GW4064 inhibits migration and invasion in human glioblastoma multiforme through the downregulation of PKCα

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a deadly type of brain tumor with low patient survival rates. Previous studies have shown that inhibiting the intracellular bile acid transport protein can suppress brain tumor growth, migration, and angiogenesis. This study aims to investigate the effects of the bile acid nuclear receptor (farnesoid X receptor, FXR) agonist GW4064 on the migration, and invasion in GBM cells. GW4064 treatment inhibited the migration and invasion of GBM cells. The protein expression of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase and protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) were decreased by GW4064. The PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) reversed the GW4064-reduced invasion ability in LN229 cells. Moreover, GW4064 combined with temozolomide (TMZ) treatment inhibited tumor progression in null mice. According to the hematoxylin and eosin stain (HE) and immunostaining, the tumor area and p-PKCα were reduced in the GW4064 combined with TMZ group. These results suggested that GW4064 declined the progression of GBM cells, with the inhibition of invasion mediated through PKC signaling. Targeting FXR may contribute to future therapeutic strategies for GBM.