ASCL1 functions related to mitosis and signaling pathways influencing development and tumor growth are affected in both glioma and SCLC cells. In addition, we also observed ASCL1 governed functional networks that are distinct to glioma and SCLC.

  5. NOTCH3 Is a Prognostic Factor That Promotes Glioma Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion via Activation of CCND1 and EGFR

    PubMed Central

    Alqudah, Mohammad A. Y.; Agarwal, Supreet; Al-Keilani, Maha S.; Sibenaller, Zita A.; Ryken, Timothy C.; Assem, Mahfoud

    2013-01-01

    Using a GWA analysis of a comprehensive glioma specimen population, we identified whole gain of chromosome 19 as one of the major chromosomal aberrations that correlates to patients’ outcomes. Our analysis of significant loci revealed for the first time NOTCH3 as one of the most significant amplification. NOTCH3 amplification is associated with worse outcome compared to tumors with non-amplified locus. NOTCH receptors (NOTCH1-4) are key positive regulators of cell-cell interactions, angiogenesis, cell adhesion and stem cell niche development which have been shown to play critical roles in several human cancers. Our objective is to determine the molecular roles of NOTCH3 in glioma pathogenesis and aggressiveness. Here we show for the first time that NOTCH3 plays a major role in glioma cell proliferation, cell migration, invasion and apoptosis. Therefore, our study uncovers the prognostic value and the oncogenic function of NOTCH3 in gliomagenesis and supports NOTCH3 as a promising target of therapy in high grade glioma. Our studies allowed the identification of a subset of population that may benefit from GSI- or anti-NOTCH3- based therapies. This may lead to the design of novel strategies to improve therapeutic outcome of patients with glioma by establishing medical and scientific basis for personalized chemotherapies. PMID:24143218

  6. Osthole suppresses the proliferation and accelerates the apoptosis of human glioma cells via the upregulation of microRNA-16 and downregulation of MMP-9.

    PubMed

    Lin, Kai; Gao, Zhiyu; Shang, Bin; Sui, Shaohua; Fu, Qiang

    2015-09-01

    Osthole (7-methoxy-8-isoamyl alkenyl coumarin) has been reported to exhibit marked anticancer effects on several types of cancer. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are closely associated with the pathogenesis of glioma. Furthermore, it is reported that the upregulation of microRNA‑16 (miR‑16) by the MMP‑9 signaling pathway can restrain the proliferation of cancer cells. To examine whether osthole increases the anticancer effect on human glioma cells in the present study, the common glioma cell line, U87, was treated with osthole at concentrations of 0, 50, 100 and 200 µΜ. The effects of osthole on cell viability were determined using a 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑thiazolyl)‑2,5‑diphenyl‑tetrazolium bromide assay. The rate of cellular apoptosis was analyzed by measuring the activity of caspase‑3 and using flow cytometry. The expression of MMP‑9 was determined using gelatin zymography assays and the expression of miR‑16 was determined using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that osthole significantly suppressed the proliferation and accelerated the apoptosis of the U87 cells. Furthermore, increased expression levels of miR‑16 and reduced protein expression levels of MMP‑9 were found in the U87 cells. In addition, miR‑16 was found to regulate the expression of MMP‑9 in the U87 cells through transfection of miR‑16 precursor and anti‑miR‑16 into the U87 cells. In conclusion, these observations indicated that osthole suppressed the proliferation and accelerated the apoptosis of human glioma cells through upregulation of the expression of miR‑16 and downregulation of the expression of MMP-9.

  7. Compression Stiffening of Brain and its Effect on Mechanosensing by Glioma Cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pogoda, Katarzyna

    The stiffness of tissues, often characterized by their time-dependent elastic properties, is tightly controlled under normal condition and central nervous system tissue is among the softest tissues. Changes in tissue and organ stiffness occur in some physiological conditions and are frequently symptoms of diseases such as fibrosis, cardiovascular disease and many forms of cancer. Primary cells isolated from various tissues often respond to changes in the mechanical properties of their substrates, and the range of stiffness over which these responses occur appear to be limited to the tissue elastic modulus from which they are derived. Our goal was to test the hypotheses that the stiffness of tumors derived from CNS tissue differs from that of normal brain, and that transformed cells derived from such tumors exhibit mechanical responses that differ from those of normal glial cells. Unlike breast and some other cancers where the stroma and the tumor itself is substantially stiffer than the surrounding normal tissue, our data suggest that gliomas can arise without a gross change in the macroscopic tissue stiffness when measured at low strains without compression. However, both normal brain and glioma samples stiffen with compression, but not in elongation and increased shear strains. On the other hand, different classes of immortalized cells derived from human glioblastoma show substantially different responses to the stiffness of substrates in vitrowhen grown on soft polyacrylamide and hyaluronic acid gels. This outcome supports the hypothesis that compression stiffening, which might occur with increased vascularization and interstitial pressure gradients that are characteristic of tumors, effectively stiffens the environment of glioma cells, and that in situ, the elastic resistance these cells sense might be sufficient to trigger the same responses that are activated in vitro by increased substrate stiffness.

  8. The AMPK inhibitor Compound C is a potent AMPK-independent anti-glioma agent

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Xiaona; Chhipa, Rishi Raj; Nakano, Ichiro; Dasgupta, Biplab

    2014-01-01

    AMPK is an evolutionarily conserved energy sensor important for cell growth, proliferation, survival and metabolic regulation. Active AMPK inhibits biosynthetic enzymes like mTOR and acetyl CoA carboxylase (required for protein and lipid synthesis, respectively) to ensure that cells maintain essential nutrients and energy during metabolic crisis. Despite our knowledge about this incredibly important kinase, no specific chemical inhibitors are available to examine its function. However, one small molecule known as Compound C (also called dorsomorphin) has been widely used in cell-based, biochemical and in vivo assays as a selective AMPK inhibitor. In nearly all these reports including a recent study in glioma, the biochemical and cellular effects of Compound C has been attributed to its inhibitory action towards AMPK. While examining the status of AMPK activation in human gliomas, we observed that glioblastomas (GBMs) express copious amount of active AMPK. Compound C effectively reduced glioma viability in vitro both by inhibiting proliferation and inducing cell death. As expected, Compound C inhibited AMPK; however, all the antiproliferative effects of this compound were AMPK-independent. Instead, Compound C killed glioma cells by multiple mechanisms including activation of the Calpain/Cathepsin pathway, inhibition of AKT, mTORC1/C2, cell cycle block at G2M and induction of necroptosis and autophagy. Importantly, normal astrocytes were significantly less susceptible to Compound C. In summary, Compound C is an extremely potent anti-glioma agent but we suggest that caution should be taken in interpreting results when this compound is used as an AMPK inhibitor. PMID:24419061

  9. β‐Elemene Selectively Inhibits the Proliferation of Glioma Stem‐Like Cells Through the Downregulation of Notch1

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Hai‐bin; Wang, Jing; Jiang, Hao‐ran; Mei, Xin; Zhao, Yi‐ying; Chen, Fu‐rong; Qu, Yue; Sai, Ke; Guo, Cheng‐cheng; Yang, Qun‐ying; Zhang, Zong‐ping

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Glioma is the most frequent primary central nervous system tumor. Although the current first‐line medicine, temozolomide (TMZ), promotes patient survival, drug resistance develops easily. Thus, it is important to investigate novel therapeutic reagents to solidify the treatment effect. β‐Elemene (bELE) is a compound from a Chinese herb whose anticancer effect has been shown in various types of cancer. However, its role in the inhibition of glioma stem‐like cells (GSLCs) has not yet been reported. We studied both the in vitro and the in vivo inhibitory effect of bELE and TMZ in GSLCs and parental cells and their combined effects. The molecular mechanisms were also investigated. We also optimized the delivery methods of bELE. We found that bELE selectively inhibits the proliferation and sphere formation of GSLCs, other than parental glioma cells, and TMZ exerts its effects on parental cells instead of GSLCs. The in vivo data confirmed that the combination of bELE and TMZ worked better in the xenografts of GSLCs, mimicking the situation of tumorigenesis of human cancer. Notch1 was downregulated with bELE treatment. Our data also demonstrated that the continuous administration of bELE produces an ideal effect to control tumor progression. Our findings have demonstrated, for the first time, that bELE could compensate for TMZ to kill both GSLCs and nonstem‐like cancer cells, probably improving the prognosis of glioma patients tremendously. Notch1 might be a downstream target of bELE. Therefore, our data shed light on improving the outcomes of glioma patients by combining bELE and TMZ. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:830–839 PMID:28297578

  10. Cold atmospheric-pressure air plasma treatment of C6 glioma cells: effects of reactive oxygen species in the medium produced by the plasma on cell death

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yuyang; Cheng, Cheng; Gao, Peng; Li, Shaopeng; Shen, Jie; Lan, Yan; Yu, Yongqiang; Chu, Paul K.

    2017-02-01

    An atmospheric-pressure air plasma is employed to treat C6 glioma cells in vitro. To elucidate on the mechanism causing cell death and role of reactive species (RS) in the medium produced by the plasma, the concentration of the long-lived RS such as hydrogen peroxide, nitrate, and ozone in the plasma-treated liquid (phosphate-buffered saline solution) is measured. When vitamin C is added to the medium as a ROS quencher, the viability of C6 glioma cells after the plasma treatment is different from that without vitamin C. The results demonstrate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H2O2, and O3 constitute the main factors for inactivation of C6 glioma cells and the reactive nitrogen species (RNS) may only play an auxiliary role in cell death.

  11. Propofol inhibits invasion and proliferation of C6 glioma cells by regulating the Ca2+ permeable AMPA receptor-system xc- pathway.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xin-Yue; Li, Yan-Li; Wang, Hai-Yun; Zhu, Min; Guo, Di; Wang, Guo-Lin; Gao, Ying-Tang; Yang, Zhuo; Li, Tang; Yang, Chen-Yi; Chen, Yi-Meng

    2017-10-01

    Anesthetics are documented to affect tumors; therefore, we studied the antiglioma effect of propofol on proliferation and invasiveness of glioma cells and explored the underlying mechanism. C6 glioma cells were cultured and treated with propofol, and cell viability, invasiveness, and migration were measured. Glutamate release was measured using an enzyme-catalyzed kinetic reaction. xCT protein and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor GluR2 subunit protein expression was assessed with Western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining. We observed that propofol significantly inhibited C6 glioma cell viability, invasiveness, and migration and decreased glutamate release. An agonist of the cystine/glutamate antiporter system (system x c - ), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), reversed propofol's effects, and propofol could inhibit C6 glioma cell proliferation by adding excess exogenous glutamate (100μM). Finally, propofol increased the surface expression of GluR2, but decreased surface expression of xCT. The effects of propofol on surface expression of GluR2 and xCT could be rescued by (R, S)-AMPA, an agonist of Ca 2+ permeable AMPA receptor (CPAR). Thus, propofol can inhibit cell viability, invasiveness, and migration of C6 glioma cells, and the CPAR-system x c - pathway contributes to these events. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Essential role of TRPC6 channels in G2/M phase transition and development of human glioma.

    PubMed

    Ding, Xia; He, Zhuohao; Zhou, Kechun; Cheng, Ju; Yao, Hailan; Lu, Dongliang; Cai, Rong; Jin, Yening; Dong, Bin; Xu, Yinghui; Wang, Yizheng

    2010-07-21

    Patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive form of glioma, have a median survival of approximately 12 months. Calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling plays an important role in cell proliferation, and some members of the Ca(2+)-permeable transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) family of channel proteins have demonstrated a role in the proliferation of many types of cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the role of TRPC6 in cell cycle progression and in the development of human glioma. TRPC6 protein and mRNA expression were assessed in glioma (n = 33) and normal (n = 17) brain tissues from patients and in human glioma cell lines U251, U87, and T98G. Activation of TRPC6 channels was tested by platelet-derived growth factor-induced Ca(2+) imaging. The effect of inhibiting TRPC6 activity or expression using the dominant-negative mutant TRPC6 (DNC6) or RNA interference, respectively, was tested on cell growth, cell cycle progression, radiosensitization of glioma cells, and development of xenografted human gliomas in a mouse model. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) and wild-type TRPC6 (WTC6) were used as controls. Survival of mice bearing xenografted tumors in the GFP, DNC6, and WTC6 groups (n = 13, 15, and 13, respectively) was compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. All statistical tests were two-sided. Functional TRPC6 was overexpressed in human glioma cells. Inhibition of TRPC6 activity or expression attenuated the increase in intracellular Ca(2+) by platelet-derived growth factor, suppressed cell growth and clonogenic ability, induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and enhanced the antiproliferative effect of ionizing radiation. Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 activation and cell division cycle 25 homolog C expression regulated the cell cycle arrest. Inhibition of TRPC6 activity also reduced tumor volume in a subcutaneous mouse model of xenografted human tumors (P = .014 vs GFP; P < .001 vs WTC6) and increased mean survival in mice in an intracranial

  13. Functionalized cell nucleus-penetrating peptide combined with doxorubicin for synergistic treatment of glioma.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Li; Zhang, Yanyu; Tai, Lingyu; Jiang, Kuan; Xie, Cao; Li, Zhuoquan; Lin, Yao-Zhong; Wei, Gang; Lu, Weiyue; Pan, Weisan

    2016-09-15

    Clinical application of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) in cancer therapy is greatly restricted due to lack of tissue selectivity and tumor-targeting ability. CB5005, a rationally designed CPP that targets and inhibits intracellular NF-κB activation, is constituted by a unique membrane-permeable sequence (CB5005M) cascading to a NF-κB nuclear localization sequence (CB5005N). In vitro cellular evaluation confirmed that CB5005 was effectively taken up by brain capillary endothelial cell bEnd.3 and glioma cells U87. The intracellular localization analysis further demonstrated that CB5005 could not only penetrate into the cells but also enter into their nuclei. More interestingly, CB5005 permeated deeply into the tumor spheroids of U87 cell. In vivo imaging illustrated that the fluorescence-labeled CB5005 distributed itself into the brain and accumulated at the tumor site after intravenous injection. Given the important role of over expressed NF-κB in tumor growth and development, we further investigated CB5005 for its potential in treatment of glioma. When combined administration in vitro with doxorubicin (DOX), CB5005 exhibited a synergistic effect in killing U87 cells. In a nude mice xenograft model, CB5005 inhibited the growth of tumor when applied alone, and displayed a synergistic anti-tumor effect with DOX. In conclusion, CB5005 functioned simultaneously as a cell penetrating peptide and a tumor growth inhibitor, therefore can work as a potential synergist for chemotherapy of human tumor. Clinical application of cell-penetrating peptides in cancer therapy is restricted due to lack of tissue selectivity and tumor-targeting ability. In this manuscript, we reported a rationally designed peptide, named CB5005, which had an attractive capability of translocation into the cell nucleus and blocking nuclear translocation of endogenous NF-κB protein. CB5005 had unique affinity with brain and glioma, and could rapidly accumulate in these tissues after intravenous

  14. TLR9-ERK-mTOR signaling is critical for autophagic cell death induced by CpG oligodeoxynucleotide 107 combined with irradiation in glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    Li, Xiaoli; Cen, Yanyan; Cai, Yongqing; Liu, Tao; Liu, Huan; Cao, Guanqun; Liu, Dan; Li, Bin; Peng, Wei; Zou, Jintao; Pang, Xueli; Zheng, Jiang; Zhou, Hong

    2016-01-01

    Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides (CpG ODN) function as potential radiosensitizers for glioma treatment, although the underlying mechanism is unclear. It was observed that CpG ODN107, when combined with irradiation, did not induce apoptosis. Herein, the effect of CpG ODN107 + irradiation on autophagy and the related signaling pathways was investigated. In vitro, CpG ODN107 + irradiation induced autophagosome formation, increased the ratio of LC3 II/LC3 I, beclin 1 and decreased p62 expression in U87 cells. Meanwhile, CpG ODN107 also increased LC3 II/LC3 I expression in U251 and CHG-5 cells. In vivo, CpG ODN107 combined with local radiotherapy induced autophagosome formation in orthotopic transplantation tumor. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms demonstrated that CpG ODN107 + irradiation increased the levels of TLR9 and p-ERK, and decreased the level of p-mTOR in glioma cells. Further, TLR9-specific siRNA could affect the expressions of p-ERK and autophagy-related proteins in glioma cells. Taken together, CpG ODN107 combined with irradiation could induce autophagic cell death, and this effect was closely related to the TLR9-ERK-mTOR signaling pathway in glioma cells, providing new insights into the investigation mechanism of CpG ODN. PMID:27251306

  15. The ketogenic diet reverses gene expression patterns and reduces reactive oxygen species levels when used as an adjuvant therapy for glioma.

    PubMed

    Stafford, Phillip; Abdelwahab, Mohammed G; Kim, Do Young; Preul, Mark C; Rho, Jong M; Scheck, Adrienne C

    2010-09-10

    Malignant brain tumors affect people of all ages and are the second leading cause of cancer deaths in children. While current treatments are effective and improve survival, there remains a substantial need for more efficacious therapeutic modalities. The ketogenic diet (KD) - a high-fat, low-carbohydrate treatment for medically refractory epilepsy - has been suggested as an alternative strategy to inhibit tumor growth by altering intrinsic metabolism, especially by inducing glycopenia. Here, we examined the effects of an experimental KD on a mouse model of glioma, and compared patterns of gene expression in tumors vs. normal brain from animals fed either a KD or a standard diet. Animals received intracranial injections of bioluminescent GL261-luc cells and tumor growth was followed in vivo. KD treatment significantly reduced the rate of tumor growth and prolonged survival. Further, the KD reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in tumor cells. Gene expression profiling demonstrated that the KD induces an overall reversion to expression patterns seen in non-tumor specimens. Notably, genes involved in modulating ROS levels and oxidative stress were altered, including those encoding cyclooxygenase 2, glutathione peroxidases 3 and 7, and periredoxin 4. Our data demonstrate that the KD improves survivability in our mouse model of glioma, and suggests that the mechanisms accounting for this protective effect likely involve complex alterations in cellular metabolism beyond simply a reduction in glucose.

  16. Enhanced Anti-Tumor Effect of Zoledronic Acid Combined with Temozolomide against Human Malignant Glioma Cell Expressing O6-Methylguanine DNA Methyltransferase

    PubMed Central

    Fukai, Junya; Koizumi, Fumiaki; Nakao, Naoyuki

    2014-01-01

    Temozolomide (TMZ), a DNA methylating agent, is widely used in the adjuvant treatment of malignant gliomas. O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltranferase (MGMT), a DNA repair enzyme, is frequently discussed as the main factor that limits the efficacy of TMZ. Zoledronic acid (ZOL), which is clinically applied to treat cancer-induced bone diseases, appears to possess direct anti-tumor activity through apoptosis induction by inhibiting mevalonate pathway and prenylation of intracellular small G proteins. In this study, we evaluated whether ZOL can be effectively used as an adjuvant to TMZ in human malignant glioma cells that express MGMT. Malignant glioma cell lines, in which the expression of MGMT was detected, did not exhibit growth inhibition by TMZ even at a longer exposure. However, combination experiment of TMZ plus ZOL revealed that a supra-additive effect resulted in a significant decrease in cell growth. In combined TMZ/ZOL treatment, an increased apoptotic rate was apparent and significant activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase were observed compared with each single drug exposure. There were decreased amounts of Ras-GTP, MAPK and Akt phosphorylation and MGMT expression in the ZOL-treated cells. Subcutanous xenograft models showed significant decrease of tumor growth with combined TMZ/ZOL treatment. These results suggest that ZOL efficaciously inhibits activity of Ras in malignant glioma cells and potentiates TMZ-mediated cytotoxicity, inducing growth inhibition and apoptosis of malignant glioma cells that express MGMT and resistant to TMZ. Based on this work, combination of TMZ with ZOL might be a potential therapy in malignant gliomas that receive less therapeutic effects of TMZ due to cell resistance. PMID:25111384

  17. Heparin affin regulatory peptide/pleiotrophin negatively affects diverse biological activities in C6 glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Parthymou, Anastasia; Lampropoulou, Evgenia; Mikelis, Constantinos; Drosou, Georgia; Papadimitriou, Evangelia

    2008-01-01

    Heparin affin regulatory peptide (HARP) or pleiotrophin seems to be involved in the progression of several tumors of diverse origin. In this study, we tried to determine the role of HARP in rat C6 glioma cells by using an antisense strategy for inhibition of HARP expression. Decrease of the expression of endogenous HARP in C6 cells (AS-C6 cells) significantly increased proliferation, migration, and anchorage-independent growth of cells. Implantation of AS-C6 cells onto chicken embryo chorioallantoic membranes resulted in a significant increase of tumor-induced angiogenesis compared with that induced by non-transfected or C6 cells transfected with the plasmid alone (PC-C6 cells). In the same line, conditioned medium from AS-C6 cells significantly increased endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro compared with the effect of conditioned medium from C6 or PC-C6 cells. Interestingly, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced C6 cell proliferation and migration, and SU1496, a selective inhibitor of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), blocked increased glioma cell growth, migration, and angiogenicity observed in AS-C6 cell cultures. The above results seem to be due to a direct interaction between HARP and VEGF in the culture medium of C6 and PC-C6 cells, while AS-C6 cells secreted comparable amounts of VEGF that do not interact with HARP. Collectively, these data suggest that HARP negatively affects diverse biological activities in C6 glioma cells, mainly due to binding of HARP to VEGF, which may sequester secreted VEGF from signalling through VEGFR2.

  18. EG-07CELL CYCLE SIGNATURE AND TUMOR PHYLOGENY ARE ENCODED IN THE EVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS OF DNA METHYLATION IN GLIOMA

    PubMed Central

    Mazor, Tali; Pankov, Aleksandr; Johnson, Brett E.; Hong, Chibo; Bell, Robert J.A.; Smirnov, Ivan V.; Reis, Gerald F.; Phillips, Joanna J.; Barnes, Michael; Bollen, Andrew W.; Taylor, Barry S.; Molinaro, Annette M.; Olshen, Adam B.; Song, Jun S.; Berger, Mitchel S.; Chang, Susan M.; Costello, Joseph F.

    2014-01-01

    The clonal evolution of tumor cell populations can be reconstructed from patterns of genetic alterations. In contrast, tumor epigenetic states, including DNA methylation, are reversible and sensitive to the tumor microenvironment, presumably precluding the use of epigenetics to discover tumor phylogeny. Here we examined the spatial and temporal dynamics of DNA methylation in a clinically and genetically characterized cohort of IDH1-mutant low-grade gliomas and their patient-matched recurrences. WHO grade II gliomas are diffuse, infiltrative tumors that frequently recur and may undergo malignant progression to a higher grade with a worse prognosis. The extent to which epigenetic alterations contribute to the evolution of low-grade gliomas, including malignant progression, is unknown. While all gliomas in the cohort exhibited the hypermethylation signature associated with IDH1 mutation, low-grade gliomas that underwent malignant progression to high-grade glioblastoma (GBM) had a unique signature of DNA hypomethylation enriched for active enhancers, as well as sites of age-related hypermethylation in the brain. Genes with promoter hypomethylation and concordant transcriptional upregulation during evolution to GBM were enriched in cell cycle function, evolving in concert with genetic alterations that deregulate the G1/S cell cycle checkpoint. Despite the plasticity of tumor epigenetic states, phyloepigenetic trees robustly recapitulated phylogenetic trees derived from somatic mutations in the same patients. These findings highlight widespread co-dependency of genetic and epigenetic events throughout the clonal evolution of initial and recurrent glioma.

  19. P41IDENTIFICATION OF GLIOMA SPECIFIC APTAMER TARGETS

    PubMed Central

    Arora, Mohit; Alder, Jane; Lawrence, Clare; Davis, Charles; Dawson, Tim; Hall, Greg; Shaw, Lisa

    2014-01-01

    INTRODUCTION: Aptamers are in vitro generated DNA and RNA sequences which are randomly created as a library, with multiple permutations and combinations. These are then exposed to the target structure against which we want an aptamer ‘selected’ using Sequential Enumeration of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX). METHOD: Commercially available glioma and glial cell lines and in-house generated primary glioma cultures were used. Modified aptamers based on published sequences against glioma cell lines and newly generated sequences were used in the project to identify their binding targets. Cy3 or biotin- conjugated aptamers were incubated with live glioma cell cultures and imaged using confocal or light microscopy.To determine the target ligand, aptamers were then reacted with glial cell lysate and subjected to precipitation using streptavidin agarose beads and SDS polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Proteins were analysed by mass spectroscopy. RESULTS: Known and unknown aptamer protein ligands were co-precipitated. Ku70, Ku80 were precipitated along with nucleolin and related proteins. CONCLUSION: The aptamer has shown preferential binding to glioma cells and could act as a delivery system for therapeutic payloads. The aptamer targets Ku70 and Ku80, which are known to be over expressed in other forms of cancer but their role in gliomagenesis has not been fully elucidated. Other novel proteins have also been identified. Thus the aptamer co-precipitation technique has identified potential glioma biomarkers that may be of clinical significance.

  20. Targeting the T-Lak cell originated protein kinase by OTS964 shrinks the size of power-law coded heterogeneous glioma stem cell populations

    PubMed Central

    Sugimori, Michiya; Hayakawa, Yumiko; Koh, Masaki; Hayashi, Tomohide; Tamura, Ryoi; Kuroda, Satoshi

    2018-01-01

    Glioblastoma resists chemoradiotherapy, then, recurs to be a fatal space-occupying lesion. The recurrence is caused by re-growing cell populations such as glioma stem cells (GSCs), suggesting that GSC populations should be targeted. This study addressed whether a novel anti-cancer drug, OTS964, an inhibitor for T-LAK cell originated protein kinase (TOPK), is effective in reducing the size of the heterogeneous GSC populations, a power-law coded heterogeneous GSC populations consisting of glioma sphere (GS) clones, by detailing quantitative growth properties. We found that OTS964 killed GS clones while suppressing the growth of surviving GS clones, thus identifying clone-eliminating and growth-disturbing efficacies of OTS964. The efficacies led to a significant size reduction in GS populations in a dose-dependent manner. The surviving GS clones reconstructed GS populations in the following generations; the recovery of GS populations fits a recurrence after the chemotherapy. The recovering GS clones resisted the clone-eliminating effect of OTS964 in sequential exposure during the growth recovery. However, surprisingly, the resistant properties of the recovered-GS clones had been plastically canceled during self-renewal, and then the GS clones had become re-sensitive to OTS964. Thus, OTS964 targets GSCs to eliminate them or suppress their growth, resulting in shrinkage of the power-law coded GSC populations. We propose a therapy focusing on long-term control in recurrence of glioblastoma via reducing the size of the GSC populations by OTS964. PMID:29423027

  1. Targeting the T-Lak cell originated protein kinase by OTS964 shrinks the size of power-law coded heterogeneous glioma stem cell populations.

    PubMed

    Sugimori, Michiya; Hayakawa, Yumiko; Koh, Masaki; Hayashi, Tomohide; Tamura, Ryoi; Kuroda, Satoshi

    2018-01-09

    Glioblastoma resists chemoradiotherapy, then, recurs to be a fatal space-occupying lesion. The recurrence is caused by re-growing cell populations such as glioma stem cells (GSCs), suggesting that GSC populations should be targeted. This study addressed whether a novel anti-cancer drug, OTS964, an inhibitor for T-LAK cell originated protein kinase (TOPK), is effective in reducing the size of the heterogeneous GSC populations, a power-law coded heterogeneous GSC populations consisting of glioma sphere (GS) clones, by detailing quantitative growth properties. We found that OTS964 killed GS clones while suppressing the growth of surviving GS clones, thus identifying clone-eliminating and growth-disturbing efficacies of OTS964. The efficacies led to a significant size reduction in GS populations in a dose-dependent manner. The surviving GS clones reconstructed GS populations in the following generations; the recovery of GS populations fits a recurrence after the chemotherapy. The recovering GS clones resisted the clone-eliminating effect of OTS964 in sequential exposure during the growth recovery. However, surprisingly, the resistant properties of the recovered-GS clones had been plastically canceled during self-renewal, and then the GS clones had become re-sensitive to OTS964. Thus, OTS964 targets GSCs to eliminate them or suppress their growth, resulting in shrinkage of the power-law coded GSC populations. We propose a therapy focusing on long-term control in recurrence of glioblastoma via reducing the size of the GSC populations by OTS964.

  2. A novel vaccine containing EphA2 epitope and LIGHT plasmid induces robust cellular immunity against glioma U251 cells.

    PubMed

    Chen, Hongjie; Yuan, Bangqing; Zheng, Zhaocong; Liu, Zheng; Wang, Shousen; Liu, Yong

    2011-01-01

    EphA2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase and can be acted as an attractive antigen for glioma vaccines. In addition, LIGHT plays an important role on enhancing T cell proliferation and cytokine production. To improve the CTL mediated immune response against glioma cells, we prepared the novel vaccine containing EphA2(883-891) peptide (TLADFDPRV) and LIGHT plasmid and utilized it to immunize the HLA-A2 transgenic HHD mice. In addition, trimera mice were immunized with the novel vaccine to elicit the antitumor immune response. The results demonstrated that the novel vaccine could induce robust cellular immunity against glioma U251 cells without lysing autologous lymphocytes. Moreover, the novel vaccine could significantly inhibit the tumor growth and prolong the life span of tumor bearing mice. These findings suggested that the novel vaccine containing EphA2 epitope and LIGHT plasmid could induce anti-tumor immunity against U251 cells expressing EphA2, and provided a promising strategy for glioma immunotherapy. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. The neuro-steroid, 3β androstene 17α diol exhibits potent cytotoxic effects on human malignant glioma and lymphoma cells through different programmed cell death pathways

    PubMed Central

    Graf, M R; Jia, W; Loria, R M

    2007-01-01

    The neuro-steroids 3β-androstene-17α-diol (17α-AED), 3β-androstene-17β-diol (17β-AED), 3β-androstene-7α,-17β-triol (7α-AET) and 3β-androstene-7β,-17β-triol (7β-AET) are metabolites of dehydroepiandrosterone and are produced in neuro-ectodermal tissue. Both epimers of androstenediols (17α-AED and 17β-AED) and androstenetriols (7α-AET and 7β-AET) have markedly different biological functions of their chemical analogue. We investigated the cytotoxic activity of these neuro-steroids on human T98G and U251MG glioblastoma and U937 lymphoma cells. Proliferation studies showed that 17α-AED is the most potent inhibitor, with an IC50 ∼15 μM. For T98G glioma, 90% inhibition was achieved with 25 μM of 17α-AED. Other neuro-steroids tested only marginally suppressed cell proliferation. Reduced cell adherence and viability could be detected after 18 h of 17α-AED exposure. Treatment with 17α-AED induced a significant level of apoptosis in U937 lymphoma cells, but not in the glioma cells. Cytopathology of 17α-AED-treated T98G cells revealed the presence of multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles. Acridine orange staining demonstrated the formation of acidic vesicular organelles in 17α-AED-treated T98G and U251MG, which was inhibited by bafilomycin A1. These findings indicate that 17α-AED bears the most potent cytotoxic activity of the neuro-steroids tested, and the effectiveness may depend on the number of hydroxyls and their position on the androstene molecule. These cytotoxic effects may utilize a non-apoptotic pathway in malignant glioma cells. PMID:17637679

  4. Transformed Root Extract of Leonurus sibiricus Induces Apoptosis through Intrinsic and Extrinsic Pathways in Various Grades of Human Glioma Cells.

    PubMed

    Sitarek, Przemysław; Skała, Ewa; Toma, Monika; Wielanek, Marzena; Szemraj, Janusz; Skorski, Tomasz; Białas, Adam J; Sakowicz, Tomasz; Kowalczyk, Tomasz; Radek, Maciej; Wysokińska, Halina; Śliwiński, Tomasz

    2017-07-01

    This study determines the influence of transformed root (TR) extract of Leonurus sibiricus L. on various grades (I-III) of human glioma cells derived from patients. This plant occurs in southern Asia and Siberia and is widely used as a medicinal plant with various biological activities. Chromatographic profile of TR extract have revealed the presence of various polyphenolic compounds (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, vanilic acid, 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid, α-resorcylic acid). We found TR root extract to have antiproliferative activity on glioma cells after 24 h of treatment. TR root extract induces apoptosis on various grades (I-III) of human glioma cells by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with concurrent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle, and altered mRNA levels of Bax, Bcl-2, p53, Cas-3, Cas-8 and Cas-9 factors involved in apoptosis. This work for the first time demonstrate that TR extract from L. sibiricus root has the potential to activate apoptosis in grade I-III human glioma cells through the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.

  5. Combinatorial therapy with adenoviral-mediated PTEN and a PI3K inhibitor suppresses malignant glioma cell growth in vitro and in vivo by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Nan, Yang; Guo, Liyun; Song, Yunpeng; Wang, Le; Yu, Kai; Huang, Qiang; Zhong, Yue

    2017-08-01

    Glioblastoma is a highly invasive and challenging tumor of the central nervous system. The mutation/deletion of the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene is the main genetic change identified in glioblastomas. PTEN plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and has been shown to be an important therapeutic target. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 is commonly used to inhibit glioma cell growth via regulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In this study, we examined the growth inhibitory effects of a combinatorial therapy of adenoviral-mediated PTEN (Ad-PTEN) and LY294002 on LN229 and U251 glioma cells in vitro and on tumor xenografts in vivo. In vitro, LN229 and U251 glioma cells were treated by combinatorial therapy with Ad-PTEN and LY294002. The growth ability was determined by MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell invasive ability was analyzed by transwell invasion assay and cell apoptosis analysis via FITC-Annexin V analysis. In vivo, U251 subcutaneous glioblastoma xenograft was used to assay anti-tumor effect of combinatorial therapy with Ad-PTEN and LY294002 by mean volume of tumors, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL method. The combinatorial treatment clearly suppressed cell proliferation, arrested the cell cycle, reduced cell invasion and promoted cell apoptosis compared with the Ad-PTEN or LY294002 treatment alone. The treatment worked by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway. In addition, the growth of U251 glioma xenografts treated with the combination of Ad-PTEN and LY294002 was significantly inhibited compared with those treated with Ad-PTEN or LY294002 alone. Our data indicated that the combination of Ad-PTEN and LY294002 effectively suppressed the malignant growth of human glioma cells in vitro and in tumor xenografts, suggesting a promising new approach for glioma gene therapy that warrants further investigation.

  6. Myc inhibition is effective against glioma and reveals a role for Myc in proficient mitosis.

    PubMed

    Annibali, Daniela; Whitfield, Jonathan R; Favuzzi, Emilia; Jauset, Toni; Serrano, Erika; Cuartas, Isabel; Redondo-Campos, Sara; Folch, Gerard; Gonzàlez-Juncà, Alba; Sodir, Nicole M; Massó-Vallés, Daniel; Beaulieu, Marie-Eve; Swigart, Lamorna B; Mc Gee, Margaret M; Somma, Maria Patrizia; Nasi, Sergio; Seoane, Joan; Evan, Gerard I; Soucek, Laura

    2014-08-18

    Gliomas are the most common primary tumours affecting the adult central nervous system and respond poorly to standard therapy. Myc is causally implicated in most human tumours and the majority of glioblastomas have elevated Myc levels. Using the Myc dominant negative Omomyc, we previously showed that Myc inhibition is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Here, we preclinically validate Myc inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in mouse and human glioma, using a mouse model of spontaneous multifocal invasive astrocytoma and its derived neuroprogenitors, human glioblastoma cell lines, and patient-derived tumours both in vitro and in orthotopic xenografts. Across all these experimental models we find that Myc inhibition reduces proliferation, increases apoptosis and remarkably, elicits the formation of multinucleated cells that then arrest or die by mitotic catastrophe, revealing a new role for Myc in the proficient division of glioma cells.

  7. Irradiation With Carbon Ion Beams Induces Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Cellular Senescence in a Human Glioma-Derived Cell Line

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jinno-Oue, Atsushi; Shimizu, Nobuaki; 21st Century Center of Excellence Program for Biomedical Research Using Accelerator Technology, Maebashi, Gunma

    2010-01-15

    Purpose: We examined biological responses of human glioma cells to irradiation with carbon ion beams (C-ions). Methods and Materials: A human glioma-derived cell line, NP-2, was irradiated with C-ions. Apoptotic cell nuclei were stained with Hoechst 33342. Induction of autophagy was examined either by staining cells with monodansylcadaverine (MDC) or by Western blotting to detect conversion of microtuble-associated protein light chain 3 (MAP-LC3) (LC3-I) to the membrane-bound form (LC3-II). Cellular senescence markers including induction of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-gal) were examined. The mean telomere length of irradiated cells was determined by Southern blot hybridization. Expression of tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin/cyclin-dependentmore » kinase inhibitor p21{sup WAF1/CIP1} in the irradiated cells was analyzed by Western blotting. Results: When NP-2 cells were irradiated with C-ions at 6 Gy, the major population of the cells died of apoptosis and autophagy. The residual fraction of attached cells (<1% of initially irradiated cells) could not form a colony: however, they showed a morphological phenotype consistent with cellular senescence, that is, enlarged and flattened appearance. The senescent nature of these attached cells was further indicated by staining for SA-beta-gal. The mean telomere length was not changed after irradiation with C-ions. Phosphorylation of p53 at serine 15 as well as the expression of p21{sup WAF1/CIP1} was induced in NP-2 cells after irradiation. Furthermore, we found that irradiation with C-ions induced cellular senescence in a human glioma cell line lacking functional p53. Conclusions: Irradiation with C-ions induced apoptosis, autophagy, and cellular senescence in human glioma cells.« less

  8. S100A4 is a biomarker and regulator of glioma stem cells that is critical for mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Glioma stem cells (GSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are strongly associated with therapy resistance and tumor recurrence, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we show that S100A4 is a novel biomarker of GSCs. S100A4+ cells in gliomas are enriched with canc...

  9. Autophagy and Oxidative Stress in Gliomas with IDH1 Mutations

    PubMed Central

    Gilbert, Misty R.; Liu, Yinxing; Neltner, Janna; Pu, Hong; Morris, Andrew; Sunkara, Manjula; Pittman, Thomas; Kyprianou, Natasha; Horbinski, Craig

    2013-01-01

    IDH1 mutations in gliomas associate with longer survival. Prooxidant and antiproliferative effects of IDH1 mutations and its D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) product have been described in vitro, but inconsistently observed. It is also unclear whether overexpression of mutant IDH1 in wild-type cells accurately phenocopies the effects of endogenous IDH1-mutations on tumor apoptosis and autophagy. Herein we investigated the effects of 2-HG and mutant IDH1 overexpression on proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy in IDH1 wild-type glioma cells, and compared those results with patient-derived tumors. 2-HG reduced viability and proliferation of U87MG and LN18 cells, triggered apoptosis in LN18 cells, and autophagy in U87MG cells. In vitro studies and flank xenografts of U87MG cells overexpressing R132H IDH1 exhibited increased oxidative stress, including increases of both manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and p62. Patient-derived IDH1-mutant tumors showed no significant differences in apoptosis or autophagy, but showed p62 accumulation and actually trended toward reduced MnSOD expression. These data indicate that mutant IDH1 and 2-HG can induce oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis, but these effects vary greatly according to cell type. PMID:24150401

  10. Dendritic cell therapy with improved outcome in glioma multiforme―a case report*

    PubMed Central

    Khan, Jamal A.; Yaqin, Sharmin

    2006-01-01

    Malignant gliomas are the most devastating tumors in clinical practice and have poorest survival. Immunological treatment of such patients may likely increase the survival and quality of life. Dendritic cells (DCs), most potent antigen presenting cells in combination with oral chemotherapeutic agents may be tried for patients giving consent to such treatment. We have successfully combined the two therapies in an adult male patient who was on downhill course after being operated on once with post operation chemotherapy and radiotherapy for glioma in the left parietal area. He received five dendritic cell therapy vaccines in combination with oral chemotherapy and responded dramatically having near normal quality of life for an additional five months with this regime, increasing the survival after operation to 11 months. This therapy is continuing with radiological betterment of the lesion. The DCs are matured with antigen extracted from wax embedded tissue at 6th day of culture. We feel that the treatment can be given to more number of patients to establish its efficacy for the dreaded cancer glioblastoma multiforme. PMID:16421966

  11. A Pilot Feasibility Study of Oral 5-Fluorocytosine and Genetically-Modified Neural Stem Cells Expressing E.Coli Cytosine Deaminase for Treatment of Recurrent High Grade Gliomas

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2017-11-07

    Adult Anaplastic Astrocytoma; Recurrent Grade III Glioma; Recurrent Grade IV Glioma; Adult Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma; Adult Brain Tumor; Adult Giant Cell Glioblastoma; Adult Glioblastoma; Adult Gliosarcoma; Adult Mixed Glioma; Recurrent Adult Brain Tumor; Adult Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma; Recurrent High Grade Glioma

  12. Cholera Toxin Subunit B Enabled Multifunctional Glioma-Targeted Drug Delivery.

    PubMed

    Guan, Juan; Zhang, Zui; Hu, Xuefeng; Yang, Yang; Chai, Zhilan; Liu, Xiaoqin; Liu, Jican; Gao, Bo; Lu, Weiyue; Qian, Jun; Zhan, Changyou

    2017-12-01

    Glioma is among the most formidable brain cancers due to location in the brain. Cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) is investigated to facilitate multifunctional glioma-targeted drug delivery by targeting the glycosphingolipid GM1 expressed in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), neovasulature, and glioma cells. When modified on the surface of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (CTB-NPs), CTB fully retains its bioactivity after 24 h incubation in the fresh mouse plasma. The formed protein corona (PC) of CTB-NP and plain PLGA nanoparticles (NP) after incubation in plasma is analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem massspectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS). CTB modification does not alter the protein components of the formed PC, macrophage phagocytosis, or pharmacokinetic profiles. CTB-NP can efficiently penetrate the in vitro BBB model and target glioma cells and human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. Paclitaxel is loaded in NP (NP/PTX) and CTB-NP (CTB-NP/PTX), and their antiglioma effects are assessed in nude mice bearing intracranial glioma. CTB-NP/PTX can efficiently induce apoptosis of intracranial glioma cells and ablate neovasulature in vivo, resulting in significant prolongation of survival of nude mice bearing intracranial glioma (34 d) in comparison to those treated with NP/PTX (29 d), Taxol (24 d), and saline (21 d). The present study suggests a potential multifunctional glioma-targeted drug delivery system enabled by cholera toxin subunit B. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Antitumor activity of combined endostatin and thymidine kinase gene therapy in C6 glioma models.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yan; Huang, Honglan; Yao, Chunshan; Su, Fengbo; Guan, Wenming; Yan, Shijun; Ni, Zhaohui

    2016-09-01

    The combination of Endostatin (ES) and Herpes Simplex Virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene therapy is known to have antitumor activity in bladder cancer. The potential effect of ES and TK therapy in glioma has not yet been investigated. In this study, pTK-internal ribosome entry site (IRES), pIRES-ES, and pTK-IRES-ES plasmids were constructed; pIRES empty vector served as the negative control. The recombinant constructs were transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) ECV304 and C6 rat glioma cell line. Ganciclovir (GCV) was used to induce cell death in transfected C6 cells. We found that ECV304 cells expressing either ES or TK-ES showed reduced proliferation, decreased migration capacity, and increased apoptosis, as compared to untransfected cells or controls. pTK-IRES-ES/GCV or pTK-IRES/GCV significantly suppressed cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in C6 cells, as compared to the control. In addition, the administration of pIRES-ES, pTK-IRES/GCV, or pTK-IRES-ES/GCV therapy improved animal activity and behavior; was associated with prolonged animal survival, and a lower microvessel density (MVD) value in tumor tissues of C6 glioma rats. In comparison to others, dual gene therapy in form of pTK-IRES-ES/GCV had a significant antitumor activity against C6 glioma. These findings indicate combined TK and ES gene therapy was associated with a superior antitumor efficacy as compared to single gene therapy in C6 glioma. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  14. Splicing factors PTBP1 and PTBP2 promote proliferation and migration of glioma cell lines

    PubMed Central

    Cheung, Hannah C.; Hai, Tao; Zhu, Wen; Baggerly, Keith A.; Tsavachidis, Spiridon; Krahe, Ralf

    2009-01-01

    Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is a multi-functional RNA-binding protein that is aberrantly overexpressed in glioma. PTBP1 and its brain-specific homologue polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 2 (PTBP2) regulate neural precursor cell differentiation. However, the overlapping and non-overlapping target transcripts involved in this process are still unclear. To determine why PTBP1 and not PTBP2 would promote glial cell-derived tumours, both PTBP1 and PTBP2 were knocked down in the human glioma cell lines U251 and LN229 to determine the role of these proteins in cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Surprisingly, removal of both PTBP1 and PTBP2 slowed cell proliferation, with the double knockdown having no additive effects. Decreased expression of both proteins individually and in combination inhibited cell migration and increased adhesion of cells to fibronectin and vitronectin. A global survey of differential exon expression was performed following PTBP1 knockdown in U251 cells using the Affymetrix Exon Array to identify PTBP1-specific splicing targets that enhance gliomagenesis. In the PTBP1 knockdown, previously determined targets were unaltered in their splicing patterns. A single gene, RTN4 (Nogo) had significantly enhanced inclusion of exon 3 when PTBP1 was removed. Overexpression of the splice isoform containing exon 3 decreased cell proliferation to a similar degree as the removal of PTBP1. These results provide the first evidence that RNA-binding proteins affect the invasive and rapid growth characteristics of glioma cell lines. Its actions on proliferation appear to be mediated, in part, through alternative splicing of RTN4. PMID:19506066

  15. Juglone reduces growth and migration of U251 glioblastoma cells and disrupts angiogenesis.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jian; Liu, Ke; Wang, Xiao-Feng; Sun, Dian-Jun

    2017-10-01

    Accumulating data show that prolylisomerase (Pin1) is overexpressed in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) specimens. Therefore, Pin1 inhibitors should be investigated as a new chemotherapeutic drug that may enhance the clinical management of human gliomas. Recently, juglone, a Pin1 inhibitor, was shown to exhibit potent anticancer activity in various tumor cells, but its role in human glioma cells remains unknown. In the present study, we determined if juglone exerts antitumor effects in the U251 human glioma cell line and investigated its potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Cell survival, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis and molecular targets were identified with multiple detection techniques including the MTT cell proliferation assay, dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, electron microscopy, transwell migration assay, chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. The results showed that 5-20 µM juglone markedly suppressed cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and enhanced caspase-3 activity in U251 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, juglone inhibited cell migration and the formation of new blood vessels. At the molecular level, juglone markedly suppressed Pin1 levels in a time-dependent manner. TGF-β1/Smad signaling, a critical upstream regulator of miR-21, was also suppressed by juglone. Moreover, the transient overexpression of Pin1 reversed its antitumor effects in U251 cells and inhibited juglone-mediated changes to the TGF-β1/miR-21 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that juglone inhibits cell growth by causing apoptosis, thereby inhibiting the migration of U251 glioma cells and disrupting angiogenesis; and that Pin1 is a critical target for juglone's antitumor activity. The present study provides evidence that juglone has in vitro efficacy against glioma. Therefore, additional studies are warranted to examine the clinical potential of juglone in

  16. Asymmetric Distribution of GFAP in Glioma Multipotent Cells

    PubMed Central

    Guichet, Pierre-Olivier; Guelfi, Sophie; Ripoll, Chantal; Teigell, Marisa; Sabourin, Jean-Charles; Bauchet, Luc; Rigau, Valérie; Rothhut, Bernard; Hugnot, Jean-Philippe

    2016-01-01

    Asymmetric division (AD) is a fundamental mechanism whereby unequal inheritance of various cellular compounds during mitosis generates unequal fate in the two daughter cells. Unequal repartitions of transcription factors, receptors as well as mRNA have been abundantly described in AD. In contrast, the involvement of intermediate filaments in this process is still largely unknown. AD occurs in stem cells during development but was also recently observed in cancer stem cells. Here, we demonstrate the asymmetric distribution of the main astrocytic intermediate filament, namely the glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), in mitotic glioma multipotent cells isolated from glioblastoma (GBM), the most frequent type of brain tumor. Unequal mitotic repartition of GFAP was also observed in mice non-tumoral neural stem cells indicating that this process occurs across species and is not restricted to cancerous cells. Immunofluorescence and videomicroscopy were used to capture these rare and transient events. Considering the role of intermediate filaments in cytoplasm organization and cell signaling, we propose that asymmetric distribution of GFAP could possibly participate in the regulation of normal and cancerous neural stem cell fate. PMID:26953813

  17. Effect of hypoxia on the expression of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins in U87 glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Minchenko, O H; Riabovol, O O; Tsymbal, D O; Minchenko, D O; Ratushna, O O

    2016-01-01

    We have studied the effect of hypoxia on the expression of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins in U87 glioma cells under the inhibition of IRE1 (inositol requiring enzyme-1), which controls cell proliferation and tumor growth as a central mediator of endoplasmic reticulum stress. It was shown that hypoxia down-regulated gene expression of malate dehydrogenase 2 (MDH2), malic enzyme 2 (ME2), mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (GOT2), and subunit B of succinate dehydrogenase (SDHB) in control (transfected by empty vector) glioma cells in a gene specific manner. At the same time, the expression level of mitochondrial NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) and subunit D of succinate dehydrogenase (SDHD) genes in these cells does not significantly change in hypoxic conditions. It was also shown that the inhibition of ІRE1 signaling enzyme function in U87 glioma cells decreases the effect of hypoxia on the expression of ME2, GOT2, and SDHB genes and introduces the sensitivity of IDH2 gene to hypoxia. Furthermore, the expression of all studied genes depends on IRE1-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling in gene specific manner, because ІRE1 knockdown significantly decreases their expression in normoxic conditions, except for IDH2 gene, which expression level is strongly up-regulated. Therefore, changes in the expression level of nuclear genes encoding ME2, MDH2, IDH2, SDHB, SDHD, and GOT2 proteins possibly reflect metabolic reprogramming of mitochondria by hypoxia and IRE1-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling and correlate with suppression of glioma cell proliferation under inhibition of the IRE1 enzyme function.

  18. Recent Advances in Targeted Therapy for Glioma.

    PubMed

    Lin, Lin; Cai, Jinquan; Jiang, Chuanlu

    2017-01-01

    Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors, which have a universally fatal outcome. Current standard treatment for glioma patients is surgical removal followed by radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Due to therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence, efforts are ongoing to identify the molecules that are fundamental to regulate the tumor progression and provide additional methods for individual treatment of glioma patients. By studying the initiation and maintenance of glioma, studies focused on the targets of tyrosine kinase receptors including EGFR, PDGFR and other crucial signal pathways such as PI3K/AKT and RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway. Furthermore, recent advances in targeting immunotherapy and stem cell therapy also brought numerous strategies to glioma treatment. This article reviewed the researches focused on the advanced strategies of various target therapies for improving the glioma treatment efficacy, and discussed the challenges and future directions for glioma therapy. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  19. Repression of the expression of PPP3CC by ZEB1 confers activation of NF-κB and contributes to invasion and growth in glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hongquan; Zhao, Shuli; Chen, Bo; Fu, Chuhua; Dang, Yanwei; Fang, Peihai; Wang, Jun; Wang, Ning; Liu, Lijun

    2018-02-01

    Gliomas are highly malignant brain tumors. Aberrant activation of NF-κB plays a crucial role in tumor progression. ELISA assay was used to detect NF-κB activity in glimoas cells with different treatments. PPP3CC expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blot assay. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the overall survival rates according to the protein level of PPP3CC. Transwell and MTS assay were performed to determine cell invasion and growth. Chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with luciferase reporter assays illustrated the transcriptional regulation of PPP3CC. We showed that PPP3CC decrease was responsible for constitutive activation of NF-κB in gliomas. Restored PPP3CC expression inhibited activation of NF-κB. PPP3CC was frequently decreased in gliomas and that repression of the expression of PPP3CC correlated glioma progression. The ectopic expression of PPP3CC inhibited the invasive potential of glioma cells, and inhibited glioma cells proliferation in vitro and growth in vivo. Additionally, the expression of Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1(ZEB1) was increased in gliomas and was negatively correlated with clinical outcomes of glioma patients. ZEB1 inversely correlated with the expression of PPP3CC. ZEB1 was also confirmed to physically bind to the PPP3CC promoter. ZEB1 knockdown resulted in an increase in the expression of PPP3CC and elevation of PPP3CC promoter activity in glioma cells. These findings indicated that the down-regulation of PPP3CC by ZEB1 resulted in activation of NF-κB is a critical oncogenic event in gliomas. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  20. Hypoxia promotes glioma-associated macrophage infiltration via periostin and subsequent M2 polarization by upregulating TGF-beta and M-CSFR

    PubMed Central

    Guo, Xiaofan; Xue, Hao; Shao, Qianqian; Wang, Jian; Guo, Xing; Chen, Xi; Zhang, Jinsen; Xu, Shugang; Li, Tong; Zhang, Ping; Gao, Xiao; Qiu, Wei

    2016-01-01

    Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are enriched in gliomas and help create a tumor-immunosuppressive microenvironment. A distinct M2-skewed type of macrophages makes up the majority of glioma TAMs, and these cells exhibit pro-tumor functions. Gliomas contain large hypoxic areas, and the presence of a correlation between the density of M2-polarized TAMs and hypoxic areas suggests that hypoxia plays a supportive role during TAM recruitment and induction. Here, we investigated the effects of hypoxia on human macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization. We also investigated the influence of the HIF inhibitor acriflavine (ACF) on M2 TAM infiltration and tumor progression in vivo. We found that hypoxia increased periostin (POSTN) expression in glioma cells and promoted the recruitment of macrophages. Hypoxia-inducible POSTN expression was increased by TGF-α via the RTK/PI3K pathway, and this effect was blocked by treating hypoxic cells with ACF. We also demonstrated that both a hypoxic environment and hypoxia-treated glioma cell supernatants were capable of polarizing macrophages toward a M2 phenotype. ACF partially reversed the M2 polarization of macrophages by inhibiting the upregulation of M-CSFR in macrophages and TGF-β in glioma cells under hypoxic conditions. Administering ACF also ablated tumor progression in vivo. Our findings reveal a mechanism that underlies hypoxia-induced TAM enrichment and M2 polarization and suggest that pharmacologically inhibiting HIFs may reduce M2-polarized TAM infiltration and glioma progression. PMID:27602954

  1. Liposome-based glioma targeted drug delivery enabled by stable peptide ligands.

    PubMed

    Wei, Xiaoli; Gao, Jie; Zhan, Changyou; Xie, Cao; Chai, Zhilan; Ran, Danni; Ying, Man; Zheng, Ping; Lu, Weiyue

    2015-11-28

    The treatment of glioma is one of the most challenging tasks in clinic. As an intracranial tumor, glioma exhibits many distinctive characteristics from other tumors. In particular, various barriers including enzymatic barriers in the blood and brain capillary endothelial cells, blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB) rigorously prevent drug and drug delivery systems from reaching the tumor site. To tackle this dilemma, we developed a liposomal formulation to circumvent multiple-barriers by modifying the liposome surface with proteolytically stable peptides, (D)CDX and c(RGDyK). (D)CDX is a D-peptide ligand of nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on the BBB, and c(RGDyK) is a ligand of integrin highly expressed on the BBTB and glioma cells. Lysosomal compartments of brain capillary endothelial cells are implicated in the transcytosis of those liposomes. However, both peptide ligands displayed exceptional stability in lysosomal homogenate, ensuring that intact ligands could exert subsequent exocytosis from brain capillary endothelial cells and glioma targeting. In the cellular uptake studies, dually labeled liposomes could target both brain capillary endothelial cells and tumor cells, effectively traversing the BBB and BBTB monolayers, overcoming enzymatic barrier and targeting three-dimensional tumor spheroids. Its targeting ability to intracranial glioma was further verified in vivo by ex vivo imaging and histological studies. As a result, doxorubicin liposomes modified with both (D)CDX and c(RGDyK) presented better anti-glioma effect with prolonged median survival of nude mice bearing glioma than did unmodified liposomes and liposomes modified with individual peptide ligand. In conclusion, the liposome suggested in the present study could effectively overcome multi-barriers and accomplish glioma targeted drug delivery, validating its potential value in improving the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin for glioma. Copyright © 2015

  2. [Up regulation of phenylacetate to glioma homeobox gene expression].

    PubMed

    Tian, Yu; Yang, Chaohua; Zhao, Conghai

    2002-03-01

    Even though phenylacetate (PA) bas been shown to inhibit the growth and induce differentiation in rat C6 glioma cell line, its mechanisms are still poorly understood. This study is aimed to identify which Hox gene is related to glioma and to observe the change in expression on mRNA level as treated by phenylasetate. Twenty-two kinds of Hox gene were divided into 3 groups according to their primer sequence. Semiquantitative reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to investigate the mRNA expression of Hox gene groups and some Hox gene in rat C6 glioma cell line following differentiation induced by PA. The level of Hox gene expression was expressed as ratio expression rate (RER) of Hox gene/beta-actin according to computer image analysis and the difference between C6 cells and PA treated C6 cells was analyzed by student t-test. It was found that Hox genes matching to primers P2 were mildly expressed in C6 cells and the expression of HoxB2 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in PA treated C6 cells (P < 0.001). The weak expression of HoxB2 may be involved in glioma origin and the mechanisms of PA action are correlated with transcription process in the glioma cells.

  3. NUMB does not impair growth and differentiation status of experimental gliomas

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Euskirchen, Philipp, E-mail: philipp.euskirchen@charite.de; Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Cologne; Skaftnesmo, Kai-Ove

    2011-12-10

    The cell fate determinant NUMB orchestrates asymmetric cell division in flies and mammals and has lately been suggested to have a tumor suppressor function in breast and lung cancer. Here, we studied NUMB in the context of malignant gliomas. We used ectopic expression of NUMB in order to inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation in glioma cells by alteration of Notch, Hedgehog and p53 signaling. We found that NUMB is consistently expressed in glioma biopsies with predominance of NUMB2/4 isoforms as determined by isoform-specific real-time PCR and Western blotting. Upon lentiviral overexpression, in vitro proliferation rate and the grade of differentiationmore » as assessed by morphology and expression of neural and glial markers remained unchanged. Orthotopic xenografts of NUMB-transduced human U87 glioma cells could be established in nude rats without impairing engraftment or causing significant changes in morphology based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The previously reported alteration of Hedgehog and p53 signaling by NUMB could not be recapitulated in glioma cells. We thus show that in experimental gliomas, NUMB overexpression most likely does not exert a tumor suppressor function such as seen in epithelial cancers.« less

  4. [Antitumor effect of baicalin on rat brain glioma].

    PubMed

    Hu, Yong-zhen; Wang, Dian-hong; Luan, Yu; Gong, Hai-dong

    2013-01-01

    To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of baicalin on rat brain glioma. Deep brain glioma models were established by injection of glioma cell line C6 cells into the brain of Wistar rats. The rats at 7 days after modeling were randomly divided into tumor control group (0.9% NaCl solution 30 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) gavage)and experimental groups. The experimental rats was divided into 3 groups: low dose group (50 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1)), middle dose group (100 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1)) and high dose group (200 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1)), given the baicalin by gavage. Pathological and electron microscopic changes were observed. The expressions of p53 and Bcl-2 were determined by immunohistochemistry, and the changes of MRI, the average survival time and body weight of the rats in each group after treatments were analyzed. Compared with the control group, the tumor diameter and volume of high dose group rats before sacrifice were significantly reduced (P < 0.01), and the survival time was significantly prolonged (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry revealed strong positive expression rate of mutant p53 (84.47 ± 3.74)% and moderately positive rate (47.28 ± 2.38)% in the control group, significantly higher than that in the negative group (12.91 ± 1.07)% (P < 0.01). The positive rate of mutant p53 of the high dose group was (46.42 ± 2.19)%, significantly lower than that of the control group (84.47 ± 3.74)% (P < 0.01). The expression rate of Bcl-2 in the control group was strongly positive (86.51 ± 4.17)% and moderate positive (48.19 ± 2.11)%, significantly higher than that of the negative group (10.36 ± 1.43)% (P < 0.01). Electron microscopy revealed that baicalin caused damages of the cell nuclei and organelles in the gliomas. Baicalin has significant inhibitory effect on glioma in vivo, and its mechanism may be related to cell apoptosis induced by down-regulated expression of mutant p53, but not related with Bcl-2 expression.

