KIF4A Inhibits Ferroptosis in Glioblastoma via the CHMP4B/GPX4 Axis and Promotes Temozolomide Resistance

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Temozolomide (TMZ) stands for the first-line chemotherapeutic agent against GBM. TMZ resistance is an important factor contributing to the poor prognosis of GBM, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Previous studies have suggested that KIF4A may be an indicator of poor prognosis in glioma patients, but the association of KIF4A with TMZ resistance has never been investigated. The detection of ferroptosis levels in GBM cells was accomplished through the utilization of ROS, MDA, JC-1, and Western blot analysis. The assessment of TMZ resistance was performed through the implementation of CCK8, cell cloning, and cell cycle analysis. The identification of downstream targets of KIF4A was facilitated by protein profiling and immunofluorescence. KIF4A inhibits ferroptosis in GBM cells through the CHMP4B/GPX4 axis and promotes TMZ resistance. Knockdown of KIF4A or CHMP4B sensitized GBM cells to chemotherapy. In addition, KIF4A induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in GBM cells, which synergistically promoted TMZ resistance.The present study elucidates a novel mechanism of TMZ resistance in glioblastoma through the CHMP4B/GPX4 axis. Based on these findings, targeting KIF4A may offer a potential new strategy against GBM.