EphA2对神经胶质瘤细胞系U251的凋亡﹑增殖﹑迁移和侵袭的研究

为了研究EphA2对神经胶质瘤细胞系U251在增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭方面所起的作用,用RT-PCR方法检测正常脑组织标本与两种恶性胶质瘤细胞系中EphA2 mRNA表达水平,然后用化学合成的针对EphA2基因的小干扰RNA(siRNA)下调该基因的表达,以检测其在U251中的生物学功能．证实了EphA2基因在正常脑组织标本中的表达水平远低于两种恶性胶质瘤细胞系．把体外化学合成针对EphA2基因的小干扰RNA(siRNA- EphA2)转染入U251细胞后,Western blot, 实时定量 RT-PCR检测到U251细胞中EphA2蛋白及mRNA表达水平都明显降低,并且细胞增殖受到显著抑制,同时出现了明显的细胞凋亡．伤口愈合实验(检测细胞迁移能力),Transwell小室实验(检测细胞侵袭能力)均表明,下调EphA2的表达后,细胞的迁移和侵袭能力较阴性对照组显著减弱．上述结果表明,在神经胶质瘤U251细胞中,EphA2与其恶性增殖及高度侵染性相关,可作为分子治疗的有效靶点．     

Silencing of the MT1-MMP/ G6PT axis suppresses calcium mobilization by sphingosine-1-phosphate in glioblastoma cells

The contributions of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and of the glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT) in sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization were assessed in glioblastoma cells. We show that gene silencing of MT1-MMP or G6PT decreased the extent of S1P-induced Ca(2+) mobilization, chemotaxis, and extracellular signal-related kinase phosphorylation. Chlorogenic acid and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, two diet-derived inhibitors of G6PT and of MT1-MMP, respectively, reduced S1P-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization. An intact MT1-MMP/G6PT signaling axis is thus required for efficient Ca(2+) mobilization in response to bioactive lipids such as S1P. Targeted inhibition of either MT1-MMP or G6PT may lead to reduced infiltrative and invasive properties of brain tumor cells.     

Involvement of PKC-iota in glioma proliferation

Abstract.   Atypical protein kinase C-iota (PKC-ι) protects cells against apoptosis and may play a role in cell proliferation. However, in vivo , the status and function of PKC-ι in human normal brain tissue, gliomas, benign and malignant meningiomas as well as its in vitro status in proliferating and confluent glioma cells, remains unknown. Objectives : The objectives of our research were to determine whether expression of PKC-ι is altered either in gliomas or in benign and malignant meningiomas, compared to normal brain. In addition, we wished to establish the expression of PKC-ι in proliferating plus in cell cycle-arrested glioma cell lines, as well as the relationship between PKC-ι siRNA on PKC-ι protein content and cell proliferation. Materials and Methods : Western blot analyses for PKC-ι were performed on 12 normal brain biopsies, 15 benign meningiomas, three malignant meningiomas and three gliomas. Results : Results demonstrated no ( n  = 9) or very weak ( n  = 3) detection of PKC-ι in normal brain tissue. In comparison, PKC-ι was robustly present in the majority of the benign meningiomas. Similarly, PKC-ι was abundant in all malignant meningiomas and gliomas. Western blotting for PKC-ι in confluent or proliferating glioma cell lines depicted substantial quantities of PKC-ι in proliferating T98G and U-138MG glioma cells. In contrast, confluent cells had either 71% (T98G) or 21% (U-138MG) less PKC-ι than proliferating cells. T98 and U-138 MG glioma cells treated with 100 n m PKC-ι siRNA had lower levels of cell proliferation compared to control siRNA-A and complete down-regulation of PKC-ι protein content. Conclusion : These results support the concept that presence of PKC-ι may be required for cell proliferation to take place.     

The glucose-6-phosphate transport is not mediated by a glucose-6-phosphate/phosphate exchange in liver microsomes

A phosphate-linked antiporter activity of the glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT) has been recently described in liposomes including the reconstituded transporter protein. We directly investigated the mechanism of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) transport in rat liver microsomal vesicles. Pre-loading with inorganic phosphate (Pi) did not stimulate G6P or Pi microsomal inward transport. Pi efflux from pre-loaded microsomes could not be enhanced by G6P or Pi addition. Rapid G6P or Pi influx was registered by light-scattering in microsomes not containing G6P or Pi. The G6PT inhibitor, S3483, blocked G6P transport irrespectively of experimental conditions. We conclude that hepatic G6PT functions as an uniporter.     

G6PD通过细胞周期蛋白D1/D2调控人黑色素瘤细胞周期的进程

葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶(G6PD)在人皮肤黑色素瘤A375细胞中处于高表达与高活性状态, 但G6PD在黑色素瘤发生发展过程中的作用及其具体机制尚不明确.本文在前期运用 siRNA方法构建G6PD敲减的黑色素瘤A375稳转细胞(A375-G6PDΔ)基础上,构建表达载体pBabe-puro-G6PDWT在A375-G6PDΔ细胞中过表达野生型的G6PD基因,从而构建G6PD表达恢复的稳转细胞(A375-G6PDΔ-G6PDWT).3株细胞A375-WT、A375-G6PDΔ和 A375-G6PDΔ-G6PDWT经G6PD酶活性测定、MTT测定、克隆形成实验、流式细胞仪分析细胞周期和Western 印迹检测.结果显示,A375-G6PDΔ-G6PDWT细胞的G6PD蛋白表达量 (0.847 ± 0.080)及其活性(0.394 ± 0.029)分别是A375-G6PDΔ的3.28倍(P＜0.01) 和7.34倍(P＜0.01),分别是A375-WT细胞的91-57%和2.12倍(P＜0.05).与A375-WT细 胞相比,A375-G6PDΔ细胞G0/G1期细胞数增加,S期细胞数减少,增殖指数PI降低了25-70%（P＜0.05）,细胞周期蛋白D1/D2、细胞周期蛋白E表达分别下降37.4%、54.3% (P＜0.01)和17.3%;而A375-G6PDΔ-G6PDWT细胞呈现G1/S期阻滞解除,细胞周期蛋白D1/D2蛋白分别恢复到A375-WT细胞的89.5%和87.6%,细胞周期蛋白E表达未见 恢复,呈现生长增殖和克隆形成率的恢复并接近于A375-WT细胞. 结果提示,G6PD通 过细胞周期蛋白D1/D2调控人皮肤黑色素瘤A375细胞G1期向S期转换的进程,这为黑色 素瘤发病机制的研究提供了新的思路.     

The chemopreventive properties of chlorogenic acid reveal a potential new role for the microsomal glucose-6-phosphate translocase in brain tumor progression

Background  

Chlorogenic acid (CHL), the most potent functional inhibitor of the microsomal glucose-6-phosphate translocase (G6PT), is thought to possess cancer chemopreventive properties. It is not known, however, whether any G6PT functions are involved in tumorigenesis. We investigated the effects of CHL and the potential role of G6PT in regulating the invasive phenotype of brain tumor-derived glioma cells.     

The effect of laparoscopic surgery in stage II and III right-sided colon cancer: a retrospective study

Background

We examined the association of tumor-derived hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with the clinicopathological features of gliomas and investigated the effect of HGF inhibition on the biological behavior of tumor cells in vitro in order to determine whether HGF is a valuable prognostic predictor for glioma patients.

Methods

Seventy-six cases of glioma were collected. The tumor-derived HGF expression, cell proliferation index (PI) and intratumoral microvessels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Correlation between immunostaining and clinicopathological parameters, as well as the follow-up data of patients, was analyzed statistically. U87MG glioma cells were transfected with short interference (si)-RNA for HGF, and the cell viability, migratory ability and chemosensitivity to cisplatin were evaluated in vitro.

Results

Both high HGF expression in tumor cells (59.2%, 45/76) and high PI were significantly associated with high-grade glioma and increased microvessels in tumors (P?<?0.05). However, only histological grading (P?=?0.004) and high-expression of HGF (P?=?0.008) emerged as independent prognostic factors for the overall survival of glioma patients. The tumor-derived HGF mRNA and protein expressions were significantly decreased in vitro after transfection of HGF siRNA. HGF siRNA inhibited the cell growth and reduced cell migratory ability. Moreover, HGF siRNA transfection enhanced the chemosensitivity of U87MG glioma cells to cisplatin.

