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Lu H, Wang Y, Chaudhary S, Balaga V, Ke H, Shi F, Liu J, Huo Y, Romanienko PJ, Xia B, De S, Chan CS, Shen Z. Medulloblastomas Initiated by Homologous Recombination Defects in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00294-3. [PMID: 39168365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Germline mutations of homologous-recombination (HR) genes are among the top contributors to medulloblastomas. A significant portion of human medulloblastomas exhibit genomic signatures of HR defects. We queried whether ablation of Brca2 and Palb2, and their related Brca1 and Bccip genes, in the mouse brain can differentially initiate medulloblastomas. Conditional knockout mouse models of these HR genes and a conditional knockdown of Bccip (shBccip-KD) were established. Deletion of any of these genes led to microcephaly and neurologic defects, with Brca1- and Bccip- producing the worst. Trp53 co-deletion significantly rescued the microcephaly with Brca1, Palb2, and Brca2 deficiency but exhibited limited impact on Bccip- mice. For the first time, inactivation of either Brca1 or Palb2 with Trp53 was found to induce medulloblastomas. Despite shBccip-CKD being highly penetrative, Bccip/Trp53 deletions failed to induce medulloblastomas. The tumors displayed diverse immunohistochemical features and chromosome copy number variation. Although there were widespread up-regulations of cell proliferative pathways, most of the tumors expressed biomarkers of the sonic hedgehog subgroup. The medulloblastomas developed from Brca1-, Palb2-, and Brca2- mice were highly sensitive to a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor but not the ones from shBccip-CKD mice. These models recapitulate the spontaneous medulloblastoma development with high penetrance and a narrow time window, providing ideal platforms to test therapeutic agents with the ability to differentiate HR-defective and HR-proficient tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Lu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Yuan Wang
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Shipra Chaudhary
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Varshita Balaga
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Hua Ke
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Fuqian Shi
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Jingmei Liu
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Yangyin Huo
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | - Bing Xia
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Subhajyoti De
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Chang S Chan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Department of Radiation Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Zhiyuan Shen
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
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Liu S, Zang Y, Huang C, Liu Y. Downregulation of Rab23 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by repressing SHH signaling pathway. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e1921. [PMID: 37884351 PMCID: PMC10809273 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignant tumors and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. As an oncogene, Rab23 has been shown to be significantly related to the growth and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma in both in vitro and in vivo studies, but its underlying mechanism remains obscure. In the present study, we examined the effect of inhibiting Rab23 expression on the pathological progression of HCC. The correlation between liver Rab23 gene expression and survival probability in human HCC patients was analyzed using the TCGA database and CPTAC database. Rab23 knockdown hepatocellular carcinoma cell line was generated through lentiviral transduction, then we established a nude HCC xenograft model by subcutaneously implanting the transfected cells. The analysis of gene and protein expression was carried out using Western blot or RT-qPCR, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the level of apoptosis. The expression levels of key proteins involved in the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway were assessed. The results showed that HCC patients with low levels of hepatic Rab23 mRNA and protein had a better survival tendency than those with higher levels of Rab23. Cell proliferations were reduced and apoptosis levels were increased after Knocking down Rab23 in HCC cell lines. Furthermore, in vivo studies have demonstrated that suppression of the Rab23 gene results in decreased tumor size, proliferation rate, and reduced levels of SHH-related proteins Smoothened and GLI-1. The above results suggest that Rab23 is involved in the pathological progression of HCC as an important regulator of the SHH signaling pathway, which also provides an important research basis for new therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si‐Jia Liu
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangChina
| | - Yu‐Wei Zang
- Archives of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangChina
| | - Cui‐Jun Huang
- Physical Examination CenterThe First People's Hospital of Jiujiang CityJiujiangChina
| | - Yun‐Jian Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangChina
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Sokolov D, Sharda N, Banerjee A, Denisenko K, Basalious EB, Shukla H, Waddell J, Hamdy NM, Banerjee A. Differential Signaling Pathways in Medulloblastoma: Nano-biomedicine Targeting Non-coding Epigenetics to Improve Current and Future Therapeutics. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:31-47. [PMID: 38151840 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128277350231219062154] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastomas (MDB) are malignant, aggressive brain tumors that primarily affect children. The survival rate for children under 14 is approximately 72%, while for ages 15 to 39, it is around 78%. A growing body of evidence suggests that dysregulation of signaling mechanisms and noncoding RNA epigenetics play a pivotal role in this disease. METHODOLOGY This study conducted an electronic search of articles on websites like PubMed and Google. The current review also used an in silico databases search and bioinformatics analysis and an extensive comprehensive literature search for original research articles and review articles as well as retrieval of current and future medications in clinical trials. RESULTS This study indicates that several signaling pathways, such as sonic hedgehog, WNT/β-catenin, unfolded protein response mediated ER stress, notch, neurotrophins and TGF-β and ERK, MAPK, and ERK play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MDB. Gene and ncRNA/protein are also involved as an axis long ncRNA to sponge micro-RNAs that affect downstream signal proteins expression and translation affection disease pathophysiology, prognosis and present potential target hit for drug repurposing. Current treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; unfortunately, the disease often relapses, and the survival rate is less than 5%. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective treatments to combat recurrence and improve survival rates. CONCLUSION This review describes various MDB disease hallmarks, including the signaling mechanisms involved in pathophysiology, related-causal genes, epigenetics, downstream genes/epigenes, and possibly the causal disease genes/non-protein coding (nc)RNA/protein axis. Additionally, the challenges associated with MDB treatment are discussed, along with how they are being addressed using nano-technology and nano-biomedicine, with a listing of possible treatment options and future potential treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Sokolov
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, MD 21201, USA
| | - Neha Sharda
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, MD 21201, USA
| | - Aindrila Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kseniia Denisenko
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, MD 21201, USA
| | - Emad B Basalious
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Al Kasr Al Aini 11562, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hem Shukla
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jaylyn Waddell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, MD 21201, USA
| | - Nadia M Hamdy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aditi Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, MD 21201, USA
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Fahmy SA, Dawoud A, Zeinelabdeen YA, Kiriacos CJ, Daniel KA, Eltahtawy O, Abdelhalim MM, Braoudaki M, Youness RA. Molecular Engines, Therapeutic Targets, and Challenges in Pediatric Brain Tumors: A Special Emphasis on Hydrogen Sulfide and RNA-Based Nano-Delivery. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5244. [PMID: 36358663 PMCID: PMC9657918 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric primary brain tumors represent a real challenge in the oncology arena. Besides the psychosocial burden, brain tumors are considered one of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies due to their sophisticated cellular and molecular pathophysiology. Notwithstanding the advances in research and the substantial efforts to develop a suitable therapy, a full understanding of the molecular pathways involved in primary brain tumors is still demanded. On the other hand, the physiological nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the efficiency of many available treatments, including molecular therapeutic approaches. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), as a member of the gasotransmitters family, and its synthesizing machinery have represented promising molecular targets for plentiful cancer types. However, its role in primary brain tumors, generally, and pediatric types, particularly, is barely investigated. In this review, the authors shed the light on the novel role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a prominent player in pediatric brain tumor pathophysiology and its potential as a therapeutic avenue for brain tumors. In addition, the review also focuses on the challenges and opportunities of several molecular targeting approaches and proposes promising brain-delivery strategies for the sake of achieving better therapeutic results for brain tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Chemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, R5 New Capital City, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Yousra Ahmed Zeinelabdeen
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Faculty of Medical Sciences/UMCG, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Joseph Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Kerolos Ashraf Daniel
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Omar Eltahtawy
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Miriam Mokhtar Abdelhalim
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Maria Braoudaki
- Clinical, Pharmaceutical, and Biological Science Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Wang H, Wang Y, Wang Y. MiR-222-3p inhibits formation of medulloblastoma stem-like cells by targeting Notch2/c-myc signaling pathway. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2022; 44:548-555. [PMID: 35379056 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2022.2062381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastoma (MB) is an embryonal tumor of the cerebellum, which commonly occurs in childhood. Herein, we investigated the effects of miR-222-3p on the formation of MB stem-like cells via the Notch2/c-myc pathway. METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or western blotting was performed to determine the expression of miR-222-3p and Notch2, c-myc, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and caspase-3. Luciferase reporter gene, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pull-down assay were applied to confirm the interaction between miR-222-3p and Notch2. Cell growth was examined by Cell Counting Kit-8. Cell cycle distribution and the number of stem cell marker CD133+ cells were examined using flow cytometry. The sphere formation assay was performed. RESULTS miR-222-3p expression was decreased and Notch2 expression was increased in human medulloblastoma cells. miR-222-3p overexpression inhibited cell viability and the sphere formation, induced cell cycle arrest, decreased the number of CD133+ cells, and up-regulated caspase-3 expression and down-regulated PCNA, Notch2, and c-myc expression. However, Notch2 overexpression counteracted these effects of miR-222-3p overexpression. Simultaneous overexpression of Notch2 and miR-222-3p increased the c-myc promoter luciferase activity which was decreased by miR-222-3p overexpression. Luciferase reporter gene, RIP, and RNA pull-down assay revealed that miR-222-3p targeted Notch2. CONCLUSION MiR-222-3p suppressed cell viability, altered cell cycle distribution, and inhibited the formation of MB stem-like cells via the Notch2/c-myc pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Henan Provincial People' s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People' s Hospital, Henan University People' s Hospital, Zhengzhou; 450003, China
| | - Yushe Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People' s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People' s Hospital, Henan University People' s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People' s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People' s Hospital, Henan University People' s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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The Molecular Landscape of Medulloblastoma in Teenagers and Young Adults. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010251. [PMID: 35008416 PMCID: PMC8750554 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a childhood malignant brain tumour but also occurs in teenagers and young adults (TYA). Considering that MB is heterogeneous, this study aimed to define the molecular landscape of MBs in TYAs. We collated more than 2000 MB samples that included 287 TYA patients (13-24 years). We performed computational analyses consisting of genome-wide methylation and transcriptomic profiles and developed a prognostics model for the TYAs with MB. We identified that TYAs predominantly comprised of Group 4 (40%) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)-activated (33%) tumours, with Wingless-type (WNT, 17%) and Group 3 (10%) being less common. TYAs with SHH tumours displayed significantly more gene expression alterations, whereas no gene was detected in the Group 4 tumours. Across MB subgroups, we identified unique and shared sets of TYA-specific differentially methylated probes and DNA-binding motifs. Finally, a 22-gene signature stratified TYA patients into high- and low-risk groups, and the prognostic significance of these risk groups persisted in multivariable regression models (P = 0.001). This study is an important step toward delineating the molecular landscape of TYAs with MB. The emergence of novel genes and pathways may provide a basis for improved clinical management of TYA with MB.
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Liang KH, Chang CC, Wu KS, Yu AL, Sung SY, Lee YY, Liang ML, Chen HH, Fen JJ, Chao ME, Liao YT, Wong TT. Notch signaling and natural killer cell infiltration in tumor tissues underlie medulloblastoma prognosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23282. [PMID: 34857809 PMCID: PMC8639846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02651-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common embryonic brain tumor in children. We investigated a cohort of 52 Asian medulloblastoma patients aged between 0 and 19 years old, who received surgical resections and post-resection treatments in the Taipei Medical University Hospital and the Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Genome-wide RNA sequencing was performed on fresh-frozen surgical tissues. These data were analyzed using the CIBERSORTx immune deconvolution software. Two external clinical and molecular datasets from United States (n = 62) and Canada (n = 763) were used to evaluate the transferability of the gene-signature scores across ethnic populations. The abundance of 13 genes, including DLL1, are significantly associated with overall survival (All Cox regression P < 0.001). A gene-signature score was derived from the deep transcriptome, capable of indicating patients’ subsequent tumor recurrence (Hazard Ratio [HR] 1.645, confidence interval [CI] 1.337–2.025, P < 0.001) and mortality (HR 2.720, CI 1.798–4.112, P < 0.001). After the adjustment of baseline clinical factors, the score remains indicative of recurrence-free survival (HR 1.604, CI 1.292–1.992, P < 0.001) and overall survival (HR 2.781, CI 1.762–4.390, P < 0.001). Patients stratified by this score manifest not only distinct prognosis but also different molecular characteristics: Notch signaling ligands and receptors are comparatively overexpressed in patients with poorer prognosis, while tumor infiltrating natural killer cells are more abundant in patients with better prognosis. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining showed the DLL1 protein, a major ligand in the Notch signaling pathway, and the NCAM1 protein, a representative biomarker of natural killer cells, are present in the surgical tissues of patients of four molecular subgroups, WNT, SHH, Group 3 and Group 4. NCAM1 RNA level is also positively associated with the mutation burden in tumor (P = 0.023). The gene-signature score is validated successfully in the Canadian cohort (P = 0.009) as well as its three molecular subgroups (SHH, Group 3 and Group 4; P = 0.047, 0.018 and 0.040 respectively). In conclusion, pediatric medullablastoma patients can be stratified by gene-signature scores with distinct prognosis and molecular characteristics. Ligands and receptors of the Notch signaling pathway are overexpressed in the patient stratum with poorer prognosis. Tumor infiltrating natural killer cells are more abundant in the patient stratum with better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kung-Hao Liang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Che-Chang Chang
- The PhD Program for Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Sheng Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Alice L Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Shian-Ying Sung
- The PhD Program for Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yen Lee
- Division of Paediatric Neurosurgery, the Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Lii Liang
- Division of Paediatric Neurosurgery, the Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hung Chen
- Division of Paediatric Neurosurgery, the Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Jeng Fen
- Department of Informatics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-En Chao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Liao
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Tong Wong
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan. .,Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan. .,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan. .,Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
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Shaik S, Maegawa S, Gopalakrishnan V. Medulloblastoma: novel insights into emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:615-619. [PMID: 34602009 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1982896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shavali Shaik
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shinji Maegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vidya Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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9
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Panagopoulos D, Karydakis P, Giakoumettis D, Themistocleous M. The 100 most cited papers about medulloblastomas. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2020.100855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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10
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Bahmad HF, Poppiti RJ. Medulloblastoma cancer stem cells: molecular signatures and therapeutic targets. J Clin Pathol 2020; 73:243-249. [PMID: 32034059 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2019-206246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant primary intracranial neoplasm diagnosed in childhood. Although numerous efforts have been made during the past few years to exploit novel targeted therapies for this aggressive neoplasm, there still exist substantial hitches hindering successful management of MB. Lately, progress in cancer biology has shown evidence that a subpopulation of cells within the tumour, namely cancer stem cells (CSCs), are thought to be responsible for the resistance to most chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy, accounting for cancer recurrence. Hence, it is crucial to identify the molecular signatures and genetic aberrations that characterise those CSCs and develop therapies that specifically target them. In this review, we aim to give an overview of the main genetic and molecular cues that depict MB-CSCs and provide a synopsis of the novel therapeutic approaches that specifically target this population of cells to attain enhanced antitumorous effects and therefore overcome resistance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Arkadi M Rywlin MD Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Robert J Poppiti
- Arkadi M Rywlin MD Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA .,Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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Shaabanpour Aghamaleki F, Mollashahi B, Aghamohammadi N, Rostami N, Mazloumi Z, Mirzaei H, Moradi A, Sheikhpour M, Movafagh A. Bioinformatics Analysis of Key Genes and Pathways for Medulloblastoma as a Therapeutic Target. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2019; 20:221-227. [PMID: 30678435 PMCID: PMC6485566 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.1.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: One of the major challenges in cancer treatment is the lack of specific and accurate treatment in cancer. Data analysis can help to understand the underlying molecular mechanism that leads to better treatment. Increasing availability and reliability of DNA microarray data leads to increase the use of these data in a variety of cancers. This study aimed at applying and evaluating microarray data analyzing, identification of important pathways and gene network for medulloblastoma patients to improve treatment approaches especially target therapy. Methods: In the current study, Microarray gene expression data (GSE50161) were extracted from Geo datasets and then analyzed by the affylmGUI package to predict and investigate upregulated and downregulated genes in medulloblastoma. Then, the important pathways were determined by using software and gene enrichment analyses. Pathways visualization and network analyses were performed by Cytoscape. Results: A total number of 249 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in medulloblastoma compared to normal samples. Cell cycle, p53, and FoxO signaling pathways were indicated in medulloblastoma, and CDK1, CCNB1, CDK2, and WEE1 were identified as some of the important genes in the medulloblastoma. Conclusion: Identification of critical and specific pathway in any disease, in our case medulloblastoma, can lead us to better clinical management and accurate treatment and target therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Shaabanpour Aghamaleki
- Department of Cellular-Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technologies, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Molecular characterization of Wnt pathway and function of β-catenin overexpression in medulloblastoma cell lines. Cytotechnology 2018; 70:1713-1722. [PMID: 30374857 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-018-0260-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor. MB is currently classified into four molecular subgroups (Wnt, Shh, Group 3, and Group 4). The wingless (Wnt) pathway is responsible for embryonic development and is deregulated in MB. We analyzed the activation of the Wnt pathway in MB cell lines and its correlation with the Shh pathway, with emphasis on the importance of cellular characterization. Transient β-catenin transfection led to an increase in the β-catenin gene and protein expression in MB cell lines. Wnt pathway activation resulted in a reduced number of colonies in all cell lines studied and a significant increase in the G2/M cell cycle phase only in ONS-76 cells. Regarding the Shh pathway, transfection caused a reduced expression of the PTCH1 and SMO genes only in the UW473 cells. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism underlying the molecular events associated with the effects of Wnt activation in MB.
