Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 Regulates the Biological Behavior of Glioma Cells via iNOS/NF-κB Signaling

The gliomas pathogenesis is complex and effective molecular targets are still unclear. ZEB1 regulates epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and participates in tumors. Our study intends to analyze ZEB1's role in glioma cells. qRT-PCR detected ZEB1 mRNA expression in normal group and tumor group. ZEB1 siRNA was transfected into glioma cells followed by measuring ZEB1, E-cadherin and Vimentin expression, cell proliferation, Capase-3 activity as well as NF-kappa B and iNOS changes by immunoblotting. Upregulation of ZEB1 was found in glioma tumor tissue and correlated with glioma clinicopathological characteristics. Interfering with ZEB1 by siRNA significantly down-regulated ZEB1, inhibited cell proliferation, increased Capase-3 activity, downregulated NF-kappa B and iNOS proteins in glioma cells, elevated E-cadherin and decreased Vimentin level (P < 0.05). ZEB1 downregulation in glioma cells can change the expression of NF-kappa B/iNOS, regulate cell apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation, thereby delaying EMT process.

Automated summary

The study revealed that ZEB1 is upregulated in glioma tumor tissues, and downregulating ZEB1 through siRNA interference can inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis, and alter the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in glioma cells.