NADPH oxidase promotes glioblastoma radiation resistance in a PTEN-dependent manner

ABSTRACT Aims The goal of this study was to determine whether NADPH oxidase (NOX)-produced reactive oxygen species enhances brain tumor growth of glioblastoma (GBM) under hypoxic conditions and during radiation treatment. Results Exogenous ROS promoted brain tumor growth in gliomasphere cultures that expressed functional PTEN, but not in tumors that were PTEN deficient. Hypoxia induced the production of endogenous cytoplasmic ROS and tumor cell growth via activation of NOX. NOX activation resulted in oxidation of PTEN and downstream Akt activation. Radiation also promoted ROS production via NOX which, in turn, resulted in cellular protection that could be abrogated by knockdown of the key NOX component, p22. Knockdown of p22 also inhibited tumor growth and enhanced the efficacy of radiation in PTEN-expressing GBM cells. Innovation While other studies have implicated NOX function in GBM models, these studies demonstrate NOX activation and function under physiological hypoxia and following radiation in GBM, two conditions that are seen in patients. NOX plays an important role in a PTEN-expressing GBM model system, but not in PTEN-non-functional systems and provide a potential, patient-specific therapeutic opportunity. Conclusions This study provides a strong basis for pursuing NOX inhibition in PTEN-expressing GBM cells as a possible adjunct to radiation therapy.