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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Analysis of Retinoic Acid-induced Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in Two and Three-dimensional Embryoid Bodies
Published on: April 22, 2017
[Effect of all-trans-retinoic acid on C6 glioma cell proliferation and differentiation]
Ke Tang1, Li Cao, Song-qing Fan
1Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
Objective:
To explore the effect of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) on the growth inhibition and cellular differentiation of C6 glioma cells.
Methods:
Human glioma C6 cells were treated with 5 mg/L ATRA,and the inhibition of cell growth was assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The differentiation of C6 cells was determined by flow cytometry, microscopy,transmission electron microscope, and immunohistochemical technique.
Results:
Treatment of ATRA could result in the growth inhibition of C6 cells, and the cell density significantly decreased(P<0.01). The cell cycle distribution was changed, G0/G1 phase was prolonged, and cells at S phase decreased(P<0.01). The C6 glioma cells displayed normal fibroblast-like morphology under the microscope before the induction, and the ATRA-treated C6 cells became slightly long, turned into round in the middle, and had protrusions at both ends. The ATRA-treated C6 cells did not display obvious apoptosis by flow cytometry(P>0.05).Whereas, early apoptosis was observed under the transmission electron microscope, the vacuoles increased, the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum were abundant in the cytoplasm, and the cellular structures tended to be normal.The expression of glial fibrillaryacidic protein in C6 cells increased in the treatment group.
Conclusion:
ATRA can inhibit the proliferation, and induce the differentiation of C6 glioma cells.
Insights
All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) inhibits C6 glioma cell proliferation and induces cellular differentiation. This study demonstrates ATRA
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cell biology
- Molecular medicine
Context:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor.
- C6 glioma cells are a common experimental model for GBM.
- Targeting cell proliferation and differentiation is a key therapeutic strategy.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) on C6 glioma cell growth.
- To assess ATRA's role in inducing cellular differentiation in C6 glioma cells.
Summary:
- Treatment with ATRA significantly inhibited C6 glioma cell growth and altered cell cycle distribution, prolonging the G0/G1 phase.
- Microscopic and ultrastructural analyses revealed morphological changes indicative of differentiation, including increased glial fibrillary acidic protein expression.
- While overt apoptosis was not detected by flow cytometry, early apoptotic changes were observed via transmission electron microscopy.
Impact:
- ATRA demonstrates potential as an agent to control glioma cell proliferation.
- ATRA may serve as an inducer of differentiation in glioma cells, offering a novel therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into ATRA's mechanisms could lead to new treatments for gliomas.
