1
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White J, White MPJ, Wickremesekera A, Peng L, Gray C. The tumour microenvironment, treatment resistance and recurrence in glioblastoma. J Transl Med 2024; 22:540. [PMID: 38844944 PMCID: PMC11155041 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05301-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The adaptability of glioblastoma (GBM) cells, encouraged by complex interactions with the tumour microenvironment (TME), currently renders GBM an incurable cancer. Despite intensive research, with many clinical trials, GBM patients rely on standard treatments including surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy, which have been observed to induce a more aggressive phenotype in recurrent tumours. This failure to improve treatments is undoubtedly a result of insufficient models which fail to incorporate components of the human brain TME. Research has increasingly uncovered mechanisms of tumour-TME interactions that correlate to worsened patient prognoses, including tumour-associated astrocyte mitochondrial transfer, neuronal circuit remodelling and immunosuppression. This tumour hijacked TME is highly implicated in driving therapy resistance, with further alterations within the TME and tumour resulting from therapy exposure inducing increased tumour growth and invasion. Recent developments improving organoid models, including aspects of the TME, are paving an exciting future for the research and drug development for GBM, with the hopes of improving patient survival growing closer. This review focuses on GBMs interactions with the TME and their effect on tumour pathology and treatment efficiency, with a look at challenges GBM models face in sufficiently recapitulating this complex and highly adaptive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine White
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery and School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
| | | | - Agadha Wickremesekera
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Lifeng Peng
- Centre for Biodiscovery and School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand.
| | - Clint Gray
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand.
- Centre for Biodiscovery and School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand.
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2
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Lampis S, Galardi A, Di Paolo V, Di Giannatale A. Organoids as a new approach for improving pediatric cancer research. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1414311. [PMID: 38835365 PMCID: PMC11148379 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1414311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
A key challenge in cancer research is the meticulous development of models that faithfully emulates the intricacies of the patient scenario, with emphasis on preserving intra-tumoral heterogeneity and the dynamic milieu of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Organoids emerge as promising tool in new drug development, drug screening and precision medicine. Despite advances in the diagnoses and treatment of pediatric cancers, certain tumor subtypes persist in yielding unfavorable prognoses. Moreover, the prognosis for a significant portion of children experiencing disease relapse is dismal. To improve pediatric outcome many groups are focusing on the development of precision medicine approach. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about using organoid system as model in preclinical and clinical solid-pediatric cancer. Since organoids retain the pivotal characteristics of primary parent tumors, they exert great potential in discovering novel tumor biomarkers, exploring drug-resistance mechanism and predicting tumor responses to chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapies. We also examine both the potential opportunities and existing challenges inherent organoids, hoping to point out the direction for future organoid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lampis
- Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Galardi
- Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Di Paolo
- Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Di Giannatale
- Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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3
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Sánchez Rivera FJ, Dow LE. How CRISPR Is Revolutionizing the Generation of New Models for Cancer Research. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041384. [PMID: 37487630 PMCID: PMC11065179 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancers arise through acquisition of mutations in genes that regulate core biological processes like cell proliferation and cell death. Decades of cancer research have led to the identification of genes and mutations causally involved in disease development and evolution, yet defining their precise function across different cancer types and how they influence therapy responses has been challenging. Mouse models have helped define the in vivo function of cancer-associated alterations, and genome-editing approaches using CRISPR have dramatically accelerated the pace at which these models are developed and studied. Here, we highlight how CRISPR technologies have impacted the development and use of mouse models for cancer research and discuss the many ways in which these rapidly evolving platforms will continue to transform our understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Sánchez Rivera
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
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4
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Kong D, Kwon D, Moon B, Kim DH, Kim MJ, Choi J, Kang KS. CD19 CAR-expressing iPSC-derived NK cells effectively enhance migration and cytotoxicity into glioblastoma by targeting to the pericytes in tumor microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116436. [PMID: 38508081 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116436] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In cancer immunotherapy, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting specific antigens have become a powerful tool for cell-based therapy. CAR-natural killer (NK) cells offer selective anticancer lysis with reduced off-tumor toxicity compared to CAR-T cells, which is beneficial in the heterogeneous milieu of solid tumors. In the tumor microenvironment (TME) of glioblastoma (GBM), pericytes not only support tumor growth but also contribute to immune evasion, underscoring their potential as therapeutic targets in GBM treatment. Given this context, our study aimed to target the GBM TME, with a special focus on pericytes expressing CD19, to evaluate the potential effectiveness of CD19 CAR-iNK cells against GBM. We performed CD19 CAR transduction in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NK (iNK) cells. To determine whether CD19 CAR targets the TME pericytes in GBM, we developed GBM-blood vessel assembloids (GBVA) by fusing GBM spheroids with blood vessel organoids. When co-cultured with GBVA, CD19 CAR-iNK cells migrated towards the pericytes surrounding the GBM. Using a microfluidic chip, we demonstrated CD19 CAR-iNK cells' targeted action and cytotoxic effects in a perfusion-like environment. GBVA xenografts recapitulated the TME including human CD19-positive pericytes, thereby enabling the application of an in vivo model for validating the efficacy of CD19 CAR-iNK cells against GBM. Compared to GBM spheroids, the presence of pericytes significantly enhanced CD19 CAR-iNK cell migration towards GBM and reduced proliferation. These results underline the efficacy of CD19 CAR-iNK cells in targeting pericytes within the GBM TME, suggesting their potential therapeutic value for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasom Kong
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Daekee Kwon
- Research Institute in Maru Therapeutics, Seoul 05854, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokyung Moon
- Research Institute in Maru Therapeutics, Seoul 05854, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Hyun Kim
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Department of Biotechnology, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul 01133, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ji Kim
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungju Choi
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sun Kang
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Ko J, Hyung S, Cheong S, Chung Y, Li Jeon N. Revealing the clinical potential of high-resolution organoids. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 207:115202. [PMID: 38336091 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The symbiotic interplay of organoid technology and advanced imaging strategies yields innovative breakthroughs in research and clinical applications. Organoids, intricate three-dimensional cell cultures derived from pluripotent or adult stem/progenitor cells, have emerged as potent tools for in vitro modeling, reflecting in vivo organs and advancing our grasp of tissue physiology and disease. Concurrently, advanced imaging technologies such as confocal, light-sheet, and two-photon microscopy ignite fresh explorations, uncovering rich organoid information. Combined with advanced imaging technologies and the power of artificial intelligence, organoids provide new insights that bridge experimental models and real-world clinical scenarios. This review explores exemplary research that embodies this technological synergy and how organoids reshape personalized medicine and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Gyeonggi 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Hyung
- Precision Medicine Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghun Cheong
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoojin Chung
- Division of Computer Engineering, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 17035, Republic of Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Qureator, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA.
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6
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Van Lent J, Baggiolini A. Harmony in chaos: understanding cancer through the lenses of developmental biology. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:793-796. [PMID: 38282579 PMCID: PMC10994237 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13594] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
When we think about cancer, the link to development might not immediately spring to mind. Yet, many foundational concepts in cancer biology trace their roots back to developmental processes. Several defining traits of cancer were indeed initially observed and studied within developing embryos. As our comprehension of embryonic mechanisms deepens, it not only illuminates how and why cancer cells hijack these processes but also spearheads the emergence of innovative technologies for modeling and comprehending tumor biology. Among these technologies are stem cell-based models, made feasible through our grasp of fundamental mechanisms related to embryonic development. The intersection between cancer and stem cell research is evolving into a tangible synergy that extends beyond the concepts of cancer stem cells and cell-of-origin, offering novel tools to unravel the mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Van Lent
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR)Bellinzona Institutes of Science (BIOS+)Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical SciencesUniversità della Svizzera ItalianaLuganoSwitzerland
| | - Arianna Baggiolini
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR)Bellinzona Institutes of Science (BIOS+)Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical SciencesUniversità della Svizzera ItalianaLuganoSwitzerland
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7
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Li Y, Wang J, Song SR, Lv SQ, Qin JH, Yu SC. Models for evaluating glioblastoma invasion along white matter tracts. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:293-309. [PMID: 37806896 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.09.005] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
White matter tracts (WMs) are one of the main invasion paths of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The lack of ideal research models hinders our understanding of the details and mechanisms of GBM invasion along WMs. To date, many potential in vitro models have been reported; nerve fiber culture models and nanomaterial models are biocompatible, and the former have electrically active neurons. Brain slice culture models, organoid models, and microfluidic chip models can simulate the real brain and tumor microenvironment (TME), which contains a variety of cell types. These models are closer to the real in vivo environment and are helpful for further studying not only invasion along WMs by GBM, but also perineural invasion and brain metastasis by solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Li
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China; International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China; International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China; Jin-feng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Si-Rong Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China; International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Sheng-Qing Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Jian-Hua Qin
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Niaoning 116023, China.
| | - Shi-Cang Yu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China; International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China; Jin-feng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China.
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8
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Sojka C, Sloan SA. Gliomas: a reflection of temporal gliogenic principles. Commun Biol 2024; 7:156. [PMID: 38321118 PMCID: PMC10847444 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05833-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The hijacking of early developmental programs is a canonical feature of gliomas where neoplastic cells resemble neurodevelopmental lineages and possess mechanisms of stem cell resilience. Given these parallels, uncovering how and when in developmental time gliomagenesis intersects with normal trajectories can greatly inform our understanding of tumor biology. Here, we review how elapsing time impacts the developmental principles of astrocyte (AS) and oligodendrocyte (OL) lineages, and how these same temporal programs are replicated, distorted, or circumvented in pathological settings such as gliomas. Additionally, we discuss how normal gliogenic processes can inform our understanding of the temporal progression of gliomagenesis, including when in developmental time gliomas originate, thrive, and can be pushed towards upon therapeutic coercion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Sojka
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven A Sloan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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9
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Chen E, Ling AL, Reardon DA, Chiocca EA. Lessons learned from phase 3 trials of immunotherapy for glioblastoma: Time for longitudinal sampling? Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:211-225. [PMID: 37995317 PMCID: PMC10836778 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad211] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM)'s median overall survival is almost 21 months. Six phase 3 immunotherapy clinical trials have recently been published, yet 5/6 did not meet approval by regulatory bodies. For the sixth, approval is uncertain. Trial failures result from multiple factors, ranging from intrinsic tumor biology to clinical trial design. Understanding the clinical and basic science of these 6 trials is compelled by other immunotherapies reaching the point of advanced phase 3 clinical trial testing. We need to understand more of the science in human GBMs in early trials: the "window of opportunity" design may not be best to understand complex changes brought about by immunotherapeutic perturbations of the GBM microenvironment. The convergence of increased safety of image-guided biopsies with "multi-omics" of small cell numbers now permits longitudinal sampling of tumor and biofluids to dissect the complex temporal changes in the GBM microenvironment as a function of the immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander L Ling
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David A Reardon
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - E Antonio Chiocca
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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van Essen MJ, Apsley EJ, Riepsaame J, Xu R, Northcott PA, Cowley SA, Jacob J, Becker EBE. PTCH1-mutant human cerebellar organoids exhibit altered neural development and recapitulate early medulloblastoma tumorigenesis. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050323. [PMID: 38411252 PMCID: PMC10924233 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050323] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Patched 1 (PTCH1) is the primary receptor for the sonic hedgehog (SHH) ligand and negatively regulates SHH signalling, an essential pathway in human embryogenesis. Loss-of-function mutations in PTCH1 are associated with altered neuronal development and the malignant brain tumour medulloblastoma. As a result of differences between murine and human development, molecular and cellular perturbations that arise from human PTCH1 mutations remain poorly understood. Here, we used cerebellar organoids differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells combined with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to investigate the earliest molecular and cellular consequences of PTCH1 mutations on human cerebellar development. Our findings demonstrate that developmental mechanisms in cerebellar organoids reflect in vivo processes of regionalisation and SHH signalling, and offer new insights into early pathophysiological events of medulloblastoma tumorigenesis without the use of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J. van Essen
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Elizabeth J. Apsley
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Joey Riepsaame
- Genome Engineering Oxford, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE Oxford, UK
| | - Ruijie Xu
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, USA
| | - Paul A. Northcott
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, USA
| | - Sally A. Cowley
- James and Lillian Martin Centre for Stem Cell Research, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - John Jacob
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Esther B. E. Becker
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
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11
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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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Watanabe F, Hollingsworth EW, Bartley JM, Wisehart L, Desai R, Hartlaub AM, Hester ME, Schiapparelli P, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, Imitola J. Patient-derived organoids recapitulate glioma-intrinsic immune program and progenitor populations of glioblastoma. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae051. [PMID: 38384384 PMCID: PMC10879747 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly lethal human cancer thought to originate from a self-renewing and therapeutically-resistant population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). The intrinsic mechanisms enacted by GSCs during 3D tumor formation, however, remain unclear, especially in the stages prior to angiogenic/immunological infiltration. In this study, we performed a deep characterization of the genetic, immune, and metabolic profiles of GBM organoids from several patient-derived GSCs (GBMO). Despite being devoid of immune cells, transcriptomic analysis across GBMO revealed a surprising immune-like molecular program, enriched in cytokine, antigen presentation and processing, T-cell receptor inhibitors, and interferon genes. We find two important cell populations thought to drive GBM progression, Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2+) and homeodomain-only protein homeobox (HOPX+) progenitors, contribute to this immune landscape in GBMO and GBM in vivo. These progenitors, but not other cell types in GBMO, are resistant to conventional GBM therapies, temozolomide and irradiation. Our work defines a novel intrinsic immune-like landscape in GBMO driven, in part, by SATB2+ and HOPX+ progenitors and deepens our understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms utilized by GSCs in early GBM formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiro Watanabe
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, UConn Health Brain and Spine Institute, 5 Munson Road, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Ethan W Hollingsworth
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, UConn Health Brain and Spine Institute, 5 Munson Road, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | | | - Lauren Wisehart
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, UConn Health Brain and Spine Institute, 5 Munson Road, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Rahil Desai
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, UConn Health Brain and Spine Institute, 5 Munson Road, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Annalisa M Hartlaub
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Mark E Hester
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Paula Schiapparelli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Stem Cell Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Stem Cell Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Jaime Imitola
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, UConn Health Brain and Spine Institute, 5 Munson Road, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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13
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Wang C, Sun M, Shao C, Schlicker L, Zhuo Y, Harim Y, Peng T, Tian W, Stöffler N, Schneider M, Helm D, Chu Y, Fu B, Jin X, Mallm JP, Mall M, Wu Y, Schulze A, Liu HK. A multidimensional atlas of human glioblastoma-like organoids reveals highly coordinated molecular networks and effective drugs. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:19. [PMID: 38273014 PMCID: PMC10811239 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00500-5] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the genomics of glioblastoma (GBM) led to the introduction of molecular neuropathology but failed to translate into treatment improvement. This is largely attributed to the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of GBM, which are considered the major obstacle to GBM therapy. Here, we use advanced human GBM-like organoid (LEGO: Laboratory Engineered Glioblastoma-like Organoid) models and provide an unprecedented comprehensive characterization of LEGO models using single-cell transcriptome, DNA methylome, metabolome, lipidome, proteome, and phospho-proteome analysis. We discovered that genetic heterogeneity dictates functional heterogeneity across molecular layers and demonstrates that NF1 mutation drives mesenchymal signature. Most importantly, we found that glycerol lipid reprogramming is a hallmark of GBM, and several targets and drugs were discovered along this line. We also provide a genotype-based drug reference map using LEGO-based drug screen. This study provides new human GBM models and a research path toward effective GBM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changwen Wang
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); The DKFZ-ZMBH alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 672, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Meng Sun
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxuan Shao
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); The DKFZ-ZMBH alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Schlicker
- Division of Tumor Metabolism and Microenvironment, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yue Zhuo
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); The DKFZ-ZMBH alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 234, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yassin Harim
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); The DKFZ-ZMBH alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 234, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tianping Peng
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Weili Tian
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); The DKFZ-ZMBH alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nadja Stöffler
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); The DKFZ-ZMBH alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Schneider
- Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominic Helm
- Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Youjun Chu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Beibei Fu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoliang Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Jan-Philipp Mallm
- Single-cell Open Lab, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Moritz Mall
- Cell Fate Engineering and Disease Modeling Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- HITBR Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research gGmbH, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yonghe Wu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Almut Schulze
- Division of Tumor Metabolism and Microenvironment, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hai-Kun Liu
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); The DKFZ-ZMBH alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Begagić E, Bečulić H, Đuzić N, Džidić-Krivić A, Pugonja R, Muharemović A, Jaganjac B, Salković N, Sefo H, Pojskić M. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Therapy for Glioblastoma: A Scoping Review. Biomedicines 2024; 12:238. [PMID: 38275409 PMCID: PMC10813360 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010238] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review examines the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in glioblastoma (GBM), a predominant and aggressive brain tumor. Categorizing gene targets into distinct groups, this review explores their roles in cell cycle regulation, microenvironmental dynamics, interphase processes, and therapy resistance reduction. The complexity of CRISPR-Cas9 applications in GBM research is highlighted, providing unique insights into apoptosis, cell proliferation, and immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. The studies challenge conventional perspectives on specific genes, emphasizing the potential therapeutic implications of manipulating key molecular players in cell cycle dynamics. Exploring CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy in GBMs yields significant insights into the regulation of cellular processes, spanning cell interphase, renewal, and migration. Researchers, by precisely targeting specific genes, uncover the molecular orchestration governing cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation during critical phases of the cell cycle. The findings underscore the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in unraveling the complex dynamics of the GBM microenvironment, offering promising avenues for targeted therapies to curb GBM growth. This review also outlines studies addressing therapy resistance in GBM, employing CRISPR/Cas9 to target genes associated with chemotherapy resistance, showcasing its transformative potential in effective GBM treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emir Begagić
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, Travnička 1, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Hakija Bečulić
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Crkvice 67, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, Travnička 1, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nermin Đuzić
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University Sarajevo, Francuske revolucije BB, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amina Džidić-Krivić
- Department of Neurology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Crkvice 67, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ragib Pugonja
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Crkvice 67, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Asja Muharemović
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University Sarajevo, Francuske revolucije BB, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Belma Jaganjac
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, Travnička 1, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Naida Salković
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Tuzla, Univerzitetska 1, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Haso Sefo
- Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Bolnička 25, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mirza Pojskić
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Marburg, Baldingerstr., 35033 Marburg, Germany;
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15
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Bombieri C, Corsi A, Trabetti E, Ruggiero A, Marchetto G, Vattemi G, Valenti MT, Zipeto D, Romanelli MG. Advanced Cellular Models for Rare Disease Study: Exploring Neural, Muscle and Skeletal Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1014. [PMID: 38256087 PMCID: PMC10815694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021014] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Organoids are self-organized, three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells that can mimic the structure and physiology of human organs. Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and 3D organoid model systems allow cells to be analyzed in a controlled environment to simulate the characteristics of a given disease by modeling the underlying pathophysiology. The recent development of 3D cell models has offered the scientific community an exceptionally valuable tool in the study of rare diseases, overcoming the limited availability of biological samples and the limitations of animal models. This review provides an overview of iPSC models and genetic engineering techniques used to develop organoids. In particular, some of the models applied to the study of rare neuronal, muscular and skeletal diseases are described. Furthermore, the limitations and potential of developing new therapeutic approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Donato Zipeto
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.B.); (A.C.); (E.T.); (A.R.); (G.M.); (G.V.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Maria Grazia Romanelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.B.); (A.C.); (E.T.); (A.R.); (G.M.); (G.V.); (M.T.V.)
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16
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Duan X, Zhang T, Feng L, de Silva N, Greenspun B, Wang X, Moyer J, Martin ML, Chandwani R, Elemento O, Leach SD, Evans T, Chen S, Pan FC. A pancreatic cancer organoid platform identifies an inhibitor specific to mutant KRAS. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:71-88.e8. [PMID: 38151022 PMCID: PMC11022279 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations, mainly G12D and G12V, are found in more than 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases. The success of drugs targeting KRASG12C suggests the potential for drugs specifically targeting these alternative PDAC-associated KRAS mutations. Here, we report a high-throughput drug-screening platform using a series of isogenic murine pancreatic organoids that are wild type (WT) or contain common PDAC driver mutations, representing both classical and basal PDAC phenotypes. We screened over 6,000 compounds and identified perhexiline maleate, which can inhibit the growth and induce cell death of pancreatic organoids carrying the KrasG12D mutation both in vitro and in vivo and primary human PDAC organoids. scRNA-seq analysis suggests that the cholesterol synthesis pathway is upregulated specifically in the KRAS mutant organoids, including the key cholesterol synthesis regulator SREBP2. Perhexiline maleate decreases SREBP2 expression levels and reverses the KRAS mutant-induced upregulation of the cholesterol synthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Duan
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lingling Feng
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Neranjan de Silva
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Benjamin Greenspun
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xing Wang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jenna Moyer
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Laura Martin
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rohit Chandwani
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven D Leach
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Fong Cheng Pan
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
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17
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Sun L, Jiang Y, Tan H, Liang R. Collagen and derivatives-based materials as substrates for the establishment of glioblastoma organoids. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:128018. [PMID: 37967599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128018] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common primary brain malignancy known for its ability to invade the brain, resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, tendency to recur frequently, and unfavorable prognosis. Attempts have been undertaken to create 2D and 3D models, such as glioblastoma organoids (GBOs), to recapitulate the glioma microenvironment, explore tumor biology, and develop efficient therapies. However, these models have limitations and are unable to fully recapitulate the complex networks formed by the glioma microenvironment that promote tumor cell growth, invasion, treatment resistance, and immune escape. Therefore, it is necessary to develop advanced experimental models that could better simulate clinical physiology. Here, we review recent advances in natural biomaterials (mainly focus on collagen and its derivatives)-based GBO models, as in vitro experimental platforms to simulate GBM tumor biology and response to tested drugs. Special attention will be given to 3D models that use collagen, gelatin, further modified derivatives, and composite biomaterials (e.g., with other natural or synthetic polymers) as substrates. Application of these collagen/derivatives-constructed GBOs incorporate the physical as well as chemical characteristics of the GBM microenvironment. A perspective on future research is given in terms of current issues. Generally, natural materials based on collagen/derivatives (monomers or composites) are expected to enrich the toolbox of GBO modeling substrates and potentially help to overcome the limitations of existing models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Sun
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology; Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuelin Jiang
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Hong Tan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Ruichao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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18
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Pasupuleti V, Vora L, Prasad R, Nandakumar DN, Khatri DK. Glioblastoma preclinical models: Strengths and weaknesses. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189059. [PMID: 38109948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is a highly malignant brain tumor with significant intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The complex signaling cascade that regulates this heterogeneity makes targeted drug therapy ineffective. The development of an optimal preclinical model is crucial for the comprehension of molecular heterogeneity and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The ideal model should establish a relationship between various oncogenes and their corresponding responses. This review presents an analysis of preclinical in vivo and in vitro models that have contributed to the advancement of knowledge in model development. The experimental designs utilized in vivo models consisting of both immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice induced with intracranial glioma. The transgenic model was generated using various techniques, like the viral vector delivery system, transposon system, Cre-LoxP model, and CRISPR-Cas9 approaches. The utilization of the patient-derived xenograft model in glioma research is valuable because it closely replicates the human glioma microenvironment, providing evidence of tumor heterogeneity. The utilization of in vitro techniques in the initial stages of research facilitated the comprehension of molecular interactions. However, these techniques are inadequate in reproducing the interactions between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). As a result, bioengineered 3D-in vitro models, including spheroids, scaffolds, and brain organoids, were developed to cultivate glioma cells in a three-dimensional environment. These models have enabled researchers to understand the influence of ECM on the invasive nature of tumors. Collectively, these preclinical models effectively depict the molecular pathways and facilitate the evaluation of multiple molecules while tailoring drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasavi Pasupuleti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Lalitkumar Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Renuka Prasad
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Moonsuk Medical Research Building, 516, 5th floor, 73 Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 12841, Republic of Korea
| | - D N Nandakumar
- Department of Neurochemistry National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore 560029, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Khatri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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19
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Yadav N, Purow BW. Understanding current experimental models of glioblastoma-brain microenvironment interactions. J Neurooncol 2024; 166:213-229. [PMID: 38180686 PMCID: PMC11056965 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04536-8] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common and devastating primary brain tumor, with median survival of 16-18 months after diagnosis in the setting of substantial resistance to standard-of-care and inevitable tumor recurrence. Recent work has implicated the brain microenvironment as being critical for GBM proliferation, invasion, and resistance to treatment. GBM does not operate in isolation, with neurons, astrocytes, and multiple immune populations being implicated in GBM tumor progression and invasiveness. The goal of this review article is to provide an overview of the available in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental models for assessing GBM-brain interactions, as well as discuss each model's relative strengths and limitations. Current in vitro models discussed will include 2D and 3D co-culture platforms with various cells of the brain microenvironment, as well as spheroids, whole organoids, and models of fluid dynamics, such as interstitial flow. An overview of in vitro and ex vivo organotypic GBM brain slices is also provided. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the various in vivo rodent models of GBM, including xenografts, syngeneic grafts, and genetically-engineered models of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niket Yadav
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Benjamin W Purow
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA.
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20
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Slika H, Karimov Z, Alimonti P, Abou-Mrad T, De Fazio E, Alomari S, Tyler B. Preclinical Models and Technologies in Glioblastoma Research: Evolution, Current State, and Future Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16316. [PMID: 38003507 PMCID: PMC10671665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216316] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary central nervous system tumor and one of the most debilitating cancers. The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma remains poor, and the management of this tumor, both in its primary and recurrent forms, remains suboptimal. Despite the tremendous efforts that are being put forward by the research community to discover novel efficacious therapeutic agents and modalities, no major paradigm shifts have been established in the field in the last decade. However, this does not mirror the abundance of relevant findings and discoveries made in preclinical glioblastoma research. Hence, developing and utilizing appropriate preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the characteristics and behavior of human glioblastoma is of utmost importance. Herein, we offer a holistic picture of the evolution of preclinical models of glioblastoma. We further elaborate on the commonly used in vitro and vivo models, delving into their development, favorable characteristics, shortcomings, and areas of potential improvement, which aids researchers in designing future experiments and utilizing the most suitable models. Additionally, this review explores progress in the fields of humanized and immunotolerant mouse models, genetically engineered animal models, 3D in vitro models, and microfluidics and highlights promising avenues for the future of preclinical glioblastoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Ziya Karimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Paolo Alimonti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Tatiana Abou-Mrad
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon;
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Emerson De Fazio
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
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21
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Finotto L, Cole B, Giese W, Baumann E, Claeys A, Vanmechelen M, Decraene B, Derweduwe M, Dubroja Lakic N, Shankar G, Nagathihalli Kantharaju M, Albrecht JP, Geudens I, Stanchi F, Ligon KL, Boeckx B, Lambrechts D, Harrington K, Van Den Bosch L, De Vleeschouwer S, De Smet F, Gerhardt H. Single-cell profiling and zebrafish avatars reveal LGALS1 as immunomodulating target in glioblastoma. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e18144. [PMID: 37791581 PMCID: PMC10630887 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202318144] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most malignant primary brain tumor, with a median survival rarely exceeding 2 years. Tumor heterogeneity and an immunosuppressive microenvironment are key factors contributing to the poor response rates of current therapeutic approaches. GBM-associated macrophages (GAMs) often exhibit immunosuppressive features that promote tumor progression. However, their dynamic interactions with GBM tumor cells remain poorly understood. Here, we used patient-derived GBM stem cell cultures and combined single-cell RNA sequencing of GAM-GBM co-cultures and real-time in vivo monitoring of GAM-GBM interactions in orthotopic zebrafish xenograft models to provide insight into the cellular, molecular, and spatial heterogeneity. Our analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity across GBM patients in GBM-induced GAM polarization and the ability to attract and activate GAMs-features that correlated with patient survival. Differential gene expression analysis, immunohistochemistry on original tumor samples, and knock-out experiments in zebrafish subsequently identified LGALS1 as a primary regulator of immunosuppression. Overall, our work highlights that GAM-GBM interactions can be studied in a clinically relevant way using co-cultures and avatar models, while offering new opportunities to identify promising immune-modulating targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Finotto
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz AssociationBerlinGermany
- VIB ‐ KU Leuven Center for Cancer BiologyVIB ‐ KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- The Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Basiel Cole
- The Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Wolfgang Giese
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz AssociationBerlinGermany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Elisabeth Baumann
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz AssociationBerlinGermany
- Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Annelies Claeys
- The Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Maxime Vanmechelen
- The Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Department of Medical OncologyUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Brecht Decraene
- The Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven & Leuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Marleen Derweduwe
- The Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Nikolina Dubroja Lakic
- The Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Gautam Shankar
- The Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Madhu Nagathihalli Kantharaju
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz AssociationBerlinGermany
- Humboldt University of BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Jan Philipp Albrecht
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz AssociationBerlinGermany
- Humboldt University of BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Ilse Geudens
- VIB ‐ KU Leuven Center for Cancer BiologyVIB ‐ KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Fabio Stanchi
- VIB ‐ KU Leuven Center for Cancer BiologyVIB ‐ KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Keith L Ligon
- Center for Neuro‐oncologyDana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMAUSA
- Department of PathologyBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Department of PathologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Bram Boeckx
- VIB ‐ KU Leuven Center for Cancer BiologyVIB ‐ KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Department of Human GeneticsKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- VIB ‐ KU Leuven Center for Cancer BiologyVIB ‐ KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Department of Human GeneticsKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Kyle Harrington
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz AssociationBerlinGermany
- Chan Zuckerberg InitiativeRedwood CityCAUSA
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology & Leuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB ‐ KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of NeurobiologyVIB ‐ KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Steven De Vleeschouwer
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven & Leuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Frederik De Smet
- The Laboratory for Precision Cancer Medicine, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging & PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO)KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Holger Gerhardt
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz AssociationBerlinGermany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site BerlinBerlinGermany
- Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
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22
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Li Y, Zeng PM, Wu J, Luo ZG. Advances and Applications of Brain Organoids. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1703-1716. [PMID: 37222855 PMCID: PMC10603019 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01065-2] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the fundamental processes of human brain development and diseases is of great importance for our health. However, existing research models such as non-human primate and mouse models remain limited due to their developmental discrepancies compared with humans. Over the past years, an emerging model, the "brain organoid" integrated from human pluripotent stem cells, has been developed to mimic developmental processes of the human brain and disease-associated phenotypes to some extent, making it possible to better understand the complex structures and functions of the human brain. In this review, we summarize recent advances in brain organoid technologies and their applications in brain development and diseases, including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, psychiatric diseases, and brain tumors. Finally, we also discuss current limitations and the potential of brain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Peng-Ming Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jian Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhen-Ge Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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23
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Zhang YR, Yin TL, Zhou LQ. CRISPR/Cas9 technology: applications in oocytes and early embryos. J Transl Med 2023; 21:746. [PMID: 37875936 PMCID: PMC10594749 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9, a highly versatile genome-editing tool, has garnered significant attention in recent years. Despite the unique characteristics of oocytes and early embryos compared to other cell types, this technology has been increasing used in mammalian reproduction. In this comprehensive review, we elucidate the fundamental principles of CRISPR/Cas9-related methodologies and explore their wide-ranging applications in deciphering molecular intricacies during oocyte and early embryo development as well as in addressing associated diseases. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the limitations inherent to these technologies, including the potential for off-target effects, as well as the ethical concerns surrounding the manipulation of human embryos. Thus, a judicious and thoughtful approach is warranted. Regardless of these challenges, CRISPR/Cas9 technology undeniably represents a formidable tool for genome and epigenome manipulation within oocytes and early embryos. Continuous refinements in this field are poised to fortify its future prospects and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ran Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tai-Lang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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24
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Xing YL, Panovska D, Petritsch CK. Successes and challenges in modeling heterogeneous BRAF V600E mutated central nervous system neoplasms. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1223199. [PMID: 37920169 PMCID: PMC10619673 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1223199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms are difficult to treat due to their sensitive location. Over the past two decades, the availability of patient tumor materials facilitated large scale genomic and epigenomic profiling studies, which have resulted in detailed insights into the molecular underpinnings of CNS tumorigenesis. Based on results from these studies, CNS tumors have high molecular and cellular intra-tumoral and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. CNS cancer models have yet to reflect the broad diversity of CNS tumors and patients and the lack of such faithful cancer models represents a major bottleneck to urgently needed innovations in CNS cancer treatment. Pediatric cancer model development is lagging behind adult tumor model development, which is why we focus this review on CNS tumors mutated for BRAFV600E which are more prevalent in the pediatric patient population. BRAFV600E-mutated CNS tumors exhibit high inter-tumoral heterogeneity, encompassing clinically and histopathological diverse tumor types. Moreover, BRAFV600E is the second most common alteration in pediatric low-grade CNS tumors, and low-grade tumors are notoriously difficult to recapitulate in vitro and in vivo. Although the mutation predominates in low-grade CNS tumors, when combined with other mutations, most commonly CDKN2A deletion, BRAFV600E-mutated CNS tumors are prone to develop high-grade features, and therefore BRAFV600E-mutated CNS are a paradigm for tumor progression. Here, we describe existing in vitro and in vivo models of BRAFV600E-mutated CNS tumors, including patient-derived cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, syngeneic models, and genetically engineered mouse models, along with their advantages and shortcomings. We discuss which research gaps each model might be best suited to answer, and identify those areas in model development that need to be strengthened further. We highlight areas of potential research focus that will lead to the heightened predictive capacity of preclinical studies, allow for appropriate validation, and ultimately improve the success of "bench to bedside" translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia K. Petritsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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25
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Singh SK, Wang Y, Habib A, Priyadarshini M, Kodavali CV, Chen A, Ma W, Wang J, Hameed NUF, Hu B, Fuller GN, Kulich SM, Amankulor N, Colen RR, Edwards LA, Zinn PO. TP53-PTEN-NF1 depletion in human brain organoids produces a glioma phenotype in vitro. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1279806. [PMID: 37881491 PMCID: PMC10597663 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1279806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is fatal and the study of therapeutic resistance, disease progression, and drug discovery in GBM or glioma stem cells is often hindered by limited resources. This limitation slows down progress in both drug discovery and patient survival. Here we present a genetically engineered human cerebral organoid model with a cancer-like phenotype that could provide a basis for GBM-like models. Specifically, we engineered a doxycycline-inducible vector encoding shRNAs enabling depletion of the TP53, PTEN, and NF1 tumor suppressors in human cerebral organoids. Designated as inducible short hairpin-TP53-PTEN-NF1 (ish-TPN), doxycycline treatment resulted in human cancer-like cerebral organoids that effaced the entire organoid cytoarchitecture, while uninduced ish-TPN cerebral organoids recapitulated the normal cytoarchitecture of the brain. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a proneural GBM subtype. This proof-of-concept study offers a valuable resource for directly investigating the emergence and progression of gliomas within the context of specific genetic alterations in normal cerebral organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay K. Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ahmed Habib
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mamindla Priyadarshini
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Chowdari V. Kodavali
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Apeng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Wencai Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - N. U. Farrukh Hameed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Baoli Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gregory N. Fuller
- Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Scott M. Kulich
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Nduka Amankulor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rivka R. Colen
- Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lincoln A. Edwards
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Pascal O. Zinn
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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26
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Wen J, Liu F, Cheng Q, Weygant N, Liang X, Fan F, Li C, Zhang L, Liu Z. Applications of organoid technology to brain tumors. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:2725-2743. [PMID: 37248629 PMCID: PMC10493676 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Lacking appropriate model impedes basic and preclinical researches of brain tumors. Organoids technology applying on brain tumors enables great recapitulation of the original tumors. Here, we compared brain tumor organoids (BTOs) with common models including cell lines, tumor spheroids, and patient-derived xenografts. Different BTOs can be customized to research objectives and particular brain tumor features. We systematically introduce the establishments and strengths of four different BTOs. BTOs derived from patient somatic cells are suitable for mimicking brain tumors caused by germline mutations and abnormal neurodevelopment, such as the tuberous sclerosis complex. BTOs derived from human pluripotent stem cells with genetic manipulations endow for identifying and understanding the roles of oncogenes and processes of oncogenesis. Brain tumoroids are the most clinically applicable BTOs, which could be generated within clinically relevant timescale and applied for drug screening, immunotherapy testing, biobanking, and investigating brain tumor mechanisms, such as cancer stem cells and therapy resistance. Brain organoids co-cultured with brain tumors (BO-BTs) own the greatest recapitulation of brain tumors. Tumor invasion and interactions between tumor cells and brain components could be greatly explored in this model. BO-BTs also offer a humanized platform for testing the therapeutic efficacy and side effects on neurons in preclinical trials. We also introduce the BTOs establishment fused with other advanced techniques, such as 3D bioprinting. So far, over 11 brain tumor types of BTOs have been established, especially for glioblastoma. We conclude BTOs could be a reliable model to understand brain tumors and develop targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wen
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hypothalamic‐pituitary Research CenterXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Fangkun Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hypothalamic‐pituitary Research CenterXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hypothalamic‐pituitary Research CenterXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Nathaniel Weygant
- Academy of Integrative MedicineFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouFujianChina
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in GeriatricsFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Xisong Liang
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hypothalamic‐pituitary Research CenterXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hypothalamic‐pituitary Research CenterXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chuntao Li
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hypothalamic‐pituitary Research CenterXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hypothalamic‐pituitary Research CenterXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Hypothalamic‐pituitary Research CenterXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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27
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Yang C, Shitamukai A, Yang S, Kawaguchi A. Advanced Techniques Using In Vivo Electroporation to Study the Molecular Mechanisms of Cerebral Development Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14128. [PMID: 37762431 PMCID: PMC10531473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814128] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian cerebral cortex undergoes a strictly regulated developmental process. Detailed in situ visualizations, imaging of these dynamic processes, and in vivo functional gene studies significantly enhance our understanding of brain development and related disorders. This review introduces basic techniques and recent advancements in in vivo electroporation for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral diseases. In utero electroporation (IUE) is extensively used to visualize and modify these processes, including the forced expression of pathological mutants in human diseases; thus, this method can be used to establish animal disease models. The advent of advanced techniques, such as genome editing, including de novo knockout, knock-in, epigenetic editing, and spatiotemporal gene regulation, has further expanded our list of investigative tools. These tools include the iON expression switch for the precise control of timing and copy numbers of exogenous genes and TEMPO for investigating the temporal effects of genes. We also introduce the iGONAD method, an improved genome editing via oviductal nucleic acid delivery approach, as a novel genome-editing technique that has accelerated brain development exploration. These advanced in vivo electroporation methods are expected to provide valuable insights into pathological conditions associated with human brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Atsunori Shitamukai
- Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shucai Yang
- Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Ayano Kawaguchi
- Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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28
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Tiroille V, Krug A, Bokobza E, Kahi M, Bulcaen M, Ensinck MM, Geurts MH, Hendriks D, Vermeulen F, Larbret F, Gutierrez-Guerrero A, Chen Y, Van Zundert I, Rocha S, Rios AC, Medaer L, Gijsbers R, Mangeot PE, Clevers H, Carlon MS, Bost F, Verhoeyen E. Nanoblades allow high-level genome editing in murine and human organoids. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:57-74. [PMID: 37435135 PMCID: PMC10331042 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Genome engineering has become more accessible thanks to the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system. However, using this technology in synthetic organs called "organoids" is still very inefficient. This is due to the delivery methods for the CRISPR-Cas9 machinery, which include electroporation of CRISPR-Cas9 DNA, mRNA, or ribonucleoproteins containing the Cas9-gRNA complex. However, these procedures are quite toxic for the organoids. Here, we describe the use of the "nanoblade (NB)" technology, which outperformed by far gene-editing levels achieved to date for murine- and human tissue-derived organoids. We reached up to 75% of reporter gene knockout in organoids after treatment with NBs. Indeed, high-level NB-mediated knockout for the androgen receptor encoding gene and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene was achieved with single gRNA or dual gRNA containing NBs in murine prostate and colon organoids. Likewise, NBs achieved 20%-50% gene editing in human organoids. Most importantly, in contrast to other gene-editing methods, this was obtained without toxicity for the organoids. Only 4 weeks are required to obtain stable gene knockout in organoids and NBs simplify and allow rapid genome editing in organoids with little to no side effects including unwanted insertion/deletions in off-target sites thanks to transient Cas9/RNP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Tiroille
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
- Equipe labélisée Ligue National Contre le Cancer, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrien Krug
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
| | - Emma Bokobza
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
- Equipe labélisée Ligue National Contre le Cancer, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michel Kahi
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
- Equipe labélisée Ligue National Contre le Cancer, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mattijs Bulcaen
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marjolein M. Ensinck
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten H. Geurts
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Delilah Hendriks
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Alejandra Gutierrez-Guerrero
- CIRI – International Center for Infectiology Research, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Yu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Indra Van Zundert
- Synthetic Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Susana Rocha
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Anne C. Rios
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Louise Medaer
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Gijsbers
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe E. Mangeot
- CIRI – International Center for Infectiology Research, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marianne S. Carlon
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Bost
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
- Equipe labélisée Ligue National Contre le Cancer, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Els Verhoeyen
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
- CIRI – International Center for Infectiology Research, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
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29
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Zhang L, Bordey A. Advances in glioma models using in vivo electroporation to highjack neurodevelopmental processes. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188951. [PMID: 37433417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188951] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Glioma is the most prevalent type of neurological malignancies. Despite decades of efforts in neurosurgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, glioma remains one of the most treatment-resistant brain tumors with unfavorable outcomes. Recent progresses in genomic and epigenetic profiling have revealed new concepts of genetic events involved in the etiology of gliomas in humans, meanwhile, revolutionary technologies in gene editing and delivery allows to code these genetic "events" in animals to genetically engineer glioma models. This approach models the initiation and progression of gliomas in a natural microenvironment with an intact immune system and facilitates probing therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on recent advances in in vivo electroporation-based glioma modeling and outline the established genetically engineered glioma models (GEGMs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Longbo Zhang
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Changde hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 818 Renmin Street, Wuling District, Changde, Hunan 415003, China; Departments of Neurosurgery, and National Clinical Research Center of Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, China; Departments of Neurosurgery, and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA.
| | - Angelique Bordey
- Departments of Neurosurgery, and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA
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30
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Norton ES, Whaley LA, Jones VK, Brooks MM, Russo MN, Morderer D, Jessen E, Schiapparelli P, Ramos-Fresnedo A, Zarco N, Carrano A, Rossoll W, Asmann YW, Lam TT, Chaichana KL, Anastasiadis PZ, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, Guerrero-Cázares H. Cell-specific crosstalk proteomics reveals cathepsin B signaling as a driver of glioblastoma malignancy near the subventricular zone. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.19.553966. [PMID: 37662251 PMCID: PMC10473635 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.19.553966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor. GBM proximal to the lateral ventricles (LVs) is more aggressive, potentially due to subventricular zone (SVZ) contact. Despite this, crosstalk between GBM and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSC/NPCs) is not well understood. Using cell-specific proteomics, we show that LV-proximal GBM prevents neuronal maturation of NSCs through induction of senescence. Additionally, GBM brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) increase expression of CTSB upon interaction with NPCs. Lentiviral knockdown and recombinant protein experiments reveal both cell-intrinsic and soluble CTSB promote malignancy-associated phenotypes in BTICs. Soluble CTSB stalls neuronal maturation in NPCs while promoting senescence, providing a link between LV-tumor proximity and neurogenesis disruption. Finally, we show LV-proximal CTSB upregulation in patients, showing the relevance of this crosstalk in human GBM biology. These results demonstrate the value of proteomic analysis in tumor microenvironment research and provide direction for new therapeutic strategies in GBM. Highlights Periventricular GBM is more malignant and disrupts neurogenesis in a rodent model.Cell-specific proteomics elucidates tumor-promoting crosstalk between GBM and NPCs.NPCs induce upregulated CTSB expression in GBM, promoting tumor progression.GBM stalls neurogenesis and promotes NPC senescence via CTSB.
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31
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Engrácia DM, Pinto CIG, Mendes F. Cancer 3D Models for Metallodrug Preclinical Testing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11915. [PMID: 37569291 PMCID: PMC10418685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511915] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite being standard tools in research, the application of cellular and animal models in drug development is hindered by several limitations, such as limited translational significance, animal ethics, and inter-species physiological differences. In this regard, 3D cellular models can be presented as a step forward in biomedical research, allowing for mimicking tissue complexity more accurately than traditional 2D models, while also contributing to reducing the use of animal models. In cancer research, 3D models have the potential to replicate the tumor microenvironment, which is a key modulator of cancer cell behavior and drug response. These features make cancer 3D models prime tools for the preclinical study of anti-tumoral drugs, especially considering that there is still a need to develop effective anti-cancer drugs with high selectivity, minimal toxicity, and reduced side effects. Metallodrugs, especially transition-metal-based complexes, have been extensively studied for their therapeutic potential in cancer therapy due to their distinctive properties; however, despite the benefits of 3D models, their application in metallodrug testing is currently limited. Thus, this article reviews some of the most common types of 3D models in cancer research, as well as the application of 3D models in metallodrug preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo M. Engrácia
- Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.M.E.); (C.I.G.P.)
| | - Catarina I. G. Pinto
- Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.M.E.); (C.I.G.P.)
| | - Filipa Mendes
- Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.M.E.); (C.I.G.P.)
- Department of Nuclear Sciences and Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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32
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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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33
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Yan HHN, Chan AS, Lai FPL, Leung SY. Organoid cultures for cancer modeling. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:917-937. [PMID: 37315564 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Organoids derived from adult stem cells (ASCs) and pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are important preclinical models for studying cancer and developing therapies. Here, we review primary tissue-derived and PSC-derived cancer organoid models and detail how they have the potential to inform personalized medical approaches in different organ contexts and contribute to the understanding of early carcinogenic steps, cancer genomes, and biology. We also compare the differences between ASC- and PSC-based cancer organoid systems, discuss their limitations, and highlight recent improvements to organoid culture approaches that have helped to make them an even better representation of human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H N Yan
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - April S Chan
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Frank Pui-Ling Lai
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Suet Yi Leung
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; Jockey Club Centre for Clinical Innovation and Discovery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for PanorOmic Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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34
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Wang X, Sun Y, Zhang DY, Ming GL, Song H. Glioblastoma modeling with 3D organoids: progress and challenges. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvad008. [PMID: 38596241 PMCID: PMC10913843 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive adult primary brain tumor with nearly universal treatment resistance and recurrence. The mainstay of therapy remains maximal safe surgical resection followed by concurrent radiation therapy and temozolomide chemotherapy. Despite intensive investigation, alternative treatment options, such as immunotherapy or targeted molecular therapy, have yielded limited success to achieve long-term remission. This difficulty is partly due to the lack of pre-clinical models that fully recapitulate the intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity of GBM and the complex tumor microenvironment. Recently, GBM 3D organoids originating from resected patient tumors, genetic manipulation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids and bio-printing or fusion with non-malignant tissues have emerged as novel culture systems to portray the biology of GBM. Here, we highlight several methodologies for generating GBM organoids and discuss insights gained using such organoid models compared to classic modeling approaches using cell lines and xenografts. We also outline limitations of current GBM 3D organoids, most notably the difficulty retaining the tumor microenvironment, and discuss current efforts for improvements. Finally, we propose potential applications of organoid models for a deeper mechanistic understanding of GBM and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yusha Sun
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel Y Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guo-li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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35
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Adlakha YK. Human 3D brain organoids: steering the demolecularization of brain and neurological diseases. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:221. [PMID: 37400464 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01523-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding of human brain development, dysfunction and neurological diseases has remained limited and challenging due to inability to recapitulate human brain-specific features in animal models. Though the anatomy and physiology of the human brain has been understood in a remarkable way using post-mortem, pathological samples of human and animal models, however, modeling of human brain development and neurological diseases remains a challenge owing to distinct complexity of human brain. In this perspective, three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids have shown a beam of light. Tremendous growth in stem cell technologies has permitted the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells under 3D culture conditions into brain organoids, which recapitulate the unique features of human brain in many ways and also offer the detailed investigation of brain development, dysfunction and neurological diseases. Their translational value has also emerged and will benefit the society once the protocols for the upscaling of brain organoids are in place. Here, we summarize new advancements in methods for generation of more complex brain organoids including vascularized and mixed lineage tissue from PSCs. How synthetic biomaterials and microfluidic technology is boosting brain organoid development, has also been highlighted. We discuss the applications of brain organoids in studying preterm birth associated brain dysfunction; viral infections mediated neuroinflammation, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight the translational value of brain organoids and current challenges that the field is experiencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita K Adlakha
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Maternal and Child Health Domain, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana, India.
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36
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Ahmed T. Biomaterial-based in vitro 3D modeling of glioblastoma multiforme. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2023; 1:177-194. [PMID: 38327839 PMCID: PMC10846340 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Adult-onset brain cancers, such as glioblastomas, are particularly lethal. People with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) do not anticipate living for more than 15 months if there is no cure. The results of conventional treatments over the past 20 years have been underwhelming. Tumor aggressiveness, location, and lack of systemic therapies that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier are all contributing factors. For GBM treatments that appear promising in preclinical studies, there is a considerable rate of failure in phase I and II clinical trials. Unfortunately, access becomes impossible due to the intricate architecture of tumors. In vitro, bioengineered cancer models are currently being used by researchers to study disease development, test novel therapies, and advance specialized medications. Many different techniques for creating in vitro systems have arisen over the past few decades due to developments in cellular and tissue engineering. Later-stage research may yield better results if in vitro models that resemble brain tissue and the blood-brain barrier are used. With the use of 3D preclinical models made available by biomaterials, researchers have discovered that it is possible to overcome these limitations. Innovative in vitro models for the treatment of GBM are possible using biomaterials and novel drug carriers. This review discusses the benefits and drawbacks of 3D in vitro glioblastoma modeling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
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37
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Tenreiro MF, Branco MA, Cotovio JP, Cabral JMS, Fernandes TG, Diogo MM. Advancing organoid design through co-emergence, assembly, and bioengineering. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:923-938. [PMID: 36653200 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Human adult stem cells and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells represent promising tools to understand human biology, development, and disease. Under a permissive environment, stem cell derivatives can self-organize and reconstruct their native milieu, resulting in the creation of organ-like entities known as organoids. Although organoids represent a breakthrough in the stem cell field, there are still considerable shortcomings preventing their widespread use, namely their variability, limited function, and reductionist size. In the past few years, sophisticated methodologies have been proposed to allow the design of organoids with improved biological fidelity and physiological relevance. Here, we summarize these emerging technologies and provide insights into how they can be utilized to fulfill the potential of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel F Tenreiro
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana A Branco
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João P Cotovio
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M S Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago G Fernandes
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Margarida Diogo
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.
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38
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Drumm MR, Wang W, Sears TK, Bell-Burdett K, Javier R, Cotton KY, Webb B, Byrne K, Unruh D, Thirunavu V, Walshon J, Steffens A, McCortney K, Lukas RV, Phillips JJ, Mohamed E, Finan JD, Santana-Santos L, Heimberger AB, Franz CK, Kurz J, Templer JW, Swanson GT, Horbinski C. Postoperative risk of IDH-mutant glioma-associated seizures and their potential management with IDH-mutant inhibitors. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168035. [PMID: 37104042 PMCID: PMC10266777 DOI: 10.1172/jci168035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Seizures are a frequent complication of adult-type diffuse gliomas, and are often difficult to control with medications. Gliomas with mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2 (IDHmut) are more likely than IDH-wild type (IDHwt) gliomas to cause seizures as part of their initial clinical presentation. However, whether IDHmut is also associated with seizures during the remaining disease course, and whether IDHmut inhibitors can reduce seizure risk, are unclear. Clinical multivariable analyses showed that preoperative seizures, glioma location, extent of resection, and glioma molecular subtype (including IDHmut status) all contributed to postoperative seizure risk in adult-type diffuse glioma patients, and that postoperative seizures were often associated with tumor recurrence. Experimentally, the metabolic product of IDHmut, d-2-hydroxyglutarate, rapidly synchronized neuronal spike firing in a seizure-like manner, but only when non-neoplastic glial cells were present. In vitro and in vivo models recapitulated IDHmut glioma-associated seizures, and IDHmut inhibitors currently being evaluated in glioma clinical trials inhibited seizures in those models, independent of their effects on glioma growth. These data show that postoperative seizure risk in adult-type diffuse gliomas varies in large part by molecular subtype, and that IDHmut inhibitors could play a key role in mitigating such risk in IDHmut glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kirsten Bell-Burdett
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rodrigo Javier
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Brynna Webb
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kayla Byrne
- Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rimas V. Lukas
- Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology and
- Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joanna J. Phillips
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain Tumor Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Esraa Mohamed
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain Tumor Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John D. Finan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Amy B. Heimberger
- Department of Neurological Surgery and
- Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Colin K. Franz
- Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology and
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Biologics Laboratory, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Jessica W. Templer
- Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology and
- Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Craig Horbinski
- Department of Neurological Surgery and
- Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pathology and
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39
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Ren AL, Wu JY, Lee SY, Lim M. Translational Models in Glioma Immunotherapy Research. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5704-5718. [PMID: 37366911 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic domain for the treatment of gliomas. However, clinical trials of various immunotherapeutic modalities have not yielded significant improvements in patient survival. Preclinical models for glioma research should faithfully represent clinically observed features regarding glioma behavior, mutational load, tumor interactions with stromal cells, and immunosuppressive mechanisms. In this review, we dive into the common preclinical models used in glioma immunology, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and highlight examples of their utilization in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Ren
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Janet Y Wu
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Si Yeon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
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40
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Yang S, Hu H, Kung H, Zou R, Dai Y, Hu Y, Wang T, Lv T, Yu J, Li F. Organoids: The current status and biomedical applications. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e274. [PMID: 37215622 PMCID: PMC10192887 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) miniaturized versions of organs or tissues that are derived from cells with stem potential and can self-organize and differentiate into 3D cell masses, recapitulating the morphology and functions of their in vivo counterparts. Organoid culture is an emerging 3D culture technology, and organoids derived from various organs and tissues, such as the brain, lung, heart, liver, and kidney, have been generated. Compared with traditional bidimensional culture, organoid culture systems have the unique advantage of conserving parental gene expression and mutation characteristics, as well as long-term maintenance of the function and biological characteristics of the parental cells in vitro. All these features of organoids open up new opportunities for drug discovery, large-scale drug screening, and precision medicine. Another major application of organoids is disease modeling, and especially various hereditary diseases that are difficult to model in vitro have been modeled with organoids by combining genome editing technologies. Herein, we introduce the development and current advances in the organoid technology field. We focus on the applications of organoids in basic biology and clinical research, and also highlight their limitations and future perspectives. We hope that this review can provide a valuable reference for the developments and applications of organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Yang
- Division of Biliary Tract SurgeryDepartment of General SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan ProvinceChina
| | - Haijie Hu
- Division of Biliary Tract SurgeryDepartment of General SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan ProvinceChina
| | - Hengchung Kung
- Krieger School of Arts and SciencesJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Ruiqi Zou
- Division of Biliary Tract SurgeryDepartment of General SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan ProvinceChina
| | - Yushi Dai
- Division of Biliary Tract SurgeryDepartment of General SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan ProvinceChina
| | - Yafei Hu
- Division of Biliary Tract SurgeryDepartment of General SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan ProvinceChina
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan ProvinceWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Tianrun Lv
- Division of Biliary Tract SurgeryDepartment of General SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan ProvinceChina
| | - Jun Yu
- Departments of MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Departments of OncologyJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Fuyu Li
- Division of Biliary Tract SurgeryDepartment of General SurgeryWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan ProvinceChina
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41
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Higginbottom SL, Tomaskovic-Crook E, Crook JM. Considerations for modelling diffuse high-grade gliomas and developing clinically relevant therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:507-541. [PMID: 37004686 PMCID: PMC10348989 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10100-7] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse high-grade gliomas contain some of the most dangerous human cancers that lack curative treatment options. The recent molecular stratification of gliomas by the World Health Organisation in 2021 is expected to improve outcomes for patients in neuro-oncology through the development of treatments targeted to specific tumour types. Despite this promise, research is hindered by the lack of preclinical modelling platforms capable of recapitulating the heterogeneity and cellular phenotypes of tumours residing in their native human brain microenvironment. The microenvironment provides cues to subsets of glioma cells that influence proliferation, survival, and gene expression, thus altering susceptibility to therapeutic intervention. As such, conventional in vitro cellular models poorly reflect the varied responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy seen in these diverse cellular states that differ in transcriptional profile and differentiation status. In an effort to improve the relevance of traditional modelling platforms, recent attention has focused on human pluripotent stem cell-based and tissue engineering techniques, such as three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting and microfluidic devices. The proper application of these exciting new technologies with consideration of tumour heterogeneity and microenvironmental interactions holds potential to develop more applicable models and clinically relevant therapies. In doing so, we will have a better chance of translating preclinical research findings to patient populations, thereby addressing the current derisory oncology clinical trial success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Higginbottom
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Eva Tomaskovic-Crook
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia.
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Jeremy M Crook
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia.
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Lago C, Gianesello M, Santomaso L, Leva G, Ballabio C, Anderle M, Antonica F, Tiberi L. Medulloblastoma and high-grade glioma organoids for drug screening, lineage tracing, co-culture and in vivo assay. Nat Protoc 2023:10.1038/s41596-023-00839-2. [PMID: 37248391 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00839-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma and high-grade glioma represent the most aggressive and frequent lethal solid tumors affecting individuals during pediatric age. During the past years, several models have been established for studying these types of cancers. Human organoids have recently been shown to be a valid alternative model to study several aspects of brain cancer biology, genetics and test therapies. Notably, brain cancer organoids can be generated using genetically modified cerebral organoids differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). However, the protocols to generate them and their downstream applications are very rare. Here, we describe the protocols to generate cerebellum and forebrain organoids from hiPSCs, and the workflow to genetically modify them by overexpressing genes found altered in patients to finally produce cancer organoids. We also show detailed protocols to use medulloblastoma and high-grade glioma organoids for orthotopic transplantation and co-culture experiments aimed to study cell biology in vivo and in vitro, for lineage tracing to investigate the cell of origin and for drug screening. The protocol takes 60-65 d for cancer organoids generation and from 1-4 weeks for downstream applications. The protocol requires at least 3-6 months to become proficient in culturing hiPSCs, generating organoids and performing procedures on immunodeficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lago
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Matteo Gianesello
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Lucia Santomaso
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Gloria Leva
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Claudio Ballabio
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Marica Anderle
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Francesco Antonica
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
| | - Luca Tiberi
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
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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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Mulder LA, Depla JA, Sridhar A, Wolthers K, Pajkrt D, Vieira de Sá R. A beginner's guide on the use of brain organoids for neuroscientists: a systematic review. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:87. [PMID: 37061699 PMCID: PMC10105545 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first human brain organoid protocol was presented in the beginning of the previous decade, and since then, the field witnessed the development of many new brain region-specific models, and subsequent protocol adaptations and modifications. The vast amount of data available on brain organoid technology may be overwhelming for scientists new to the field and consequently decrease its accessibility. Here, we aimed at providing a practical guide for new researchers in the field by systematically reviewing human brain organoid publications. METHODS Articles published between 2010 and 2020 were selected and categorised for brain organoid applications. Those describing neurodevelopmental studies or protocols for novel organoid models were further analysed for culture duration of the brain organoids, protocol comparisons of key aspects of organoid generation, and performed functional characterisation assays. We then summarised the approaches taken for different models and analysed the application of small molecules and growth factors used to achieve organoid regionalisation. Finally, we analysed articles for organoid cell type compositions, the reported time points per cell type, and for immunofluorescence markers used to characterise different cell types. RESULTS Calcium imaging and patch clamp analysis were the most frequently used neuronal activity assays in brain organoids. Neural activity was shown in all analysed models, yet network activity was age, model, and assay dependent. Induction of dorsal forebrain organoids was primarily achieved through combined (dual) SMAD and Wnt signalling inhibition. Ventral forebrain organoid induction was performed with dual SMAD and Wnt signalling inhibition, together with additional activation of the Shh pathway. Cerebral organoids and dorsal forebrain model presented the most cell types between days 35 and 60. At 84 days, dorsal forebrain organoids contain astrocytes and potentially oligodendrocytes. Immunofluorescence analysis showed cell type-specific application of non-exclusive markers for multiple cell types. CONCLUSIONS We provide an easily accessible overview of human brain organoid cultures, which may help those working with brain organoids to define their choice of model, culture time, functional assay, differentiation, and characterisation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance A Mulder
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Josse A Depla
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adithya Sridhar
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Katja Wolthers
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dasja Pajkrt
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Renata Vieira de Sá
- Department Medical Microbiology, OrganoVIR Labs, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Erices JI, Bizama C, Niechi I, Uribe D, Rosales A, Fabres K, Navarro-Martínez G, Torres Á, San Martín R, Roa JC, Quezada-Monrás C. Glioblastoma Microenvironment and Invasiveness: New Insights and Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087047. [PMID: 37108208 PMCID: PMC10139189 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant primary brain cancer in adults. Without treatment the mean patient survival is approximately 6 months, which can be extended to 15 months with the use of multimodal therapies. The low effectiveness of GBM therapies is mainly due to the tumor infiltration into the healthy brain tissue, which depends on GBM cells' interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME). The interaction of GBM cells with the TME involves cellular components such as stem-like cells, glia, endothelial cells, and non-cellular components such as the extracellular matrix, enhanced hypoxia, and soluble factors such as adenosine, which promote GBM's invasiveness. However, here we highlight the role of 3D patient-derived glioblastoma organoids cultures as a new platform for study of the modeling of TME and invasiveness. In this review, the mechanisms involved in GBM-microenvironment interaction are described and discussed, proposing potential prognosis biomarkers and new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Erices
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Carolina Bizama
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Ignacio Niechi
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Daniel Uribe
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Arnaldo Rosales
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Karen Fabres
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Giovanna Navarro-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Ángelo Torres
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Talca 8370003, Chile
| | - Rody San Martín
- Laboratorio de Patología Molecular, Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Roa
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Claudia Quezada-Monrás
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
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46
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Pawlowski KD, Duffy JT, Babak MV, Balyasnikova IV. Modeling glioblastoma complexity with organoids for personalized treatments. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:282-296. [PMID: 36805210 PMCID: PMC11101135 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains a fatal diagnosis despite the current standard of care of maximal surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ) therapy. One aspect that impedes drug development is the lack of an appropriate model representative of the complexity of patient tumors. Brain organoids derived from cell culture techniques provide a robust, easily manipulatable, and high-throughput model for GBM. In this review, we highlight recent progress in developing GBM organoids (GBOs) with a focus on generating the GBM microenvironment (i.e., stem cells, vasculature, and immune cells) recapitulating human disease. Finally, we also discuss the use of organoids as a screening tool in drug development for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen D Pawlowski
- Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Joseph T Duffy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Maria V Babak
- Drug Discovery Lab, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, People's Republic of China.
| | - Irina V Balyasnikova
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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47
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El Harane S, Zidi B, El Harane N, Krause KH, Matthes T, Preynat-Seauve O. Cancer Spheroids and Organoids as Novel Tools for Research and Therapy: State of the Art and Challenges to Guide Precision Medicine. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071001. [PMID: 37048073 PMCID: PMC10093533 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Spheroids and organoids are important novel players in medical and life science research. They are gradually replacing two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Indeed, three-dimensional (3D) cultures are closer to the in vivo reality and open promising perspectives for academic research, drug screening, and personalized medicine. A large variety of cells and tissues, including tumor cells, can be the starting material for the generation of 3D cultures, including primary tissues, stem cells, or cell lines. A panoply of methods has been developed to generate 3D structures, including spontaneous or forced cell aggregation, air-liquid interface conditions, low cell attachment supports, magnetic levitation, and scaffold-based technologies. The choice of the most appropriate method depends on (i) the origin of the tissue, (ii) the presence or absence of a disease, and (iii) the intended application. This review summarizes methods and approaches for the generation of cancer spheroids and organoids, including their advantages and limitations. We also highlight some of the challenges and unresolved issues in the field of cancer spheroids and organoids, and discuss possible therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanae El Harane
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bochra Zidi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nadia El Harane
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Heinz Krause
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Matthes
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Preynat-Seauve
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Experimental Cell Therapy, Department of Diagnostics, Geneva University Hospitals, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
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48
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Advanced Bioinformatics Analysis and Genetic Technologies for Targeting Autophagy in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060897. [PMID: 36980238 PMCID: PMC10047676 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most malignant primary brain tumor in adults, a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) continues to carry a poor prognosis. GBM is characterized by cytoprotective homeostatic processes such as the activation of autophagy, capability to confer therapeutic resistance, evasion of apoptosis, and survival strategy even in the hypoxic and nutrient-deprived tumor microenvironment. The current gold standard of therapy, which involves radiotherapy and concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), has been a game-changer for patients with GBM, relatively improving both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS); however, TMZ is now well-known to upregulate undesirable cytoprotective autophagy, limiting its therapeutic efficacy for induction of apoptosis in GBM cells. The identification of targets utilizing bioinformatics-driven approaches, advancement of modern molecular biology technologies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)—CRISPR-associated protein (Cas9) or CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and usage of microRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation of gene expression led to the selection of many novel targets for new therapeutic development and the creation of promising combination therapies. This review explores the current state of advanced bioinformatics analysis and genetic technologies and their utilization for synergistic combination with TMZ in the context of inhibition of autophagy for controlling the growth of GBM.
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49
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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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50
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Khamis ZI, Sarker DB, Xue Y, Al-Akkary N, James VD, Zeng C, Li Y, Sang QXA. Modeling Human Brain Tumors and the Microenvironment Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041253. [PMID: 36831595 PMCID: PMC9954701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain cancer is a group of diverse and rapidly growing malignancies that originate in the central nervous system (CNS) and have a poor prognosis. The complexity of brain structure and function makes brain cancer modeling extremely difficult, limiting pathological studies and therapeutic developments. Advancements in human pluripotent stem cell technology have opened a window of opportunity for brain cancer modeling, providing a wealth of customizable methods to simulate the disease in vitro. This is achieved with the advent of genome editing and genetic engineering technologies that can simulate germline and somatic mutations found in human brain tumors. This review investigates induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based approaches to model human brain cancer. The applications of iPSCs as renewable sources of individual brain cell types, brain organoids, blood-brain barrier (BBB), and brain tumor models are discussed. The brain tumor models reviewed are glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. The iPSC-derived isogenic cells and three-dimensional (3D) brain cancer organoids combined with patient-derived xenografts will enhance future compound screening and drug development for these deadly human brain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa I. Khamis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Drishty B. Sarker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Nancy Al-Akkary
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Viviana D. James
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
- High-Performance Materials Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-850-644-8683; Fax: +1-850-644-8281
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