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Differential connexin function enhances self-renewal in glioblastoma.

ABSTRACT: The coordination of complex tumor processes requires cells to rapidly modify their phenotype and is achieved by direct cell-cell communication through gap junction channels composed of connexins. Previous reports have suggested that gap junctions are tumor suppressive based on connexin 43 (Cx43), but this does not take into account differences in connexin-mediated ion selectivity and intercellular communication rate that drive gap junction diversity. We find that glioblastoma cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess functional gap junctions that can be targeted using clinically relevant compounds to reduce self-renewal and tumor growth. Our analysis reveals that CSCs express Cx46, while Cx43 is predominantly expressed in non-CSCs. During differentiation, Cx46 is reduced, while Cx43 is increased, and targeting Cx46 compromises CSC maintenance. The difference between Cx46 and Cx43 is reflected in elevated cell-cell communication and reduced resting membrane potential in CSCs. Our data demonstrate a pro-tumorigenic role for gap junctions that is dependent on connexin expression.

SUBMITTER: Hitomi M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4502443 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Differential connexin function enhances self-renewal in glioblastoma.

Hitomi Masahiro M Deleyrolle Loic P LP Mulkearns-Hubert Erin E EE Jarrar Awad A Li Meizhang M Sinyuk Maksim M Otvos Balint B Brunet Sylvain S Flavahan William A WA Hubert Christopher G CG Goan Winston W Hale James S JS Alvarado Alvaro G AG Zhang Ao A Rohaus Mark M Oli Muna M Vedam-Mai Vinata V Fortin Jeff M JM Futch Hunter S HS Griffith Benjamin B Wu Qiulian Q Xia Chun-Hong CH Gong Xiaohua X Ahluwalia Manmeet S MS Rich Jeremy N JN Reynolds Brent A BA Lathia Justin D JD

Cell reports 20150507 7

The coordination of complex tumor processes requires cells to rapidly modify their phenotype and is achieved by direct cell-cell communication through gap junction channels composed of connexins. Previous reports have suggested that gap junctions are tumor suppressive based on connexin 43 (Cx43), but this does not take into account differences in connexin-mediated ion selectivity and intercellular communication rate that drive gap junction diversity. We find that glioblastoma cancer stem cells ( ...[more]

PMID: 25959821

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Project description:BackgroundGlioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer, poses significant challenges due to its resistance to therapy and high recurrence rates. This study aimed to investigate the expression and functional implications of CDKN2A, a key tumor suppressor gene, in glioblastoma cells, building upon the existing background of knowledge in this field.MethodQuantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to evaluate CDKN2A expression in U87 glioblastoma cells compared to normal human astrocytes (NHA). CDKN2A expression levels were manipulated using small interfering RNA (siRNA) and CDKN2A overexpression vector. Cell viability assays and carmustine sensitivity tests were conducted to assess the impact of CDKN2A modulation on glioblastoma cell viability and drug response. Sphere formation assays and western blot analysis were performed to investigate the role of CDKN2A in glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) self-renewal and pluripotency marker expression. Additionally, methylation-specific PCR (MSP) assays and demethylation treatment were employed to elucidate the mechanism of CDKN2A downregulation in U87 cells.ResultCDKN2A expression was significantly reduced in glioblastoma cells compared to NHA. CDKN2A overexpression resulted in decreased cell viability and enhanced sensitivity to carmustine treatment. CDKN2A inhibition promoted self-renewal capacity and increased pluripotency marker expression in U87 cells. CDKN2A upregulation led to elevated protein levels of p16INK4a, p14ARF, P53, and P21, which are involved in cell cycle regulation. CDKN2A downregulation in U87 cells was associated with high promoter methylation, which was reversed by treatment with a demethylating agent.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that CDKN2A downregulation in glioblastoma cells is associated with decreased cell viability, enhanced drug resistance, increased self-renewal capacity, and altered expression of pluripotency markers. The observed CDKN2A expression changes are mediated by promoter methylation. These results highlight the potential role of CDKN2A as a therapeutic target and prognostic marker in glioblastoma.

Dataset Information

Differential connexin function enhances self-renewal in glioblastoma.

Publications

Differential connexin function enhances self-renewal in glioblastoma.

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