Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common astrocytic-derived brain tumor in adults, characterized by a poor prognosis mainly due to the resistance to the available therapy. The study of mitochondria-derived oxidative stress, and of the biological events that orbit around it, might help in the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms at the base of GBM responsiveness to Temozolomide (TMZ). Sensitive and resistant GBM cells were used to test the role of mitochondrial ROS release in TMZ-resistance. Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy (CMA) activation in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS) release has been measured by monitoring the expression of specific genes. Treatments with H2O2 were used to test their potential in reverting resistance. Fluctuations of cytoplasmic ROS levels were accountable for CMA induction and cytotoxic effects observed in TMZ sensitive cells after treatment. On the other hand, in resistant cells, TMZ failed in producing an increase in cytoplasmic ROS levels and CMA activation, preventing GBM cell toxicity. By increasing oxidative stress, CMA activation was recovered, as also cell cytotoxicity, especially in combination with TMZ treatment. Herein, for the first time, it is shown the relation between mitochondrial ROS release, CMA activation and TMZ-responsiveness in GBM.
Highlights
Malignant Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common primary brain tumors and are characterized by a dismal prognosis mainly due to the resistance to conventional therapies
After 24 h of treatment, TMZ induced a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in U251 sensitive cells but not in T98 resistant cells (Figure 1A)
Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy (CMA) has been described as a sensor of the oxidative stress, being involved in the removal of proteins altered by ROS intracellular activity and concurring in cell homeostasis regulation by selectively degrading specific proteins
Summary
Malignant Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most common primary brain tumors and are characterized by a dismal prognosis mainly due to the resistance to conventional therapies. Cells 2019, 8, 1315 by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) [2,3], or by modulating autophagy [4], apoptosis [5], hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α activity [6,7,8] and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [9]. Autophagy plays a critical role in cellular homeostasis: it is involved both in pro-survival [10]. Autophagy affects the migration and invasion capabilities of tumor cells [12]. Taking into account all these evidences, there are several clues suggesting that autophagy could be involved in the onset and modulation of cell resistance or sensitivity to treatment [13]. Different autophagic mechanisms have been described presenting specific drivers, effectors and functional consequences [14]
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