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Lin H, Liu C, Hu A, Zhang D, Yang H, Mao Y. Understanding the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma: mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:31. [PMID: 38720342 PMCID: PMC11077829 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the predominant and primary malignant intracranial tumor, poses a formidable challenge due to its immunosuppressive microenvironment, thereby confounding conventional therapeutic interventions. Despite the established treatment regimen comprising surgical intervention, radiotherapy, temozolomide administration, and the exploration of emerging modalities such as immunotherapy and integration of medicine and engineering technology therapy, the efficacy of these approaches remains constrained, resulting in suboptimal prognostic outcomes. In recent years, intensive scrutiny of the inhibitory and immunosuppressive milieu within GBM has underscored the significance of cellular constituents of the GBM microenvironment and their interactions with malignant cells and neurons. Novel immune and targeted therapy strategies have emerged, offering promising avenues for advancing GBM treatment. One pivotal mechanism orchestrating immunosuppression in GBM involves the aggregation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), glioma-associated macrophage/microglia (GAM), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Among these, MDSCs, though constituting a minority (4-8%) of CD45+ cells in GBM, play a central component in fostering immune evasion and propelling tumor progression, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. MDSCs deploy intricate immunosuppressive mechanisms that adapt to the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the interplay between GBM and MDSCs provides a compelling basis for therapeutic interventions. This review seeks to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms inherent in the GBM microenvironment, explore existing therapeutic targets, and consolidate recent insights into MDSC induction and their contribution to GBM immunosuppression. Additionally, the review comprehensively surveys ongoing clinical trials and potential treatment strategies, envisioning a future where targeting MDSCs could reshape the immune landscape of GBM. Through the synergistic integration of immunotherapy with other therapeutic modalities, this approach can establish a multidisciplinary, multi-target paradigm, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life in patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaxian Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Duanwu Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Aleshina YA, Aleshin VA. Evolutionary Changes in Primate Glutamate Dehydrogenases 1 and 2 Influence the Protein Regulation by Ligands, Targeting and Posttranslational Modifications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4341. [PMID: 38673928 PMCID: PMC11050691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
There are two paralogs of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) in humans encoded by the GLUD1 and GLUD2 genes as a result of a recent retroposition during the evolution of primates. The two human GDHs possess significantly different regulation by allosteric ligands, which is not fully characterized at the structural level. Recent advances in identification of the GDH ligand binding sites provide a deeper perspective on the significance of the accumulated substitutions within the two GDH paralogs. In this review, we describe the evolution of GLUD1 and GLUD2 after the duplication event in primates using the accumulated sequencing and structural data. A new gibbon GLUD2 sequence questions the indispensability of ancestral R496S and G509A mutations for GLUD2 irresponsiveness to GTP, providing an alternative with potentially similar regulatory features. The data of both GLUD1 and GLUD2 evolution not only confirm substitutions enhancing GLUD2 mitochondrial targeting, but also reveal a conserved mutation in ape GLUD1 mitochondrial targeting sequence that likely reduces its transport to mitochondria. Moreover, the information of GDH interactors, posttranslational modification and subcellular localization are provided for better understanding of the GDH mutations. Medically significant point mutations causing deregulation of GDH are considered from the structural and regulatory point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia A. Aleshina
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vasily A. Aleshin
- Belozersky Institute of Physicochemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biochemistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119048 Moscow, Russia
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3
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Mekler AA, Schwartz DR, Savelieva OE. Genetic Discrimination of Grade 3 and Grade 4 Gliomas by Artificial Neural Network. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 44:13. [PMID: 38150033 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01448-z] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas, including anaplastic gliomas (AG; grade 3) and glioblastomas (GBM; grade 4), are malignant brain tumors associated with poor prognosis and low survival rates. Current classification systems based on histopathology have limitations due to intratumoral heterogeneity. The treatment and prognosis are distinctly different between grade 3 and grade 4 gliomas patients. Therefore, there is a need for molecular markers to differentiate these tumors accurately. In this study, we aimed to identify a gene expression signature using an artificial neural network (ANN) in application to microarray and serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) data for grade 3 (AG) and grade 4 (GBM) gliomas discrimination. We acquired gene expression data from publicly available datasets on glial tumors of grades 3 and 4-a total of 93 grade 3 gliomas and 224 grade 4 gliomas. To select genes for classification, we implemented an artificial neural network-based method using a combination of self-organized maps (SOM) and perceptron. In general, we implemented a multi-stage procedure that involved multiple runs of a genetic algorithm to identify genes that provided optimal clusterization on the SOM. We performed this procedure multiple times, resulting in different sets of genes each time. Eventually, we selected several genes that appeared most frequently in the reduced sets and performed classification using them. Our analysis identified a set of seven genes (BCAS4, GLUD2, KCNJ10, KCND2, AKR7A2, FOLR1, and KIAA0319). The classification accuracy using this gene set was 87.5%. These findings suggest the potential of this gene set as a molecular marker for distinguishing grade 3 (AG) from grade 4 (GBM) gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei A Mekler
- Department for Innovations and Analytics, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, 194100, Russia.
