201
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Brockmann M, Poon E, Berry T, Carstensen A, Deubzer HE, Rycak L, Jamin Y, Thway K, Robinson SP, Roels F, Witt O, Fischer M, Chesler L, Eilers M. Small molecule inhibitors of aurora-a induce proteasomal degradation of N-myc in childhood neuroblastoma. Cancer Cell 2013; 24:75-89. [PMID: 23792191 PMCID: PMC4298657 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Revised: 04/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Amplification of MYCN is a driver mutation in a subset of human neuroendocrine tumors, including neuroblastoma. No small molecules that target N-Myc, the protein encoded by MYCN, are clinically available. N-Myc forms a complex with the Aurora-A kinase, which protects N-Myc from proteasomal degradation. Although stabilization of N-Myc does not require the catalytic activity of Aurora-A, we show here that two Aurora-A inhibitors, MLN8054 and MLN8237, disrupt the Aurora-A/N-Myc complex and promote degradation of N-Myc mediated by the Fbxw7 ubiquitin ligase. Disruption of the Aurora-A/N-Myc complex inhibits N-Myc-dependent transcription, correlating with tumor regression and prolonged survival in a mouse model of MYCN-driven neuroblastoma. We conclude that Aurora-A is an accessible target that makes destabilization of N-Myc a viable therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Brockmann
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken and Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Evon Poon
- Division of Clinical Studies and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, 15 Cotswold Rd. Belmont, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Teeara Berry
- Division of Clinical Studies and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, 15 Cotswold Rd. Belmont, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Anne Carstensen
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken and Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hedwig E. Deubzer
- CCU Pediatric Oncology, DKFZ and Department of Pediatrics 3, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Rycak
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Emil-Mannkopff-Str. 2, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Yann Jamin
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, 15 Cotswold Rd. Belmont, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Khin Thway
- Division of Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, 15 Cotswold Rd. Belmont, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Simon P. Robinson
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, 15 Cotswold Rd. Belmont, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Frederik Roels
- University Children’s Hospital of Cologne, and Cologne Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50924 Cologne, Germany
| | - Olaf Witt
- CCU Pediatric Oncology, DKFZ and Department of Pediatrics 3, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Fischer
- University Children’s Hospital of Cologne, and Cologne Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50924 Cologne, Germany
| | - Louis Chesler
- Division of Clinical Studies and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, 15 Cotswold Rd. Belmont, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Martin Eilers
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken and Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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202
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Gajjar A, Packer RJ, Foreman N, Cohen K, Haas-Kogan D, Merchant TE. Children's Oncology Group's 2013 blueprint for research: central nervous system tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60:1022-6. [PMID: 23255213 PMCID: PMC4184243 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In the US, approximately 2,500 children are diagnosed annually with brain tumors. Their survival ranges from >90% to <10%. For children with medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor, 5-year survival ranges from >80% (standard-risk) to 60% (high-risk). For those with high-grade gliomas (HGGs) including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, 5-year survival remains <10%. Sixty-five percent patients with ependymoma are cured after surgery and radiation therapy depending on the degree of resection and histopathology of the tumor. Phase II trials for brain tumors will investigate agents that act on cMET, PDGFRA, or EZH2 in HGG, DIPG, or medulloblastoma, respectively. Phase III trials will explore risk-based therapy stratification guided by molecular and clinical traits of children with medulloblastoma or ependymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Gajjar
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
| | - Roger J. Packer
- Brain Tumor Institute, Children's National, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - N.K. Foreman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver
| | - Kenneth Cohen
- Oncology and Pediatrics, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daphne Haas-Kogan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Thomas E. Merchant
- Department of Radiological Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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203
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Abstract
Glioma and medulloblastoma represent the most commonly occurring malignant brain tumors in adults and in children, respectively. Recent genomic and transcriptional approaches present a complex group of diseases and delineate a number of molecular subgroups within tumors that share a common histopathology. Differences in cells of origin, regional niches, developmental timing, and genetic events all contribute to this heterogeneity. In an attempt to recapitulate the diversity of brain tumors, an increasing array of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) has been developed. These models often utilize promoters and genetic drivers from normal brain development and can provide insight into specific cells from which these tumors originate. GEMMs show promise in both developmental biology and developmental therapeutics. This review describes numerous murine brain tumor models in the context of normal brain development and the potential for these animals to impact brain tumor research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik J. Swartling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-75185, Sweden
| | - Sanna-Maria Hede
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-75185, Sweden
| | - William A. Weiss
- University of California, Depts. of Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco CA 94158, USA
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204
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Abstract
Medulloblastomas, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors, are comprised of four molecularly distinct subtypes. However, treatment has yet to exploit these molecular vulnerabilities. Three recent studies sequenced a total of 310 primary tumors and identified that two of the four medulloblastoma subtypes are concomitantly associated with subtype-specific mutations as previously characterized. In contrast, the overwhelming majority of mutations occurred only once in the entire cohort and just 12 genes were recurrently mutated with statistical significance. Perturbations in epigenetic regulation are emerging as a unifying theme in cancer and similarly recurring mutations in epigenetic mechanisms were distributed across all subtypes in medulloblastoma. Designing targeted therapies to such a molecularly diverse disease in the post-genomic era presents new challenges. This will require novel methods to link these nonrecurrent mutations into pathways, and preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate patient driver events. Presently, medulloblastoma reinforces epigenetic mechanisms as a tantalizing therapeutic target in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenley C Archer
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Fegan 1103, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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205
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MicroRNA 22 regulates cell cycle length in cerebellar granular neuron precursors. Mol Cell Biol 2013; 33:2706-17. [PMID: 23671190 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00338-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During cerebellum development, Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-induced proliferation of cerebellar granular neuronal precursors (CGNPs) is potently inhibited by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). We have previously reported the upregulation of TIEG-1 and Mash1, two antimitotic factors that modulate MYCN transcription and N-Myc activity, in response to BMP2. To gain further insight into the BMP antimitotic mechanism, we used microRNA (miRNA) arrays to compare the miRNAs of CGNPs proliferating in response to Shh with those of CGNPs treated with Shh plus BMP2. The array analysis revealed that miRNA 11 (miR-22) levels significantly increased in cells treated with BMP2. Additionally, in P7 mouse cerebellum, miR-22 distribution mostly recapitulated the combination of BMP2 and BMP4 expression patterns. Accordingly, in CGNP cultures, miR-22 overexpression significantly reduced cell proliferation, whereas miR-22 suppression diminished BMP2 antiproliferative activity. In contrast to BMP2, miR-22 did not induce neural differentiation but instead significantly increased cell cycle length. Consistent with the central role played by N-myc on CGNP proliferation, Max was revealed as a direct target of miR-22, and miR-22 expression caused a significant reduction of Max protein levels and N-myc/Max-dependent promoter activity. Therefore, we conclude that, in addition to the previously described mechanisms, miR-22 plays a specific role on downstream BMPs through cerebellum growth.
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206
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Scannell CA, Pedersen EA, Mosher JT, Krook MA, Nicholls LA, Wilky BA, Loeb DM, Lawlor ER. LGR5 is Expressed by Ewing Sarcoma and Potentiates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Front Oncol 2013; 3:81. [PMID: 23596566 PMCID: PMC3625903 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive bone and soft tissue tumor of putative stem cell origin that predominantly occurs in children and young adults. Although most patients with localized ES can be cured with intensive therapy, the clinical course is variable and up to one third of patients relapse following initial remission. Unfortunately, little is yet known about the biologic features that distinguish low-risk from high-risk disease or the mechanisms of ES disease progression. Recent reports have suggested that putative cancer stem cells exist in ES and may contribute to an aggressive phenotype. The cell surface receptor leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is a somatic stem cell marker that functions as an oncogene in several human cancers, most notably colorectal carcinoma. LGR5 is a receptor for the R-spondin (RSPO) family of ligands and RSPO-mediated activation of LGR5 potentiates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, contributing to stem cell proliferation and self-renewal. Given its presumed stem cell origin, we investigated whether LGR5 contributes to ES pathogenesis. We found that LGR5 is expressed by ES and that its expression is relatively increased in cells and tumors that display a more aggressive phenotype. In particular, LGR5 expression was increased in putative cancer stem cells. We also found that neural crest-derived stem cells express LGR5, raising the possibility that expression of LGR5 may be a feature of ES cells of origin. LGR5-high ES cells showed nuclear localization of β-catenin and robust activation of TCF reporter activity when exposed to Wnt ligand and this was potentiated by RSPO. However, modulation of LGR5 or exposure to RSPO had no impact on proliferation confirming that Wnt/β-catenin signaling in ES cells does not recapitulate signaling in epithelial cells. Together these studies show that the RSPO-LGR5-Wnt-β-catenin axis is present and active in ES and may contribute to tumor pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Scannell
