OP35THE PPARγ AGONIST PIOGLITAZONE UPREGULATES EAAT2 EXPRESSION IN HUMAN GLIOBLASTOMA CELLS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells release glutamate through expression of system xc−, which exchanges intracellular glutamate for extracellular cysteine. Lack of glutamate uptake through low excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) expression permits high extracellular glutamate levels, causing damaging excitotoxicty to surrounding parenchyma and epileptogenesis at the peritumoural edge. PPARγ agonists upregulate EAAT2 expression and prevent glutamate mediated excitotoxicity in stroke models. We investigated PPARγ agonists in GBM glutamate regulation. METHOD: Glioma cell lines U87MG and U251, and Glioma stem cells (GSCs) isolated from freshly resected tumour specimens were..