Targeting ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and cystine/glutamate antiporter enhances radiotherapy efficacy and tumor suppression in glioblastoma.

PURPOSE

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults, with a dismal prognosis owing to its intrinsic radioresistance. Overcoming radioresistance is crucial to improving radiotherapy efficacy; however, effective strategies remain elusive. The ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein, a central regulator of the DNA damage response, is crucial in repairing irradiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), contributing to radioresistance in GBM. The cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT, which is overexpressed in GBM, also maintains intracellular redox balance by promoting glutathione synthesis, enhancing tumor survival under oxidative stress.

METHODS

In this study, we hypothesized that the simultaneous inhibition of ATM and cystine/glutamate antiporter (xCT; SLC7A11) would enhance radiosensitivity by impairing DSB repair and redox homeostasis. We performed clonogenic assays and immunofluorescence staining of phospho-γ-H2AX, a marker of radiation-induced DNA DSBs, to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of radiosensitivity of glioma cell lines. To investigate the in vivo effects of simultaneous ATM and xCT inhibition, we observed tumor radiosensitivity in an established mouse model using brain-specific irradiation combined with dual inhibition of ATM and xCT.

RESULTS

Simultaneous inhibition of ATM and xCT significantly decreased colony formation in glioma cells beyond the effect of irradiation. Additionally, phosphorylated γ-H2AX immunofluorescence staining confirmed that DNA double-strand break (DSB) induction was greater with the combination therapy than with radiation alone. Simultaneous inhibition of either ATM or xCT enhanced radiosensitivity and reduced tumor growth compared to irradiation alone in vivo.

CONCLUSION

In in vitro and in vivo GBM models, the simultaneous inhibition of ATM and xCT significantly increased radiosensitivity, reduced tumor cell viability, and suppressed tumor growth. These findings highlight a promising dual-targeting strategy for overcoming GBM radioresistance and improving radiotherapy outcomes.