Anti-Metastatic Effects of Aprepitant on Glioblastoma Cells: Targeting the Substance P/Neurokinin-1 Pathway


Engür-Öztürk S., KAYA TİLKİ E., DİKMEN M.

Cancer Medicine, vol.14, no.15, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 14 Issue: 15
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/cam4.71148
  • Journal Name: Cancer Medicine
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: aprepitant, NK-1 receptor antagonist, substance P, U87-MG
  • Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive brain tumor characterized by rapid proliferation, invasion, and resistance to therapy. The substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) pathway contributes to GB progression by promoting angiogenesis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Aprepitant, an FDA-approved NK-1R antagonist, has shown potential as a therapeutic agent in glioma treatment. Methods: This study investigates the anti-metastatic effects of aprepitant on U87-MG glioblastoma cells. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were evaluated using WST-1, real-time cell analysis, and Oris migration assays. Gene and protein expression levels were assessed by RT-PCR, ELISA, and microarray analysis. Results: Aprepitant significantly reduced glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. It downregulated pro-tumorigenic mediators such as VEGF, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, CCL3, CXCL3, and TRIM5, indicating suppression of angiogenesis, inflammation, and chemotaxis pathways. Discussion: These findings underscore the potent anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects of NK-1R antagonism in glioblastoma and highlight aprepitant as a promising candidate for future in vivo and in ovo therapeutic investigations targeting extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, chemotaxis, and angiogenesis.