LIM and SH3 protein 1 induces glioma growth and invasion through PI3K/AKT signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Abstract

PurposeThis study investigated the underlying mechanism of LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1)-induced malignant glioma growth and invasion. Materials and methodsWe compared the expression of LASP1 in malignant glioma tumor tissues and low-grade glioma tissues by immunohistochemistry. We also compared LASP1 overexpression and LASP1 knockout glioma cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. We detected activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in tumor cells by western blotting or immunofluorescence. Glioma-bearing mice were used to investigate the anticancer effects of PI3K/AKT inhibitors in combination with temozolomide. ResultsWe observed the enhanced expression of LASP1 in malignant glioma tumor tissues compared to low-grade glioma tissues, and LASP1 overexpression in glioma cells revealed an elevated capability of proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. LASP1 overexpression also facilitated PI3K/AKT signaling and the EMT process through the downstream transcription factor Snail, which resulted in the intensive invasion of cancer cells. We combined PI3K/AKT inhibitors and temozolomide to block the LASP1/PI3K/AKT/Snail signaling pathway, which dramatically enhanced tumor suppression and provides an innovative approach for clinical glioma treatment. ConclusionLASP1 is upregulated in malignant glioma and facilitates glioma cell proliferation and invasion by activation the PI3K/AKT/Snail signaling pathway. Blockade of the PI3K/AKT signal efficiently enhanced the anticancer effects of chemotherapeutic agents, which provides an innovative target in glioma treatment.