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13
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Chen Y, Shang H, Zhang S, Zhang X. Retracted
: Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits proliferation and migration of medulloblastoma Daoy by down‐regulation of microRNA‐31. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:6527-6534. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of PediatricsJining No. 1 People's HospitalJiningShandongChina
| | - Hong Shang
- Department of PediatricsJining No. 1 People's HospitalJiningShandongChina
| | - Shunli Zhang
- Department of PediatricsJining No. 1 People's HospitalJiningShandongChina
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Department of PediatricsJining No. 1 People's HospitalJiningShandongChina
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14
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IDO1 involvement in mTOR pathway: a molecular mechanism of resistance to mTOR targeting in medulloblastoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:52900-52911. [PMID: 27174915 PMCID: PMC5288157 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Despite therapeutic advancements, high-risk groups still present significant mortality. A deeper knowledge of the signaling pathways contributing to MB formation and aggressiveness would help develop new successful therapies. The target of rapamycin, mTOR signaling, is known to be involved in MB and is already targetable in the clinical setting. Furthermore, mTOR is a master metabolic regulator able to control cell growth versus autophagy decisions in conditions of amino-acid deprivation that can be due to IDO1 enzymatic activity. IDO1 has been also implicated in the regulation of inflammation, as well as of T cell-mediated immune responses, in a variety of pathological conditions, including brain tumors. In particular, IDO1 induces expansion of regulatory T-cells (Treg), preventing immune response against tumor cells. Analysis of 27 MB tissue specimens for the expression of both mTOR and IDO1 showed their widespread expression in all samples. Testing their cooperation in vitro, a significant involvement of IDO1 in mTOR immunogenic pathway was found, able to counteract the aim of rapamycin treatment. In MB cell lines, inhibition of mTOR strongly induced IDO1 expression and activity, corroborating its ability to recruit Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment. The mTOR/IDO1 cross talk was found to be strictly specific of MB cells. We demonstrated that mTOR pathway cross talks with IDO1 pathway to promote MB immune escape, possibly contributing to failure of mTOR- targeted therapy.
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Gu S, Chen K, Yin M, Wu Z, Wu Y. Proteomic profiling of isogenic primary and metastatic medulloblastoma cell lines reveals differential expression of key metastatic factors. J Proteomics 2017; 160:55-63. [PMID: 28363815 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Around 30% of medulloblastoma patients are diagnosed with metastasis, which often results in a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, molecular mechanisms of medulloblastoma metastasis remain largely unknown. In this study, we employed the recently developed deep proteome analysis approach to quantitatively profile the expression of >10,000 proteins from CHLA-01-MED and CHLA-01R-MED isogenic cell lines derived from the primary and metastatic tumor of the same patient diagnosed with a group IV medulloblastoma. Using statistical analysis, we identified ~1400 significantly altered proteins between the primary and metastatic cell lines including known factors such as placental growth factor (PLGF), LIM homeobox 1 (LHX1) and prominim 1 (PROM1), as well as the negative regulator secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich (SPARC). Additional transwell experiments and immunohistochemical analysis of clinical medulloblastoma samples implicated yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) as a potential key factor contributing to metastasis. Taken together, our data broadly defines the metastasis-relevant regulated proteome and provides a precious resource for further investigating potential mechanisms of medulloblastoma metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE This study represented the first deep proteome analysis of metastatic medulloblastomas and provided a valuable candidate list of altered proteins in metastatic medulloblastomas. The primary data suggested YAP1 as a potential driver for the metastasis of medulloblastoma. These results open up numerous avenues for further investigating the underlying mechanisms of medulloblastoma metastasis and improving the prognosis of medulloblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Gu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China; Division of Pediatric Oncology, Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Minzhi Yin
- Department of Pathology Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhixiang Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China; Division of Pediatric Oncology, Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Research, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yeming Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China; Division of Pediatric Oncology, Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Research, Shanghai, China.
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Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine), a multicellular non-structural glycoprotein is known to be involved in multiple processes in various cancers. Previously, we reported that SPARC expression significantly impairs medulloblastoma tumor growth in vitro and in vivo and also alters chemo sensitivity. MicroRNAs are a class of post-transcriptional gene regulators with critical functions in tumor progression. In addition, microRNA (miRNA) expression changes are also involved in chemo-resistance. Herein, we assessed microRNA (miRNA) profiling to identify the functional network and biological pathways altered in SPARC-overexpressed medulloblastoma cells. A total of 27 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between the control and SPARC-overexpressed samples. Potential messenger RNA (mRNA) targets of the differentially expressed miRNA were identified using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Network-based functional analyses were performed on the available human protein interaction and miRNA-gene association data to highlight versatile miRNAs among the significantly deregulated miRNAs using the IPA, and the biological pathway analysis using the PANTHER web-based tool. We have identified six miRNAs (miR-125b1*, miR-146a-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-204-5p, miR-219-5p and miR-509-3p) that are associated with SPARC sensitivity by comparison of miRNA expression patterns from the SPARC treated cells with the control cells. Furthermore, pathway enrichment analysis outline that these six microRNAs mainly belong to biological processes related to cancer related signaling pathways. Collectively, these studies have the potential to indicate novel biomarkers for treatment response and can also be applied to develop novel therapeutic treatment for medulloblastoma.
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17
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Zhan M, Sun X, Liu J, Li Y, Li Y, He X, Zhou Z, Lu L. Usp7 promotes medulloblastoma cell survival and metastasis by activating Shh pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 484:429-434. [PMID: 28137592 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.01.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-specific protease Usp7 plays roles in multiple cellular processes through deubiquitinating and stabilizing numerous substrates, including P53, Pten and Gli. Aberrant Usp7 activity has been implicated in many disorders and tumorigenesis, making it as a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Although it is clear that Usp7 is involved in many types of cancer, its role in regulating medulloblastoma (MB) is still unknown. In this study, we show that knockdown of Usp7 inhibits the proliferation and migration of MB cells, while Usp7 overexpression exerts an opposite effect. Furthermore, we establish Usp7 knockout MB cell line using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and further confirm that Usp7 knockout also blocks MB cell proliferation and metastasis. In addition, we reveal that knockdown of Usp7 compromises Shh pathway activity and decrease Gli protein levels, while P53 level and P53 target gene expression have no obvious changes. Finally, we find that Usp7 inhibitors apparently inhibit MB cell viability and migration. Taken together, our findings suggest that Usp7 is important for MB cell proliferation and metastasis by activating Shh pathway, and is a putative therapeutic target for MBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixiao Zhan
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Zhuhai Precision Medicine Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xiaohan Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shangdong, China
| | - Jinxiao Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shangdong, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shangdong, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Zhuhai Precision Medicine Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xu He
- Zhuhai Precision Medicine Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Zizhang Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shangdong, China.
| | - Ligong Lu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Zhuhai Precision Medicine Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China.
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18
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Gong P, Wang Y, Gao Y, Gao M, Liu L, Qu P, Jin X, Gao Q. Msi1 promotes tumor progression by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer. Hum Pathol 2017; 65:53-61. [PMID: 28088346 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Musashi1 (Msi1) is an RNA-binding protein that has been reported to be a pivotal regulator in tumorigenesis and progression in several cancers. However, its function and mechanism in cervical cancer is still unknown. In this study, Msi1 expression was found elevated in cervical cancers by immunohistochemistry and correlated with poor outcomes. Then, endogenous Msi1 was silenced in cervical cancer cell lines by short hairpin RNA, and its function and mechanism were determined. The results showed that the silencing of Msi1 in SiHa and HeLa cells inhibited the cells' migratory and invasive abilities in vitro and tumor progression in vivo. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were down-regulated, and Wnt activity was inhibited by the silencing of Msi1. In clinical tissues, positive correlations between Msi1 and EMT markers were found. In conclusion, Msi1, a diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target, promoted the EMT progression through activation of the Wnt signaling pathway in cervical cancers, thereby contributing to poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pijun Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yidong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yane Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Mei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Lixia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xi'an Electric Power Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Ping Qu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xianyang First People's Hospital, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 717200, China
| | - Xinxing Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xi'an Gaoxin Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Qing Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China.
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Zomerman WW, Plasschaert SLA, Diks SH, Lourens HJ, Meeuwsen-de Boer T, Hoving EW, den Dunnen WFA, de Bont ESJM. Exogenous HGF Bypasses the Effects of ErbB Inhibition on Tumor Cell Viability in Medulloblastoma Cell Lines. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141381. [PMID: 26496080 PMCID: PMC4619778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical trials investigating receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors showed a limited clinical response in medulloblastoma. The present study investigated the role of micro-environmental growth factors expressed in the brain, such as HGF and EGF, in relation to the effects of hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET) and epidermal growth factor receptor family (ErbB1-4) inhibition in medulloblastoma cell lines. Medulloblastoma cell lines were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors crizotinib or canertinib, targeting MET and ErbB1-4, respectively. Upon treatment, cells were stimulated with VEGF-A, PDGF-AB, HGF, FGF-2 or EGF. Subsequently, we measured cell viability and expression levels of growth factors and downstream signaling proteins. Addition of HGF or EGF phosphorylated MET or EGFR, respectively, and demonstrated phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 as well as increased tumor cell viability. Crizotinib and canertinib both inhibited cell viability and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. Specifically targeting MET using shRNA’s resulted in decreased cell viability. Interestingly, addition of HGF to canertinib significantly enhanced cell viability as well as phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. The HGF-induced bypass of canertinib was reversed by addition of crizotinib. HGF protein was hardly released by medulloblastoma cells itself. Addition of canertinib did not affect RTK cell surface or growth factor expression levels. This manuscript points to the bypassing capacity of exogenous HGF in medulloblastoma cell lines. It might be of great interest to anticipate on these results in developing novel clinical trials with a combination of MET and EGFR inhibitors in medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walderik W. Zomerman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine L. A. Plasschaert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Sander H. Diks
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harm-Jan Lourens
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tiny Meeuwsen-de Boer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eelco W. Hoving
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F. A. den Dunnen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline S. J. M. de Bont
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Vriend J, Ghavami S, Marzban H. The role of the ubiquitin proteasome system in cerebellar development and medulloblastoma. Mol Brain 2015; 8:64. [PMID: 26475605 PMCID: PMC4609148 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0155-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar granule cells precursors are derived from the upper rhombic lip and migrate tangentially independent of glia along the subpial stream pathway to form the external germinal zone. Postnatally, granule cells migrate from the external germinal zone radially through the Purkinje cell layer, guided by Bergmann glia fibers, to the internal granular cell layer. Medulloblastomas (MBs) are the most common malignant childhood brain tumor. Many of these tumors develop from precursor cells of the embryonic rhombic lips. Four main groups of MB are recognized. The WNT group of MBs arise primarily from the lower rhombic lip and embryonic brainstem. The SHH group of MBs originate from cerebellar granule cell precursors in the external germinal zone of the embryonic cerebellum. The cellular origins of type 3 and type 4 MBs are not clear. Several ubiquitin ligases are revealed to be significant factors in development of the cerebellum as well as in the initiation and maintenance of MBs. Proteasome dysfunction at a critical stage of development may be a major factor in determining whether progenitor cells which are destined to become granule cells differentiate normally or become MB cells. We propose the hypothesis that proteasomal activity is essential to regulate the critical transition between proliferating granule cells and differentiated granule cells and that proteasome dysfunction may lead to MB. Proteasome dysfunction could also account for various mutations in MBs resulting from deficiencies in DNA checkpoint and repair mechanisms prior to development of MBs. Data showing a role for the ubiquitin ligases β-TrCP, FBW7, Huwe1, and SKP2 in MBs suggest the possibility of a classification of MBs based on the expression (over expression or under expression) of specific ubiquitin ligases which function as oncogenes, tumor suppressors or cell cycle regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Vriend
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Hassan Marzban
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. .,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada.
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21
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Lee SJ, Litan A, Li Z, Graves B, Lindsey S, Barwe SP, Langhans SA. Na,K-ATPase β1-subunit is a target of sonic hedgehog signaling and enhances medulloblastoma tumorigenicity. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:159. [PMID: 26286140 PMCID: PMC4544806 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0430-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway plays an important role in cerebellar development, and mutations leading to hyperactive Shh signaling have been associated with certain forms of medulloblastoma, a common form of pediatric brain cancer. While the fundamentals of this pathway are known, the molecular targets contributing to Shh-mediated proliferation and transformation are still poorly understood. Na,K-ATPase is a ubiquitous enzyme that maintains intracellular ion homeostasis and functions as a signaling scaffold and a cell adhesion molecule. Changes in Na,K-ATPase function and subunit expression have been reported in several cancers and loss of the β1-subunit has been associated with a poorly differentiated phenotype in carcinoma but its role in medulloblastoma progression is not known. Methods Human medulloblastoma cell lines and primary cultures of cerebellar granule cell precursors (CGP) were used to determine whether Shh regulates Na,K-ATPase expression. Smo/Smo medulloblastoma were used to assess the Na,K-ATPase levels in vivo. Na,K-ATPase β1-subunit was knocked down in DAOY cells to test its role in medulloblastoma cell proliferation and tumorigenicity. Results Na,K-ATPase β1-subunit levels increased with differentiation in normal CGP cells. Activation of Shh signaling resulted in reduced β1-subunit mRNA and protein levels and was mimicked by overexpression of Gli1and Bmi1, both members of the Shh signaling cascade; overexpression of Bmi1 reduced β1-subunit promoter activity. In human medulloblastoma cells, low β1-subunit levels were associated with increased cell proliferation and in vivo tumorigenesis. Conclusions Na,K-ATPase β1-subunit is a target of the Shh signaling pathway and loss of β1-subunit expression may contribute to tumor development and progression not only in carcinoma but also in medulloblastoma, a tumor of neuronal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Joon Lee
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Rockland Center I, 1701 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Alisa Litan
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Rockland Center I, 1701 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Zhiqin Li
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Rockland Center I, 1701 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Bruce Graves
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Rockland Center I, 1701 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Stephan Lindsey
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Rockland Center I, 1701 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Sonali P Barwe
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Rockland Center I, 1701 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Sigrid A Langhans
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Rockland Center I, 1701 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.
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22
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Renna C, Salaroli R, Cocchi C, Cenacchi G. XAV939-mediated ARTD activity inhibition in human MB cell lines. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124149. [PMID: 25835728 PMCID: PMC4383513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diphtheria toxin-like ADP-ribosyltransferases 1 and 5 (ARTD-1, ARTD-5) are poly ADP-ribose enzymes (PARP) involved in non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), which is the major pathway of double-strand break (DSB) repair. In addition, ARTD-5, or Tankyrase (TNKS), is a positive regulator of the WNT signaling implicated in the development and biological behavior of many neoplasms, such as Medulloblastoma (MB), in which radiotherapy is an essential part of the treatment. The use of radiosensitizing agents may improve the therapeutic index in MB patients by increasing the efficacy of radiotherapy, while reducing toxicity to the neuroaxis. ARTD-5 seems to be a good molecular target for improving the current treatment of MB. In this study, we used the small molecule XAV939, a potent ARTD-5 inhibitor with a slight affinity for ARTD-1, in different human MB cell lines. XAV939 inhibited the WNT pathway and DNA-PKcs in our MB cells, with many biological consequences. The co-administration of XAV939 and ionizing radiations (IR) inhibited MB cells proliferation and clonogenic capacity, decreased their efficacy in repairing DNA damage, and increased IR-induced cell mortality. In conclusion, our in vitro data show that XAV939 could be a very promising small molecule in MB treatment, and these results lay the basis for further in vivo studies with the aim of improving the current therapy available for MB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Renna
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Salaroli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Cocchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cenacchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Marino AM, Frijhoff J, Calero R, Baryawno N, Östman A, Johnsen JI. Effects of epigenetic modificators in combination with small molecule inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases on medulloblastoma growth. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 450:1600-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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SHH, WNT, and NOTCH pathways in medulloblastoma: when cancer stem cells maintain self-renewal and differentiation properties. Childs Nerv Syst 2014; 30:1165-72. [PMID: 24695855 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-014-2403-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Infant medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant neuroepithelial embryonal tumor of the cerebellum, believed to derive from precursor granule cells with stem or progenitor cells appearance, and caused by a change in expression profile of genes related to the development. This work aims to study the expression profile of these genes in MB tumors, correlating with clinicopathological characteristics. METHODS We quantified, by qPCR in 40 MB tumor samples, the expression of genes in HH (PTCH1, PTCH2, and GLI1), WNT (APC, CTNNB1, WIF1, and DKK2), and NOTCH pathways (NOTCH2 and HES1), which have a crucial role in development, and genes as MYCC, MYCN, and TERT, correlating this findings to patient's clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS Considering the universal RNA as our control sample, and considering the median of gene expression in the control samples as our cutoff, we observed that HES1 gene showed decreased expression compared to control (p = 0.0059), but patients with HES1 overexpression were directly related to a shorter survival (p = 0.0165). Individuals with higher GLI1 gene expression had significant shorter survival (p = 0.0469), and high expression was prevalent in patients up to 5 years old (p = 0.0479). Patients showing high PTCH2 expression were related to worse survival (p = 0.0426), and it was correlated with GLI1 high expression (p = 0.0094). We also observed a concomitant overexpression of WIF1 and DKK2 genes in a subgroup of MB samples (n = 11, p = 0.0118). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest the presence of activated developmental signaling pathways in MB, which are important for cell proliferation and maintenance, and that may be targeted for novel therapeutic options.
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Schiavone M, Rampazzo E, Casari A, Battilana G, Persano L, Moro E, Liu S, Leach SD, Tiso N, Argenton F. Zebrafish reporter lines reveal in vivo signaling pathway activities involved in pancreatic cancer. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:883-94. [PMID: 24878567 PMCID: PMC4073277 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.014969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, one of the worst malignancies of the exocrine pancreas, is a solid tumor with increasing incidence and mortality in industrialized countries. This condition is usually driven by oncogenic KRAS point mutations and evolves into a highly aggressive metastatic carcinoma due to secondary gene mutations and unbalanced expression of genes involved in the specific signaling pathways. To examine in vivo the effects of KRASG12D during pancreatic cancer progression and time correlation with cancer signaling pathway activities, we have generated a zebrafish model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in which eGFP-KRASG12D expression was specifically driven to the pancreatic tissue by using the GAL4/UAS conditional expression system. Outcrossing the inducible oncogenic KRASG12D line with transgenic zebrafish reporters, harboring specific signaling responsive elements of transcriptional effectors, we were able to follow TGFβ, Notch, Bmp and Shh activities during tumor development. Zebrafish transgenic lines expressing eGFP-KRASG12D showed normal exocrine pancreas development until 3 weeks post fertilization (wpf). From 4 to 24 wpf we observed several degrees of acinar lesions, characterized by an increase in mesenchymal cells and mixed acinar/ductal features, followed by progressive bowel and liver infiltrations and, finally, highly aggressive carcinoma. Moreover, live imaging analysis of the exocrine pancreatic tissue revealed an increasing number of KRAS-positive cells and progressive activation of TGFβ and Notch pathways. Increase in TGFβ, following KRASG12D activation, was confirmed in a concomitant model of medulloblastoma (MDB). Notch and Shh signaling activities during tumor onset were different between MDB and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, indicating a tissue-specific regulation of cell signaling pathways. Moreover, our results show that a living model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma joined with cell signaling reporters is a suitable tool for describing in vivo the signaling cascades and molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development and a potential platform to screen for novel oncostatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Schiavone
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Rampazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Giusy Battilana
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Persano
- Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Enrico Moro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Surgery and The McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Steve D Leach
- Department of Surgery and The McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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He M, Li Y, Zhang L, Li L, Shen Y, Lin L, Zheng W, Chen L, Bian X, Ng HK, Tang L. Curcumin suppresses cell proliferation through inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in medulloblastoma. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:173-80. [PMID: 24858998 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the survival rate of medulloblastoma patients has greatly improved; yet, patients undergoing current treatment regimes suffer from serious therapy-related side-effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer effects of curcumin on medulloblastoma cells by testing its capacity to suppress proliferation and regulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In the present study, cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle was observed by flow cytometry. The changes in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were analyzed by immunofluorescence, western blot analysis and RT-PCR. Curcumin treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation in the medulloblastoma cell line. Curcumin treatment arrested the cell-cycle at the G2/M phase. Furthermore, curcumin treatment led to activation of GSK-3β, reduced expression of β-catenin and its downstream target cyclin D1. The attenuation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway was due to the loss of nuclear β-catenin. In conclusion, curcumin can inhibit cell growth by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and it has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misi He
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Pathology, Insititute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Longjiang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Weiping Zheng
- Experimental and Teaching Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Experimental and Teaching Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Xiuwu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Ho-Keung Ng
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
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Shalaby T, Fiaschetti G, Nagasawa K, Shin-ya K, Baumgartner M, Grotzer M. G-quadruplexes as potential therapeutic targets for embryonal tumors. Molecules 2013; 18:12500-37. [PMID: 24152672 PMCID: PMC6269990 DOI: 10.3390/molecules181012500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonal tumors include a heterogeneous group of highly malignant neoplasms that primarily affect infants and children and are characterized by a high rate of mortality and treatment-related morbidity, hence improved therapies are clearly needed. G-quadruplexes are special secondary structures adopted in guanine (G)-rich DNA sequences that are often present in biologically important regions, e.g. at the end of telomeres and in the regulatory regions of oncogenes such as MYC. Owing to the significant roles that both telomeres and MYC play in cancer cell biology, G-quadruplexes have been viewed as emerging therapeutic targets in oncology and as tools for novel anticancer drug design. Several compounds that target these structures have shown promising anticancer activity in tumor xenograft models and some of them have entered Phase II clinical trials. In this review we examine approaches to DNA targeted cancer therapy, summarize the recent developments of G-quadruplex ligands as anticancer drugs and speculate on the future direction of such structures as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for embryonal tumors of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Shalaby
- Division of Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, Zurich 8032, Switzerland.
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A contemporary review of molecular candidates for the development and treatment of childhood medulloblastoma. Childs Nerv Syst 2013; 29:381-8. [PMID: 23292496 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-012-2014-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric central nervous system tumor; however, the causes are not well established. There has been some emphasis on mutations in developmental pathways and their impact on tumor pathology in hereditary diseases, but, in order to better understand the nature of diseases like medulloblastoma, other mechanisms also require attention. PURPOSE The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the main genes involved in neurodevelopment, their downstream targets, and modulatory links by growth factors. Occurrence of pediatric brain tumors including medulloblastoma are mostly sporadic, but some hereditary diseases like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Gorlin's syndrome, Turcot's syndrome, and Rubenstein-Tarbi syndrome are known to contribute their development as consequences of germline mutations at specific points: DNA-repairing gene Tp53 for Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Patch for Gorlin's, and apoptosis-related gene product adenomatous polyposis coli for Turcot's disease. CONCLUSION Intracellular relations at molecular level and future therapeutics that specifically target the corresponding pathways should be well understood in order to prevent and cure childhood medulloblastoma.
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Taylor P, Fangusaro J, Rajaram V, Goldman S, Helenowski IB, MacDonald T, Hasselblatt M, Riedemann L, Laureano A, Cooper L, Gopalakrishnan V. REST is a novel prognostic factor and therapeutic target for medulloblastoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 11:1713-1723. [PMID: 22848092 PMCID: PMC3763747 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a malignant pediatric brain tumor. Current treatment following patient stratification into standard and high-risk groups using clinical features has improved survival. However, a subset of patients with standard risk features have unanticipated aggressive disease, underscoring the need for a better understanding of tumor biology and the development of novel treatments. Poor differentiation, a hallmark of medulloblastomas is associated with elevated expression levels of the repressor of neuronal differentiation called repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (REST). Here, we assessed whether elevated REST expression levels had prognostic significance and whether its pharmacologic manipulation would promote neurogenesis and block tumor cell growth. REST levels in patient tumors were measured by immunohistochemistry and stratified into negative, low/moderate- (+/++/+++), and high-REST (+++++) groups. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that patients with high-REST tumors had worse overall and event-free survival compared with patients with REST-negative or REST-low tumors. Because histone deacetylases (HDAC) are required for REST-dependent repression of neurogenesis, we evaluated a panel of HDAC inhibitors (HDACI) for their effects on growth and differentiation of established and primary REST-positive cell lines. MS-275, trichostatin-A (TSA), valproic acid (VPA), and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) upregulated expression of the REST-target neuronal differentiation gene, Syn1, suggesting a potential effect of these HDACIs on REST function. Interestingly, VPA and TSA substantially increased histone acetylation at the REST promoter and activated its transcription, whereas SAHA unexpectedly promoted its proteasomal degradation. A REST-dependent decrease in cell growth was also observed following SAHA treatment. Thus, our studies suggest that HDACIs may have therapeutic potential for patients with REST-positive tumors. This warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pete Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason Fangusaro
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University and the Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Veena Rajaram
- Department of Pathology, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University and the Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University and the Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Irene B. Helenowski
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University and the Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tobey MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Winship Cancer Institute. Emory University. Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Lars Riedemann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, Munster, Germany
| | - Alvaro Laureano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laurence Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vidya Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Ramirez E, Singh RR, Kunkalla K, Liu Y, Qu C, Cain C, Multani AS, Lennon PA, Jackacky J, Ho M, Dawud S, Gu J, Yang S, Hu PC, Vega F. Defining causative factors contributing in the activation of hedgehog signaling in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Leuk Res 2012; 36:1267-73. [PMID: 22809693 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2012.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is activated in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Genetic abnormalities that explain activation of Hh signaling in DLBCL are unknown. We investigate the presence of amplifications of Hh genes that might result in activation of this pathway in DLBCL. Our data showed few extra copies of GLI1 and SMO due to chromosomal aneuploidies in a subset of DLBCL cell lines. We also showed that pharmacologic inhibition of PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways resulted in decreased expression of GLI1 and Hh ligands. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that aberrant activation of Hh signaling in DLBCL mainly results from integration of deregulated oncogenic signaling inputs converging into Hh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ramirez
