P21-Dependent Senescence Induction by BMP4 Renders Glioblastoma Cells Vulnerable to Senolytics.

ABSTRACT: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor with extensive cellular heterogeneity and plasticity. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) has shown potential as a therapeutic agent by promoting differentiation, but its effects are complex and context dependent. While BMP4's role in differentiation is well established, its impact on senescence remains unclear. This study investigates BMP4's ability to induce senescence in GBM cells. Primary GBM cultures were treated with BMP4 and analyzed for senescence markers, including cell enlargement, p21 expression, senescence-related gene enrichment, and senescence-associated-β-galactosidase activity. A p21 knockout model was used to determine its role in BMP4-induced senescence, and sensitivity to the senolytic agent navitoclax was evaluated. B

SUBMITTER: Niklasson M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12071447 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature