Targeting Netrin-1 in glioblastoma stem-like cells inhibits growth, invasion, and angiogenesis

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive malignant brain tumor that still lacks effective therapy. Glioblastoma stem cells (GBM-SCs) were identified to contribute to aggressive phenotypes and poor clinical outcomes for GBM. Netrin-1, an axon guidance molecule, has been found in several tumors in adults. However, the role of Netrin-1 in GBM-SCs remains largely unknown. In this study, CD133-positive U251 GBM cells were used as a putative GBM-SC population to identify the functions of Netrin-1. Using lentiviral transduction, Netrin-1 miR RNAi vectors were transduced into CD133-positive U251 cells. We demonstrated that cell proliferation and survival were decreased following targeted deletion of Netrin-1. Cell invasion was dramatically diminished in Netrin-1 knockdown GBM-SCs. Moreover, Netrin-1 knockdown GBM-SCs exhibited less proangiogenic activity. In conclusion, Netrin-1 may represent a therapeutic target in glioblastoma.