- Molecular Genetic Technology Program, School of Health Sciences, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Moschovi M, Alexiou GA, Patereli A, Siozos G, Sfakianos G, Prodromou N, Stefanaki K. Immunohistochemical expression of cell-cycle regulators in pediatric embryonal brain tumors. J Neurooncol 2012; 109:529-34. [PMID: 22763761 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-012-0920-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Onvani S, Terakawa Y, Smith C, Northcott P, Taylor M, Rutka J. Molecular genetic analysis of the hepatocyte growth factor/MET signaling pathway in pediatric medulloblastoma. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2012; 51:675-88. [PMID: 22447520 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.21954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET pathway plays a critical role in the development of the nervous system and has been implicated in medulloblastoma pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown a role for gene amplification of activators of this pathway, as well as silencing of its inhibitors in medulloblastoma pathogenesis. We analyzed exon array data from a cohort of 103 primary medulloblastomas to show that HGF/MET pathway elements are dysregulated in tumors compared to normal cerebellum. To determine if mutation of HGF/MET pathway genes is a mechanism for pathway dysregulation, we conducted a mutational analysis by exon resequencing of three key components of this pathway, including serine protease inhibitor Kunitz-type 1 (SPINT1), serine protease inhibitor Kunitz-type 2 (SPINT2), and MET, in 32 primary human medulloblastoma specimens. From this analysis, we identified multiple coding synonymous and nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in these genes among the 32 tumor samples. Interestingly, we also discovered two unreported sequence variants in SPINT1 and SPINT2 in two tumors that resulted in Arginine to Histidine amino acid substitutions at codons 418 and 233, respectively. However, conservation assessment and functional assays of these two variants indicate that they involve nonconserved residues and that they do not affect the function of SPINT1 and SPINT2 as tumor suppressor genes. In conclusion, our data suggest that mutation alone plays a minor role in causing aberrancies of the HGF/MET pathway in medulloblastoma in comparison with other malignancies such as breast, hepatocellular, renal, and lung carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Onvani
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, Department of Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
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Vo DT, Abdelmohsen K, Martindale JL, Qiao M, Tominaga K, Burton TL, Gelfond JA, Brenner AJ, Patel V, Trageser D, Scheffler B, Gorospe M, Penalva LOF. The oncogenic RNA-binding protein Musashi1 is regulated by HuR via mRNA translation and stability in glioblastoma cells. Mol Cancer Res 2012; 10:143-55. [PMID: 22258704 PMCID: PMC3265026 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-11-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Musashi1 (Msi1) is an evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding protein (RBP) that has profound implications in cellular processes such as stem cell maintenance, nervous system development, and tumorigenesis. Msi1 is highly expressed in many cancers, including glioblastoma, whereas in normal tissues, its expression is restricted to stem cells. Unfortunately, the factors that modulate Msi1 expression and trigger high levels in tumors are largely unknown. The Msi1 mRNA has a long 3' untranslated region (UTR) containing several AU- and U-rich sequences. This type of sequence motif is often targeted by HuR, another important RBP known to be highly expressed in tumor tissue such as glioblastoma and to regulate a variety of cancer-related genes. In this report, we show an interaction between HuR and the Msi1 3'-UTR, resulting in a positive regulation of Msi1 expression. We show that HuR increased MSI1 mRNA stability and promoted its translation. We also present evidence that expression of HuR and Msi1 correlate positively in clinical glioblastoma samples. Finally, we show that inhibition of cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and changes in cell-cycle profile as a result of silencing HuR are partially rescued when Msi1 is ectopically expressed. In summary, our results suggest that HuR is an important regulator of Msi1 in glioblastoma and that this regulation has important biological consequences during gliomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dat T. Vo
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Kotb Abdelmohsen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Martindale
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Mei Qiao
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Kumiko Tominaga
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Tarea L. Burton
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Jonathan A.L. Gelfond
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Andrew J. Brenner
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229 USA
| | - Vyomesh Patel
- Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Branch, National Institute of Craniofacial and Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Daniel Trageser
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Center, D-53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Björn Scheffler
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Center, D-53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Myriam Gorospe
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Luiz O. F. Penalva
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Guessous F, Yang Y, Johnson E, Marcinkiewicz L, Smith M, Zhang Y, Kofman A, Schiff D, Christensen J, Abounader R. Cooperation between c-Met and focal adhesion kinase family members in medulloblastoma and implications for therapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 11:288-97. [PMID: 22188814 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We previously showed the involvement of the tyrosine kinase receptor c-Met in medulloblastoma malignancy. The nonreceptor tyrosine kinases focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Pyk2 are key players in the progression of different cancers. However, their role in medulloblastoma malignancy is not well understood. In this study, using a protein array approach, we found that c-Met induces FAK and Pyk2 phosphorylation in medulloblastoma cells. We therefore studied the interactions between c-Met and FAK/Pyk2 and their implications for medulloblastoma therapy. We found that c-Met activates FAK and Pyk2 in several medulloblastoma cell lines. We also found that FAK and Pyk2 mediate the malignant effects of c-Met on medulloblastoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. On the basis of these findings, we hypothesized that combined c-Met and FAK inhibitions would have additive effects on the inhibition of medulloblastoma malignancy. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the effects on medulloblastoma malignancy parameters of single or combined treatments of medulloblastoma cells with c-Met and FAK small-molecule kinase inhibitors. We found a significant increase in the inhibitory effect of both inhibitors on medulloblastoma cell migration and cell invasion as compared with single inhibitions (P < 0.05). In addition, oral gavage treatment with c-Met inhibitor of mice bearing medulloblastoma xenografts significantly reduced in vivo tumor growth. Therefore, combining c-Met inhibitors with FAK inhibitors constitutes a new potential strategy for medulloblastoma therapy. Altogether, our study describes a role for FAK and Pyk2 in medulloblastoma malignancy, uncovers new interactions between c-Met and FAK/Pyk2, and proposes for the first time combining anti-c-Met and anti-FAK inhibitors as a new strategy for medulloblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadila Guessous
- Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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SPARC expression induces cell cycle arrest via STAT3 signaling pathway in medulloblastoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 417:874-9. [PMID: 22206672 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic cell interaction with ECM components has profound influence in cancer progression. SPARC is a component of the ECM, impairs the proliferation of different cell types and modulates tumor cell aggressive features. We previously reported that SPARC expression significantly impairs medulloblastoma tumor growth in vivo. In this study, we demonstrate that expression of SPARC inhibits medulloblastoma cell proliferation. MTT assay indicated a dose-dependent reduction in tumor cell proliferation in adenoviral mediated expression of SPARC full length cDNA (Ad-DsRed-SP) in D425 and UW228 cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that Ad-DsRed-SP-infected cells accumulate in the G2/M phase of cell cycle. Further, immunoblot and immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that SPARC induced G2/M cell cycle arrest was mediated through inhibition of the Cyclin-B-regulated signaling pathway involving p21 and Cdc2 expression. Additionally, expression of SPARC decreased STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr-705; constitutively active STAT3 expression reversed SPARC induced G2/M arrest. Ad-DsRed-SP significantly inhibited the pre-established orthotopic tumor growth and tumor volume in nude-mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor sections from mice treated with Ad-DsRed-SP showed decreased immunoreactivity for pSTAT3 and increased immunoreactivity for p21 compared to tumor section from mice treated with mock and Ad-DsRed. Taken together our studies further reveal that STAT3 plays a key role in SPARC induced G2/M arrest in medulloblastoma cells. These new findings provide a molecular basis for the mechanistic understanding of the effects of SPARC on medulloblastoma tumor cell proliferation.
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Ok CY, Singh RR, Vega F. Aberrant activation of the hedgehog signaling pathway in malignant hematological neoplasms. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 180:2-11. [PMID: 22056910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is a highly regulated signaling pathway that is important not only for embryonic development, tissue patterning, and organogenesis but also for tissue repair and the maintenance of stem cells in adult tissues. In the adult hematopoietic system, HH signaling regulates intrathymic T-cell development, and it is one of the survival signals provided by follicular dendritic cells to prevent apoptosis in germinal center B cells. HH signaling is required for primitive hematopoiesis; however, conflicting data have been reported regarding the role of the HH pathway in adult hematopoiesis. Inappropriate activation of the HH signaling pathway occurs in several human cancers, including hematological neoplasms. Emerging data demonstrate abnormal HH pathway activation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, plasma cell myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and acute leukemias. In these neoplasms, HH signaling promotes proliferation and survival, contributes to the maintenance of cancer stem cells, and enhances tolerance or resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we review current understanding of HH signaling, its role in the pathobiology of hematological malignancies, and its potential as a therapeutic target to treat malignant hematological neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Young Ok
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Raghu H, Gondi CS, Dinh DH, Gujrati M, Rao JS. Specific knockdown of uPA/uPAR attenuates invasion in glioblastoma cells and xenografts by inhibition of cleavage and trafficking of Notch -1 receptor. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:130. [PMID: 22004682 PMCID: PMC3210098 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND uPA/uPAR is a multifunctional system that is over expressed in many cancers and plays a critical role in glioblastoma (GBM) invasion. Previous studies from our lab have also shown that uPA/uPAR down regulation inhibits cancer cell invasion in SNB 19 GBM cells. METHODS As Notch 1 is known to be over expressed and promotes invasion in glioblastoma, we therefore tested our hypothesis of whether down regulation of uPA/uPAR, singly or in tandem, attenuates GBM invasion via Notch 1 receptor. Targeted down regulation of uPA/uPAR, either singly or simultaneously, inhibited the anchorage independent growth of U251MG and GBM xenograft cell lines 4910 and 5310 as assessed by soft agar colony formation assay. Expression of all four Notch receptors was confirmed in GBM tissue array analysis by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Down regulation of uPA/uPAR, either singly or simultaneously, in U251 MG and tumor xenografts inhibited the cleavage of the Notch receptor between the Gly 1743 and Val 1744 positions, thereby suggesting inhibition of activated cytosolic fragment-related Notch gene transcription. Morphological analysis confirmed inhibition of NICD when U251 MG cells were treated with puPA, puPAR or pU2. uPA/uPAR down regulation inhibited Notch 1 mRNA in all three examined cell lines. uPA/uPAR shRNA down regulated nuclear activation of NF-κB subunits and phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR pathway in U251 MG and GBM xenografts. puPA down regulated NICD and HES induced phosphorylation of AKT/ERK and NF-κB. Down regulation of Notch 1 using siRNA inhibited uPA activity as shown by fibrinogen zymography. It also decreased uPA expression levels as shown by western blotting. Exogenous addition of uPA activated Notch 1 in uPAR antisense U251 MG cells and also in uPAR antisense cells transfected with siRNA against Delta and Jagged. The Notch 1 receptor co-localized with LAMP-1, a marker for lysosomes in uPA, uPAR and U2, down regulated U251 MG cells which probably indicates inhibition of Notch 1 receptor trafficking in GBM cells. Notch 1 expression was significantly inhibited in puPA- and pU2-treated pre-established intracranial tumors in mice. CONCLUSIONS Overall our results show that down regulation of uPA/uPAR, either singly or simultaneously, could be an effective approach to attenuate Notch 1 receptor cleavage, signaling and endosomal trafficking in U251MG cells and xenografts, and ultimately inhibiting GBM invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Raghu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, One Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605, USA