- Keck School of Medicine, University Southern California Los Angeles, CA, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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207
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Animal Models of Cancer Stem Cells: What are They Really Telling Us? CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s40139-013-0011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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208
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Tracing the cellular origin of cancer. Nat Cell Biol 2013; 15:126-34. [DOI: 10.1038/ncb2657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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209
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Northcott PA, Dubuc AM, Pfister S, Taylor MD. Molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma. Expert Rev Neurother 2012; 12:871-84. [PMID: 22853794 DOI: 10.1586/ern.12.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent efforts at stratifying medulloblastomas based on their molecular features have revolutionized our understanding of this morbidity. Collective efforts by multiple independent groups have subdivided medulloblastoma from a single disease into four distinct molecular subgroups characterized by disparate transcriptional signatures, mutational spectra, copy number profiles and, most importantly, clinical features. We present a summary of recent studies that have contributed to our understanding of the core medulloblastoma subgroups, focusing largely on clinically relevant discoveries that have already, and will continue to, shape research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Northcott
- The Arthur & Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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210
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Northcott PA, Jones DTW, Kool M, Robinson GW, Gilbertson RJ, Cho YJ, Pomeroy SL, Korshunov A, Lichter P, Taylor MD, Pfister SM. Medulloblastomics: the end of the beginning. Nat Rev Cancer 2012; 12:818-34. [PMID: 23175120 PMCID: PMC3889646 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 475] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The division of medulloblastoma into different subgroups by microarray expression profiling has dramatically changed our perspective of this malignant childhood brain tumour. Now, the availability of next-generation sequencing and complementary high-density genomic technologies has unmasked novel driver mutations in each medulloblastoma subgroup. The implications of these findings for the management of patients are readily apparent, pinpointing previously unappreciated diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this Review, we summarize the 'explosion' of data emerging from the application of modern genomics to medulloblastoma, and in particular the recurrent targets of mutation in medulloblastoma subgroups. These data are currently making their way into clinical trials as we seek to integrate conventional and molecularly targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Northcott
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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211
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Abstract
Cancer results from dysregulation of growth and survival pathways in normal stem cells and progenitors. Identifying the cells from which a tumor arises can facilitate the development of animal models and point to novel targets for therapy. Medulloblastoma is an aggressive tumor of the cerebellum that occurs predominantly in children. Recent genomic studies suggest that medulloblastoma consists of 4 major subgroups, each with distinct mutations and signaling pathway deregulations, and each potentially arising from distinct populations of stem cells and progenitors. Here we review the major types of progenitor cells in the cerebellum and discuss their role in the genesis of medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Tumor Development Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert J Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Development Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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212
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Hart LS, Cunningham JT, Datta T, Dey S, Tameire F, Lehman SL, Qiu B, Zhang H, Cerniglia G, Bi M, Li Y, Gao Y, Liu H, Li C, Maity A, Thomas-Tikhonenko A, Perl AE, Koong A, Fuchs SY, Diehl JA, Mills IG, Ruggero D, Koumenis C. ER stress-mediated autophagy promotes Myc-dependent transformation and tumor growth. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:4621-34. [PMID: 23143306 DOI: 10.1172/jci62973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The proto-oncogene c-Myc paradoxically activates both proliferation and apoptosis. In the pathogenic state, c-Myc-induced apoptosis is bypassed via a critical, yet poorly understood escape mechanism that promotes cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. The accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER initiates a cellular stress program termed the unfolded protein response (UPR) to support cell survival. Analysis of spontaneous mouse and human lymphomas demonstrated significantly higher levels of UPR activation compared with normal tissues. Using multiple genetic models, we demonstrated that c-Myc and N-Myc activated the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 arm of the UPR, leading to increased cell survival via the induction of cytoprotective autophagy. Inhibition of PERK significantly reduced Myc-induced autophagy, colony formation, and tumor formation. Moreover, pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of autophagy resulted in increased Myc-dependent apoptosis. Mechanistically, we demonstrated an important link between Myc-dependent increases in protein synthesis and UPR activation. Specifically, by employing a mouse minute (L24+/-) mutant, which resulted in wild-type levels of protein synthesis and attenuation of Myc-induced lymphomagenesis, we showed that Myc-induced UPR activation was reversed. Our findings establish a role for UPR as an enhancer of c-Myc-induced transformation and suggest that UPR inhibition may be particularly effective against malignancies characterized by c-Myc overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori S Hart
