GOLPH3 inhibits glioma cell apoptosis through the JNK signaling pathway

Shao Xie1,2, Jiahai Ding2, Zhaohao Wang3

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.

Frontiers in Genetics
|February 13, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) knockdown increases glioma cell apoptosis via the JNK pathway. Suppressing GOLPH3 inhibits tumor growth, offering a potential therapeutic target for glioma treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Glioma, a primary intracranial tumor, presents significant mortality and disability challenges.
  • Understanding glioma's molecular mechanisms and identifying therapeutic targets are critical for improved patient outcomes.
  • Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is implicated in various cancers, but its role in glioma progression requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the function of Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) in glioma progression.
  • To investigate the role of GOLPH3 in regulating apoptosis and the JNK signaling pathway in glioma cells.
  • To evaluate GOLPH3 as a potential therapeutic target for glioma gene therapy.

Main Methods:

  • GOLPH3 expression was suppressed in U87 glioma cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA).
  • An in vivo glioma model was established by implanting GOLPH3-knockdown U87 cells into nude mice.
  • Apoptosis was assessed via flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, TUNEL assays, and Western blotting; JNK pathway activation was evaluated by analyzing JNK and c-Jun phosphorylation.

Main Results:

  • Downregulation of GOLPH3 significantly enhanced apoptosis in U87 glioma cells, indicated by increased cleaved caspase-3 and higher apoptosis rates.
  • GOLPH3 knockdown activated the JNK signaling pathway, evidenced by elevated phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun.
  • In vivo, GOLPH3 suppression inhibited tumor growth and increased apoptosis within the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • GOLPH3 plays a pivotal role in regulating apoptosis in malignant glioma cells, potentially through the JNK signaling pathway.
  • GOLPH3 represents a promising therapeutic target for glioma treatment.
  • Further research into GOLPH3's mechanisms could lead to novel gene therapy strategies for glioma.

Related Concept Videos

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway01:20

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as  SH2...
8.6K
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways01:19

Interactions Between Signaling Pathways

Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
6.2K
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
6.1K
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a...
3.4K