Conclusion

This study indicated that there was significant correlation among tumor cell-derived HGF, cell proliferation and microvessel proliferation in gliomas. HGF might influence tumor progression by modulating the cell growth, migration and chemoresistance to drugs. Increased expression of HGF may be a valuable predictor for prognostic evaluation of glioma patients.     

P2X7 receptor activation leads to increased cell death in a radiosensitive human glioma cell line

Gliomas are the most lethal tumors of central nervous system. ATP is an important signaling molecule in CNS and it is a selective P2X7 purinergic receptor ligand at high concentrations. Herein, we investigated whether the activation of P2X7R might be implicated in death of a radiosensitive human glioma lineage. The effects of P2X7R agonists (ATP and BzATP) and irradiation (2 Gy) on glioma cells were analyzed by MTT assay and annexin-V/PI determination, whereas mRNA and protein P2X7R expression was assessed by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. P2X7R pore formation was functionality examined by analyzing ethidium bromide uptake. The human glioma cells U-138 MG and U-251 MG were resistant to death when treated with either ATP (5 mM) or BzATP (100 μM), but the radiosensitive M059J glioma cells displayed a significant decrease of cell viability (32.4 ± 4.1 % and 25.6 ± 3.3 %, respectively). The M059J lineage expresses significantly higher mRNA P2X7R levels when compared to the U-138 MG and U-251 cell lines (0.40 ± 0.00; 0.28 ± 0.01, and 0.31 ± 0.01, respectively), and irradiation upregulated P2X7R expression (0.55 ± 0.08) in this lineage. Noteworthy, P2X7R protein doubled after irradiation on M059J lineage, and increased in 50 % and 42.6 % when comparing M059J-irradiated to irradiated U-138 MG and U-251 MG cells, respectively. Ethidium bromide uptake was significantly increased in 104 % and 77.8 % when comparing M059J to U-138 MG and U-251MG, respectively. Finally, the selective P2X7R antagonist A740003 significantly decreased the cell death caused by irradiation. We provide novel evidence indicating that M059J human glioma cell line is ATP-P2X7R sensitive, pointing out the relevance of the purinergic P2X7R on glioma radiosensitivity.     

Pro-apoptotic role of integrin β3 in glioma cells

Malignant gliomas are the most destructive type of brain cancer. In order to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of glioma cell death and survival, we previously established an alkylating agent 1, 3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU)-resistant variant of C6 rat glioma cells. Proteomic analysis indicated a significant down-regulation of integrin beta 3 (ITGB3) in the BCNU-resistant C6R cells. Re-expression of ITGB3 in C6R cells restored the BCNU sensitivity. In U87MG, U373MG, and T98G human glioma cells, there was a positive correlation between ITGB3 expression and the sensitivity to BCNU and etoposide, suggesting an important role of ITGB3 in glioma cell death. Over-expression of ITGB3 cDNA significantly increased the sensitivity of the human glioma cells to the anticancer drug-induced apoptosis. Nitric oxide showed an additive effect on the anticancer drug-induced glioma cell death by increasing ITGB3 expression. Subsequent dissection of signaling pathways indicated that extracellular signal-regulated kinase and unligated integrin-mediated cell death pathway may be involved in the pro-apoptotic role of ITGB3 in glioma cells. These results implicate ITGB3 in glioma cell death/survival and drug resistance.     