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-5156, USA
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213
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Bourdeaut F, Pouponnot C, Ayrault O. Les médulloblastomes et leurs cellules d’origine. Med Sci (Paris) 2012; 28:805-9. [DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20122810003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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214
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Milde T, Lodrini M, Savelyeva L, Korshunov A, Kool M, Brueckner LM, Antunes ASLM, Oehme I, Pekrun A, Pfister SM, Kulozik AE, Witt O, Deubzer HE. HD-MB03 is a novel Group 3 medulloblastoma model demonstrating sensitivity to histone deacetylase inhibitor treatment. J Neurooncol 2012; 110:335-48. [PMID: 23054560 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-012-0978-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastomas are the most common malignant brain tumors in childhood. Emerging evidence suggests that medulloblastoma comprises at least four distinct diseases (WNT, SHH, Group 3 and 4) with different biology, clinical presentation, and outcome, with especially poor prognosis in Group 3. The tight connection of biology and clinical behavior in patients emphasizes the need for subgroup-specific preclinical models in order to develop treatments tailored to each subgroup. Herein we report on the novel cell line HD-MB03, isolated from tumor material of a patient with metastasized Group 3 medulloblastoma, and preclinical testing of different histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) in this model. HD-MB03 cells grow long term in vitro and form metastatic tumors in vivo upon orthotopic transplantation. HD-MB03 cells reflect the original Group 3 medulloblastoma at the histological and molecular level, showing large cell morphology, similar expression patterns for markers Ki67, p53, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a gene expression profile most closely matching Group 3 medulloblastomas, and persistence of typical molecular alterations, i.e., isochromosome 17q [i(17q)] and MYC amplification. Protein expression analysis of HDACs 2, 5, 8, and 9 as well as the predictive marker HR23B showed intermediate to strong expression, suggesting sensitivity to HDACis. Indeed, treatment with HDACis Helminthosporium carbonum (HC)-toxin, vorinostat, and panobinostat revealed high sensitivity to this novel drug class, as well as a radiation-sensitizing effect with significantly increased cell death upon concomitant treatment. In summary, our data indicate that HD-MB03 is a suitable preclinical model for Group 3 medulloblastoma, and HDACis could represent a therapeutic option for this subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Milde
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (G340), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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215
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Robinson G, Parker M, Kranenburg TA, Lu C, Chen X, Ding L, Phoenix TN, Hedlund E, Wei L, Zhu X, Chalhoub N, Baker SJ, Huether R, Kriwacki R, Curley N, Thiruvenkatam R, Wang J, Wu G, Rusch M, Hong X, Becksfort J, Gupta P, Ma J, Easton J, Vadodaria B, Onar-Thomas A, Lin T, Li S, Pounds S, Paugh S, Zhao D, Kawauchi D, Roussel MF, Finkelstein D, Ellison DW, Lau CC, Bouffet E, Hassall T, Gururangan S, Cohn R, Fulton RS, Fulton LL, Dooling DJ, Ochoa K, Gajjar A, Mardis ER, Wilson RK, Downing JR, Zhang J, Gilbertson RJ. Novel mutations target distinct subgroups of medulloblastoma. Nature 2012; 488:43-8. [PMID: 22722829 PMCID: PMC3412905 DOI: 10.1038/nature11213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 655] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a malignant childhood brain tumour comprising four discrete subgroups. Here, to identify mutations that drive medulloblastoma, we sequenced the entire genomes of 37 tumours and matched normal blood. One-hundred and thirty-six genes harbouring somatic mutations in this discovery set were sequenced in an additional 56 medulloblastomas. Recurrent mutations were detected in 41 genes not yet implicated in medulloblastoma; several target distinct components of the epigenetic machinery in different disease subgroups, such as regulators of H3K27 and H3K4 trimethylation in subgroups 3 and 4 (for example, KDM6A and ZMYM3), and CTNNB1-associated chromatin re-modellers in WNT-subgroup tumours (for example, SMARCA4 and CREBBP). Modelling of mutations in mouse lower rhombic lip progenitors that generate WNT-subgroup tumours identified genes that maintain this cell lineage (DDX3X), as well as mutated genes that initiate (CDH1) or cooperate (PIK3CA) in tumorigenesis. These data provide important new insights into the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma subgroups and highlight targets for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giles Robinson
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
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216
