ETS-1 expression is hypoxia-independent in glioblastoma-derived endothelial and mesenchymal stem-like cells

Abstract

Background: Tumor cells infiltrating the brain are a typical hallmark of glioblastoma. Invasiveness of glioma cells has been associated with ETS proto-oncogene 1 (ETS-1). In non-glial tumors, ETS-1 expression has been linked to hypoxia. However, it is not known whether hypoxia regulates ETS-1 expression in glioblastoma. Materials and Methods: The spatial distribution of ETS-1 expression in primary glioblastoma was assessed using immunohistochemistry. ETS-1 expression in glioblastoma-derived mesenchymal stem-like cells (gbMSLCs) was determined using immunocytochemistry. The effect of hypoxia on ETS-1 expression of gbMSLCs, glioma cell lines and glioblastoma-derived endothelial cells was assessed using polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. Results: Our immunohistochemical studies revealed ETS-1 expression in stromal and endothelial glioblastoma cells. Stromal ETS-1 expression in glioblastoma correlated with microvessel density. gbMSLCs were found to express ETS-1. In all examined cell lines, ETS-1 transcription and expression were independent of hypoxia. Conclusion: In glioblastoma, ETS-1-expression is not dependent on hypoxia, but correlates with tumor vascularization.