U87 MG Research Articles

Non-Thermal Biocompatible Plasma Jet Induction of Apoptosis in Brain Cancer Cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant and rapidly advancing astrocytic brain tumor in adults. Current therapy possibilities are chemotherapy, surgical resection, and radiation. The complexity of drug release through the blood-brain barrier, tumor reaction to chemotherapy, and the inherent resistance of tumor cells present challenges. New therapies are needed for individual use or combination with conventional methods for more effective treatment and improved survival for patients. GBM is difficult to treat because it grows quickly, spreads finger-shaped tentacles, and creates an irregular margin of normal tissue surrounding the tumor. Non-thermal biocompatible plasma (NBP) has recently been shown to selectively target cancer cells with minimal effects on regular cells, acting by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). We applied a soft jet plasma device with a syringe shape to U87 MG cells and astrocytes. Our results show that NBP-J significantly inhibits cell proliferation and changes morphology, induces cell cycle arrest, inhibits the survival pathway, and induces apoptosis. Our results indicate that NBP-J may be an efficient and safe clinical device for brain cancer therapy.

The Effectiveness of Dichloroacetate on Human Glioblastoma Xenograft Growth Depends on Na+ and Mg2+ Cations.

The study’s aim was to investigate the effectiveness of sodium dichloroacetate (NaDCA) or magnesium dichloroacetate (MgDCA) on adult U87 MG and pediatric PBT24 cell lines glioblastoma (GB) xenografts in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. The study groups were: treated with 10 mM, 5 mM of NaDCA, and 5 mM, 2.5 mM of MgDCA, and controls. The U87 MG and PBT24 xenografts growth, frequency of tumor invasion into CAM, CAM thickening, and the number of blood vessels in CAM differed depending on the dichloroacetate salt treatment. NaDCA impact on U87 MG and PBT24 tumor on proliferating cell nunclear antigen (PCNA) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression in the tumor was different, depending on the NaDCA dose. The 5 mM MgDCA impact was more potent and had similar effects on U87 MG and PBT24 tumors, and its impact was also reflected in changes in PCNA and EZH2 expression in tumor cells. The U87 MG and PBT24 tumor response variations to treatment with different NaDCA concentration on tumor growth or a contrast between NaDCA and MgDCA effectiveness may reflect some differences in U87 MG and PBT24 cell biology.

PTPRM methylation induced by FN1 promotes the development of glioblastoma by activating STAT3 signalling

Context The phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 (STAT3) is up-regulated in glioblastoma (GBM) cells and is regulated by protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type M (PTPRM). Fibronectin-1 (FN1) is also reported to be up-regulated in GBM. Objective We explored the role of FN1-induced PTPRM methylation in GBM. Materials and methods The lentivirus particles of oe-PTPRM, sh-PTPRM, oe-FN1, sh-FN1, or their negative controls (NSCs) were transfected into GBM cells with or without stattic (0.5 μM, 24 h) or 5-aza (1 μM, 0, 2, 4 h) treatments. Methylation-specific PCR was performed to detect PTPRM methylation levels. Results PTPRM was down-regulated (0.373 ± 0.124- and 0.455 ± 0.109-fold), FN1 and p-STAT3 were up-regulated (p < 0.001) in A172 and U87 MG cells as compared to NSCs. Overexpressing PTPRM inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation. Interfering with PTPRM increased colony numbers in A172 and U-87 MG cells (2.253 ± 0.111- and 2.043 ± 0.19-fold), and stattic reduced them. Cell viability was reduced after treatment with 5-aza in A172 and U-87 MG cells (p < 0.05). P-STAT3 was down-regulated after 5-aza treatment. Overexpressing FN1 decreased PTPRM levels (p < 0.001), knockdown of FN1 decreased PTPRM methylation and inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation. Overexpressing FN1 increased cell viability (1.497 ± 0.114- and 1.460 ± 0.151-fold), and stattic or 5-aza reversed such effects (p < 0.05). Discussion and conclusions The up-regulation of FN1 reduced PTPRM by increasing its methylation, resulting in an increase of STAT3 phosphorylation and promoting GBM cell proliferation. Interfering with FN1 may be a potential therapeutic target for GBM.