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Huang X, Dubuc AM, Hashizume R, Berg J, He Y, Wang J, Chiang C, Cooper MK, Northcott PA, Taylor MD, Barnes MJ, Tihan T, Chen J, Hackett CS, Weiss WA, James CD, Rowitch DH, Shuman MA, Jan YN, Jan LY. Voltage-gated potassium channel EAG2 controls mitotic entry and tumor growth in medulloblastoma via regulating cell volume dynamics. Genes Dev 2012; 26:1780-96. [PMID: 22855790 DOI: 10.1101/gad.193789.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric CNS malignancy. We identify EAG2 as an overexpressed potassium channel in MBs across different molecular and histological subgroups. EAG2 knockdown not only impairs MB cell growth in vitro, but also reduces tumor burden in vivo and enhances survival in xenograft studies. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that EAG2 protein is confined intracellularly during interphase but is enriched in the plasma membrane during late G2 phase and mitosis. Disruption of EAG2 expression results in G2 arrest and mitotic catastrophe associated with failure of premitotic cytoplasmic condensation. While the tumor suppression function of EAG2 knockdown is independent of p53 activation, DNA damage checkpoint activation, or changes in the AKT pathway, this defective cell volume control is specifically associated with hyperactivation of the p38 MAPK pathway. Inhibition of the p38 pathway significantly rescues the growth defect and G2 arrest. Strikingly, ectopic membrane expression of EAG2 in cells at interphase results in cell volume reduction and mitotic-like morphology. Our study establishes the functional significance of EAG2 in promoting MB tumor progression via regulating cell volume dynamics, the perturbation of which activates the tumor suppressor p38 MAPK pathway, and provides clinical relevance for targeting this ion channel in human MBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Huang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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217
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Manoranjan B, Venugopal C, McFarlane N, Doble BW, Dunn SE, Scheinemann K, Singh SK. Medulloblastoma stem cells: modeling tumor heterogeneity. Cancer Lett 2012; 338:23-31. [PMID: 22796365 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain tumors represent the leading cause of childhood cancer mortality, with medulloblastoma (MB) being the most frequent malignant tumor. In this review we discuss the morphological and molecular heterogeneity of this malignant childhood brain tumor and how this key feature has implicated the presence of a MB stem cell. We focus on evidence from cerebellar development, histopathological and molecular subtypes of MB, the recent identification of brain tumor-initiating cells (BTICs, also referred to as MB stem cells), and the current limitations in studying the interplay between MB stem cells and tumor heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branavan Manoranjan
- McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1
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218
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Larson JD, Largaespada DA. Review: In vivo models for defining molecular subtypes of the primitive neuroectodermal tumor genome: current challenges and solutions. In Vivo 2012; 26:487-500. [PMID: 22773561 PMCID: PMC3516387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) of the brain include medulloblastoma (MB) and central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumor (CNS PNET) subtypes, which share histological features yet differ at the genomic level and in clinical outcome. Delineation of the genetic anomalies between PNET subtypes is a current challenge for establishing effective targeted therapeutic strategies against these aggressive tumors. Current efforts have demonstrated that specific molecular pathways drive a subset of MB and CNS PNET, but the genetic basis for the deadliest forms of these tumors remains poorly understood and anecdotal. This is in part due to an overall lack of biologically relevant in vivo and in vitro model systems capable of direct comparison and identification of the genetic origins among PNET subtypes. Forward genetic, random mutagenesis in mice is an effective phenotype-driven method to model the genetic origins of human disease including cancer. We have applied this method to PNET by developing a single Sleeping Beauty transposon insertional mutagenesis mouse model that recapitulates the morphological similarities and genetic heterogeneity of MB and CNS PNET capable of identifying genetic drivers important for genesis of PNET. Importantly, this model has allowed new PNET phenotypes to be observed and is designed to reveal biologically relevant candidate oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes for MB and CNS PNET molecular subgroups in mice and humans. The ultimate goal of the approach we have taken is to uncover new understanding of the genetic basis for MB and CNS PNET development, how they are distinguished from each other, and offer potential targets for therapeutic testing to improve patient clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon D Larson
- The Center For Genome Engineering and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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219
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Smits M, van Rijn S, Hulleman E, Biesmans D, van Vuurden DG, Kool M, Haberler C, Aronica E, Vandertop WP, Noske DP, Würdinger T. EZH2-regulated DAB2IP is a medulloblastoma tumor suppressor and a positive marker for survival. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:4048-58. [PMID: 22696229 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Despite recent improvements, the molecular mechanisms driving medulloblastoma are not fully understood and further elucidation could provide cues to improve outcome prediction and therapeutic approaches. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of mouse and human medulloblastoma gene expression data sets, to identify potential medulloblastoma tumor suppressor genes. RESULTS We identified DAB2IP, a member of the RAS-GTPase-activating protein family (RAS GAP), and showed that DAB2IP expression is repressed in medulloblastoma by EZH2-induced trimethylation. Moreover, we observed that reduced DAB2IP expression correlates significantly with a poor overall survival of patients with medulloblastoma, independent of metastatic stage. Finally, we showed that ectopic DAB2IP expression enhances stress-induced apoptosis in medulloblastoma cells and that reduced expression of DAB2IP in medulloblastoma cells conveys resistance to irradiation-induced cell death. CONCLUSION These results suggest that repression of DAB2IP may at least partly protect medulloblastoma cells from apoptotic cell death. Moreover, DAB2IP may represent a molecular marker to distinguish patients with medulloblastoma at high risk from those with a longer survival prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Smits
