The chemokine CXCL12/stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and its receptor CXCR4 regulate migration and patterning processes during brain development, but also contribute to proliferation and expansion of gliomas, the most malignant brain tumors. Recently, a previous orphan-receptor CXCR7/RDC-1 was discovered to be a second receptor for CXCL12. CXCR7 has been detected in normal brain parenchyma, but in particular in human brain tumors. However, little is known about the functional relevance of CXCR7. Since the well-characterized rat C6 glioma cell line is commonly used as a glioma model in vitro and in vivo, we investigated the expression, regulation and function of CXCL12 and its receptors in these tumor cells. Whereas CXCL12 and CXCR7 were transcribed at notable levels, CXCR4 was quite low. By sublethal doses of temozolomide, an alkylating drug commonly used in adjuvant glioma therapy, transcription of CXCL12 and its receptors were significantly induced. Decreased proliferation resulting from this sublethal treatment with temozolomide could be completely restored to normal proliferation rates by simultaneous stimulation with CXCL12. Similarly, CXCL12 protected C6 cells from apoptosis under treatment with higher temozolomide doses. Thus, the CXCL12-CXCR7 axis promotes glioma progression, and the rat C6 glioma cell line may be a useful model to further investigate these mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.

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