Abstract
The key signaling networks regulating glioma cell proliferation remain poorly defined. The leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor 4 (Lgr4) has been implicated in intestinal, gastric, and epidermal cell functions. We investigated whether Lgr4 functions in glioma cells and found that Lgr4 expression was significantly increased in glioma tissues. In addition, Lgr4 overexpression promoted while its knockdown using small interfering RNA oligos inhibited glioma cell proliferation. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was activated in cells overexpressing Lgr4. Therefore, our results revealed that Lgr4 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling to regulate glioma cell proliferation.
Highlights
Glioma belongs to the most common primary malignant brain tumor (Ostrom et al, 2011; Gigineishvili et al, 2013)
We investigated whether leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor 4 (Lgr4) functions in glioma cells and found that Lgr4 expression was significantly increased in glioma tissues
Our results demonstrated that the mRNA level of Lgr4 was significantly increased in glioma tissues in comparison with the adjacent noncancerous tissues (Figure 1A)
Summary
Glioma belongs to the most common primary malignant brain tumor (astrocytic, oligodendroglial, oligoastrocytic and ependymal origin) (Ostrom et al, 2011; Gigineishvili et al, 2013). It accounts for almost 80% of primary malignant brain tumors, usually leading to poor survival compared to other types of brain tumors (Bondy et al, 2008). The GPCR family containing seven transmembrane domains function as the receptors for various classes of ligands, such as growth factors, chemokines and peptide hormones, and have become major targets for pharmaceutical development (Lagerström et al, 2008; Lappano et al, 2011; Stevens et al, 2013). For the first time, we will investigate the functions of Lgr in glioma progression
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