| | - Dmitry R Schwartz
- Institute of Computer Science and Technologies, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, 195251, Russia
| | - Olga E Savelieva
- Research Center and Department of Biological Chemistry, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, 194100, Russia
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Bernhard C, Reita D, Martin S, Entz-Werle N, Dontenwill M. Glioblastoma Metabolism: Insights and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119137. [PMID: 37298093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metabolism is emerging as a potential target for cancer therapies. This new approach holds particular promise for the treatment of glioblastoma, a highly lethal brain tumor that is resistant to conventional treatments, for which improving therapeutic strategies is a major challenge. The presence of glioma stem cells is a critical factor in therapy resistance, thus making it essential to eliminate these cells for the long-term survival of cancer patients. Recent advancements in our understanding of cancer metabolism have shown that glioblastoma metabolism is highly heterogeneous, and that cancer stem cells exhibit specific metabolic traits that support their unique functionality. The objective of this review is to examine the metabolic changes in glioblastoma and investigate the role of specific metabolic processes in tumorigenesis, as well as associated therapeutic approaches, with a particular focus on glioma stem cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Bernhard
- UMR CNRS 7021, Laboratory Bioimaging and Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, 67405 lllkirch, France
| | - Damien Reita
- UMR CNRS 7021, Laboratory Bioimaging and Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, 67405 lllkirch, France
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cancer Molecular Genetics, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sophie Martin
- UMR CNRS 7021, Laboratory Bioimaging and Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, 67405 lllkirch, France
| | - Natacha Entz-Werle
- UMR CNRS 7021, Laboratory Bioimaging and Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, 67405 lllkirch, France
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology Unit, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67098 Strasbourg, France
| | - Monique Dontenwill
- UMR CNRS 7021, Laboratory Bioimaging and Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, 67405 lllkirch, France
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Wu X, Wang Q, Liu P, Sun L, Wang Y. Potential value of the homologous recombination deficiency signature we developed in the prognosis and drug sensitivity of gastric cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:1026871. [PMID: 36468004 PMCID: PMC9709314 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1026871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Homologous recombination is an important DNA repair mechanism, which deficiency is a common feature of many cancers. Defining homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status can provide information for treatment decisions of cancer patients. HRD score is a widely accepted method to evaluate HRD status. This study aimed to explored HRD in gastric cancer (GC) patients' clinical outcomes with genes related to HRD score and HRD components score [HRD-loss of heterozygosity (LOH), large-scale state transitions (LST), and telomeric allelic imbalance (NtAI)]. Methods: Based on LOH, NtAI scores, LST, and integrated HRD scores-related genes, a risk model for stratifying 346 TCGA GC cases were developed by Cox regression analysis and LASSO Cox regression. The risk scores of 33 cancers in TCGA were calculated to analyze the relationship between risk scores of each cancer and HRD scores and 3 HRD component scores. Relationship between the risk model and patient survival, BRCA1, BRCA2 mutation, response to Cisplatin and Talazoparib treatment was analyzed by generating Kaplan-Meier curve, mutations waterfall map and conducting Pearson correlation analysis. Results: An gene signature was constructed based on 11 HRD scores-related gene (BEX2, C1QL2, DKK1, DRC1, GLUD2, HCAR1, IGFBP1, NXPH1, PROC, SERPINA5, and SLCA1A2). Risk groups were stratified by risk score. Prognosis of the high-risk score group was worse than the low-risk ones. Risk score was associated with BRCA2 mutation, and patients grouped according to BRCA2 mutation status had distinguishable risk score, NtAI score, HRD-LOH, LST, and HRD scores. The low-score group showed higher sensitivity to Cisplatin and Talazoparib. The risk score of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD), uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC), kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), sarcoma (SARC), prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD), breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) was significantly positively correlated with HRD score. Conclusion: We developed an 11 HRD scores-related genes risk model and revealed the potential association between HRD status and GC prognosis, gene mutations, patients' sensitivity to therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Department of General Surgical Medicine, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Pathology Department, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peifa Liu
- Department of General Surgical Medicine, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Linde Sun
- Department of General Surgical Medicine, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of General Surgical Medicine, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Wang L, Fang Z, Gao P, Zheng J. GLUD1 suppresses renal tumorigenesis and development via inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Front Oncol 2022; 12:975517. [PMID: 36203437 PMCID: PMC9530280 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.975517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing cancer cells are addicted to glutamine. Glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1) is one of key enzymes in glutamine metabolism and plays a critical role in the malignancy of diverse tumors. However, its role and molecular mechanism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) development and progression remain unknown. In this study, analysis results of the GEO/TCGA/UALCAN database showed that GLUD1 level was downregulated in ccRCC tissues. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting results further validated the downregulation of GLUD1 level in ccRCC tissues. GLUD1 level was gradually decreased as ccRCC stage and grade progressed. Low GLUD1 level was associated with a shorter survival and higher IC50 value for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in ccRCC, reminding that GLUD1 level could predict the prognosis and TKIs sensitivity of ccRCC patients. High level of methylation in GLUD1 promoter was positively correlated with the downregulation of GLUD1 level and was negatively correlated with survival of ccRCC patients. GLUD1 overexpression suppressed RCC cell proliferation, colony formation and migration by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway activation. Low GLUD1 level correlated with suppressive immune microenvironment (TIME) in ccRCC. Together, we found a novel tumor-suppressing role of GLUD1 in ccRCC which was different from that in other tumors and a new mechanism for inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation and TIME in ccRCC. These results provide a theoretical basis for GLUD1 as a therapeutic target and prognostic marker in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyu Fang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peixiang Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junfang Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Junfang Zheng,
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Wang Y, Huang Y, Li C, Wang X, Yang M, Xu D, Liu B, Yuan X. Establishment of a Necroptosis Related Genes Signature to Predict Prognosis and Therapeutic Response in Colon Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:921320. [PMID: 35874811 PMCID: PMC9305485 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.921320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Necroptosis, as a form of programmed cell death, is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. However, its role in cancer progression and therapeutic response remains controversial. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death and patients’ response to immune checkpoint blockade vary to a large degree. In this study, we investigated necroptosis related genes (NRGs) alterations in colon cancer by bioinformatics analysis. Colon cancer patients were classified into two subtypes with distinct clinical and molecular features based on NRGs. After finding differentially expressed genes and lasso regression, a prognostic model based on four necroptosis signature genes was constructed. The necroptosis signature was also a good predictor in the field of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in colon cancer. Altogether, this study illustrates the relationship between necroptosis and colon cancer, and establishes a novel scoring method to predict prognosis and therapeutic response in colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bo Liu
- *Correspondence: Bo Liu, ; Xianglin Yuan,
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GRPEL2 Knockdown Exerts Redox Regulation in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312705. [PMID: 34884508 PMCID: PMC8657957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors are responsible for catastrophic morbidity and mortality globally. Among them, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) bears the worst prognosis. The GrpE-like 2 homolog (GRPEL2) plays a crucial role in regulating mitochondrial protein import and redox homeostasis. However, the role of GRPEL2 in human glioblastoma has yet to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the function of GRPEL2 in glioma. Based on bioinformatics analyses from the Cancer Gene Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), we inferred that GRPEL2 expression positively correlates with WHO tumor grade (p < 0.001), IDH mutation status (p < 0.001), oligodendroglial differentiation (p < 0.001), and overall survival (p < 0.001) in glioma datasets. Functional validation in LN229 and GBM8401 GBM cells showed that GRPEL2 knockdown efficiently inhibited cellular proliferation. Moreover, GRPEL2 suppression induced cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase. Furthermore, GRPEL2 silencing decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) without impending mitochondria membrane potential. The cellular oxidative respiration measured with a Seahorse XFp analyzer exhibited a reduction of the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in GBM cells by siGRPEL2, which subsequently enhanced autophagy and senescence in glioblastoma cells. Taken together, GRPEL2 is a novel redox regulator of mitochondria bioenergetics and a potential target for treating GBM in the future.
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Parmigiani E, Scalera M, Mori E, Tantillo E, Vannini E. Old Stars and New Players in the Brain Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:709917. [PMID: 34690699 PMCID: PMC8527006 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.709917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the direct interaction between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a crucial regulator of tumor growth and a promising therapeutic target. The TME, including the surrounding peritumoral regions, is dynamically modified during tumor progression and in response to therapies. However, the mechanisms regulating the crosstalk between malignant and non-malignant cells are still poorly understood, especially in the case of glioma, an aggressive form of brain tumor. The presence of unique brain-resident cell types, namely neurons and glial cells, and an exceptionally immunosuppressive microenvironment pose additional important challenges to the development of effective treatments targeting the TME. In this review, we provide an overview on the direct and indirect interplay between glioma and neuronal and glial cells, introducing new players and mechanisms that still deserve further investigation. We will focus on the effects of neural activity and glial response in controlling glioma cell behavior and discuss the potential of exploiting these cellular interactions to develop new therapeutic approaches with the aim to preserve proper brain functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Parmigiani
- Embryology and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marta Scalera
- Neuroscience Institute, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Elena Tantillo
- Neuroscience Institute, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vannini
- Neuroscience Institute, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pisa, Italy
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Corsinovi D, Usai A, Sarlo MD, Giannaccini M, Ori M. Zebrafish Avatar to Develop Precision Breast Cancer Therapies. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:748-759. [PMID: 33797388 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210402111634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a vertebrate that has become a popular alternative model for the cellular and molecular study of human tumors and for drug testing and validating approaches. Notably, zebrafish embryos, thanks to their accessibility, allow rapid collection of in vivo results prodromal to validation in the murine models in respect to the 3R principles. The generation of tumor xenograft in zebrafish embryos and larvae, or zebrafish avatar, represents a unique opportunity to study tumor growth, angiogenesis, cell invasion and metastatic dissemination, interaction between tumor and host in vivo avoiding immunogenic rejection, representing a promising platform for the translational research and personalized therapies. OBJECTIVE In this mini-review we report recent advances in breast cancer research and drug testing that took advantage of the zebrafish xenograft model using both breast cancer cell lines and patient's biopsy. CONCLUSION Patient derived xenograft, together with the gene editing, the omics biotechnology, the in vivo time lapse imaging and the high-throughput screening that are already set up and largely used in zebrafish, could represent a step forward towards precision and personalized medicine in the breast cancer research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Corsinovi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Alice Usai
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | | | | | - Michela Ori
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
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Reimunde P, Pensado-López A, Carreira Crende M, Lombao Iglesias V, Sánchez L, Torrecilla-Parra M, Ramírez CM, Anfray C, Torres Andón F. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Glioblastoma and Zebrafish Models for the Discovery of New Treatments. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1087. [PMID: 33802571 PMCID: PMC7961726 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common of all brain malignant tumors; it displays a median survival of 14.6 months with current complete standard treatment. High heterogeneity, aggressive and invasive behavior, the impossibility of completing tumor resection, limitations for drug administration and therapeutic resistance to current treatments are the main problems presented by this pathology. In recent years, our knowledge of GBM physiopathology has advanced significantly, generating relevant information on the cellular heterogeneity of GBM tumors, including cancer and immune cells such as macrophages/microglia, genetic, epigenetic and metabolic alterations, comprising changes in miRNA expression. In this scenario, the zebrafish has arisen as a promising animal model to progress further due to its unique characteristics, such as transparency, ease of genetic manipulation, ethical and economic advantages and also conservation of the major brain regions and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) which are similar to a human structure. A few papers described in this review, using genetic and xenotransplantation zebrafish models have been used to study GBM as well as to test the anti-tumoral efficacy of new drugs, their ability to interact with target cells, modulate the tumor microenvironment, cross the BBB and/or their toxicity. Prospective studies following these lines of research may lead to a better diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Reimunde