Enantioselective effect of cysteine functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles in U87 MG and GM08680 human cells and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Chirality is a fundamental phenomenon in biological systems, since most of the biomolecules and biological components and species are chiral and therefore recognize and respond differently depending on the enantiomer present. With increasing research into the use of nanomaterials for biomedical purposes, it is essential to understand the role that chirality of nanoparticles plays at the cellular level. Here, the chiral cysteine functionalization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles has been shown to broadly affect its interaction with U87 MG human glioblastoma cell, healthy human fibroblast (GM08680) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteria. We believe that this research is important to further advancement of nano-biotechnology.

Anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic and anti-invasive effect of the copper coordination compound Cas III-La through the induction of reactive oxygen species and regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in glioma.

Gliomas are the most aggressive neoplasms that affect the central nervous system, being glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) the most malignant. The resistance of GBM to therapies is attributed to its high rate of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and resistance to apoptosis; thus, finding alternative therapeutic approaches is vital. In this work, the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-invasive effect of the copper coordination compound Casiopeina III-La (Cas III-La) on human U373 MG cells was determined in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that Cas III-La exerts an anti-proliferative effect, promoting apoptotic cell death and inactivating the invasive process by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), inactivating GSK3β, activating JNK and ERK, and promoting the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. The inhibition of ROS generation by N-acetyl-l-cysteine not only recovered cell migration and viability, but also reduced β-catenin accumulation and JNK and ERK activation. Additionally, Cas III-La significantly reduced tumor volume, cell proliferation and mitotic indices, and increased the apoptotic index in mice xenotransplanted with U373 glioma cells. Thus, Cas III-La is a promising agent to treat GBM.

GOLPH3 Promotes Vasculogenic Mimicry via the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Glioblastoma Cells.

To evaluate the relationship between Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in glioblastoma cells. Glioma tissues from 40 glioma patients with different pathological grades were collected. GOLPH3 and VM were evaluated by immunostaining in glioma tissues. Then, the correlation between GOLPH3 and VM were analyzed clinically. Additionally, a GOLPH3-downregulation lentivirus was constructed and transfected into the human primary glioblastoma cell line, U-87 MG. Afterwards, apoptosis, migration and invasion were assessed to determine the effects of downregulation GOLPH3. Then, E-cadherin and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) were detected for assessment of the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). GOLPH3 and VM were found to be positively correlated following clinical analysis (p < 0.01, r=0.788). Furthermore, GOLPH3 downregulation suppressed the migration and invasion of U87 MG cells (p < 0.05), followed by upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of MMP2. Collectively, our results demonstrate that GOLPH3 promoted VM in glioblastoma cells and that the corresponding mechanism was associated with the EMT. Our finding suggests that GOLPH3 may represent a promising therapeutic target for mitigating the recurrence and invasion of gliomas.

Histone Demethylase UTX/KDM6A Regulates Glioblastoma Progression Through Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment

Background: UTX is strongly associated with multiple types of cancer. However, less is known about the function of UTX in glioblastoma (GBM). The study aims to define the effect of UTX on GBM. Methods: The UTX expression was compared in GBM and normal group by using GEPIA 2, and knockdown UTX by using UTX shRNA in GBM cell lines. The function of UTX on anti-tumor properties were examined through methods of BrdU incorporation, Flow cytometry analysis, TUNEL assay, western blotting analysis, ELISA, wound healing assay, transwell invasion analysis and xenograft experiment. Gene expression programs of UTX knockdown in GBM was analyzed by RNA-seq, qPCR and ChIP-qPCR. Findings: UTX knockdown in LN229 and U251 MG cells (both human GBM cell lines) inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis. In the heterotopic xenograft model, UTX knockdown hampered tumor growth. Lots of genes were altered by UTX knockdown, most of them were closely associated with tumor progression and extracellular environment, which was represented as reduction of periostin (POSTN), COL1A1 and VCAM1 secretion. Addition of POSTN in the medium abolished the effect of UTX knockdown. Furthermore, UTX knockdown reduced the numbers of glioblastoma stem cells, while the number is partially restored after POSTN supplement. Interpretation: UTX regulated GBM progression through modulating the tumor microenvironment. Our findings may reveal new insight into the onset of gliomagenesis and progression, provide a vigorous therapeutic strategy for GBM treatment. Funding: National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81901156, 82001493); China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2017M623152, 2018T111035, 2019M653662). Declaration of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Ethical Approval: All mouse experiments were approved by the Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center Ethics Committee. The mice were purchased from the Xi’an Jiaotong University Laboratory Animal Center (Certificate No. 22-9601018).

