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Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
Inhibition of EIF2S1 expression regulates the PI3K/AKT pathway to mediate apoptosis in glioma cells: an in vitro
Abstract:
Glioma is a malignant central nervous system tumor that poses a threat to patient survival. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit alpha (EIF2S1) is closely associated with the progression of multiple human cancers. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EIF2S1 on glioma cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We analyzed EIF2S1 expression in glioma tissues and cell lines. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting EIF2S1 was constructed and transfected into glioma cell lines to silence EIF2S1 expression. We then evaluated cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastatic capacity. Western blotting (WB) was used to determine the effect of EIF2S1 knockdown on the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT. Finally, glioma cells were co-treated with the PI3K activator 740 Y-P to verify whether the PI3K/AKT pathway mediates the function of EIF2S1 in glioma cells. EIF2S1 was significantly up-regulated in glioma. Knockdown of EIF2S1 markedly inhibited glioma cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and suppressed metastatic potential. Western blot analysis indicated that EIF2S1 silencing significantly reduced the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT. Moreover, 740 Y-P significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of si-EIF2S1 on glioma cells. Our in vitro findings suggeste that EIF2S1 contributes the malignant progression of glioma cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway, providing a theoretical basis for future exploring EIF2S1 as a potentical therapeutic target for glioma.
Insights
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit alpha (EIF2S1) drives glioma progression by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Silencing EIF2S1 inhibits proliferation and metastasis, suggesting EIF2S1 as a potential therapeutic target for glioma.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Glioma is a dangerous central nervous system tumor.
- Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit alpha (EIF2S1) is linked to various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate EIF2S1's role in glioma.
- Elucidate the molecular mechanisms of EIF2S1 in glioma progression.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed EIF2S1 expression in glioma tissues and cell lines.
- Used siRNA to silence EIF2S1 and assessed cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis.
- Employed Western blotting to examine PI3K/AKT pathway phosphorylation.
- Utilized a PI3K activator (740 Y-P) to confirm pathway involvement.
Main Results:
- EIF2S1 expression was significantly higher in glioma.
- EIF2S1 knockdown inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, and reduced metastasis.
- EIF2S1 silencing decreased PI3K and AKT phosphorylation.
- PI3K activation reversed the inhibitory effects of EIF2S1 knockdown.
Conclusions:
- EIF2S1 promotes glioma malignancy via the PI3K/AKT pathway.
- EIF2S1 presents a potential therapeutic target for glioma treatment.
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