Valproic acid promotes radiosensitization in meningioma stem-like cells

Although meningioma stem-like cells have been isolated and characterized, their therapeutic targeting remains a challenge. Meningioma sphere cells (MgSCs) with cancer stem cells properties show chemo- and radioresistance in comparison with meningioma adherent cells (MgACs). We tested the effect of valproic acid (VPA), a commonly used anti-epileptic drug, which passes the blood brain barrier, on cultured MgSCs. VPA reduced the viability of MgSCs and MgACs. In MgSCs, treatment with VPA increased radio-sensitivity, expression of p-cdc2, p-H2AX and cleaved caspase-3 and PARP. Anchorage-independent growth (AIG) was reduced by VPA. AIG was further reduced by combined treatment with irradiation. Expression of a stem cell marker, Oct4, was reduced by VPA. Oct4 was further decreased by combined treatment with irradiation. These results suggest that VPA may be a potential treatment for meningioma through targeting meningioma stem-like cells.