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Mandorino M, Maitra A, Armenise D, Baldelli OM, Miciaccia M, Ferorelli S, Perrone MG, Scilimati A. Pediatric Diffuse Midline Glioma H3K27-Altered: From Developmental Origins to Therapeutic Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1814. [PMID: 38791893 PMCID: PMC11120159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101814] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), now referred to as diffuse midline glioma (DMG), is a highly aggressive pediatric cancer primarily affecting children aged 4 to 9 years old. Despite the research and clinical trials conducted to identify a possible treatment for DIPG, no effective drug is currently available. These tumors often affect deep midline brain structures in young children, suggesting a connection to early brain development's epigenetic regulation targets, possibly affecting neural progenitor functions and differentiation. The H3K27M mutation is a known DIPG trigger, but the exact mechanisms beyond epigenetic regulation remain unclear. After thoroughly examining the available literature, we found that over 85% of DIPG tumors contain a somatic missense mutation, K27M, in genes encoding histone H3.3 and H3.1, leading to abnormal gene expression that drives tumor growth and spread. This mutation impacts crucial brain development processes, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, and may explain differences between H3K27M and non-K27M pediatric gliomas. Effects on stem cells show increased proliferation and disrupted differentiation. The genomic organization of H3 gene family members in the developing brain has revealed variations in their expression patterns. All these observations suggest a need for global efforts to understand developmental origins and potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Antonio Scilimati
- Research Laboratory for Woman and Child Health, Department of Pharmacy–Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (A.M.); (D.A.); (O.M.B.); (M.M.); (S.F.); (M.G.P.)
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2
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Cerneckis J, Cai H, Shi Y. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): molecular mechanisms of induction and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:112. [PMID: 38670977 PMCID: PMC11053163 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01809-0] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has transformed in vitro research and holds great promise to advance regenerative medicine. iPSCs have the capacity for an almost unlimited expansion, are amenable to genetic engineering, and can be differentiated into most somatic cell types. iPSCs have been widely applied to model human development and diseases, perform drug screening, and develop cell therapies. In this review, we outline key developments in the iPSC field and highlight the immense versatility of the iPSC technology for in vitro modeling and therapeutic applications. We begin by discussing the pivotal discoveries that revealed the potential of a somatic cell nucleus for reprogramming and led to successful generation of iPSCs. We consider the molecular mechanisms and dynamics of somatic cell reprogramming as well as the numerous methods available to induce pluripotency. Subsequently, we discuss various iPSC-based cellular models, from mono-cultures of a single cell type to complex three-dimensional organoids, and how these models can be applied to elucidate the mechanisms of human development and diseases. We use examples of neurological disorders, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and cancer to highlight the diversity of disease-specific phenotypes that can be modeled using iPSC-derived cells. We also consider how iPSC-derived cellular models can be used in high-throughput drug screening and drug toxicity studies. Finally, we discuss the process of developing autologous and allogeneic iPSC-based cell therapies and their potential to alleviate human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Cerneckis
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Hongxia Cai
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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Xin DE, Liao Y, Rao R, Ogurek S, Sengupta S, Xin M, Bayat AE, Seibel WL, Graham RT, Koschmann C, Lu QR. Chaetocin-mediated SUV39H1 inhibition targets stemness and oncogenic networks of diffuse midline gliomas and synergizes with ONC201. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:735-748. [PMID: 38011799 PMCID: PMC10995509 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad222] [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: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG/DMG) are devastating pediatric brain tumors with extraordinarily limited treatment options and uniformly fatal prognosis. Histone H3K27M mutation is a common recurrent alteration in DIPG and disrupts epigenetic regulation. We hypothesize that genome-wide H3K27M-induced epigenetic dysregulation makes tumors vulnerable to epigenetic targeting. METHODS We performed a screen of compounds targeting epigenetic enzymes to identify potential inhibitors for the growth of patient-derived DIPG cells. We further carried out transcriptomic and genomic landscape profiling including RNA-seq and CUT&RUN-seq as well as shRNA-mediated knockdown to assess the effects of chaetocin and SUV39H1, a target of chaetocin, on DIPG growth. RESULTS High-throughput small-molecule screening identified an epigenetic compound chaetocin as a potent blocker of DIPG cell growth. Chaetocin treatment selectively decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of DIPG cells and significantly extended survival in DIPG xenograft models, while restoring H3K27me3 levels. Moreover, the loss of H3K9 methyltransferase SUV39H1 inhibited DIPG cell growth. Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling indicated that SUV39H1 loss or inhibition led to the downregulation of stemness and oncogenic networks including growth factor receptor signaling and stemness-related programs; however, D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) signaling adaptively underwent compensatory upregulation conferring resistance. Consistently, a combination of chaetocin treatment with a DRD2 antagonist ONC201 synergistically increased the antitumor efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Our studies reveal a therapeutic vulnerability of DIPG cells through targeting the SUV39H1-H3K9me3 pathway and compensatory signaling loops for treating this devastating disease. Combining SUV39H1-targeting chaetocin with other agents such as ONC201 may offer a new strategy for effective DIPG treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhuan Eric Xin
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Yunfei Liao
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Rohit Rao
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sean Ogurek
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Soma Sengupta
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Mei Xin
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Arman Esshaghi Bayat
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - William L Seibel
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Richard T Graham
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Carl Koschmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Q Richard Lu
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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4
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Furnari FB, Anastasaki C, Bian S, Fine HA, Koga T, Le LQ, Rodriguez FJ, Gutmann DH. Stem cell modeling of nervous system tumors. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050533. [PMID: 38353122 PMCID: PMC10886724 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050533] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Nervous system tumors, particularly brain tumors, represent the most common tumors in children and one of the most lethal tumors in adults. Despite decades of research, there are few effective therapies for these cancers. Although human nervous system tumor cells and genetically engineered mouse models have served as excellent platforms for drug discovery and preclinical testing, they have limitations with respect to accurately recapitulating important aspects of the pathobiology of spontaneously arising human tumors. For this reason, attention has turned to the deployment of human stem cell engineering involving human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells, in which genetic alterations associated with nervous system cancers can be introduced. These stem cells can be used to create self-assembling three-dimensional cerebral organoids that preserve key features of the developing human brain. Moreover, stem cell-engineered lines are amenable to xenotransplantation into mice as a platform to investigate the tumor cell of origin, discover cancer evolutionary trajectories and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. In this article, we review the current state of human stem cell models of nervous system tumors, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and provide consensus recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank B Furnari
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shan Bian
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200070 Shanghai, China
| | - Howard A Fine
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tomoyuki Koga
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Fausto J Rodriguez
- Division of Neuropathology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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5
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Liu Y, Tan Y, Zhang Z, Yi M, Zhu L, Peng W. The interaction between ageing and Alzheimer's disease: insights from the hallmarks of ageing. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:7. [PMID: 38254235 PMCID: PMC10804662 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00397-x] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ageing is a crucial risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is characterised by systemic changes in both intracellular and extracellular microenvironments that affect the entire body instead of a single organ. Understanding the specific mechanisms underlying the role of ageing in disease development can facilitate the treatment of ageing-related diseases, such as AD. Signs of brain ageing have been observed in both AD patients and animal models. Alleviating the pathological changes caused by brain ageing can dramatically ameliorate the amyloid beta- and tau-induced neuropathological and memory impairments, indicating that ageing plays a crucial role in the pathophysiological process of AD. In this review, we summarize the impact of several age-related factors on AD and propose that preventing pathological changes caused by brain ageing is a promising strategy for improving cognitive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yejun Tan
- School of Mathematics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Zheyu Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Yi
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Lemei Zhu
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, 410219, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijun Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Sarker DB, Xue Y, Mahmud F, Jocelyn JA, Sang QXA. Interconversion of Cancer Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2024; 13:125. [PMID: 38247819 PMCID: PMC10814385 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020125] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells, especially cancer stem cells (CSCs), share many molecular features with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that enable the derivation of induced pluripotent cancer cells by reprogramming malignant cells. Conversely, normal iPSCs can be converted into cancer stem-like cells with the help of tumor microenvironment components and genetic manipulation. These CSC models can be utilized in oncogenic initiation and progression studies, understanding drug resistance, and developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the role of pluripotency factors in the stemness, tumorigenicity, and therapeutic resistance of cancer cells. Different methods to obtain iPSC-derived CSC models are described with an emphasis on exposure-based approaches. Culture in cancer cell-conditioned media or cocultures with cancer cells can convert normal iPSCs into cancer stem-like cells, aiding the examination of processes of oncogenesis. We further explored the potential of reprogramming cancer cells into cancer-iPSCs for mechanistic studies and cancer dependencies. The contributions of genetic, epigenetic, and tumor microenvironment factors can be evaluated using these models. Overall, integrating iPSC technology into cancer stem cell research holds significant promise for advancing our knowledge of cancer biology and accelerating the development of innovative and tailored therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drishty B. Sarker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Faiza Mahmud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Jonathan A. Jocelyn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; (D.B.S.); (Y.X.); (F.M.); (J.A.J.)
