Inhibition of adenoid cystic carcinoma cell proliferation and migration through autophagy inhibition via GLUT1 knockdown

Abstract

Abstract Background Multiple studies have demonstrated a strong association between glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) and the development and recurrence of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Here, we investigate the effect of GLUT1 knockdown in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Methods The effect of hypoxic on progression and autophagy of SACC83 and SACC-LM cell lines was examined by flow cytometry, Transwell assay and fluorescence microscopy. GLUT1 expression was inhibited by using siRNA. ACC tumor-bearing model mice were treated with lentivirus delivering either GLUT1 shRNA or an autophagy inhibitor (chloroquine). Results Hypoxic conditions increased progression and autophagy of SACC83 and SACC-LM cell lines. The hypoxic effect was attenuated upon GLUT1 knockdown. In vivo, lentivirus delivering GLUT1 shRNA combined with CQ had the greatest inhibitory effect on tumor volume, weight, Ki67 expression and autophagy in tumor tissues. Conclusions Hypoxia can promote ACC progression by upregulating GLUT1 expression. Inhibition of GLUT1 expression and autophagy led to the suppression of ACC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo.