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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
ROS Live Cell Imaging During Neuronal Development
Published on: February 9, 2021
Enhanced expression of NADPH oxidase Nox4 in human gliomas and its roles in cell proliferation and survival
Tadahisa Shono1, Nobuhiko Yokoyama, Toshio Uesaka
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kyushu University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan. tshono@ns.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been attracting attention as mediators of various cell-signaling pathways. Nox-family NADPH oxidases have proven to be a major source of ROS production in various cell types and have crucial roles in various physiological and pathological processes. In this study, we show that Nox4, a member of Nox family, is prominently expressed in various neuroepithelial tumors by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical studies. We quantified Nox4 mRNA expression by real-time PCR in tumor specimens from 58 patients with astrocytomas and found that the expression levels of Nox4 mRNA in glioblastomas (WHO grade IV) were significantly higher than those in other astrocytomas (WHO grade II and III). In addition, we show that specific knockdown of Nox4 expression by RNA interference results in cell-growth inhibition and enhances induction of apoptosis by chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, in cultured glioma cell lines. Based on these observations, enhanced expression of Nox4 appears to be involved in cell proliferation and survival in glioma cells.
Insights
Nox4, a key source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is highly expressed in glioblastomas. Inhibiting Nox4 in glioma cells reduced growth and increased apoptosis, suggesting Nox4
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical signaling molecules in cellular processes.
- Nox-family NADPH oxidases are primary sources of ROS, influencing physiological and pathological conditions.
- Nox4's role in neuroepithelial tumors requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Nox4 in neuroepithelial tumors.
- To determine the correlation between Nox4 expression levels and astrocytoma grade.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting Nox4 in glioma.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to assess Nox4 expression.
- Real-time PCR quantified Nox4 mRNA in 58 astrocytoma specimens.
- RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to knock down Nox4 in cultured glioma cells.
Main Results:
- Nox4 was prominently expressed in neuroepithelial tumors.
- Nox4 mRNA levels were significantly elevated in glioblastomas (WHO grade IV) compared to lower-grade astrocytomas.
- Nox4 knockdown inhibited glioma cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis induced by cisplatin.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced Nox4 expression is implicated in glioma cell proliferation and survival.
- Nox4 represents a potential therapeutic target for glioma treatment.
- Targeting Nox4 may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in glioblastoma.
