Inhibition of EIF2S1 expression regulates the PI3K/AKT pathway to mediate apoptosis in glioma cells: an in vitro

Gang Li1, Min Wang1, Na Wei1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, 430033, China.

Neurogenetics
|May 29, 2026
PubMed

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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