Novel cyanothiouracil and cyanothiocytosine derivatives as concentration-dependent selective inhibitors of U87MG glioblastomas: Adenosine receptor binding and potent PDE4 inhibition.

Thiouracil and thiocytosine are important heterocyclic pharmacophores having pharmacological diversity. Antitumor and antiviral activity is commonly associated with thiouracil and thiocytosine derivatives, which are well known fragments for adenosine receptor affinity with many associated pharmacological properties. In this respect, 33 novel compounds have been synthesized in two groups: 24 thiouracil derivatives (4a-x) and 9 thiocytosine derivatives (5a-i). Antitumor activity of all the compounds was determined in the U87 MG glioblastoma cell line. Compound 5e showed an anti-proliferative IC50 of 1.56μM, which is slightly higher activity than cisplatin (1.67μM). The 11 most active compounds showed no signficant binding to adenosine A1, A2A or A2B receptors at 1μM. Brain tumors express high amounts of phosphodiesterases. Compounds were tested for PDE4 inhibition, and 5e and 5f showed the best potency (5e: 3.42μM; 5f: 0.97μM). Remakably, those compounds were also the most active against U87MG. However, the compounds lacked a cytotoxic effect on the HEK293 healthy cell line, which encourages further investigation.

Extracellular cardiolipin modulates glial phagocytosis and cytokine secretion in a toll‐like receptor 4‐dependent manner

AbstractBackgroundCardiolipin (CL) is a mitochondrial membrane phospholipid that acts as a signaling molecule when released into the extracellular space from degenerating and dying brain cells. Previous research has shown that extracellular CL inhibits secretion of pro‐inflammatory mediators by immune‐activated microglia. CL alone also increases the phagocytic activity of microglia and upregulates their expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The mechanisms by which CL modulates microglia functions, in a manner that is potentially beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease, are unknown. Furthermore, the effects of CL on astrocytes have not been explored. Since microglia and astrocytes express toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4, we hypothesized that extracellular CL interacts with this receptor, modulating immune functions of glia.MethodWe studied the effects of CL applied to the culture media on select functions of primary murine microglia and astrocytes, BV‐2 murine microglia, U118 MG human astrocytoma cells, and THP‐1 human microglia‐like cells. Secretion of inflammatory cytokines was monitored by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunoblotting. The phagocytic activity of primary microglia and astrocytes was measured with fluorescent latex microspheres. The internalization of the microspheres was verified using confocal microscopy.ResultExtracellular CL (0.4‐14 μM) alone upregulates the phagocytic activity and release of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 by murine microglia and human astrocytic cells. TLR 4‐specific antagonist TAK‐242 and blocking antibodies inhibit the upregulated phagocytic activity and MCP‐1 secretion by CL‐treated microglia and human THP‐1 microglia‐like cells. CL increases the secretion of interferon (IFN) γ‐induced protein (IP)‐10 and IFN‐β by THP‐1 microglia‐like cells and human U118 MG astrocytoma cells, respectively. CL inhibits the secretion of cytotoxins by several types of activated microglia and astrocytes. Amyloid β (Aβ42) peptide‐ and lipopolysaccharide‐induced secretion of cytokines by primary murine microglia and U118 MG astrocytoma cells, respectively, is reduced by extracellular CL.ConclusionExtracellular CL can interact with TLR 4 to modulate select functions of microglia and astrocytes. Importantly, we demonstrate that CL inhibits amyloid‐β peptide‐induced secretion of inflammatory cytokines by microglia and reduces glia‐mediated neuron death. Therefore, CL or liposomes containing CL could be developed as potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease.

