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Updated: May 22, 2026
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Published on: July 29, 2022
ZFP36 expression impairs glioblastoma cell lines viability and invasiveness by targeting multiple signal transduction
Tommaso Selmi1, Andrea Martello, Tatiana Vignudelli
1Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Sezione di Chimica Biologica, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Abstract:
RNA binding proteins belonging to the TIS11/TTP gene family regulate the stability of multiple targets. Their inactivation or deregulated expression has recently been related to cancer, and it has been suggested that they are capable of displaying tumor suppressor activities. Here we describe three new targets of ZFP36 (PIM-1, PIM-3 and XIAP) and show by different approaches that its ectopic expression is capable of impairing glioblastoma cell lines viability and invasiveness by interfering with different transduction pathways. Moreover, we provide evidence that compounds capable of inducing the expression of TIS11/TTP genes determine a comparable biological effect on the same cell contexts.
Insights
The ZFP36 gene family, involved in RNA regulation, shows tumor suppressor activity. Its expression impairs glioblastoma cell viability and invasiveness, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- RNA binding proteins of the TIS11/TTP gene family regulate target stability.
- Inactivation or altered expression of these proteins is linked to cancer, suggesting tumor suppressor roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify new targets of ZFP36.
- To investigate the effect of ZFP36 ectopic expression on glioblastoma cell viability and invasiveness.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of compounds that induce TIS11/TTP gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Identification of new ZFP36 targets (PIM-1, PIM-3, XIAP).
- Ectopic expression of ZFP36 in glioblastoma cell lines.
- Assessment of cell viability and invasiveness.
- Analysis of affected transduction pathways.
- Treatment with compounds inducing TIS11/TTP gene expression.
Main Results:
- ZFP36 targets PIM-1, PIM-3, and XIAP were identified.
- Ectopic ZFP36 expression reduced glioblastoma cell viability and invasiveness.
- ZFP36 interfered with multiple signal transduction pathways.
- Compounds inducing TIS11/TTP genes mimicked the effects of ZFP36 expression.
Conclusions:
- ZFP36 exhibits tumor suppressor activity in glioblastoma.
- ZFP36 impacts glioblastoma cell behavior through various signaling pathways.
- Inducing TIS11/TTP gene expression represents a potential therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma.
