Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Isolation and Purification of Fungal β-Glucan as an Immunotherapy Strategy for Glioblastoma
Published on: June 2, 2023
Study on the Inhibitory Effect of Curcumin on GBM and Its Potential Mechanism
Xiaotao Su1, Shaohua Chen2, Hongyu Lu1
1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). However, current GBM treatments are ineffective, signifying the great importance of exploring new therapeutic targets. Curcumin has been found to be a natural compound with an anticancer potential. However, its targets and mechanisms in GBM are still unclear.
Methods:
Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from the GBM dataset in the GEO database and intersected with the target genes of curcumin to select potential target genes. Subsequently, survival analysis was performed with the GEPIA database to confirm the effect of target genes on the prognosis of GBM, and functional enrichment analysis was performed using the DAVID database. In vitro, CCK-8 assay was used to screen the appropriate concentration of curcumin; scratch and transwell invasion assays were used to evaluate the effect of curcumin on the migration and invasion abilities of GBM cells. Furthermore, RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect changes in target genes and flow cytometry was used to assess the apoptosis level.
Results:
A total of 16 target genes of curcumin and GBM were obtained, among which ENO1, MMP2, and PRKD2 significantly affected the prognosis (P < 0.05). We further selected ENO1 for functional enrichment analysis and found that it was enriched in the glycolytic pathway. Meanwhile, in vitro experiments showed that curcumin could inhibit the migration and invasion of U251 cells and promote apoptosis (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
ENO1 could be a possible target for curcumin in the suppression of GBM cells.
Insights
Curcumin shows potential against glioblastoma (GBM) by targeting ENO1, a gene involved in glycolysis. This natural compound inhibits GBM cell migration and invasion, offering a new therapeutic avenue for this aggressive brain cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is a prevalent and aggressive central nervous system (CNS) malignancy with limited treatment options.
- Curcumin, a natural compound, exhibits anticancer properties, but its specific targets and mechanisms in GBM remain largely unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential therapeutic targets of curcumin in glioblastoma.
- To investigate the effects of curcumin on GBM cell behavior and apoptosis.
- To explore the role of identified target genes in GBM prognosis and cellular pathways.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of GBM datasets to identify curcumin target genes.
- Survival analysis using GEPIA database for prognostic significance.
- In vitro assays (CCK-8, scratch, Transwell) to assess curcumin's effect on GBM cell migration, invasion, and apoptosis.
- RT-qPCR and Western blotting for gene expression analysis.
Main Results:
- Sixteen potential target genes of curcumin in GBM were identified, with ENO1, MMP2, and PRKD2 significantly impacting prognosis.
- ENO1 was found to be enriched in the glycolytic pathway.
- Curcumin treatment inhibited U251 GBM cell migration and invasion while promoting apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Enolase 1 (ENO1) is identified as a potential molecular target for curcumin's anti-GBM activity.
- Curcumin demonstrates therapeutic potential against glioblastoma by modulating ENO1 and affecting key cellular processes like migration, invasion, and apoptosis.
