FOXP1 has a low expression in human gliomas and its overexpression inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration of human glioma U251 cells.

The present study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics of forkhead box protein P1 (FoxP1) in gliomas and its role in the proliferation, invasiveness, migration and apoptosis of the human glioma U251 cell line. The expression levels of FOXP1 were first studied in operation resection specimens of glioma and normal peripheral brain tissues. The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression vector of FOXP1 was prepared and transfected into U251 cells. MTT, cell invasion, transwell and scratch assays were utilized to investigate the cell growth activity and the rate of apoptosis of the cells was tested by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were employed to measure the transfection efficacy. The results revealed that FOXP1 was highly expressed in glioma, as compared with low levels detected in normal brain tissues. Following transfection with pEGFP-N1-FOXP1, the proliferation, invasiveness and migration capabilities of cells significantly decreased, whilst the rate of apoptosis was markedly enhanced (P<0.01). Furthermore, the expression of FOXP1 in U251 cells was enhanced (P<0.01). In conclusion, the present study indicated that FOXP1 is closely associated with tumorigenesis and development of glioma, as demonstrated by a reduction in the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells upon FOCP1 overexpression.