CDK12 regulates cellular metabolism to promote glioblastoma growth.

ABSTRACT: Glioblastoma IDH-wildtype is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with poor prognosis despite current therapies. To identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities, we investigated the role of CDK12, a transcription-associated cyclin-dependent kinase, in glioblastoma. Genetic or pharmacologic inactivation of CDK12 impaired tumor growth in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and enhanced the efficacy of temozolomide. Metabolic profiling using extracellular flux analysis and stable isotope tracing with U-¹³C-glucose and U-¹³C-glutamine showed that CDK12 inhibition disrupted mitochondrial respiration, resulting in energy depletion and apoptotic cell death characterized by caspase activation and Noxa induction. Mechanistically, we identified a direct interaction between CD

SUBMITTER: Mun JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12643520 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature