AIM: Expression of 14-3-3zeta is upregulated in many cancer types and plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Our previous studies have shown that 14-3-3zeta has a positive expression and is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with glioblastoma. In this study, we investigated whether 14-3-3zeta positive cells show more tumorigenic character and stronger chemotherapy resistance.

MATERIAL and METHODS: Six human glioblastoma cells lines were derived from the 6 patients with tumor, and the cells were sorted by 14-3-3zeta expression. The cell viability, invasion, tumorigenic ability and chemotherapy resistance were compared between the 14-3-3 positive and negative expression groups.

RESULTS: 14-3-3zeta positive cells displayed oncogenic properties, more tumorigenic character, high invasiveness, tumorsphere formation ability and resistance to temozolomide chemotherapy treatment.

CONCLUSION: Cells with 14-3-3zeta positive expression show more tumorigenic character and should be administered other treatments in the future.