GRP78/BIP CHAPTER: MODULATION OF GRP78/BIP IN ALTERING SENSITIVITY TO CHEMOTHERAPY

The glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a key regulator of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. This chapter discusses how GRP78 may be measured in vitro and in vivo. Because of the authors' expertise and experience with brain tumors, most of our work on GRP78 has focused on malignant gliomas. Here, we present our methodology for determining GRP78 in vitro using glioma cell lines and primary cell cultures, and in measuring GRP78 expression in tissue sections from rodent glioma models and human brain tumors. After discussion of measurement of GRP78 levels, modulation of GRP78 in vitro is demonstrated using glioma cell lines. Lastly, in vivo modulation of GRP78 levels via chemotherapy is determined using intracranial rodent models.