Abstract 3358: 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits the proliferation of cultured glioblastoma multiforme cells

Abstract

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a common, aggressive type of brain tumor with a median survival of only fifteen months. Brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) within GBM tumors resist standard treatments, initiate recurrence, and pose a significant challenge for GBM treatment. This study examined Gli1 expression and proliferation of GBM cells in vitro to evaluate the effects of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (vitamin D3). Vitamin D3 is a safe, natural inhibitor of the hedgehog signaling pathway–a mechanism essential to BTSC function. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that both established GBM cell lines and GBM-derived BTSCs expressed Gli1, indicating hedgehog signaling pathway activity within the cell populations. Vitamin D3 treatment significantly reduced cell proliferation, both in GBM cell lines and GBM-derived BTSCs. Because of active vitamin D3's environmental instability, an in vivo model might provide a better indication of its anti-tumor effects. Ultimately, vitamin D3 may enhance standard GBM treatments by inhibiting hedgehog-expressing cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3358. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3358