HSP47 Promotes Glioblastoma Stemlike Cell Survival by Modulating Tumor Microenvironment Extracellular Matrix through TGF-β Pathway

Grade IV glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant form of gliomas. HSP47, encoded by SERPINH1 gene, is a serpin which serves as a human chaperone protein for collagen. We have shown that HSP47 is significantly overexpressed in GBM and associated with tumor grade. However, the role of HSP47 on GBM progression and stemlike property remains unclear. The stable overexpression of HSP47 in primary GBM cells was established by lentivirus infection. The effects of HSP47 overexpression on tumor growth and the effects of blocking the TGF-β pathway on tumor regression were investigated by animal study. The expression of HSP47 was examined by real time qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The stemlike property was investigated by sphere formation and CD44 cell population analysis using flow cytometry. We found that overexpression of HSP47 promotes primary glioma cell tumor formation, invasion, angiogenesis, and stemlike properties. The overexpression of HSP47 was correlated and promoted extracellular matrix (ECM) related genes through the TGF-β pathway in GBM. Blocking TGF-β pathway overcomes HSP47 induced tumorigenesis and stemness. This study demonstrated that HSP47 promotes GBM stemlike cell survival by modulating tumor microenvironment ECM through TGF-β pathway. Blocking the TGF-β pathway provides a promising therapeutic potential for HSP47 overexpressed GBM.