- Neuro-oncology Research Group, Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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220
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Abstract
Brain tumors display extensive diversity. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Swartling et al. provide evidence that the temporal and spatial transcriptional programs in neural stem cells underlie a diverse response to the MYCN oncogene, potentially contributing to cancer diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy N Phoenix
- Departments of Developmental Neurobiology and Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Richard J Gilbertson
- Departments of Developmental Neurobiology and Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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Swartling FJ, Savov V, Persson AI, Chen J, Hackett CS, Northcott PA, Grimmer MR, Lau J, Chesler L, Perry A, Phillips JJ, Taylor MD, Weiss WA. Distinct neural stem cell populations give rise to disparate brain tumors in response to N-MYC. Cancer Cell 2012; 21:601-613. [PMID: 22624711 PMCID: PMC3360885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2012.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The proto-oncogene MYCN is mis-expressed in various types of human brain tumors. To clarify how developmental and regional differences influence transformation, we transduced wild-type or mutationally stabilized murine N-myc(T58A) into neural stem cells (NSCs) from perinatal murine cerebellum, brain stem, and forebrain. Transplantation of N-myc(WT) NSCs was insufficient for tumor formation. N-myc(T58A) cerebellar and brain stem NSCs generated medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumors, whereas forebrain NSCs developed diffuse glioma. Expression analyses distinguished tumors generated from these different regions, with tumors from embryonic versus postnatal cerebellar NSCs demonstrating Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) dependence and SHH independence, respectively. These differences were regulated in part by the transcription factor SOX9, activated in the SHH subclass of human medulloblastoma. Our results demonstrate context-dependent transformation of NSCs in response to a common oncogenic signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik J Swartling
- University of California, Departments of Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Vasil Savov
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders I Persson
- University of California, Departments of Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Justin Chen
- University of California, Departments of Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Christopher S Hackett
- University of California, Departments of Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Matthew R Grimmer
- University of California, Departments of Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jasmine Lau
- University of California, Departments of Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Louis Chesler
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Arie Perry
- University of California, Departments of Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Joanna J Phillips
- University of California, Departments of Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - William A Weiss
- University of California, Departments of Neurology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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Abstract
Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour, is currently diagnosed and stratified using a combination of clinical and demographic variables. Recent transcriptomic approaches have demonstrated that the histological entity known as medulloblastoma is comprised of multiple clinically and molecularly distinct subgroups. The current consensus is that four defined subgroups of medulloblastoma exist: WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. Each subgroup probably contains at least one additional level of hierarchy, with some evidence for multiple subtypes within each subgroup. The demographic and clinical differences between the subgroups present immediate and pressing questions to be addressed in the next round of clinical trials for patients with medulloblastoma. Many of the genetically defined targets for rational medulloblastoma therapies are unique to a given subgroup, suggesting the need for subgroup-specific trials of novel therapies. The development of practical, robust and widely accepted subgroup biomarkers that are amenable to the conditions of a prospective clinical trial is, therefore, an urgent need for the paediatric neuro-oncology community. In this Review, we discuss the clinical implications of molecular subgrouping in medulloblastoma, highlighting how these subgroups are transitioning from a research topic in the laboratory to a clinically relevant topic with important implications for patient care.
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223
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Abstract
In this issue of Cancer Cell, Pei et al. and Kawauchi et al. describe murine models of an aggressive medulloblastoma subtype driven by Myc. These tumors have a cellular origin, microscopic appearance, and molecular profile distinct from those of three other major subgroups. Thus, the models fill a significant clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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