Tetrandrine inhibits glioma stem-like cells by repressing β-catenin expression

摘要: Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) in glioma are often responsible for relapse and resistance to therapy. The purpose of the present study was confirm self-renewal migration inhibitory effects tetrandrine (Tet), which is a compound extracted from dried root Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, toward stem-like (GSLCs) examine associated molecular mechanisms. Using neurosphere culture technique, we enriched GSLC population human glioblastoma cell lines U87 U251. Cells were analyzed using counting kit-8 (CCK-8), western blotting, flow cytometry, transwell assay immunofluorescence staining. GSLCs displayed properties neural cells, including elevated expression cancer marker ALDH1 β-catenin. We found that Tet treatment decreased sphere formation dose-dependent manner tumor spheroid assay. GSK3β inhibitor BIO maintained capacity GSLCs, whereas β-catenin/TCF transcription ICG-001 GSLCs. proportion apoptotic also increased response treatment. These results indicate β-catenin activity vital maintaining traits inhibits viability, in vitro. Importantly, significantly repressed nuclear translocation induced apoptosis as indicated part by upregulation Bax, cleavage PARP downregulation Bcl-2. demonstrates inhibition CSCs could be an effective strategy glioma.