  5. Hypoxic regulation of the expression of cell proliferation related genes in U87 glioma cells upon inhibition of ire1 signaling enzyme

    PubMed

    Minchenko, O H; Tsymbal, D O; Minchenko, D O; Riabovol, O O; Ratushna, O O; Karbovskyi, L L

    2016-01-01

    We have studied the effect of inhibition of IRE1 (inositol requiring enzyme 1), which is a central mediator of endoplasmic reticulum stress and a controller of cell proliferation and tumor growth, on hypoxic regulation of the expression of different proliferation related genes in U87 glioma cells. It was shown that hypoxia leads to up-regulation of the expression of IL13RA2, CD24, ING1, ING2, ENDOG, and POLG genes and to down-regulation – of KRT18, TRAPPC3, TSFM, and MTIF2 genes at the mRNA level in control glioma cells. Changes for ING1 and CD24 genes were more significant. At the same time, inhibition of IRE1 modifies the effect of hypoxia on the expression of all studied genes. In particular, it increases sensitivity to hypoxia of the expression of IL13RA2, TRAPPC3, ENDOG, and PLOG genes and suppresses the effect of hypoxia on the expression of ING1 gene. Additionally, it eliminates hypoxic regulation of KRT18, CD24, ING2, TSFM, and MTIF2 genes expressions and introduces sensitivity to hypoxia of the expression of BET1 gene in glioma cells. The present study demonstrates that hypoxia, which often contributes to tumor growth, affects the expression of almost all studied genes. Additionally, inhibition of IRE1 can both enhance and suppress the hypoxic regulation of these gene expressions in a gene specific manner and thus possibly contributes to slower glioma growth, but several aspects of this regulation must be further clarified.

  6. Vamorolone, a dissociative steroidal compound, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in glioma cells and increases activity and survival in a murine model of cortical tumor.

    PubMed

    Wells, Elizabeth; Kambhampati, Madhuri; Damsker, Jesse M; Gordish-Dressman, Heather; Yadavilli, Sridevi; Becher, Oren J; Gittens, Jamila; Stampar, Mojca; Packer, Roger J; Nazarian, Javad

    2017-02-07

    Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, are routinely used as palliative care in neuro-oncology for their anti-inflammatory benefits, however many patients experience dose limiting side effects caused by glucocorticoid response element (GRE)-mediated transcription. The purpose of this study was to use a murine model to investigate a new steroid alternative, vamorolone, which promises to reduce side effects through dissociating GRE-mediated transcription and NF-κB -mediated anti-inflammatory actions. To compare vamorolone to dexamethasone in reducing pro-inflammatory signals in vitro, murine glioma cells were treated with dexamethasone, vamorolone or vehicle control. Changes in mRNA expression were assessed using the nanostring inflammatory platform. Furthermore, drug efficacy, post-treatment behavioral activity and side effects were assessed by treating two cohorts of brain tumor bearing mice with dexamethasone, vamorolone, or vehicle control. Our investigation showed that treatment with vamorolone resulted in a reduction of pro-inflammatory signals in tumor cells in vitro similar to treatment with dexamethasone. Treatment with vamorolone resulted in a better safety profile in comparison to dexamethasone treatment. Vamorolone- treated mice showed similar or better activity and survival when compared to dexamethasone-treated mice. Our data indicate vamorolone is a potential steroid-sparing alternative for treating patients with brain tumors.

  7. Regulation of cAMP and GSK3 signaling pathways contributes to the neuronal conversion of glioma

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Yongbo; Che, Lihua; Kim, Jeong Beom; Chang, Gyeong Eon; Cheong, Eunji; Kang, Seok-Gu; Ha, Yoon

    2017-01-01

    Glioma is the most malignant type of primary central nervous system tumors, and has an extremely poor prognosis. One potential therapeutic approach is to induce the terminal differentiation of glioma through the forced expression of pro-neural factors. Our goal is to show the proof of concept of the neuronal conversion of C6 glioma through the combined action of small molecules. We investigated the various changes in gene expression, cell-specific marker expression, signaling pathways, physiological characteristics, and morphology in glioma after combination treatment with two small molecules (CHIR99021, a glycogen synthase kinase 3 [GSK3] inhibitor and forskolin, a cyclic adenosine monophosphate [cAMP] activator). Here, we show that the combined action of CHIR99021 and forskolin converted malignant glioma into fully differentiated neurons with no malignant characteristics; inhibited the proliferation of malignant glioma; and significantly down-regulated gene ontology and gene expression profiles related to cell division, gliogenesis, and angiogenesis in small molecule–induced neurons. In vivo, the combined action of CHIR99021 and forskolin markedly delayed neurological deficits and significantly reduced the tumor volume. We suggest that reprogramming technology may be a potential treatment strategy replacing the therapeutic paradigm of traditional treatment of malignant glioma, and a combination molecule comprising a GSK3 inhibitor and a cAMP inducer could be the next generation of anticancer drugs. PMID:29161257

  8. Involvement of the Kynurenine Pathway in Human Glioma Pathophysiology

    PubMed Central

    Adams, Seray; Teo, Charles; McDonald, Kerrie L.; Zinger, Anna; Bustamante, Sonia; Lim, Chai K.; Sundaram, Gayathri; Braidy, Nady; Brew, Bruce J.; Guillemin, Gilles J.

    2014-01-01

    The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the principal route of L-tryptophan (TRP) catabolism leading to the production of kynurenine (KYN), the neuroprotectants, kynurenic acid (KYNA) and picolinic acid (PIC), the excitotoxin, quinolinic acid (QUIN) and the essential pyridine nucleotide, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). The enzymes indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 (IDO-2) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO-2) initiate the first step of the KP. IDO-1 and TDO-2 induction in tumors are crucial mechanisms implicated to play pivotal roles in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Here, we report the first comprehensive characterisation of the KP in 1) cultured human glioma cells and 2) plasma from patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Our data revealed that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) stimulation significantly potentiated the expression of the KP enzymes, IDO-1 IDO-2, kynureninase (KYNU), kynurenine hydroxylase (KMO) and significantly down-regulated 2-amino-3-carboxymuconate semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD) and kynurenine aminotransferase-I (KAT-I) expression in cultured human glioma cells. This significantly increased KP activity but significantly lowered the KYNA/KYN neuroprotective ratio in human cultured glioma cells. KP activation (KYN/TRP) was significantly higher, whereas the concentrations of the neuroreactive KP metabolites TRP, KYNA, QUIN and PIC and the KYNA/KYN ratio were significantly lower in GBM patient plasma (n = 18) compared to controls. These results provide further evidence for the involvement of the KP in glioma pathophysiology and highlight a potential role of KP products as novel and highly attractive therapeutic targets to evaluate for the treatment of brain tumors, aimed at restoring anti-tumor immunity and reducing the capacity for malignant cells to produce NAD+, which is necessary for energy production and DNA repair. PMID:25415278

  9. Glioma-related seizures in relation to histopathological subtypes: a report from the glioma international case-control study.

    PubMed

    Berntsson, Shala G; Merrell, Ryan T; Amirian, E Susan; Armstrong, Georgina N; Lachance, Daniel; Smits, Anja; Zhou, Renke; Jacobs, Daniel I; Wrensch, Margaret R; Olson, Sara H; Il'yasova, Dora; Claus, Elizabeth B; Barnholtz-Sloan, Jill S; Schildkraut, Joellen; Sadetzki, Siegal; Johansen, Christoffer; Houlston, Richard S; Jenkins, Robert B; Bernstein, Jonine L; Lai, Rose; Shete, Sanjay; Amos, Christopher I; Bondy, Melissa L; Melin, Beatrice S

    2018-04-23

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution of glioma-related seizures and seizure control at the time of tumor diagnosis with respect to tumor histologic subtypes, tumor treatment and patient characteristics, and to compare seizure history preceding tumor diagnosis (or study enrollment) between glioma patients and healthy controls. The Glioma International Case Control study (GICC) risk factor questionnaire collected information on demographics, past medical/medication history, and occupational history. Cases from eight centers were also asked detailed questions on seizures in relation to glioma diagnosis; cases (n = 4533) and controls (n = 4171) were also asked about seizures less than 2 years from diagnosis and previous seizure history more than 2 years prior to tumor diagnosis, including childhood seizures. Low-grade gliomas (LGGs), particularly oligodendrogliomas/oligoastrocytomas, had the highest proportion of glioma-related seizures. Patients with low-grade astrocytoma demonstrated the most medically refractory seizures. A total of 83% of patients were using only one antiepileptic drug (AED), which was levetiracetam in 71% of cases. Gross total resection was strongly associated with reduced seizure frequency (p < 0.009). No significant difference was found between glioma cases and controls in terms of seizure occurring more than 2 years before diagnosis or during childhood. Our study showed that glioma-related seizures were most common in low-grade gliomas. Gross total resection was associated with lower seizure frequency. Additionally, having a history of childhood seizures is not a risk factor ***for developing glioma-related seizures or glioma.

  10. Mannose phosphate isomerase regulates fibroblast growth factor receptor family signaling and glioma radiosensitivity.

    PubMed

    Cazet, Aurélie; Charest, Jonathan; Bennett, Daniel C; Sambrooks, Cecilia Lopez; Contessa, Joseph N

    2014-01-01

    Asparagine-linked glycosylation is an endoplasmic reticulum co- and post-translational modification that enables the transit and function of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) glycoproteins. To gain insight into the regulatory role of glycosylation enzymes on RTK function, we investigated shRNA and siRNA knockdown of mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI), an enzyme required for mature glycan precursor biosynthesis. Loss of MPI activity reduced phosphorylation of FGFR family receptors in U-251 and SKMG-3 malignant glioma cell lines and also resulted in significant decreases in FRS2, Akt, and MAPK signaling. However, MPI knockdown did not affect ligand-induced activation or signaling of EGFR or MET RTKs, suggesting that FGFRs are more susceptible to MPI inhibition. The reductions in FGFR signaling were not caused by loss of FGF ligands or receptors, but instead were caused by interference with receptor dimerization. Investigations into the cellular consequences of MPI knockdown showed that cellular programs driven by FGFR signaling, and integral to the clinical progression of malignant glioma, were impaired. In addition to a blockade of cellular migration, MPI knockdown also significantly reduced glioma cell clonogenic survival following ionizing radiation. Therefore our results suggest that targeted inhibition of enzymes required for cell surface receptor glycosylation can be manipulated to produce discrete and limited consequences for critical client glycoproteins expressed by tumor cells. Furthermore, this work identifies MPI as a potential enzymatic target for disrupting cell surface receptor-dependent survival signaling and as a novel approach for therapeutic radiosensitization.

  11. ET-33PLACENTA-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS AND THEIR SECRETED EXOSOMES INHIBIT THE SELF-RENEWAL AND STEMNESS OF GLIOMA STEM CELLS IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Hae Kyung; Buchris, Efrat; Finniss, Susan; Cazacu, Simona; Xiang, Cunli; Poisson, Laila; Brodie, Chaya

    2014-01-01

    Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can be obtained from bone marrow and adipose tissues or from other sources such as placenta and umbilical cord. The latter allow the potential use of universal, allogeneic cell therapy because to reduced antigenicity due to low expression of MHC class II molecules. MSCs can be easily expanded in vitro for therapeutic applications and their safety and therapeutic impact have been demonstrated in various pre-clinical and clinical studies. MSCs have been shown to cross the blood brain barrier and migrate to sites of experimental GBM and can deliver cytotoxic compounds that exert anti-tumor effects. In this study we examined the effects of placenta-derived MSCs and their secreted exosomes on GSCs in vitro and in vivo. Conditioned medium of placenta MSCs or their derived exosomes decreased the self-renewal, stemness markers, Sox2 and Oct4 and the migration of these cells. Similarly, intracranial administration of the MSCs decreased the tumor volume of GSC-derived xenografts and prolonged animal survival. miRNA sequencing analysis of placenta MSC-derived exosomes revealed a set of specific miRNAs that were downregulated in GSCs and that acted as tumor suppressor in these cells. We demonstrated delivery of some of these miRNAs to GSCs following treatments with MSC-derived exosomes. We further demonstrated that MSCs or exosomes that were loaded with exogenous miR-124 delivered high levels of this miRNA into glioma cells as detected by a novel quantitative miRNA reporter. Moreover, administration of placenta MSCs loaded with exogenous miR-124 exerted a strong inhibitory effect on GSC-derived xenograft growth. These results demonstrate that placenta-derived MSCs may have important clinical applications in stem cell-based glioma therapeutics. Moreover, these studies provide a novel approach for the targeted delivery of endogenous and exogenous anti-tumor miRNAs to glioma cells as a miRNA replacement therapy for

  12. Immunoexcitatory mechanisms in glioma proliferation, invasion and occasional metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Blaylock, Russell L.

    2013-01-01

    There is increasing evidence of an interaction between inflammatory cytokines and glutamate receptors among a number of neurological diseases including traumatic brain injuries, neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system (CNS) infections. A number of recent studies have now suggested a strong relation between inflammatory mechanisms and excitatory cascades and these may play a role in glioma invasiveness and proliferation. Chronic inflammation appears to be a major initiating mechanism in most human cancers, involving cell-signaling pathways, which are responsible for cell cycling, cancer cell migration, invasion, tumor aggressiveness, and angiogenesis. It is less well appreciated that glutamate receptors also play a significant role in both proliferation and especially glioma invasion. There is some evidence that sustained elevations in glutamate may play a role in initiating certain cancers and new studies demonstrate an interaction between inflammation and glutamate receptors that may enhance tumor invasion and metastasis by affecting a number of cell-signaling mechanisms. These mechanisms are discussed in this paper as well as novel treatment options for reducing immune-glutamate promotion of cancer growth and invasion. PMID:23493580

  13. Increased betulinic acid induced cytotoxicity and radiosensitivity in glioma cells under hypoxic conditions.

    PubMed

    Bache, Matthias; Zschornak, Martin P; Passin, Sarina; Kessler, Jacqueline; Wichmann, Henri; Kappler, Matthias; Paschke, Reinhard; Kaluđerović, Goran N; Kommera, Harish; Taubert, Helge; Vordermark, Dirk

    2011-09-09

    Betulinic acid (BA) is a novel antineoplastic agent under evaluation for tumor therapy. Because of the selective cytotoxic effects of BA in tumor cells (including gliomas), the combination of this agent with conservative therapies (such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy) may be useful. Previously, the combination of BA with irradiation under hypoxic conditions had never been studied. In this study, the effects of 3 to 30 μM BA on cytotoxicity, migration, the protein expression of PARP, survivin and HIF-1α, as well as radiosensitivity under normoxic and hypoxic conditions were analyzed in the human malignant glioma cell lines U251MG and U343MG. Cytotoxicity and radiosensitivity were analyzed with clonogenic survival assays, migration was analyzed with Boyden chamber assays (or scratch assays) and protein expression was examined with Western blot analyses. Under normoxic conditions, a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 23 μM was observed in U251MG cells and 24 μM was observed in U343MG cells. Under hypoxic conditions, 10 μM or 15 μM of BA showed a significantly increased cytotoxicity in U251MG cells (p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively) and U343MG cells (p < 0.05 and p = 0.01, respectively). The combination of BA with radiotherapy resulted in an additive effect in the U343MG cell line under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Weak radiation enhancement was observed in U251MG cell line after treatment with BA under normoxic conditions. Furthermore, under hypoxic conditions, the incubation with BA resulted in increased radiation enhancement. The enhancement factor, at an irradiation dose of 15 Gy after treatment with 10 or 15 μM BA, was 2.20 (p = 0.02) and 4.50 (p = 0.03), respectively. Incubation with BA led to decreased cell migration, cleavage of PARP and decreased expression levels of survivin in both cell lines. Additionally, BA treatment resulted in a reduction of HIF-1α protein under hypoxic conditions. Our results suggest that BA is capable of

  14. Better Prognosis of Patients with Glioma Expressing FGF2-Dependent PDGFRA Irrespective of Morphological Diagnosis

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Dongfeng; Persson, Annette; Sun, Yingyu; Salford, Leif G.; Nord, David Gisselsson; Englund, Elisabet; Jiang, Tao; Fan, Xiaolong

    2013-01-01

    Signaling of platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) is critically involved in the development of gliomas. However, the clinical relevance of PDGFRA expression in glioma subtypes and the mechanisms of PDGFRA expression in gliomas have been controversial. Under the supervision of morphological diagnosis, analysis of the GSE16011 and the Repository of Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data (Rembrandt) set revealed enriched PDGFRA expression in low-grade gliomas. However, gliomas with the top 25% of PDGFRA expression levels contained nearly all morphological subtypes, which was associated with frequent IDH1 mutation, 1p LOH, 19q LOH, less EGFR amplification, younger age at disease onset and better survival compared to those gliomas with lower levels of PDGFRA expression. SNP analysis in Rembrandt data set and FISH analysis in eleven low passage glioma cell lines showed infrequent amplification of PDGFRA. Using in vitro culture of these low passage glioma cells, we tested the hypothesis of gliogenic factor dependent expression of PDGFRA in glioma cells. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was able to maintain PDGFRA expression in glioma cells. FGF2 also induced PDGFRA expression in glioma cells with low or non-detectable PDGFRA expression. FGF2-dependent maintenance of PDGFRA expression was concordant with the maintenance of a subset of gliogenic genes and higher rates of cell proliferation. Further, concordant expression patterns of FGF2 and PDGFRA were detected in glioma samples by immunohistochemical staining. Our findings suggest a role of FGF2 in regulating PDGFRA expression in the subset of gliomas with younger age at disease onset and longer patient survival regardless of their morphological diagnosis. PMID:23630597

  15. DICER governs characteristics of glioma stem cells and the resulting tumors in xenograft mouse models of glioblastoma.

    PubMed

    Mansouri, Sheila; Singh, Sanjay; Alamsahebpour, Amir; Burrell, Kelly; Li, Mira; Karabork, Merve; Ekinci, Can; Koch, Elizabeth; Solaroglu, Ihsan; Chang, Jeffery T; Wouters, Bradly; Aldape, Kenneth; Zadeh, Gelareh

    2016-08-30

    The RNAse III endonuclease DICER is a key regulator of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis and is frequently decreased in a variety of malignancies. We characterized the role of DICER in glioblastoma (GB), specifically demonstrating its effects on the ability of glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) to form tumors in a mouse model of GB. DICER silencing in GSCs reduced their stem cell characteristics, while tumors arising from these cells were more aggressive, larger in volume, and displayed a higher proliferation index and lineage differentiation. The resulting tumors, however, were more sensitive to radiation treatment. Our results demonstrate that DICER silencing enhances the tumorigenic potential of GSCs, providing a platform for analysis of specific relevant miRNAs and development of potentially novel therapies against GB.

  16. Abscisic-acid-induced cellular apoptosis and differentiation in glioma via the retinoid acid signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Nan; Yao, Yu; Ye, Hongxing; Zhu, Wei; Chen, Liang; Mao, Ying

    2016-04-15

    Retinoid acid (RA) plays critical roles in regulating differentiation and apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. Abscisic acid (ABA) and RA are direct derivatives of carotenoids and share structural similarities. Here we proposed that ABA may also play a role in cellular differentiation and apoptosis by sharing a similar signaling pathway with RA that may be involved in glioma pathogenesis. We reported for the first time that the ABA levels were twofold higher in low-grade gliomas compared with high-grade gliomas. In glioma tissues, there was a positive correlation between the ABA levels and the transcription of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 (CRABP2) and a negative correlation between the ABA levels and transcription of fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5). ABA treatment induced a significant increase in the expression of CRABP2 and a decrease in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) in glioblastoma cells. Remarkably, both cellular apoptosis and differentiation were increased in the glioblastoma cells after ABA treatment. ABA-induced cellular apoptosis and differentiation were significantly reduced by selectively silencing RAR-α, while RAR-α overexpression exaggerated the ABA-induced effects. These results suggest that ABA may play a role in the pathogenesis of glioma by promoting cellular apoptosis and differentiation through the RA signaling pathway. © 2015 UICC.

  17. Plexin-B2 promotes invasive growth of malignant glioma

    PubMed Central

    Pingle, Sandeep C.; Kesari, Santosh; Wang, Huaien; Yong, Raymund L.; Zou, Hongyan; Friedel, Roland H.

    2015-01-01

    Invasive growth is a major determinant of the high lethality of malignant gliomas. Plexin-B2, an axon guidance receptor important for mediating neural progenitor cell migration during development, is upregulated in gliomas, but its function therein remains poorly understood. Combining bioinformatic analyses, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry of patient samples, we demonstrate that Plexin-B2 is consistently upregulated in all types of human gliomas and that its expression levels correlate with glioma grade and poor survival. Activation of Plexin-B2 by Sema4C ligand in glioblastoma cells induced actin-based cytoskeletal dynamics and invasive migration in vitro. This proinvasive effect was associated with activation of the cell motility mediators RhoA and Rac1. Furthermore, costimulation of Plexin-B2 and the receptor tyrosine kinase Met led to synergistic Met phosphorylation. In intracranial glioblastoma transplants, Plexin-B2 knockdown hindered invasive growth and perivascular spreading, and resulted in decreased tumor vascularity. Our results demonstrate that Plexin-B2 promotes glioma invasion and vascularization, and they identify Plexin-B2 as a potential novel prognostic marker for glioma malignancy. Targeting the Plexin-B2 pathway may represent a novel therapeutic approach to curtail invasive growth of glioblastoma. PMID:25762646

  18. Cytotoxic effect of menadione and sodium orthovanadate in combination on human glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Delwar, Zahid M; Avramidis, Dimitrios; Follin, Elna; Hua, Yan; Siden, Åke; Cruz, Mabel; Paulsson, Kajsa M; Yakisich, Juan Sebastian

    2012-08-01

    Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumor, and their treatment is still a challenge. Here, we evaluated the antiproliferative effect of a novel combination of two potent oxidative stress enhancers: menadione (M) and sodium orthovanadate (SO). We observed both short-term and prolonged growth inhibitory effects of M or SO alone as well as in combination (M:SO) on DBTRG.05MG human glioma cells. A stronger antiproliferative effect was observed in the short-term proliferation assay with the M:SO combination compared to either investigated agent alone. In the long-term proliferation assay, a 10-day exposure to M:SO at concentrations of 10 μM:17.5 μM or 17.5 μM:10 μM was enough to kill 100% of the cells; no cell regrowth was observed after re-incubation in drug-free media. When used in combination, the single concentration of M and SO could be decreased by 2.5- to 5-fold of those used for each experimental drug alone and still obtain a similar antiproliferative effect. The underlying molecular mechanism was investigated by co-incubating M:SO with dithiothreitol (DTT) and genistein. Both substances partially neutralized the effects of the M:SO combination, showing additive effects. This observation suggests a role of oxidative stress and tyrosine kinase stimulation in the M:SO cytotoxic effect. Our results indicate that M:SO combination is an attractive alternative for glioma treatment that encourages further study. The neutralizing effects of genistein and DTT reveal a possibility for their use in the minimization of potential M:SO systemic toxicity.

  19. Neural stem cell-mediated enzyme/prodrug therapy for glioma: preclinical studies.

    PubMed

    Aboody, Karen S; Najbauer, Joseph; Metz, Marianne Z; D'Apuzzo, Massimo; Gutova, Margarita; Annala, Alexander J; Synold, Timothy W; Couture, Larry A; Blanchard, Suzette; Moats, Rex A; Garcia, Elizabeth; Aramburo, Soraya; Valenzuela, Valerie V; Frank, Richard T; Barish, Michael E; Brown, Christine E; Kim, Seung U; Badie, Behnam; Portnow, Jana

    2013-05-08

    High-grade gliomas are extremely difficult to treat because they are invasive and therefore not curable by surgical resection; the toxicity of current chemo- and radiation therapies limits the doses that can be used. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have inherent tumor-tropic properties that enable their use as delivery vehicles to target enzyme/prodrug therapy selectively to tumors. We used a cytosine deaminase (CD)-expressing clonal human NSC line, HB1.F3.CD, to home to gliomas in mice and locally convert the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine to the active chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil. In vitro studies confirmed that the NSCs have normal karyotype, tumor tropism, and CD expression, and are genetically and functionally stable. In vivo biodistribution studies demonstrated NSC retention of tumor tropism, even in mice pretreated with radiation or dexamethasone to mimic clinically relevant adjuvant therapies. We evaluated safety and toxicity after intracerebral administration of the NSCs in non-tumor-bearing and orthotopic glioma-bearing immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. We detected no difference in toxicity associated with conversion of 5-fluorocytosine to 5-fluorouracil, no NSCs outside the brain, and no histological evidence of pathology or tumorigenesis attributable to the NSCs. The average tumor volume in mice that received HB1.F3.CD NSCs and 5-fluorocytosine was about one-third that of the average volume in control mice. On the basis of these results, we conclude that combination therapy with HB1.F3.CD NSCs and 5-fluorocytosine is safe, nontoxic, and effective in mice. These data have led to approval of a first-in-human study of an allogeneic NSC-mediated enzyme/prodrug-targeted cancer therapy in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma.

  20. β-Asarone promotes Temozolomide's entry into glioma cells and decreases the expression of P-glycoprotein and MDR1.

    PubMed

    Wang, Nanbu; Zhang, Qinxin; Ning, Baile; Luo, Laiyu; Fang, Yongqi

    2017-06-01

    Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor and has an undesirable prognosis due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and drug resistance. A thorough investigation of the changes in intracellular drug concentrations is important to observe therapeutic effects and cell resistance. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an essential protein of Multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1). The over-expression of P-gp and MDR1 is associated with poor prognosis and drug-resistance in glioma. However, β-asarone can pass through the BBB easily and increase the drug concentration in the rat brain. Our aim is to study the effect of β-asarone on promoting the entry of temozolomide (TMZ) into human glioma U251 cells. The cells were divided into three groups: model group, TMZ group (300μM) and co-administration group (360μM β-asarone; 300μM TMZ). We further detected P-gp and MDR1 expression in U251 and rat glioma C6 cells in four groups: model group (U251/C6), TMZ group (U251 300μM, C6 420μM), β-asarone group (U251 360μM, C6 450μM) and co-administration group (β-asarone 360μM, TMZ 300μM for U251; β-asarone 450μM, TMZ 420μM for C6). Then, high performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the intracellular and extracellular levels of TMZ. Morphological changes in both cells were observed by the microscope. The Counting Kit-8 assay was used to measure the cell proliferation and toxicity. Cell immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, flowcytometry and western blot were synchronously used to examine the expression of P-gp. We also determined the levels of MDR1 mRNA by RT-PCR. The results showed that β-asarone could promote the entry of TMZ into U251 cells through the membrane. The co-administration of β-asarone and TMZ also decreased cell proliferation and the expression of P-gp and MDR1 better than single medication in U251 and C6 cells. All of the data suggest that β-asarone might contribute to treatment by promoting TMZ's entry into glioma cells, thereby contributing to anti

  1. Mechanical confinement triggers glioma linear migration dependent on formin FHOD3

    PubMed Central

    Monzo, Pascale; Chong, Yuk Kien; Guetta-Terrier, Charlotte; Krishnasamy, Anitha; Sathe, Sharvari R.; Yim, Evelyn K. F.; Ng, Wai Hoe; Ang, Beng Ti; Tang, Carol; Ladoux, Benoit; Gauthier, Nils C.; Sheetz, Michael P.

    2016-01-01

    Glioblastomas are extremely aggressive brain tumors with highly invasive properties. Brain linear tracks such as blood vessel walls constitute their main invasive routes. Here we analyze rat C6 and patient-derived glioma cell motility in vitro using micropatterned linear tracks to mimic blood vessels. On laminin-coated tracks (3–10 μm), these cells used an efficient saltatory mode of migration similar to their in vivo migration. This saltatory migration was also observed on larger tracks (50–400 μm in width) at high cell densities. In these cases, the mechanical constraints imposed by neighboring cells triggered this efficient mode of migration, resulting in the formation of remarkable antiparallel streams of cells along the tracks. This motility involved microtubule-dependent polarization, contractile actin bundles and dynamic paxillin-containing adhesions in the leading process and in the tail. Glioma linear migration was dramatically reduced by inhibiting formins but, surprisingly, accelerated by inhibiting Arp2/3. Protein expression and phenotypic analysis indicated that the formin FHOD3 played a role in this motility but not mDia1 or mDia2. We propose that glioma migration under confinement on laminin relies on formins, including FHOD3, but not Arp2/3 and that the low level of adhesion allows rapid antiparallel migration. PMID:26912794

  2. The prosurvival role of autophagy in Resveratrol-induced cytotoxicity in human U251 glioma cells

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    Background Previous study reported that resveratrol has anti-tumor activity. In this study, we investigated the involvement of autophagy in the resveratrol-induced apoptotic death of human U251 glioma cells. Methods The growth inhibition of U251 cells induced by resveratrol was assessed with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The activation of autophagy and proapoptotic effect were characterized by monodansylcadaverine labeling and Hoechst stain, respectively. Mitochondrialtransmembrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured as a function of drug treatment using 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1). The role of autophagy and apoptosis in the resveratrol-induced death of U251 cells was assessed using autophagic and caspase inhibitors. Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis were used to study the apoptotic and autophagic mechanisms. Results Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays indicated that resveratrol decreased the viability of U251 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that resveratrol increased cell population at sub-G1 phase, an index of apoptosis. Furthermore, resveratrol-induced cell death was associated with a collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential. The pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk suppressed resveratrol-induced U251 cell death. Resveratrol stimulated autophagy was evidenced by punctuate monodansylcadaverine(MDC) staining and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) immunoreactivty. Resveratrol also increased protein levels of beclin 1 and membrane form LC3 (LC3-II). Autophagy inhibitors 3-methylademine (3-MA) and bafilomycin A1 sensitized the cytotoxicity of resveratrol. Conclusion Together, these findings indicate that resveratrol induces autophagy in human U251 glioma cells and autophagy suppressed resveratrol-induced apoptosis. This study thus suggests that autophagy inhibitors can increase the cytotoxicity of resveratrol to

  3. Tudor-staphylococcal nuclease regulates the expression and biological function of alkylglycerone phosphate synthase via nuclear factor-κB and microRNA-127 in human glioma U87MG cells.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yongqiang; Jia, Jun; Li, Ying; Chen, Yan-Ge; Huang, Huan; Qiao, Yang; Zhu, Yu

    2018-06-01

    Glioma is one of the malignant tumor types detrimental to human health; therefore, it is important to find novel targets and therapeutics for this tumor. The downregulated expression of Tudor-staphylococcal nuclease (SN) and alkylglycerone phosphate synthase (AGPS) can decrease cancer malignancy, and the overexpression of them can the increase viability and migration potential of various tumor cell types; however, the role of AGPS in the proliferation and migration of glioma, and the association of Tudor-SN and AGPS in human glioma is not clear. In the present study, it was determined that AGPS silencing suppressed the proliferation and migration potential of glioma U87MG cells, and suppressed the expression of the circular RNAs circ-ubiquitin-associated protein 2, circ-zinc finger protein 292 and circ-homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 3, and the long non-coding RNAs H19 imprinted maternally expressed transcript (non-protein coding), colon cancer-associated transcript 1 (non-protein coding) and hepatocellular carcinoma upregulated long non-coding RNA. Furthermore, Tudor-SN silencing suppressed the expression of AGPS; however, nuclear factor (NF)-κB and microRNA (miR)-127 retrieval experiments partially reduced the expression of AGPS. Additionally, it was determined that Tudor-SN silencing suppressed the activity of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, and NF-κB and miR-127 retrieval experiments partially reduced the activity of mTOR. Therefore, it was considered that NF-κB and miR-127 may be the mediators of Tudor-SN-regulated AGPS via the mTOR signaling pathway. These results improve on our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying Tudor-SN and AGPS in human glioma.

  4. Glioma infiltration sign on high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging in gliomas and its prognostic value.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Qiang; Ling, Chenhan; Shi, Feina; Dong, Fei; Jiang, Biao; Zhang, Jianmin

    2018-03-01

    Glioma cells may infiltrate beyond the tumor margins revealed on conventional structural images. To investigate whether the presence of a glioma infiltration sign on high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can predict the prognosis of gliomas. Retrospective cohort. Fifty-two patients with gliomas (14 WHO grade II; 13 WHO grade III; 25 WHO grade IV). 3.0T, including a T 1 -weighted contrast-enhanced (T 1 w-CE) sequence, contrast-enhanced T 2 -flair sequence, and a DWI sequence. T 1 w-CE images and contrast-enhanced T 2 -flair images were used for identifying the tumor region for enhancing and nonenhancing gliomas, respectively. The glioma infiltration sign was defined as the presence of a peritumoral abnormal high signal region on DWI map, which was adjacent to the tumor region and had higher signal than surrounding areas. This sign was assessed on a high b-value DWI map with b = 3000 s/mm 2 . For patients with glioma infiltration sign, DWI3000 max , DWI1000 max , ADC3000 min , and ADC1000 min were measured by drawing a region of interest over the peritumoral abnormal high signal region. Survival analysis was conducted by using Cox regression. Glioma infiltration sign was observed in 28 (53.8%) patients. The occurrence rate of this sign was 92.0% in grade IV gliomas, 30.8% in grade III gliomas, and 7.1% in grade II gliomas. The glioma infiltration sign could independently predict both the progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.58 [3.19-23.03], P < 0.001) and overall survival (HR, 95% CI = 11.90 [3.41-41.55], P < 0.001) after adjustment. For patients with glioma infiltration sign, DWI3000 max (P = 0.005) and ADC3000 min (P = 0.008) were both independent predictors of overall survival after adjustment, while DWI1000 max and ADC1000 min were not. The glioma infiltration sign on high b-value DWI is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in glioma patients. High b-value DWI might be a

  5. Brain tumor modeling: glioma growth and interaction with chemotherapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Banaem, Hossein Y.; Ahmadian, Alireza; Saberi, Hooshangh; Daneshmehr, Alireza; Khodadad, Davood

    2011-10-01

    In last decade increasingly mathematical models of tumor growths have been studied, particularly on solid tumors which growth mainly caused by cellular proliferation. In this paper we propose a modified model to simulate the growth of gliomas in different stages. Glioma growth is modeled by a reaction-advection-diffusion. We begin with a model of untreated gliomas and continue with models of polyclonal glioma following chemotherapy. From relatively simple assumptions involving homogeneous brain tissue bounded by a few gross anatomical landmarks (ventricles and skull) the models have been expanded to include heterogeneous brain tissue with different motilities of glioma cells in grey and white matter. Tumor growth is characterized by a dangerous change in the control mechanisms, which normally maintain a balance between the rate of proliferation and the rate of apoptosis (controlled cell death). Result shows that this model closes to clinical finding and can simulate brain tumor behavior properly.

  6. Thrombin-induced Migration and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression Are Regulated by MAPK and PI3K Pathways in C6 Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Jiyoung; Lee, Jae-Won; Kim, Song-In; Choi, Yong-Joon; Lee, Won-Ki; Jeong, Myung-Ja; Cha, Sang-Hoon; Lee, Hee Jae; Chun, Wanjoo

    2011-01-01

    Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most common and aggressive tumors in central nervous system. It often possesses characteristic necrotic lesions with hemorrhages, which increase the chances of exposure to thrombin. Thrombin has been known as a regulator of MMP-9 expression and cancer cell migration. However, the effects of thrombin on glioma cells have not been clearly understood. In the present study, influences of thrombin on glioma cell migration were examined using Boyden chamber migration assay and thrombin-induced changes in MMP-9 expression were measured using zymography, semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blotting. Furthermore, underlying signaling pathways by which thrombin induces MMP-9 expression were examined. Thrombin-induced migration and MMP-9 expression were significantly potentiated in the presence of wortmannin, a PI3K inhibitor, whereas MAPK inhibitors suppressed thrombin-induced migration and MMP-9 expression in C6 glioma cells. The present data strongly demonstrate that MAPK and PI3K pathways evidently regulate thrombin-induced migration and MMP-9 expression of C6 glioma cells. Therefore, the control of these pathways might be a beneficial therapeutic strategy for treatment of invasive glioblastoma multiforme. PMID:21994479

  7. Perspectives in Intraoperative Diagnostics of Human Gliomas

    PubMed Central

    Tyurikova, O.; Dembitskaya, Y.; Yashin, K.; Mishchenko, M.; Vedunova, M.; Medyanik, I.; Kazantsev, V.

    2015-01-01

    Amongst large a variety of oncological diseases, malignant gliomas represent one of the most severe types of tumors. They are also the most common type of the brain tumors and account for over half of the astrocytic tumors. According to different sources, the average life expectancy of patients with various glioblastomas varies between 10 and 12 months and that of patients with anaplastic astrocytic tumors between 20 and 24 months. Therefore, studies of the physiology of transformed glial cells are critical for the development of treatment methods. Modern medical approaches offer complex procedures, including the microsurgical tumor removal, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, supplemented with photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy. The most radical of them is surgical resection, which allows removing the largest part of the tumor, reduces the intracranial hypertension, and minimizes the degree of neurological deficit. However, complete removal of the tumor remains impossible. The main limitations are insufficient visualization of glioma boundaries, due to its infiltrative growth, and the necessity to preserve healthy tissue. This review is devoted to the description of advantages and disadvantages of modern intraoperative diagnostics of human gliomas and highlights potential perspectives for development of their treatment. PMID:26543495

  8. T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) as a prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target in glioma

    PubMed Central

    Duan, Qiuhong; Yuan, Ping; Xue, Peipei; Lu, Hui; Yan, Meng; Guo, Dongsheng; Xu, Sanpeng; Zhang, Xiaohui; Lin, Xuan; Wang, Yong; Dogan, Soner; Zhang, Jianmin; Zhu, Feng; Ke, Changshu; Liu, Lin

    2018-01-01

    TOPK is overexpressed in various types of cancer and associated with poor outcomes in different types of cancer. In this study, we first found that the expression of T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) was significantly higher in Grade III or Grade IV than that in Grade II in glioma (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001, respectively). Expression of TOPK was positively correlated with Ki67 (P < 0.001). Knockdown of TOPK significantly inhibited cell growth, colony formation and increased sensitivities to temozolomide (TMZ) in U-87 MG or U-251 cells, while TOPK overexpression promoted cell growth and colony formation in Hs 683 or A-172 cells. Glioma patients expressing high levels of TOPK have poor survival compared with those expressing low levels of TOPK in high-grade or low-grade gliomas (hazard ratio = 0.2995; 95% CI, 0.1262 to 0.7108; P = 0.0063 and hazard ratio = 0.1509; 95% CI, 0.05928 to 0.3842; P < 0.0001, respectively). The level of TOPK was low in TMZ-sensitive patients compared with TMZ-resistant patients (P = 0.0056). In TMZ-resistant population, patients expressing high TOPK have two months’ shorter survival time than those expressing low TOPK. Our findings demonstrated that TOPK might represent as a promising prognostic and predictive factor and potential therapeutic target for glioma. PMID:29487691

  9. EFFECT OF HYPOXIA ON THE EXPRESSION OF GENES THAT ENCODE SOME IGFBP AND CCN PROTEINS IN U87 GLIOMA CELLS DEPENDS ON IRE1 SIGNALING.

    PubMed

    Minchenko, O H; Kharkova, A P; Minchenko, D O; Karbovskyi, L L

    2015-01-01

    We have studied hypoxic regulation of the expression of different insulin-like growth factor binding protein genes in U87 glioma cells in relation to inhibition of IRE1 (inositol requiring enzyme-1), a central mediator of endoplasmic reticulum stress, which controls cell proliferation and tumor growth. We have demonstrated that hypoxia leads to up-regulation of the expression of IGFBP6, IGFBP7, IGFBP10/CYR61, WISP1, and WISP2 genes and down-regulation--of IGFBP9/NOV gene at the mRNA level in control glioma cells, being more signifcant changes for IGFBP10/CYR61 and WISP2 genes. At the same time, inhibition of IRE1 modifies the effect of hypoxia on the expression of all studied genes: eliminates sensitivity to hypoxia the expression of IGFBP7 and IGFBP9/NOV genes, suppresses effect of hypoxia on IGFBP6, IGFBP10/CYR61, and WISP2 genes, and slightly enhances hypoxic regulation of WISP1 gene expression in glioma cells. We have also demonstrated that the expression of all studied genes in glioma cells is regulated by IRE1 signaling enzyme upon normoxic condition, because inhibition of IRE1 significantly up-regulates IGFBP7, IGFBP10/CYR61, WISP1, and WISP2 genes and down-regulates IGFBP6 and IGFBP9/NOV genes as compared to control glioma cells. The present study demonstrates that hypoxia, which contributes to tumor growth, affects all studied IGFBP and WISP gene expressions and that inhibition of IRE1 preferentially abolishes or suppresses the hypoxic regulation of these gene expressions and thus possibly contributes to slower glioma growth. Moreover, inhibition of IRE1, which correlates with suppression of cell proliferation and glioma growth, is down-regulated expression of pro-proliferative IGFBP genes, attesting to the fact that endoplasmic reticulum stress is a necessary component of malignant tumor growth.

  10. The Effect of Antitumor Glycosides on Glioma Cells and Tissues as Studied by Proton HR-MAS NMR Spectroscopy

    PubMed Central

    García-Álvarez, Isabel; Garrido, Leoncio; Romero-Ramírez, Lorenzo; Nieto-Sampedro, Manuel; Fernández-Mayoralas, Alfonso; Campos-Olivas, Ramón

    2013-01-01

    The effect of the treatment with glycolipid derivatives on the metabolic profile of intact glioma cells and tumor tissues, investigated using proton high resolution magic angle spinning (1H HR-MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, is reported here. Two compounds were used, a glycoside and its thioglycoside analogue, both showing anti-proliferative activity on glioma C6 cell cultures; however, only the thioglycoside exhibited antitumor activity in vivo. At the drug concentrations showing anti-proliferative activity in cell culture (20 and 40 µM), significant increases in choline containing metabolites were observed in the 1H NMR spectra of the same intact cells. In vivo experiments in nude mice bearing tumors derived from implanted C6 glioma cells, showed that reduction of tumor volume was associated with significant changes in the metabolic profile of the same intact tumor tissues; and were similar to those observed in cell culture. Specifically, the activity of the compounds is mainly associated with an increase in choline and phosphocholine, in both the cell cultures and tumoral tissues. Taurine, a metabolite that has been considered a biomarker of apoptosis, correlated with the reduction of tumor volume. Thus, the results indicate that the mode of action of the glycoside involves, at least in part, alteration of phospholipid metabolism, resulting in cell death. PMID:24194925

  11. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in gliomas: expression and exploitation as therapeutic targets

    PubMed Central

    Miranda-Gonçalves, Vera; Honavar, Mrinalini; Pinheiro, Céline; Martinho, Olga; Pires, Manuel M.; Pinheiro, Célia; Cordeiro, Michelle; Bebiano, Gil; Costa, Paulo; Palmeirim, Isabel; Reis, Rui M.; Baltazar, Fátima

    2013-01-01

    Background Gliomas exhibit high glycolytic rates, and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) play a major role in the maintenance of the glycolytic metabolism through the proton-linked transmembrane transport of lactate. However, their role in gliomas is poorly studied. Thus, we aimed to characterize the expression of MCT1, MCT4, and their chaperone CD147 and to assess the therapeutic impact of MCT inhibition in gliomas. Methods MCTs and CD147 expressions were characterized by immunohistochemistry in nonneoplastic brain and glioma samples. The effect of CHC (MCT inhibitor) and MCT1 silencing was assessed in in vitro and in vivo glioblastoma models. Results MCT1, MCT4, and CD147 were overexpressed in the plasma membrane of glioblastomas, compared with diffuse astrocytomas and nonneoplastic brain. CHC decreased glycolytic metabolism, migration, and invasion and induced cell death in U251 cells (more glycolytic) but only affected proliferation in SW1088 (more oxidative). The effectiveness of CHC in glioma cells appears to be dependent on MCT membrane expression. MCT1 downregulation showed similar effects on different glioma cells, supporting CHC as an MCT1 inhibitor. There was a synergistic effect when combining CHC with temozolomide treatment in U251 cells. In the CAM in vivo model, CHC decreased the size of tumors and the number of blood vessels formed. Conclusions This is the most comprehensive study reporting the expression of MCTs and CD147 in gliomas. The MCT1 inhibitor CHC exhibited anti-tumoral and anti-angiogenic activity in gliomas and, of importance, enhanced the effect of temozolomide. Thus, our results suggest that development of therapeutic approaches targeting MCT1 may be a promising strategy in glioblastoma treatment. PMID:23258846

  12. A new anti-glioma therapy, AG119: pre-clinical assessment in a mouse GL261 glioma model.

    PubMed

    Towner, Rheal A; Ihnat, Michael; Saunders, Debra; Bastian, Anja; Smith, Nataliya; Pavana, Roheeth Kumar; Gangjee, Aleem

    2015-07-17

    High grade gliomas (HGGs; grades III and IV) are the most common primary brain tumors in adults, and their malignant nature ranks them fourth in incidence of cancer death. Standard treatment for glioblastomas (GBM), involving surgical resection followed by radiation and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) and the anti-angiogenic therapy bevacizumab, have not substantially improved overall survival. New therapeutic agents are desperately needed for this devastating disease. Here we study the potential therapeutic agent AG119 in a pre-clinical model for gliomas. AG119 possesses both anti-angiogenic (RTK inhibition) and antimicrotubule cytotoxic activity in a single molecule. GL261 glioma-bearing mice were either treated with AG119, anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) antibody, anti c-Met antibody or TMZ, and compared to untreated tumor-bearing mice. Animal survival was assessed, and tumor volumes and vascular alterations were monitored with morphological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and perfusion-weighted imaging, respectively. Percent survival of GL261 HGG-bearing mice treated with AG119 was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to untreated tumors. Tumor volumes (21-31 days following intracerebral implantation of GL261 cells) were found to be significantly lower for AG119 (p < 0.001), anti-VEGF (p < 0.05) and anti-c-Met (p < 0.001) antibody treatments, and TMZ-treated (p < 0.05) mice, compared to untreated controls. Perfusion data indicated that both AG119 and TMZ were able to reduce the effect of decreasing perfusion rates significantly (p < 0.05 for both), when compared to untreated tumors. It was also found that IC50 values for AG119 were much lower than those for TMZ in T98G and U251 cells. These data support further exploration of the anticancer activity AG119 in HGG, as this compound was able to increase animal survival and decrease tumor volumes in a mouse GL261 glioma model, and that AG119 is also not subject to methyl guanine

  13. High expression of B7-H6 in human glioma tissues promotes tumor progression.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Tianwei; Wu, Wei; Zhang, Huasheng; Zhang, Xiangsheng; Zhang, Dingding; Wang, Qiang; Huang, Lei; Wang, Ye; Hang, Chunhua

    2017-06-06

    B7-H6, a new member of B7-family ligand, also known as NCR3LG1, plays an important role in NK cells mediated immune responses. Many studies have shown that it is highly expressed in various human cancers, and its expression levels are significantly associated with cancer patients' clinicopathological parameters and postoperative prognoses. But, still the exact role of B7-H6 expression in human glioma remains elusive. In the present study, we have characterized the B7-H6 expression in the human glioma tissues as well as glioma cell lines, U87 and U251. We observed that B7-H6 was highly expressed in the human glioma tissues, and its expression was significantly associated with cancer progression. By using the RNA interference technology, we successfully ablated B7-H6 expression in human glioma cell lines to further study its contribution towards various biological features of this malignancy. Our study identified that the B7-H6 knockdown in U87 and U251 glioma cells significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and enhanced apoptosis along with induction of cell cycle arrest. It thus suggested that B7-H6 play an important role in the regulation of the biological behavior of these glioma cells. However, the detailed mechanism of B7-H6 mediated regulation of glioma cancer cell transformation and its prognostic value merits further investigation.

  14. Immunotherapy Approaches for Malignant Glioma From 2007 to 2009

    PubMed Central

    Sampson, John H.

    2012-01-01

    Malignant glioma is a deadly disease for which there have been few therapeutic advances over the past century. Although previous treatments were largely unsuccessful, glioma may be an ideal target for immune-based therapy. Recently, translational research led to several clinical trials based on tumor immunotherapy to treat patients with malignant glioma. Here we review 17 recent glioma immunotherapy clinical trials, published over the past 3 years. Various approaches were used, including passive transfer of naked and radiolabeled antibodies, tumor antigen-specific peptide immunization, and the use of patient tumor cells with or without dendritic cells as vaccines. We compare and discuss the current state of the art of clinical immunotherapy treatment, as well as its limited successes, pitfalls, and future potential. PMID:20424975

  15. Destruction of vasculogenic mimicry channels by targeting epirubicin plus celecoxib liposomes in treatment of brain glioma

    PubMed Central

    Ju, Rui-Jun; Zeng, Fan; Liu, Lei; Mu, Li-Min; Xie, Hong-Jun; Zhao, Yao; Yan, Yan; Wu, Jia-Shuan; Hu, Ying-Jie; Lu, Wan-Liang

    2016-01-01

    The efficacy of chemotherapy for brain glioma is restricted by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and surgery or radiotherapy cannot eliminate the glioma cells because of their unique location. Residual brain glioma cells can form vasculogenic mimicry (VM) channels that can cause a recurrence of brain glioma. In the present study, targeting liposomes incorporating epirubicin and celecoxib were prepared and used for the treatment of brain glioma, along with the destruction of their VM channels. Evaluations were performed on the human brain glioma U87MG cells in vitro and on intracranial brain glioma-bearing nude mice. Targeting epirubicin plus celecoxib liposomes in the circulatory blood system were able to be transported across the BBB, and accumulated in the brain glioma region. Then, the liposomes were internalized by brain glioma cells and killed glioma cells by direct cytotoxic injury and the induction of apoptosis. The induction of apoptosis was related to the activation of caspase-8- and -3-signaling pathways, the activation of the proapoptotic protein Bax, and the suppression of the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1. The destruction of brain glioma VM channels was related to the downregulation of VM channel-forming indictors, which consisted of MMP-2, MMP-9, FAK, VE-Cad, and VEGF. The results demonstrated that the targeting epirubicin plus celecoxib liposomes were able to effectively destroy the glioma VM channels and exhibited significant efficacy in the treatment of intracranial glioma-bearing nude mice. Therefore, targeting epirubicin plus celecoxib liposomes could be a potential nanostructured formulation to treat gliomas and destroy their VM channels. PMID:27042063

  16. Antitumor effects of cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, on human glioma cell lines.

    PubMed

    Massi, Paola; Vaccani, Angelo; Ceruti, Stefania; Colombo, Arianna; Abbracchio, Maria P; Parolaro, Daniela

    2004-03-01

    Recently, cannabinoids (CBs) have been shown to possess antitumor properties. Because the psychoactivity of cannabinoid compounds limits their medicinal usage, we undertook the present study to evaluate the in vitro antiproliferative ability of cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid compound, on U87 and U373 human glioma cell lines. The addition of CBD to the culture medium led to a dramatic drop of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism [3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide test] and viability in glioma cells, in a concentration-dependent manner that was already evident 24 h after CBD exposure, with an apparent IC(50) of 25 microM. The antiproliferative effect of CBD was partially prevented by the CB2 receptor antagonist N-[(1S)-endo-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2,2,1]heptan-2-yl]-5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR144528; SR2) and alpha-tocopherol. By contrast, the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboximide hydrochloride (SR141716; SR1), capsazepine (vanilloid receptor antagonist), the inhibitors of ceramide generation, or pertussis toxin did not counteract CBD effects. We also show, for the first time, that the antiproliferative effect of CBD was correlated to induction of apoptosis, as determined by cytofluorimetric analysis and single-strand DNA staining, which was not reverted by cannabinoid antagonists. Finally, CBD, administered s.c. to nude mice at the dose of 0.5 mg/mouse, significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneously implanted U87 human glioma cells. In conclusion, the nonpsychoactive CBD was able to produce a significant antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo, thus suggesting a possible application of CBD as an antineoplastic agent.

  17. Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 Gene Demethylation Contributes to Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Apoptosis in Human U251 Glioma Cells.

    PubMed

    Xing, Zhiguo; Ni, Yaping; Zhao, Junjie; Ma, Xudong

    2017-05-01

    Glioblastoma multiforme is a type of central nervous system tumor with extremely poor prognosis. Previously, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), which promotes the oxidative stress response, has been reported to induce the apoptosis of glioma cells. Recently, secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) has been shown to be associated with various types of malignant tumors and with H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes by negatively regulating the Wnt signaling pathway. This study aimed to explore SFRP1 expression and its roles in H 2 O 2 -induced apoptosis in human glioma cells. We found that the SFRP1 level was decreased in several human glioma cell lines, including U87, U251, and SW1783 cells. In U251 cells, SFRP1 could function as a cancer suppressor gene, and the growth of U251 cells could be inhibited not only by H 2 O 2 but also by the overexpression of SFRP1. Furthermore, we demonstrated that H 2 O 2 -induced SFRP1 gene demethylation partially contributed to H 2 O 2 -induced U251 cell apoptosis, which was verified by studies using an SFRP inhibitor (WAY-316606). Our research identified that H 2 O 2 -induced SFRP1 gene demethylation contributes to H 2 O 2 -induced apoptosis in human U251 glioma cells.

  18. Differential expression of the TWEAK receptor Fn14 in IDH1 wild-type and mutant gliomas.

    PubMed

    Hersh, David S; Peng, Sen; Dancy, Jimena G; Galisteo, Rebeca; Eschbacher, Jennifer M; Castellani, Rudy J; Heath, Jonathan E; Legesse, Teklu; Kim, Anthony J; Woodworth, Graeme F; Tran, Nhan L; Winkles, Jeffrey A

    2018-06-01

    The TNF receptor superfamily member Fn14 is overexpressed by many solid tumor types, including glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and lethal form of adult brain cancer. GBM is notable for a highly infiltrative growth pattern and several groups have reported that high Fn14 expression levels can increase tumor cell invasiveness. We reported previously that the mesenchymal and proneural GBM transcriptomic subtypes expressed the highest and lowest levels of Fn14 mRNA, respectively. Given the recent histopathological re-classification of human gliomas by the World Health Organization based on isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene mutation status, we extended this work by comparing Fn14 gene expression in IDH1 wild-type (WT) and mutant (R132H) gliomas and in cell lines engineered to overexpress the IDH1 R132H enzyme. We found that both low-grade and high-grade (i.e., GBM) IDH1 R132H gliomas exhibit low Fn14 mRNA and protein levels compared to IDH1 WT gliomas. Forced overexpression of the IDH1 R132H protein in glioma cells reduced Fn14 expression, while treatment of IDH1 R132H-overexpressing cells with the IDH1 R132H inhibitor AGI-5198 or the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine increased Fn14 expression. These results support a role for Fn14 in the more aggressive and invasive phenotype associated with IDH1 WT tumors and indicate that the low levels of Fn14 gene expression noted in IDH1 R132H mutant gliomas may be due to epigenetic regulation via changes in DNA methylation.

  19. IRE1 inhibition affects the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein genes and modifies its sensitivity to glucose deprivation in U87 glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Minchenko, D O; Kharkova, A P; Tsymbal, D O; Karbovskyi, L L; Minchenko, O H

    2015-10-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling mediated by IRE1/ERN1 (inositol-requiring enzyme 1/endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 1) on the expression of genes encoding different groups of insulin-like growth binding proteins (IGFBP6 and IGFBP7) and CCN family (IGFBP8/CTGF/CCN2, IGFBP9/NOV/CCN3, IGFBP10/CYR61/CCN1, WISP1/CCN4, and WISP2/CCN5) and its sensitivity to glucose deprivation in U87 glioma cells. The expression of IGFBP6, IGFBP7, IGFBP8, IGFBP9, IGFBP10, WISP1, and WISP2 genes was studied by qPCR in control U87 glioma cells (wild-type) and its subline with IRE1 signaling enzyme loss of function upon glucose deprivation. The expression of IGFBP8, IGFBP9, and WISP2 genes was up-regulated in control glioma cells upon glucose deprivation with most significant changes for IGFBP9 gene. At the same time, the expression of IGFBP6, IGFBP10, and WISP1 genes was resistant to glucose deprivation in these glioma cells, but the IGFBP7 gene expression was down-regulated. The inhibition of both enzymatic activities (kinase and endoribonuclease) of IRE1 in glioma cells modified the sensitivity of most studied gene expressions to glucose deprivation condition: introduced sensitivity of IGFBP10 and WISP1 genes to glucose deprivation, enhanced the effect of this deprivation on IGFBP7 and IGFBP9 gene expressions, and reduced this effect on WISP2 gene and induced suppressive effect of glucose deprivation on the expression of IGFBP8 gene. Furthermore, the inhibition of IRE1 strongly affected the expression of all studied genes in glioma cells upon regular growing condition in gene specific manner: up-regulated the expression levels of IGFBP7, IGFBP8, IGFBP10, WISP1, and WISP2 genes and down-regulated the IGFBP6 and IGFBP9 genes. The data of this investigation demonstrate that the expression of IGFBP7, IGFBP8, IGFBP9, and WISP2 genes are sensitive to glucose deprivation in U87 glioma cells and that

  20. Dimethyl phenyl piperazine iodide (DMPP) induces glioma regression by inhibiting angiogenesis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    He, Yan-qing; Li, Yan; Wang, Xiao-yu

    1,1-Dimethyl-4-phenyl piperazine iodide (DMPP) is a synthetic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist that could reduce airway inflammation. In this study, we demonstrated that DMPP could dramatically inhibit glioma size maintained on the chick embryonic chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). We first performed MTT and BrdU incorporation experiments on U87 glioma cells in vitro to understand the mechanism involved. We established that DMPP did not significantly affect U87 cell proliferation and survival. We speculated that DMPP directly caused the tumor to regress by affecting the vasculature in and around the implanted tumor on our chick CAM model. Hence, we conducted detailed analysis ofmore » DMPP's inhibitory effects on angiogenesis. Three vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in vivo models were used in the study which included (1) early chick blood islands formation, (2) chick yolk-sac membrane (YSW) and (3) CAM models. The results revealed that DMPP directly suppressed all developmental stages involved in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis – possibly by acting through Ang-1 and HIF-2α signaling. In sum, our results show that DMPP could induce glioma regression grown on CAM by inhibiting vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. - Highlights: ●We demonstrated that DMPP inhibited the growth of glioma cells on chick CAM. ●DMPP did not significantly affect the proliferation and survival of U87 cells. ●We revealed that DMPP suppressed vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in chick embryo. ●Angiogenesis in chick CAM was inhibited by DMPP via most probably Ang-1 and HIF-2α. ●DMPP could be potentially developed as an anti-tumor drug in the future.« less

  1. Inhibition of STAT3 and ErbB2 Suppresses Tumor Growth, Enhances Radiosensitivity, and Induces Mitochondria-Dependent Apoptosis in Glioma Cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gao Ling; Li Fengsheng; Dong Bo

    2010-07-15

    Purpose: Constitutively activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and ErbB2 are involved in the pathogenesis of many tumors, including astrocytoma. Inactivation of these molecules is reported to result in radiosensitization. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether inhibition of STAT3, ErbB2, or both could enhance radiotherapy in the human glioma model (U251 and U87 cell lines). Methods and Materials: The RNAi plasmids targeting STAT3 or ErbB2 were constructed, and their downregulatory effects on target proteins were examined by immunoblotting. After combination treatment of RNAi with or without irradiation, the cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazoliummore » bromide (MTT) and clonogenic assays. The in vivo effect of combined treatment was determined using the U251 xenograft model. The apoptosis caused by the inhibition of STAT3 and ErbB2 was detected, and the mechanism involved in the apoptosis was investigated, including increases in caspase proteins, mitochondrial damage, and the expression of key modulating protein of different apoptosis pathways. Results: Transfection of U251 cells with STAT3 or ErbB2 siRNA plasmids specifically reduced their target gene expressions. Inhibition of STAT3 or ErbB2 greatly decreased glioma cell survival after 2, 4, or 6 Gy irradiation. Inhibition of STAT3 and ErbB2 also enhanced radiation-induced tumor growth inhibition in the U251 xenograft model. Furthermore, the suppression of either STAT3 or ErbB2 could induce U251 cell apoptosis, which was related primarily to the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Conclusions: These results indicated that simultaneous inhibition of STAT3 and ErbB2 expression can promote potent antitumor activity and radiosensitizing activity in human glioma.« less

  2. A long noncoding RNA UCA1 promotes proliferation and predicts poor prognosis in glioma.

    PubMed

    Zhao, W; Sun, C; Cui, Z

    2017-06-01

    Acting as a proto-oncogene, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) urothelial carcinoembryonic antigen 1 (UCA1) plays a key role in the occurrence and development of several human tumors. However, the expression and biological functions of UCA1 in glioma are less known. This study discussed the expression of UCA1 in glioma and its effect on the proliferation and cell cycle of glioma cells. LncRNA UCA1 expressions in 64 glioma samples (Grade I-II in 22 cases and Grade III-IV in 42 cases, according to WHO criteria) and 10 normal brain samples were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. On this basis, the correlations of UCA1 to clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of glioma were assessed. Then, using qPCR, the lncRNA UCA1 expressions in glioma cell lines and astrocytes were detected. UCA1-overexpressing glioma cell lines U87 and U251 were further detected after siRNA transfection of these two cell lines, and the impact on cell proliferation and cell cycle was assessed with CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8) assay and flow cytometry method (FCM), respectively. The expression of cyclin D1, a cell cycle-related protein, was detected using Western Blot. LncRNA UCA1 expression in the glioma samples was obviously higher as compared with the normal brain samples (P < 0.001), and the expression was correlated significantly with grading of the tumors (P < 0.05). However, lncRNA UCA1 expression was not correlated with age, gender, tumor size and KPS score (P > 0.05). After interference of UCA1 expression by siRNA transfection, the proliferation of both U251 and SHG-44 cells was inhibited (P < 0.05), with more cells arrested in G0/G1 (P < 0.05). Moreover, cyclin D1 expression was also downregulated considerably. LncRNA UCA1 can promote the proliferation and cell cycle progression of glioma cells by upregulating cyclin D1 transcription. So UCA1 may serve as an independent prognostic indicator and a novel therapeutic target for glioma.