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Lin W, Lin Y, Li J, Harding HP, Ron D, Jamison S. A deregulated integrated stress response promotes interferon-γ-induced medulloblastoma. J Neurosci Res 2011; 89:1586-95. [PMID: 21688289 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Revised: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activates pancreatic ER kinase (PERK), which coordinates an adaptive program known as the integrated stress response (ISR) by phosphorylating translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α). There is evidence that the ISR is involved in tumor development. Recent studies also show that the ISR stimulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), a master regulator of angiogenesis. Our previous studies have demonstrated that enforced expression of interferon-γ (IFNγ) in the central nervous system during development induces sonic hedgehog expression and leads to cerebellar dysplasia or medulloblastoma. Here we report that PERK was activated in cerebellar dysplasia and medulloblastoma in IFNγ-expressing mice. We found that inactivation of the growth arrest and DNA damage 34 (GADD34) gene, encoding the stress-inducible regulatory subunit of a phosphatase complex that dephosphorylates eIF2α, enhanced ISR signaling and facilitated medulloblastoma formation in IFNγ-expressing mice. Moreover, we found that the induction of VEGF-A and enhanced angiogenesis were associated with medulloblastoma formation in IFNγ-expressing mice on the GADD34 mutation background. Thus, our data provide genetic evidence that the ISR facilitates medulloblastoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Lin
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
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Faria CMC, Rutka JT, Smith C, Kongkham P. Epigenetic mechanisms regulating neural development and pediatric brain tumor formation. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2011; 8:119-32. [PMID: 21806352 DOI: 10.3171/2011.5.peds1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children, and among them, embryonal tumors represent the largest group with an associated poor prognosis and long-term morbidity for survivors. The field of cancer epigenetics has emerged recently as an important area of investigation and causation of a variety of neoplasms, and is defined as alterations in gene expression without changes in DNA sequence. The best studied epigenetic modifications are DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA-based mechanisms. These modifications play an important role in normal development and differentiation but their dysregulation can lead to altered gene function and cancer. In this review the authors describe the mechanisms of normal epigenetic regulation, how they interplay in neuroembryogenesis, and how these can cause brain tumors in children when dysregulated. The potential use of epigenetic markers to design more effective treatment strategies for children with malignant brain tumors is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M C Faria
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Balducci M, Chiesa S, Chieffo D, Manfrida S, Dinapoli N, Fiorentino A, Miccichè F, Frascino V, Anile C, Valentini V, De Bari B. The role of radiotherapy in adult medulloblastoma: long-term single-institution experience and a review of the literature. J Neurooncol 2011; 106:315-23. [PMID: 21805324 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-011-0665-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) occurs infrequently in adult patients and standard treatment is still controversial. We report our long-term, single-institution experience of adult MB and a review of the literature. We analysed adult patients with histologically proved MB treated by postoperative radiotherapy. Primary endpoints were local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Acute toxicity was reported according to CTC-NCI score vers. 3.0 and specific neuropsychological assessment analysis was performed to define late brain toxicity. From 1990-2008, 13 patients were treated by craniospinal (CSI, 12/13) or cranial irradiation (1/13, because of bad clinical conditions). Median follow up was 101 months (64-218). Complete radiological response was observed in 12/13 patients and a partial response in 1/13. Ten-year LC, OS, and DFS were 91, 76, and 84%, respectively. Two patients died because of local and spinal progression after 13 and 62 months. Acute G3 haematological toxicity (RTOG score) was observed for one patient only. The neuropsychological analysis did not reveal late toxicity related to brain radiotherapy. This experience confirms the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy in adult MB patients, resulting in very interesting 10-year LC and OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Balducci
- Bio-Images and Radiological Sciences Department, Radiotherapy Institute, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Identification and characterization of KCASH2 and KCASH3, 2 novel Cullin3 adaptors suppressing histone deacetylase and Hedgehog activity in medulloblastoma. Neoplasia 2011; 13:374-85. [PMID: 21472142 DOI: 10.1593/neo.101630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric malignant brain tumor, arising from aberrant cerebellar precursors' development, a process mainly controlled by Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Histone deacetylase HDAC1 has been recently shown to modulate Hh signaling, deacetylating its effectors Gli1/2 and enhancing their transcriptional activity. Therefore, HDAC may represent a potential therapeutic target for Hh-dependent tumors, but still little information is available on the physiological mechanisms of HDAC regulation. The putative tumor suppressor REN(KCTD11) acts through ubiquitination-dependent degradation of HDAC1, thereby affecting Hh activity and medulloblastoma growth. We identify and characterize here two REN(KCTD11) homologues, defining a new family of proteins named KCASH, as "KCTD containing, Cullin3 adaptor, suppressor of Hedgehog." Indeed, the novel genes (KCASH2(KCTD21) and KCASH3(KCTD6)) share with REN(KCTD11) a number of features, such as a BTB domain required for the formation of a Cullin3 ubiquitin ligase complex and HDAC1 ubiquitination and degradation capability, suppressing the acetylation-dependent Hh/Gli signaling. Expression of KCASH2 and -3 is observed in cerebellum, whereas epigenetic silencing and allelic deletion are observed in human medulloblastoma. Rescuing KCASHs expression reduces the Hedgehog-dependent medulloblastoma growth, suggesting that loss of members of this novel family of native HDAC inhibitors is crucial in sustaining Hh pathway-mediated tumorigenesis. Accordingly, they might represent a promising class of endogenous "agents" through which this pathway may be targeted.
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Cimmino F, Scoppettuolo MN, Carotenuto M, De Antonellis P, Dato VD, De Vita G, Zollo M. Norcantharidin impairs medulloblastoma growth by inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. J Neurooncol 2011; 106:59-70. [PMID: 21735115 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-011-0645-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in pediatric cancer. Wnt-active tumors, an independent molecular subgroup in medulloblastoma, are characterized by a distinct pattern of genomic aberrations. We assessed the anticancer activity of cantharidin and norcantharidin against medulloblastoma, as cell lines in vitro and in athymic nude mice in vivo. Cantharidin and norcantharidin treatment impaired the growth of DAOY and UW228 medulloblastoma cells and promoted the loss of β-catenin activation and the β-catenin nuclearization linked to N-cadherin impairment in vitro. Intra-peritoneal administration of norcantharidin inhibited the growth of intra-cerebellum tumors in orthotopic xenograft nude mice. Analysis of the xenograft tissues revealed enhanced neuronal differentiation and reduced β-catenin expression. Our findings suggest that norcantharidin has potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of medulloblastoma as a result of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and its impairment of Wnt-β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Cimmino
- CEINGE, Centro di Ingegneria Genetica, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
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Expression analysis of stem cell-related genes reveal OCT4 as a predictor of poor clinical outcome in medulloblastoma. J Neurooncol 2011; 106:71-9. [PMID: 21725800 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-011-0647-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of stem cell-related genes in tumors may confer more primitive and aggressive traits affecting clinical outcome. Here, we investigated expression and prognostic value of the neural stem cell marker CD133, as well as of the pluripotency genes LIN28 and OCT4 in 37 samples of pediatric medulloblastoma, the most common and challenging type of embryonal tumor. While most medulloblastoma samples expressed CD133 and LIN28, OCT4 expression was found to be more sporadic, with detectable levels occurring in 48% of tumors. Expression levels of OCT4, but not CD133 or LIN28, were significantly correlated with shorter survival (P ≤ 0.0001). Median survival time of patients with tumors hyperexpressing OCT4 and tumors displaying low/undetectable OCT4 expression were 6 and 153 months, respectively. More importantly, when patients were clinically stratified according to their risk of tumor recurrence, positive OCT4 expression in primary tumor specimens could discriminate patients classified as average risk but which further deceased within 5 years of diagnosis (median survival time of 28 months), a poor clinical outcome typical of high risk patients. Our findings reveal a previously unknown prognostic value for OCT4 expression status in medulloblastoma, which might be used as a further indicator of poor survival and aid postoperative treatment selection, with a particular potential benefit for clinically average risk patients.
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Mancuso M, Leonardi S, Ceccarelli M, Pasquali E, De Stefano I, Prisco MG, Rebessi S, Tanori M, Scambia G, Di Majo V, Pazzaglia S, Saran A, Gallo D. Protective role of 17 β-estradiol on medulloblastoma development in Patched 1 heterozygous mice. Int J Cancer 2011; 127:2749-57. [PMID: 21351254 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric tumor of the CNS, representing ∼20% of all childhood CNS tumors. Although in recent years many molecular mechanisms that control MB development have been clarified, the effects of biological factors such as sex on this tumor remain to be explained. Epidemiological data, in fact, indicate a significant difference in the incidence of MB between the 2 sexes, with considerably higher susceptibility of males than females. Besides this different susceptibility, female sex is also a significant favorable prognostic factor in MB, with girls having a much better outcome. Despite these literature data, there has been little investigation into estrogen influence on MB development. In our study, we evaluated how hormone deficiency resulting from ovariectomy and hormone replacement influences the development of early and advanced MB stages in Patched1 heterozygous mice, a well-characterized mouse model of radiation-induced MB. Susceptibility to MB development was significantly increased in ovariectomized Ptch1(+/-) females and restored to levels observed in control mice after estrogen replacement. We next investigated the molecular mechanisms by which estrogen might influence tumor progression and show that ERβ, but not ERα, is involved in modulation of MB development by estrogens. Finally, our study shows that a functional interaction between estrogen- and IGF-I-mediated pathways may be responsible for the effects observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariateresa Mancuso
- Section of Toxicology and Biomedical Sciences, Research Center Casaccia, ENEA, Rome, Italy.
