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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Evaluation of Biomarkers in Glioma by Immunohistochemistry on Paraffin-Embedded 3D Glioma Neurosphere Cultures
Published on: January 9, 2019
[Correlation of DNA-PK activity with anti-cancer drug-sensitivity in human gliomas]
Cui-jie Shao1, Yun-fei Xia, Hong-liu Shi
1South China State Key Laboratory for Cancer Research and Neuro-oncology Laboratory, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) activity and anti-cancer drug sensitivity in human glioma tissues.
Methods:
Human glioma specimens were primarily cultured and its sensitivity to several anti-cancer drugs were evaluated by MTT assay. Nuclear protein was extracted from the glioma sample of the same patient and its DNA-PK activity was determined by a biotinylated DNA-PK assay with p53-derived peptide as a specific substrate.
Results:
DNA-PK activity varied widely among these glioma samples. Of all 36 samples, 16 showed higher DNA-PK activity (relative activity > or = 0.40) and 20 samples with lower DNA-PK activity (relative activity < 0.40). The gliomas sensitive to DDP and VCR as evaluated by inhibition rate (IR > or = 50%) under plasma peak concentration (PPC) showed lower DNA-PK activity than the resistant ones (IR < 50%) (t = -3.445, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the gliomas with higher DNA-PK activity showed lower inhibition rate (IR < 50%) than those with lower DNA-PK activity ones (t = -2.145, P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
DNA-PK activity is significantly associated with anti-cancer drug sensitivity to DDP and VCR in human gliomas. DNA-PK activity could be used as a new biomarker for the chemotherapy sensitivity of human gliomas.
Insights
DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) activity is linked to chemotherapy response in human gliomas. Lower DNA-PK activity correlates with increased sensitivity to drugs like DDP and VCR, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options.
- Chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge in glioma treatment.
- Predictive biomarkers for drug sensitivity are crucial for personalized therapy.
Purpose:
- To determine the correlation between DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) activity and sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs in human glioma tissues.
- To evaluate DNA-PK as a potential biomarker for predicting chemotherapy response in gliomas.
Summary:
- DNA-PK activity was measured in 36 human glioma specimens using a biotinylated DNA-PK assay.
- Glioma samples were assessed for sensitivity to DDP and VCR via MTT assay.
- Lower DNA-PK activity was significantly associated with higher sensitivity to DDP and VCR (inhibition rate > or = 50%).
Impact:
- DNA-PK activity is a significant predictor of DDP and VCR sensitivity in human gliomas.
- This finding suggests DNA-PK activity can serve as a novel biomarker for guiding glioma chemotherapy.
- Potential for improved patient outcomes through tailored treatment strategies based on DNA-PK levels.