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4380, USA
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7
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Pang Z, Lu MM, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Bai JJ, Gu JY, Xie L, Wu WZ. Neoantigen-targeted TCR-engineered T cell immunotherapy: current advances and challenges. Biomark Res 2023; 11:104. [PMID: 38037114 PMCID: PMC10690996 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00534-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy using T cell receptor-engineered T cells (TCR-T) is a promising approach for cancer therapy with an expectation of no significant side effects. In the human body, mature T cells are armed with an incredible diversity of T cell receptors (TCRs) that theoretically react to the variety of random mutations generated by tumor cells. The outcomes, however, of current clinical trials using TCR-T cell therapies are not very successful especially involving solid tumors. The therapy still faces numerous challenges in the efficient screening of tumor-specific antigens and their cognate TCRs. In this review, we first introduce TCR structure-based antigen recognition and signaling, then describe recent advances in neoantigens and their specific TCR screening technologies, and finally summarize ongoing clinical trials of TCR-T therapies against neoantigens. More importantly, we also present the current challenges of TCR-T cell-based immunotherapies, e.g., the safety of viral vectors, the mismatch of T cell receptor, the impediment of suppressive tumor microenvironment. Finally, we highlight new insights and directions for personalized TCR-T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Pang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Man-Man Lu
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jin-Jin Bai
- Liver Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian-Ying Gu
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lu Xie
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Wei-Zhong Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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He R, Weng Z, Liu Y, Li B, Wang W, Meng W, Li B, Li L. Application of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Malignant Solid Tumors. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2557-2575. [PMID: 37755647 PMCID: PMC10661832 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10633-y] [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] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology has significantly progressed in studying malignant solid tumors. This technically feasible reprogramming techniques can reawaken sequestered dormant regions that regulate the fate of differentiated cells. Despite the evolving therapeutic modalities for malignant solid tumors, treatment outcomes have not been satisfactory. Recently, scientists attempted to apply induced pluripotent stem cell technology to cancer research, from modeling to treatment. Induced pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells, cancer cell lines, primary tumors, and individuals with an inherited propensity to develop cancer have shown great potential in cancer modeling, cell therapy, immunotherapy, and understanding tumor progression. This review summarizes the evolution of induced pluripotent stem cells technology and its applications in malignant solid tumor. Additionally, we discuss potential obstacles to induced pluripotent stem cell technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong He
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhijie Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunkun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bingzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanrong Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Longjiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Sharma M, Barravecchia I, Magnuson B, Ferris SF, Apfelbaum A, Mbah NE, Cruz J, Krishnamoorthy V, Teis R, Kauss M, Koschmann C, Lyssiotis CA, Ljungman M, Galban S. Histone H3 K27M-mediated regulation of cancer cell stemness and differentiation in diffuse midline glioma. Neoplasia 2023; 44:100931. [PMID: 37647805 PMCID: PMC10474232 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100931] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance remains a major obstacle to preventing progression of H3K27M-altered Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG). Resistance is driven in part by ALDH-positive cancer stem cells (CSC), with high ALDH1A3 expression observed in H3K27M-mutant DMG biopsies. We hypothesized that ALDH-mediated stemness and resistance may in part be driven by the oncohistone itself. Upon deletion of H3K27M, ALDH1A3 expression decreased dramatically and was accompanied by a gain in astrocytic marker expression and a loss of neurosphere forming potential, indicative of differentiation. Here we show that the oncohistone regulates histone acetylation through ALDH1A3 in a Wnt-dependent manner and that loss of H3K27M expression results in sensitization of DMGs to radiotherapy. The observed elevated Wnt signaling in H3K27M-altered DMG likely stems from a dramatic suppression of mRNA and protein expression of the Wnt inhibitor EYA4 driven by the oncohistone. Thus, our findings identify EYA4 as a bona fide tumor suppressor in DMG that upon suppression, results in aberrant Wnt signaling to orchestrate stemness and differentiation. Future studies will explore whether overexpression of EYA4 in DMG can impede growth and invasion. In summary, we have gained mechanistic insight into H3K27M-mediated regulation of cancer stemness and differentiation, which provides rationale for exploring new therapeutic targets for DMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sharma
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Ivana Barravecchia
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Brian Magnuson
- Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Sarah F Ferris
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - April Apfelbaum
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Nneka E Mbah
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Jeanette Cruz
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Varunkumar Krishnamoorthy
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Robert Teis
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - McKenzie Kauss
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Carl Koschmann
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Mats Ljungman
- Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Center for RNA Biomedicine, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Stefanie Galban
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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10
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Thomas BC, Staudt DE, Douglas AM, Monje M, Vitanza NA, Dun MD. CAR T cell therapies for diffuse midline glioma. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:791-804. [PMID: 37541803 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.007] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a fatal pediatric cancer of the central nervous system (CNS). The location and infiltrative nature of DMG prevents surgical resection and the benefits of palliative radiotherapy are temporary; median overall survival (OS) is 9-11 months. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is 'cold', and has a dominant immunosuppressive myeloid compartment with low levels of infiltrating lymphocytes and proinflammatory molecules. Because survival statistics have been stagnant for many decades, and therapies targeting the unique biology of DMG are urgently needed, this has prompted the clinical assessment of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies in this setting. We highlight the current landscape of CAR T cell therapy for DMG, the role the TIME may play in the response, and strategies to overcome treatment obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce C Thomas
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Dilana E Staudt
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Alicia M Douglas
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Monje
- Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas A Vitanza
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Paediatric Theme, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
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11
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Zhang X, Che Y, Mao L, Li D, Deng J, Guo Y, Zhao Q, Zhang X, Wang L, Gao X, Chen Y, Zhang T. H3.3B controls aortic dissection progression by regulating vascular smooth muscle cells phenotypic transition and vascular inflammation. Genomics 2023; 115:110685. [PMID: 37454936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110685] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Aortic dissection is a devastating cardiovascular disease with a high lethality. Histone variants maintain the genomic integrity and play important roles in development and diseases. However, the role of histone variants in aortic dissection has not been well identified. In the present study, H3f3b knockdown reduced the synthetic genes expression of VSMCs, while overexpressing H3f3b exacerbated the cellular immune response of VSMCs induced by inflammatory cytokines. Combined RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analyses revealed that histone variant H3.3B directly bound to the genes related to extracellular matrix, VSMC synthetic phenotype, cytokine responses and TGFβ signaling pathway, and regulated their expressions. In addition, VSMC-specific H3f3b knockin aggravated aortic dissection development in mice, while H3f3b knockout significantly reduced the incidence of aortic dissection. In term of mechanisms, H3.3B regulated Spp1 and Ccl2 genes, inducing the apoptosis of VSMCs and recruiting macrophages. This study demonstrated the vital roles of H3.3B in phenotypic transition of VSMCs, loss of media VSMCs, and vascular inflammation in aortic dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Yang Che
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Lin Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Dandan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Jianqing Deng
- Vascular Surgery Department, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yilong Guo
- Vascular Surgery Department, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Quanyi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Xingzhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen 518057, China; Key Laboratory of Application of Pluripotent Stem Cells in Heart Regeneration,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100037, China.
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Yinan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Vascular Surgery Department, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China.
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12
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Schloo C, Kutscher LM. Modeling brain and neural crest neoplasms with human pluripotent stem cells. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:1225-1235. [PMID: 36757217 PMCID: PMC10326493 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells offer unique avenues to study human-specific aspects of disease and are a highly versatile tool in cancer research. Oncogenic processes and developmental programs often share overlapping transcriptomic and epigenetic signatures, which can be reactivated in induced pluripotent stem cells. With the emergence of brain organoids, the ability to recapitulate brain development and structure has vastly improved, making in vitro models more realistic and hence more suitable for biomedical modeling. This review highlights recent research and current challenges in human pluripotent stem cell modeling of brain and neural crest neoplasms, and concludes with a call for more rigorous quality control and for the development of models for rare tumor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedar Schloo
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena M Kutscher
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Developmental Origins of Pediatric Cancer Junior Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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13
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Damodharan S, Abbott A, Kellar K, Zhao Q, Dey M. Molecular Characterization and Treatment Approaches for Pediatric H3 K27-Altered Diffuse Midline Glioma: Integrated Systematic Review of Individual Clinical Trial Participant Data. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3478. [PMID: 37444588 PMCID: PMC10340772 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), H3 K27-altered are highly aggressive, incurable central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The current standard palliative treatment is radiotherapy, with most children succumbing to the disease in less than one year from the time of diagnosis. Over the past decade, there have been significant advancements in our understanding of these heterogeneous tumors at the molecular level. As a result, most of the newer clinical trials offered utilize more targeted approaches with information derived from the tumor biopsy. In this systematic review, we used individual participant data from seven recent clinical trials published over the past five years that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria to analyze factors that influence overall survival (OS). We found that the most prominent genetic alterations H3.3 (H3F3A) and TP53 were associated with worse OS and that ACVR had a protective effect. In addition, re-irradiation was the only statistically significant treatment modality that showed any survival benefit. Our findings highlight some important characteristics of DMG, H3 K27-altered and their effects on OS along with the importance of continuing to review clinical trial data to improve our therapies for these fatal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshawn Damodharan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
| | - Alexandra Abbott
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (A.A.); (K.K.)
| | - Kaitlyn Kellar
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (A.A.); (K.K.)
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
| | - Mahua Dey
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (A.A.); (K.K.)
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14
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Shah AH, Rivas SR, Doucet-O'Hare TT, Govindarajan V, DeMarino C, Wang T, Ampie L, Zhang Y, Banasavadi-Siddegowda YK, Walbridge S, Maric D, Garcia-Montojo M, Suter RK, Lee MH, Zaghloul KA, Steiner J, Elkahloun AG, Chandar J, Seetharam D, Desgraves J, Li W, Johnson K, Ivan ME, Komotar RJ, Gilbert MR, Heiss JD, Nath A. Human endogenous retrovirus K contributes to a stem cell niche in glioblastoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e167929. [PMID: 37395282 DOI: 10.1172/jci167929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancestral viral relics that constitute nearly 8% of the human genome. Although normally silenced, the most recently integrated provirus HERV-K (HML-2) can be reactivated in certain cancers. Here, we report pathological expression of HML-2 in malignant gliomas in both cerebrospinal fluid and tumor tissue that was associated with a cancer stem cell phenotype and poor outcomes. Using single-cell RNA-Seq, we identified glioblastoma cellular populations with elevated HML-2 transcripts in neural progenitor-like cells (NPC-like) that drive cellular plasticity. Using CRISPR interference, we demonstrate that HML-2 critically maintained glioblastoma stemness and tumorigenesis in both glioblastoma neurospheres and intracranial orthotopic murine models. Additionally, we demonstrate that HML-2 critically regulated embryonic stem cell programs in NPC-derived astroglia and altered their 3D cellular morphology by activating the nuclear transcription factor OCT4, which binds to an HML-2-specific long-terminal repeat (LTR5Hs). Moreover, we discovered that some glioblastoma cells formed immature retroviral virions, and inhibiting HML-2 expression with antiretroviral drugs reduced reverse transcriptase activity in the extracellular compartment, tumor viability, and pluripotency. Our results suggest that HML-2 fundamentally contributes to the glioblastoma stem cell niche. Because persistence of glioblastoma stem cells is considered responsible for treatment resistance and recurrence, HML-2 may serve as a unique therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish H Shah
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sarah R Rivas
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tara T Doucet-O'Hare
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vaidya Govindarajan
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Catherine DeMarino
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tongguang Wang
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Leonel Ampie
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Stuart Walbridge
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dragan Maric
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marta Garcia-Montojo
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert K Suter
- Georgetown University, Bioinformatics Section, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Myoung-Hwa Lee
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kareem A Zaghloul
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph Steiner
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Abdel G Elkahloun
- Cancer Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jay Chandar
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Deepa Seetharam
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jelisah Desgraves
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Wenxue Li
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kory Johnson
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael E Ivan
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ricardo J Komotar
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John D Heiss
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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15
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Han YP, Lin HW, Li H. Cancer Stem Cells in Tumours of the Central Nervous System in Children: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3154. [PMID: 37370764 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123154] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subgroup of cells found in various kinds of tumours with stem cell characteristics, such as self-renewal, induced differentiation, and tumourigenicity. The existence of CSCs is regarded as a major source of tumour recurrence, metastasis, and resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Tumours of the central nervous system (CNS) are the most common solid tumours in children, which have many different types including highly malignant embryonal tumours and midline gliomas, and low-grade gliomas with favourable prognoses. Stem cells from the CNS tumours have been largely found and reported by researchers in the last decade and their roles in tumour biology have been deeply studied. However, the cross-talk of CSCs among different CNS tumour types and their clinical impacts have been rarely discussed. This article comprehensively reviews the achievements in research on CSCs in paediatric CNS tumours. Biological functions, diagnostic values, and therapeutic perspectives are reviewed in detail. Further investigations into CSCs are warranted to improve the clinical practice in treating children with CNS tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Peng Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Hou-Wei Lin
- Department of Paediatric Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Jiaxing Women and Children Hospital Affiliated to Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 201102, China
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16
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Noon A, Galban S. Therapeutic avenues for targeting treatment challenges of diffuse midline gliomas. Neoplasia 2023; 40:100899. [PMID: 37030112 PMCID: PMC10119952 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is the leading cause of brain tumor-related deaths in children. DMG typically presents with variable neurologic symptoms between ages 3 and 10. Currently, radiation remains the standard therapy for DMG to halt progression and reduce tumor bulk to minimize symptoms. However, tumors recur in almost 100% of patients and thus, DMG is still considered an incurable cancer with a median survival of 9-12 months. Surgery is generally contraindicated due to the delicate organization of the brainstem, where DMG is located. Despite extensive research efforts, no chemotherapeutic agents, immune therapies, or molecularly targeted therapies have been approved to provide survival benefit. Furthermore, the efficacy of therapies is limited by poor blood-brain barrier penetration and inherent resistance mechanisms of the tumor. However, novel drug delivery approaches, along with recent advances in molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have advanced to clinical trials and may provide viable future treatment options for DMG patients. This review seeks to evaluate current therapeutics at the preclinical stage and those that have advanced to clinical trials and to discuss the challenges of drug delivery and inherent resistance to these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleeha Noon
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 W Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
| | - Stefanie Galban
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, BSRB A502, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, BSRB A502, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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17
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Ocasio JK, Budd KM, Roach JT, Andrews JM, Baker SJ. Oncohistones and disrupted development in pediatric-type diffuse high-grade glioma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:367-388. [PMID: 37119408 PMCID: PMC10441521 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent, clonal somatic mutations in histone H3 are molecular hallmarks that distinguish the genetic mechanisms underlying pediatric and adult high-grade glioma (HGG), define biological subgroups of diffuse glioma, and highlight connections between cancer, development, and epigenetics. These oncogenic mutations in histones, now termed "oncohistones", were discovered through genome-wide sequencing of pediatric diffuse high-grade glioma. Up to 80% of diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and diffuse glioma arising in other midline structures including thalamus or spinal cord, contain histone H3 lysine 27 to methionine (K27M) mutations or, rarely, other alterations that result in a depletion of H3K27me3 similar to that induced by H3 K27M. This subgroup of glioma is now defined as diffuse midline glioma, H3K27-altered. In contrast, histone H3 Gly34Arg/Val (G34R/V) mutations are found in approximately 30% of diffuse glioma arising in the cerebral hemispheres of older adolescents and young adults, now classified as diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3G34-mutant. Here, we review how oncohistones modulate the epigenome and discuss the mutational landscape and invasive properties of histone mutant HGGs of childhood. The distinct mechanisms through which oncohistones and other mutations rewrite the epigenetic landscape provide novel insights into development and tumorigenesis and may present unique vulnerabilities for pHGGs. Lessons learned from these rare incurable brain tumors of childhood may have broader implications for cancer, as additional high- and low-frequency oncohistone mutations have been identified in other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Ocasio
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kaitlin M Budd
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jordan T Roach
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jared M Andrews
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Suzanne J Baker
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA.
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18
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Foss A, Pathania M. Pediatric Glioma Models Provide Insights into Tumor Development and Future Therapeutic Strategies. Dev Neurosci 2023; 46:22-43. [PMID: 37231843 DOI: 10.1159/000531040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In depth study of pediatric gliomas has been hampered due to difficulties in accessing patient tissue and a lack of clinically representative tumor models. Over the last decade, however, profiling of carefully curated cohorts of pediatric tumors has identified genetic drivers that molecularly segregate pediatric gliomas from adult gliomas. This information has inspired the development of a new set of powerful in vitro and in vivo tumor models that can aid in identifying pediatric-specific oncogenic mechanisms and tumor microenvironment interactions. Single-cell analyses of both human tumors and these newly developed models have revealed that pediatric gliomas arise from spatiotemporally discrete neural progenitor populations in which developmental programs have become dysregulated. Pediatric high-grade gliomas also harbor distinct sets of co-segregating genetic and epigenetic alterations, often accompanied by unique features within the tumor microenvironment. The development of these novel tools and data resources has led to insights into the biology and heterogeneity of these tumors, including identification of distinctive sets of driver mutations, developmentally restricted cells of origin, recognizable patterns of tumor progression, characteristic immune environments, and tumor hijacking of normal microenvironmental and neural programs. As concerted efforts have broadened our understanding of these tumors, new therapeutic vulnerabilities have been identified, and for the first time, promising new strategies are being evaluated in the preclinical and clinical settings. Even so, dedicated and sustained collaborative efforts are necessary to refine our knowledge and bring these new strategies into general clinical use. In this review, we will discuss the range of currently available glioma models, the way in which they have each contributed to recent developments in the field, their benefits and drawbacks for addressing specific research questions, and their future utility in advancing biological understanding and treatment of pediatric glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Foss
- Department of Oncology and the Milner Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- CRUK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Manav Pathania
- Department of Oncology and the Milner Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- CRUK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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19
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Zhang Q, Yang L, Liu YH, Wilkinson JE, Krainer AR. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy for H3.3K27M diffuse midline glioma. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadd8280. [PMID: 37043556 PMCID: PMC10263181 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.add8280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are pediatric high-grade brain tumors in the thalamus, midbrain, or pons; the latter subgroup are termed diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG). The brain stem location of these tumors limits the clinical management of DIPG, resulting in poor outcomes for patients. A heterozygous, somatic point mutation in one of two genes coding for the noncanonical histone H3.3 is present in most DIPG tumors. This dominant mutation in the H3-3A gene results in replacement of lysine 27 with methionine (K27M) and causes a global reduction of trimethylation on K27 of all wild-type histone H3 proteins, which is thought to be a driving event in gliomagenesis. In this study, we designed and systematically screened 2'-O-methoxyethyl phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that direct RNase H-mediated knockdown of H3-3A mRNA. We identified a lead ASO that effectively reduced H3-3A mRNA and H3.3K27M protein and restored global H3K27 trimethylation in patient-derived neurospheres. We then tested the lead ASO in two mouse models of DIPG: an immunocompetent mouse model using transduced mutant human H3-3A cDNA and an orthotopic xenograft with patient-derived cells. In both models, ASO treatment restored K27 trimethylation of histone H3 proteins and reduced tumor growth, promoted neural stem cell differentiation into astrocytes, neurons, and oligodendrocytes, and increased survival. These results demonstrate the involvement of the H3.3K27M oncohistone in tumor maintenance, confirm the reversibility of the aberrant epigenetic changes it promotes, and provide preclinical proof of concept for DMG antisense therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724
- Stony Brook University, Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Stony Brook, NY, 11794
| | - Lucia Yang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724
- Stony Brook University, Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook, NY, 11794
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794
| | - Ying Hsiu Liu
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724
| | - John E. Wilkinson
- University of Michigan, Department of Pathology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109
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20
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Loss of p53 Concurrent with RAS and TERT Activation Induces Glioma Formation. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3452-3463. [PMID: 36867344 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03288-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
There is an ongoing debate regarding whether gliomas originate due to functional or genetic changes in neural stem cells (NSCs). Genetic engineering has made it possible to use NSCs to establish glioma models with the pathological features of human tumors. Here, we found that RAS, TERT, and p53 mutations or abnormal expression were associated with the occurrence of glioma in the mouse tumor transplantation model. Moreover, EZH2 palmitoylation mediated by ZDHHC5 played a significant role in this malignant transformation. EZH2 palmitoylation activates H3K27me3, which in turn decreases miR-1275, increases glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, and weakens the binding of DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) to the OCT4 promoter region. Thus, these findings are significant because RAS, TERT, and p53 oncogenes in human neural stem cells are conducive to a fully malignant and rapid transformation, suggesting that gene changes and specific combinations of susceptible cell types are important factors in determining the occurrence of gliomas.
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21
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Duan J, Wang Y. Modeling nervous system tumors with human stem cells and organoids. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:4. [PMID: 36854987 PMCID: PMC9975125 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-022-00150-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Nervous system cancers are the 10th leading cause of death worldwide, many of which are difficult to diagnose and exhibit varying degrees of treatment resistance. The limitations of existing cancer models, such as patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, call for the development of novel preclinical cancer models to more faithfully mimic the patient's cancer and offer additional insights. Recent advances in human stem cell biology, organoid, and genome-editing techniques allow us to model nervous system tumors in three types of next-generation tumor models: cell-of-origin models, tumor organoids, and 3D multicellular coculture models. In this review, we introduced and compared different human stem cell/organoid-derived models, and comprehensively summarized and discussed the recently developed models for various primary tumors in the central and peripheral nervous systems, including glioblastoma (GBM), H3K27M-mutant Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) and H3G34R-mutant High-grade Glioma (HGG), Low-grade Glioma (LGG), Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), Medulloblastoma (MB), Atypical Teratoid/rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT), and meningioma. We further compared these models with PDX and GEM models, and discussed the opportunities and challenges of precision nervous cancer modeling with human stem cells and organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Duan
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and National Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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22
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Skinner KR, Koga T, Miki S, Gruener RF, Grigore FN, Torii EH, Seelig DM, Suzuki Y, Kawauchi D, Lin B, Malicki DM, Chen CC, Benveniste EN, Patel RP, McFarland BC, Huang RS, Jones C, Mackay A, Miller CR, Furnari FB. Cooperativity between H3.3K27M and PDGFRA poses multiple therapeutic vulnerabilities in human iPSC-derived diffuse midline glioma avatars. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.24.528982. [PMID: 36865329 PMCID: PMC9980117 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.528982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a leading cause of brain tumor death in children. In addition to hallmark H3.3K27M mutations, significant subsets also harbor alterations of other genes, such as TP53 and PDGFRA. Despite the prevalence of H3.3K27M, the results of clinical trials in DMG have been mixed, possibly due to the lack of models recapitulating its genetic heterogeneity. To address this gap, we developed human iPSC-derived tumor models harboring TP53R248Q with or without heterozygous H3.3K27M and/or PDGFRAD842V overexpression. The combination of H3.3K27M and PDGFRAD842V resulted in more proliferative tumors when gene-edited neural progenitor (NP) cells were implanted into mouse brains compared to NP with either mutation alone. Transcriptomic comparison of tumors and their NP cells of origin identified conserved JAK/STAT pathway activation across genotypes as characteristic of malignant transformation. Conversely, integrated genome-wide epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses, as well as rational pharmacologic inhibition, revealed targetable vulnerabilities unique to the TP53R248Q; H3.3K27M; PDGFRAD842V tumors and related to their aggressive growth phenotype. These include AREG-mediated cell cycle control, altered metabolism, and vulnerability to combination ONC201/trametinib treatment. Taken together, these data suggest that cooperation between H3.3K27M and PDGFRA influences tumor biology, underscoring the need for better molecular stratification in DMG clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey R Skinner
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Tomoyuki Koga
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Shunichiro Miki
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Robert F Gruener
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Emma H Torii
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Davis M Seelig
- Comparative Pathology Shared Resource, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Yuta Suzuki
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daisuke Kawauchi
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Benjamin Lin
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Denise M Malicki
- Pathology, Rady Children's Hospital University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Clark C Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Etty N Benveniste
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Rakesh P Patel
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Braden C McFarland
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - R Stephanie Huang
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Chris Jones
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Alan Mackay
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - C Ryan Miller
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Frank B Furnari
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
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23
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Spatial transcriptomics reveals niche-specific enrichment and vulnerabilities of radial glial stem-like cells in malignant gliomas. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1028. [PMID: 36823172 PMCID: PMC9950149 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36707-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma-H3K27M mutant (DMG) and glioblastoma (GBM) are the most lethal brain tumors that primarily occur in pediatric and adult patients, respectively. Both tumors exhibit significant heterogeneity, shaped by distinct genetic/epigenetic drivers, transcriptional programs including RNA splicing, and microenvironmental cues in glioma niches. However, the spatial organization of cellular states and niche-specific regulatory programs remain to be investigated. Here, we perform a spatial profiling of DMG and GBM combining short- and long-read spatial transcriptomics, and single-cell transcriptomic datasets. We identify clinically relevant transcriptional programs, RNA isoform diversity, and multi-cellular ecosystems across different glioma niches. We find that while the tumor core enriches for oligodendrocyte precursor-like cells, radial glial stem-like (RG-like) cells are enriched in the neuron-rich invasive niche in both DMG and GBM. Further, we identify niche-specific regulatory programs for RG-like cells, and functionally confirm that FAM20C mediates invasive growth of RG-like cells in a neuron-rich microenvironment in a human neural stem cell derived orthotopic DMG model. Together, our results provide a blueprint for understanding the spatial architecture and niche-specific vulnerabilities of DMG and GBM.
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24
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Grigore FN, Yang SJ, Chen CC, Koga T. Pioneering models of pediatric brain tumors. Neoplasia 2023; 36:100859. [PMID: 36599191 PMCID: PMC9823239 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Among children and adolescents in the United States (0 to 19 years old), brain and other central nervous system tumors are the second most common types of cancers, surpassed in incidence only by leukemias. Despite significant progress in the diagnosis and treatment modalities, brain cancer remains the leading cause of death in the pediatric population. There is an obvious unfulfilled need to streamline the therapeutic strategies and improve survival for these patients. For that purpose, preclinical models play a pivotal role. Numerous models are currently used in pediatric brain tumor research, including genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts and cell lines, and newer models that utilize novel technologies such as genome engineering and organoids. Furthermore, extensive studies by the Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) researchers and others have revealed multiomic landscapes of variable pediatric brain tumors. Combined with such integrative data, these novel technologies have enabled numerous applicable models. Genome engineering, including CRISPR/Cas9, expanded the flexibility of modeling. Models generated through genome engineering enabled studying particular genetic alterations in clean isogenic backgrounds, facilitating the dissection of functional mechanisms of those mutations in tumor biology. Organoids have been applied to study tumor-to-tumor-microenvironment interactions and to address developmental aspects of tumorigenesis, which is essential in some pediatric brain tumors. Other modalities, such as humanized mouse models, could potentially be applied to pediatric brain tumors. In addition to current valuable models, such novel models are anticipated to expedite functional tumor biology study and establish effective therapeutics for pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florina-Nicoleta Grigore
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, MMC96, Room D-429, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Serena Johanna Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, MMC96, Room D-429, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Clark C Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, MMC96, Room D-429, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Tomoyuki Koga
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, MMC96, Room D-429, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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25
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Jovanovich N, Habib A, Head J, Hameed F, Agnihotri S, Zinn PO. Pediatric diffuse midline glioma: Understanding the mechanisms and assessing the next generation of personalized therapeutics. Neurooncol Adv 2023; 5:vdad040. [PMID: 37152806 PMCID: PMC10162114 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a pediatric cancer that originates in the midline structures of the brain. Prognosis of DMG patients remains poor due to the infiltrative nature of these tumors and the protection they receive from systemically delivered therapeutics via an intact blood-brain barrier (BBB), making treatment difficult. While the cell of origin remains disputed, it is believed to reside in the ventral pons. Recent research has pointed toward epigenetic dysregulation inducing an OPC-like transcriptomic signature in DMG cells. This epigenetic dysregulation is typically caused by a mutation (K27M) in one of two histone genes-H3F3A or HIST1H3B -and can lead to a differentiation block that increases these cells oncogenic potential. Standard treatment with radiation is not sufficient at overcoming the aggressivity of this cancer and only confers a survival benefit of a few months, and thus, discovery of new therapeutics is of utmost importance. In this review, we discuss the cell of origin of DMGs, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to their aggressivity and resistance to treatment. Additionally, we outline the current standard of care for DMG patients and the potential future therapeutics for this cancer that are currently being tested in preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolina Jovanovich
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ahmed Habib
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeffery Head
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Farrukh Hameed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sameer Agnihotri
- Sameer Agnihtroi, PhD, 4401 Penn Avenue, Office 7126, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA ()
| | - Pascal O Zinn
- Corresponding Authors: Pascal O. Zinn, MD, PhD, 5150 Centre Ave. Suite 433, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA ()
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26
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Guo Y, Yu Y, Wang GG. Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 in Oncology. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 190:273-320. [PMID: 38113005 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45654-1_9] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic regulation of the chromatin state by Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) provides an important mean for epigenetic gene control that can profoundly influence normal development and cell lineage specification. PRC2 and PRC2-induced methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) are critically involved in a wide range of DNA-templated processes, which at least include transcriptional repression and gene imprinting, organization of three-dimensional chromatin structure, DNA replication and DNA damage response and repair. PRC2-based genome regulation often goes wrong in diseases, notably cancer. This chapter discusses about different modes-of-action through which PRC2 and EZH2, a catalytic subunit of PRC2, mediate (epi)genomic and transcriptomic regulation. We will also discuss about how alteration or mutation of the PRC2 core or axillary component promotes oncogenesis, how post-translational modification regulates functionality of EZH2 and PRC2, and how PRC2 and other epigenetic pathways crosstalk. Lastly, we will briefly touch on advances in targeting EZH2 and PRC2 dependence as cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Yao Yu
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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27
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Mo Y, Duan S, Zhang X, Hua X, Zhou H, Wei HJ, Watanabe J, McQuillan N, Su Z, Gu W, Wu CC, Vakoc CR, Hashizume R, Chang K, Zhang Z. Epigenome Programming by H3.3K27M Mutation Creates a Dependence of Pediatric Glioma on SMARCA4. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:2906-2929. [PMID: 36305747 PMCID: PMC9722525 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Patients with diffuse midline gliomas that are H3K27 altered (DMG) display a dismal prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying DMG tumorigenesis remain poorly defined. Here we show that SMARCA4, the catalytic subunit of the mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is essential for the proliferation, migration, and invasion of DMG cells and tumor growth in patient-derived DMG xenograft models. SMARCA4 colocalizes with SOX10 at gene regulatory elements to control the expression of genes involved in cell growth and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Moreover, SMARCA4 chromatin binding is reduced upon depletion of SOX10 or H3.3K27M, a mutation occurring in about 60% DMG tumors. Furthermore, the SMARCA4 occupancy at enhancers marked by both SOX10 and H3K27 acetylation is reduced the most upon depleting the H3.3K27M mutation. Taken together, our results support a model in which epigenome reprogramming by H3.3K27M creates a dependence on SMARCA4-mediated chromatin remodeling to drive gene expression and the pathogenesis of H3.3K27M DMG. SIGNIFICANCE DMG is a deadly pediatric glioma currently without effective treatments. We discovered that the chromatin remodeler SMARCA4 is essential for the proliferation of DMG with H3K27M mutation in vitro and in vivo, identifying a potentially novel therapeutic approach to this disease. See related commentary by Beytagh and Weiss, p. 2730. See related article by Panditharatna et al., p. 2880. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2711.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Mo
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shoufu Duan
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xu Zhang
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xu Hua
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hui Zhou
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Hong-Jian Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jun Watanabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nicholas McQuillan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Zhenyi Su
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wei Gu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cheng-Chia Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kenneth Chang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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28
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Liu I, Jiang L, Samuelsson ER, Marco Salas S, Beck A, Hack OA, Jeong D, Shaw ML, Englinger B, LaBelle J, Mire HM, Madlener S, Mayr L, Quezada MA, Trissal M, Panditharatna E, Ernst KJ, Vogelzang J, Gatesman TA, Halbert ME, Palova H, Pokorna P, Sterba J, Slaby O, Geyeregger R, Diaz A, Findlay IJ, Dun MD, Resnick A, Suvà ML, Jones DTW, Agnihotri S, Svedlund J, Koschmann C, Haberler C, Czech T, Slavc I, Cotter JA, Ligon KL, Alexandrescu S, Yung WKA, Arrillaga-Romany I, Gojo J, Monje M, Nilsson M, Filbin MG. The landscape of tumor cell states and spatial organization in H3-K27M mutant diffuse midline glioma across age and location. Nat Genet 2022; 54:1881-1894. [PMID: 36471067 PMCID: PMC9729116 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01236-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Histone 3 lysine27-to-methionine (H3-K27M) mutations most frequently occur in diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) of the childhood pons but are also increasingly recognized in adults. Their potential heterogeneity at different ages and midline locations is vastly understudied. Here, through dissecting the single-cell transcriptomic, epigenomic and spatial architectures of a comprehensive cohort of patient H3-K27M DMGs, we delineate how age and anatomical location shape glioma cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic features in light of the shared driver mutation. We show that stem-like oligodendroglial precursor-like cells, present across all clinico-anatomical groups, display varying levels of maturation dependent on location. We reveal a previously underappreciated relationship between mesenchymal cancer cell states and age, linked to age-dependent differences in the immune microenvironment. Further, we resolve the spatial organization of H3-K27M DMG cell populations and identify a mitotic oligodendroglial-lineage niche. Collectively, our study provides a powerful framework for rational modeling and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilon Liu
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Li Jiang
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Erik R. Samuelsson
- grid.10548.380000 0004 1936 9377Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergio Marco Salas
- grid.10548.380000 0004 1936 9377Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Beck
- grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XCenter for Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia A. Hack
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Daeun Jeong
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - McKenzie L. Shaw
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Bernhard Englinger
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA ,grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jenna LaBelle
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Hafsa M. Mire
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Sibylle Madlener
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Mayr
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael A. Quezada
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Maria Trissal
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Eshini Panditharatna
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Kati J. Ernst
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jayne Vogelzang
- grid.65499.370000 0001 2106 9910Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA
| | - Taylor A. Gatesman
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.239553.b0000 0000 9753 0008John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Matthew E. Halbert
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.239553.b0000 0000 9753 0008John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Hana Palova
- grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pokorna
- grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Sterba
- Pediatric Oncology Department, University Hospital Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, ICRC, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Slaby
- grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic ,grid.10267.320000 0001 2194 0956Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rene Geyeregger
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria ,grid.416346.2Department of Clinical Cell Biology and FACS Core Unit, St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - Aaron Diaz
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Izac J. Findlay
- grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XCancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales Australia ,grid.413648.cPrecision Medicine Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XCancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales Australia ,grid.413648.cPrecision Medicine Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales Australia
| | - Adam Resnick
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Mario L. Suvà
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA ,grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Department of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - David T. W. Jones
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sameer Agnihotri
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.239553.b0000 0000 9753 0008John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Jessica Svedlund
- grid.10548.380000 0004 1936 9377Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl Koschmann
- grid.412590.b0000 0000 9081 2336Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Christine Haberler
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Czech
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Slavc
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jennifer A. Cotter
- grid.239546.f0000 0001 2153 6013Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Keith L. Ligon
- grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA ,grid.65499.370000 0001 2106 9910Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA ,grid.62560.370000 0004 0378 8294Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA ,grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sanda Alexandrescu
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - W. K. Alfred Yung
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Neuro-Oncology, Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Isabel Arrillaga-Romany
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Cancer Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Johannes Gojo
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michelle Monje
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA ,grid.413575.10000 0001 2167 1581Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Mats Nilsson
- grid.10548.380000 0004 1936 9377Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mariella G. Filbin
- grid.511177.4Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
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29
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Zhao B, Sun K, Zhang Z, Xu T, Zhao L, Liu C, Xiao Y. A rare presentation of primary lateral ventricle H3 K27-altered diffuse midline glioma in a 14-year-old girl: a case description. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2022; 12:5288-5295. [PMID: 36330184 PMCID: PMC9622459 DOI: 10.21037/qims-22-339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Baolian Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Sun
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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30
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Gonzalez Castro LN, Liu I, Filbin M. Characterizing the biology of primary brain tumors and their microenvironment via single-cell profiling methods. Neuro Oncol 2022; 25:234-247. [PMID: 36197833 PMCID: PMC9925698 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic and transcriptional heterogeneity is prevalent among the most common and aggressive primary brain tumors in children and adults. Over the past 20 years, advances in bioengineering, biochemistry and bioinformatics have enabled the development of an array of techniques to study tumor biology at single-cell resolution. The application of these techniques to study primary brain tumors has helped advance our understanding of their intra-tumoral heterogeneity and uncover new insights regarding their co-option of developmental programs and signaling from their microenvironment to promote tumor proliferation and invasion. These insights are currently being harnessed to develop new therapeutic approaches. Here we provide an overview of current single-cell techniques and discuss relevant biology and therapeutic insights uncovered by their application to primary brain tumors in children and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Nicolas Gonzalez Castro
- Corresponding Author: L. Nicolas Gonzalez Castro, MD, PhD, Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA ()
| | | | - Mariella Filbin
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
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31
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Gimple RC, Yang K, Halbert ME, Agnihotri S, Rich JN. Brain cancer stem cells: resilience through adaptive plasticity and hierarchical heterogeneity. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:497-514. [PMID: 35710946 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00486-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant brain tumours are complex ecosystems containing neoplastic and stromal components that generate adaptive and evolutionarily driven aberrant tissues in the central nervous system. Brain cancers are cultivated by a dynamic population of stem-like cells that enforce intratumoural heterogeneity and respond to intrinsic microenvironment or therapeutically guided insults through proliferation, plasticity and restructuring of neoplastic and stromal components. Far from a rigid hierarchy, heterogeneous neoplastic populations transition between cellular states with differential self-renewal capacities, endowing them with powerful resilience. Here we review the biological machinery used by brain tumour stem cells to commandeer tissues in the intracranial space, evade immune responses and resist chemoradiotherapy. Through recent advances in single-cell sequencing, improved models to investigate the role of the tumour microenvironment and a deeper understanding of the fundamental role of the immune system in cancer biology, we are now better equipped to explore mechanisms by which these processes can be exploited for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Gimple
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kailin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Matthew E Halbert
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sameer Agnihotri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jeremy N Rich
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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32
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Tomita Y, Shimazu Y, Somasundaram A, Tanaka Y, Takata N, Ishi Y, Gadd S, Hashizume R, Angione A, Pinero G, Hambardzumyan D, Brat DJ, Hoeman CM, Becher OJ. A novel mouse model of diffuse midline glioma initiated in neonatal oligodendrocyte progenitor cells highlights cell-of-origin dependent effects of H3K27M. Glia 2022; 70:1681-1698. [PMID: 35524725 PMCID: PMC9546478 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a type of lethal brain tumor that develops mainly in children. The majority of DMG harbor the K27M mutation in histone H3. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in the brainstem are candidate cells-of-origin for DMG, yet there is no genetically engineered mouse model of DMG initiated in OPCs. Here, we used the RCAS/Tv-a avian retroviral system to generate DMG in Olig2-expressing progenitors and Nestin-expressing progenitors in the neonatal mouse brainstem. PDGF-A or PDGF-B overexpression, along with p53 deletion, resulted in gliomas in both models. Exogenous overexpression of H3.3K27M had a significant effect on tumor latency and tumor cell proliferation when compared with H3.3WT in Nestin+ cells but not in Olig2+ cells. Further, the fraction of H3.3K27M-positive cells was significantly lower in DMGs initiated in Olig2+ cells relative to Nestin+ cells, both in PDGF-A and PDGF-B-driven models, suggesting that the requirement for H3.3K27M is reduced when tumorigenesis is initiated in Olig2+ cells. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in H3.3K27M tumors were non-overlapping between Olig2;PDGF-B, Olig2;PDGF-A, and Nestin;PDGF-A models. GSEA analysis of PDGFA tumors confirmed that the transcriptomal effects of H3.3K27M are cell-of-origin dependent with H3.3K27M promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis when Olig2 marks the cell-of-origin and inhibiting EMT and angiogenesis when Nestin marks the cell-of-origin. We did observe some overlap with H3.3K27M promoting negative enrichment of TNFA_Signaling_Via_NFKB in both models. Our study suggests that the tumorigenic effects of H3.3K27M are cell-of-origin dependent, with H3.3K27M being more oncogenic in Nestin+ cells than Olig2+ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Tomita
- Department of PediatricsFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroendovascular SurgeryHiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens HospitalHiroshimaJapan
| | - Yosuke Shimazu
- Department of PediatricsFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Agila Somasundaram
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell TransplantAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Yoshihiro Tanaka
- Department of Preventive MedicineNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, Department of CardiologyNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Nozomu Takata
- Center for Vascular and Developmental BiologyFeinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute (FCVRRI), Northwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnologyNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Yukitomo Ishi
- Department of PediatricsFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Samantha Gadd
- Department of PathologyAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Department of PediatricsFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell TransplantAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Angelo Angione
- Department of Neurosurgery and Oncological SciencesMount Sinai School of MedicineNew YorkUSA
| | - Gonzalo Pinero
- Department of Neurosurgery and Oncological SciencesMount Sinai School of MedicineNew YorkUSA
| | - Dolores Hambardzumyan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Oncological SciencesMount Sinai School of MedicineNew YorkUSA
| | - Daniel J. Brat
- Department of PathologyFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Christine M. Hoeman
- Department of PediatricsFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Oren J. Becher
- Department of PediatricsFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell TransplantAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Jack Martin Division of Pediatric Hematology‐oncologyMount Sinai Kravis Children's HospitalNew YorkUSA
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33
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Pan Y, Monje M. Neuron-Glial Interactions in Health and Brain Cancer. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200122. [PMID: 35957525 PMCID: PMC9845196 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Brain tumors are devastating diseases of the central nervous system. Brain tumor pathogenesis depends on both tumor-intrinsic oncogenic programs and extrinsic microenvironmental factors, including neurons and glial cells. Glial cells (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia) make up half of the cells in the brain, and interact with neurons to modulate neurodevelopment and plasticity. Many brain tumor cells exhibit transcriptomic profiles similar to macroglial cells (oligodendrocytes and astrocytes) and their progenitors, making them likely to subvert existing neuron-glial interactions to support tumor pathogenesis. For example, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, a putative glioma cell of origin, can form bona fide synapses with neurons. Such synapses are recently identified in gliomas and drive glioma pathophysiology, underscoring how brain tumor cells can take advantage of neuron-glial interactions to support cancer progression. In this review, it is briefly summarized how neurons and their activity normally interact with glial cells and glial progenitors, and it is discussed how brain tumor cells utilize neuron-glial interactions to support tumor initiation and progression. Unresolved questions on these topics and potential avenues to therapeutically target neuron-glia-cancer interactions in the brain are also pointed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Pan
- Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center,co-corresponding: ;
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University,co-corresponding: ;
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Eytan K, Versano Z, Oren R, Jacob-Hirsch J, Leitner M, Harmelin A, Rechavi G, Toren A, Paglin S, Yalon M. Pediatric glioblastoma cells are sensitive to drugs that inhibit eIF2α dephosphorylation and its phosphomimetic S51D variant. Front Oncol 2022; 12:959133. [PMID: 36091130 PMCID: PMC9462064 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.959133] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We found that pediatric glioblastoma (PED-GBM) cell lines from diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) carrying the H3K27M mutation or from diffuse hemispheric glioma expressing the H3G34R mutation are sensitive to the combination of vorinostat (a histone deacetylase inhibitor) and PARP-1 inhibitors. The combined treatment increased the phosphorylation of eIF2α (P-eIF2α) relative to each drug alone and enhanced the decrease in cell survival. To explore the role played by increased P-eIF2α in modulating PED-GBM survival and response to treatments, we employed brain-penetrating inhibitors of P-eIF2α dephosphorylation: salubrinal and raphin-1. These drugs increased P-eIF2α, DNA damage, and cell death, similarly affecting the sensitivity of DIPG cells and derived neurospheres to PARP-1 inhibitors. Interestingly, these drugs also decreased the level of eIF2Bϵ (the catalytic subunit of eIF2B) and increased its phosphorylation, thereby enhancing the effect of increased P-eIF2α. Transient transfection with the S51D phosphomimetic eIF2α variant recapitulated the effect of salubrinal and raphin-1 on PED-GBM survival and sensitivity to PARP-1 inhibitors. Importantly, either salubrinal or raphin-1 dramatically increased the sensitivity of DIPG cells to radiation, the main treatment modality of PED-GBM. Finally, PED-GBM was more sensitive than normal human astrocytes to salubrinal, raphin-1, and the treatment combinations described herein. Our results indicate that combinations of histone deacetylase inhibitors and PARP-1 inhibitors should be evaluated for their toxicity and efficacy in PED-GBM patients and point to drugs that increase P-eIF2α or modulate its downstream effectors as a novel means of treating PED-GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Eytan
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Edmond and Lilly Safra Children’s Hospital and Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ziv Versano
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Edmond and Lilly Safra Children’s Hospital and Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roni Oren
- Department of Veterinary Resources, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jasmine Jacob-Hirsch
- Sheba Cancer Research Center (SCRC), Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Wohl Centre for Translational Medicine, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Moshe Leitner
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Edmond and Lilly Safra Children’s Hospital and Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Alon Harmelin
- Department of Veterinary Resources, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gideon Rechavi
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sheba Cancer Research Center (SCRC), Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Wohl Centre for Translational Medicine, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Amos Toren
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Edmond and Lilly Safra Children’s Hospital and Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shoshana Paglin
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Edmond and Lilly Safra Children’s Hospital and Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michal Yalon
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Edmond and Lilly Safra Children’s Hospital and Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- *Correspondence: Michal Yalon,
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35
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Fan M, Shi H, Yao H, Wang W, Zhang Y, Jiang C, Lin R. Glutamate regulates gliosis of BMSCs to promote ENS regeneration through α-KG and H3K9/H3K27 demethylation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:255. [PMID: 35715822 PMCID: PMC9205030 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02936-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a lack of effective therapies for enteric nervous system (ENS) injury. Our previous study showed that transplanted bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) play a “glia-like cells” role in initiating ENS regeneration in denervated mice. Cellular energy metabolism is an important factor in maintaining the biological characteristics of stem cells. However, how cellular energy metabolism regulates the fate of BMSCs in the ENS-injured microenvironment is unclear. Methods The biological characteristics, energy metabolism, and histone methylation levels of BMSCs following ENS injury were determined. Then, glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (Glud1) which catalyzes the oxidative deamination of glutamate to α-KG was overexpressed (OE) in BMSCs. Further, OE-Glud1 BMSCs were targeted–transplanted into the ENS injury site of denervated mice to determine their effects on ENS regeneration. Results In vitro, in the ENS-injured high-glutamate microenvironment, the ratio of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) to succinate (P < 0.05), the histone demethylation level (P < 0.05), the protein expression of glial cell markers (P < 0.05), and the gene expression of Glud1 (P < 0.05) were significantly increased. And the binding of H3K9me3 to the GFAP, S100B, and GDNF promoter was enhanced (P < 0.05). Moreover, α-KG treatment increased the monomethylation and decreased the trimethylation on H3K9 (P < 0.01) and H3K27 (P < 0.05) in BMSCs and significantly upregulated the protein expression of glial cell markers (P < 0.01), which was reversed by the α-KG competitive inhibitor D-2-hydroxyglutarate (P < 0.05). Besides, overexpression of Glud1 in BMSCs exhibited increases in monomethylation and decreases in trimethylation on H3K9 (P < 0.05) and H3K27 (P < 0.05), and upregulated protein expression of glial cell markers (P < 0.01). In vivo, BMSCs overexpressing Glud1 had a strong promotion effect on ENS regeneration in denervated mice through H3K9/H3K27 demethylation (P < 0.05), and upregulating the expression of glial cell protein (P < 0.05). Conclusions BMSCs overexpressing Glud1 promote the expression of glial cell markers and ENS remodeling in denervated mice through regulating intracellular α-KG and H3K9/H3K27 demethylation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02936-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Huiying Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hailing Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yurui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Rong Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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36
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The Intricate Epigenetic and Transcriptional Alterations in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: Targeting the Crosstalk as the Oncogenic Achilles’ Heel. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061311. [PMID: 35740334 PMCID: PMC9219798 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061311] [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] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are a deadly and heterogenous subgroup of gliomas for which the development of innovative treatments is urgent. Advances in high-throughput molecular techniques have shed light on key epigenetic components of these diseases, such as K27M and G34R/V mutations on histone 3. However, modification of DNA compaction is not sufficient by itself to drive those tumors. Here, we review molecular specificities of pHGGs subcategories in the context of epigenomic rewiring caused by H3 mutations and the subsequent oncogenic interplay with transcriptional signaling pathways co-opted from developmental programs that ultimately leads to gliomagenesis. Understanding how transcriptional and epigenetic alterations synergize in each cellular context in these tumors could allow the identification of new Achilles’ heels, thereby highlighting new levers to improve their therapeutic management.
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37
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Antonica F, Aiello G, Soldano A, Abballe L, Miele E, Tiberi L. Modeling Brain Tumors: A Perspective Overview of in vivo and Organoid Models. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:818696. [PMID: 35706426 PMCID: PMC9190727 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.818696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are a large and heterogeneous group of neoplasms that affect the central nervous system and include some of the deadliest cancers. Almost all the conventional and new treatments fail to hinder tumoral growth of the most malignant brain tumors. This is due to multiple factors, such as intra-tumor heterogeneity, the microenvironmental properties of the human brain, and the lack of reliable models to test new therapies. Therefore, creating faithful models for each tumor and discovering tailored treatments pose great challenges in the fight against brain cancer. Over the years, different types of models have been generated, and, in this review, we investigated the advantages and disadvantages of the models currently used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Antonica
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Aiello
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessia Soldano
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Tiberi
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luca Tiberi,
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Kfoury-Beaumont N, Prakasam R, Pondugula S, Lagas JS, Matkovich S, Gontarz P, Yang L, Yano H, Kim AH, Rubin JB, Kroll KL. The H3K27M mutation alters stem cell growth, epigenetic regulation, and differentiation potential. BMC Biol 2022; 20:124. [PMID: 35637482 PMCID: PMC9153095 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders increase brain tumor risk, suggesting that normal brain development may have protective properties. Mutations in epigenetic regulators are common in pediatric brain tumors, highlighting a potentially central role for disrupted epigenetic regulation of normal brain development in tumorigenesis. For example, lysine 27 to methionine mutation (H3K27M) in the H3F3A gene occurs frequently in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPGs), the most aggressive pediatric glioma. As H3K27M mutation is necessary but insufficient to cause DIPGs, it is accompanied by additional mutations in tumors. However, how H3K27M alone increases vulnerability to DIPG tumorigenesis remains unclear. RESULTS Here, we used human embryonic stem cell models with this mutation, in the absence of other DIPG contributory mutations, to investigate how H3K27M alters cellular proliferation and differentiation. We found that H3K27M increased stem cell proliferation and stem cell properties. It interfered with differentiation, promoting anomalous mesodermal and ectodermal gene expression during both multi-lineage and germ layer-specific cell specification, and blocking normal differentiation into neuroectoderm. H3K27M mutant clones exhibited transcriptomic diversity relative to the more homogeneous wildtype population, suggesting reduced fidelity of gene regulation, with aberrant expression of genes involved in stem cell regulation, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. These phenomena were associated with global loss of H3K27me3 and concordant loss of DNA methylation at specific genes in H3K27M-expressing cells. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data suggest that H3K27M mutation disrupts normal differentiation, maintaining a partially differentiated state with elevated clonogenicity during early development. This disrupted response to early developmental cues could promote tissue properties that enable acquisition of additional mutations that cooperate with H3K27M mutation in genesis of DMG/DIPG. Therefore, this work demonstrates for the first time that H3K27M mutation confers vulnerability to gliomagenesis through persistent clonogenicity and aberrant differentiation and defines associated alterations of histone and DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Kfoury-Beaumont
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California in San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - R. Prakasam
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
| | - S. Pondugula
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
| | - J. S. Lagas
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
| | - S. Matkovich
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
| | - P. Gontarz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
| | - L. Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
| | - H. Yano
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
| | - A. H. Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
- The Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - J. B. Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
- The Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
| | - K. L. Kroll
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO USA
- The Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO USA
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Lewis NA, Klein RH, Kelly C, Yee J, Knoepfler PS. Histone H3.3 K27M chromatin functions implicate a network of neurodevelopmental factors including ASCL1 and NEUROD1 in DIPG. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:18. [PMID: 35590427 PMCID: PMC9121554 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The histone variant H3.3 K27M mutation is a defining characteristic of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)/diffuse midline glioma (DMG). This histone mutation is responsible for major alterations to histone H3 post-translational modification (PTMs) and subsequent aberrant gene expression. However, much less is known about the effect this mutation has on chromatin structure and function, including open versus closed chromatin regions as well as their transcriptomic consequences. Results Recently, we developed isogenic CRISPR-edited DIPG cell lines that are wild-type for histone H3.3 that can be compared to their matched K27M lines. Here we show via ATAC-seq analysis that H3.3K27M glioma cells have unique accessible chromatin at regions corresponding to neurogenesis, NOTCH, and neuronal development pathways and associated genes that are overexpressed in H3.3K27M compared to our isogenic wild-type cell line. As to mechanisms, accessible enhancers and super-enhancers corresponding to increased gene expression in H3.3K27M cells were also mapped to genes involved in neurogenesis and NOTCH signaling, suggesting that these pathways are key to DIPG tumor maintenance. Motif analysis implicates specific transcription factors as central to the neuro-oncogenic K27M signaling pathway, in particular, ASCL1 and NEUROD1. Conclusions Altogether our findings indicate that H3.3K27M causes chromatin to take on a more accessible configuration at key regulatory regions for NOTCH and neurogenesis genes resulting in increased oncogenic gene expression, which is at least partially reversible upon editing K27M back to wild-type. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13072-022-00447-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole A Lewis
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Rachel Herndon Klein
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Cailin Kelly
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Jennifer Yee
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Paul S Knoepfler
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA. .,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA. .,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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Dhar S, Gadd S, Patel P, Vaynshteyn J, Raju GP, Hashizume R, Brat DJ, Becher OJ. A tumor suppressor role for EZH2 in diffuse midline glioma pathogenesis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:47. [PMID: 35395831 PMCID: PMC8994223 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01336-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas, specifically diffuse midline gliomas, account for only 20% of clinical cases but are 100% fatal. A majority of the DMG cases are characterized by the signature K27M mutation in histone H3. The H3K27M mutation opposes the function of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the methyltransferase enzyme of the polycomb repressor complex 2. However, the role of EZH2 in DMG pathogenesis is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate a tumor suppressor function for EZH2 using Ezh2 loss- and gain-of-function studies in H3WT DMG mouse models. Genetic ablation of Ezh2 increased cell proliferation and tumor grade while expression of an Ezh2 gain-of-function mutation significantly reduced tumor incidence and increased tumor latency. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Ezh2 deletion upregulates an inflammatory response with upregulation of immunoproteasome genes such as Psmb8, Psmb9, and Psmb10. Ezh2 gain-of-function resulted in enrichment of the oxidative phosphorylation/mitochondrial metabolic pathway namely the isocitrate dehydrogenase Idh1/2/3 genes. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 augmented neural progenitor cell proliferation, supporting the tumor suppressive role of EZH2. In vivo 7-day treatment of H3K27M DMG tumor bearing mice with an EZH2 inhibitor, Tazemetostat, did not alter proliferation or significantly impact survival. Together our results suggest that EZH2 has a tumor suppressor function in DMG and warrants caution in clinical translation of EZH2 inhibitors to treat patients with DMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Dhar
- grid.413808.60000 0004 0388 2248Department of Pediatrics, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL USA ,Present Address: NeoImmuneTech Inc., 2400 Research Blvd., Suite 250, Rockville, MD USA
| | - Samantha Gadd
- grid.413808.60000 0004 0388 2248Department of Pathology, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Priyam Patel
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Quantitative Data Science Core, Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Jake Vaynshteyn
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - G. Praveen Raju
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- grid.413808.60000 0004 0388 2248Department of Pediatrics, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Daniel J. Brat
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Oren J. Becher
- grid.413808.60000 0004 0388 2248Department of Pediatrics, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
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Abstract
Chromatin dysfunction has been implicated in a growing number of cancers especially in children and young adults. In addition to chromatin modifying and remodeling enzymes, mutations in histone genes are linked to human cancers. Since the first reports of hotspot missense mutations affecting key residues at histone H3 tail, studies have revealed how these so-called "oncohistones" dominantly (H3K27M and H3K36M) or locally (H3.3G34R/W) inhibit corresponding histone methyltransferases and misregulate epigenome and transcriptome to promote tumorigenesis. More recently, widespread mutations in all four core histones are identified in diverse cancer types. Furthermore, an "oncohistone-like" protein EZHIP has been implicated in driving childhood ependymomas through a mechanism highly reminiscent of H3K27M mutation. We will review recent progresses on understanding the biochemical, molecular and biological mechanisms underlying the canonical and novel histone mutations. Importantly, these mechanistic insights have identified therapeutic opportunities for oncohistone-driven tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Sahu
- Department of Genetics and Development and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Genetics and Development and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA,Corresponding author: Chao Lu:
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42
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Abstract
Nervous system activity regulates development, homeostasis, and plasticity of the brain as well as other organs in the body. These mechanisms are subverted in cancer to propel malignant growth. In turn, cancers modulate neural structure and function to augment growth-promoting neural signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Approaching cancer biology from a neuroscience perspective will elucidate new therapeutic strategies for presently lethal forms of cancer. In this review, we highlight the neural signaling mechanisms recapitulated in primary brain tumors, brain metastases, and solid tumors throughout the body that regulate cancer progression. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Neuroscience, Volume 45 is July 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Keough
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
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43
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Neth BJ, Balakrishnan SN, Carabenciov ID, Uhm JH, Daniels DJ, Kizilbash SH, Ruff MW. Panobinostat in adults with H3 K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma: a single-center experience. J Neurooncol 2022; 157:91-100. [PMID: 35076860 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-03950-8] [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] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) with the H3 K27M-mutation are a well-described entity with most DMG harboring this mutation, with notable heterogeneity in adults. No therapy has been proven to improve survival in this tumor type. Panobinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that may have therapeutic benefit. METHODS We report our retrospective experience with use of panobinostat in adults (> 18 years) with H3 K27M-mutant DMG treated at Mayo Clinic (Rochester) from January 2016 to August 2020, with follow-up until October 2021. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS 4 patients with H3 K27M-mutant glioma were treated with panobinostat as compassionate use. Patients had a median age of 40 years (range 22-62 years) and 2 were female. Tumor location was midline for all patients, spinal cord (n = 2), brainstem (n = 1), and thalamus (n = 1). All tumors were IDH1/IDH2 wildtype. 3 patients received radiotherapy followed by adjuvant panobinostat. All patients had no other pharmacologic therapy utilized prior to or during panobinostat therapy aside from concurrent dexamethasone utilized in 3 patients. No patient experienced a grade 2 or higher (per CTCAE grade) adverse effect. The median overall survival was 42 months, median progression free survival of 19 months, 2 patients were alive at last follow up (both with spinal cord tumors and received radiation). The best response was stable disease in 2 patients and a partial response in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of clinical outcomes of panobinostat in adults with H3 K27M-mutant DMG. We showed that it is well-tolerated at the dosage schedule that we describe, with no serious adverse effects throughout the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan J Neth
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | | | - Ivan D Carabenciov
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Joon H Uhm
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Michael W Ruff
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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44
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Jenseit A, Camgöz A, Pfister SM, Kool M. EZHIP: a new piece of the puzzle towards understanding pediatric posterior fossa ependymoma. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 143:1-13. [PMID: 34762160 PMCID: PMC8732814 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02382-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ependymomas (EPN) are tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) that can arise in the supratentorial brain (ST-EPN), hindbrain or posterior fossa (PF-EPN) or anywhere in the spinal cord (SP-EPN), both in children and adults. Molecular profiling studies have identified distinct groups and subtypes in each of these anatomical compartments. In this review, we give an overview on recent findings and new insights what is driving PFA ependymomas, which is the most common group. PFA ependymomas are characterized by a young median age at diagnosis, an overall balanced genome and a bad clinical outcome (56% 10-year overall survival). Sequencing studies revealed no fusion genes or other highly recurrently mutated genes, suggesting that the disease is epigenetically driven. Indeed, recent findings have shown that the characteristic global loss of the repressive histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) mark in PFA ependymoma is caused by aberrant expression of the enhancer of zeste homolog inhibitory protein (EZHIP) or in rare cases by H3K27M mutations, which both inhibit EZH2 thereby preventing the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) from spreading H3K27me3. We present the current status of the ongoing work on EZHIP and its essential role in the epigenetic disturbance of PFA biology. Comparisons to the oncohistone H3K27M and its role in diffuse midline glioma (DMG) are drawn, highlighting similarities but also differences between the tumor entities and underlying mechanisms. A strong focus is to point out missing information and to present directions of further research that may result in new and improved therapies for PFA ependymoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jenseit
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KITZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aylin Camgöz
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KITZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KITZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KITZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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45
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Cell-of-Origin and Genetic, Epigenetic, and Microenvironmental Factors Contribute to the Intra-Tumoral Heterogeneity of Pediatric Intracranial Ependymoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236100. [PMID: 34885210 PMCID: PMC8657076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH) is a complex multifaceted phenomenon that posits major challenges for the clinical management of cancer patients. Genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors are concurrent drivers of diversity among the distinct populations of cancer cells. ITH may also be installed by cancer stem cells (CSCs), that foster unidirectional hierarchy of cellular phenotypes or, alternatively, shift dynamically between distinct cellular states. Ependymoma (EPN), a molecularly heterogeneous group of tumors, shows a specific spatiotemporal distribution that suggests a link between ependymomagenesis and alterations of the biological processes involved in embryonic brain development. In children, EPN most often arises intra-cranially and is associated with an adverse outcome. Emerging evidence shows that EPN displays large intra-patient heterogeneity. In this review, after touching on EPN inter-tumoral heterogeneity, we focus on the sources of ITH in pediatric intra-cranial EPN in the framework of the CSC paradigm. We also examine how single-cell technology has shed new light on the complexity and developmental origins of EPN and the potential impact that this understanding may have on the therapeutic strategies against this deadly pediatric malignancy.
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Arakaki AKS, Szulzewsky F, Gilbert MR, Gujral TS, Holland EC. Utilizing preclinical models to develop targeted therapies for rare central nervous system cancers. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:S4-S15. [PMID: 34725698 PMCID: PMC8561121 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors typically have a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Historically, these cancers have been difficult to study due to small number of patients. Recent technological advances have identified molecular drivers of some of these rare cancers which we can now use to generate representative preclinical models of these diseases. In this review, we outline the advantages and disadvantages of different models, emphasizing the utility of various in vitro and ex vivo models for target discovery and mechanistic inquiry and multiple in vivo models for therapeutic validation. We also highlight recent literature on preclinical model generation and screening approaches for ependymomas, histone mutated high-grade gliomas, and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors, all of which are rare CNS cancers that have recently established genetic or epigenetic drivers. These preclinical models are critical to advancing targeted therapeutics for these rare CNS cancers that currently rely on conventional treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleena K S Arakaki
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Taranjit S Gujral
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eric C Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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47
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Pediatric brain tumors as a developmental disease. Curr Opin Oncol 2021; 33:608-614. [PMID: 34431811 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Brain tumors are the most frequent solid cancer in the pediatric population. Owing to the rarity of environmental clues about their origin, it is tempting to consider these neoplasms as developmental processes gone awry. Our review will explore the heuristic power of this hypothesis and the influence of these findings on the clinical management. RECENT FINDING A more accurate description of cancer predisposition syndrome has shown their frequent association with developmental abnormalities. Several genes involved in pediatric brain tumor oncogenesis are involved in developmental processes. Modeling of several pediatric brain tumor in cerebral organoids, mimicking embryonal stage of brain development, indicates that early events during brain development create the conditions necessary for their oncogenesis. SUMMARY The onset of multiple brain tumor types early in life suggests a functional relationship between brain development and oncogenesis. A growing body of evidence seems to support the hypothesis that some of the main developmental steps in the brain can be highjacked by the tumors during their initiation. Collaborations between neuroscientists and oncologists should provide room for improvement in the knowledge for these neoplasms.
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48
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Leszczynska KB, Jayaprakash C, Kaminska B, Mieczkowski J. Emerging Advances in Combinatorial Treatments of Epigenetically Altered Pediatric High-Grade H3K27M Gliomas. Front Genet 2021; 12:742561. [PMID: 34646308 PMCID: PMC8503186 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.742561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic mutations in histone encoding genes result in gross alterations in the epigenetic landscape. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) and one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with only 1% surviving for 5 years. Due to the location in the brainstem, DIPGs are difficult to resect and rapidly turn into a fatal disease. Over 80% of DIPGs confer mutations in genes coding for histone 3 variants (H3.3 or H3.1/H3.2), with lysine to methionine substitution at position 27 (H3K27M). This results in a global decrease in H3K27 trimethylation, increased H3K27 acetylation, and widespread oncogenic changes in gene expression. Epigenetic modifying drugs emerge as promising candidates to treat DIPG, with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors taking the lead in preclinical and clinical studies. However, some data show the evolving resistance of DIPGs to the most studied HDAC inhibitor panobinostat and highlight the need to further investigate its mechanism of action. A new forceful line of research explores the simultaneous use of multiple inhibitors that could target epigenetically induced changes in DIPG chromatin and enhance the anticancer response of single agents. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic approaches against H3K27M-expressing pHGGs focused on targeting epigenetic dysregulation and highlight promising combinatorial drug treatments. We assessed the effectiveness of the epigenetic drugs that are already in clinical trials in pHGGs. The constantly expanding understanding of the epigenetic vulnerabilities of H3K27M-expressing pHGGs provides new tumor-specific targets, opens new possibilities of therapy, and gives hope to find a cure for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna B Leszczynska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chinchu Jayaprakash
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Mieczkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.,3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Goranci-Buzhala G, Mariappan A, Ricci-Vitiani L, Josipovic N, Pacioni S, Gottardo M, Ptok J, Schaal H, Callaini G, Rajalingam K, Dynlacht B, Hadian K, Papantonis A, Pallini R, Gopalakrishnan J. Cilium induction triggers differentiation of glioma stem cells. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109656. [PMID: 34496239 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) possesses glioma stem cells (GSCs) that promote self-renewal, tumor propagation, and relapse. Understanding the mechanisms of GSCs self-renewal can offer targeted therapeutic interventions. However, insufficient knowledge of GSCs' fundamental biology is a significant bottleneck hindering these efforts. Here, we show that patient-derived GSCs recruit elevated levels of proteins that ensure the temporal cilium disassembly, leading to suppressed ciliogenesis. Depleting the cilia disassembly complex components is sufficient to induce ciliogenesis in a subset of GSCs via relocating platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFR-α) to a newly induced cilium. Importantly, restoring ciliogenesis enabled GSCs to switch from self-renewal to differentiation. Finally, using an organoid-based glioma invasion assay and brain xenografts in mice, we establish that ciliogenesis-induced differentiation can prevent the infiltration of GSCs into the brain. Our findings illustrate a role for cilium as a molecular switch in determining GSCs' fate and suggest cilium induction as an attractive strategy to intervene in GSCs proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladiola Goranci-Buzhala
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Aruljothi Mariappan
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Natasa Josipovic
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075 Göttingen, and Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Simone Pacioni
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Marco Gottardo
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Johannes Ptok
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Heiner Schaal
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Giuliano Callaini
- Department of Life Sciences University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Krishnaraj Rajalingam
- Cell Biology Unit, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Brian Dynlacht
- Department of Pathology and NYU Cancer Institute, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kamyar Hadian
- Assay Development and Screening Platform, Institute of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr.1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Argyris Papantonis
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Göttingen, Georg-August University Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075 Göttingen, and Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Jay Gopalakrishnan
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Milde T, Rodriguez FJ, Barnholtz-Sloan JS, Patil N, Eberhart CG, Gutmann DH. Reimagining Pilocytic Astrocytomas in the Context of Pediatric Low-Grade Gliomas. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:1634-1646. [PMID: 34131743 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs) are the most common brain tumor in children, and are associated with life-long clinical morbidity. Relative to their high-grade adult counterparts or other malignant childhood brain tumors, there is a paucity of authenticated preclinical models for these pediatric low-grade gliomas and an incomplete understanding of their molecular and cellular pathogenesis. While large scale genomic profiling efforts have identified the majority of pathogenic driver mutations, which converge on the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, it is now appreciated that these events may not be sufficient by themselves for gliomagenesis and clinical progression. In light of the recent World Health Organization reclassification of pLGGs, and pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) in particular, we review our current understanding of these pediatric brain tumors, provide a conceptual framework for future mechanistic studies, and outline the challenges and pressing needs for the pLGG clinical and research communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Milde
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fausto J Rodriguez
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Jill S Barnholtz-Sloan
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland OH, USA.,University Hospitals, Cleveland OH, USA.,Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), Hinsdale, IL, USA
| | - Nirav Patil
- University Hospitals, Cleveland OH, USA.,Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), Hinsdale, IL, USA
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO, USA
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