Enhanced brain targeting efficiency using 5-FU (fluorouracil) lipid-drug conjugated nanoparticles in brain cancer therapy.

The present investigation was aimed to synthesize, optimize, and characterize lipid/drug conjugate nanoparticles for delivering 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to treat brain cancer. The Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the formulation, evaluate the particle size, entrapment efficiency, morphology, in vitro drug release study, and stability profiles. The in vitro performance was executed using cell line studies. The in vivo performance was carried out for pharmacokinetic studies, sterility test, biodistribution studies, and distribution lipid-drug conjugated (LDC) nanoparticles in the brain. Particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and morphology of the optimized formulation demonstrated desirable results. In vitro release pattern showed initial fast release, followed by sustained release up to 48h. Cytotoxic effects of blank stearic acid nanoparticles, LDC nanoparticles, and 5-FU solution on human glioma cell lines U373 MG cell showed more cytotoxicity by LDC-NPs compared to others. The values reported for LDC (AUC = 19.37 ± 0.09µg/mLh and VD 2.4 ± 0.24mL) and pure drug (AUC = 8.37 ± 0.04µg/mLh and VD = 5.24 ± 0.29mL) indicate higher concentrations of LDC in systemic circulation, while pure 5-FU was found to be largely available in tissue rather than blood circulation. The t1/2 for LDC represents an approximate rise by ninefold, while MRT (12.10 ± 0.44h) denotes 12-fold rise than pure 5-FU indicating the prolonged circulation of LDC. Free 5-FU concentration in the brain was maximum (5.24 ± 0.01μg/g) after 3h, while for the optimized formulation of LDC it was twofold greater estimated as 11.52 ± 0.32μg/g. In conclusion, the efficiency of 5-FU to treat the brain is increased when it is formulated with LDC nanoparticles.

‘Trojan-Horse’ stress-granule formation mediated by manganese oxide nanoparticles

Exposure to nanomaterials is considered as one of the risk factors for neurodegenerative pathology. In vitro inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) absorb intrinsically disordered proteins, many of which are the constituents of stress-granules (SGs). SGs normally form in response to cellular stress and, here, we addressed whether selected inorganic NPs could trigger SGs formation in cells. To this end, we have tested a series of inorganic NPs for their ability to induce SGs formation in human glioblastoma and fibroblast cell lines. Among tested NPs, only Mn3O4 NPs triggered SGs formation in cell-type-specific and metabolic-dependent manner. In human glioblastoma U87 MG cell line, Mn3O4 NPs entered cells within minutes and resided inside intracellular vesicles for at least 48 h. Mn3O4 NPs induced a strong reduction in oxidative phosphorylation rate, but not glycolysis. We showed that Mn3O4 NPs slowly dissolve producing a local net of Mn2+ cations, which are known to inhibit oxidative phosphorylation. Indeed, direct incubation of cells with equimolar amounts of Mn2+ cations triggered SGs formation and reduced cellular respiration rate. However, while SGs formed in response to Mn3O4 NPs persisted for hours, SGs formation by Mn2+ peaked and dropped within minutes. Finally, Mn3O4 NPs mediated SGs formation via the phosphorylation of eIF2α. Thus, we conclude that exposure of U87 MG cells to Mn3O4 NPs caused a ‘Trojan-horse’ prolonged SGs response.

Flunarizine, a drug approved for treating migraine and vertigo, exhibits cytotoxicity in GBM cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis. The current treatment regimen, including surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, is still not curative. Therefore, there is an emerging need to develop a drug to treat GBM or synergistic enhance TMZ effect on GBM cells. Flunarizine (FLN), a drug approved for treating migraine and vertigo, was analyzed for its cytotoxicity and synergistic effect with TMZ on GBM cells in this study. Cell proliferation, clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting were used to determine the effects of FLN on three GBM cells, U-87 MG, LN-229, and U-118 MG cells. We found that FLN induced GBM cell death. FLN also interfered with U-87 MG cell cycle progression. Flow cytometric analysis showed an increase of apoptotic cells after FLN treatment. Caspase 9, caspase 3, and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation were involved in apoptosis induction in U-87 MG and LN-229, suggesting the possible involvement of an intrinsic apoptotic pathway. We found that FLN treatment inhibited Akt pathway activation in U-87 MG cells, and synergistically increased the cytotoxicity of three GBM cells when combined with TMZ treatment. In conclusion, our current data suggested that FLN inhibited cell viability by inducing apoptosis. FLN inhibited Akt activation and enhanced the sensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ. These findings may provide important information regarding the application of FLN in GBM treatment in the future.