Cloning, expression, and characterization of TNFSF14 (LIGHT) gene in mefugu, Takifugu obscurus

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), which plays an important role in inflammation and immune response, is an essential adaptor protein for the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) signaling pathway. Recent studies have shown that TRAF6 played an important role in tumorigenesis and invasion by suppressing NF-κB activation. However, up to now, the biologic role of TRAF6 in glioma has still remained unknown. To address the expression of TRAF6 in glioma cells, four glioma cell lines (U251, U-87MG, LN-18, and U373) and a non-cancerous human glial cell line SVG p12 were used to explore the protein expression of TRAF6 by Western blot. Our results indicated that TRAF6 expression was upregulated in human glioma cell lines, especially in metastatic cell lines. To investigate the role of TRAF6 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of glioma, we generated human glioma U-87MG cell lines in which TRAF6 was either overexpressed or depleted. Subsequently, the effects of TRAF6 on cell viability, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, invasion, and migration in U-87MG cells were determined with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry analysis, transwell invasion assay, and wound-healing assay. The results showed that knockdown of TRAF6 could decrease cell viability, suppress cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promote cell apoptosis, whereas overexpression of TRAF6 displayed the opposite effects. In addition, the effects of TRAF6 on the expression of phosphor-NF-κB (p-p65), cyclin D1, caspase 3, and MMP-9 were also probed. Knockdown of TRAF6 could lower the expression of p-p65, cyclin D1, and MMP-9, and raise the expression of caspase 3. All these results suggested that TRAF6 might be involved in the potentiation of growth, proliferation, invasion, and migration of U-87MG cell, as well as inhibition of apoptosis of U-87MG cell by abrogating activation of NF-κB.     

The tricyclic antidepressant imipramine induces autophagic cell death in U-87MG glioma cells

In this study, we investigated the antitumor effects of the tricyclic antidepressant 3-(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-N,N-dimethylpropan-1-amine (imipramine) on glioma cells. We found that exposure of U-87MG cells to imipramine resulted in the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, reduction of clonogenicity, and induction of cell death. Imipramine stimulated the formation of acidic vesicular organelles, the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, and the redistribution of LC3 to autophagosomes, suggesting that it stimulates the progression of autophagy. It did not, however, induce apoptosis. We further showed that knockdown of Beclin-1 using siRNA abrogated imipramine-induced cell death. These results suggest that imipramine exerts antitumor effects on PTEN-null U-87MG human glioma cells by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and by inducing autophagic cell death.     

Reduced expression of proteolipid protein 2 increases ER stress-induced apoptosis and autophagy in glioblastoma

Proteolipid protein 2 (PLP2) is an integral ion channel membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum. The protein has been shown to be highly expressed in many cancer types, but its importance in glioma progression is poorly understood. Using publicly available datasets (Rembrandt, TCGA and CGGA), we found that the expression of PLP2 was significantly higher in high-grade gliomas than in low-grade gliomas. We confirmed these results at the protein level through IHC staining of high-grade (n = 56) and low-grade glioma biopsies (n = 16). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that increased PLP2 expression was associated with poorer patient survival. In functional experiments, siRNA and shRNA PLP2 knockdown induced ER stress and increased apoptosis and autophagy in U87 and U251 glioma cell lines. Inhibition of autophagy with chloroquine augmented apoptotic cell death in U87- and U251-siPLP2 cells. Finally, intracranial xenografts derived from U87- and U251-shPLP2 cells revealed that loss of PLP2 reduced glioma growth in vivo. Our results therefore indicate that increased PLP2 expression promotes GBM growth and that PLP2 represents a potential future therapeutic target.     

p53-Independent ceramide formation in human glioma cells during gamma-radiation-induced apoptosis

Although the p53 tumor-suppressor gene product plays a critical role in apoptotic cell death induced by DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic agents, human glioma cells with functional p53 were more resistant to gamma-radiation than those with mutant p53. U-87 MG cells with wild-type p53 were resistant to gamma-radiation. U87-W E6 cells that lost functional p53, by the expression of type 16 human papillomavirus E6 oncoprotein, became susceptible to radiation-induced apoptosis. The formation of ceramide by acid sphingomyelinase (A-SMase), but not by neutral sphingomyelinase, was associated with p53-independent apoptosis. SR33557 (2-isopropyl-1-(4-[3-N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxybphenethyl)amino]propyloxy)benzene-sulfonyl) indolizine, an inhibitor of A-SMase, suppressed radiation-induced apoptotic cell death. In contrast, radiation-induced A-SMase activation was blocked in glioma cells with endogenous functional p53. The expression of acid ceramidase was induced by gamma-radiation, and was more evident in cells with functional p53. N-oleoylethanolamine, which is known to inhibit ceramidase activity, unexpectedly downregulated acid ceramidase and accelerated radiation-induced apoptosis in U87-W E6 cells. Moreover, cells with functional p53 could be sensitized to gamma-radiation by N-oleoylethanolamine, which suppressed radiation-induced acid ceramidase expression and then enhanced ceramide formation. Sensitization to gamma-radiation was also observed in U87-MG cells depleted of functional p53 by retroviral expression of small interfering RNA. These results indicate that ceramide may function as a mediator of p53-independent apoptosis in human glioma cells in response to gamma-radiation, and suggest that p53-dependent expression of acid ceramidase and blockage of A-SMase activation play pivotal roles in protection from gamma-radiation of cells with endogenous functional p53.     

