A SELP knockdown reduced tumor growth rate of PD-GB4 tumors in mice compared to control WT (control) or shNC GB tumors. Tumor volume was calculated using Radiant software. Data represent mean ± s.e.m. N = 8 control, 9 shNC, and 14 shSELP. One-way ANOVA, Dunn′s method, p < 0.001. B Kaplan–Meier curve showing prolonged survival of shSELP PD-GB4 tumor-bearing mice compared to control WT and shNC. N = 8 control, 9 shNC, and 11 shSELP. P values were determined using two sided log rank test. C Representative T1 weighted MRI images of PD-GB4 tumors following Gd-DTPA administration, detected at day 22 post tumor inoculation. Representative images and quantification of immunostaining for proliferating cells (Ki-67), activated microglia (Iba1), and blood vessels (CD31) in the tumors showing reduced proliferation and blood vessel density, and activated microglia in shSELP tumors. Data represent mean ± s.d. N = 5 images per mouse. The graphs show data from a representative mouse per group out of two mice per group. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA test with multiple comparisons adjustment. Scale bars represent 100 µm. D Tumor growth of control WT (control), shNC, and shSELP U251 tumors in SCID mice demonstrating delayed tumor growth in shSELP U251 tumors. Tumors were detected by MRI imaging (MR solutions, T2 weighted). Tumor volume was calculated using Radiant software. Data represent mean ± s.e.m. N = 9 control, 8 shNC, and 9 shSELP. One-way ANOVA, Dunn’s method, p < 0.001. E SELP knockdown prolonged the survival of U251 tumor-bearing mice compared to control WT and shNC. N = 7 control, 6 shNC, and 6 shSELP. P values were determined using two-sided log rank test. F Representative T2 weighted MRI images of U251 tumors detected at day 19 post tumor inoculation. Representative images and quantification of immunostaining for proliferating cells (Ki-67), activated microglia (Iba1), and blood vessels (CD31) in the tumors showing reduced proliferation and blood vessel density, and activated microglia in shSELP tumors. Data represent mean ± s.d. Each dot represents the average of three images per mouse. N = 3 mice per group. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA test with multiple comparisons adjustment. Scale bars represent 100 µm. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.