Evaluation of 99mTc-CN5DG as a broad-spectrum SPECT probe for tumor imaging

Previously, we reported a [99mTc(ǀ)]+ labeled d-glucoamine derivative (99mTc-CN5DG) and evaluated it as a tumor imaging agent in mice bearing A549 tumor xenografts. In this paper, 99mTc-CN5DG was further studied in U87 MG (human glioma cells), HCT-116 (human colon cancer cells), PANC-1 (human pancreatic cancer cells) and TE-1 (human esophageal cancer cells) tumor xenografts models to verify its potential application for imaging of different kinds of tumors. The biodistribution data showed that 99mTc-CN5DG had a similar biodistribution pattern in four tumor models at 2 h post-injection with high accumulation in tumors and kidneys. The tumor/muscle ratios (from 4.08 ± 0.42 to 9.63 ± 3.53) and tumor/blood ratios (from 17.18 ± 7.40 to 53.17 ± 16.16) of 99mTc-CN5DG in four tumor models were high. All four kinds of tumors could be clearly seen on their corresponding SPECT/CT images. Pharmacokinetic study in healthy CD-1 mice demonstrated that 99mTc-CN5DG cleared fast from blood (2 min, 12.97 ± 0.88%ID/g; 60 min, 0.33 ± 0.06%ID/g) and the blood distribution, elimination half-life was 5.81 min and 21.16 min, respectively. No abnormality was observed through the abnormal toxicity study. All of the above results demonstrated that 99mTc-CN5DG could be a broad-spectrum SPECT probe for tumor imaging and its further clinical application is warranted.

D283 Med, a Cell Line Derived from Peritoneal Metastatic Medulloblastoma: A Good Choice for Missing Protein Discovery.

Since the Chromosome-Centric Human Proteome Project (C-HPP) was launched in 2010, many techniques have been adopted for the discovery of missing proteins (MPs). Because of these efforts, only 1481 MPs remained as of July 2020; however, by relying only on technique optimization, researchers have reached a bottleneck in MP discovery. Protein expression is tissue- or cell-type-dependent. The tissues of the human testis and brain have been reported to harbor a large number of tissue-specific genes and proteins; however, few studies have been performed on human brain tissue or cells to identify MPs. Herein a metastatic cell line derived from brain cancer, D283 Med, was used to search for MPs. With a traditional and simple shotgun workflow to separate the peptides into 20 fractions, 12 MPs containing at least two unique non-nested peptides (amino acid length ≥9) were identified in this cell line with a protein false discovery rate of <1%. Following the same experimental protocol, only one MP was found in a nonmetastatic brain cancer cell line, U-118 MG. Furthermore, 12 MPs were verified as having two non-nested unique peptides by matching them with corresponding chemically synthesized peptides through parallel reaction monitoring. These results clearly demonstrate that the appropriate selection of experimental materials, either tissues or cell lines, is imperative for MP discovery. The data obtained in this study are available via ProteomeXchange (PXD021482) and PeptideAtlas (PASS01627).

Sunitinib-Containing Carborane Pharmacophore with the Ability to Inhibit Tyrosine Kinases Receptors FLT3, KIT and PDGFR-β, Exhibits Powerful In Vivo Anti-Glioblastoma Activity.

Simple SummaryGlioblastoma is one of the most aggressive central nervous system tumors. Combinations of therapies, such as tyrosine kinase receptor inhibition and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), could offer greater patients benefits over single-therapies. The aim of our study was to assess the potential of sunitinib-carborane hybrid compound 1 as an anti-glioblastoma agent. We confirmed for 1 the ability to inhibit tyrosine kinase receptors, which could promote canonical and non-canonical effects, absence of mutagenicity, ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, and powerful in vivo anti-glioblastoma activity. The overall attractive profile of 1 makes it an interesting compound for a bimodal therapeutic strategy against high grade gliomas.Malignant gliomas are the most common malignant and aggressive primary brain tumors in adults, the prognosis being—especially for glioblastomas—extremely poor. There are no effective treatments yet. However, tyrosine kinase receptor (TKR) inhibitors and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), together, have been proposed as future therapeutic strategies. In this sense in our ongoing project of developing new anti-glioblastoma drugs, we identified a sunitinib-carborane hybrid agent, 1, with both in vitro selective cytotoxicity and excellent BNCT-behavior. Consequently, we studied the ability of compound 1 to inhibit TKRs, its promotion of cellular death processes, and its effects on the cell cycle. Moreover, we analyzed some relevant drug-like properties of 1, i.e., mutagenicity and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. These results encouraged us to perform an in vivo anti-glioblastoma proof of concept assay. It turned out to be a selective FLT3, KIT, and PDGFR-β inhibitor and increased the apoptotic glioma-cell numbers and arrested sub-G1-phase cell cycle. Its in vivo activity in immunosuppressed mice bearing U87 MG human glioblastoma evidenced excellent anti-tumor behavior.

EXTH-49. BXQ-350 TARGETS TO THE LYSOSOME AND KILLS GLIOBLASTOMA (GBM) CELLS VIA ACTIVATION OF APOPTOTIC CASPASES IN VITRO

Abstract BACKGROUND Apoptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism where cells respond to internal or external stimuli by initiating a cascade of events and enzymes leading to cell death. One of the hallmarks of cancer is the ability to resist apoptotic stimuli. Removing resistances to apoptosis can result in the death of these tumor cells. METHOD The GBM cell line Gli36ΔEGFR was used to determine Caspase activity and BXQ-350 cytotoxicity. Cells were treated with 9uM to 30uM BXQ-350 in triplicate and incubated for 24 hours at 37oC. Promega’s Caspase-Glo 9 or Caspase-Glo 3/7 reagent was added to each well of a plate and was incubated at room temperature in the dark for 3 hours then luminescence was read. The parallel cytotoxic assay was run under the same conditions except Roche’s MTT labeling reagent was added to each well after 24 hours and the plate was incubated at 370C for 4 hours. Solubilization solution was added to each well, the plate was incubated overnight then absorbance was read. The GBM cell line U87 MG was used to determine lysosomal targeting by treating with 10uM BXQ-350 and incubated at 37oC overnight. They were stained with anti-SapC (RFP) and anti-LAMP1 (GFP) antibodies and images were taken. RESULT BXQ-350 mediated cell death is correlated with a rise in Caspase 3, Caspase 7 and Caspase 9 activity. The caspase activity levels did not rise until after BXQ-350 passed its IC50 and stayed elevated. Caspases 3/7 levels showed higher activity compared to untreated than Caspase 9. BXQ-350 was seen to colocalize to LAMP1, a lysosomal membrane protein. CONCLUSION BXQ-350 tracks to the lysosomal membrane where it initiates a cascade of enzymes necessary to cause apoptosis. Caspases 3/7 are the effector caspases that complete the apoptotic process removing a major barrier to fight cancer.

Monte Carlo dosimetry of a cell culture irradiation model using a 6 MV X-ray beam

We describe a cell culture irradiation model based on the use of a 6 MV linear accelerator. The determination of dose delivered to the cell culture relied upon a carefully validated Monte Carlo simulation of the linear accelerator head, followed by radiation transport calculations of relative dose on a model of the clonogenic assay, which included the cell culture flask and supporting media. Absolute dose was determined by cross calibration of the Monte Carlo model with ionization chamber measurements along the central axis of a water phantom. An experimental setup based on the irradiation model was used to obtain survival curves of a human cell line of glioblastoma multiforme (U-373 MG). Our measurements show excellent agreement with data previously reported in the literature.