Rosmarinic acid and siRNA combined therapy represses Hsp27 (HSPB1) expression and induces apoptosis in human glioma cells

High expression of Hsp27 in glioma cells has been closely associated with tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis inhibition. The aim of the present study was to asses the effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) on Hsp27 expression and apoptosis in non-transfected and transfected human U-87 MG cells. The effect of rosmarinic acid was compared to quercetin, which is known to be a good Hsp27 inhibitor. In order to block the expression of Hsp27 gene (HSPB1), transfection with specific siRNAs was performed. Western blotting technique was used to assess the Hsp27 expression, and caspase-3 colorimetric activity assay was performed to determine apoptosis induction. According to the results, it was found that RA and quercetin effectively silenced Hsp27 and both agents induced apoptosis by activating the caspase-3 pathway. Eighty and 215 μM RA decreased the level of Hsp27 by 28.8 and 46.7% and induced apoptosis by 30 and 54%, respectively. For the first time, we reported that rosmarinic acid has the ability to trigger caspase-3 induced apoptosis in human glioma cells. As a result of siRNA transfection, the Hsp27 gene was silenced by ~?50% but did not cause a statistically significant change in caspase-3 activation. It was also observed that apoptosis was induced at a higher level as a result of Hsp27 siRNA and subsequent quercetin or RA treatment. siRNA transfection and 215 μM RA treatment suppressed Hsp27 expression level by 90.5% and increased caspase-3 activity by 58%. Herein, we demonstrated that RA administered with siRNA seems to be a potent combination for glioblastoma therapy.     

Multiple roles of glucose-6-phosphatases in pathophysiology: State of the art and future trends

Background

The endoplasmic reticulum enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucose-6-phosphate to glucose and inorganic phosphate. The enzyme is a part of a multicomponent system that includes several integral membrane proteins; the catalytic subunit (G6PC) and transporters for glucose-6-phosphate, inorganic phosphate and glucose. The G6PC gene family presently includes three members, termed as G6PC, G6PC2, and G6PC3. Although the three isoforms show a moderate amino acid sequence homology, their membrane topology and catalytic site are very similar. The isoforms are expressed differently in various tissues. Mutations in all three genes have been reported to be associated with human diseases.

Scope of review

The present review outlines the biochemical features of the G6PC gene family products, the regulation of their expression, their role in the human pathology and the possibilities for pharmacological interventions.

Major conclusions

G6PCs emerge as integrators of extra- and intracellular glucose homeostasis. Beside the well known key role in blood glucose homeostasis, the members of the G6PC family seem to play a role as sensors of intracellular glucose and of intraluminal glucose/glucose-6-phosphate in the endoplasmic reticulum.

General significance

Since mutations in the three G6PC genes can be linked to human pathophysiological conditions, the better understanding of their functioning in connection with genetic alterations, altered expression and tissue distribution has an eminent importance.     

