MUC21 induces the viability and migration of glioblastoma via the STAT3/AKT pathway
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Updated: Sep 27, 2025
Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Glioma-infiltrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Published on: November 28, 2015
Leibo Wang1, Xuebin Zhang2, Jun Liu1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant tumor with one of the fastest increasing morbidity and mortality rates. As such, more therapeutic targets need to be developed to combat this disease. Mucin 21 (MUC21) is a human counterpart of mouse epiglycanin and mediates multiple cellular functions. However, its possible effects on GBM and its possible mechanism remain unclear. The current study aimed to clarify the role or MUC21 in the progression of GBM by performing a series of in vitro assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound closure, transwell, and in vivo assays. In the present study, the aberrantly high expression of MUC21 in human GBM tissues and cell lines was observed and it was revealed that it was associated with the clinicopathological feature, tumor recurrence, in patients with GBM. MUC21 promoted the viability and motility of GBM cells in vitro and stimulated tumor growth in vivo. It was further confirmed that MUC21 promoted the progression of GBM via the STAT3/AKT pathway and it was considered that MUC21 could serve as a promising target for the treatment of GBM.
Insights
Mucin 21 (MUC21) drives glioblastoma (GBM) progression by enhancing cell viability and motility. Targeting MUC21 may offer a new therapeutic strategy for this aggressive brain cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) presents a critical challenge due to rapidly increasing mortality rates.
- Novel therapeutic targets are urgently needed to improve GBM treatment outcomes.
- The role and mechanism of Mucin 21 (MUC21) in GBM progression are currently unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Mucin 21 (MUC21) in glioblastoma (GBM) progression.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which MUC21 influences GBM.
- To assess the potential of MUC21 as a therapeutic target for GBM.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vitro assays including Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound closure, and transwell assays.
- Conducted in vivo studies to evaluate the effect of MUC21 on tumor growth.
- Analyzed MUC21 expression in human GBM tissues and cell lines.
Main Results:
- Aberrantly high MUC21 expression was observed in human GBM tissues and cell lines.
- MUC21 expression correlated with clinicopathological features and tumor recurrence in GBM patients.
- MUC21 significantly promoted GBM cell viability and motility in vitro and stimulated tumor growth in vivo.
- MUC21 was found to promote GBM progression through the STAT3/AKT signaling pathway.
Conclusions:
- Mucin 21 (MUC21) plays a significant role in promoting glioblastoma (GBM) progression.
- MUC21 enhances GBM cell viability, motility, and tumor growth, potentially via the STAT3/AKT pathway.
- MUC21 represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of glioblastoma.
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