Differential Effects of Sertraline and Penfluridol on EMT and ECM Remodeling in Glioblastoma Cell Lines

Abstract

Purpose: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis due to rapid recurrence, chemoresistance, and limited efficacy of standard therapies. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling are critical processes in GBM progression and metastasis. The aim of this study is to examine the potential effects of sertraline and penfluridol on the EMT process and gelatinase activity in human glioblastoma cell lines. Material and Methods: U87 and U251 human glioblastoma cells were treated with sertraline and penfluridol at previously identified IC50 doses. Protein levels of EMT markers, E-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, Slug, Twist1, phospho-Akt (p-Akt), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2), were evaluated using Western blotting. Additionally, the impact of sertraline and penfluridol on the release and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were assessed through gelatin zymography. Results: Both sertraline and penfluridol significantly reduced vimentin expression in U251 cells, indicating inhibition of the mesenchymal phenotype. Conversely, these drugs increased vimentin levels in U87 cells, highlighting cell line-specific differences. Sertraline and penfluridol also increased TIMP-2 levels in U251 cells but not in U87 cells. Neither drug altered MMP-2 or MMP-9 activity in either cell line, suggesting that their effects on ECM remodeling may be mediated through TIMP-2 upregulation rather than direct modulation of gelatinase activity. Conclusion: These findings suggest that sertraline and penfluridol potentially inhibit EMT and reduce ECM degradation in U251 cells but exert contrasting effects in U87 cells. This highlights the heterogeneity of GBM tumors and the importance of personalized therapeutic approaches.