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Schmid S, Russell ZR, Yamashita AS, West ME, Parrish AG, Walker J, Rudoy D, Yan JZ, Quist DC, Gessesse BN, Alvinez N, Cimino PJ, Kumasaka DK, Parchment RE, Holland EC, Szulzewsky F. ERK signaling promotes resistance to TRK kinase inhibition in NTRK fusion-driven glioma mouse models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.13.584849. [PMID: 38558981 PMCID: PMC10979979 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.13.584849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric-type high-grade gliomas frequently harbor gene fusions involving receptor tyrosine kinase genes, including neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK) fusions. Clinically, these tumors show high initial response rates to tyrosine kinase inhibition but ultimately recur due to the accumulation of additional resistance-conferring mutations. Here, we developed a series of genetically engineered mouse models of treatment-naïve and -experienced NTRK1/2/3 fusion-driven gliomas. Both the TRK kinase domain and the N-terminal fusion partners influenced tumor histology and aggressiveness. Treatment with TRK kinase inhibitors significantly extended survival of NTRK fusion-driven glioma mice in a fusion- and inhibitor-dependent manner, but tumors ultimately recurred due to the presence of treatment-resistant persister cells. Finally, we show that ERK activation promotes resistance to TRK kinase inhibition and identify MEK inhibition as a potential combination therapy. These models will be invaluable tools for preclinical testing of novel inhibitors and to study the cellular responses of NTRK fusion-driven gliomas to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schmid
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Zachary R Russell
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Alex Shimura Yamashita
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Madeline E West
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Abigail G Parrish
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Julia Walker
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Dmytro Rudoy
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - James Z Yan
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David C Quist
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Neriah Alvinez
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Patrick J Cimino
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Debra K Kumasaka
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ralph E Parchment
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Eric C Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Seattle Translational Tumor Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Szulzewsky F, Thirimanne HN, Holland EC. Meningioma: current updates on genetics, classification, and mouse modeling. Ups J Med Sci 2024; 129:10579. [PMID: 38571886 PMCID: PMC10989216 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v129.10579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas, the most common primary brain tumors in adults, are often benign and curable by surgical resection. However, a subset is of higher grade, shows aggressive growth behavior as well as brain invasion, and often recurs even after several rounds of surgery. Increasing evidence suggests that tumor classification and grading primarily based on histopathology do not always accurately predict tumor aggressiveness and recurrence behavior. The underlying biology of aggressive treatment-resistant meningiomas and the impact of specific genetic aberrations present in these high-grade tumors is still only insufficiently understood. Therefore, an in-depth research into the biology of this tumor type is warranted. More recent studies based on large-scale molecular data such as whole exome/genome sequencing, DNA methylation sequencing, and RNA sequencing have provided new insights into the biology of meningiomas and have revealed new risk factors and prognostic subtypes. The most common genetic aberration in meningiomas is functional loss of NF2 and occurs in both low- and high-grade meningiomas, whereas NF2-wildtype meningiomas are enriched for recurrent mutations in TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, PI3KCA, and SMO and are more frequently benign. Most meningioma mouse models are based on patient-derived xenografts and only recently have new genetically engineered mouse models of meningioma been developed that will aid in the systematic evaluation of specific mutations found in meningioma and their impact on tumor behavior. In this article, we review recent advances in the understanding of meningioma biology and classification and highlight the most common genetic mutations, as well as discuss new genetically engineered mouse models of meningioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Eric C. Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Translational Tumor Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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3
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Foss A, Pathania M. Pediatric Glioma Models Provide Insights into Tumor Development and Future Therapeutic Strategies. Dev Neurosci 2023; 46:22-43. [PMID: 37231843 DOI: 10.1159/000531040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In depth study of pediatric gliomas has been hampered due to difficulties in accessing patient tissue and a lack of clinically representative tumor models. Over the last decade, however, profiling of carefully curated cohorts of pediatric tumors has identified genetic drivers that molecularly segregate pediatric gliomas from adult gliomas. This information has inspired the development of a new set of powerful in vitro and in vivo tumor models that can aid in identifying pediatric-specific oncogenic mechanisms and tumor microenvironment interactions. Single-cell analyses of both human tumors and these newly developed models have revealed that pediatric gliomas arise from spatiotemporally discrete neural progenitor populations in which developmental programs have become dysregulated. Pediatric high-grade gliomas also harbor distinct sets of co-segregating genetic and epigenetic alterations, often accompanied by unique features within the tumor microenvironment. The development of these novel tools and data resources has led to insights into the biology and heterogeneity of these tumors, including identification of distinctive sets of driver mutations, developmentally restricted cells of origin, recognizable patterns of tumor progression, characteristic immune environments, and tumor hijacking of normal microenvironmental and neural programs. As concerted efforts have broadened our understanding of these tumors, new therapeutic vulnerabilities have been identified, and for the first time, promising new strategies are being evaluated in the preclinical and clinical settings. Even so, dedicated and sustained collaborative efforts are necessary to refine our knowledge and bring these new strategies into general clinical use. In this review, we will discuss the range of currently available glioma models, the way in which they have each contributed to recent developments in the field, their benefits and drawbacks for addressing specific research questions, and their future utility in advancing biological understanding and treatment of pediatric glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Foss
- Department of Oncology and the Milner Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- CRUK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Manav Pathania
- Department of Oncology and the Milner Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- CRUK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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4
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Myeloid cell heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment and therapeutic implications for childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 374:578009. [PMID: 36508930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.578009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common type of solid tumors in children and the leading cause of cancer deaths in ages 0-14. Recent advances in the field of tumor biology and immunology have underscored the disparate nature of these distinct CNS tumor types. In this review, we briefly introduce pediatric CNS tumors and discuss various components of the TME, with a particular focus on myeloid cells. Although most studies regarding myeloid cells have been done on adult CNS tumors and animal models, we discuss the role of myeloid cell heterogeneity in pediatric CNS tumors and describe how these cells may contribute to tumorigenesis and treatment response. In addition, we present studies within the last 5 years that highlight human CNS tumors, the utility of various murine CNS tumor models, and the latest multi-dimensional tools that can be leveraged to investigate myeloid cell infiltration in young adults and children diagnosed with select CNS tumors.
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Becker H, Castaneda-Vega S, Patzwaldt K, Przystal JM, Walter B, Michelotti FC, Canjuga D, Tatagiba M, Pichler B, Beck SC, Holland EC, la Fougère C, Tabatabai G. Multiparametric Longitudinal Profiling of RCAS-tva-Induced PDGFB-Driven Experimental Glioma. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1426. [PMID: 36358353 PMCID: PMC9688186 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas are incurable primary brain tumors harboring a heterogeneous landscape of genetic and metabolic alterations. Longitudinal imaging by MRI and [18F]FET-PET measurements enable us to visualize the features of evolving tumors in a dynamic manner. Yet, close-meshed longitudinal imaging time points for characterizing temporal and spatial metabolic alterations during tumor evolution in patients is not feasible because patients usually present with already established tumors. The replication-competent avian sarcoma-leukosis virus (RCAS)/tumor virus receptor-A (tva) system is a powerful preclinical glioma model offering a high grade of spatial and temporal control of somatic gene delivery in vivo. Consequently, here, we aimed at using MRI and [18F]FET-PET to identify typical neuroimaging characteristics of the platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB)-driven glioma model using the RCAS-tva system. Our study showed that this preclinical glioma model displays MRI and [18F]FET-PET features that highly resemble the corresponding established human disease, emphasizing the high translational relevance of this experimental model. Furthermore, our investigations unravel exponential growth dynamics and a model-specific tumor microenvironment, as assessed by histology and immunochemistry. Taken together, our study provides further insights into this preclinical model and advocates for the imaging-stratified design of preclinical therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Becker
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tubingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tubingen, Eberhard Karls University Tubingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Salvador Castaneda-Vega
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Kristin Patzwaldt
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Justyna M. Przystal
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tubingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
- German Translational Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Partner Site, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Bianca Walter
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tubingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Filippo C. Michelotti
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Denis Canjuga
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tubingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Marcos Tatagiba
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tubingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tubingen, Eberhard Karls University Tubingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Pichler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
- German Translational Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Partner Site, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, Eberhard Karls University, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Susanne C. Beck
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tubingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Eric C. Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, DC 98109, USA
| | - Christian la Fougère
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
- German Translational Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Partner Site, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, Eberhard Karls University, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Ghazaleh Tabatabai
- Department of Neurology & Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Center for Neuro-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tubingen, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
- German Translational Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Partner Site, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, Eberhard Karls University, 72072 Tubingen, Germany
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Pandey N, Anastasiadis P, Carney CP, Kanvinde PP, Woodworth GF, Winkles JA, Kim AJ. Nanotherapeutic treatment of the invasive glioblastoma tumor microenvironment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114415. [PMID: 35787387 PMCID: PMC10947564 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant adult brain cancer with no curative treatment strategy. A significant hurdle in GBM treatment is effective therapeutic delivery to the brain-invading tumor cells that remain following surgery within functioning brain regions. Developing therapies that can either directly target these brain-invading tumor cells or act on other cell types and molecular processes supporting tumor cell invasion and recurrence are essential steps in advancing new treatments in the clinic. This review highlights some of the drug delivery strategies and nanotherapeutic technologies that are designed to target brain-invading GBM cells or non-neoplastic, invasion-supporting cells residing within the GBM tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Pandey
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Pavlos Anastasiadis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Christine P Carney
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Pranjali P Kanvinde
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Graeme F Woodworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Fischell Department of Bioengineering, A. James Clarke School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Winkles
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States.
| | - Anthony J Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Fischell Department of Bioengineering, A. James Clarke School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, United States.
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7
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Schoen S, Kilinc MS, Lee H, Guo Y, Degertekin FL, Woodworth GF, Arvanitis C. Towards controlled drug delivery in brain tumors with microbubble-enhanced focused ultrasound. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114043. [PMID: 34801617 PMCID: PMC8724442 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain tumors are particularly challenging malignancies, due to their location in a structurally and functionally distinct part of the human body - the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is separated and protected by a unique system of brain and blood vessel cells which together prevent most bloodborne therapeutics from entering the brain tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, great strides have been made through microbubble (MB) ultrasound contrast agents in conjunction with ultrasound energy to locally increase the permeability of brain vessels and modulate the brain TME. As we elaborate in this review, this physical method can effectively deliver a wide range of anticancer agents, including chemotherapeutics, antibodies, and nanoparticle drug conjugates across a range of preclinical brain tumors, including high grade glioma (glioblastoma), diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, and brain metastasis. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that this technology can promote the effective delivery of novel immunotherapeutic agents, including immune check-point inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cells, among others. With early clinical studies demonstrating safety, and several Phase I/II trials testing the preclinical findings underway, this technology is making firm steps towards shaping the future treatments of primary and metastatic brain cancer. By elaborating on its key components, including ultrasound systems and MB technology, along with methods for closed-loop spatial and temporal control of MB activity, we highlight how this technology can be tuned to enable new, personalized treatment strategies for primary brain malignancies and brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Schoen
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - M. Sait Kilinc
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Hohyun Lee
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Yutong Guo
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - F. Levent Degertekin
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Graeme F. Woodworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA,Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, College Park, MD 20742, USA,Fischell Department of Bioengineering A. James Clarke School of Engineering, University of Maryland
| | - Costas Arvanitis
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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8
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Connolly NP, Galisteo R, Xu S, Bar EE, Peng S, Tran NL, Ames HM, Kim AJ, Woodworth GF, Winkles JA. Elevated fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 expression transforms proneural-like gliomas into more aggressive and lethal brain cancer. Glia 2021; 69:2199-2214. [PMID: 33991013 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive, treatment-resistant, and often fatal human brain cancers. The TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)/fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) signaling axis is involved in tissue repair after injury and constitutive signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous solid cancers. The Fn14 gene is expressed at low levels in the normal, uninjured brain but is highly expressed in primary isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type and recurrent HGGs. Fn14 signaling is implicated in numerous aspects of glioma biology including brain invasion and chemotherapy resistance, but whether Fn14 overexpression can directly promote tumor malignancy has not been reported. Here, we used the replication-competent avian sarcoma-leukosis virus/tumor virus A system to examine the impact of Fn14 expression on glioma development and pathobiology. We found that the sole addition of Fn14 to an established oncogenic cocktail previously shown to generate proneural-like gliomas led to the development of highly invasive and lethal brain cancer with striking biological features including extensive pseudopalisading necrosis, constitutive canonical and noncanonical NF-κB pathway signaling, and high plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression. Analyses of HGG patient datasets revealed that high human PAI-1 gene (SERPINE1) expression correlates with shorter patient survival, and that the SERPINE1 and Fn14 (TNFRSF12A) genes are frequently co-expressed in bulk tumor tissues, in tumor subregions, and in malignant cells residing in the tumor microenvironment. These findings provide new insights into the potential importance of Fn14 in human HGG pathobiology and designate both the NF-κB signaling node and PAI-1 as potential targets for therapeutic intervention. MAIN POINTS: This work demonstrates that elevated levels of the TWEAK receptor Fn14 in tumor-initiating, neural progenitor cells leads to the transformation of proneural-like gliomas into more aggressive and lethal tumors that exhibit constitutive NF-κB pathway activation and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina P Connolly
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebeca Galisteo
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Su Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eli E Bar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sen Peng
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Nhan L Tran
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Heather M Ames
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anthony J Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Graeme F Woodworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Winkles
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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