KLHL7 enhances cell viability and cell cycle progression in glioma via glutamine metabolism by activating the β-catenin signaling pathway

Kelch-like family member 7 (KLHL7) is associated with cancer development and occurrence, but its role and mechanism in the malignant progression of gliomas remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects and mechanisms of KLHL7 on cell cycle and glutamine metabolism in glioma. Glioma cell lines A172 and U87 and a xenograft mouse model were used to analyze the function of KLHL7 in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Gene expression levels and protein amounts were assessed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and the cell cycle was analyzed via flow cytometry. The glutamine content was measured using a biochemical assay. The level of KLHL7 was upregulated in patients with glioma. KLHL7 knockdown reduced cell viability, inhibited cell cycle progression, and decreased the glutamine content in A172 cells. KLHL7 silencing inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, KLHL7 overexpression enhanced cell viability, cell cycle progression, and glutamine metabolism and activated the β-catenin signaling pathway in U87 cells. These findings indicate that KLHL7 promotes the malignant progression of glioma via the β-catenin signaling pathway and may serve as a biomolecule for the clinical prediction and treatment of the disease.