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Published on: October 20, 2016
Baclofen Inhibits Glioma Proliferation via the MEK/ERK/CREB Pathway
Boqi Zhou1,2,3, Liping Shen2,3, Xiaojie Lu1,2,3
1Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Oncology Research
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist, inhibits glioma cell growth, migration, and invasion. It targets the MEK/ERK/CREB pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, showing therapeutic potential for glioma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptors are implicated in cancer progression.
- Baclofen exhibits antitumor properties across various cancer types.
- The precise role and mechanisms of baclofen in glioma remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-glioma effects of baclofen.
- To elucidate the molecular pathways targeted by baclofen in glioma cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using glioma cell lines to assess baclofen's impact on proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- Transcriptome sequencing and Western blotting to identify molecular mechanisms.
- In vivo validation using a subcutaneous glioma xenograft model.
Main Results:
- Baclofen dose-dependently inhibited glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- Baclofen suppressed phosphorylation in the MEK/ERK/CREB/FOS signaling pathway via GABAB receptors.
- Baclofen modulated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like program.
- Effects were reversed by the GABAB antagonist CGP35348.
- In vivo studies confirmed baclofen's anti-glioma efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Baclofen demonstrates anti-glioma activity by inhibiting the GABAB receptor-mediated MEK/ERK/CREB signaling axis.
- Baclofen also modulates the EMT-like pathway, contributing to its anti-tumor effects.
- These findings suggest baclofen as a potential therapeutic agent for glioma.
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