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Anti-Vimentin Nanobody Decreases Glioblastoma Cell Invasion In Vitro and In Vivo
Alja Zottel1, Metka Novak2, Neja Šamec1
1Medical Centre for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Cancers
|February 11, 2023
Summary
An anti-vimentin nanobody, Nb79, effectively reduced glioblastoma cell invasion in vitro and in vivo. This study highlights vimentin as a therapeutic target for glioblastoma (GBM) and Nb79 as a potential treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Vimentin, an intermediate filament protein, is linked to cancer progression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- Targeting vimentin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for GBM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the anti-vimentin nanobody Nb79 in inhibiting glioblastoma cell invasion.
- To investigate the mechanism of action of Nb79 concerning EMT markers in GBM.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of Nb79 in both in vitro and in vivo models.
Main Methods:
- Vimentin expression analysis in glioma tissues and cells using RT-qPCR.
- In vitro and in vivo invasion assays with glioblastoma cell lines (U-87 MG, NCH421k) and zebrafish embryos.
- Western blot and immunocytochemistry to determine the effect of Nb79 on EMT biomarkers (beta-catenin, vimentin, ZEB-1, ZO1).
Main Results:
- Vimentin was significantly upregulated in glioblastoma tissues.
- Nb79 treatment reduced glioblastoma cell invasion by up to 64% in vitro and 21% in vivo.
- Nb79 treatment increased the expression of the tight junction protein ZO-1 on the cell membrane.
Conclusions:
- Anti-vimentin nanobody Nb79 demonstrates significant potential in reducing glioblastoma cell invasion.
- Nb79 represents a promising therapeutic candidate for targeting GBM.
- Targeting vimentin may be a viable strategy to combat GBM progression.
