Hirudin inhibits cell growth via ERK/MAPK signaling in human glioma

Glioma is one of the most common intracranial tumors, and the prognosis is poor though more and more treatments are employed. ERK/MAPK signaling has been reported to be associated with glioma. In the present study, we aimed to investigate hirudin as an antineoplastic drug inhibits ERK/MAPK signaling in glioma growth in vitro. The cell proliferation and apoptosis rate were detected using MTS and Annexin V staining assay, cell cycle distribution was detected using flowcytometry assay. Furthermore, the relevant molecules of ERK/MAPK signaling were examined using Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining assay. We provide the first evidence that hirudin increase inactivation state of ERK1/2, down-regulate the expression of canonical ERK/MAPK signaling pathway and establish an important role for hirudin in the treatment of glioma cells.