5MPN effectively targets PFKFB4 and inhibits the glucose metabolism process and invasion of glioblastoma

Gliomas are the most common malignant tumors of the central nervous system, with GBM (glioblastoma multiforme) being the most malignant and having the poorest prognosis. Moreover, there are very few targeted therapeutic drugs available. Tumor glucose metabolism is distinct from that of normal tissue cells and is often referred to as aerobic glycolysis. While many studies have focused on glucose metabolism in GBM, research on PFKFB4, a key regulatory kinase, is limited. Our study indicates that PFKFB4 holds therapeutic potential for targeting GBM, and we selected 5MPN, a specific PFKFB4 inhibitor that has not been studied in GBM, as the focus of this research. Our results show that 5MPN effectively inhibits glycolysis and invasion in GBM cells, and we also explored potential molecular mechanisms that may work synergistically with PFKFB4. This study will provide more options for targeted therapeutic strategies in GBM.