The potential use of tideglusib as an adjuvant radio-therapeutic treatment for glioblastoma multiforme cancer stem-like cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a stage IV astrocytoma, is the most common brain malignancy among adults. Conventional treatments of surgical resection followed by radio and/or chemotherapy fail to completely eradicate the tumor. Resistance to the currently available therapies is mainly attributed to a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) present within the tumor bulk that self-renew leading to tumor relapse with time. Therefore, identification of characteristic markers specific to these cells is crucial for the development of targeted therapies. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), a serine-threonine kinase, is deregulated in a wide range of diseases, including cancer. In GBM, GSK-3β is overexpressed and its suppression in vitro has been shown to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. In our study, we assessed the effect of GSK-3β inhibition with Tideglusib (TDG), an irreversible non-ATP competitive inhibitor, using two human GBM cell lines, U-251 MG and U-118 MG. In addition, we combined TDG with radiotherapy to assess whether this inhibition enhances the effect of standard treatment. Our results showed that TDG significantly reduced cell proliferation, cell viability, and migration of both GBM cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vitro. Treatment with TDG alone and in combination with radiation significantly decreased the colony formation of U-251 MG cells and the sphere formation of both cell lines, by targeting and reducing their glioblastoma cancer stem-like cells (GSCs) population. Finally, cells treated with TDG showed an increased level of unrepaired radio-induced DNA damage and, thus, became sensitized toward radiation. In conclusion, TDG has proven its effectiveness in targeting the cancerous properties of GBM in vitro and may, hence, serve as a potential adjuvant radio-therapeutic agent to better target this deadly tumor.

Assessment of replication of bovine herpesvirus type 4 in human glioblastoma and breast cancer cells as a potential oncolytic virus.

Oncolytic viruses have been extensively used in cancer treatment due to their tropism, selective replication only in tumor cells, and possible synergic interaction with other therapeutics. Different researchers have demonstrated that bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4), a member of the gammaherpesviridae family, has oncolytic potential in some human-origin cancer cell lines like glioma through the selective replication strategy. Using four apoptosis detection methods, namely MTT, LDH, TUNEL, and Annexin V assays, we evaluated the apoptotic effect of BoHV-4 Movar33/63 reference strain along with a recombinant BoHV-4 expressing EGFP in U87 MG cells (human glioblastoma cell line), MDA MB-231 (human breast cancer cell line), and MCF10a (non-tumorigenic human mammary epithelial cell line). Our findings indicate that this virus can replicate and induce apoptosis in these cell lines and hinder in vitro proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, BoHV-4 has in vitro potential as a novel oncolytic virus in human cancer therapy. However, its replication potential in the MCF10a cells as a non-tumorigenic human mammary epithelial cell line is a concern in using this virus in cancer therapy, at least against human mammary tumors. Further studies must therefore be conducted to examine the specific apoptotic pathways induced by this virus to move on to further experiments.

Metformin Increases Exosome Biogenesis and Secretion in U87 MG Human Glioblastoma Cells: A Possible Mechanism of Therapeutic Resistance

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive brain tumor. Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, can suppress tumor cells. Exosomes from GBM cells contribute to intercellular communication, tumor aggressiveness, and therapeutic resistance. We studied the effect of metformin on the exosomal secretory pathway in U87MGcells. Cell survival against metformin was investigated using MTT assay. Expression of miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-182, as well as the genes involved in exosome biogenesis and secretion such as Rab27a, Rab27b, Rab11, CD63, and Alix were calculated by real time-PCR. The expression of CD63 protein was analyzed by western blotting, while the subcellular distribution of CD63 protein was monitored by flow cytometry. Exosomes were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopes, and flow cytometry. Amount of exosomes was assayed using acetylcholinesterase activity assay and ELISA. The expression of autophagic markers LC3 and P62 were assessed using ELISA. Data showed that metformin decreased cell survival and expression of miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-182 (p <0.05). Expression of Rab27a, Rab27b, Rab11, CD63, and Alix as well as protein level of CD63 up-regulated in treated cells (p <0.05). Concurrently, flow cytometry analysis showed that surface CD63/total CD63 ratio was increased in treated cells (p <0.05). We found that acetylcholinesterase activity and CD63 protein of exosomes from treated cells increased (p <0.05). The expression of LC3 and P62 was not affected by metformin (p >0.05). Data indicates metformin could promote exosome biogenesis and secretion in U87MGcells, proposing the therapeutic response against metformin.