Glioma targeted therapy: insight into future of molecular approaches

Prognostic prediction and immune checkpoint profiling in glioma patients through neddylation-associated features

BACKGROUND

Gliomas are the most common primary malignant tumours of the central nervous system, and neddylation may be a potential target for the treatment of gliomas. Our study analysed neddylation's potential role in gliomas of different pathological types and its correlation with immunotherapy.

METHODS

Genes required for model construction were sourced from existing literature, and their expression data were extracted from the TCGA and CGGA databases. LASSO regression was employed to identify genes associated with the prognosis of glioma patients in TCGA and to establish a clinical prognostic model. Biological changes in glioma cell lines following intervention with hub genes were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay and transwell assay. The genes implicated in the model construction were validated across various cell lines using Western blot. We conducted analyses to examine correlations between model scores and clinical data, tumor microenvironments, and immune checkpoints. Furthermore, we investigated potential differences in molecular functions and mechanisms among different groups.

RESULTS

We identified 249 genes from the Reactome database and analysed their expression profiles in the TCGA and CGGA databases. After using LASSO-Cox, four genes (BRCA1, BIRC5, FBXL16 and KLHL25, p < 0.05) with significant correlations were identified. We selected FBXL16 for validation in in vitro experiments. Following FBXL16 overexpression, the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of glioma cell lines all showed a decrease. Then, we constructed the NEDD Index for gliomas. The nomogram indicated that this model could serve as an independent prognostic marker. Analysis of the tumour microenvironment and immune checkpoints revealed that the NEDD index was also correlated with immune cell infiltration and the expression levels of various immune checkpoints.

CONCLUSION

The NEDD index can serve as a practical tool for predicting the prognosis of glioma patients, and it is correlated with immune cell infiltration and the expression levels of immune checkpoints.

Camouflaging nanoreactor traverse the blood-brain barrier to catalyze redox cascade for synergistic therapy of glioblastoma

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex and highly restrictive barrier that prevents most biomolecules and drugs from entering the brain. However, effective strategies for delivering drugs to the brain are urgently needed for the treatment of glioblastoma. Based on the efficient BBB penetration properties of exosomes derived from brain metastatic breast cancer cells (EB), this work prepared a nanoreactor (denoted as MAG@EB), which was constructed by self-assembly of Mn2+, arsenate and glucose oxidase (GOx) into nanoparticles wrapped with EB. MAG@EB can enhance the efficiency of traversing the BBB, target and accumulate at in situ glioblastoma sites. The GOx-driven glycolysis effectively cuts off the glucose supply while also providing an abundance of H2O2 and lowering pH. Meanwhile, the released Mn2+ mediated Fenton-like reaction converts elevated H2O2 into highly toxic ·OH. Besides, AsV was reduced to AsIII by glutathione, and the tumor suppressor gene P53 was activated by AsIII to kill glioblastoma cells. Glioblastoma succumbed to the redox cascade triggered by MAG@EB, as the results demonstrated in vivo and in vitro, yielding a remarkable therapeutic effect. This work provides a promising therapeutic option mediated by cascaded nanoreactors for the future treatment of glioblastoma.

TUBB4A Inhibits Glioma Development by Regulating ROS-PINK1/Parkin-Mitophagy Pathway

Glioma is a refractory malignant tumor with a powerful capacity for invasiveness and a poor prognosis. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of tubulin beta class IVA (TUBB4A) in glioma progression. The differential expression of TUBB4A in humans was obtained from databases and analyzed. Glioma cells U251-MG and U87-MG were intervened by pcDNA3.1(+) and TUBB4A overexpression plasmid. MTT, CCK8, LDH, wound healing, transwell, and western blotting were used to explore whether TUBB4A participates in the development of glioma. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by the DCFH-DA probe. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was examined by JC-1. It was found that TUBB4A expression level correlated with tumor grade, IDH1 status, 1p/19q status, and poor survival in glioma patients. In addition, TUBB4A overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of U251-MG and U87-MG, while increasing the degree of apoptosis. Notably, TUBB4A overexpression promotes ROS generation and MMP depolarization, and induces mitophagy through the PINK1/Parkin pathway. Interestingly, mitochondria-targeted ROS scavenger reversed the effect of TUBB4A overexpression on PINK1/Parkin expression and mitophagy, whereas mitophagy inhibitor did not affect ROS production. And the effect of TUBB4A overexpression on mitophagy and glioma progression was consistent with that of PINK1/Parkin agonist. In conclusion, TUBB4A is a molecular marker for predicting the prognosis of glioma patients and an effective target for inhibiting glioma progression by regulating ROS-PINK1/Parkin-mitophagy pathway.

Discovery and characterization of novel FGFR1 inhibitors in triple-negative breast cancer via hybrid virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations

The overexpression of FGFR1 is thought to significantly contribute to the progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), impacting aspects such as tumorigenesis, growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. Consequently, the pursuit of effective inhibitors for FGFR1 is a key area of research interest. In response to this need, our study developed a hybrid virtual screening method. Utilizing KarmaDock, an innovative algorithm that blends deep learning with molecular docking, alongside Schrödinger's Residue Scanning. This strategy led us to identify compound 6, which demonstrated promising FGFR1 inhibitory activity, evidenced by an IC50 value of approximately 0.24 nM in the HTRF bioassay. Further evaluation revealed that this compound also inhibits the FGFR1 V561M variant with an IC50 value around 1.24 nM. Our subsequent investigations demonstrate that Compound 6 robustly suppresses the migration and invasion capacities of TNBC cell lines, through the downregulation of p-FGFR1 and modulation of EMT markers, highlighting its promise as a potent anti-metastatic therapeutic agent. Additionally, our use of molecular dynamics simulations provided a deeper understanding of the compound's specific binding interactions with FGFR1.

The importance of the circRNA/Wnt axis in gliomas: Biological functions and clinical opportunities

Gliomas are among the most common cancers in the central nervous system, arising through various signaling pathways. One significant pathway is Wnt signaling, a tightly regulated process that plays a crucial role in gliomagenesis and development. The current study aims to explore the relationship between circular RNAs (circRNAs) and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in gliomas, considering the growing recognition of circRNAs in disease pathogenesis. A comprehensive review of recent research was conducted to investigate the roles of circRNAs in gliomas, focusing on their expression patterns and interactions with the Wnt signaling pathway. The analysis included studies examining circRNAs' function as microRNA sponges and their impact on glioma biology. The findings reveal that circRNAs are differentially expressed in gliomas and significantly influence the occurrence, growth, and metastasis of these tumors. Specifically, circRNAs interact with the Wnt signaling pathway, affecting glioma development and progression. This interaction highlights the importance of circRNAs in glioma pathophysiology. Understanding the regulatory network involving circRNAs and Wnt signaling offers valuable insights into glioma pathophysiology. CircRNAs hold promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and may serve as targets for novel therapeutic strategies in glioma treatment.

Framework nucleic acid-based nanoparticles enhance temozolomide sensitivity in glioblastoma

O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a crucial determinant of temozolomide (TMZ) sensitivity in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). The therapeutic potential of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting MGMT to enhance TMZ sensitivity has been hampered by serum nuclease degradation, off-target effects, poor accumulation at tumor sites, and low circulation in blood stream. In this study, we developed a framework nucleic acid-based nanoparticles (FNN), which is constructed from a six-helix DNA bundle, to encapsulate and protect siMGMT for improving TMZ sensitivity in GBM treatment. For better blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and GBM targeting, we conjugated Angiopep-2 (ANG) targeting modules to each end of the FNN. Nucleolin (NCL)-responsive locks were engineered along the sides of the six-helix DNA bundle, which safeguard siMGMT before tumor entry. Upon interaction with tumor-overexpressed NCL, these locks unlock, exposing siMGMT, this allows for effective suppression of MGMT, resulting in a significant improvement of TMZ therapeutic efficacy in GBM. This innovative strategy has the potential to transform the current treatment landscape for GBM.

Gender differences in gliomas: From epidemiological trends to changes at the hormonal and molecular levels

Gender plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of cancer, as well as in the metabolism of nutrients and energy. Men and women display significant differences in the incidence, prognosis, and treatment response across various types of cancer, including certain sex-specific tumors. It has been observed that male glioma patients have a higher incidence and worse prognosis than female patients, but there is currently a limited systematic evaluation of sex differences in gliomas. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the association between fluctuations in sex hormone levels and changes in their receptor expression with the incidence, progression, treatment, and prognosis of gliomas. Estrogen may have a protective effect on glioma patients, while exposure to androgens increases the risk of glioma. We also discussed the specific genetic and molecular differences between genders in terms of the malignant nature and prognosis of gliomas. Factors such as TP53, MGMT methylation status may play a crucial role. Therefore, it is essential to consider the gender of patients while treating glioma, particularly the differences at the hormonal and molecular levels. This approach can help in the adoption of an individualized treatment strategy.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Related Score Functions as a Predictive Tool for Immunotherapy and Candidate Drugs in Glioma

Gliomas are aggressive CNS tumors where the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial for prognosis. We developed an EMT-based score predicting overall survival (OS) and conducted pathway analyses, revealing functions such as cell proliferation and immune response in glioma progression. The EMT score, correlated with immune functions and cell infiltration, shows potential as an immune response indicator. We identified two promising compounds, BIX02189 and QL-XI-92, as potential glioma treatments based on candidate gene analysis.

Comprehensive exploration on the role of base excision repair genes in modulating immune infiltration in low-grade glioma

INTRODUCTION

Glioma is a brain tumour occurring in all age groups but common in adults. Despite advances in the understanding of tumours, we cannot improve the survival of the patients and do not have an appropriate biomarker for progression and prognosis prediction. The base excision repair mechanism maintains the integrity of the genome, preventing tumour formation. However, continuous chemical damage to the cells results in mutations that escape the repair mechanism and support tumour growth. The tumour microenvironment in cancer is crucial in determining the tumour growth, development, and response to treatments. The present study explored the significance of Base Excision Repair genes (BER) in modulating the tumour microenvironment.

METHODS

We used the publically available data sets from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to explore the role of the base excision repair gene in the modulating tumour microenvironment. The data was analysed for the expression of base excision repair genes, their correlation with the immune markers, their prognostic potential, and enrichment analysis to understand the pathways they modulate in low-grade glioma (LGG) progression.

RESULTS

The analysis showed BER genes contribute an integral role in the overall and disease-free survival of LGG. Genes like MUTYH, PNKP, UNG and XRCC1 showed a correlation with the immune infiltration levels and a significant correlation with various immune markers associated with different immune cells, including tumour-associated macrophages. MUTYH, UNG and XRCC1 correlated with IDH1 mutation status, and functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes are enriched in several pathways like Wnt, PD-1 and Integrin signalling.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the BER genes MUTYH, PNKP, UNG and XRCC1 can potentially be prognostic biomarkers and highly correlate with the immune cells of the tumour microenvironment.

Integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation reveal the relationship between ALOX5AP and the prognosis and immune microenvironment in glioma

BACKGROUND

Treatment of gliomas, the most prevalent primary malignant neoplasm of the central nervous system, is challenging. Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (ALOX5AP) is crucial for converting arachidonic acid into leukotrienes and is associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancers. Nevertheless, its relationship with the prognosis and the immune microenvironment of gliomas remains incompletely understood.

METHODS

The differential expression of ALOX5AP was evaluated based on public Databases. Kaplan-Meier, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic, and nomogram were used to estimate the prognostic value of ALOX5AP. The relationship between ALOX5AP and immune infiltration was calculated using ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. Relationships between ALOX5AP and human leukocyte antigen molecules, immune checkpoints, tumor mutation burden, TIDE score, and immunophenoscore were calculated to evaluate glioma immunotherapy response. Single gene GSEA and co-expression network-based GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed to explore the potential function of ALOX5AP. ALOX5AP expression was verified using multiplex immunofluorescence staining and its prognostic effects were confirmed using a glioma tissue microarray.

RESULT

ALOX5AP was highly expressed in gliomas, and the expression level was related to World Health Organization (WHO) grade, age, sex, IDH mutation status, 1p19q co-deletion status, MGMTp methylation status, and poor prognosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that ALOX5AP was expressed in macrophages, monocytes, and T cells but not in tumor cells. ALOX5AP expression positively correlated with M2 macrophage infiltration and poor immunotherapy response. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that ALOX5AP was upregulated in WHO higher-grade gliomas, localizing to M2 macrophages. Glioma tissue microarray confirmed the adverse effect of ALOX5AP in the prognosis of glioma.

CONCLUSION

ALOX5AP is highly expressed in M2 macrophages and may act as a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with glioma.

Gene Expression Profile Identifies LncRNA AL355974.3 As a Potential Glioma Biomarker

OBJECTIVE

Glioma is a central nervous system tumor arising from glial cells. Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, most patients with high-grade gliomas have a poor prognosis. Many studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play important roles in the development, progression and treatment of many tumors, including gliomas. Molecularly targeted therapy may be a new direction for the adjuvant treatment of glioma. Therefore, we hope that by studying differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in glioma, we can discover lncRNAs that can serve as biomarkers for glioma and provide better therapeutic modalities for glioma patients.

METHODS

First, the expression of lncRNAs in 5 normal brain (NB) tissues and 10 glioma tissues was examined by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Next, we performed Kaplan-Meier analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to assess the prognostic value of these variables. Finally, functional analysis of the DElncRNAs was performed by means of Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis.

RESULTS

RNA sequencing analysis revealed 85 upregulated miRNAs and 71 downregulated lncRNAs in low-grade glioma (LGG) and 50 upregulated lncRNAs and 70 downregulated lncRNAs in glioblastoma (GBM). Among them, AL355974.3 was the most upregulated lncRNA. LINC00632 was the most downregulated lncRNA. Second, LGG patients with higher AL355974.3 expression had worse overall survival according to Kaplan-Meier analysis of the TCGA database. Finally, bioinformatics analysis revealed that the target genes of these DElncRNAs were enriched in various biological processes and signaling pathways, such as cell metabolic and developmental processes.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide evidence that AL355974.3 may be a new biomarker for glioma.

High expression of SIGLEC7 may promote M2-type macrophage polarization leading to adverse prognosis in glioma patients

Introduction

Gliomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors, known for their high invasiveness and destructiveness. Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 7 (SIGLEC7) is present in various immune cells, especially macrophages, and significantly affects immune homeostasis and cancer cell response. However, research on the role and prognostic impact of SIGLEC7 in glioma patients is currently limited.

Methods

We utilized transcriptomic data from 702 glioma patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and 693 glioma patients in the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), along with clinical samples we collected, to comprehensively investigate the impact of SIGLEC7 on glioma expression patterns, biological functions, and prognostic value. We focused on its role in glioma-related immune responses and immune cell infiltration and analyzed its expression at the single-cell level. Finally, we validated the role of SIGLEC7 in gliomas through tissue and cell experiments.

Results

SIGLEC7 expression was significantly increased in glioma patients with malignant characteristics. Survival analysis indicated that glioma patients with high SIGLEC7 expression had significantly lower survival rates. Gene function analysis revealed that SIGLEC7 is primarily involved in immune and inflammatory responses and is strongly negatively correlated with tumor-associated immune regulation. Additionally, the expression of most immune checkpoints was positively correlated with SIGLEC7, and immune cell infiltration analysis clearly demonstrated a significant positive correlation between SIGLEC7 expression and M2 macrophage infiltration levels. Single-cell analysis, along with tissue and cell experiments, confirmed that SIGLEC7 enhances macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype, thereby promoting glioma invasiveness through the immunosuppressive effects of M2 macrophages. Cox regression analysis and the establishment of survival prediction models indicated that high SIGLEC7 expression is an unfavorable prognostic factor for glioma patients.

Discussion

High SIGLEC7 expression predicts poor prognosis in glioma patients and is closely associated with M2 macrophages in the tumor environment. In the future, SIGLEC7 may become a promising target for glioma immunotherapy.

Molecular Determinants for Photodynamic Therapy Resistance and Improved Photosensitizer Delivery in Glioma

Gliomas account for 24% of all the primary brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors. These tumors are diverse in cellular origin, genetic profile, and morphology but collectively have one of the most dismal prognoses of all cancers. Work is constantly underway to discover a new effective form of glioma therapy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be one of them. It involves the local or systemic application of a photosensitive compound-a photosensitizer (PS)-which accumulates in the affected tissues. Photosensitizer molecules absorb light of the appropriate wavelength, initiating the activation processes leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species and the selective destruction of inappropriate cells. Research focusing on the effective use of PDT in glioma therapy is already underway with promising results. In our work, we provide detailed insights into the molecular changes in glioma after photodynamic therapy. We describe a number of molecules that may contribute to the resistance of glioma cells to PDT, such as the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette efflux transporter G2, glutathione, ferrochelatase, heme oxygenase, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1. We identify molecular targets that can be used to improve the photosensitizer delivery to glioma cells, such as the epithelial growth factor receptor, neuropilin-1, low-density lipoprotein receptor, and neuropeptide Y receptors. We note that PDT can increase the expression of some molecules that reduce the effectiveness of therapy, such as Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glutamate, and nitric oxide. However, the scientific literature lacks clear data on the effects of PDT on many of the molecules described, and the available reports are often contradictory. In our work, we highlight the gaps in this knowledge and point to directions for further research that may enhance the efficacy of PDT in the treatment of glioma.