Topotecan enhances immune clearance of gliomas

Despite aggressive surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is refractory to therapy, recurs quickly, and results in a median survival time of only 14 months. The modulation of the apoptotic receptor Fas with cytotoxic agents could potentiate the response to therapy. However, Fas ligand (FasL) is not expressed in the brain and therefore this Fas-inducing cell death mechanism cannot be utilized. Vaccination of patients with gliomas has shown promising responses. In animal studies, brain tumors of vaccinated mice were infiltrated with activated T cells. Since activated immune cells express FasL, we hypothesized that combination of immunotherapy with chemotherapy can activate Fas signaling, which could be responsible for a synergistic or additive effect of the combination. When we treated the human glioma cell line U-87 and GBM tumor cells isolated from patients with TPT, Fas was up regulated. Subsequent administration of soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) to treated cells significantly increased their cell death indicating that these Fas receptors were functional. Similar effect was observed when CD3⁺ T cells were used as a source of the FasL, indicating that the up regulated Fas expression on glioma cells increases their susceptibility to cytotoxic T cell killing. This additive effect was not observed when glioma cells were pre-treated with temozolomide, which was unable to increase Fas expression in tumor. Inhibition of FasL activity with the antagonistic antibody Nok-1 mitigated these effects confirming that these responses were specifically mediated by the Fas-FasL interaction. Furthermore, the CD3⁺ T cells co-cultured with topotecan treated U-87 and autologous GBM tumor cells showed a significant increase in expression in IFN-γ, a key cytokine produced by activated T cells, and accordingly enhanced tumor cytotoxicity. Based on our data we conclude that drugs, such as topotecan, which cause up regulation of Fas on glioma cells can be potentially exploited with immunotherapy to enhance immune clearance of tumors via Fas signaling. Jun Wei and Guillermo DeAngulo are Co-lead authors.     

Induction of apoptosis by penta-acetyl geniposide in rat C6 glioma cells

Penta-acetyl geniposide, (Ac)(5)-GP, was produced by acetylation of a glycoside, isolated from an extract of Gardenia fructus. Previously, we have reported that C6 glioma cells could be inhibited in culturing as well as in bearing rats by treating with (Ac)(5)-GP. In this study, the effect and action of (Ac)(5)-GP on inducing cell death was examined in rat C6 glioma cells. Treatment of C6 glioma cells with (Ac)(5)-GP caused cell death, chromatin condensation, and internucleosomal DNA ladder. Also, cell cycle arrest at G(0)/G(1) phase revealed that (Ac)(5)-GP-induced cell death appears to be mediated by apoptosis. In addition, the results also showed that p53 and c-Myc increased due to treatment of (Ac)(5)-GP in a dose-response and time-dependent manner. Concomitant with the expression of p53 and c-Myc, decreased level of Bcl-2 and increased level of Bax protein were observed. These results suggest that cell death caused by (Ac)(5)-GP through apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G(0)/G(1) may be associated with the induction of p53, c-Myc and may be mediated with apoptosis-related Bcl-2 family proteins.     

G9a inhibition induced PKM2 regulates autophagic responses

Epigenetic regulation by histone methyltransferase G9a is known to control autophagic responses. As the link between autophagy and metabolic homeostasis is widely accepted, we investigated whether G9a affects metabolic circuitries to affect autophagic response in glioma cells. Both pharmacological inhibition and siRNA mediated knockdown of G9a increased autophagy marker LC3B in glioma cells. G9a inhibitor BIX-01294 (BIX) induced Akt-dependent increase in HIF-1α expression and activity. Inhibition of Akt-HIF-1α axis reversed BIX-mediated (i) increase in LC3B expression and (ii) decrease in Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) phosphorylation. YAP1 over-expression abrogated BIX induced increase in LC3B expression. Interestingly, BIX induced increase in metabolic modelers TIGAR (TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator) and PKM2 (Pyruvate kinase M2) were crucial for BIX-mediated changes, as transfection with TIGAR mutant or PKM2 siRNA reversed BIX-mediated alterations in pYAP1 and LC3B expression. Coherent with the in vitro observation, BIX had no significant effect on the tumor burden in heterotypic xenograft glioma mouse model. Elevated LC3B and PKM2 in BIX-treated xenograft tissue was accompanied by decreased YAP1 levels. Taken together, our findings suggest that Akt-HIF-1α axis driven PKM2-YAP1 cross talk activates autophagic responses in glioma cells upon G9a inhibition.