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Muzyka L, Goff NK, Choudhary N, Koltz MT. Systematic Review of Molecular Targeted Therapies for Adult-Type Diffuse Glioma: An Analysis of Clinical and Laboratory Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10456. [PMID: 37445633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common brain tumor in adults, and molecularly targeted therapies to treat gliomas are becoming a frequent topic of investigation. The current state of molecular targeted therapy research for adult-type diffuse gliomas has yet to be characterized, particularly following the 2021 WHO guideline changes for classifying gliomas using molecular subtypes. This systematic review sought to characterize the current state of molecular target therapy research for adult-type diffuse glioma to better inform scientific progress and guide next steps in this field of study. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were queried for study design, subject (patients, human cell lines, mice, etc.), type of tumor studied, molecular target, respective molecular pathway, and details pertaining to the molecular targeted therapy-namely the modality, dose, and duration of treatment. A total of 350 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 52 of these were clinical studies, 190 were laboratory studies investigating existing molecular therapies, and 108 were laboratory studies investigating new molecular targets. Further, a total of 119 ongoing clinical trials are also underway, per a detailed query on clinicaltrials.gov. GBM was the predominant tumor studied in both ongoing and published clinical studies as well as in laboratory analyses. A few studies mentioned IDH-mutant astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas. The most common molecular targets in published clinical studies and clinical trials were protein kinase pathways, followed by microenvironmental targets, immunotherapy, and cell cycle/apoptosis pathways. The most common molecular targets in laboratory studies were also protein kinase pathways; however, cell cycle/apoptosis pathways were the next most frequent target, followed by microenvironmental targets, then immunotherapy pathways, with the wnt/β-catenin pathway arising in the cohort of novel targets. In this systematic review, we examined the current evidence on molecular targeted therapy for adult-type diffuse glioma and discussed its implications for clinical practice and future research. Ultimately, published research falls broadly into three categories-clinical studies, laboratory testing of existing therapies, and laboratory identification of novel targets-and heavily centers on GBM rather than IDH-mutant astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma. Ongoing clinical trials are numerous in this area of research as well and follow a similar pattern in tumor type and targeted pathways as published clinical studies. The most common molecular targets in all study types were protein kinase pathways. Microenvironmental targets were more numerous in clinical studies, whereas cell cycle/apoptosis were more numerous in laboratory studies. Immunotherapy pathways are on the rise in all study types, and the wnt/β-catenin pathway is increasingly identified as a novel target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Muzyka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1501 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Nicolas K Goff
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1501 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Nikita Choudhary
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1501 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Michael T Koltz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1501 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Sun K, Fei X, Xu M, Xu R, Xu M. FCGR3A Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated with Immune Infiltrates in Lower-Grade Glioma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:9499317. [PMID: 39280892 PMCID: PMC11401682 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9499317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are primary invasive brain tumors that grow slowly but are incurable and eventually develop into high malignant glioma. Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIIa (FCGR3A) gene polymorphism may correlate with some cancers' treatment responses. However, the expression and prognosis value of FCGR3A and correlation with tumor-immune infiltrate in LGG remain unclear. FCGR3A mRNA expression in gastric cancer (GC) was examined using TIMER and GEPIA databases. Correlations between FCGR3A expression and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed using ULACAN and CGGA databases. GEPIA, OncoLnc, and ULACAN databases were used to examine the clinical prognostic significance of FCGR3A in LGG. TIMER was used to analyze the correlations among FCGR3A and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Signaling pathways related to FCGR3A expression were identified by LinkedOmics. We found that FCGR3A expression was higher in LGG than in normal tissue and was correlated with various clinical parameters. In addition, high FCGR3A expression predicted poor overall survival in LGG. More importantly, FCGR3A expression positively correlated with immune checkpoint molecules, including PD1, PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA4, LAG-3 and TIM-3, and tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) gene markers in LGG. GO and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that TUBA1C may potentially regulate the pathogenesis of LGG through immune-related pathways. These findings indicated that FCGR3A plays a vital role in the infiltration of immune cells and could constitute a promising prognostic biomarker in LGG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Xiaowei Fei
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Mingwei Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Ruxiang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Minhui Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
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Lin X, Wang Z, Yang G, Wen G, Zhang H. YTHDF2 correlates with tumor immune infiltrates in lower-grade glioma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:18476-18500. [PMID: 32986017 PMCID: PMC7585119 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is an effective treatment for many cancer types. However, YTHDF2 effects on the prognosis of different tumors and correlation with tumor immune infiltration are unclear. Here, we analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus data obtained through various web-based platforms. The analyses showed that YTHDF2 expression and associated prognoses may depend on cancer type. High YTHDF2 expression was associated with poor overall survival in lower-grade glioma (LGG). In addition, YTHDF2 expression positively correlated with expression of several immune cell markers, including PD-1, TIM-3, and CTLA-4, as well as tumor-associated macrophage gene markers, and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 in LGG. These findings suggest that YTHDF2 is a potential prognostic biomarker that correlates with LGG tumor-infiltrating immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangan Lin
- Department of Cancer Chemotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Zhichao Wang
- Department of Cancer Chemotherapy, Zengcheng District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511300, China
| | - Guangda Yang
- Department of Cancer Chemotherapy, Zengcheng District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511300, China
| | - Guohua Wen
- Department of Cancer Chemotherapy, Zengcheng District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511300, China
| | - Hailiang Zhang
- Department of Cancer Chemotherapy, Zengcheng District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511300, China
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Zhang JY, Weinberg BD, Hu R, Saindane A, Mullins M, Allen J, Hoch MJ. Quantitative Improvement in Brain Tumor MRI Through Structured Reporting (BT-RADS). Acad Radiol 2020; 27:780-784. [PMID: 31471207 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2019.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Determine the objective benefits of structured reporting of brain tumors through Brain tumor-RADS (BT-RADS) by analyzing discrete quantifiable metrics of the reports themselves. MATERIALS AND METHODS Following Institutional Review Board approval, post-treatment glioma reports were acquired from two matched 3-month time periods for pre- and postimplementation of BT-RADS. The reports were analyzed for presence of history words, such as "Avastin" and "methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase," as well as hedge words, such as "Possibly" and "Likely." The word counts of the total report and of the impression section were also assessed, as well as whether or not the report contained addenda. RESULTS In total, 211 pre-BT-RADS and 172 post-BT-RADS reports were analyzed. Post-BT-RADS reports demonstrated greater reporting of history words, including "Avastin" (7.6% vs. 20.9%, p < 0.001) and "methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase" (10.9% vs. 31.4%, p < 0.0001). They also demonstrated reduced usage of hedge words, including "Possibly" (3.8% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.05) and "Likely" (49.8% vs. 28.5%, p < 0.01). Furthermore, post-BT-RADS reports possessed fewer words in total report length (389 vs. 245.2, p < 0.001), as well as in the impression section (53.7 vs. 42.6, p < 0.01). Finally, fewer post-BT-RADS reports contained addenda (10% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Following implementation of BT-RADS, glioma reports demonstrated greater consistency and completeness of clinical history, less ambiguity, and more conciseness.
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Liu H, Yang Q, Xiong Y, Xiong Z, Li X. Improved Prognostic Prediction of Glioblastoma using a PAS Detected from Single-cell RNA-seq. J Cancer 2020; 11:3751-3761. [PMID: 32328180 PMCID: PMC7171486 DOI: 10.7150/jca.44034] [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: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common malignant brain tumor of the central nervous system with a poor prognosis. In order to identify the prognostic signatures of GBM, we screened differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were based on a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset. These genes characteristically represent the intra-tumor heterogenicity of glioblastoma. Moreover, we performed univariate analysis, log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression analyses to confirm a gene set that could be related to the overall survival (OS) among DEGs. Prognostic associated signatures (PAS) were utilized to construct a model for predicting OS in GBM patients. When considering either the training or the validation sets, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves all indicated that our model displayed an excellent predictive ability. Additionally, we analyzed PAS at the single-cell level and found that the PAS score was associated with somatic mutations and clinical factors. Three factors, which included the PAS score, radiotherapy status, and age, were all used to establish a nomogram to predict the 6-month and 1-year survival probabilities. In conclusion, we constructed an optimal model that was derived from scRNA-seq to better predict the survival probability of GBM patients. These genes might also act as potential prognostic biomarkers and enable surgeons to develop individually therapeutic schedules and improve the prognosis of GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yi Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zujian Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xuejun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
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Ni Y, Zhang F, An M, Yin W, Gao Y. Early candidate biomarkers found from urine of glioblastoma multiforme rat before changes in MRI. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2018; 61:982-987. [PMID: 29372508 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-017-9201-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.,Department of Pathology, Aviation General Hospital of China Medical University, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Fanshuang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Manxia An
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Wei Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Youhe Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Beijing Normal University, Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100875, China.
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Xuesong D, Wei X, Heng L, Xiao C, Shunan W, Yu G, Weiguo Z. Evaluation of neovascularization patterns in an orthotopic rat glioma model with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Acta Radiol 2017; 58:1138-1146. [PMID: 27956462 DOI: 10.1177/0284185116681038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has been proved useful in evaluating glioma angiogenesis, but the utility in evaluating neovascularization patterns has not been reported. Purpose To evaluate in vivo real-time glioma neovascularization patterns by measuring glioma perfusion quantitatively using DCE-MRI. Material and Methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish C6 orthotopic glioma model and underwent MRI and pathology detections. As MRI and pathology were performed at six time points (i.e. 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 days) post transplantation, neovascularization patterns were evaluated via DCE-MRI. Results Four neovascularization patterns were observed in glioma tissues. Sprout angiogenesis and intussusceptive microvascular growth located inside tumor, while vascular co-option and vascular mimicry were found in the tumor margin and necrotic area, respectively. Sprout angiogenesis and intussusceptive microvascular growth increased with Ktrans, Kep, and Vp inside tumor tissue. In addition, Kep and Vp were positively correlated with sprout angiogenesis and intussusceptive microvascular growth. Vascular co-option was decreased at 12 and 16 days post transplantation and correlated negatively with Ktrans and Kep detected in the glioma margin, respectively. Changes of vascular mimicry showed no significant statistical difference at the six time points. Conclusion Our results indicate that DCE-MRI can evaluate neovascularization patterns in a glioma model. Furthermore, DCE-MRI could be an imaging biomarker for guidance of antiangiogenic treatments in humans in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Xuesong
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xue Wei
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Liu Heng
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Chen Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Wang Shunan
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Guo Yu
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Zhang Weiguo
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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Abstract
The comprehensive molecular profiling of cancer has resulted in new insights into the biology and classification of numerous tumor types. In the case of primary brain tumors that commonly affect adults, an emerging set of disease-defining biomarker sets is reshaping existing diagnostic entities that had previously been defined on the basis of their microscopic appearance. Substantial progress has been made in this regard for common primary brain tumors in adults, especially diffuse gliomas, where large-scale profiling efforts have led to the incorporation of highly prevalent molecular alterations that promote a biologically based classification as an adjunct to the traditional histopathologic approach. The growing awareness that histologically indistinguishable tumors can be divided into more precise and biologically relevant subgroups has demanded a more global routine approach to biomarker assessment. These considerations have begun to intersect with the decreasing costs and availability of genome-wide analysis tools and, thus, incorporation into routine practice. We review how molecular profiling already has led to an evolution in the classification of brain tumors. In addition, we discuss the likely trajectory of incorporation of global molecular profiling platforms into the routine clinical classification of adult brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phedias Diamandis
- Phedias Diamandis and Kenneth D. Aldape, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; and Kenneth D. Aldape, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenneth D Aldape
- Phedias Diamandis and Kenneth D. Aldape, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; and Kenneth D. Aldape, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Schernberg A, Marabelle A, Massard C, Armand JP, Dumont S, Deutsch E, Dhermain F. [What's next in glioblastoma treatment: Tumor-targeted or immune-targeted therapies?]. Bull Cancer 2016; 103:484-98. [PMID: 27032303 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2016.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glioblastoma (GBM) is associated with a poor prognosis. This review will discuss different directions of treatment, mostly regarding immunotherapies and combinatorial approaches. DEVELOPMENT Standard treatment for newly diagnosed GBM is maximal and safe surgical resection followed by concurrent radiochemotherapy (RCT) based on temozolomide, allowing 14.6 months median survival. Nowadays, no combination with molecular-targeted therapy had significantly improved prognosis. Phases I and II data are emerging, highlighting the potential efficacy of associations with other therapies. Studies have suggested the potential of targeting tumor stem cells, at less partially responsible for resistance to RCT. There is now some evidence that immunotherapy is also relevant for brain tumors. Treatment strategies have mainly explored vaccines strategies, such as the dendritic cell, heat shock protein or EGFRvIII vaccines. Of the work initiated in melanoma, immune checkpoints inhibitors have exhibited stimulating results. Others trials have demonstrated potential of autologous stimulated lymphocytes. Moreover, strong data indicates that radiation therapy has the potential to promote immunogenicity and create a sort of in situ personalized vaccine. CONCLUSION These data provide strong evidence to support the potential of associating combinatorial targeted and/or immunotherapeutic regimens in patients with GBM that may change patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Schernberg
- Institut Gustave-Roussy, département de radiothérapie, 114, rue Édouard-Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Aurélien Marabelle
- Institut Gustave-Roussy, département d'oncologie médicale, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Christophe Massard
- Institut Gustave-Roussy, département d'oncologie médicale, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Armand
- Institut Gustave-Roussy, département d'oncologie médicale, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Sarah Dumont
- Institut Gustave-Roussy, département d'oncologie médicale, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Eric Deutsch
- Institut Gustave-Roussy, département de radiothérapie, 114, rue Édouard-Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Frédéric Dhermain
- Institut Gustave-Roussy, département de radiothérapie, 114, rue Édouard-Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif, France
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D'Asti E, Chennakrishnaiah S, Lee TH, Rak J. Extracellular Vesicles in Brain Tumor Progression. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016; 36:383-407. [PMID: 26993504 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-015-0296-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors can be viewed as multicellular 'ecosystems' with increasingly recognized cellular complexity and systemic impact. While the emerging diversity of malignant disease entities affecting brain tissues is often described in reference to their signature alterations within the cellular genome and epigenome, arguably these cell-intrinsic changes can be regarded as hardwired adaptations to a variety of cell-extrinsic microenvironmental circumstances. Conversely, oncogenic events influence the microenvironment through their impact on the cellular secretome, including emission of membranous structures known as extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs serve as unique carriers of bioactive lipids, secretable and non-secretable proteins, mRNA, non-coding RNA, and DNA and constitute pathway(s) of extracellular exit of molecules into the intercellular space, biofluids, and blood. EVs are also highly heterogeneous as reflected in their nomenclature (exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles) attempting to capture their diverse origin, as well as structural, molecular, and functional properties. While EVs may act as a mechanism of molecular expulsion, their non-random uptake by heterologous cellular recipients defines their unique roles in the intercellular communication, horizontal molecular transfer, and biological activity. In the central nervous system, EVs have been implicated as mediators of homeostasis and repair, while in cancer they may act as regulators of cell growth, clonogenicity, angiogenesis, thrombosis, and reciprocal tumor-stromal interactions. EVs produced by specific brain tumor cell types may contain the corresponding oncogenic drivers, such as epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) in glioblastoma (and hence are often referred to as 'oncosomes'). Through this mechanism, mutant oncoproteins and nucleic acids may be transferred horizontally between cellular populations altering their individual and collective phenotypes. Oncogenic pathways also impact the emission rates, types, cargo, and biogenesis of EVs, as reflected by preliminary analyses pointing to differences in profiles of EV-regulating genes (vesiculome) between molecular subtypes of glioblastoma, and in other brain tumors. Molecular regulators of vesiculation can also act as oncogenes. These intimate connections suggest the context-specific roles of different EV subsets in the progression of specific brain tumors. Advanced efforts are underway to capture these events through the use of EVs circulating in biofluids as biomarker reservoirs and to guide diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esterina D'Asti
- RI MUHC, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Blvd, E M1 2244, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Shilpa Chennakrishnaiah
- RI MUHC, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Blvd, E M1 2244, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Tae Hoon Lee
- RI MUHC, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Blvd, E M1 2244, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Janusz Rak
- RI MUHC, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Blvd, E M1 2244, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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