  3. Overexpressed homeobox B9 regulates oncogenic activities by transforming growth factor-β1 in gliomas

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fang, Liping; Xu, Yinghui; Zou, Lijuan, E-mail: zoulijuantg@126.com

    2014-03-28

    Highlights: • HOXB9 is overexpressed in gliomas. • HOXB9 over expression had shorter survival time than down expression in gliomas. • HOXB9 stimulated the proliferation, migration and sphere formation of glioma cells. • Activation of TGF-β1 contributed to HOXB9-induced oncogenic activities. - Abstract: Glioma is the leading cause of deaths related to tumors in the central nervous system. The mechanisms of gliomagenesis remain elusive to date. Homeobox B9 (HOXB9) has a crucial function in the regulation of gene expression and cell survival, but its functions in glioma formation and development have yet to be elucidated. This study showed that HOXB9more » expression in glioma tissues was significantly higher than that in nontumor tissues. Higher HOXB9 expression was also significantly associated with advanced clinical stage in glioma patients. HOXB9 overexpression stimulated the proliferation, migration, and sphere formation of glioma cells, whereas HOXB9 knockdown elicited an opposite effect. HOXB9 overexpression also increased the tumorigenicity of glioma cells in vivo. Moreover, the activation of transforming growth factor-β1 contributed to HOXB9-induced oncogenic activities. HOXB9 could be used as a predictable biomarker to be detected in different pathological and histological subtypes in glioma for diagnosis or prognosis.« less

  4. The melatonin-MT1 receptor axis modulates tumor growth in PTEN-mutated gliomas.

    PubMed

    Ma, Huihui; Wang, Zhen; Hu, Lei; Zhang, Shangrong; Zhao, Chenggang; Yang, Haoran; Wang, Hongzhi; Fang, Zhiyou; Wu, Lijun; Chen, Xueran

    2018-02-19

    More than 40% of glioma patients have tumors that harbor PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten) mutations; this disease is associated with poor therapeutic resistance and outcome. Such mutations are linked to increased cell survival and growth, decreased apoptosis, and drug resistance; thus, new therapeutic strategies focusing on inhibiting glioma tumorigenesis and progression are urgently needed. Melatonin, an indolamine produced and secreted predominantly by the pineal gland, mediates a variety of physiological functions and possesses antioxidant and antitumor properties. Here, we analyzed the relationship between PTEN and the inhibitory effect of melatonin in primary human glioma cells and cultured glioma cell lines. The results showed that melatonin can inhibit glioma cell growth both in culture and in vivo. This inhibition was associated with PTEN levels, which significantly correlated with the expression level of MT1 in patients. In fact, c-fos-mediated MT1 was shown to be a key modulator of the effect of melatonin on gliomas that harbor wild type PTEN. Taken together, these data suggest that melatonin-MT1 receptor complexes represent a potential target for the treatment of glioma. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Setting the Stage for Personalized Treatment of Glioma | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Gliomas, the most common type of primary brain tumors in adults, arise from different types of glial cells, which support and protect the neurons of the central nervous system. How a patient’s glioma is treated depends in part on the type of glial cell from which the tumor developed. Classification of gliomas has traditionally been done by microscopic analysis of tumor

  6. ATM-NFκB axis-driven TIGAR regulates sensitivity of glioma cells to radiomimetics in the presence of TNFα.

    PubMed

    Sinha, S; Ghildiyal, R; Mehta, V S; Sen, E

    2013-05-02

    Gliomas are resistant to radiation therapy, as well as to TNFα induced killing. Radiation-induced TNFα triggers Nuclear factor κB (NFκB)-mediated radioresistance. As inhibition of NFκB activation sensitizes glioma cells to TNFα-induced apoptosis, we investigated whether TNFα modulates the responsiveness of glioma cells to ionizing radiation-mimetic Neocarzinostatin (NCS). TNFα enhanced the ability of NCS to induce glioma cell apoptosis. NCS-mediated death involved caspase-9 activation, reduction of mitochondrial copy number and lactate production. Death was concurrent with NFκB, Akt and Erk activation. Abrogation of Akt and NFκB activation further potentiated the death inducing ability of NCS in TNFα cotreated cells. NCS-induced p53 expression was accompanied by increase in TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) levels and ATM phosphorylation. siRNA-mediated knockdown of TIGAR abrogated NCS-induced apoptosis. While DN-IκB abrogated NCS-induced TIGAR both in the presence and absence of TNFα, TIGAR had no effect on NFκB activation. Transfection with TIGAR mutant (i) decreased apoptosis and γH2AX foci formation (ii) decreased p53 (iii) elevated ROS and (iv) increased Akt/Erk activation in cells cotreated with NCS and TNFα. Heightened TIGAR expression was observed in GBM tumors. While NCS induced ATM phosphorylation in a NFκB independent manner, ATM inhibition abrogated TIGAR and NFκB activation. Metabolic gene profiling indicated that TNFα affects NCS-mediated regulation of several genes associated with glycolysis. The existence of ATM-NFκB axis that regulate metabolic modeler TIGAR to overcome prosurvival response in NCS and TNFα cotreated cells, suggests mechanisms through which inflammation could affect resistance and adaptation to radiomimetics despite concurrent induction of death.

  7. ATM-NFκB axis-driven TIGAR regulates sensitivity of glioma cells to radiomimetics in the presence of TNFα

    PubMed Central

    Sinha, S; Ghildiyal, R; Mehta, V S; Sen, E

    2013-01-01

    Gliomas are resistant to radiation therapy, as well as to TNFα induced killing. Radiation-induced TNFα triggers Nuclear factor κB (NFκB)-mediated radioresistance. As inhibition of NFκB activation sensitizes glioma cells to TNFα-induced apoptosis, we investigated whether TNFα modulates the responsiveness of glioma cells to ionizing radiation-mimetic Neocarzinostatin (NCS). TNFα enhanced the ability of NCS to induce glioma cell apoptosis. NCS-mediated death involved caspase-9 activation, reduction of mitochondrial copy number and lactate production. Death was concurrent with NFκB, Akt and Erk activation. Abrogation of Akt and NFκB activation further potentiated the death inducing ability of NCS in TNFα cotreated cells. NCS-induced p53 expression was accompanied by increase in TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) levels and ATM phosphorylation. siRNA-mediated knockdown of TIGAR abrogated NCS-induced apoptosis. While DN-IκB abrogated NCS-induced TIGAR both in the presence and absence of TNFα, TIGAR had no effect on NFκB activation. Transfection with TIGAR mutant (i) decreased apoptosis and γH2AX foci formation (ii) decreased p53 (iii) elevated ROS and (iv) increased Akt/Erk activation in cells cotreated with NCS and TNFα. Heightened TIGAR expression was observed in GBM tumors. While NCS induced ATM phosphorylation in a NFκB independent manner, ATM inhibition abrogated TIGAR and NFκB activation. Metabolic gene profiling indicated that TNFα affects NCS-mediated regulation of several genes associated with glycolysis. The existence of ATM-NFκB axis that regulate metabolic modeler TIGAR to overcome prosurvival response in NCS and TNFα cotreated cells, suggests mechanisms through which inflammation could affect resistance and adaptation to radiomimetics despite concurrent induction of death. PMID:23640457

  8. Targeting neuronal activity-regulated neuroligin-3 dependency in high-grade glioma.

    PubMed

    Venkatesh, Humsa S; Tam, Lydia T; Woo, Pamelyn J; Lennon, James; Nagaraja, Surya; Gillespie, Shawn M; Ni, Jing; Duveau, Damien Y; Morris, Patrick J; Zhao, Jean J; Thomas, Craig J; Monje, Michelle

    2017-09-28

    High-grade gliomas (HGG) are a devastating group of cancers, and represent the leading cause of brain tumour-related death in both children and adults. Therapies aimed at mechanisms intrinsic to glioma cells have translated to only limited success; effective therapeutic strategies will need also to target elements of the tumour microenvironment that promote glioma progression. Neuronal activity promotes the growth of a range of molecularly and clinically distinct HGG types, including adult and paediatric glioblastoma (GBM), anaplastic oligodendroglioma, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). An important mechanism that mediates this neural regulation of brain cancer is activity-dependent cleavage and secretion of the synaptic adhesion molecule neuroligin-3 (NLGN3), which promotes glioma proliferation through the PI3K-mTOR pathway. However, the necessity of NLGN3 for glioma growth, the proteolytic mechanism of NLGN3 secretion, and the further molecular consequences of NLGN3 secretion in glioma cells remain unknown. Here we show that HGG growth depends on microenvironmental NLGN3, identify signalling cascades downstream of NLGN3 binding in glioma, and determine a therapeutically targetable mechanism of secretion. Patient-derived orthotopic xenografts of paediatric GBM, DIPG and adult GBM fail to grow in Nlgn3 knockout mice. NLGN3 stimulates several oncogenic pathways, such as early focal adhesion kinase activation upstream of PI3K-mTOR, and induces transcriptional changes that include upregulation of several synapse-related genes in glioma cells. NLGN3 is cleaved from both neurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells via the ADAM10 sheddase. ADAM10 inhibitors prevent the release of NLGN3 into the tumour microenvironment and robustly block HGG xenograft growth. This work defines a promising strategy for targeting NLGN3 secretion, which could prove transformative for HGG therapy.

  9. Opposite Interplay Between the Canonical WNT/β-Catenin Pathway and PPAR Gamma: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Gliomas.

    PubMed

    Vallée, Alexandre; Lecarpentier, Yves; Guillevin, Rémy; Vallée, Jean-Noël

    2018-06-01

    In gliomas, the canonical Wingless/Int (WNT)/β-catenin pathway is increased while peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is downregulated. The two systems act in an opposite manner. This review focuses on the interplay between WNT/β-catenin signaling and PPAR-γ and their metabolic implications as potential therapeutic target in gliomas. Activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway stimulates the transcription of genes involved in proliferation, invasion, nucleotide synthesis, tumor growth, and angiogenesis. Activation of PPAR-γ agonists inhibits various signaling pathways such as the JAK/STAT, WNT/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt pathways, which reduces tumor growth, cell proliferation, cell invasiveness, and angiogenesis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, curcumin, antipsychotic drugs, adiponectin, and sulforaphane downregulate the WNT/β-catenin pathway through the upregulation of PPAR-γ and thus appear to provide an interesting therapeutic approach for gliomas. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an antiangiogenic agent. The downstream action of this opposite interplay may explain the TMZ-resistance often reported in gliomas.

  10. Flow cytometric characterization of tumor-associated macrophages in experimental gliomas.

    PubMed

    Badie, B; Schartner, J M

    2000-04-01

    Although microglia have been suggested to be a component of the inflammatory reaction to tumors of the central nervous system, their role in glioma biology remains unknown. One obstacle to studying the function of microglia is the inability to effectively separate them from macrophages. Because flow cytometry can effectively discern immune cells with similar surface antigens, we evaluated its role in characterizing the mononuclear cell infiltration in experimental gliomas. Freshly prepared rat C6, 9L, and RG-2 tumor specimens were labeled ex vivo with monoclonal antibodies against CD11b/c, CD45, and CD8a antigens and analyzed by flow cytometry. The extent of microglia (CD11b/c(high), CD45(low)), macrophage (CD11b/c(high), CD45(high)), and lymphocyte (CD11b/c(negative), CD45(high)) infiltration into tumors, tumor periphery, and contralateral tumor-free hemispheres was measured for each glioma type. Microglia, which accounted for 13 to 34% of viable cells, were distributed throughout the central nervous system and were present in the tumors, tumor periphery, and contralateral tumor-free hemispheres. In contrast, macrophages were less prominent within the tumors and tumor periphery (4.2-12%) and were scarce in the contralateral tumor-free hemispheres (0.9-1.1%). Among the tumor types, RG-2 gliomas had the least microglia/macrophage infiltration. The frequency and the distribution pattern of lymphocytes also varied among tumor models. Whereas lymphocytes accounted for more than one-third of the cells in C6 and 9L tumors, they represented only 1% of cells in RG-2 gliomas. More abundant than macrophages and scattered throughout the central nervous system, microglia account for a significant component of the inflammatory response to experimental gliomas. A better understanding of microglial function in gliomas may be important in the development of immunotherapy strategies.

  11. Progression of motor deficits in glioma-bearing mice: impact of CNF1 therapy at symptomatic stages

    PubMed Central

    Fabbri, Alessia; Costa, Mario; Caleo, Matteo; Baroncelli, Laura

    2017-01-01

    Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain tumor. In this context, animal models represent excellent tools for the early detection and longitudinal mapping of neuronal dysfunction, that are critical in the preclinical validation of new therapeutic strategies. In a mouse glioma model, we developed sensitive behavioral readouts that allow early recognizing and following neurological symptoms. We injected GL261 cells into the primary motor cortex of syngenic mice and we used a battery of behavioral tests to longitudinally monitor the dysfunction induced by tumor growth. Grip strength test revealed an early onset of functional deficit associated to the glioma growth, with a significant forelimb weakness appearing 9 days after tumor inoculation. A later deficit was observed in the rotarod and in the grid walk tasks. Using this model, we found reduced tumor growth and maintenance of behavioral functions following treatment with Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor 1 (CNF1) at a symptomatic stage. Our data provide a detailed and precise examination of how tumor growth reverberates on the behavioral functions of glioma-bearing mice, providing normative data for the study of therapeutic strategies for glioma treatment. The reduced tumor volume and robust functional sparing observed in CNF1-treated, glioma-bearing mice strengthen the notion that CNF1 delivery is a promising strategy for glioma therapy. PMID:28212563

  12. Setting the Stage for Personalized Treatment of Glioma | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Gliomas, the most common type of primary brain tumors in adults, arise from different types of glial cells, which support and protect the neurons of the central nervous system. How a patient’s glioma is treated depends in part on the type of glial cell from which the tumor developed. Classification of gliomas has traditionally been done by microscopic analysis of tumor sections. This process is subjective and prone to inconsistencies, which may explain in part the wide-ranging and often suboptimal responses of gliomas to treatment.  

  13. Extracellular diffusion quantified by magnetic resonance imaging during rat C6 glioma cell progression.

    PubMed

    Song, G; Luo, T; Dong, L; Liu, Q

    2017-07-03

    Solution reflux and edema hamper the convection-enhanced delivery of the standard treatment for glioma. Therefore, a real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method was developed to monitor the dosing process, but a quantitative analysis of local diffusion and clearance parameters has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to compare diffusion into the extracellular space (ECS) at different stages of rat C6 gliomas, and analyze the effects of the extracellular matrix (ECM) on the diffusion process. At 10 and 20 days, after successful glioma modeling, gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) was introduced into the ECS of rat C6 gliomas. Diffusion parameters and half-life of the reagent were then detected using MRI, and quantified according to the mathematical model of diffusion. The main ECM components [chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), collagen IV, and tenascin C] were detected by immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses. In 20-day gliomas, Gd-DTPA diffused more slowly and derived higher tortuosity, with lower clearance rate and longer half-life compared to 10-day gliomas. The increased glioma ECM was associated with different diffusion and clearance parameters in 20-day rat gliomas compared to 10-day gliomas. ECS parameters were altered with C6 glioma progression from increased ECM content. Our study might help better understand the glioma microenvironment and provide benefits for interstitial drug delivery to treat brain gliomas.

  14. GRP78 enabled micelle-based glioma targeted drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Ran, Danni; Mao, Jiani; Shen, Qing; Xie, Cao; Zhan, Changyou; Wang, Ruifeng; Lu, Weiyue

    2017-06-10

    GRP78, a specific cancer cell-surface marker, is implicated in cancer cells proliferation, apoptosis resistance, metastasis and drug resistance. l-VAP (SNTRVAP) is a tumor homing peptide exhibiting high binding affinity in vitro to GRP78 protein overexpressed on glioma, glioma stem cells, vasculogenic mimicry and neovasculature. Even though short peptides are often non-immunogenic and demonstrate high affinity to tumor cells, their targeting efficacy is always undermined by rapid blood clearance and enzymatic degradation. In the present study, two d peptides RI-VAP (retro inverso isomer of l-VAP) and d-VAP (retro isomer of l-VAP) were developed by structure-guided peptide design and retro-inverso isomerization technique for glioma targeting. RI-VAP and d-VAP were predicted to bind their receptor GRP78 protein with similar binding affinity, which was experimentally confirmed. The results of in vivo imaging demonstrated that RI-VAP and d-VAP had remarkably advantage over l-VAP for tumor accumulation. In addition, RI-VAP and d-VAP modified paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelle had better anti-tumor efficacy in comparison to taxol, paclitaxel-loaded plain micelles and l-VAP modified micelles. Overall, the VAP modified micelles suggested in the present study could effectively achieve glioma-targeted drug delivery, validating the potential of the stable VAP peptides in improving the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel for glioma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Glioma stem cells targeted by oncolytic virus carrying endostatin-angiostatin fusion gene and the expression of its exogenous gene in vitro.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Guidong; Su, Wei; Jin, Guishan; Xu, Fujian; Hao, Shuyu; Guan, Fangxia; Jia, William; Liu, Fusheng

    2011-05-16

    The development of the cancer stem cell (CSCs) niche theory has provided a new target for the treatment of gliomas. Gene therapy using oncolytic viral vectors has shown great potential for the therapeutic targeting of CSCs. To explore whether a viral vector carrying an exogenous Endo-Angio fusion gene (VAE) can infect and kill glioma stem cells (GSCs), as well as inhibit their vascular niche in vitro, we have collected surgical specimens of human high-grade glioma (world health organization, WHO Classes III-VI) from which we isolated and cultured GSCs under conditions originally designed for the selective expansion of neural stem cells. Our results demonstrate the following: (1) Four lines of GSCs (isolated from 20 surgical specimens) could grow in suspension, were multipotent, had the ability to self-renew and expressed the neural stem cell markers, CD133 and nestin. (2) VAE could infect GSCs and significantly inhibit their viability. (3) The Endo-Angio fusion gene was expressed in GSCs 48 h after VAE infection and could inhibit the proliferation of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). (4) Residual viable cells lose the ability of self-renewal and adherent differentiation. In conclusion, VAE can significantly inhibit the activity of GSCs in vitro and the expression of exogenous Endo-Angio fusion gene can inhibit HBMEC proliferation. VAE can be used as a novel virus-gene therapy strategy for glioma. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Veliparib, Radiation Therapy, and Temozolomide in Treating Younger Patients With Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Pontine Gliomas

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2018-03-30

    Anaplastic Astrocytoma; Brain Stem Glioma; Childhood Mixed Glioma; Fibrillary Astrocytoma; Giant Cell Glioblastoma; Glioblastoma; Gliosarcoma; Untreated Childhood Anaplastic Astrocytoma; Untreated Childhood Brain Stem Glioma; Untreated Childhood Fibrillary Astrocytoma; Untreated Childhood Giant Cell Glioblastoma; Untreated Childhood Glioblastoma; Untreated Childhood Gliosarcoma

  17. Apigenin inhibits glioma cell growth through promoting microRNA-16 and suppression of BCL-2 and nuclear factor-κB/MMP‑9.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xin-Jun; Wu, Mian-Yun; Li, Deng-Hui; You, Jin

    2016-09-01

    The present study aimed to investigate the effect of apigenin on glioma cells and to explore its potential mechanism. U87 human glioma cells treated with apigenin were used in the current study. Cell Counting Kit‑8 solution and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide Apoptosis Detection kit were used to analyze the effect of apigenin on U87 cell viability and apoptotic cell death. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was also used to determine microRNA‑16 (miR‑16) and MMP‑9 gene expression levels. Nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) and B‑cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein expression levels were determined using western blot analysis. An anti‑miR‑16 plasmid was constructed and transfected into U87 cells. The current study demonstrated that apigenin significantly decreased cell viability and induced apoptotic cell death of U87 cells in a dose‑dependent manner. Additionally, it was demonstrated that apigenin significantly increased miR‑16 levels, suppressed BCL2 protein expression and suppressed the NF‑κB/MMP9 signaling pathway in U87 cells. Furthermore, downregulation of miR‑16 using the anti‑miR‑16 plasmid reversed the effect of apigenin on cell viability, BCL2 protein expression and the NF‑κB/MMP‑9 pathway in U87 cells. The results of the present study suggested that apigenin inhibits glioma cell growth through promoting miR‑16 and suppression of BCL2 and NF-κB/MMP-9. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the potential anticancer effects of apigenin on glioma cells.

  18. An Inhibitor of Mutant IDH1 Delays Growth and Promotes Differentiation of Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Rohle, Dan; Popovici-Muller, Janeta; Palaskas, Nicolaos; Turcan, Sevin; Grommes, Christian; Campos, Carl; Tsoi, Jennifer; Clark, Owen; Oldrini, Barbara; Komisopoulou, Evangelia; Kunii, Kaiko; Pedraza, Alicia; Schalm, Stefanie; Silverman, Lee; Miller, Alexandra; Wang, Fang; Yang, Hua; Chen, Yue; Kernytsky, Andrew; Rosenblum, Marc K.; Liu, Wei; Biller, Scott A.; Su, Shinsan M.; Brennan, Cameron W.; Chan, Timothy A.; Graeber, Thomas G.; Yen, Katharine E.; Mellinghoff, Ingo K.

    2013-01-01

    The recent discovery of mutations in metabolic enzymes has rekindled interest in harnessing the altered metabolism of cancer cells for cancer therapy. One potential drug target is isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), which is mutated in multiple human cancers. Here, we examine the role of mutant IDH1 in fully transformed cells with endogenous IDH1 mutations. A selective R132H-IDH1 inhibitor (AGI-5198) identified through a high-throughput screen blocked, in a dose-dependent manner, the ability of the mutant enzyme (mIDH1) to produce R-2-hydroxyglutarate (R-2HG). Under conditions of near-complete R-2HG inhibition, the mIDH1 inhibitor induced demethylation of histone H3K9me3 and expression of genes associated with gliogenic differentiation. Blockade of mIDH1 impaired the growth of IDH1-mutant—but not IDH1–wild-type—glioma cells without appreciable changes in genome-wide DNA methylation. These data suggest that mIDH1 may promote glioma growth through mechanisms beyond its well-characterized epigenetic effects. PMID:23558169

  19. FACS-based Isolation of Neural and Glioma Stem Cell Populations from Fresh Human Tissues Utilizing EGF Ligand

    PubMed Central

    Tome-Garcia, Jessica; Doetsch, Fiona; Tsankova, Nadejda M.

    2018-01-01

    Direct isolation of human neural and glioma stem cells from fresh tissues permits their biological study without prior culture and may capture novel aspects of their molecular phenotype in their native state. Recently, we demonstrated the ability to prospectively isolate stem cell populations from fresh human germinal matrix and glioblastoma samples, exploiting the ability of cells to bind the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) ligand in fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). We demonstrated that FACS-isolated EGF-bound neural and glioblastoma populations encompass the sphere-forming colonies in vitro, and are capable of both self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. Here we describe in detail the purification methodology of EGF-bound (i.e., EGFR+) human neural and glioma cells with stem cell properties from fresh postmortem and surgical tissues. The ability to prospectively isolate stem cell populations using native ligand-binding ability opens new doors for understanding both normal and tumor cell biology in uncultured conditions, and is applicable for various downstream molecular sequencing studies at both population and single-cell resolution. PMID:29516026

  20. Ccl5 establishes an autocrine high-grade glioma growth regulatory circuit critical for mesenchymal glioblastoma survival

    PubMed Central

    Pan, Yuan; Smithson, Laura J.; Ma, Yu; Hambardzumyan, Dolores; Gutmann, David H.

    2017-01-01

    Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults, with a median survival of 15 months. These poor clinical outcomes have prompted the development of drugs that block neoplastic cancer cell growth; however, non-neoplastic cell-derived signals (chemokines and cytokines) in the tumor microenvironment may also represent viable treatment targets. One such chemokine, Ccl5, produced by low-grade tumor-associated microglia, is responsible for maintaining neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) mouse optic glioma growth in vivo. Since malignant gliomas may achieve partial independence from growth regulatory factors produced by non-neoplastic cells in the tumor microenvironment by producing the same cytokines secreted by the stromal cells in their low-grade counterparts, we tested the hypothesis that CCL5/CCL5-receptor signaling in glioblastoma creates an autocrine circuit important for high-grade glioma growth. Herein, we demonstrate that increased CCL5 expression was restricted to both human and mouse mesenchymal GBM (M-GBM), a molecular subtype characterized by NF1 loss. We further show that the NF1 protein, neurofibromin, negatively regulates Ccl5 expression through suppression of AKT/mTOR signaling. Consistent with its role as a glioblastoma growth regulator, Ccl5 knockdown in M-GBM cells reduces M-GBM cell survival in vitro, and increases mouse glioblastoma survival in vivo. Finally, we demonstrate that Ccl5 operates through an unconventional CCL5 receptor, CD44, to inhibit M-GBM apoptosis. Collectively, these findings reveal an NF1-dependent CCL5-mediated pathway that regulates M-GBM cell survival, and support the concept that paracrine factors important for low-grade glioma growth can be usurped by high-grade tumors to create autocrine regulatory circuits that maintain malignant glioma survival. PMID:28380429

  1. Retargeted human avidin-CAR T cells for adoptive immunotherapy of EGFRvIII expressing gliomas and their evaluation via optical imaging.

    PubMed

    Liu, Kaiyu; Liu, Xujie; Peng, Zhiping; Sun, Haojie; Zhang, Mingzhi; Zhang, Jianning; Liu, Shuang; Hao, Limin; Lu, Guoqiu; Zheng, Kangcheng; Gong, Xikui; Wu, Di; Wang, Fan; Shen, Li

    2015-09-15

    There has been significant progress in the design of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) for adoptive immunotherapy targeting tumor-associated antigens. However, the challenge of monitoring the therapy in real time has been continually ignored. To address this issue, we developed optical molecular imaging approaches to evaluate a recently reported novel CAR strategy for adoptive immunotherapy against glioma xenografts expressing EGFRvIII. We initially biotinylated a novel anti-EGFRvIII monoclonal antibody (biotin-4G1) to pre-target EGFRvIII+ gliomas and then redirect activated avidin-CAR expressing T cells against the pre-targeted biotin-4G1. By optical imaging study and bio-distribution analysis, we confirmed the specificity of pre-target and target and determined the optimal time for T cells adoptive transfer in vivo. The results showed this therapeutic strategy offered efficient therapy effect to EGFRvIII+ glioma-bearing mice and implied that optical imaging is a highly useful tool in aiding in the instruction of clinical CAR-T cells adoptive transfer in future.

  2. Why one-size-fits-all vaso-modulatory interventions fail to control glioma invasion: in silico insights.

    PubMed

    Alfonso, J C L; Köhn-Luque, A; Stylianopoulos, T; Feuerhake, F; Deutsch, A; Hatzikirou, H

    2016-11-23

    Gliomas are highly invasive brain tumours characterised by poor prognosis and limited response to therapy. There is an ongoing debate on the therapeutic potential of vaso-modulatory interventions against glioma invasion. Prominent vasculature-targeting therapies involve tumour blood vessel deterioration and normalisation. The former aims at tumour infarction and nutrient deprivation induced by blood vessel occlusion/collapse. In contrast, the therapeutic intention of normalising the abnormal tumour vasculature is to improve the efficacy of conventional treatment modalities. Although these strategies have shown therapeutic potential, it remains unclear why they both often fail to control glioma growth. To shed some light on this issue, we propose a mathematical model based on the migration/proliferation dichotomy of glioma cells in order to investigate why vaso-modulatory interventions have shown limited success in terms of tumour clearance. We found the existence of a critical cell proliferation/diffusion ratio that separates glioma responses to vaso-modulatory interventions into two distinct regimes. While for tumours, belonging to one regime, vascular modulations reduce the front speed and increase the infiltration width, for those in the other regime, the invasion speed increases and infiltration width decreases. We discuss how these in silico findings can be used to guide individualised vaso-modulatory approaches to improve treatment success rates.