- Department of Medicine, Campus de Oza, Universidade da Coruña, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, 27003 Lugo, Spain
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Martín Carreira Crende
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Vanesa Lombao Iglesias
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Marta Torrecilla-Parra
- IMDEA Research Institute of Food and Health Sciences, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-P.); (C.M.R.)
| | - Cristina M. Ramírez
- IMDEA Research Institute of Food and Health Sciences, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-P.); (C.M.R.)
| | - Clément Anfray
- IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via A. Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy;
| | - Fernando Torres Andón
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via A. Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy;
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Yuan Q, Yang W, Zhang S, Li T, Zuo M, Zhou X, Li J, Li M, Xia X, Chen M, Liu Y. Inhibition of mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 (MTCH2) suppresses tumor invasion and enhances sensitivity to temozolomide in malignant glioma. Mol Med 2021; 27:7. [PMID: 33509092 PMCID: PMC7842075 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-020-00261-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant glioma exerts a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOs) to aerobic glycolysis, with suppressed mitochondrial functions. This phenomenon offers a proliferation advantage to tumor cells and decrease mitochondria-dependent cell death. However, the underlying mechanism for mitochondrial dysfunction in glioma is not well elucidated. MTCH2 is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein that regulates mitochondrial metabolism and related cell death. This study aims to clarify the role of MTCH2 in glioma. Methods Bioinformatic analysis from TCGA and CGGA databases were used to investigate the association of MTCH2 with glioma malignancy and clinical significance. The expression of MTCH2 was verified from clinical specimens using real-time PCR and western blots in our cohorts. siRNA-mediated MTCH2 knockdown were used to assess the biological functions of MTCH2 in glioma progression, including cell invasion and temozolomide-induced cell death. Biochemical investigations of mitochondrial and cellular signaling alternations were performed to detect the mechanism by which MTCH2 regulates glioma malignancy. Results Bioinformatic data from public database and our cohort showed that MTCH2 expression was closely associated with glioma malignancy and poor patient survival. Silencing of MTCH2 expression impaired cell migration/invasion and enhanced temozolomide sensitivity of human glioma cells. Mechanistically, MTCH2 knockdown may increase mitochondrial OXPHOs and thus oxidative damage, decreased migration/invasion pathways, and repressed pro-survival AKT signaling. Conclusion Our work establishes the relationship between MTCH2 expression and glioma malignancy, and provides a potential target for future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyun Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanchun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Tengfei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingrong Zuo
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingwang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiang Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Mina Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanhui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Dimovasili C, Fadouloglou VE, Kefala A, Providaki M, Kotsifaki D, Kanavouras K, Sarrou I, Plaitakis A, Zaganas I, Kokkinidis M. Crystal structure of glutamate dehydrogenase 2, a positively selected novel human enzyme involved in brain biology and cancer pathophysiology. J Neurochem 2021; 157:802-815. [PMID: 33421122 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mammalian glutamate dehydrogenase (hGDH1 in human cells) interconverts glutamate to α-ketoglutarate and ammonia while reducing NAD(P) to NAD(P)H. During primate evolution, humans and great apes have acquired hGDH2, an isoenzyme that underwent rapid evolutionary adaptation concomitantly with brain expansion, thereby acquiring unique catalytic and regulatory properties that permitted its function under conditions inhibitory to its ancestor hGDH1. Although the 3D-structures of GDHs, including hGDH1, have been determined, attempts