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Yuan R, Wang B, Wang Y, Liu P. Gene Therapy for Neurofibromatosis Type 2-Related Schwannomatosis: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions. Oncol Ther 2024; 12:257-276. [PMID: 38760612 PMCID: PMC11187037 DOI: 10.1007/s40487-024-00279-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-related schwannomatosis is a rare autosomal dominant monogenic disorder caused by mutations in the NF2 gene. The hallmarks of NF2-related schwannomatosis are bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS). The current treatment options for NF2-related schwannomatosis, such as observation with serial imaging, surgery, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapies, have shown limited effectiveness and serious complications. Therefore, there is a critical demand for novel effective treatments. Gene therapy, which has made significant advancements in treating genetic diseases, holds promise for the treatment of this disease. This review covers the genetic pathogenesis of NF2-related schwannomatosis, the latest progress in gene therapy strategies, current challenges, and future directions of gene therapy for NF2-related schwannomatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pinan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China.
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Yan S, Zhao J, Gao P, Li Z, Li Z, Liu X, Wang P. Diagnostic potential of NRG1 in benign nerve sheath tumors and its influence on the PI3K-Akt signaling and tumor immunity. Diagn Pathol 2024; 19:28. [PMID: 38331905 PMCID: PMC10851500 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-024-01438-9] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Benign nerve sheath tumors (BNSTs) present diagnostic challenges due to their heterogeneous nature. This study aimed to determine the significance of NRG1 as a novel diagnostic biomarker in BNST, emphasizing its involvement in the PI3K-Akt pathway and tumor immune regulation. METHODS Differential genes related to BNST were identified from the GEO database. Gene co-expression networks, protein-protein interaction networks, and LASSO regression were utilized to pinpoint key genes. The CIBERSORT algorithm assessed immune cell infiltration differences, and functional enrichment analyses explored BNST signaling pathways. Clinical samples helped establish PDX models, and in vitro cell lines to validate NRG1's role via the PI3K-Akt pathway. RESULTS Nine hundred eighty-two genes were upregulated, and 375 downregulated in BNST samples. WGCNA revealed the brown module with the most significant difference. Top hub genes included NRG1, which was also determined as a pivotal gene in disease characterization. Immune infiltration showed significant variances in neutrophils and M2 macrophages, with NRG1 playing a central role. Functional analyses confirmed NRG1's involvement in key pathways. Validation experiments using PDX models and cell lines further solidified NRG1's role in BNST. CONCLUSION NRG1 emerges as a potential diagnostic biomarker for BNST, influencing the PI3K-Akt pathway, and shaping the tumor immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwei Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 139, Ziqiang Road, Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei Province, P. R. China
| | - Jingnan Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 139, Ziqiang Road, Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei Province, P. R. China
| | - Pengyang Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 139, Ziqiang Road, Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoxu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 139, Ziqiang Road, Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 139, Ziqiang Road, Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaobing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 139, Ziqiang Road, Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei Province, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 139, Ziqiang Road, Qiaoxi District, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei Province, P. R. China.
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Ghalavand MA, Asghari A, Farhadi M, Taghizadeh-Hesary F, Garshasbi M, Falah M. The genetic landscape and possible therapeutics of neurofibromatosis type 2. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:99. [PMID: 37217995 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02940-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic condition marked by the development of multiple benign tumors in the nervous system. The most common tumors associated with NF2 are bilateral vestibular schwannoma, meningioma, and ependymoma. The clinical manifestations of NF2 depend on the site of involvement. Vestibular schwannoma can present with hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus, while spinal tumor leads to debilitating pain, muscle weakness, or paresthesias. Clinical diagnosis of NF2 is based on the Manchester criteria, which have been updated in the last decade. NF2 is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the NF2 gene on chromosome 22, leading the merlin protein to malfunction. Over half of NF2 patients have de novo mutations, and half of this group are mosaic. NF2 can be managed by surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, and close observation. However, the nature of multiple tumors and the necessity of multiple surgeries over the lifetime, inoperable tumors like meningiomatosis with infiltration of the sinus or in the area of the lower cranial nerves, the complications caused by the operation, the malignancies induced by radiotherapy, and inefficiency of cytotoxic chemotherapy due to the benign nature of NF-related tumors have led a march toward exploring targeted therapies. Recent advances in genetics and molecular biology have allowed identifying and targeting of underlying pathways in the pathogenesis of NF2. In this review, we explain the clinicopathological characteristics of NF2, its genetic and molecular background, and the current knowledge and challenges of implementing genetics to develop efficient therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Ghalavand
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alimohamad Asghari
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Hazrat Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Farhadi
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Taghizadeh-Hesary
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Radiation Oncology Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Garshasbi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Falah
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Lin J, Li SW, Zhang J, Chu FH, Li CZ, Bie ZX, Tang HL, Gao S, Li P, Liao MT, Xin TX, Zhao F, Liu PN, Ding X. Qu-Du-San-Jie decoction induces growth inhibition and vascular normalization in NF2-associated vestibular schwannoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:941854. [PMID: 36059985 PMCID: PMC9437245 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.941854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare genetic syndrome that predisposes individuals to develop bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VSs) causing a high risk of life-threatening neurological complications. Traditional treatment options for NF2-associated VS usually cause neurological damage, and to date, there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for NF2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of Qu-Du-San-Jie (QDSJ) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, on NF2-associated VS and to investigate the potential underlying mechanisms.Methods: Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-MS) analysis was performed to identify the components of QDSJ and their targets. To determine the relationships between the putative targets of QDSJ and the differential genes of NF2-associated VS, the drug-disease crossover genes were screened using the UHPLC-MS data combined with our previous gene expression profiling data. The differentially expressed genes were imported into the STRING database to generate a PPI network. Differentially expressed gene targets and pathways were identified using GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The in vitro and in vivo drug efficacy of QDSJ decoction was tested using a patient-derived schwannoma cell line and a patient-derived xenograft mouse model, respectively. H&E staining, immunochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the cell proliferation and tumor vessels.Results: A total of 133 compounds were identified in QDSJ decoction using UHPLC-MS analysis. Network pharmacology showed that the regulation of necroptosis, apoptosis, cell cycle, angiogenesis, adherens junction, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction could be associated with the efficacy of QDSJ in treating NF2-associated VS. Treatment with QDSJ induced necrotic cell death and apoptosis of schwannoma cells in vitro and suppressed the tumor growth in vivo. Histopathological analysis revealed areas of cell necrosis and enlarged tumor blood vessels in the QDSJ-treated tumors. The numbers of cells positive for Cyclin D1 and Ki-67 were significantly reduced in QDSJ-treated tumors compared to control tumors. Immunofluorescence staining of CD31 and αSMA showed a decreased number and density of tumor vessels and normalized vessel structure in QDSJ-treated tumors.Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that QDSJ decoction shows significant antitumor activity against NF2-associated schwannoma and is a possible candidate for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Hao Chu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Spleen and Stomach Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Regulatory Science for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng-Ze Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Xu Bie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Han-Lu Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Gao
- School of Chinese Materia Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Ting Liao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tian-Xi Xin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Zhao
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fu Zhao, ; Pi-Nan Liu, ; Xia Ding,
| | - Pi-Nan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Injury, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fu Zhao, ; Pi-Nan Liu, ; Xia Ding,
| | - Xia Ding
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Spleen and Stomach Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fu Zhao, ; Pi-Nan Liu, ; Xia Ding,
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