  3. Why one-size-fits-all vaso-modulatory interventions fail to control glioma invasion: in silico insights

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alfonso, J. C. L.; Köhn-Luque, A.; Stylianopoulos, T.; Feuerhake, F.; Deutsch, A.; Hatzikirou, H.

    2016-11-01

    Gliomas are highly invasive brain tumours characterised by poor prognosis and limited response to therapy. There is an ongoing debate on the therapeutic potential of vaso-modulatory interventions against glioma invasion. Prominent vasculature-targeting therapies involve tumour blood vessel deterioration and normalisation. The former aims at tumour infarction and nutrient deprivation induced by blood vessel occlusion/collapse. In contrast, the therapeutic intention of normalising the abnormal tumour vasculature is to improve the efficacy of conventional treatment modalities. Although these strategies have shown therapeutic potential, it remains unclear why they both often fail to control glioma growth. To shed some light on this issue, we propose a mathematical model based on the migration/proliferation dichotomy of glioma cells in order to investigate why vaso-modulatory interventions have shown limited success in terms of tumour clearance. We found the existence of a critical cell proliferation/diffusion ratio that separates glioma responses to vaso-modulatory interventions into two distinct regimes. While for tumours, belonging to one regime, vascular modulations reduce the front speed and increase the infiltration width, for those in the other regime, the invasion speed increases and infiltration width decreases. We discuss how these in silico findings can be used to guide individualised vaso-modulatory approaches to improve treatment success rates.

  4. Early life exposures and the risk of adult glioma.

    PubMed

    Anic, Gabriella M; Madden, Melissa H; Sincich, Kelly; Thompson, Reid C; Nabors, L Burton; Olson, Jeffrey J; LaRocca, Renato V; Browning, James E; Pan, Edward; Egan, Kathleen M

    2013-09-01

    Exposure to common infections in early life may stimulate immune development and reduce the risk for developing cancer. Birth order and family size are proxies for the timing of exposure to childhood infections with several studies showing a reduced risk of glioma associated with a higher order of birth (and presumed younger age at infection). The aim of this study was to examine whether birth order, family size, and other early life exposures are associated with the risk of glioma in adults using data collected in a large clinic-based US case-control study including 889 glioma cases and 903 community controls. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on family structure, childhood exposures and other potential risk factors. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between early life factors and glioma risk. Persons having any siblings were at significantly lower risk for glioma when compared to those reporting no siblings (OR=0.64; 95% CI 0.44-0.93; p=0.020). Compared to first-borns, individuals with older siblings had a significantly lower risk (OR=0.75; 95% CI 0.61-0.91; p=0.004). Birth weight, having been breast fed in infancy, and season of birth were not associated with glioma risk. The current findings lend further support to a growing body of evidence that early exposure to childhood infections reduces the risk of glioma onset in children and adults.

  5. The novel phloroglucinol derivative BFP induces apoptosis of glioma cancer through reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways.

    PubMed

    Lu, Dah-Yuu; Chang, Chih-Shiang; Yeh, Wei-Lan; Tang, Chih-Hsin; Cheung, Chi-Wai; Leung, Yuk-Man; Liu, Ju-Fang; Wong, Kar-Lok

    2012-09-15

    Prenyl-phloroglucinol derivatives from hop plants have been shown to have anticancer activities. This study is the first to investigate the anticancer effects of the new phloroglucinol derivative (2,4-bis(4-fluorophenylacetyl)phloroglucinol; BFP). BFP induced cell death and anti-proliferation in three glioma, U251, U87 and C6 cells, but not in primary human astrocytes. BFP-induced concentration-dependently cell death in glioma cells was determined by MTT and SRB assay. Moreover, BFP-induced apoptotic cell death in glioma cells was measured by Hochest 33258 staining and fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) of propidine iodine (PI) analysis. Treatment of U251 human glioma cells with BFP was also found to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which was detected by a fluorescence dye used FACS analysis. Treatment of BFP also increased a number of signature endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers glucose-regulated protein (GRP)-78, GRP-94, IRE1, phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF-2α) and up-regulation of CAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). Moreover, treatment of BFP also increased the down-stream caspase activation, such as pro-caspase-7 and pro-caspase-12 degradation, suggesting the induction of ER stress. Furthermore, BFP also induced caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation as well as up-regulation of cleaved PARP expression. Treatment of antioxidants, or pre-transfection of cells with GRP78 or CHOP siRNA reduced BFP-mediated apoptotic-related protein expression. Taken together, the present study provides evidences to support that ROS generation, GRP78 and CHOP activation are mediating the BFP-induced human glioma cell apoptosis. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  6. Downregulation of TES by hypermethylation in glioblastoma reduces cell apoptosis and predicts poor clinical outcome.

    PubMed

    Bai, Yu; Zhang, Quan-Geng; Wang, Xin-Hua

    2014-12-11

    Gliomas are the most common human brain tumors. Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiform (GBM), is the most aggressive, malignant, and lethal glioma. The investigation of prognostic and diagnostic molecular biomarkers in glioma patients to provide direction on clinical practice is urgent. Recent studies demonstrated that abnormal DNA methylation states play a key role in the pathogenesis of this kind of tumor. In this study, we want to identify a novel biomarker related to glioma initiation and find the role of the glioma-related gene. We performed a methylation-specific microarray on the promoter region to identify methylation gene(s) that may affect outcome of GBM patients. Normal and GBM tissues were collected from Tiantan Hospital. Genomic DNA was extracted from these tissues and analyzed with a DNA promoter methylation microarray. Testis derived transcript (TES) protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded patient tissues. Western blotting was used to detect TES protein expression in the GBM cell line U251 with or without 5-aza-dC treatment. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis using Annexin V/PI staining. We found that the TES promoter was hypermethylated in GBM compared to normal brain tissues under DNA promoter methylation microarray analysis. The GBM patients with TES hypermethylation had a short overall survival (P <0.05, log-rank test). Among GBM samples, reduced TES protein level was detected in 33 (89.2%) of 37 tumor tissues by immunohistochemical staining. Down regulation of TES was also correlated with worse patient outcome (P <0.05, log-rank test). Treatment on the GBM cell line U251 with 5-aza-dC can greatly increase TES expression, confirming the hypermethylation of TES promoter in GBM. Up-regulation of TES prompts U251 apoptosis significantly. This study demonstrated that both TES promoter hypermethylation and down-regulated protein expression significantly correlated with worse

  7. Overexpression of SASH1 related to the decreased invasion ability of human glioma U251 cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Liu; Liu, Mei; Gu, Zhikai; Chen, Jianguo; Yan, Yaohua; Li, Jian

    2012-12-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of SAM- and SH3-domain containing 1 (SASH1) on the biological behavior of glioma cells, including its effects on cellular growth, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis, and thereby to provide an experimental basis for future therapeutic treatments. A pcDNA3.1-SASH1 eukaryotic expression vector was constructed and transfected into the U251 human glioma cell line. Using the tetrazolium-based colorimetric (MTT) assay, flow cytometry analyses, transwell invasion chamber experiments, and other methods, we examined the impact of SASH1 on the biological behaviors of U251 cells, including effects on viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and invasion. Furthermore, the effect of SASH1 on the expression of cyclin D1, caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and other proteins was observed. Compared to the empty vector and blank control groups, the pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group of U251 cells exhibited significantly reduced cell viability, proliferation, and invasion (p < 0.05), although there was no difference between the empty vector and blank control groups. The pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group demonstrated a significantly higher apoptotic index than did the empty vector and blank control groups (p < 0.05), and the percentage of apoptotic cells was similar between the empty vector and blank control groups. In addition, the pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group expressed significantly lower protein levels of cyclin D1 and MMP-2/9 compared to the control and empty vector groups (p < 0.05) and significantly higher protein levels of caspase-3 than the other two groups (p < 0.05). Cyclin D1, caspase-3, and MMP-2/9 expression was unchanged between the empty vector and blank control groups. SASH1 gene expression might be related to the inhibition of the growth, proliferation, and invasion of U251 cells and the promotion of U251 cells apoptosis.

  8. A role for intracellular zinc in glioma alteration of neuronal chloride equilibrium

    PubMed Central

    Di Angelantonio, S; Murana, E; Cocco, S; Scala, F; Bertollini, C; Molinari, M G; Lauro, C; Bregestovski, P; Limatola, C; Ragozzino, D

    2014-01-01

    Glioma patients commonly suffer from epileptic seizures. However, the mechanisms of glioma-associated epilepsy are far to be completely understood. Using glioma-neurons co-cultures, we found that tumor cells are able to deeply influence neuronal chloride homeostasis, by depolarizing the reversal potential of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-evoked currents (EGABA). EGABA depolarizing shift is due to zinc-dependent reduction of neuronal KCC2 activity and requires glutamate release from glioma cells. Consistently, intracellular zinc loading rapidly depolarizes EGABA in mouse hippocampal neurons, through the Src/Trk pathway and this effect is promptly reverted upon zinc chelation. This study provides a possible molecular mechanism linking glioma invasion to excitation/inhibition imbalance and epileptic seizures, through the zinc–mediated disruption of neuronal chloride homeostasis. PMID:25356870

  9. A pro-invasive role for the Ca2+-activated K+ channel KCa3.1 in malignant glioma

    PubMed Central

    Turner, Kathryn L.; Honasoge, Avinash; Robert, Stephanie M.; McFerrin, Michael M.; Sontheimer, Harald

    2014-01-01

    Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are highly motile primary brain tumors. Diffuse tissue invasion hampers surgical resection leading to poor patient prognosis. Recent studies suggest that intracellular Ca2+ acts as a master regulator for cell motility and engages a number of downstream signals including Ca2+-activated ion channels. Querying the REepository of Molecular BRAin Neoplasia DaTa (REMBRANDT), an annotated patient gene database maintained by the National Cancer Institute, we identified the intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels, KCa3.1, being overexpressed in 32% of glioma patients where protein expression significantly correlated with poor patient survival. To mechanistically link KCa3.1 expression to glioma invasion, we selected patient gliomas that, when propagated as xenolines in vivo, present with either high or low KCa3.1 expression. In addition we generated U251 glioma cells that stably express an inducible knockdown shRNA to experimentally eliminate KCa3.1 expression. Subjecting these cells to a combination of in vitro and in situ invasion assays, we demonstrate that KCa3.1 expression significantly enhances glioma invasion and that either specific pharmacological inhibition with TRAM-34 or elimination of the channel impairs invasion. Importantly, after intracranial implantation into SCID mice, ablation of KCa3.1 with inducible shRNA resulted in a significant reduction in tumor invasion into surrounding brain in vivo. These results show that KCa3.1 confers an invasive phenotype that significantly worsens a patient’s outlook, and suggests that KCa3.1 represents a viable therapeutic target to reduce glioma invasion. PMID:24585442

  10. Constitutively Activated STAT3 Frequently Coexpresses with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in High-Grade Gliomas and Targeting STAT3 Sensitizes Them to Iressa and Alkylators

    PubMed Central

    Lo, Hui-Wen; Cao, Xinyu; Zhu, Hu; Ali-Osman, Francis

    2009-01-01

    Purpose The goals of this study are to elucidate the relationship of the oncogenic transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) with glioma aggressiveness and to understand the role of high STAT3 activity in the resistance of malignant gliomas and medulloblastomas to chemotherapy. Experimental Design Immunohistochemical staining and biochemical methods were used to examine the extent of STAT3 activation and EGFR expression in primary specimens and cell lines, respectively. Cellular response to drug treatments was determined using cell cytotoxicity and clonogenic growth assays. Results We found STAT3 to be constitutively activated in 60% of primary high-grade/malignant gliomas and the extent of activation correlated positively with glioma grade. High levels of activated/phosphorylated STAT3 were also present in cultured human malignant glioma and medulloblastoma cells. Three STAT3-activating kinases, Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2), EGFR, and EGFRvIII, contributed to STAT3 activation. An inhibitor toJAK2/STAT3, JSI-124, significantly reduced expression of STAT3 target genes, suppressed cancer cell growth, and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that STAT3 constitutive activation coexisted with EGFR expression in 27.2% of primary high-grade/malignant gliomas and such coexpression correlated positively with glioma grade. Combination of an anti-EGFR agent Iressa and a JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor synergistically suppressed STAT3 activation and potently killed glioblastoma cell lines that expressed EGFR or EGFRvIII. JSI-124 also sensitized malignant glioma and medulloblastoma cells to temozolomide, 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, and cisplatin in which a synergism existed between JSI-124 and cisplatin. Conclusion STAT3 constitutive activation, alone and in concurrence with EGFR expression, plays an important role in high-grade/malignant gliomas and targeting STAT3/JAK2 sensitizes these tumors to anti-EGFR and alkylating agents. PMID

  11. Influence of in vivo growth on human glioma cell line gene expression: Convergent profiles under orthotopic conditions

    PubMed Central

    Camphausen, Kevin; Purow, Benjamin; Sproull, Mary; Scott, Tamalee; Ozawa, Tomoko; Deen, Dennis F.; Tofilon, Philip J.

    2005-01-01

    Defining the molecules that regulate tumor cell survival is an essential prerequisite for the development of targeted approaches to cancer treatment. Whereas many studies aimed at identifying such targets use human tumor cells grown in vitro or as s.c. xenografts, it is unclear whether such experimental models replicate the phenotype of the in situ tumor cell. To begin addressing this issue, we have used microarray analysis to define the gene expression profile of two human glioma cell lines (U251 and U87) when grown in vitro and in vivo as s.c. or as intracerebral (i.c.) xenografts. For each cell line, the gene expression profile generated from tissue culture was significantly different from that generated from the s.c. tumor, which was significantly different from those grown i.c. The disparity between the i.c gene expression profiles and those generated from s.c. xenografts suggests that whereas an in vivo growth environment modulates gene expression, orthotopic growth conditions induce a different set of modifications. In this study the U251 and U87 gene expression profiles generated under the three growth conditions were also compared. As expected, the profiles of the two glioma cell lines were significantly different when grown as monolayer cultures. However, the glioma cell lines had similar gene expression profiles when grown i.c. These results suggest that tumor cell gene expression, and thus phenotype, as defined in vitro is affected not only by in vivo growth but also by orthotopic growth, which may have implications regarding the identification of relevant targets for cancer therapy. PMID:15928080

  12. Osteopontin and splice variant expression level in human malignant glioma: radiobiologic effects and prognosis after radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Güttler, Antje; Giebler, Maria; Cuno, Peter; Wichmann, Henri; Keßler, Jacqueline; Ostheimer, Christian; Söling, Ariane; Strauss, Christian; Illert, Jörg; Kappler, Matthias; Vordermark, Dirk; Bache, Matthias

    2013-09-01

    We investigated the role of the hypoxia-associated secreted glycoprotein osteopontin (OPN) in the response of malignant glioma to radiotherapy by characterizing OPN and its splice variants in vitro and in patient material. The effect of siRNA knockdown of OPN splice variants on cellular and radiobiologic behavior was analyzed in U251MG cells using OpnS siRNA (inhibition of all OPN splice variants) and OpnAC siRNA (knockdown only of OPNa and OPNc). OPN and splice variant mRNA levels were quantified in archival material of 41 glioblastoma tumor samples. Plasma OPN was prospectively measured in 33 malignant glioma patients. Inhibition of OPNa and OPNc (OpnAC) reduced clonogenic survival in U251MG cells but did not affect proliferation, migration or apoptosis. Knockdown of all OPN splice variants (OpnS) resulted in an even stronger inhibition of clonogenic survival, while cell proliferation and migration were reduced and rate of apoptosis was increased. Additional irradiation had additive effects with both siRNAs. Plasma OPN increased continuously in malignant glioma patients and was associated with poor survival. OPNb is partially able to compensate the effects of OPNa and OPNc knockdown in U251MG cells. High OPN plasma levels at the end of radiotherapy are associated with poor survival. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Physical and functional interactions between a glioma cation channel and integrin-β1 require α-actinin

    PubMed Central

    Rooj, Arun K.; Liu, Zhiyong; McNicholas, Carmel M.

    2015-01-01

    Major plasma membrane components of the tumor cell, ion channels, and integrins play crucial roles in metastasis. Glioma cells express an amiloride-sensitive nonselective cation channel composed of acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC)-1 and epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) α- and γ-subunits. Inhibition of this channel is associated with reduced cell migration and proliferation. Using the ASIC-1 subunit as a reporter for the channel complex, we found a physical and functional interaction between this channel and integrin-β1. Short hairpin RNA knockdown of integrin-β1 attenuated the amiloride-sensitive current, which was due to loss of surface expression of ASIC-1. In contrast, upregulation of membrane expression of integrin-β1 increased the surface expression of ASIC-1. The link between the amiloride-sensitive channel and integrin-β1 was mediated by α-actinin. Downregulation of α-actinin-1 or -4 attenuated the amiloride-sensitive current. Mutation of the putative binding site for α-actinin on the COOH terminus of ASIC-1 reduced the membrane localization of ASIC-1 and also resulted in attenuation of the amiloride-sensitive current. Our data suggest a novel interaction between the amiloride-sensitive glioma cation channel and integrin-β1, mediated by α-actinin. This interaction may form a mechanism by which channel activity can regulate glioma cell proliferation and migration. PMID:26108662

  14. Glioma-derived mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 beneficial to traditional chemotherapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fu, Yuejun, E-mail: yjfu@sxu.edu.cn; Huang, Rui; Zheng, Yali

    2011-07-01

    Highlights: {yields} IDH1 and IDH2 mutations are not detected in the rat C6 glioma cell line model. {yields} IDH2 mutations are not required for the tumorigenesis of glioma. {yields} IDH2{sup R172G} can sensitize glioma sensitivity to chemotherapy through NADPH levels. {yields} IDH2{sup R172G} can give a benefit to traditional chemotherapy of glioma. {yields} This finding serves as an important complement to existing research on this topic. -- Abstract: Heterozygous mutations in either the R132 residue of isocitrate dehydrogenase I (IDH1) or the R172 residue of IDH2 in human gliomas were recently highlighted. In the present study, we report that mutationsmore » of IDH1 and IDH2 are not detected in the rat C6 glioma cell line model, which suggests that these mutations are not required for the development of glioblastoma induced by N,N'-nitroso-methylurea. The effects of IDH2 and IDH2{sup R172G} on C6 cells proliferation and sensitivity to chemotherapy and the possible mechanism are analyzed at the cellular level. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations lead to simultaneous loss and gain of activities in the production of {alpha}-ketoglutarate ({alpha}-KG) and 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG), respectively, and result in lowering NADPH levels even further. The low NADPH levels can sensitize tumors to chemotherapy, and account for the prolonged survival of patients harboring the mutations. Our data extrapolate potential importance of the in vitro rat C6 glioma cell model, show that the IDH2{sup R172G} mutation in gliomas may give a benefit to traditional chemotherapy of this cancer and serve as an important complement to existing research on this topic.« less

  15. Development of a Sox2 reporter system modeling cellular heterogeneity in glioma.

    PubMed

    Stoltz, Kevin; Sinyuk, Maksim; Hale, James S; Wu, Qiulian; Otvos, Balint; Walker, Kiera; Vasanji, Amit; Rich, Jeremy N; Hjelmeland, Anita B; Lathia, Justin D

    2015-03-01

    Malignant gliomas are complex systems containing a number of factors that drive tumor initiation and progression, including genetic aberrations that lead to extensive cellular heterogeneity within the neoplastic compartment. Mouse models recapitulate these genetic aberrations, but readily observable heterogeneity remains challenging. To interrogate cellular heterogeneity in mouse glioma models, we utilized a replication-competent avian sarcoma-leukosis virus long terminal repeat with splice acceptor/tumor virus A (RCAS-tva) system to generate spontaneous mouse gliomas that contained a Sox2-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-tva mice were crossed with Sox2-EGFP mice, and tumors were initiated that contained a subpopulation of Sox2-EGFP-high cells enriched for tumor-initiating cell properties such as self-renewal, multilineage differentiation potential, and perivascular localization. Following implantation into recipient mice, Sox2-EGFP-high cells generated tumors containing Sox2-EGFP-high and Sox2-EGFP-low cells. Kinomic analysis of Sox2-EGFP-high cells revealed activation of known glioma signaling pathways that are strongly correlated with patient survival including platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta, phosphoinositide-3 kinase, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Our functional analysis identified active feline sarcoma (Fes) signaling in Sox2-EGFP-high cells. Fes negatively correlated with glioma patient survival and was coexpressed with Sox2-positive cells in glioma xenografts and primary patient-derived tissue. Our RCAS-tva/Sox2-EGFP model will empower closer examination of cellular heterogeneity and will be useful for identifying novel glioma pathways as well as testing preclinical treatment efficacy. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  16. Insights into molecular therapy of glioma: current challenges and next generation blueprint

    PubMed Central

    Rajesh, Y; Pal, Ipsita; Banik, Payel; Chakraborty, Sandipan; Borkar, Sachin A; Dey, Goutam; Mukherjee, Ahona; Mandal, Mahitosh

    2017-01-01

    Glioma accounts for the majority of human brain tumors. With prevailing treatment regimens, the patients have poor survival rates. In spite of current development in mainstream glioma therapy, a cure for glioma appears to be out of reach. The infiltrative nature of glioma and acquired resistance substancially restrict the therapeutic options. Better elucidation of the complicated pathobiology of glioma and proteogenomic characterization might eventually open novel avenues for the design of more sophisticated and effective combination regimens. This could be accomplished by individually tailoring progressive neuroimaging techniques, terminating DNA synthesis with prodrug-activating genes, silencing gliomagenesis genes (gene therapy), targeting miRNA oncogenic activity (miRNA-mRNA interaction), combining Hedgehog-Gli/Akt inhibitors with stem cell therapy, employing tumor lysates as antigen sources for efficient depletion of tumor-specific cancer stem cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (dendritic cell vaccination), adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells, and combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with conventional therapeutic modalities. Thus, the present review captures the latest trends associated with the molecular mechanisms involved in glial tumorigenesis as well as the limitations of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. In this article we also critically discuss the next generation molecular therapeutic strategies and their mechanisms for the successful treatment of glioma. PMID:28317871

  17. Antiglioma effects of cytarabine on leptomeningeal metastasis of high-grade glioma by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Kai-Hong; Zhang, Can; Bai, Yue; Li, Yan; Kang, Xun; Chen, Jian-Xin; Yao, Kun; Jiang, Tao; Zhong, Xiao-Song; Li, Wen-Bin

    2017-01-01

    Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) of high-grade glioma is a highly lethal disease requiring new effective therapeutic measures. For both de novo or relapsed glioma with LM, intrathecal cytarabine chemotherapy is not frequently used for first-line and relapse protocols. We encountered a clinical case demonstrating effective application of cytarabine in high-grade glioma with LM, prompting us to explore the effects of cytarabine on malignant glioma and molecular mechanisms of such effects through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The U87 cell line was selected to represent human glioma for studies. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, plate colony formation assay, and trypan-blue dye exclusion test. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Protein expression levels were detected by Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry. mRNA expression was examined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cytarabine inhibited tumor growth during the in vivo experiment. The present study confirmed that cytarabine inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of U87 cells, and molecular analysis of this effect showed that cytarabine significantly reduces expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine/threonine kinase also known as the protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway, Ki-67, BCL2, and 4-1BB, and upregulates Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Our findings indicated that intrathecal administration of cytarabine manifests potential in prophylaxis and treatment of malignant glioma with LM. Effective medications for high-grade glioma with LM should contain cytarabine.

  18. Cell death is induced by ciglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) agonist, independently of PPAR{gamma} in human glioma cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, Myoung Woo; Kim, Dae Seong; Kim, Hye Ryung

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Greater than 30 {mu}M ciglitazone induces cell death in glioma cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cell death by ciglitazone is independent of PPAR{gamma} in glioma cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CGZ induces cell death by the loss of MMP via decreased Akt. -- Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) regulates multiple signaling pathways, and its agonists induce apoptosis in various cancer cells. However, their role in cell death is unclear. In this study, the relationship between ciglitazone (CGZ) and PPAR{gamma} in CGZ-induced cell death was examined. At concentrations of greater than 30 {mu}M, CGZ, a synthetic PPAR{gamma} agonist, activated caspase-3 and induced apoptosis inmore » T98G cells. Treatment of T98G cells with less than 30 {mu}M CGZ effectively induced cell death after pretreatment with 30 {mu}M of the PPAR{gamma} antagonist GW9662, although GW9662 alone did not induce cell death. This cell death was also observed when cells were co-treated with CGZ and GW9662, but was not observed when cells were treated with CGZ prior to GW9662. In cells in which PPAR{gamma} was down-regulated cells by siRNA, lower concentrations of CGZ (<30 {mu}M) were sufficient to induce cell death, although higher concentrations of CGZ ( Greater-Than-Or-Slanted-Equal-To 30 {mu}M) were required to induce cell death in control T98G cells, indicating that CGZ effectively induces cell death in T98G cells independently of PPAR{gamma}. Treatment with GW9662 followed by CGZ resulted in a down-regulation of Akt activity and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), which was accompanied by a decrease in Bcl-2 expression and an increase in Bid cleavage. These data suggest that CGZ is capable of inducing apoptotic cell death independently of PPAR{gamma} in glioma cells, by down-regulating Akt activity and inducing MMP collapse.« less

  19. Effect of hypoxia on the expression of genes encoding insulin-like growth factors and some related proteins in U87 glioma cells without IRE1 function.

    PubMed

    Minchenko, Dmytro O; Kharkova, A P; Halkin, O V; Karbovskyi, L L; Minchenko, O H

    2016-04-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hypoxia on the expression of genes encoding insulin-like growth factors (IGF1 and IGF2), their receptor (IGF1R), binding protein-4 (IGFBP4), and stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) in U87 glioma cells in relation to inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling mediated by IRE1 (inositol requiring enzyme 1) for evaluation of their possible significance in the control of tumor growth. The expression of IGF1, IGF2, IGF1R, IGFBP4, and STC2 genes in U87 glioma cells transfected by empty vector pcDNA3.1 (control) and cells without IRE1 signaling enzyme function (transfected by dnIRE1) upon hypoxia was studied by qPCR. The expression of IGF1 and IGF2 genes is down-regulated in glioma cells without IRE1 signaling enzyme function in comparison with the control cells. At the same time, the expression of IGF1R, IGFBP4, and STC2 genes was up-regulated in glioma cells upon inhibition of IRE1, with more significant changes for IGFBP4 and STC2 genes. We also showed that hypoxia does not change significantly the expression of IGF1, IGF2, and IGF1R genes but up-regulated IGFBP4 and STC2 genes expression in control glioma cells. Moreover, the inhibition of both enzymatic activities (kinase and endoribonuclease) of IRE1 in glioma cells does not change significantly the effect of hypoxia on the expression of IGF1, IGF1R, and IGFBP4 genes but introduces sensitivity of IGF2 gene to hypoxic condition. Thus, the expression of IGF2 gene is resistant to hypoxia only in control glioma cells and significantly down-regulated in cells without functional activity of IRE1 signaling enzyme, which is central mediator of the unfolded protein response and an important component of the tumor growth as well as metabolic diseases. Results of this study demonstrate that the expression of IGF1 and IGF1R genes is resistant to hypoxic condition both in control U87 glioma cells and cells without IRE1 signaling enzyme function. However, hypoxia

  20. Pleiotrophin promotes vascular abnormalization in gliomas and correlates with poor survival in patients with astrocytomas.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Lei; Kundu, Soumi; Feenstra, Tjerk; Li, Xiujuan; Jin, Chuan; Laaniste, Liisi; El Hassan, Tamador Elsir Abu; Ohlin, K Elisabet; Yu, Di; Olofsson, Tommie; Olsson, Anna-Karin; Pontén, Fredrik; Magnusson, Peetra U; Nilsson, Karin Forsberg; Essand, Magnus; Smits, Anja; Dieterich, Lothar C; Dimberg, Anna

    2015-12-08

    Glioblastomas are aggressive astrocytomas characterized by endothelial cell proliferation and abnormal vasculature, which can cause brain edema and increase patient morbidity. We identified the heparin-binding cytokine pleiotrophin as a driver of vascular abnormalization in glioma. Pleiotrophin abundance was greater in high-grade human astrocytomas and correlated with poor survival. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which is a receptor that is activated by pleiotrophin, was present in mural cells associated with abnormal vessels. Orthotopically implanted gliomas formed from GL261 cells that were engineered to produce pleiotrophin showed increased microvessel density and enhanced tumor growth compared with gliomas formed from control GL261 cells. The survival of mice with pleiotrophin-producing gliomas was shorter than that of mice with gliomas that did not produce pleiotrophin. Vessels in pleiotrophin-producing gliomas were poorly perfused and abnormal, a phenotype that was associated with increased deposition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in direct proximity to the vasculature. The growth of pleiotrophin-producing GL261 gliomas was inhibited by treatment with the ALK inhibitor crizotinib, the ALK inhibitor ceritinib, or the VEGF receptor inhibitor cediranib, whereas control GL261 tumors did not respond to either inhibitor. Our findings link pleiotrophin abundance in gliomas with survival in humans and mice, and show that pleiotrophin promotes glioma progression through increased VEGF deposition and vascular abnormalization. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  1. Cellular immunotherapy for malignant gliomas.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yi; Okada, Hideho

    2016-10-01

    Cancer immunotherapy has made much progress in recent years. Clinical trials evaluating a variety of immunotherapeutic approaches are underway in patients with malignant gliomas. Thanks to recent advancements in cell engineering technologies, infusion of ex vivo prepared immune cells have emerged as promising strategies of cancer immunotherapy. Herein, the authors review recent and current studies using cellular immunotherapies for malignant gliomas. Specifically, they cover the following areas: a) cellular vaccine approaches using tumor cell-based or dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines, and b) adoptive cell transfer (ACT) approaches, including lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, γδ T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and T-cell receptor (TCR) transduced T cells. While some of the recent studies have shown promising results, the ultimate success of cellular immunotherapy in brain tumor patients would require improvements in the following areas: 1) feasibility in producing cellular therapeutics; 2) identification and characterization of targetable antigens given the paucity and heterogeneity of tumor specific antigens; 3) the development of strategies to promote effector T-cell trafficking; 4) overcoming local and systemic immune suppression, and 5) proper interpretation of imaging data for brain tumor patients receiving immunotherapy.