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Bone morphogenetic protein-7 is a MYC target with prosurvival functions in childhood medulloblastoma. Oncogene 2011; 30:2823-35. [PMID: 21317922 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. It is known that overexpression and/or amplification of the MYC oncogene is associated with poor clinical outcome, but the molecular mechanisms and the MYC downstream effectors in MB remain still elusive. Besides contributing to elucidate how progression of MB takes place, most importantly, the identification of novel MYC-target genes will suggest novel candidates for targeted therapy in MB. A group of 209 MYC-responsive genes was obtained from a complementary DNA microarray analysis of a MB-derived cell line, following MYC overexpression and silencing. Among the MYC-responsive genes, we identified the members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway, which have a crucial role during the development of the cerebellum. In particular, the gene BMP7 was identified as a direct target of MYC. A positive correlation between MYC and BMP7 expression was documented by analyzing two distinct sets of primary MB samples. Functional studies in vitro using a small-molecule inhibitor of the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway reproduced the effect of the small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of BMP7. Both approaches led to a block of proliferation in a panel of MB cells and to inhibition of SMAD phosphorylation. Altogether, our findings indicate that high MYC levels drive BMP7 overexpression, promoting cell survival in MB cells. This observation suggests the potential relevance of targeting the BMP/SMAD pathway as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of childhood MB.
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Anti-cancer role of SPARC, an inhibitor of adipogenesis. Cancer Treat Rev 2011; 37:559-66. [PMID: 21237573 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2010.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
SPARC (a secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) has a reputation for being potent anti-cancer and anti-obesity molecule. It is one of the first known matricellular protein that modulates interactions between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) and is associated with the 'balance' of white adipose tissue (WAT) as well as lipogenesis and lipolysis during adipogenesis. Adipogenesis is an indication for the development of obesity and has been related to a wide variety of cancers including breast cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, etc. Adipogenesis mainly involves ECM remodeling, changes in cell-ECM interactions, and cytoskeletal rearrangement. SPARC can also prevent hypertrophy of adipocytes and hyperplasia of adipocyte progenitors. In addition to SPARC's inhibitory role in adipogenesis, it has also been known to be involved in cell cycle, cell proliferation, cell invasion, adhesion, migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis. Molecular cancer biology and clinical biochemistry have significantly enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms that motivate the anti-cancer and anti-obesity action of SPARC. Recent studies elucidating the signaling pathways that are activated by SPARC can help develop the beneficial aspects of SPARC for cancer therapy and obesity prevention. This review focuses on the anti-cancer role of SPARC as it pertains to obesity.
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Abstract
In the last 20 years, it has become clear that developmental genes and their regulators, noncoding RNAs including microRNAs and long-noncoding RNAs, within signaling pathways play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cancer. Many of these pathways were first identified in genetic screens in Drosophila and other lower organisms. Mammalian orthologs were subsequently identified and genes within the pathways cloned and found to regulate cell growth. Genes and pathways expressed during embryonic development, including the Notch, Wnt/β-Catenin, TGF-β/BMP, Shh/Patched, and Hippo pathways are mutated, lost, or aberrantly regulated in a wide variety of human cancers, including skin, breast, blood, and brain cancers, including medulloblastoma. These biochemical pathways affect cell fate determination, axis formation, and patterning during development and regulate tissue homeostasis and regeneration in adults. Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant nervous system tumor in childhood, are thought to arise from disruptions in cerebellar development [reviewed by Marino, S. (2005)]. Defining the extracellular cues and intracellular signaling pathways that control cerebellar neurogenesis, especially granule cell progenitor (GCP) proliferation and differentiation has been useful for developing models to unravel the mechanisms underlying medulloblastoma formation and growth. In this chapter, we will review the development of the cerebellar cortex, highlighting signaling pathways of potential relevance to tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine F Roussel
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology and Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE Medulloblastomas are the most common malignant tumors of the central nervous system in childhood. The incidence is about 19-20% between children younger than 16 years old with peak incidence between 4 and 7 years. Despite its sensibility to no specific therapeutic means like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the treatment is very aggressive and frequently results in regression, growth deficit, and endocrine dysfunction. From this point of view, new treatment approaches are needed such as molecular targeted therapies. Studies in glioblastoma demonstrated that ASPM gene was overexpressed when compared to normal brain and ASPM inhibition by siRNA-mediated inhibits tumor cell proliferation and neural stem cell proliferation, supporting ASPM gene as a potential molecular target in glioblastoma. The aim of this work was to evaluate ASPM expression in medulloblastoma fragment samples, and to compare the results with the patient clinical features. METHODS Analysis of gene expression was performed by quantitative PCR real time using SYBR Green system in tumor samples from 37 children. The t test was used to analyze the gene expression, and Mann-Whitney test was performed to analyze the relationship between gene expressions and clinical characteristics. Kaplan-Meier test evaluated curve survival. RESULTS All samples overexpressed ASPM gene more than 40-fold. However, we did not find any association between the overexpressed samples and the clinical parameters. CONCLUSION ASPM overexpression may modify the ability of stem cells to differentiate during the development of the central nervous system, contributing to the development of medulloblastoma, a tumor of embryonic origin from cerebellar progenitor cells.
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Ridgway LD, Wetzel MD, Marchetti D. Heparanase Modulates Shh and Wnt3a Signaling in Human Medulloblastoma Cells. Exp Ther Med 2010; 2:229-238. [PMID: 21442027 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2010.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common and aggressive brain tumor in children, is poorly understood. MB tumors respond to factors secreted by cerebellar Purkinje neurons such as Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Wnt3a. Understanding the modulation of Shh/Wnt signaling is critical to developing new MB treatments. Shh and Wnt3a induce MB cell proliferation, and bind heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains (HS-GAG). HS-GAG are components of syndecans: cell surface HS proteoglycans (HSPG) which act as co-receptors for extracellular matrix based ligands, and are targets of heparanase (HPSE). We hypothesized that extracellular HPSE activity can modulate MB intracellular signaling of Shh/Wnt3a, involving syndecans 1/4 carboxy terminal-associated proteins and downstream targets. We compared the regulation of Shh/Wnt3a signaling subsequent to treatment with exogenous human active HPSE in MB lines possessing increased invasive abilities. We identified GEF-H1, a small GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor, as a new component of a syndecan signaling complex. Secondly, we demonstrated that HPSE modulated Shh/Wnt3 dependent expression and intracellular distribution of GEF-H1, β-catenin, and N-Myc. Thirdly, HPSE modulated Shh/Wnt3a - dependent gene expression of HSPG and Gli transcription factors. Fourthly, pretreatment with HPSE, alone or prior to Shh/Wnt3a exposure, altered small GTPase (Rac1/RhoA) activities differentially, and promoted RhoA activation. Finally, the differential regulation of Rac1/RhoA activities by HPSE affected MB cell proliferation and invasion. Our results indicate that the HPSE/HSPG axis is implicated in critical MB cell signaling pathways with potential relevance for MB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lon D Ridgway
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
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Nagaraju GPC, Nalla AK, Gupta R, Mohanam S, Gujrati M, Dinh DH, Rao JS. siRNA-mediated downregulation of MMP-9 and uPAR in combination with radiation induces G2/M cell-cycle arrest in Medulloblastoma. Mol Cancer Res 2010; 9:51-66. [PMID: 21148633 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-10-0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Our previous work and that of other investigators strongly suggest a relationship between the upregulation of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. In this study, we evaluated the role of MMP-9 and uPAR in medulloblastoma cancer cell resistance to ionizing irradiation (IR) and tested the antitumor efficacy of siRNA (short interfering RNA) against MMP-9 [plasmid siRNA vector for MMP-9 (pM)] and uPAR [plasmid vector for uPAR (pU)] either alone or in combination [plasmid siRNA vector for both uPAR and MMP-9 (pUM)]. Cell proliferation (BrdU assay), apoptosis (in situ TUNEL for DNA fragmentation), and cell-cycle (FACS) analyses were carried out to determine the effect of siRNA either alone or in combination with IR on G2/M cell-cycle arrest in medulloblastoma cells. IR upregulated MMP-9 and uPAR expression in medulloblastoma cells; pM, pU, and pUM in combination with IR effectively reduced both MMP-9 and uPAR expression, thereby leading to increased radiosensitivity of medulloblastoma cells. siRNA treatments (pM, pU, and pUM) also promoted IR-induced apoptosis and enhanced IR-induced G2/M arrest during cell-cycle progression. While IR induces G2/M cell-cycle arrest through inhibition of the pCdc2- and cyclin B-regulated signaling pathways involving p53, p21/WAF1, and Chk2 gene expression, siRNA (pM, pU, and pUM) alone or in combination with IR induced G2/M arrest mediated through inhibition of the pCdc2- and cyclin B1-regulated signaling pathways involving Chk1 and Cdc25A gene expression. Taken together, our data suggest that downregulation of MMP-9 and uPAR induces Chk1-mediated G2/M cell-cycle arrest, whereas the disruption caused by IR alone is dependent on p53- and Chk2-mediated G2/M cell-cycle arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganji Purna Chandra Nagaraju
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, One Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605, USA
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