Activation of chemokine receptor CXCR4 promoted glioma stem cells migration and its mechanism.

Objective:To investigate the effect of CXCR4 activation on the migrating capacity of glioma stem cells(GSCs) and identify the corresponding downstream signal pathway responsible for the effect.Methods:GSCs were obtained by gradually adding neural stem cell culture medium.The migrating capacity of GSCs was measured using Transwell chamber assays.Western blotting was used to detect the activation of downstream signaling cascade.Results:CXCR4 ligand CXCL12 promoted GSCs migration and Akt phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner.AMD3100,a CXCR4 specific antagonist,significantly suppressed CXCL12-induced GSCs migration and Akt phosphorylation.LY294002,a PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor,could inhibit CXCL12-induced GSCs migration via blocking the phosphorylation of Akt.Conclusion:CXCR4 activation can promote GSCs migration through activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the high invasive capacity of GSCs.