  2. The nitric oxide donor JS-K sensitizes U87 glioma cells to repetitive irradiation.

    PubMed

    Heckler, Max; Osterberg, Nadja; Guenzle, Jessica; Thiede-Stan, Nina Kristin; Reichardt, Wilfried; Weidensteiner, Claudia; Saavedra, Joseph E; Weyerbrock, Astrid

    2017-06-01

    As a potent radiosensitizer nitric oxide (NO) may be a putative adjuvant in the treatment of malignant gliomas which are known for their radio- and chemoresistance. The NO donor prodrug JS-K (O2-(2.4-dinitrophenyl) 1-[(4-ethoxycarbonyl) piperazin-1-yl] diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate) allows cell-type specific intracellular NO release via enzymatic activation by glutathione-S-transferases overexpressed in glioblastoma multiforme. The cytotoxic and radiosensitizing efficacy of JS-K was assessed in U87 glioma cells in vitro focusing on cell proliferation, induction of DNA damage, and cell death. In vivo efficacy of JS-K and repetitive irradiation were investigated in an orthotopic U87 xenograft model in mice. For the first time, we could show that JS-K acts as a potent cytotoxic and radiosensitizing agent in U87 cells in vitro. This dose- and time-dependent effect is due to an enhanced induction of DNA double-strand breaks leading to mitotic catastrophe as the dominant form of cell death. However, this potent cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effect could not be confirmed in an intracranial U87 xenograft model, possibly due to insufficient delivery into the brain. Although NO donor treatment was well tolerated, neither a retardation of tumor growth nor an extended survival could be observed after JS-K and/or radiotherapy.

  3. Measuring the lactate-to-creatine ratio via 1H NMR spectroscopy can be used to noninvasively evaluate apoptosis in glioma cells after X-ray irradiation.

    PubMed

    Li, Hongxia; Cui, Yi; Li, Fuyan; Shi, Wenqi; Gao, Wenjing; Wang, Xiao; Zeng, Qingshi

    2018-01-01

    Radiotherapy is among the commonly applied treatment options for glioma, which is one of the most common types of primary brain tumor. To evaluate the effect of radiotherapy noninvasively, it is vital for oncologists to monitor the effects of X-ray irradiation on glioma cells. Preliminary research had showed that PKC-ι expression correlates with tumor cell apoptosis induced by X-ray irradiation. It is also believed that the lactate-to-creatine (Lac/Cr) ratio can be used as a biomarker to evaluate apoptosis in glioma cells after X-ray irradiation. In this study, we evaluated the relationships between the Lac/Cr ratio, apoptotic rate, and protein kinase C iota (PKC-ι) expression in glioma cells. Cells of the glioma cell lines C6 and U251 were randomly divided into 4 groups, with every group exposed to X-ray irradiation at 0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 Gy. Single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) was conducted to evaluate the DNA damage. Flow cytometry was performed to measure the cell cycle blockage and apoptotic rates. Western blot analysis was used to detect the phosphorylated PKC-ι (p-PKC-ι) level. 1 H NMR spectroscopy was employed to determine the Lac/Cr ratio. The DNA damage increased in a radiation dose-dependent manner ( p  < 0.05). With the increase in X-ray irradiation, the apoptotic rate also increased (C6, p  < 0.01; U251, p  < 0.05), and the p-PKC-ι level decreased (C6, p  < 0.01; U251, p  < 0.05). The p-PKC-ι level negatively correlated with apoptosis, whereas the Lac/Cr ratio positively correlated with the p-PKC-ι level. The Lac/Cr ratio decreases with an increase in X-ray irradiation and thus can be used as a biomarker to reflect the effects of X-ray irradiation in glioma cells.

  4. Targeting neuronal activity-regulated neuroligin-3 dependency in high-grade glioma

    PubMed Central

    Venkatesh, Humsa S.; Tam, Lydia T.; Woo, Pamelyn J.; Lennon, James; Nagaraja, Surya; Gillespie, Shawn M.; Ni, Jing; Duveau, Damien Y.; Morris, Patrick J.; Zhao, Jean J.; Thomas, Craig J.; Monje, Michelle

    2017-01-01

    Summary High-grade gliomas (HGG) are a devastating group of cancers, representing the leading cause of brain tumor-related death in both children and adults. Therapies aimed at mechanisms intrinsic to the glioma cell have translated to only limited success; effective therapeutic strategies will need to also target elements of the tumor microenvironment that promote glioma progression. We recently demonstrated that neuronal activity robustly promotes the growth of a range of molecularly and clinically distinct HGG types, including adult glioblastoma (GBM), anaplastic oligodendroglioma, pediatric GBM, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)1. An important mechanism mediating this neural regulation of brain cancer is activity-dependent cleavage and secretion of the synaptic molecule neuroligin-3 (NLGN3), which promotes glioma proliferation through the PI3K-mTOR pathway1. However, neuroligin-3 necessity to glioma growth, proteolytic mechanism of secretion and further molecular consequences in glioma remain to be clarified. Here, we demonstrate a striking dependence of HGG growth on microenvironmental neuroligin-3, elucidate signaling cascades downstream of neuroligin-3 binding in glioma and determine a therapeutically targetable mechanism of secretion. Patient-derived orthotopic xenografts of pediatric GBM, DIPG and adult GBM fail to grow in Nlgn3 knockout mice. Neuroligin-3 stimulates numerous oncogenic pathways, including early focal adhesion kinase activation upstream of PI3K-mTOR, and induces transcriptional changes including upregulation of numerous synapse-related genes in glioma cells. Neuroligin-3 is cleaved from both neurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells via the ADAM10 sheddase. ADAM10 inhibitors prevent release of neuroligin-3 into the tumor microenvironment and robustly block HGG xenograft growth. This work defines a promising strategy for targeting neuroligin-3 secretion, which could prove transformative for HGG therapy. PMID:28959975

  5. Aberrant rhythmic expression of cryptochrome2 regulates the radiosensitivity of rat gliomas.

    PubMed

    Fan, Wang; Caiyan, Li; Ling, Zhu; Jiayun, Zhao

    2017-09-29

    In this study, we investigated the role of the clock regulatory protein cryptochrome 2 (Cry2) in determining the radiosensitivity of C6 glioma cells in a rat model. We observed that Cry2 mRNA and protein levels showed aberrant rhythmic periodicity of 8 h in glioma tissues, compared to 24 h in normal brain tissue. Cry2 mRNA and protein levels did not respond to irradiation in normal tissues, but both were increased at the ZT4 (low Cry2) and ZT8 (high Cry2) time points in gliomas. Immunohistochemical staining of PCNA and TUNEL assays demonstrated that high Cry2 expression in glioma tissues was associated with increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis. Western blot analysis showed that glioma cell fate was independent of p53, but was probably dependent on p73, which was more highly expressed at ZT4 (low Cry2) than at ZT8 (high Cry2). Levels of both p53 and p73 were unaffected by irradiation in normal brain tissues. These findings suggest aberrant rhythmic expression of Cry2 influence on radiosensitivity in rat gliomas.

  6. USP22 acts as an oncoprotein to maintain glioma malignancy through deubiquitinating BMI1 for stabilization.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Guan-Zhong; Mao, Xiao-Yuan; Ma, Yue; Gao, Xing-Chun; Wang, Zhen; Jin, Ming-Zhu; Sun, Wei; Zou, Yong-Xiang; Lin, Jing; Fu, Hua-Lin; Jin, Wei-Lin

    2018-05-22

    USP22 is a member of "death-from-cancer" signature, which plays a key role in cancer progression. Although previous evidence has shown that USP22 is overexpressed and correlated with poor prognosis in glioma. The effect and mechanism of USP22 in glioma malignancy especially cancer stemness remain elusive. Here, we find USP22 is more enriched in stem-like tumorspheres than differentiated glioma cells. USP22 knockdown inhibits cancer stemness in glioma cell lines. With a cell-penetrating TAT-tag protein, BMI1, a robust glioma stem-cell marker, is found to mediate the effect of USP22 on glioma stemness. By immunofluorescence, USP22 and BMI1 are found to share similar intranuclear expression in glioma cells. By analysis with immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics, USP22 is found to positively correlated with BMI1 only in the post-translational level rather than transcriptional level. By immunoprecipitation and in vivo deubiquitination assay, USP22 is found to interact with and deubiquitinate BMI1 for protein stabilization. Microarray analysis reveals that USP22 and BMI1 mutually regulate a series of genes involved in glioma stemness such as POSTN, HEY2, PDGFRA and ATF3. In vivo study with nude mice confirms the role of USP22 in promoting glioma tumorigenesis by regulating BMI1. All these findings indicate USP22 as a novel deubiquitinase of BMI1 in glioma. We propose a working model of USP22-BMI1 axis, which promotes glioma stemness and tumorigenesis through oncogenic activation. Thus, targeting USP22 might be an effective strategy to treat glioma especially those with elevated BMI1 expression. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  7. Functionalized nano-graphene oxide particles for targeted fluorescence imaging and photothermy of glioma U251 cells.

    PubMed

    Li, Zhong-Jun; Li, Chao; Zheng, Mei-Guang; Pan, Jia-Dong; Zhang, Li-Ming; Deng, Yue-Fei

    2015-01-01

    This study was to prepare the functionalized nano-graphene oxide (nano-GO) particles, and observe targeted fluorescence imaging and photothermy of U251 glioma cells under near infrared (NIR) exposure. The functionalized nano-GO-Tf-FITC particles were prepared and then were incubated with U251 glioma cells. Estimation of CCK8 cell activity was adopted for measurement of cytotoxicity. The effect of fluorescein imaging was detected by fluorescence microscope with anti-CD71-FITC as a control. Finally, we detected the killing efficacy with flow cytometry after an 808 nm NIR exposure. Both nano-GO-Tf-FITC group and CD71-FITC group exhibited green-yellow fluorescence, while the control group without the target molecule nano-GO-FITC was negative. The nano-GO-Tf-FITC was incubated with U251 cells at 0.1 mg/ml, 1.0 mg/ml, 3.0 mg/ml and 5.0 mg/ml. After 48 h of incubation, the absorbance was 0.747 ± 0.031, 0.732 ± 0.043, 0.698 ± 0.051 and 0.682 ± 0.039, while the absorbance of control group is 0.759 ± 0.052. There is no significant difference between the nano-GO-FITC groups and control group. In addition, the apoptosis and death index of nano-GO-Tf-FITC group was significantly higher than that of nano-GO-FITC and blank control group (P < 0.05). The nano-GO-Tf-FITC particles with good biological compatibility and low cytotoxicity are successfully made, which have an observed effect of target imaging and photothermal therapy on glioma U251 cells.

  8. In Silico Neuro-Oncology: Brownian Motion-Based Mathematical Treatment as a Potential Platform for Modeling the Infiltration of Glioma Cells into Normal Brain Tissue.

    PubMed

    Antonopoulos, Markos; Stamatakos, Georgios

    2015-01-01

    Intensive glioma tumor infiltration into the surrounding normal brain tissues is one of the most critical causes of glioma treatment failure. To quantitatively understand and mathematically simulate this phenomenon, several diffusion-based mathematical models have appeared in the literature. The majority of them ignore the anisotropic character of diffusion of glioma cells since availability of pertinent truly exploitable tomographic imaging data is limited. Aiming at enriching the anisotropy-enhanced glioma model weaponry so as to increase the potential of exploiting available tomographic imaging data, we propose a Brownian motion-based mathematical analysis that could serve as the basis for a simulation model estimating the infiltration of glioblastoma cells into the surrounding brain tissue. The analysis is based on clinical observations and exploits diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data. Numerical simulations and suggestions for further elaboration are provided.

  9. Upregulation of long noncoding RNA HOXA-AS3 promotes tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis in glioma

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Fan; Zhang, Chuanbao; Cai, Jinquan; Yang, Fan; Liang, Tingyu; Yan, Xiaoyan; Wang, Haoyuan; Wang, Wen; Chen, Jing; Jiang, Tao

    2017-01-01

    Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as new potentially promising therapeutic targets in many cancers. However, their prognostic value and biological functions associated with glioma remain to be elucidated. Here, High-throughput RNAseq was performed to detect the expression profiles of lncRNAs in 325 human glioma tissues. It was shown that a novel lncRNA HOXA-AS3 was one of the most significantly upregulated lncRNAs in glioma tissues. Quantitative PCR further verified the increased expression of HOXA-AS3 in patient samples and glioma cell lines. Uni and Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that HOXA-AS3 was an independent prognostic factor in glioma patients. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that the gene sets correlated with HOXA-AS3 expression were involved in cell cycle progression and E2F targets. Functionally, HOXA-AS3 silencing resulted in proliferation arrest by altering cell cycle progression and promoting cell apoptosis, and impaired cell migration in glioma cells. Furthermore, the growth-inhibiting effect of HOXA-AS3 knockdown was also demonstrated in Xenograft mouse model. Our results highlight the important role of HOXA-AS3 in glioma progression, and indicate that HOXA-AS3 may be served as a valuable prognostic biomarker for glioma. PMID:28881797

  10. Hyperthermia studies using inductive and ultrasound methods on E. coli bacteria and mouse glioma cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cabral-Prieto, A.; López-Callejas, R.; Rodríguez-Méndez, B. G.; Santos-Cuevas, C. L.; Celis-Almazán, J.; Olea-Mejía, O.; Gómez-Morales, J. L.; Peña-Eguiluz, R.; Valencia-Alvarado, R.; Mercado-Cabrera, A.; Muñoz-Castro, A. E.; García-Santibañez, F.

    2017-11-01

    The survival of Escherichia coli bacteria and mouse glioma cells were studied under different temperatures using direct heating in water, ultrasound, and magnetic fluid hyperthermia. The survival of these microorganisms depended on whether the heating mode was continuous or discontinuous, surviving more in the former than in the discontinuous heating mode. Whereas Escherichia coli bacteria did not survive at temperatures ≥50∘C, the mouse glioma cells did not survive at temperatures ≥48∘C. The survival of both these microorganisms was independent of the presence or absence of the magnetic nanoparticles of magnetite, suggesting that these, having mean particle sizes of 9.5, 8.5 and 5, did not show any apparent cytotoxicity effect. Present results also showed that the inductive heating system which used a radiofrequency of 13.56 MHz, providing a maximum magnetic field strength of 160 A/m, the electric rather than magnetic heating predominated.

  11. Sensitization of cerebral tissue in nude mice with photodynamic therapy induces ADAM17/TACE and promotes glioma cell invasion

    PubMed Central

    Zheng, Xuguang; Jiang, Feng; Katakowski, Mark; Zhang, Xuepeng; Jiang, Hao; Zhang, Zheng Gang; Chopp, Michael

    2008-01-01

    In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that a mild cerebral tissue injury promotes subsequent glioma invasion via activation of the ADAM17-EGFR-PI3K-Akt pathway. Mild injury was induced by Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which employs tissue-penetrating laser light exposure following systemic administration of a tumor-localizing photosensitizer. Athymic nude mice were treated with sublethal PDT (80J/cm2 with 2mg/kg Photofrin). Hypoxic stress and ADAM17-EGFR-PI3K-Akt were measured using Western blot and immunostaining. Additional groups with/without pro-sublethal PDT were subsequently implanted with U87 glioma tumor cell. Tumor invasion and ADAM17-EGFR-PI3K-Akt pathway in tumor area were measured. After a sublethal dose of PDT, HIF-1α expression was increased by a factor of three in PDT-treated normal brain tissue compared to contralateral control brain tissue. PDT-treated brain tissue exhibited a significant increase in ADAM17, p-EGFR, p-Akt expression compared to non-treated tissue. ADAM17 positive area significantly increased from 1.78% to 10.89%. The percentage of p-EGFR and p-Akt positive cells significantly increased from 9.50% and 14.50% to 21.31% and 32.29%,respectively, PDT treatment significantly increased subsequent implanted U87 glioma cell invasion by 3.68-fold and increased ADAM17, EGFR, p-EGFR, Akt, p-Akt expression by 178%, 43.9%,152.7%, 89.6%,and 164.2%, respectively, compared to control group. Our data showed that a sublethal sensitization of cerebral tissue with PDT significantly increased U87 cell invasion in nude mice, and that glioma cell invasion is highly correlated with activation of the ADAM17-EGFR-PI3K-Akt pathway (r=0.928, 0.775, 0.870, 0.872, and 0.883, respectively), most likely via HIF-1α. PMID:18358600

  12. Water Extract of Ashwagandha Leaves Limits Proliferation and Migration, and Induces Differentiation in Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Kataria, Hardeep; Shah, Navjot; Kaul, Sunil C.; Wadhwa, Renu; Kaur, Gurcharan

    2011-01-01

    Root extracts of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) are commonly used as a remedy for a variety of ailments and a general tonic for overall health and longevity in the Indian traditional medicine system, Ayurveda. We undertook a study to investigate the anti-proliferative and differentiation-inducing activities in the water extract of Ashwagandha leaves (ASH-WEX) by examining in glioma cells. Preliminary detection for phytochemicals was performed by thin-layer chromatography. Cytotoxicity was determined using trypan blue and MTT assays. Expression level of an hsp70 family protein (mortalin), glial cell differentiation marker [glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)] and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) were analyzed by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. Anti-migratory assay was also done using wound-scratch assay. Expression levels of mortalin, GFAP and NCAM showed changes, subsequent to the treatment with ASH-WEX. The data support the existence of anti-proliferative, differentiation-inducing and anti-migratory/anti-metastasis activities in ASH-WEX that could be used as potentially safe and complimentary therapy for glioma. PMID:20007262

  13. The Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway confers glioma resistance to DNA alkylating agents.

    PubMed

    Chen, Clark C; Taniguchi, Toshiyasu; D'Andrea, Alan

    2007-05-01

    DNA alkylating agents including temozolomide (TMZ) and 1,3-bis[2-chloroethyl]-1-nitroso-urea (BCNU) are the most common form of chemotherapy in the treatment of gliomas. Despite their frequent use, the therapeutic efficacy of these agents is limited by the development of resistance. Previous studies suggest that the mechanism of this resistance is complex and involves multiple DNA repair pathways. To better define the pathways contributing to the mechanisms underlying glioma resistance, we tested the contribution of the Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway. TMZ and BCNU treatment of FA-proficient cell lines led to a dose- and time-dependent increase in FANCD2 mono-ubiquitination and FANCD2 nuclear foci formation, both hallmarks of FA pathway activation. The FA-deficient cells were more sensitive to TMZ/BCNU relative to their corrected, isogenic counterparts. To test whether these observations were pertinent to glioma biology, we screened a panel of glioma cell lines and identified one (HT16) that was deficient in the FA repair pathway. This cell line exhibited increased sensitivity to TMZ and BCNU relative to the FA-proficient glioma cell lines. Moreover, inhibition of FA pathway activation by a small molecule inhibitor (curcumin) or by small interference RNA suppression caused increased sensitivity to TMZ/BCNU in the U87 glioma cell line. The BCNU sensitizing effect of FA inhibition appeared additive to that of methyl-guanine methyl transferase inhibition. The results presented in this paper underscore the complexity of cellular resistance to DNA alkylating agents and implicate the FA repair pathway as a determinant of this resistance.

  14. Blockage of angiotensin II type I receptor decreases the synthesis of growth factors and induces apoptosis in C6 cultured cells and C6 rat glioma

    PubMed Central

    Arrieta, O; Guevara, P; Escobar, E; García-Navarrete, R; Pineda, B; Sotelo, J

    2005-01-01

    Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a main effector peptide in the renin–angiotensin system and participates in the regulation of vascular tone. It also has a role in the expression of growth factors that induce neovascularisation which is closely associated to the growth of malignant gliomas. We have shown that the selective blockage of the AT1 receptor of angiotensin inhibites tumour growth, cell proliferation and angiogenesis of C6 rat glioma. The aim of this study was to study the effects of the blockage of AT1 receptor on the synthesis of growth factors, and in the genesis of apoptosis in cultured C6 glioma cells and in rats with C6 glioma. Administration of losartan at doses of 40 or 80 mg kg−1 to rats with C6 glioma significantly decreased tumoral volume and production of platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. It also induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of Ang II increased cell proliferation of cultured C6 cells which decreased by the administration of losartan. Our results suggest that the selective blockage of AT1 diminishes tumoral growth through inhibition of growth factors and promotion of apoptosis. PMID:15785746

  15. Isthmin inhibits glioma growth through antiangiogenesis in vivo.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Bangqing; Xian, Ronghua; Ma, Jianfang; Chen, Yujian; Lin, Chuangan; Song, Yaoming

    2012-09-01

    Among glioma treatment strategies, antiangiogenesis emerges as a meaningful and feasible treatment approach for inducing long-term survival. Isthmin is a gene highly expressed in the isthmus of the midbrain-hindbrain organizer in Xenopus, and has recently been identified as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor. However, the potential of isthmin on the glioma angiogenesis has not been well studied. In the present study, we demonstrated that the recombinant adenovirus isthmin (Ad-isthmin) could inhibit VEGF-stimulated endothelial cell proliferation and induce apoptosis through a caspase-dependent pathway. In addition, Ad-isthmin significantly suppressed glioma growth through antiangiogenesis without apparent side effects. Taken together, our results demonstrated that isthmin could act as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor and might be utilized in the glioma antiangiogenesis therapy.

  16. The regulation of delta-opiate receptor density on 108CC15 neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cells.

    PubMed Central

    Moses, M. A.; Snell, C. R.

    1984-01-01

    The effect of exogenous substances on the expression of opiate receptors on 108CC15 neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cells has been studied. Cell differentiation by culture in the presence of N6-O2-dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate induced a three fold increase in opiate receptor density. When the cells were grown in the presence of 10(-5) M morphine hydrochloride for up to 23 days, opiate receptor densities were reduced by only 30% when compared with matched controls. Culture in the presence of 10(-7) M D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin produced opiate receptor down regulation of 73% compared to controls after only 4 h of treatment. The down regulation process could be inhibited by continued exposure to D-Ala2 D-Leu5-enkephalin at concentrations greater than 4 nM; below this concentration down regulation was rapid and irreversible. A model to explain these observations is described. PMID:6322893

  17. Glioma targeted delivery strategy of doxorubicin-loaded liposomes by dual-ligand modification.

    PubMed

    Han, Wei; Yin, Guangfu; Pu, Ximing; Chen, Xianchun; Liao, Xiaoming; Huang, Zhongbing

    2017-10-01

    The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the protective parclose of brain safety, but it is also the main obstacle of the drug delivery to cerebral parenchyma, which hamper therapy for brain diseases. In this work, a glioma targeted drug delivery system was developed through loading doxorubicin into Angiopep-2 and TAT peptide dual-modified liposomes (DOX-TAT-Ang-LIP). Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) was one receptor overexpressed on both BBB and glioma cytomembranes. Angiopep-2, a specific ligand of LRP1, exhibited high LRP1 binding efficiency. Additionally, TAT could penetrate through cell membranes without selectivity via an unsaturated pathway. To avoid the receptor saturation of Angiopep-2, TAT was also conjugated on the surface of liposomes, providing that the liposomes not only have effective BBB penetrating effect, but also have the glioma targeting function. The prepared DOX liposomes appeared good stability and narrow dispersity in serum with a diameter of 90 nm, and exhibited sustained DOX release behaviors. The conjunctions of Angiopep-2 and TAT were confirmed by 1 H NMR spectra. The BBB model, cellular uptake observations, antiproliferation study, and the cell ultrastructure analyses suggested that DOX-TAT-Ang-LIP could not only penetrate through BBB via transcytosis, but also concentrate in glioma, then enter into glioma cells and finally result in the necrosis of glioma cells.

  18. Phospho-eNOS Ser-1176 is associated with the nucleoli and the Golgi complex in C6 rat glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Klinz, Franz-Josef; Herberg, Natalie; Arnhold, Stefan; Addicks, Klaus; Bloch, Wilhelm

    2007-06-29

    Enzymatic activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is controlled by posttranslational modifications, protein-protein interactions, and subcellular localization. For example, N-terminal fatty acid modifications target eNOS to the Golgi complex where it becomes phosphorylated. We show here by immunofluorescence analysis that phospho-eNOS Ser-1176 is enriched in the perinuclear region of interphase C6 rat glioma cells. Confocal double immunofluorescence microscopy with the Golgi marker protein 58K revealed that phospho-eNOS Ser-1176 is associated with the Golgi complex. Surprisingly, we observed several spots in the nucleus of C6 cells that were positive for phospho-eNOS Ser-1176. Confocal double immunofluorescence analysis with the nucleolus marker protein fibrillarin revealed that within the nucleus phospho-eNOS Ser-1176 is exclusively associated with the nucleoli. It is known that in mitotic cells nucleoli are lost during prophase and rebuild during telophase. In agreement with this, we find no nucleoli-like distribution of phospho-eNOS Ser-1176 in metaphase and anaphase C6 glioma cells. Our finding that phospho-eNOS Ser-1176 is selectively associated with the nucleoli points to a so far unknown role for eNOS in interphase glioma cells.

  19. The molecular profile of microglia under the influence of glioma

    PubMed Central

    Li, Wei; Graeber, Manuel B.

    2012-01-01

    Microglia, which contribute substantially to the tumor mass of glioblastoma, have been shown to play an important role in glioma growth and invasion. While a large number of experimental studies on functional attributes of microglia in glioma provide evidence for their tumor-supporting roles, there also exist hints in support of their anti-tumor properties. Microglial activities during glioma progression seem multifaceted. They have been attributed to the receptors expressed on the microglia surface, to glioma-derived molecules that have an effect on microglia, and to the molecules released by microglia in response to their environment under glioma control, which can have autocrine effects. In this paper, the microglia and glioma literature is reviewed. We provide a synopsis of the molecular profile of microglia under the influence of glioma in order to help establish a rational basis for their potential therapeutic use. The ability of microglia precursors to cross the blood–brain barrier makes them an attractive target for the development of novel cell-based treatments of malignant glioma. PMID:22573310

  20. Hyperplasia of Pericytes Is One of the Main Characteristics of Microvascular Architecture in Malignant Glioma

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Huiqin; Guo, Deyu; Su, Yongping; Yu, Dongmei; Wang, Qingliang; Wang, Tao; Zhou, Qing; Ran, Xinze; Zou, Zhongmin

    2014-01-01

    Objectives To investigate the role of pericytes in constructing the malformed microvessels (MVs) and participating microvascular architecture heterogeneity of glioma. Methods Forty human glioma tissue samples (WHO grade II-IV) were included in present study. Observation of blood vessel patterns, quantitative analysis of endothelial cells (ECs)- and pericyte-labeled MVs and comparison between malignant grades based on single- or double-immunohistochemical staining. The MV number density (MVND), microvascular pericyte number density (MPND), and microvascular pericyte area density (MPAD) were calculated. The expression of PDGFβ was also scored after immunostaining. Results In grade II glioma, most of tumor MVs were the thin-wall CD34+ vessels with near normal morphology. In addition to thin-wall CD34+ MVs, more thick-wall MVs were found in grade III glioma, which often showed α-SMA positive. Most of MVs in grade IV glioma were in the form of plexus, curled cell cords and glomeruloid microvascular proliferation while the α-SMA+ cells were the main components. The MVs usually showed disordered arrangement, loose connection and active cell proliferation as shown by Ki67 and α-SMA coexpression. With the increase of glioma grades, the α-SMA+ MVND, CD34+ MVND and MPND were significantly augmented although the increase of CD34+ MVND but not MPAD was statistically insignificant between grade III and IV. It was interesting that some vessel-like structures only consist of α-SMA+ cells, assuming the guiding role of pericytes in angiogenesis. The expression level of PDGFβ was upregulated and directly correlated with the MPND in different glioma grades. Conclusion Hyperplasia of pericytes was one of the significant characteristics of malignant glioma and locally proliferated pericytes were the main constituent of MVs in high grade glioma. The pathological characteristics of pericytes could be used as indexes of malignant grades of glioma. PMID:25478951

  1. C-type natriuretic peptide-modified lipid vesicles: fabrication and use for the treatment of brain glioma.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jia-Shuan; Mu, Li-Min; Bu, Ying-Zi; Liu, Lei; Yan, Yan; Hu, Ying-Jie; Bai, Jing; Zhang, Jing-Ying; Lu, Weiyue; Lu, Wan-Liang

    2017-06-20

    Chemotherapy of brain glioma faces a major obstacle owing to the inability of drug transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Besides, neovasculatures in brain glioma site result in a rapid infiltration, making complete surgical removal virtually impossible. Herein, we reported a novel kind of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) modified vinorelbine lipid vesicles for transferring drug across the BBB, and for treating brain glioma along with disrupting neovasculatures. The studies were performed on brain glioma U87-MG cells in vitro and on glioma-bearing nude mice in vivo. The results showed that the CNP-modified vinorelbine lipid vesicles could transport vinorelbine across the BBB, kill the brain glioma, and destroy neovasculatures effectively. The above mechanisms could be associated with the following aspects, namely, long circulation in the blood; drug transport across the BBB via natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPRB)-mediated transcytosis; elimination of brain glioma cells and disruption of neovasculatures by targeting uptake and cytotoxic injury. Besides, CNP-modified vinorelbine lipid vesicles could induce apoptosis of the glioma cells. The mechanisms could be related to the activations of caspase 8, caspase 3, p53, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhibition of survivin. Hence, CNP-modified lipid vesicles could be used as a carrier material for treating brain glioma and disabling glioma neovasculatures.

