Role of PDGFRα-mediated signalling in anoikis resistance in glioblastoma: in vitro study.

Abstract

Anoikis resistance, the evasion of programmed cell death when cells detach from the extracellular matrix (ECM), is a critical feature of glioblastoma (GBM) malignancy, contributing to tumor survival, spread, and resistance to therapy. We focused on the role of growth factor receptors, particularly platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα), and integrin expression patterns in mediating this resistance. We first cultured cells under non-adherent conditions using polyHEMA-treated plates to induce anoikis resistance. We performed assays like cell survival, migration, and sphere formation. To delineate the role of PDGFRα signalling in anoikis resistance, we further employed pharmacological inhibitors of key signalling molecules such as AG1295 (PDGFRα blocker), HS173 (PI3K inhibitor), U0126 (ERK inhibitor), and AG490 (JAK-STAT inhibitor) which led to a decrease in cell survival, proliferation, and migration. These findings highlight the critical role of PDGFRα and associated signalling pathways in mediating anoikis resistance in GBM, offering potential therapeutic targets for intervention.