Open AccessConnective tissue growth factor promotes temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma through TGF-β1-dependent activation of Smad/ERK signaling
Author(s) -
Huijun Zeng,
Yang Zhao,
Ningbo Xu,
Boyang Liu,
Fen Zhao,
Changlin Lian
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
cell death and disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.482
H-Index - 111
ISSN - 2041-4889
DOI - 10.1038/cddis.2017.248
Subject(s) - ctgf , smad , cancer research , temozolomide , growth factor , downregulation and upregulation , mapk/erk pathway , transforming growth factor , gene knockdown , signal transduction , biology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , apoptosis , glioma , receptor , biochemistry , gene
Limited benefits and clinical utility of temozolomide (TMZ) for glioblastoma (GB) are frequently compromised by the development of acquired drug resistance. Overcoming TMZ resistance and uncovering the underlying mechanisms are challenges faced during GB chemotherapy. In this study, we reported that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was associated with GB chemoresistance and significantly upregulated in TMZ-treated GB cells. CTGF knockdown promoted TMZ-induced cell apoptosis and enhanced chemosensitivity, whereas its overexpression markedly conferred TMZ resistance in vitro and in vivo . Moreover, CTGF promoted TMZ resistance through stem-like properties acquisition and CD44 interference reversed the CTGF-induced TMZ resistance. Mechanistically, further investigation revealed that the TMZ-induced CTGF upregulation was tissue growth factor (TGF- β ) dependent, and regulated by TGF- β 1 activation through Smad and ERK1/2 signaling. Together, our results suggest a pivotal role of CTGF-mediated TMZ resistance through TGF- β 1-dependent activation of Smad/ERK signaling pathways. These data provide us insights for identifying potential targets that are beneficial for overcoming TMZ resistance in GB.