Title:Effects of HSV-G47Δ Oncolytic Virus on Telomerase and Telomere Length Alterations in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cancer Stem Cells Under Hypoxia and Normoxia Conditions
Volume: 24
Issue: 12
Author(s): Reza Vazifehmand, Dhuha Saeed Ali, Foroozandeh Monem Homaie, Fatemeh Molaei Jalalvand, Zulkefley Othman, Chau Deming, Johnson Stanslas and Zamberi Sekawi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra
Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Keywords:
HSV-G47Δ, telomerase, telomere length, hypoxia, normoxia, U251-glioblastoma cancer stem cells, central nervous system (CNS).
Abstract:
Background: Due to the existence of tumor stem cells with tumorigenicity properties
and resistance patterns, treatment of glioblastoma is not easy. Hypoxia is a major concern in
glioblastoma therapy. Telomerase activity and telomere length alterations have been known to
play a critical role in glioblastoma progression and invasion.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of HSV-G47Δ oncolytic virus on telomerase
and telomere length alterations in U251GBMCSCs (U251-Glioblastoma cancer stem cells) under
hypoxia and normoxia conditions.
Methods: U251-CSCs were exposed to the HSV-G47Δ virus in optimized MOI (Multiplicity of infection=
1/14 hours). An absolute telomere length and gene expression of telomerase subunits
were determined using an absolute human telomere length quantification PCR assay. Furthermore,
a bioinformatics pathway analysis was carried out to evaluate physical and genetic interactions between
dysregulated genes with other potential genes and pathways.
Results: Data revealed that U251CSCs had longer telomeres when exposed to HSV-G47Δ in normoxic
conditions but had significantly shorter telomeres in hypoxic conditions. Furthermore,
hTERC, DKC1, and TEP1 genes were significantly dysregulated in hypoxic and normoxic microenvironments.
The analysis revealed that the expression of TERF2 was significantly reduced in
both microenvironments, and two critical genes from the MRN complex, MER11 and RAD50,
were significantly upregulated in normoxic conditions. RAD50 showed a significant downregulation
pattern in the hypoxic niche. Our results suggested that repair complex in the telomeric structure
could be targeted by HSV-G47Δ in both microenvironments.
Conclusion: In the glioblastoma treatment strategy, telomerase and telomere complex could be potential
targets for HSV-G47Δ in both microenvironments.