Molecular Characterization of Glioblastoma Cell Differentiation

Abstract

The butyrate-induced responses of the U138B cell line provide a convenient model system for studying the molecular events accompanying the differentiation of glioblastoma cells. Multiparameter flow cytometry is a useful technique for characterizing such differentiation.

Nuclear Factor I Regulates Brain Fatty Acid-Binding Protein and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Gene Expression in Malignant Glioma Cell Lines

“…2,3 Manipulation of GFAP levels in malignant glioma cells suggests an association between GFAP expression and a reduced transformed state. [4][5][6][7][8][9] Brain fatty acid-binding protein (B-FABP; also known as FABP7 or BLBP) is a marker of radial glial cells. 10,11 B-FABP has been implicated in the establishment of the radial glial fiber system required for the migration of neurons to their correct location in the central nervous system and in glial cell differentiation.…”

HDAC inhibitors effectively induce cell type-specific differentiation in human glioblastoma cell lines of different origin

“…The differentiation effect by 4-PB was previously shown in U138 MG, T98G, U373 MG and A-172 human glioblastoma cell lines (42). They respond quickly (within 72 h) with the retraction of cell borders and extension of long cytoplasmic processes, making the appearance astrocyte-like.…”

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity is required for the induction of differentiation in C6 glioma cells by panaxydol

“…14 Induction of differentiation may allow tumor cells to redifferentiate, suppressing the malignant proliferation of tumors. 2 GFAP is a reliable differentiation marker in normal astrocytes and tumors of the astrocytic lineage. Malignant gliomas have fewer GFAP-positive cells than their benign counterparts and normal brain tissue.…”

“…16 GFAP expression and morphological changes in cultured glioma cells should be considered when evaluating cellular differentiation. [1][2][3][4] Rat C6 glioma is a rapidly proliferating cell line with an undifferentiated phenotype and oligodendrocytic, astrocytic and neuronal properties. It has been used as a model to study glial differentiation.…”

“…An increase in GFAP expression in cultured glioma cells associated with morphological changes indicates cellular differentiation. [1][2][3][4] GFAP expression during cyclic adenosine monophospshate (cAMP)-induced differentiation in C6 cells is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K), an important regulator of intracellular signal transduction during cytoskeletal reorganization. 6 In a previous study, we observed inhibition in cellular growth, mature morphological changes, and increased GFAP expression in neuronal cells treated with panaxydol and panaxynol.…”