to determine the hGDH2 structure were until recently unsuccessful. Comparison of the hGDH1/hGDH2 structures would enable a detailed understanding of their evolutionary differences. This work aimed at the determination of the hGDH2 crystal structure and the analysis of its functional implications. Recombinant hGDH2 was produced in the Spodoptera frugiperda ovarian cell line Sf21, using the Baculovirus expression system. Purification was achieved via a two-step chromatography procedure. hGDH2 was crystallized, X-ray diffraction data were collected using synchrotron radiation and the structure was determined by molecular replacement. The hGDH2 structure is reported at a resolution of 2.9 Å. The enzyme adopts a novel semi-closed conformation, which is an intermediate between known open and closed GDH1 conformations, differing from both. The structure enabled us to dissect previously reported biochemical findings and to structurally interpret the effects of evolutionary amino acid substitutions, including Arg470His, on ADP affinity. In conclusion, our data provide insights into the structural basis of hGDH2 properties, the functional evolution of hGDH isoenzymes, and open new prospects for drug design, especially for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Dimovasili
- Neurology Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Biology and Genetics of Neurodegeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vasiliki E Fadouloglou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Kefala
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Mary Providaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Dina Kotsifaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kanavouras
- Neurology Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Department of Neurology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Iosifina Sarrou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Center for Free-Electron Laser Science/DESY, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Plaitakis
- Neurology Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Zaganas
- Neurology Laboratory, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Michael Kokkinidis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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14
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Ceglie G, Vinci M, Carai A, Rossi S, Colafati GS, Cacchione A, Tornesello A, Miele E, Locatelli F, Mastronuzzi A. Infantile/Congenital High-Grade Gliomas: Molecular Features and Therapeutic Perspectives. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E648. [PMID: 32872331 PMCID: PMC7555400 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors in infants account for less than 10% of all pediatric nervous system tumors. They include tumors diagnosed in fetal age, neonatal age and in the first years of life. Among these, high-grade gliomas (HGGs) are a specific entity with a paradoxical clinical course that sets them apart from their pediatric and adult counterparts. Currently, surgery represents the main therapeutic strategy in the management of these tumors. Chemotherapy does not have a well-defined role whilst radiotherapy is rarely performed, considering its late effects. Information about molecular characterization is still limited, but it could represent a new fundamental tool in the therapeutic perspective of these tumors. Chimeric proteins derived from the fusion of several genes with neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase mutations have been described in high-grade gliomas in infants as well as in neonatal age and the recent discovery of targeted drugs may change the long-term prognosis of these tumors, along with other target-driven therapies. The aim of this mini review is to highlight the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of high-grade gliomas in infants with a particular focus on the molecular landscape of these neoplasms and future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ceglie
- Department of Onco-Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.L.)
| | - Maria Vinci
- Department of Onco-Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.L.)
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sabrina Rossi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Stefania Colafati
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Imaging, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonella Cacchione
- Department of Onco-Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.L.)
| | - Assunta Tornesello
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Ospedale Vito Fazzi, Piazza Filippo Muratore, 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Onco-Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.L.)
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Onco-Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.L.)
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Onco-Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Piazza Sant’Onofrio 4, 00146 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (A.C.); (E.M.); (F.L.)
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15
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Vollmann-Zwerenz A, Leidgens V, Feliciello G, Klein CA, Hau P. Tumor Cell Invasion in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1932. [PMID: 32178267 PMCID: PMC7139341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a particularly devastating tumor with a median survival of about 16 months. Recent research has revealed novel insights into the outstanding heterogeneity of this type of brain cancer. However, all GBM subtypes share the hallmark feature of aggressive invasion into the surrounding tissue. Invasive glioblastoma cells escape surgery and focal therapies and thus represent a major obstacle for curative therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of glioma invasion mechanisms with respect to tumor-cell-intrinsic properties as well as cues provided by the microenvironment. We discuss genetic programs that may influence the dissemination and plasticity of GBM cells as well as their different invasion patterns. We also review how tumor cells shape their microenvironment and how, vice versa, components of the extracellular matrix and factors from non-neoplastic cells influence tumor cell motility. We further discuss different research platforms for modeling invasion. Finally, we highlight the importance of accounting for the complex interplay between tumor cell invasion and treatment resistance in glioblastoma when considering new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arabel Vollmann-Zwerenz
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (A.V.-Z.); (V.L.)
| | - Verena Leidgens
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (A.V.-Z.); (V.L.)
| | - Giancarlo Feliciello
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (G.F.); (C.A.K.)
| | - Christoph A. Klein
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (G.F.); (C.A.K.)
- Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (A.V.-Z.); (V.L.)
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16
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Obara-Michlewska M, Szeliga M. Targeting Glutamine Addiction in Gliomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020310. [PMID: 32013066 PMCID: PMC7072559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common malignant brain tumors are those of astrocytic origin, gliomas, with the most aggressive glioblastoma (WHO grade IV) among them. Despite efforts, medicine has not made progress in terms of the prognosis and life expectancy of glioma patients. Behind the malignant phenotype of gliomas lies multiple genetic mutations leading to reprogramming of their metabolism, which gives those highly proliferating cells an advantage over healthy ones. The so-called glutamine addiction is a metabolic adaptation that supplements oxidative glycolysis in order to secure neoplastic cells with nutrients and energy in unfavorable conditions of hypoxia. The present review aims at presenting the research and clinical attempts targeting the different metabolic pathways involved in glutamine metabolism in gliomas. A brief description of the biochemistry of glutamine transport, synthesis, and glutaminolysis, etc. will forego a detailed comparison of the therapeutic strategies undertaken to inhibit glutamine utilization by gliomas.
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17
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Kuil LE, López Martí A, Carreras Mascaro A, van den Bosch JC, van den Berg P, van der Linde HC, Schoonderwoerd K, Ruijter GJG, van Ham TJ. Hexb enzyme deficiency leads to lysosomal abnormalities in radial glia and microglia in zebrafish brain development. Glia 2019; 67:1705-1718. [PMID: 31140649 PMCID: PMC6772114 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipidoses are severe, mostly infantile lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) caused by defective glycosphingolipid degradation. Two of these sphingolipidoses, Tay Sachs and Sandhoff diseases, are caused by β-Hexosaminidase (HEXB) enzyme deficiency, resulting in ganglioside (GM2) accumulation and neuronal loss. The precise sequence of cellular events preceding, and leading to, neuropathology remains unclear, but likely involves inflammation and lysosomal accumulation of GM2 in multiple cell types. We aimed to determine the consequences of Hexb activity loss for different brain cell types using zebrafish. Hexb deficient zebrafish (hexb-/- ) showed lysosomal abnormalities already early in development both in radial glia, which are the neuronal and glial progenitors, and in microglia. Additionally, at 5 days postfertilization, hexb-/- zebrafish showed reduced locomotor activity. Although specific oligosaccharides accumulate in the adult brain, hexb-/- ) zebrafish are viable and apparently resistant to Hexb deficiency. In all, we identified cellular consequences of loss of Hexb enzyme activity during embryonic brain development, showing early effects on glia, which possibly underlie the behavioral aberrations. Hereby, we identified clues into the contribution of non-neuronal lysosomal abnormalities in LSDs affecting the brain and provide a tool to further study what underlies the relative resistance to Hexb deficiency in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Kuil
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Anna López Martí
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Ana Carreras Mascaro
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen C. van den Bosch
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Paul van den Berg
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Herma C. van der Linde
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Kees Schoonderwoerd
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - George J. G. Ruijter
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Tjakko J. van Ham
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
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18
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Glioblastoma heterogeneity and the tumour microenvironment: implications for preclinical research and development of new treatments. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:625-638. [PMID: 30902924 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the deadliest form of brain cancer. Aside from inadequate treatment options, one of the main reasons glioblastoma is so lethal is the rapid growth of tumour cells coupled with continuous cell invasion into surrounding healthy brain tissue. Significant intra- and inter-tumour heterogeneity associated with differences in the corresponding tumour microenvironments contributes greatly to glioblastoma progression. Within this tumour microenvironment, the extracellular matrix profoundly influences the way cancer cells become invasive, and changes to extracellular (pH and oxygen levels) and metabolic (glucose and lactate) components support glioblastoma growth. Furthermore, studies on clinical samples have revealed that the tumour microenvironment is highly immunosuppressive which contributes to failure in immunotherapy treatments. Although technically possible, many components of the tumour microenvironment have not yet been the focus of glioblastoma therapies, despite growing evidence of its importance to glioblastoma malignancy. Here, we review recent progress in the characterisation of the glioblastoma tumour microenvironment and the sources of tumour heterogeneity in human clinical material. We also discuss the latest advances in technologies for personalised and in vitro preclinical studies using brain organoid models to better model glioblastoma and its interactions with the surrounding healthy brain tissue, which may play an essential role in developing new and more personalised treatments for this aggressive type of cancer.
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19
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Musah-Eroje A, Watson S. A novel 3D in vitro model of glioblastoma reveals resistance to temozolomide which was potentiated by hypoxia. J Neurooncol 2019; 142:231-240. [PMID: 30694423 PMCID: PMC6449313 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-019-03107-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common invasive malignant brain tumour in adults. It is traditionally investigated in vitro by culturing cells as a monolayer (2D culture) or as neurospheres (clusters enriched in cancer stem cells) but neither system accurately reflects the complexity of the three-dimensional (3D) chemoresistant microenvironment of GBM. Materials and methods Using three GBM cell-lines (U87, U251, and SNB19), the effect of culturing cells in a Cultrex-based basement membrane extract (BME) [3D Tumour Growth Assay (TGA)] on morphology, gene expression, metabolism, and temozolomide chemoresistance was investigated. Results Cells were easily harvested from the 3D model and cultured as a monolayer (2D) and neurospheres. Indeed, the SNB19 cells formed neurospheres only after they were first cultured in the 3D model. The expression of CD133 and OCT4 was upregulated in the neurosphere and 3D assays respectively. Compared with cells cultured in the 2D model, cells were more resistant to temozolomide in the 3D model and this resistance was potentiated by hypoxia. Conclusion Taken together, these results suggest that micro-environmental factors influence GBM sensitivity to temozolomide. Knowledge of the mechanisms involved in temozolomide resistance in this 3D model might lead to the identification of new strategies that enable the more effective use of the current standard of care agents. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11060-019-03107-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Musah-Eroje
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Cancer Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. .,School of Life Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UK.
| | - Sue Watson
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Cancer Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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20
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Ahmad F, Sun Q, Patel D, Stommel JM. Cholesterol Metabolism: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020146. [PMID: 30691162 PMCID: PMC6406281 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a highly lethal adult brain tumor with no effective treatments. In this review, we discuss the potential to target cholesterol metabolism as a new strategy for treating glioblastomas. Twenty percent of cholesterol in the body is in the brain, yet the brain is unique among organs in that it has no access to dietary cholesterol and must synthesize it de novo. This suggests that therapies targeting cholesterol synthesis in brain tumors might render their effects without compromising cell viability in other organs. We will describe cholesterol synthesis and homeostatic feedback pathways in normal brain and brain tumors, as well as various strategies for targeting these pathways for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahim Ahmad
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Radiation Oncology Branch, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Qian Sun
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Radiation Oncology Branch, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Deven Patel
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Radiation Oncology Branch, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Jayne M Stommel
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Radiation Oncology Branch, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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