Valproic Acid Reduces Invasiveness and Cellular Growth in 2D and 3D Glioblastoma Cell Lines

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
• Glial stem cells (GSCs) drive GBM progression, invasiveness, and drug resistance.
• Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, like valproic acid (VA), show antitumor potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of valproic acid (VA) on glioma cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
• To evaluate VA's efficacy in both 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid cell culture models.

Main Methods:

• Cell viability assessed using MTT assay.
• Cell cycle analysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels measured by flow cytometry.
• Gene and protein expression analyzed via RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively.

Main Results:

• VA reduced cell viability in T98G and U-87MG glioblastoma cells (2D and 3D).
• VA induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, decreasing cyclin D1 levels.
• VA promoted apoptosis, increased ROS production, and decreased mesenchymal markers and MMP2, counteracting cell migration.

Conclusions:

• Valproic acid demonstrates significant inhibitory effects on glioblastoma cell growth.
• VA effectively counteracts glioma cell migration in both 2D and 3D models.
• VA exhibits potential as a therapeutic agent for glioblastoma.