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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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Keywords:
GliomaMEK/ERK/CREB pathwaybaclofencancer neurosciencetranscriptome sequencing

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