Methionine and cystine double deprivation stress suppresses glioma proliferation via inducing ROS/autophagy

Abstract Cancer cells are highly dependent on methionine and cystine (Met–Cys) for survival and proliferation. However, the molecular mechanism is not fully clear. The present study is to investigate the effects of Met–Cys deprivation on glioma cells proliferation. The results showed that Met–Cys double deprivation had synergistic action on elevating ROS level, decreased GSH level and inhibition of glioma cell proliferation. Moreover, both of them deprivation triggered autophagy of glioma cells both in vitro and in vivo . Importantly, Met–Cys double restriction diet inhibited growth of glioma. These results provided a new regulation mechanism of Met–Cys metabolism on affecting glioma cell proliferation, suggesting that targeting Met–Cys metabolism may be a potential strategy for glioma therapy.