biostudies-literatureAftab QCanadian Institutes of Health Research11447-64https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC4484468biostudies-literatureUnknown6(13)Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), an aggressive form of adult brain tumor, is difficult to treat due to its invasive nature. One of the molecular changes observed in GBM is a decrease in the expression of the gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43); however, how a reduction in Cx43 expression contributes to glioma malignancy is still unclear. In this study we examine whether a decrease in Cx43 protein expression has a role in enhanced cell migration, a key feature associated with increased tumorigenicity. We used a 3D spheroid migration model that mimics the in vivo architecture of tumor cells to quantify migration changes. We found that down-regulation of Cx43 expression in the U118 human glioma cell line increased migration by reducing cell-ECM adhesion, and changed the migration pattern froOncotargetReduction in gap junction intercellular communication promotes glioma migration.PMC4484468MOP-102489MOP-93572Aftab QSin WCNaus CCfalseReduction in gap junction intercellular communication promotes glioma migration.Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), an aggressive form of adult brain tumor, is difficult to treat due to its invasive nature. One of the molecular changes observed in GBM is a decrease in the expression of the gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43); however, how a reduction in Cx43 expression contributes to glioma malignancy is still unclear. In this study we examine whether a decrease in Cx43 protein expression has a role in enhanced cell migration, a key feature associated with increased tumorigenicity. We used a 3D spheroid migration model that mimics the in vivo architecture of tumor cells to quantify migration changes. We found that down-regulation of Cx43 expression in the U118 human glioma cell line increased migration by reducing cell-ECM adhesion, and changed the migration pattern fro2015-01-01T00:00:00Z2015 May2025-04-05T10:12:58.698Z2019-03-27T01:54:11ZS-EPMC44844682592655810.18632/oncotarget.3407