M6A-methylated circPOLR2B forms an R-loop and regulates the biological behavior of glioma stem cells through positive feedback loops

Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor, and targeting glioma stem cells (GSCs) has become a key aspect of glioma treatment. In this study, we discovered a molecular network in which circRNA forms an R-loop structure with its parental gene to regulate the biological behavior of GSCs. Genes with abnormal expression in GSCs were screened using RNA-seq and circRNA microarray analyses. The study results showed that high expression of YTHDC1 in GSCs promoted the transportation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified circPOLR2B from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Decreased circPOLR2B levels in the nucleus resulted in fewer R-loop structures formed with its parental gene POLR2B. This reduction in R-loop structures relieved the inhibitory effect on POLR2B transcription and upregulated PBX1 expression through alternative polyadenylation (APA) action, thereby promoting the malignant biological behavior of GSCs. Knockdown of YTHDC1, POLR2B, and PBX1 reduced xenograft tumor volume and prolonged the survival of nude mice. The YTHDC1/circPOLR2B/POLR2B/PBX1 axis plays a regulatory role in the biological behavior of GSCs, offering potential targets and novel strategies for the treatment of glioma.

Racial Disparities in Glioblastoma Genomic Alterations: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Multi-Institution Cohort of 2390 Patients

BACKGROUND

Although molecular biomarkers have significantly advanced precision oncology in glioblastoma, the prevalence of these biomarkers by race remains underexplored. This study aims to characterize the genomic alterations in glioblastoma across Asian, Black, and White patients, offering insights into racial disparities that may influence treatment outcomes and disease progression.

METHODS

Analyzing data from the American Association for Cancer Research Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange database V13.0, this study examined 2390 primary glioblastoma samples from unique patients. Genomic alterations in 566 cancer-related genes were assessed using targeted next-generation sequencing panels from 3 large cancer institutes. The patient cohort included 112 Asians, 67 Blacks, and 2211 Whites. Statistical significance of associations between genomic alterations and race was evaluated using the chi-squared test, with the Benjamini-Hochberg method applied to control for multiple testing adjustments.

RESULTS

Significant racial differences were observed in the frequency of genomic alterations. Asians exhibited a higher frequency of TP53 alterations (52.68%, P < 0.001), Blacks showed more frequent alterations in NRAS (7.46%, P < 0.001), MTOR (10.45%, P = 0.039), and TET2 (8.96%, P = 0.039), and Whites had a higher occurrence of PTEN alterations (48.67%, P = 0.045). Additionally, Black patients had an elevated rate of RET deletions (14.29%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies significant racial disparities in the alteration frequencies of 6 key glioblastoma genes: NRAS, TP53, MTOR, TET2, PTEN, and RET. These findings underscore the need for racial considerations in glioblastoma treatment strategies and highlight potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions. Further research is needed to explore the clinical implications of these genomic disparities.

Mechanistic insights into circRNA-mediated regulation of PI3K signaling pathway in glioma progression

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) characterized by a stable circular structure that regulates gene expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. They play diverse roles, including protein interactions, DNA methylation modification, protein-coding potential, pseudogene creation, and miRNA sponging, all of which influence various physiological processes. CircRNAs are often highly expressed in brain tissues, and their levels vary with neural development, suggesting their significance in nervous system diseases such as gliomas. Research has shown that circRNA expression related to the PI3K pathway correlates with various clinical features of gliomas. There is an interact between circRNAs and the PI3K pathway to regulate glioma cell processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and treatment resistance. Additionally, PI3K pathway-associated circRNAs hold potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In this study, we reviewed the latest advances in the expression and cellular roles of PI3K-mediated circRNAs and their connections to glioma carcinogenesis and progression. We also highlighted the significance of circRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in glioma.

Brain gliomas: Diagnostic and therapeutic issues and the prospects of drug-targeted nano-delivery technology

Glioma is the most common intracranial malignant tumor, with severe difficulty in treatment and a low patient survival rate. Due to the heterogeneity and invasiveness of tumors, lack of personalized clinical treatment design, and physiological barriers, it is often difficult to accurately distinguish gliomas, which dramatically affects the subsequent diagnosis, imaging treatment, and prognosis. Fortunately, nano-delivery systems have demonstrated unprecedented capabilities in diagnosing and treating gliomas in recent years. They have been modified and surface modified to efficiently traverse BBB/BBTB, target lesion sites, and intelligently release therapeutic or contrast agents, thereby achieving precise imaging and treatment. In this review, we focus on nano-delivery systems. Firstly, we provide an overview of the standard and emerging diagnostic and treatment technologies for glioma in clinical practice. After induction and analysis, we focus on summarizing the delivery methods of drug delivery systems, the design of nanoparticles, and their new advances in glioma imaging and treatment in recent years. Finally, we discussed the prospects and potential challenges of drug-delivery systems in diagnosing and treating glioma.

Intraoperative rapid molecular diagnosis aids glioma subtyping and guides precise surgical resection

OBJECTIVE

The molecular era of glioma diagnosis and treatment has arrived, and a single rapid histopathology is no longer sufficient for surgery. This study sought to present an automatic integrated gene detection system (AIGS), which enables rapid intraoperative detection of IDH/TERTp mutations.

METHODS

A total of 78 patients with gliomas were included in this study. IDH/TERTp mutations were detected intraoperatively using AIGS in 41 of these patients, and they were guided to surgical resection (AIGS detection group). The remaining 37 underwent histopathology-guided conventional surgical resection (non-AIGS detection group). The clinical utility of this technique was evaluated by comparing the accuracy of glioma subtype diagnosis before and after TERTp mutation results were obtained by pathologists and the extent of resection (EOR) and patient prognosis for molecular pathology-guided glioma surgery.

RESULTS

With NGS/Sanger sequencing and chromosome detection as the gold standard, the accuracy of AIGS results was 100%. And the timing was well matched to the intraoperative rapid pathology report. After obtaining the TERTp mutation detection results, the accuracy of the glioma subtype diagnosis made by the pathologists increased by 19.51%. Molecular pathology-guided surgical resection of gliomas significantly increased EOR (99.06% vs. 93.73%, p < 0.0001) and also improved median OS (26.77 vs. 13.47 months, p = 0.0289) and median PFS (15.90 vs. 10.57 months, p = 0.0181) in patients with glioblastoma.

INTERPRETATION

Using AIGS intraoperatively to detect IDH/TERTp mutations to accurately diagnose glioma subtypes can help achieve maximum safe resection of gliomas, which in turn improves the survival prognosis of patients.

LncARSR promotes glioma tumor growth by mediating glycolysis through the STAT3/HK2 axis

BACKGROUND

Glioma represents the predominant malignant brain tumor. This investigation endeavors to elucidate the impact and prospective mechanisms of glycolysis-related lncARSR on glioma.

METHODS

LncARSR level was assessed in normal glial cells and glioma cells. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion measurements were conducted through CCK-8, wound healing, and transwell assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to measure cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Biochemical assay kits and immunoblotting were employed to measure the content of glycolysis-related indicators and protein expression, respectively. We analyzed the impact of both lncARSR knockdown and overexpression of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) on Hexokinase 2 (HK2) using dual luciferase reporter assays and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments. Further assessment of the impact of lncARSR on glioma progression was conducted through animal experiments.

RESULTS

LncARSR was expressed at elevated levels in glioma cells compared to normal glial cells. Overexpressing lncARSR enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and G2/M phase arrest in glioma cells and also increased glucose, lactate, ATP production, as well as the expression of HK2, PFK1, PKM2, GLUT1, and LDHA. STAT3 binding to the HK2 gene promoter was weakened following the knockdown of lncARSR. Upregulation of STAT3 reversed the suppressed functions of knocking down lncARSR on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, G2/M phase arrest, and glycolysis and counteracted its promotional effect on cell apoptosis. In vivo, knocking down lncARSR inhibits glioma growth and ki67 and PCNA expression.

CONCLUSION

LncARSR promotes the development of glioma by enhancing glycolysis through the STAT3-HK2 axis.

The effects of the combination therapy of chemotherapy drugs on the fluctuations of genes involved in the TLR signaling pathway in glioblastoma multiforme therapy

One of the most lethal and aggressive types of malignancies with a high mortality rate and poor response to treatment is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This means that modernizing the medications used in chemotherapy, in addition to medicines licensed for use in other illnesses and chosen using a rationale process, can be beneficial in treating this illness. Meaningly, drug combination therapy with chemical or herbal originations or implanting a drug wafer in tumors to control angiogenesis is of great importance. Importantly, the primary therapeutic hurdles in GBM are the development of angiogenesis and the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which keeps medications from getting to the tumor. This malignancy can be controlled if the drug's passage through the BBB and the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which promotes angiogenesis, are inhibited. In this way, the effect of combination therapy on the genes of different main signaling pathways like TLRs may be indicated as an impressive therapeutic strategy for treating GBM. This article aims to discuss the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on the expression of various genes and associated translational factors involved in the TLR signaling pathway.

Genomics and proteomics to determine novel molecular subtypes and predict the response to immunotherapy and the effect of bevacizumab in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive, infiltrative malignancy that cannot be completely cured by current treatment modalities, and therefore requires more precise molecular subtype signatures to predict treatment response for personalized precision therapy. Expression subtypes of GBM samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were identified using BayesNM and compared with existing molecular subtypes of GBM. Biological features of the subtypes were determined by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. Genomic and proteomic data from GBM samples were combined and Genomic Identification of Significant Targets in Cancer analysis was used to screen genes with recurrent somatic copy-number alterations phenomenon. The immune environment among subtypes was compared by assessing the expression of immune molecules and the infiltration of immune cells. Molecular subtypes adapted to immunotherapy were identified based on Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score. Finally, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was performed on the expression profiles of S2, S3 and S4 in TCGA-GBM and RPPA to determine the respective corresponding best predictive model. Four novel molecular subtypes were classified. Specifically, S1 exhibited a low proliferative profile; S2 exhibited the profile of high proliferation, IDH1 mutation, TP53 mutation and deletion; S3 was characterized by high immune scores, innate immunity and adaptive immune infiltration scores, with the lowest TIDE score and was most likely to benefit from immunotherapy; S4 was characterized by high proliferation, EGFR amplification, and high protein abundance, and was the most suitable subtype for bevacizumab. LASSO analysis constructed the best prediction model composed of 13 genes in S2 with an accuracy of 96.7%, and the prediction model consisting of 17 genes in S3 with an accuracy of 86.7%, and screened 14 genes as components of the best prediction model in S4 with an accuracy of 93%. To conclude, our study classified reproducible and robust molecular subtypes of GBM, and these findings might contribute to the identification of patients responding to immunotherapy, thereby improving GBM prognosis.

Novel mitochondrial-related gene signature predicts prognosis and immunological status in glioma

Background

Mitochondria are the center of cellular metabolism. The relationship between mitochondria and diseases has also been studied for a long time. However, the prognostic role of mitochondrial-related genes (MRGs) in patients with glioma and their biological effects are still unclear. The aim of the study was to construct a mitochondria-related model to assess prognosis and potential biological effects like immune infiltration, gene pathway and mutation, and give some predictive chemotherapeutic agents.

Methods

The data of 675 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used to identify MRG signature and construct a prognostic model. After validating its robustness in Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), two risk groups derived from the prognostic model were then conducted with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), immune status, mutation status and chemotherapeutic agents prediction.

Results

The prognostic model built from six gene signatures can successfully predict the prognosis and reflect clinicopathological characteristics. Patients in high-risk group displayed significantly worse overall survival (OS), immunosuppression effects, and mutation markers with worse prognosis. Twelve chemotherapeutic agents with strongly correlated sensitivity and risk scores were selected as potential agents.

Conclusions

The novel MRG signatures (TYMP, TSFM, MGME1, BOLA3, TRMT5, NDUFA9) can predict prognosis and immunological status in glioma.

CHIP-mediated ubiquitin degradation of BCAT1 regulates glioma cell proliferation and temozolomide sensitivity

Glioma, a malignant and infiltrative neoplasm of the central nervous system, poses a significant threat due to its high mortality rates. Branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1), a key enzyme in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism, exhibits elevated expression in gliomas and correlates strongly with poor prognosis. Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this increased BCAT1 expression remains incompletely understood. In this study, we reveal that ubiquitination at Lys360 facilitates BCAT1 degradation, with low ubiquitination levels contributing to high BCAT1 expression in glioma cells. The Carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, interacts with BCAT1 via its coiled-coil (CC) domain, promoting its K48-linkage ubiquitin degradation through proteasomal pathway. Moreover, CHIP-mediated BCAT1 degradation induces metabolic reprogramming, and impedes glioma cell proliferation and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, a positive correlation is observed between low CHIP expression, elevated BCAT1 levels, and unfavorable prognosis among glioma patients. Additionally, we show that the CHIP/BCAT1 axis enhances glioma sensitivity to temozolomide by reducing glutathione (GSH) synthesis and increasing oxidative stress. These findings underscore the critical role of CHIP/BCAT1 axis in glioma cell proliferation and temozolomide sensitivity, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in glioma treatment.

CBX2 enhances the progression and TMZ chemoresistance of glioma via EZH2-mediated epigenetic silencing of PTEN expression

Chromobox (CBX) 2, a member of the CBX protein family and a crucial component of the polycomb repressive complex (PRC), exerts significant influence on the epigenetic regulation of tumorigenesis, including glioma. However, the precise role of CBX2 in glioma has remained elusive. In our study, we observed a substantial upregulation of CBX2 expression in glioma, which displayed a strong correlation with pathological grade, chemoresistance, and unfavorable prognosis. Through a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments, we established that heightened CBX2 expression facilitated glioma cell proliferation and bolstered resistance to chemotherapy. Conversely, CBX2 knockdown led to a significant inhibition of glioma cell growth and a reduction in chemoresistance. Notably, our investigation uncovered the underlying mechanism by which CBX2 operates, primarily by inhibiting PTEN transcription and activating the AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Conversely, silencing CBX2 curtailed cell proliferation and attenuated chemoresistance by impeding the activation of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Delving deeper into the molecular intricacies, we discovered that CBX2 can recruit EZH2 and modulate the trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) levels on the PTEN promoter, effectively suppressing PTEN transcription. Our research unveils a comprehensive understanding of how CBX2 impacts the tumorigenesis, progression, chemoresistance, and prognosis of glioma. Furthermore, it presents CBX2 as a promising therapeutic target for drug development and clinical management of glioma.

MicroRNA-Dependent Mechanisms Underlying the Function of a β-Amino Carbonyl Compound in Glioblastoma Cells

Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive brain malignancy characterized by its invasive nature. Current treatment has limited effectiveness, resulting in poor patients' prognoses. β-Amino carbonyl (β-AC) compounds have gained attention due to their potential anticancerous properties. In vitro assays were performed to evaluate the effects of an in-house synthesized β-AC compound, named SHG-8, upon GB cells. Small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) and biocomputational analyses investigated the effects of SHG-8 upon the miRNome and its bioavailability within the human body. SHG-8 exhibited significant cytotoxicity and inhibition of cell migration and proliferation in U87MG and U251MG GB cells. GB cells treated with the compound released significant amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Annexin V and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining also demonstrated that the compound led to apoptosis. sRNA-seq revealed a shift in microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles upon SHG-8 treatment and significant upregulation of miR-3648 and downregulation of miR-7973. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) demonstrated a significant downregulation of CORO1C, an oncogene and a player in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In silico analysis indicated SHG-8's potential to cross the blood-brain barrier. We concluded that SHG-8's inhibitory effects on GB cells may involve the deregulation of various miRNAs and the inhibition of CORO1C.

Neuromedin U receptor 1 deletion leads to impaired immunotherapy response and high malignancy in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits significant heterogeneity, impacting immunotherapy efficacy, particularly in immune desert subtypes. Neuromedin U receptor 1 (NMUR1) has been reported to perform a vital function in immunity and inflammation. Through comprehensive multi-omics analyses, we have systematically characterized NMUR1 across various tumors, assessing expression patterns, genetic alterations, prognostic significance, immune infiltration, and pathway associations at both the bulk sequencing and single-cell scales. Our findings demonstrate a positive correlation between NMUR1 and CD8+ T cell infiltration, with elevated NMUR1 levels in CD8+ T cells linked to improved immunotherapy outcomes in patients with CRC. Further, we have validated the NMUR1 expression signature in CRC cell lines and patient-derived tissues, revealing its interaction with key immune checkpoints, including lymphocyte activation gene 3 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4. Additionally, NMUR1 suppression enhances CRC cell proliferation and invasiveness. Our integrated analyses and experiments open new avenues for personalized immunotherapy strategies in CRC treatment.

Pan-cancer analysis identifies olfactory receptor family 7 subfamily A member 5 as a potential biomarker for glioma

Background

Human olfactory receptors (ORs) account for approximately 60% of all human G protein-coupled receptors. The functions of ORs extend beyond olfactory perception and have garnered significant attention in tumor biology. However, a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of ORs in human cancers is lacking.

Methods

Using data from public databases, such as HPA, TCGA, GEO, GTEx, TIMER2, TISDB, UALCAN, GEPIA2, and GSCA, this study investigated the role of olfactory receptor family 7 subfamily A member 5 (OR7A5) in various cancers. Functional analysis of OR7A5 in LGG and GBM was performed using the CGGA database. Molecular and cellular experiments were performed to validate the expression and biological function of OR7A5 in gliomas.

Results

The results revealed heightened OR7A5 expression in certain tumors, correlating with the expression levels of immune checkpoints and immune infiltration. In patients with gliomas, the expression levels of OR7A5 were closely associated with adverse prognosis, 1p/19p co-deletion status, and wild-type IDH status. Finally, in vitro experiments confirmed the inhibitory effect of OR7A5 knockdown on the proliferative capacity of glioma cells and on the expression levels of proteins related to lipid metabolism.

Conclusion

This study establishes OR7A5 as a novel biomarker, potentially offering a novel therapeutic target for gliomas.

Origin recognition complex 6 overexpression promotes growth of glioma cells

The discovery of novel oncotargets for glioma is of immense significance. We here explored the expression patterns, biological functions, and underlying mechanisms associated with ORC6 (origin recognition complex 6) in glioma. Through the bioinformatics analyses, we found a significant increase in ORC6 expression within human glioma tissues, correlating with poorer overall survival, higher tumor grade, and wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase status. Additionally, ORC6 overexpression is detected in glioma tissues obtained from locally-treated patients and across various primary/established glioma cells. Further bioinformatics scrutiny revealed that genes co-expressed with ORC6 are enriched in multiple signaling cascades linked to cancer. In primary and immortalized (A172) glioma cells, depleting ORC6 using specific shRNA or Cas9-sgRNA knockout (KO) significantly decreased cell viability and proliferation, disrupted cell cycle progression and mobility, and triggered apoptosis. Conversely, enhancing ORC6 expression via a lentiviral construct augmented malignant behaviors in human glioma cells. ORC6 emerged as a crucial regulator for the expression of key oncogenic genes, including Cyclin A2, Cyclin B2, and DNA topoisomerase II (TOP2A), within glioma cells. Silencing or KO of ORC6 reduced the mRNA and protein levels of these genes, while overexpression of ORC6 increased their expression in primary glioma cells. Bioinformatics analyses further identified RBPJ as a potential transcription factor of ORC6. RBPJ shRNA decreased ORC6 expression in primary glioma cells, while its overexpression increased it. Additionally, significantly enhanced binding between the RBPJ protein and the proposed ORC6 promoter region was detected in glioma tissues and cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated a significant reduction in the growth of patient-derived glioma xenografts in the mouse brain subsequent to ORC6 KO. ORC6 depletion, inhibited proliferation, decreased expression of Cyclin A2/B2/TOP2A, and increased apoptosis were detected within these ORC6 KO intracranial glioma xenografts. Altogether, RBPJ-driven ORC6 overexpression promotes glioma cell growth, underscoring its significance as a promising therapeutic target.

Integrative analysis of genomic and epigenomic regulation reveals miRNA mediated tumor heterogeneity and immune evasion in lower grade glioma

The expression dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNA) has been widely reported during cancer development, however, the underling mechanism remains largely unanswered. In the present work, we performed a systematic integrative study for genome-wide DNA methylation, copy number variation and miRNA expression data to identify mechanisms underlying miRNA dysregulation in lower grade glioma. We identify 719 miRNAs whose expression was associated with alterations of copy number variation or promoter methylation. Integrative multi-omics analysis revealed four subtypes with differing prognoses. These glioma subtypes exhibited distinct immune-related characteristics as well as clinical and genetic features. By construction of a miRNA regulatory network, we identified candidate miRNAs associated with immune evasion and response to immunotherapy. Finally, eight prognosis related miRNAs were validated to promote cell migration, invasion and proliferation through in vitro experiments. Our study reveals the crosstalk among DNA methylation, copy number variation and miRNA expression for immune regulation in glioma, and could have important implications for patient stratification and development of biomarkers for immunotherapy approaches.

The pathogenesis mechanism and potential clinical value of lncRNA in gliomas

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system, and its unique pathogenesis often leads to poor treatment outcomes and prognosis. In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) divided gliomas into five categories based on their histological characteristics and molecular changes. Non-coding RNA is a type of RNA that does not encode proteins but can exert biological functions at the RNA level, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a type of non-coding RNA with a length exceeding 200 nt. It is controlled by various transcription factors and plays an indispensable role in the regulatory processes in various cells. Numerous studies have confirmed that the dysregulation of lncRNA is critical in the pathogenesis, progression, and malignancy of gliomas. Therefore, this article reviews the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, immune regulation, glycolysis, stemness, and drug resistance changes caused by the dysregulation of lncRNA in gliomas, and summarizes their potential clinical significance in gliomas.

A Synopsis of Biomarkers in Glioblastoma: Past and Present

Accounting for 48% of malignant brain tumors in adults, glioblastoma has been of great interest in the last decades, especially in the biomolecular and neurosurgical fields, due to its incurable nature and notable neurological morbidity. The major advancements in neurosurgical technologies have positively influenced the extent of safe tumoral resection, while the latest progress in the biomolecular field of GBM has uncovered new potential therapeutical targets. Although GBM currently has no curative therapy, recent progress has been made in the management of this disease, both from surgical and molecular perspectives. The main current therapeutic approach is multimodal and consists of neurosurgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, mostly with temozolomide. Although most patients will develop treatment resistance and tumor recurrence after surgical removal, biomolecular advancements regarding GBM have contributed to a better understanding of this pathology and its therapeutic management. Over the past few decades, specific biomarkers have been discovered that have helped predict prognosis and treatment responses and contributed to improvements in survival rates.

Fatty Acid Amides Suppress Proliferation via Cannabinoid Receptors and Promote the Apoptosis of C6 Glioma Cells in Association with Akt Signaling Pathway Inhibition

A glioma is a type of tumor that acts on the Central Nervous System (CNS) in a highly aggressive manner. Gliomas can occasionally be inaccurately diagnosed and treatments have low efficacy, meaning that patients exhibit a survival of less than one year after diagnosis. Due to factors such as intratumoral cell variability, inefficient chemotherapy drugs, adaptive resistance development to drugs and tumor recurrence after resection, the search continues for new drugs that can inhibit glioma cell growth. As such, analogues of endocannabinoids, such as fatty acid amides (FAAs), represent interesting alternatives for inhibiting tumor growth, since FAAs can modulate several metabolic pathways linked to cancer and, thus, may hold potential for managing glioblastoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of two fatty ethanolamides (FAA1 and FAA2), synthetized via direct amidation from andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aublet), on C6 glioma cells. FAA1 and FAA2 reduced C6 cell viability, proliferation and migratory potential in a dose-dependent manner and were not toxic to normal retina glial cells. Both FAAs caused apoptotic cell death through the loss of mitochondrial integrity (ΔΨm), probably by activating cannabinoid receptors, and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway. In conclusion, FAAs derived from natural products may have the potential to treat glioma-type brain cancer.

EIF4A3-Induced Circ_0059914 Promoted Angiogenesis and EMT of Glioma via the miR-1249/VEGFA Pathway

Gliomas are common brain tumors. Despite extensive research, the 5-year survival rate of glioma remains low. Many studies have reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a role in promoting the malignant progression of glioma; however, the role of circ_0059914 in this process remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function and underlying mechanism of circ_0059914 in glioma. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to determine the levels of circ_0059914, miR-1249, VEGFA, N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, and EIF4A3. EDU and colony formation assays were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation. Transwell assays were used to explore cell migration and invasion and tube formation assays were used to analyze angiogenesis. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the relationship between EIF4A3, circ_0059914, miR-1249, and VEGFA. A xenograft tumor assay was performed to determine the role of circ_0059914 in vivo. Circ_0059914 expression was upregulated in gliomas. Knockdown of gliomal circ_0059914 expression reduced the proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and growth of glioma cells in vivo. Circ_0059914 sponged miR-1249, and miR-1249 inhibition reversed the circ_0059914 knockdown-mediated effects in glioma cells. VEGFA was found to be a target gene of miR1249; overexpression of VEGFA reversed the effect of miR-1249 up-regulation in glioma. Finally, EIF4A3 increased the expression of circ_0059914. EIF4A3-induced circ_0059914 expression plays a role in promoting glioma via the miR-1249/VEGFA axis.

Dual-Targeted Novel Temozolomide Nanocapsules Encapsulating siPKM2 Inhibit Aerobic Glycolysis to Sensitize Glioblastoma to Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy of glioblastoma (GBM) has not yielded success due to inefficient blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and poor glioma tissue accumulation. Aerobic glycolysis, as the main mode of energy supply for GBM, safeguards the rapid growth of GBM while affecting the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, to effectively inhibit aerobic glycolysis, increase drug delivery efficiency and sensitivity, a novel temozolomide (TMZ) nanocapsule (ApoE-MT/siPKM2 NC) is successfully designed and prepared for the combined delivery of pyruvate kinase M2 siRNA (siPKM2) and TMZ. This drug delivery platform uses siPKM2 as the inner core and methacrylate-TMZ (MT) as the shell component to achieve inhibition of glioma energy metabolism while enhancing the killing effect of TMZ. By modifying apolipoprotein E (ApoE), dual targeting of the BBB and GBM is achieved in a "two birds with one stone" style. The glutathione (GSH) responsive crosslinker containing disulfide bonds ensures "directional blasting" cleavage of the nanocapsules to release MT and siPKM2 in the high GSH environment of glioma cells. In addition, in vivo experiments verify that ApoE-MT/siPKM2 NC has good targeting ability and prolongs the survival of tumor-bearing nude mice. In summary, this drug delivery system provides a new strategy for metabolic therapy sensitization chemotherapy.

Multicenter integration analysis of TRP channels revealed potential mechanisms of immunosuppressive microenvironment activation and identified a machine learning-derived signature for improving outcomes in gliomas

AIM

This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels on the immune microenvironment and develop a TRP-related signature for predicting prognosis, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity in gliomas.

METHODS

Based on the unsupervised clustering algorithm, we identified novel TRP channel clusters and investigated their biological function, immune microenvironment, and genomic heterogeneity. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed the association between TRPV2 and macrophages. Subsequently, based on 96 machine learning algorithms and six independent glioma cohorts, we constructed a machine learning-based TRP channel signature (MLTS). The performance of the MLTS in predicting prognosis, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity was evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients with high expression levels of TRP channel genes had worse prognoses, higher tumor mutation burden, and more activated immunosuppressive microenvironment. Meanwhile, TRPV2 was identified as the most essential regulator in TRP channels. TRPV2 activation could promote macrophages migration toward malignant cells and alleviate glioma prognosis. Furthermore, MLTS could work independently of common clinical features and present stable and superior prediction performance.

CONCLUSION

This study investigated the comprehensive effect of TRP channel genes in gliomas and provided a promising tool for designing effective, precise treatment strategies.

Clinical analysis of the efficacy of radiation therapy for primary high-grade gliomas guided by biological rhythms

OBJECTIVE

High-grade glioma (HGG) patients frequently encounter treatment resistance and relapse, despite numerous interventions seeking enhanced survival outcomes yielding limited success. Consequently, this study, rooted in our prior research, aimed to ascertain whether leveraging circadian rhythm phase attributes could optimize radiotherapy results.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we meticulously selected 121 HGG cases with synchronized rhythms through Cosinor analysis. Post-surgery, all subjects underwent standard radiotherapy alongside Temozolomide chemotherapy. Random allocation ensued, dividing patients into morning (N = 69) and afternoon (N = 52) radiotherapy cohorts, enabling a comparison of survival and toxicity disparities.

RESULTS

The afternoon radiotherapy group exhibited improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) relative to the morning cohort. Notably, median OS extended to 25.6 months versus 18.5 months, with P = 0.014, with median PFS at 20.6 months versus 13.3 months, with P = 0.022, post-standardized radiotherapy. Additionally, lymphocyte expression levels in the afternoon radiation group 32.90(26.10, 39.10) significantly exceeded those in the morning group 31.30(26.50, 39.20), with P = 0.032.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the markedly prolonged average survival within the afternoon radiotherapy group. Moreover, lymphocyte proportion demonstrated a notable elevation in the afternoon group. Timely and strategic adjustments of therapeutic interventions show the potential to improve therapeutic efficacy, while maintaining vigilant systemic immune surveillance. A comprehensive grasp of physiological rhythms governing both the human body and tumor microenvironment can refine treatment efficacy, concurrently curtailing immune-related damage-a crucial facet of precision medicine.

Integration analysis of cell division cycle-associated family genes revealed potential mechanisms of gliomagenesis and constructed an artificial intelligence-driven prognostic signature

Cell division cycle-associated (CDCA) gene family members are essential cell proliferation regulators and play critical roles in various cancers. However, the function of the CDCA family genes in gliomas remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the role of CDCA family members in gliomas using in vitro and in vivo experiments and bioinformatic analyses. We included eight glioma cohorts in this study. An unsupervised clustering algorithm was used to identify novel CDCA gene family clusters. Then, we utilized multi-omics data to elucidate the prognostic disparities, biological functionalities, genomic alterations, and immune microenvironment among glioma patients. Subsequently, the scRNA-seq analysis and spatial transcriptomic sequencing analysis were carried out to explore the expression distribution of CDCA2 in glioma samples. In vivo and in vitro experiments were used to investigate the effects of CDCA2 on the viability, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. Finally, based on ten machine-learning algorithms, we constructed an artificial intelligence-driven CDCA gene family signature called the machine learning-based CDCA gene family score (MLCS). Our results suggested that patients with the higher expression levels of CDCA family genes had a worse prognosis, more activated RAS signaling pathways, and more activated immunosuppressive microenvironments. CDCA2 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. In addition, the MLCS had robust and favorable prognostic predictive ability and could predict the response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy drug sensitivity.

Minimally-invasive implantable device enhances brain cancer suppression

Current brain tumor treatments are limited by the skull and BBB, leading to poor prognosis and short survival for glioma patients. We introduce a novel minimally-invasive brain tumor suppression (MIBTS) device combining personalized intracranial electric field therapy with in-situ chemotherapeutic coating. The core of our MIBTS technique is a wireless-ultrasound-powered, chip-sized, lightweight device with all functional circuits encapsulated in a small but efficient "Swiss-roll" structure, guaranteeing enhanced energy conversion while requiring tiny implantation windows ( ~ 3 × 5 mm), which favors broad consumers acceptance and easy-to-use of the device. Compared with existing technologies, competitive advantages in terms of tumor suppressive efficacy and therapeutic resolution were noticed, with maximum ~80% higher suppression effect than first-line chemotherapy and 50-70% higher than the most advanced tumor treating field technology. In addition, patient-personalized therapy strategies could be tuned from the MIBTS without increasing size or adding circuits on the integrated chip, ensuring the optimal therapeutic effect and avoid tumor resistance. These groundbreaking achievements of MIBTS offer new hope for controlling tumor recurrence and extending patient survival.

Targeted Alpha Therapy for Glioblastoma: Review on In Vitro, In Vivo and Clinical Trials

Glioblastoma (GB), a prevalent and highly malignant primary brain tumour with a very high mortality rate due to its resistance to conventional therapies and invasive nature, resulting in 5-year survival rates of only 4-17%. Despite recent advancements in cancer management, the survival rates for GB patients have not significantly improved over the last 10-20 years. Consequently, there exists a critical unmet need for innovative therapies. One promising approach for GB is Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT), which aims to selectively deliver potentially therapeutic radiation doses to malignant cells and the tumour microenvironment while minimising radiation exposure to surrounding normal tissue with or without conventional external beam radiation. This approach has shown promise in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. A review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines across Medline, SCOPUS, and Embase, identifying 34 relevant studies out of 526 initially found. In pre-clinical studies, TAT demonstrated high binding specificity to targeted GB cells, with affinity rates between 60.0% and 84.2%, and minimal binding to non-targeted cells (4.0-5.6%). This specificity significantly enhanced cytotoxic effects and improved biodistribution when delivered intratumorally. Mice treated with TAT showed markedly higher median survival rates compared to control groups. In clinical trials, TAT applied to recurrent GB (rGB) displayed varying success rates in extending overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival. Particularly effective when integrated into treatment regimens for both newly diagnosed and recurrent cases, TAT increased the median OS by 16.1% in newly diagnosed GB and by 36.4% in rGB, compared to current standard therapies. Furthermore, it was generally well tolerated with minimal adverse effects. These findings underscore the potential of TAT as a viable therapeutic option in the management of GB.

WZ-3146 acts as a novel small molecule inhibitor of KIF4A to inhibit glioma progression by inducing apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Glioma is considered the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Although traditional treatments have not achieved satisfactory outcomes, recently, targeted therapies for glioma have shown promising efficacy. However, due to the single-target nature of targeted therapy, traditional targeted therapies are ineffective; thus, novel therapeutic targets are urgently needed.

METHODS

The gene expression data for glioma patients were derived from the GEO (GSE4290, GSE50161), TCGA and CGGA databases. Next, the upregulated genes obtained from the above databases were cross-analyzed, finally, 10 overlapping genes (BIRC5, FOXM1, EZH2, CDK1, KIF11, KIF4A, NDC80, PBK, RRM2, and TOP2A) were ultimately screened and only KIF4A expression has the strongest correlation with clinical characteristics in glioma patients. Futher, the TCGA and CGGA database were utilized to explore the correlation of KIF4A expression with glioma prognosis. Then, qRT-PCR and Western blot was used to detect the KIF4A mRNA and protein expression level in glioma cells, respectively. And WZ-3146, the small molecule inhibitor targeting KIF4A, were screened by Cmap analysis. Subsequently, the effect of KIF4A knockdown or WZ-3146 treatment on glioma was measured by the MTT, EdU, Colony formation assay and Transwell assay. Ultimately, GSEA enrichment analysis was performed to find that the apoptotic pathway could be regulated by KIF4A in glioma, in addition, the effect of WZ-3146 on glioma apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and Western blot.

RESULTS

In the present study, we confirmed that KIF4A is abnormally overexpressed in glioma. In addition, KIF4A overexpression is a key indicator of glioma prognosis; moreover, suppressing KIF4A expression can inhibit glioma progression. We also discovered that WZ-3146, a small molecule inhibitor of KIF4A, can induce apoptosis in glioma cells and exhibit antiglioma effects.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these observations demonstrated that targeting KIF4A can inhibit glioma progression. With further research, WZ-3146, a small molecule inhibitor of KIF4A, could be combined with other molecular targeted drugs to cooperatively inhibit glioma progression.

GQIcombi application to subdue glioma via differentiation therapy

Current therapy protocols fail to cure high-grade gliomas and prevent recurrence. Therefore, novel approaches need to be developed. A re-programing of glioma cell fate is an alternative attractive way to stop tumor growth. The two-step protocol applies the antiproliferative GQ bi-(AID-1-T) and small molecule inducers with BDNF to trigger neural differentiation into terminally differentiated cells, and it is very effective on GB cell cultures. This original approach is a successful example of the "differentiation therapy". To demonstrate a versatility of this approach, in this publication we have extended a palette of cell cultures to gliomas of II, III and IV Grades, and proved an applicability of that version of differential therapy for a variety of tumor cells. We have justified a sequential mode of adding of GQIcombi components to the glioma cells. We have shown a significant retardation of tumor growth after a direct injection of GQIcombi into the tumor in rat brain, model 101/8. Thus, the proposed strategy of influencing on cancer cell growth is applicable to be further translated for therapy use.

CircNUP98 promotes the malignant behavior of glioma cells through the miR-520f-3p/ELK4 axis

Glioma, a formidable form of brain cancer, poses significant challenges in terms of treatment and prognosis. Circular RNA nucleoporin 98 (circNUP98) has emerged as a potential regulator in various cancers, yet its role in glioma remains unclear. Here, we elucidate the functional role of circNUP98 in glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, shedding light on its therapeutic implications. Glioma cells were subjected to si-NUP98 transfection, followed by assessments of cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration. Subcellular localization of circNUP98 was determined, and its downstream targets were identified. We delineated the binding relationships between circNUP98 and microRNA (miR)-520f-3p, as well as between miR-520f-3p and ETS transcription factor ELK4 (ELK4). The expression levels of circNUP98/miR-520f-3p/ELK4 were quantified. Our findings demonstrated that circNUP98 was upregulated in glioma cells, and its inhibition significantly attenuated glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mechanistically, circNUP98 functioned as a sponge for miR-520f-3p, thereby relieving the inhibitory effect of miR-520f-3p on ELK4. Moreover, inhibition of miR-520f-3p or overexpression of ELK4 partially rescued the suppressive effect of circNUP98 knockdown on glioma cell behaviors. In summary, our study unveils that circNUP98 promotes glioma cell progression via the miR-520f-3p/ELK4 axis, offering novel insights into the therapeutic targeting of circNUP98 in glioma treatment.

DNAJC1 facilitates glioblastoma progression by promoting extracellular matrix reorganization and macrophage infiltration

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a high-grade and heterogeneous subtype of glioma that presents a substantial challenge to human health, characterized by a poor prognosis and low survival rates. Despite its known involvement in regulating leukemia and melanoma, the function and mechanism of DNAJC1 in GBM remain poorly understood.

METHODS

Utilizing data from the TCGA, CGGA, and GEO databases, we investigated the expression pattern of DNAJC1 and its correlation with clinical characteristics in GBM specimens. Loss-of-function experiments were conducted to explore the impact of DNAJC1 on GBM cell lines, with co-culture experiments assessing macrophage infiltration and functional marker expression.

RESULTS

Our analysis demonstrated frequent overexpression of DNAJC1 in GBM, significantly associated with various clinical characteristics including WHO grade, IDH status, chromosome 1p/19q codeletion, and histological type. Moreover, Kaplan‒Meier and ROC analyses revealed DNAJC1 as a negative prognostic predictor and a promising diagnostic biomarker for GBM patients. Functional studies indicated that silencing DNAJC1 impeded cell proliferation and migration, induced cell cycle arrest, and enhanced apoptosis. Mechanistically, DNAJC1 was implicated in stimulating extracellular matrix reorganization, triggering the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and initiating immunosuppressive macrophage infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underscore the pivotal role of DNAJC1 in GBM pathogenesis, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for this challenging disease.

Unveiling the therapeutic potential of IHMT-337 in glioma treatment: targeting the EZH2-SLC12A5 axis

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system, with EZH2 playing a crucial regulatory role. This study further explores the abnormal expression of EZH2 and its mechanisms in regulating glioma progression. Additionally, it was found that IHMT-337 can potentially be a therapeutic agent for glioma. The prognosis, expression, and localization of EZH2 were determined using bioinformatics, IHC staining, Western blot (WB) analysis, and immunofluorescence (IF) localization. The effects of EZH2 on cell function were assessed using CCK-8 assays, Transwell assays, and wound healing assays. Public databases and RT-qPCR were utilized to identify downstream targets. The mechanisms regulating these downstream targets were elucidated using MS-PCR and WB analysis. The efficacy of IHMT-337 was demonstrated through IC50 measurements, WB analysis, and RT-qPCR. The effects of IHMT-337 on glioma cells in vitro were evaluated using Transwell assays, EdU incorporation assays, and flow cytometry. The potential of IHMT-337 as a treatment for glioma was assessed using a blood-brain barrier (BBB) model and an orthotopic glioma model. Our research confirms significantly elevated EZH2 expression in gliomas, correlating with patient prognosis. EZH2 facilitates glioma proliferation, migration, and invasion alongside promoting SLC12A5 DNA methylation. By regulating SLC12A5 expression, EZH2 activates the WNK1-OSR1-NKCC1 pathway, enhancing its interaction with ERM to promote glioma migration. IHMT-337 targets EZH2 in vitro to inhibit WNK1 activation, thereby suppressing glioma cell migration. Additionally, it inhibits cell proliferation and arrests the cell cycle. IHMT-337 has the potential to cross the BBB and has successfully inhibited glioma progression in vivo. This study expands our understanding of the EZH2-SLC12A5 axis in gliomas, laying a new foundation for the clinical translation of IHMT-337 and offering new insights for precision glioma therapy.

Pan-cancer analysis of the disulfidptosis-related gene RPN1 and its potential biological function and prognostic significance in gliomas

Background

Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between disulfidptosis and various cancers. However, the expression and function of RPN1, a crucial gene in disulfidptosis, remain unclear in the context of cancer.

Methods

Gene expression and clinical information on lung adenocarcinoma were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. RPN1 expression was analyzed using the Timer2.0 and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases. Prognostic significance was assessed using Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves. Genetic mutations and methylation levels were examined using the cBioPortal and UALCAN platforms, respectively. The relationship between RPN1 and tumor mutation burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) across different cancer types was analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The relationship between RPN1 and immune cell infiltration was analyzed using the Timer2.0 database, whereas variations in drug sensitivity were explored using the CellMiner database. Receiver operating characteristic curves validated RPN1's diagnostic potential in glioma, and its correlation with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis elucidated a link between RPN1 and immune cells and pathways. In addition, a nomogram based on RPN1 was developed to predict patient prognosis. The functional impact of RPN1 on glioma cells was confirmed using scratch and Transwell assays.

Result

RPN1 was aberrantly expressed in various cancers and affected patient prognosis. The main mutation type of RPN1 in the cancer was amplified. RPN1 exhibited a positive correlation with myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils, and macrophages, and a negative correlation with CD8+ T cells and hematopoietic stem cells. RPN1 expression was associated with TMB and MSI in various cancers. The expression of RPN1 affected drug sensitivity in cancer cells. RPN1 was positively correlated with multiple ICIs in gliomas. RPN1 also affected immune cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment. RPN1 was an independent prognostic factor for gliomas, and the nomogram demonstrated excellent predictive performance. Interference with RPN1 expression reduces the migratory and invasive ability of glioma cells.

Conclusion

RPN1 exerts multifaceted effects on different stages of cancer, including immune infiltration, prognosis, and treatment outcomes. RPN1 expression affects the prognosis and immune microenvironment infiltration in patients with glioma, making RPN1 a potential target for the treatment of glioma.

HNRNPA2B1 stabilizes NFATC3 levels to potentiate its combined actions with FOSL1 to mediate vasculogenic mimicry in GBM cells

BACKGROUND

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an enigmatic physiological feature that influences blood supply within glioblastoma (GBM) tumors for their sustained growth. Previous studies identify NFATC3, FOSL1 and HNRNPA2B1 as significant mediators of VEGFR2, a key player in vasculogenesis, and their molecular relationships may be crucial for VM in GBM.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to understand how NFATC3, FOSL1 and HNRNPA2B1 collectively influence VM in GBM.

METHODS

We have investigated the underlying gene regulatory mechanisms for VM in GBM cell lines U251 and U373 in vitro and in vivo. In vitro cell-based assays were performed to explore the role of NFATC3, FOSL1 and HNRNPA2B1 in GBM cell proliferation, VM and migration, in the context of RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown alongside corresponding controls. Western blotting and qRT-PCR assays were used to examine VEGFR2 expression levels. CO-IP was employed to detect protein-protein interactions, ChIP was used to detect DNA-protein complexes, and RIP was used to detect RNA-protein complexes. Histochemical staining was used to detect VM tube formation in vivo.

RESULTS

Focusing on NFATC3, FOSL1 and HNRNPA2B1, we found each was significantly upregulated in GBM and positively correlated with VM-like cellular behaviors in U251 and U373 cell lines. Knockdown of NFATC3, FOSL1 or HNRNPA2B1 each resulted in decreased levels of VEGFR2, a key growth factor gene that drives VM, as well as the inhibition of proliferation, cell migration and extracorporeal VM activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies and luciferase reporter gene assays revealed that NFATC3 binds to the promoter region of VEGFR2 to enhance VEGFR2 gene expression. Notably, FOSL1 interacts with NFATC3 as a co-factor to potentiate the DNA-binding capacity of NFATC3, resulting in enhanced VM-like cellular behaviors. Also, level of NFATC3 protein in cells was enhanced through HNRNPA2B1 binding of NFATC3 mRNA. Furthermore, RNAi-mediated silencing of NFATC3, FOSL1 and HNRNPA2B1 in GBM cells reduced their capacity for tumor formation and VM-like behaviors in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings identify NFATC3 as an important mediator of GBM tumor growth through its molecular and epistatic interactions with HNRNPA2B1 and FOSL1 to influence VEGFR2 expression and VM-like cellular behaviors.

Pan-Cancer Analysis and Experimental Validation of CEND1 as a Prognostic and Immune Infiltration-Associated Biomarker for Gliomas

Cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation 1 (CEND1), highly expressed in the brain, is a specific transmembrane protein which plays a tumor suppressor role. This study is performed to investigate the role of CEND1 in various cancers through pan-cancer analysis, and further investigate its functions in gliomas by cell experiments. The expression and subcellular localization of CEND1 in different cancer types were analyzed utilizing the data from the GEPIA, UCSC, UALCAN and HPA databases. Relationships of CEND1 expression with prognosis, immunomodulation-related genes, immune checkpoint genes, microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutation burden (TMB) and RNA modifications were analyzed based on the TCGA database. The ESTIMATE algorithm was utilized to evaluate tumors' StromalScore, Immune Score, and ESTIMATES Score. The cBioPortal database was employed to analyze the categories and frequencies of CEND1 gene alterations. Biological functions and co-expression patterns of CEND1 in gliomas were explored using the LinkedOmics database, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted. The interactions between CEND1 and drugs were explored employing the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and molecular docking technology. Cell experiments were conducted to analyze triptonide's effects on glioma cells through CCK-8, flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. CEND1 was lowly expressed in gliomas, and high CEND1 expression was correlated to better overall survival of glioma patients (HR = 0.65, P = 0.02). Deep deletion was the main type of hereditary change of CEND1 mutation. CEND1 expression was markedly associated with immune infiltration, TMB, MSI, and RNA modification in various tumors (r > 0.3, P < 0.05). CEND1 co-expressed genes in gliomas were markedly correlated with immune responses and cell cycle (FDR < 0.05). Triptonide could bind well to CEND1 (-5.0 kcal/mol), and triptonide could facilitate CEND1 expression in glioma cells and cell apoptosis, and block the cell cycle progression (P < 0.05). CEND1 serves as a potential biomarker for pan-cancer. Particularly in gliomas, CEND1 is a key regulator of cell apoptosis and cell cycle, and a potential target for glioma treatment.

Exosomal HMGB3 released by glioma cells confers the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in tumor-associated macrophages

BACKGROUND

Previous evidences has highlighted the pivotal role of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)-mediated inflammasomes and pyroptosis activation in driving tumor malignancy and shaping the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the impact of high-mobility group box 3 (HMGB3) released in glioma-derived exosomes on macrophage infiltration in gliomas, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and polarization.

METHODS

Transcripts and protein levels of HMGB3, and cytokines associated with macrophage phenotypes and pyroptosis were assessed in glioma tissues and cell lines (U251, LN229, T98G, A172) using qRT-PCR and/or Western blot analysis. Exosomes secreted from LN229 and NHA cells were isolated via differential ultracentrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and analysis of exosome-related markers. PKH67 staining was employed to examine exosomes uptake by THP-1 differentiated macrophages. Flow cytometry was utilized to assess macrophage pyroptotic rates and polarization-related markers.

RESULTS

HMGB3 expression was elevated in glioma tissues, serum samples and tumor cell lines. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a positive correlation between higher HMGB3 expression and poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Moreover, glioma tissues with increased HMGB3 expression exhibited significant upregulation of M2 macrophages markers (CD68, CD206, Arg1) and NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, IL-1β, ASC), suggesting that HMGB3 was closely associated with macrophage infiltration and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Notably, HMGB3 was found to be enriched in glioma cell- secreted exosomes and could be internalized by macrophages. Knockdown of HMGB3 in glioma cell exosomes could restrain M2 macrophage polarization, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that glioma cells secreted exosomal HMGB3 could facilitate macrophage M2 polarization, pyroptosis and inflammatory infiltration, indicating HMGB3 might be a poor prognosis factor for glioma.

Ultrasound-Guided Resection of High-Grade Gliomas: A Single-Arm Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

High-grade gliomas (HGGs) present a challenge in neuro-oncology, often necessitating surgical resection for optimal management. Ultrasound holds promise in achieving better gross total resection (GTR) and improving outcomes. This meta-analysis systematically evaluates literature providing robust evidence on the use of intraoperative ultrasonography (iUSG) in HGG resection.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines a comprehensive search was made across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science utilized terms related to iUSG for HGG resection. The meta-analysis examined randomized trials and observational cohort studies on iUSG-guided HGG resection. GTR, subtotal resection, and postresection complications were assessed. Statistical analysis, employing R software for a single proportion analysis with confidence intervals of 95%, I2 statistics for heterogeneity, and the instrumental variables method with restricted maximum likelihood for a random effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 178 patients were included in our study. The GTR overall rate in patients with iUSG-guided resection was found to be 64% (95% confidence interval: 46%-81%). Two-dimensional ultrasound remains dominant at 80% against other options of ultrasound. Complications were reported at a 15% rate (95% confidence interval: 7%-23%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provided robust data on the utilization of iUSG-guided resection regarding the attainment of GTR and the complications related to resection. However, challenges such as outcome heterogeneity and limited complication reporting highlight the need for further research to optimize iUSG in HGG treatment. Long-term follow-up studies on patient survival and postsurgery quality of life will complement existing literature, guiding clinical practices in managing HGG.

In situ administration of STING-activating hyaluronic acid conjugate primes anti-glioblastoma immune response

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor, with a highly immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). In this work, we investigated the use of the STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) pathway as an effective means to remodel the GBM TIME through the recruitment of both innate and adaptive immune cell populations. Using hyaluronic acid (HA), we developed a novel polymer-drug conjugate of a non-nucleotide STING agonist (MSA2), called HA-MSA2 for the in situ treatment of GBM. In JAWSII cells, HA-MSA2 exerted a greater increase of STING signaling and upregulation of STING-related downstream cyto-/chemokines in immune cells than the free drug. HA-MSA2 also elicited cancer cell-intrinsic immunostimulatory gene expression and promoted immunogenic cell death of GBM cells. In the SB28 GBM model, local delivery of HA-MSA2 induced a delay in tumor growth and a significant extension of survival. The analysis of the TIME showed a profound shift in the GBM immune landscape after HA-MSA2 treatment, with higher infiltration by innate and adaptive immune cells including dendritic, natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cell populations. The therapeutic potential of this novel polymer conjugate warrants further investigation, particularly with other chemo-immunotherapeutics or cancer vaccines as a promising combinatorial therapeutic approach.