  2. Beyond Alkylating Agents for Gliomas: Quo Vadimus?

    PubMed

    Puduvalli, Vinay K; Chaudhary, Rekha; McClugage, Samuel G; Markert, James

    2017-01-01

    Recent advances in therapies have yielded notable success in terms of improved survival in several cancers. However, such treatments have failed to improve outcome in patients with gliomas for whom surgery followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy with alkylating agents remain the standard of care. Genetic and epigenetic studies have helped identify several alterations specific to gliomas. Attempts to target these altered pathways have been unsuccessful due to various factors, including tumor heterogeneity, adaptive resistance of tumor cells, and limitations of access across the blood-brain barrier. Novel therapies that circumvent such limitations have been the focus of intense study and include approaches such as immunotherapy, targeting of signaling hubs and metabolic pathways, and use of biologic agents. Immunotherapeutic approaches including tumor-targeted vaccines, immune checkpoint blockade, antibody-drug conjugates, and chimeric antigen receptor-expressing cell therapies are in various stages of clinical trials. Similarly, identification of key metabolic pathways or converging hubs of signaling pathways that are tumor specific have yielded novel targets for therapy of gliomas. In addition, the failure of conventional therapies against gliomas has led to a growing interest among patients in the use of alternative therapies, which in turn has necessitated developing evidence-based approaches to the application of such therapies in clinical studies. The development of these novel approaches bears potential for providing breakthroughs in treatment of more meaningful and improved outcomes for patients with gliomas.

  3. 3-Bromopyruvate antagonizes effects of lactate and pyruvate, synergizes with citrate and exerts novel anti-glioma effects.

    PubMed

    El Sayed, S M; El-Magd, R M Abou; Shishido, Y; Chung, S P; Diem, T H; Sakai, T; Watanabe, H; Kagami, S; Fukui, K

    2012-02-01

    Oxidative stress-energy depletion therapy using oxidative stress induced by D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) and energy depletion induced by 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) was reported recently (El Sayed et al., Cancer Gene Ther., 19, 1-18, 2012). Even in the presence of oxygen, cancer cells oxidize glucose preferentially to produce lactate (Warburg effect) which seems vital for cancer microenvironment and progression. 3BP is a closely related structure to lactate and pyruvate and may antagonize their effects as a novel mechanism of its action. Pyruvate exerted a potent H(2)O(2) scavenging effect to exogenous H(2)O(2), while lactate had no scavenging effect. 3BP induced H(2)O(2) production. Pyruvate protected against H(2)O(2)-induced C6 glioma cell death, 3BP-induced C6 glioma cell death but not against DAO/D-serine-induced cell death, while lactate had no protecting effect. Lactate and pyruvate protected against 3BP-induced C6 glioma cell death and energy depletion which were overcome with higher doses of 3BP. Lactate and pyruvate enhanced migratory power of C6 glioma which was blocked by 3BP. Pyruvate and lactate did not protect against C6 glioma cell death induced by other glycolytic inhibitors e.g. citrate (inhibitor of phosphofructokinase) and sodium fluoride (inhibitor of enolase). Serial doses of 3BP were synergistic with citrate in decreasing viability of C6 glioma cells and spheroids. Glycolysis subjected to double inhibition using 3BP with citrate depleted ATP, clonogenic power and migratory power of C6 glioma cells. 3BP induced a caspase-dependent cell death in C6 glioma. 3BP was powerful in decreasing viability of human glioblastoma multiforme cells (U373MG) and C6 glioma in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

  4. Honokiol induces autophagic cell death in malignant glioma through reactive oxygen species-mediated regulation of the p53/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lin, Chien-Ju

    Honokiol, an active constituent extracted from the bark of Magnolia officinalis, possesses anticancer effects. Apoptosis is classified as type I programmed cell death, while autophagy is type II programmed cell death. We previously proved that honokiol induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of U87 MG glioma cells. Subsequently in this study, we evaluated the effect of honokiol on autophagy of glioma cells and examined the molecular mechanisms. Administration of honokiol to mice with an intracranial glioma increased expressions of cleaved caspase 3 and light chain 3 (LC3)-II. Exposure of U87 MG cells to honokiol also induced autophagy in concentration- andmore » time-dependent manners. Results from the addition of 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor, and rapamycin, an autophagy inducer confirmed that honokiol-induced autophagy contributed to cell death. Honokiol decreased protein levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, and p-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with a p53 inhibitor or transfection with p53 small interfering (si)RNA suppressed honokiol-induced autophagy by reversing downregulation of p-Akt and p-mTOR expressions. In addition, honokiol caused generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was suppressed by the antioxidant, vitamin C. Vitamin C also inhibited honokiol-induced autophagic and apoptotic cell death. Concurrently, honokiol-induced alterations in levels of p-p53, p53, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were attenuated following vitamin C administration. Taken together, our data indicated that honokiol induced ROS-mediated autophagic cell death through regulating the p53/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. - Highlights: • Exposure of mice with intracranial gliomas to honokiol induces cell apoptosis and autophagy. • Honokiol triggers autophagy of human glioma cells via the PISK/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. • P53 induces autophagy via regulating the AKT/mTOR pathway in honokiol-treated glioma cells. • ROS

  5. Pericytes/vessel-associated mural cells (VAMCs) are the major source of key epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors SLUG and TWIST in human glioma.

    PubMed

    Mäder, Lisa; Blank, Anna E; Capper, David; Jansong, Janina; Baumgarten, Peter; Wirsik, Naita M; Zachskorn, Cornelia; Ehlers, Jakob; Seifert, Michael; Klink, Barbara; Liebner, Stefan; Niclou, Simone; Naumann, Ulrike; Harter, Patrick N; Mittelbronn, Michel

    2018-05-08

    Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is supposed to be responsible for increased invasion and metastases in epithelial cancer cells. The activation of EMT genes has further been proposed to be important in the process of malignant transformation of primary CNS tumors. Since the cellular source and clinical impact of EMT factors in primary CNS tumors still remain unclear, we aimed at deciphering their distribution in vivo and clinico-pathological relevance in human gliomas. We investigated 350 glioma patients for the expression of the key EMT factors SLUG and TWIST by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence related to morpho-genetic alterations such as EGFR -amplification, IDH-1 (R132H) mutation and 1p/19q LOH. Furthermore, transcriptional cluster and survival analyses were performed. Our data illustrate that SLUG and TWIST are overexpressed in gliomas showing vascular proliferation such as pilocytic astrocytomas and glioblastomas. EMT factors are exclusively expressed by non-neoplastic pericytes/vessel-associated mural cells (VAMCs). They are not associated with patient survival but correlate with pericytic/VAMC genes in glioblastoma cluster analysis. In summary, the upregulation of EMT genes in pilocytic astrocytomas and glioblastomas reflects the level of activation of pericytes/VAMCs in newly formed blood vessels. Our results underscore that the negative prognostic potential of the EMT signature in the group of diffuse gliomas of WHO grade II-IV does most likely not derive from glioma cells but rather reflects the degree of proliferating mural cells thereby constituting a potential target for future alternative treatment approaches.

  6. Dissecting dysfunctional crosstalk pathways regulated by miRNAs during glioma progression

    PubMed Central

    Li, Feng; Li, Xiang; Feng, Li; Shi, Xinrui; Wang, Lihua; Li, Xia

    2016-01-01

    Glioma is a malignant nervous system tumor with a high fatality rate and poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important post-transcriptional modulators of glioma initiation and progression. Tumor progression often results from dysfunctional co-operation between pathways regulated by miRNAs. We therefore constructed a glioma progression-related miRNA-pathway crosstalk network that not only revealed some key miRNA-pathway patterns, but also helped characterize the functional roles of miRNAs during glioma progression. Our data indicate that crosstalk between cell cycle and p53 pathways is associated with grade II to grade III progression, while cell communications-related pathways involving regulation of actin cytoskeleton and adherens junctions are associated with grade IV glioblastoma progression. Furthermore, miRNAs and their crosstalk pathways may be useful for stratifying glioma and glioblastoma patients into groups with short or long survival times. Our data indicate that a combination of miRNA and pathway crosstalk information can be used for survival prediction. PMID:27013589

  7. Magnolol Inhibits Human Glioblastoma Cell Migration by Regulating N-Cadherin.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Yu-Chen; Tsao, Min-Jen; Chiu, Chen-Yang; Kan, Po-Chieh; Chen, Ying

    2018-06-01

    Glioblastoma is a primary malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis. An effective treatment for glioblastoma is needed. Magnolol is a natural compound from Magnolia officinalis suggested to have antiproliferative activity. The aim of this research was to investigate the anticancer effects of magnolol in glioma, with an emphasis on migration and the underlying mechanism. Magnolol decreased the expression of focal adhesion-related proteins and inhibited LN229 and U87MG glioma cell migration. The levels of phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC), phosphorylated myosin light chain kinase and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 were reduced in response to magnolol treatment. In addition, immunostaining and membrane fractionation showed that the distribution of N-cadherin at the glioma cell membrane was decreased by magnolol. In an orthotropic xenograft animal model, magnolol treatment not only inhibited tumor progression but also reduced p-MLC and N-cadherin protein expression. In conclusion, magnolol reduces cell migration, potentially through regulating focal adhesions and N-cadherin in glioma cells. Magnolol is a potential candidate for glioma treatment.

  8. In vivo detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase in rodent gliomas.

    PubMed

    Towner, Rheal A; Smith, Nataliya; Doblas, Sabrina; Garteiser, Philippe; Watanabe, Yasuko; He, Ting; Saunders, Debra; Herlea, Oana; Silasi-Mansat, Robert; Lupu, Florea

    2010-03-01

    Increased iNOS expression is often found in brain tumors, such as gliomas. The goal of this study was to develop and assess a novel molecular MRI (mMRI) probe for in vivo detection of iNOS in rodent models for gliomas (intracerebral implantation of rat C6 or RG2 cells or ethyl nitrosourea-induced glioma). The probe we used incorporated a Gd-DTPA (gadolinium(III) complex of diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N'',N''-pentaacetate) backbone with albumin and biotin moieties and covalent binding of an anti-iNOS antibody (Ab) to albumin (anti-iNOS probe). We used mMRI with the anti-iNOS probe to detect in vivo iNOS levels in gliomas. Nonimmune normal rat IgG coupled to albumin-Gd-DTPA-biotin was used as a control nonspecific contrast agent. By targeting the biotin component of the anti-iNOS probe with streptavidin Cy3, fluorescence imaging confirmed the specificity of the probe for iNOS in glioma tissue. iNOS levels in glioma tumors were also confirmed via Western blots and immunohistochemistry. The presence of plasma membrane-associated iNOS in glioma cells was established by transmission electron microscopy and gold-labeled anti-iNOS Ab. The more aggressive RG2 glioma was not found to have higher levels of iNOS compared to C6. Differences in glioma vascularization and blood-brain barrier permeability between the C6 and the RG2 gliomas are discussed. In vivo assessment of iNOS levels associated with tumor development is quite feasible in heterogeneous tissues with mMRI. (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Antiglioma effects of cytarabine on leptomeningeal metastasis of high-grade glioma by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Kai-Hong; Zhang, Can; Bai, Yue; Li, Yan; Kang, Xun; Chen, Jian-Xin; Yao, Kun; Jiang, Tao; Zhong, Xiao-Song; Li, Wen-Bin

    2017-01-01

    Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) of high-grade glioma is a highly lethal disease requiring new effective therapeutic measures. For both de novo or relapsed glioma with LM, intrathecal cytarabine chemotherapy is not frequently used for first-line and relapse protocols. We encountered a clinical case demonstrating effective application of cytarabine in high-grade glioma with LM, prompting us to explore the effects of cytarabine on malignant glioma and molecular mechanisms of such effects through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The U87 cell line was selected to represent human glioma for studies. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, plate colony formation assay, and trypan-blue dye exclusion test. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Protein expression levels were detected by Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry. mRNA expression was examined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cytarabine inhibited tumor growth during the in vivo experiment. The present study confirmed that cytarabine inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of U87 cells, and molecular analysis of this effect showed that cytarabine significantly reduces expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine/threonine kinase also known as the protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway, Ki-67, BCL2, and 4-1BB, and upregulates Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Our findings indicated that intrathecal administration of cytarabine manifests potential in prophylaxis and treatment of malignant glioma with LM. Effective medications for high-grade glioma with LM should contain cytarabine. PMID:28721010

  10. Downregulation of ROCK2 through nanocomplex sensitizes the cytotoxic effect of temozolomide in U251 glioma cells.

    PubMed

    Wen, Xiaojun; Huang, Amin; Liu, Zhonglin; Liu, Yunyun; Hu, Jingyang; Liu, Jun; Shuai, Xintao

    2014-01-01

    Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) is an attractive therapeutic target because it is overexpressed in many malignancies, including glioma. Therefore, we designed the current study to determine whether the downregulation of ROCK2 would sensitize the cytotoxic effect of temozolomide (TMZ) in U251 cells. Glycol-polyethyleneimine (PEG-PEI) was used to deliver siROCK2 to U251 cells, and the physical characteristics of the PEG-PEI/siROCK2 complex (referred to as the siROCK2 complex) were investigated. The transfection efficiency and cell uptake were determined by flow cytometry (FCM) and confocal laser microscopy (CLSM), respectively. U251 cells were then treated with 100 μM TMZ, siROCK2 complexes or their combination. The apoptosis rate and cell migration were measured by FCM and wound-healing assay, respectively. The levels of Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were detected to analyze the degrees of apoptosis and migration. Our results revealed that the characteristics of the siROCK2 complexes depended closely on the N/P ratios. PEG-PEI served as a good vector for siROCK2 and exhibited low cytotoxicity toward U251 cells. The CLSM assay showed that the siROCK2 complexes were successfully uptaken and that both the protein and mRNA levels of ROCK2 were significantly suppressed. Furthermore, the combination treatment induced a higher apoptosis rate and markedly increased the gap distance of U251 cells in the wound-healing assay. Levels of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were significantly increased, whereas levels of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the migration-related proteins MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly reduced by the combination treatment compared with either treatment alone. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the combination of TMZ and siROCK2 effectively induces apoptosis and inhibits the migration of U251 cells. Therefore, the combination of TMZ and siROCK2 complex is a potential therapeutic approach

  11. Downregulation of ROCK2 through Nanocomplex Sensitizes the Cytotoxic Effect of Temozolomide in U251 Glioma Cells

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Yunyun; Hu, Jingyang; Liu, Jun; Shuai, Xintao

    2014-01-01

    Objective Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) is an attractive therapeutic target because it is overexpressed in many malignancies, including glioma. Therefore, we designed the current study to determine whether the downregulation of ROCK2 would sensitize the cytotoxic effect of temozolomide (TMZ) in U251 cells. Methods Glycol-polyethyleneimine (PEG-PEI) was used to deliver siROCK2 to U251 cells, and the physical characteristics of the PEG-PEI/siROCK2 complex (referred to as the siROCK2 complex) were investigated. The transfection efficiency and cell uptake were determined by flow cytometry (FCM) and confocal laser microscopy (CLSM), respectively. U251 cells were then treated with 100 μM TMZ, siROCK2 complexes or their combination. The apoptosis rate and cell migration were measured by FCM and wound-healing assay, respectively. The levels of Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were detected to analyze the degrees of apoptosis and migration. Results Our results revealed that the characteristics of the siROCK2 complexes depended closely on the N/P ratios. PEG-PEI served as a good vector for siROCK2 and exhibited low cytotoxicity toward U251 cells. The CLSM assay showed that the siROCK2 complexes were successfully uptaken and that both the protein and mRNA levels of ROCK2 were significantly suppressed. Furthermore, the combination treatment induced a higher apoptosis rate and markedly increased the gap distance of U251 cells in the wound-healing assay. Levels of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were significantly increased, whereas levels of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the migration-related proteins MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly reduced by the combination treatment compared with either treatment alone. Conclusions In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the combination of TMZ and siROCK2 effectively induces apoptosis and inhibits the migration of U251 cells. Therefore, the combination of TMZ and siROCK2 complex

  12. Phosphatidylserine-targeted liposome for enhanced glioma-selective imaging.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Liang; Habib, Amyn A; Zhao, Dawen

    2016-06-21

    Phosphatidylserine (PS), which is normally intracellular, becomes exposed on the outer surface of viable endothelial cells (ECs) of tumor vasculature. Utilizing a PS-targeting antibody, we have recently established a PS-targeted liposomal (PS-L) nanoplatform that has demonstrated to be highly tumor-selective. Because of the vascular lumen-exposed PS that is immediately accessible without a need to penetrate the intact blood brain barrier (BBB), we hypothesize that the systemically administered PS-L binds specifically to tumor vascular ECs, becomes subsequently internalized into the cells and then enables its cargos to be efficiently delivered to glioma parenchyma. To test this, we exploited the dual MRI/optical imaging contrast agents-loaded PS-L and injected it intravenously into mice bearing intracranial U87 glioma. At 24 h, both in vivo optical imaging and MRI depicted enhanced tumor contrast, distinct from the surrounding normal brain. Intriguingly, longitudinal MRI revealed temporal and spatial intratumoral distribution of the PS-L by following MRI contrast changes, which appeared punctate in tumor periphery at an earlier time point (4 h), but became clustering and disseminated throughout the tumor at 24 h post injection. Importantly, glioma-targeting specificity of the PS-L was antigen specific, since a control probe of irrelevant specificity showed minimal accumulation in the glioma. Together, these results indicate that the PS-L nanoplatform enables the enhanced, glioma-targeted delivery of imaging contrast agents by crossing the tumor BBB efficiently, which may also serve as a useful nanoplatform for anti-glioma drugs.

  13. TTBK2 circular RNA promotes glioma malignancy by regulating miR-217/HNF1β/Derlin-1 pathway.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Jian; Liu, Xiaobai; Xue, Yixue; Gong, Wei; Ma, Jun; Xi, Zhuo; Que, Zhongyou; Liu, Yunhui

    2017-02-20

    Circular RNAs are a subgroup of non-coding RNAs and generated by a mammalian genome. Herein, the expression and function of circular RNA circ-TTBK2 were investigated in human glioma cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and quantitative real-time PCR were conducted to profile the cell distribution and expression of circ-TTBK2 and microRNA-217 (miR-217) in glioma tissues and cells. Immunohistochemical and western blot were used to determine the expression of HNF1β and Derlin-1 in glioma tissues and cells. Stable knockdown of circ-TTBK2 or overexpression of miR-217 glioma cell lines (U87 and U251) were established to explore the function of circ-TTBK2 and miR-217 in glioma cells. Further, luciferase reports and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the correlation between circ-TTBK2 and miR-217. Cell Counting Kit-8, transwell assays, and flow cytometry were used to investigate circ-TTBK2 and miR-217 function including cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and apoptosis, respectively. ChIP assays were used to ascertain the correlations between HNF1β and Derlin-1. We found that circ-TTBK2 was upregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines, while linear TTBK2 was not dysregulated in glioma tissues and cells. Enhanced expression of circ-TTBK2 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inhibited apoptosis. MiR-217 was downregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. We also found that circ-TTBK2, but not linear TTBK2, acted as miR-217 sponge in a sequence-specific manner. In addition, upregulated circ-TTBK2 decreased miR-217 expression and there was a reciprocal negative feedback between them in an Argonaute2-dependent manner. Moreover, reintroduction of miR-217 significantly reversed circ-TTBK2-mediated promotion of glioma progression. HNF1β was a direct target of miR-217, and played oncogenic role in glioma cells. Remarkably, circ-TTBK2 knockdown combined with miR-217 overexpression led to tumor regression in vivo. These results

  14. Inhibition of CYP4A by a novel flavonoid FLA-16 prolongs survival and normalizes tumor vasculature in glioma.

    PubMed

    Wang, Chenlong; Li, Ying; Chen, Honglei; Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Jing; Qin, Tian; Duan, Chenfan; Chen, Xuewei; Liu, Yanzhuo; Zhou, Xiaoyang; Yang, Jing

    2017-08-28

    Glioblastomas rapidly become refractory to anti-VEGF therapies. We previously showed that cytochrome P450 (CYP) 4A-derived 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) promotes angiogenesis. Here, we tested whether a novel flavonoid (FLA-16) prolongs survival and normalizes tumor vasculature in glioma through CYP4A inhibition. FLA-16 improved survival, reduced tumor burden, and normalized vasculature, accompanied with the decreased secretion of 20-HETE, VEGF and TGF-β in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in C6 and U87 gliomas. FLA-16 attenuated vascular abnormalization induced by co-implantation of GL261 glioma cells with CYP4A10 high macrophages or EPCs. Mechanistically, the conditional medium from TAMs and EPCs treated with FLA-16 enhanced the migration of pericyte cells, and decreased the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, which were reversed by CYP4A overexpression or exogenous addition of 20-HETE, VEGF and TGF-β. Furthermore, FLA-16 prevented crosstalk between TAMs and EPCs during angiogenesis. These results suggest that CYP4A inhibition by FLA-16 prolongs survival and normalizes vasculature in glioma through decreasing production of TAMs and EPCs-derived VEGF and TGF-β. This may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance to anti-VEGF treatment by effects on vessels and immune cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Characterization of PD-1 upregulation on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in human and murine gliomas and preclinical therapeutic blockade.

    PubMed

    Dejaegher, Joost; Verschuere, Tina; Vercalsteren, Ellen; Boon, Louis; Cremer, Jonathan; Sciot, Raf; Van Gool, Stefaan W; De Vleeschouwer, Steven

    2017-11-01

    Blockade of the immune checkpoint molecule programmed-cell-death-protein-1 (PD-1) yielded promising results in several cancers. To understand the therapeutic potential in human gliomas, quantitative data describing the expression of PD-1 are essential. Moreover, due the immune-specialized region of the brain in which gliomas arise, differences between tumor-infiltrating and circulating lymphocytes should be acknowledged. In this study we have used flow cytometry to quantify PD-1 expression on tumor-infiltrating T cells of 25 freshly resected glioma cell suspensions (10 newly and 5 relapsed glioblastoma, 10 lower grade gliomas) and simultaneously isolated circulating T cells. A strong upregulation of PD-1 expression in the tumor microenvironment compared to the blood circulation was seen in all glioma patients. Additionally, circulating T cells were isolated from 15 age-matched healthy volunteers, but no differences in PD-1 expression were found compared to glioma patients. In the murine GL261 malignant glioma model, there was a similar upregulation of PD-1 on brain-infiltrating lymphocytes. Using a monoclonal PD-1 blocking antibody, we found a marked prolonged survival with 55% of mice reaching long-term survival. Analysis of brain-infiltrating cells 21 days after GL261 tumor implantation showed a shift in infiltrating lymphocyte subgroups with increased CD8+ T cells and decreased regulatory T cells. Together, our results suggest an important role of PD-1 in glioma-induced immune escape, and provide translational evidence for the use of PD-1 blocking antibodies in human malignant gliomas. © 2017 UICC.

  16. The biology and mathematical modelling of glioma invasion: a review

    PubMed Central

    Talkenberger, K.; Seifert, M.; Klink, B.; Hawkins-Daarud, A.; Swanson, K. R.; Hatzikirou, H.

    2017-01-01

    Adult gliomas are aggressive brain tumours associated with low patient survival rates and limited life expectancy. The most important hallmark of this type of tumour is its invasive behaviour, characterized by a markedly phenotypic plasticity, infiltrative tumour morphologies and the ability of malignant progression from low- to high-grade tumour types. Indeed, the widespread infiltration of healthy brain tissue by glioma cells is largely responsible for poor prognosis and the difficulty of finding curative therapies. Meanwhile, mathematical models have been established to analyse potential mechanisms of glioma invasion. In this review, we start with a brief introduction to current biological knowledge about glioma invasion, and then critically review and highlight future challenges for mathematical models of glioma invasion. PMID:29118112

  17. PCI-24781 down-regulates EZH2 expression and then promotes glioma apoptosis by suppressing the PIK3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Wei; Lv, Shengqing; Liu, Jun; Zang, Zhenle; Yin, Junyi; An, Ning; Yang, Hui; Song, Yechun

    2014-10-01

    PCI-24781 is a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor that inhibits tumor proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis. However, it is unclear whether PCI-24781 inhibits Enhancer of Zeste 2 (EZH2) expression in malignant gliomas. In this work, three glioma cell lines were incubated with various concentrations of PCI-24781 (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5 μM) and analyzed for cell proliferation by the MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] assay and colony formation, and cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. The expression of EZH2 and apoptosis-related proteins was assessed by western blotting. Malignant glioma cells were also transfected with EZH2 siRNA to examine how PCI-24781 suppresses tumor cells. EZH2 was highly expressed in the three glioma cell lines. Incubation with PCI-24781 reduced cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis by down-regulating EZH2 in a concentration-dependent manner. These effects were simulated by EZH2 siRNA. In addition, PCI-24781 or EZH2 siRNA accelerated cell apoptosis by down-regulating the expression of AKT, mTOR, p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70s6k), glycogen synthase kinase 3A and B (GSK3a/b) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). These data suggest that PCI-24781 may be a promising therapeutic agent for treating gliomas by down-regulating EZH2 which promotes cell apoptosis by suppressing the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.

  18. Cellular immunotherapy for malignant gliomas

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Yi

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Cancer immunotherapy has made much progress in recent years. Clinical trials evaluating a variety of immunotherapeutic approaches are underway in patients with malignant gliomas. Thanks to recent advancements in cell engineering technologies, infusion of ex vivo prepared immune cells have emerged as promising strategies of cancer immunotherapy. Areas covered Herein, the authors review recent and current studies using cellular immunotherapies for malignant gliomas. Specifically, they cover the following areas: a) cellular vaccine approaches using tumor cell-based or dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines, and b) adoptive cell transfer (ACT) approaches, including lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, γδ T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and T-cell receptor (TCR) transduced T cells. Expert opinion While some of the recent studies have shown promising results, the ultimate success of cellular immunotherapy in brain tumor patients would require improvements in the following areas: 1) feasibility in producing cellular therapeutics; 2) identification and characterization of targetable antigens given the paucity and heterogeneity of tumor specific antigens; 3) the development of strategies to promote effector T-cell trafficking; 4) overcoming local and systemic immune suppression, and 5) proper interpretation of imaging data for brain tumor patients receiving immunotherapy. PMID:27434205

  19. Characterization of glioma stem cells through multiple stem cell markers and their specific sensitization to double-strand break-inducing agents by pharmacological inhibition of ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein.

    PubMed

    Raso, Alessandro; Vecchio, Donatella; Cappelli, Enrico; Ropolo, Monica; Poggi, Alessandro; Nozza, Paolo; Biassoni, Roberto; Mascelli, Samantha; Capra, Valeria; Kalfas, Fotios; Severi, Paolo; Frosina, Guido

    2012-09-01

    Previous studies have shown that tumor-driving glioma stem cells (GSC) may promote radio-resistance by constitutive activation of the DNA damage response started by the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein. We have investigated whether GSC may be specifically sensitized to ionizing radiation by inhibiting the DNA damage response. Two grade IV glioma cell lines (BORRU and DR177) were characterized for a number of immunocytochemical, karyotypic, proliferative and differentiative parameters. In particular, the expression of a panel of nine stem cell markers was quantified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry. Overall, BORRU and DR177 displayed pronounced and poor stem phenotypes, respectively. In order to improve the therapeutic efficacy of radiation on GSC, the cells were preincubated with a nontoxic concentration of the ATM inhibitors KU-55933 and KU-60019 and then irradiated. BORRU cells were sensitized to radiation and radio-mimetic chemicals by ATM inhibitors whereas DR177 were protected under the same conditions. No sensitization was observed after cell differentiation or to drugs unable to induce double-strand breaks (DSB), indicating that ATM inhibitors specifically sensitize glioma cells possessing stem phenotype to DSB-inducing agents. In conclusion, pharmacological inhibition of ATM may specifically sensitize GSC to DSB-inducing agents while sparing nonstem cells. © 2012 The Authors; Brain Pathology © 2012 International Society of Neuropathology.

  20. Molecular Alterations of KIT Oncogene in Gliomas

    PubMed Central

    Gomes, Ana L.; Reis-Filho, Jorge S.; Lopes, José M.; Martinho, Olga; Lambros, Maryou B. K.; Martins, Albino; Schmitt, Fernando; Pardal, Fernando; Reis, Rui M.

    2007-01-01

    Gliomas are the most common and devastating primary brain tumours. Despite therapeutic advances, the majority of gliomas do not respond either to chemo or radiotherapy. KIT, a class III receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), is frequently involved in tumourigenic processes. Currently, KIT constitutes an attractive therapeutic target. In the present study we assessed the frequency of KIT overexpression in gliomas and investigated the genetic mechanisms underlying KIT overexpression. KIT (CD117) immunohistochemistry was performed in a series of 179 gliomas of various grades. KIT activating gene mutations (exons 9, 11, 13 and 17) and gene amplification analysis, as defined by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were performed in CD117 positive cases. Tumour cell immunopositivity was detected in 15.6% (28/179) of cases, namely in 25% (1/4) of pilocytic astrocytomas, 25% (5/20) of diffuse astrocytomas, 20% (1/5) of anaplastic astrocytomas, 19.5% (15/77) of glioblastomas and one third (3/9) of anaplastic oligoastrocytomas. Only 5.7% (2/35) of anaplastic oligodendrogliomas showed CD117 immunoreactivity. No association was found between tumour CD117 overexpression and patient survival. In addition, we also observed CD117 overexpression in endothelial cells, which varied from 0–22.2% of cases, being more frequent in high-grade lesions. No KIT activating mutations were identified. Interestingly, CISH and/or qRT-PCR analysis revealed the presence of KIT gene amplification in 6 glioblastomas and 2 anaplastic oligoastrocytomas, corresponding to 33% (8/24) of CD117 positive cases. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that KIT gene amplification rather than gene mutation is a common genetic mechanism underlying KIT expression in subset of malignant gliomas. Further studies are warranted to determine whether glioma patients exhibiting KIT overexpression and KIT gene amplification may benefit from therapy with anti-KIT RTK inhibitors. PMID