miR-135b contributes to the radioresistance by targeting GSK3β in human glioblastoma multiforme cells

PLoS One. 2014 Sep 29;9(9):e108810. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108810. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Radioresistance remains a major challenge in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Recent data strongly suggests the important role of miRNAs in cancer progression and therapeutic response. Here, we have established a radioresistant human GBM cell line U87R derived from parental U87 and found miR-135b expression was upregulated in U87R cells. miR-135b knockdown reversed radioresistance of U87R cells, and miR-135b overexpression enhanced radioresistance of U87 cells. Mechanically, bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental analysis demonstrated GSK3β (Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta) was a novel direct target of miR-135b. Moreover, GSK3β protein expression was downregulated in U87R cells and restored expression of GSK3β increased radiosensitivity of U87R cells. In addition, clinical data indicated that the expression of miR-135b or GSK3β was significantly association with IR resistance of GBM samples. Our findings suggest miR-135b is involved in the radioresistance of human GBM cells and miR-135b-GSK3β axis may be a novel candidate for developing rational therapeutic strategies for human GBM treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / radiation effects
  • Glioblastoma / enzymology*
  • Glioblastoma / genetics*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / metabolism*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Radiation Tolerance / genetics*
  • Radiation Tolerance / radiation effects
  • Radiation, Ionizing

Substances

  • MIRN135 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • GSK3B protein, human
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the Nature Scientific Foundation of China (30901539). Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China, No. 2011B031800138. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.