Inhibition of glioma cell growth in vitro and in vivo by a novel proteasome inhibitor

The prognosis of patients with malignant gliomas remains poor. Inhibition of the proteasome of glioma cells may provide a promising therapeutic strategy. Here, we describe the in vitro and in vivo effects of SC68896, a novel agent developed as an inhibitor of the proteasome. Application of SC68896 to cancer cells of different origin, including gliomas, inhibits their proliferation in vitro. Only nanomolar concentrations are necessary to reduce the enzymatic activity of the proteasome by more than 90%. Exposure of LNT-229 glioma cells to SC68896 results in an accumulation of p21 and p27 proteins, cell cycle arres…