Figure 1.

EMAP-II enhanced cytotoxic effect of TMZ on U87MG and GSCs (A) U87MG cells were cultured in the DMEM, containing 10% FBS in flasks. After sorted by FACS, the CD133-positive cells were collected and maintained in the DMEM/F12, containing 2% B27 supplements, 20ng/ml EGF, and bFGF. Suspended cells became spheres after 48 h culture. (B) GSCs expressing the stemness biomarkers of CD133 and Nestin by immunofluorescence. (C) Both U87MG and GSCs were treated with TMZ alone or a combination of TMZ and EMAP-II with assigned concentration for 72 h respectively, IC₅₀ of TMZ calculated from dose-inhibition response curves was remarkably decreased on both U87MG and GSCs. (D) Cells were treated with 100μM TMZ and/or 0.5 nM EMAP-II for 72 h respectively and cell viability was then determined. EMAP-II enhanced the TMZ-induced cytotoxic effect on U87MG and GSCs.