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Pekkarinen M, Nordfors K, Uusi-Mäkelä J, Kytölä V, Hartewig A, Huhtala L, Rauhala M, Urhonen H, Häyrynen S, Afyounian E, Yli-Harja O, Zhang W, Helen P, Lohi O, Haapasalo H, Haapasalo J, Nykter M, Kesseli J, Rautajoki KJ. Aberrant DNA methylation distorts developmental trajectories in atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302088. [PMID: 38499326 PMCID: PMC10948937 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302088] [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] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) are pediatric brain tumors known for their aggressiveness and aberrant but still unresolved epigenetic regulation. To better understand their malignancy, we investigated how AT/RT-specific DNA hypermethylation was associated with gene expression and altered transcription factor binding and how it is linked to upstream regulation. Medulloblastomas, choroid plexus tumors, pluripotent stem cells, and fetal brain were used as references. A part of the genomic regions, which were hypermethylated in AT/RTs similarly as in pluripotent stem cells and demethylated in the fetal brain, were targeted by neural transcriptional regulators. AT/RT-unique DNA hypermethylation was associated with polycomb repressive complex 2 and linked to suppressed genes with a role in neural development and tumorigenesis. Activity of the several NEUROG/NEUROD pioneer factors, which are unable to bind to methylated DNA, was compromised via the suppressed expression or DNA hypermethylation of their target sites, which was also experimentally validated for NEUROD1 in medulloblastomas and AT/RT samples. These results highlight and characterize the role of DNA hypermethylation in AT/RT malignancy and halted neural cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meeri Pekkarinen
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kristiina Nordfors
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Tampere Center for Child Health Research, Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Unit of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joonas Uusi-Mäkelä
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ville Kytölä
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anja Hartewig
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Huhtala
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Minna Rauhala
- Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Department of Neurosurgery, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital and Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Henna Urhonen
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sergei Häyrynen
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ebrahim Afyounian
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli Yli-Harja
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology, Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Pauli Helen
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Department of Neurosurgery, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital and Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli Lohi
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Tampere Center for Child Health Research, Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannu Haapasalo
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/031y6w871 Fimlab Laboratories Ltd, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Joonas Haapasalo
- Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Department of Neurosurgery, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital and Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/031y6w871 Fimlab Laboratories Ltd, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matti Nykter
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juha Kesseli
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kirsi J Rautajoki
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- https://ror.org/033003e23 Tampere Institute for Advanced Study, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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2
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Kumar D, Jain S, Coulter DW, Joshi SS, Chaturvedi NK. PRMT5 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in MYC-Amplified Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5855. [PMID: 38136401 PMCID: PMC10741595 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245855] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC amplification or overexpression is most common in Group 3 medulloblastomas and is positively associated with poor clinical outcomes. Recently, protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) overexpression has been shown to be associated with tumorigenic MYC functions in cancers, particularly in brain cancers such as glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. PRMT5 regulates oncogenes, including MYC, that are often deregulated in medulloblastomas. However, the role of PRMT5-mediated post-translational modification in the stabilization of these oncoproteins remains poorly understood. The potential impact of PRMT5 inhibition on MYC makes it an attractive target in various cancers. PRMT5 inhibitors are a promising class of anti-cancer drugs demonstrating preclinical and preliminary clinical efficacies. Here, we review the publicly available preclinical and clinical studies on PRMT5 targeting using small molecule inhibitors and discuss the prospects of using them in medulloblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devendra Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA; (D.K.); (S.J.); (D.W.C.)
| | - Stuti Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA; (D.K.); (S.J.); (D.W.C.)
| | - Don W. Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA; (D.K.); (S.J.); (D.W.C.)
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Shantaram S. Joshi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA;
| | - Nagendra K. Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA; (D.K.); (S.J.); (D.W.C.)
- Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
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3
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Rechberger JS, Toll SA, Vanbilloen WJF, Daniels DJ, Khatua S. Exploring the Molecular Complexity of Medulloblastoma: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2398. [PMID: 37510143 PMCID: PMC10378552 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Over the last few decades, significant progress has been made in revealing the key molecular underpinnings of this disease, leading to the identification of distinct molecular subgroups with different clinical outcomes. In this review, we provide an update on the molecular landscape of medulloblastoma and treatment strategies. We discuss the four main molecular subgroups (WNT-activated, SHH-activated, and non-WNT/non-SHH groups 3 and 4), highlighting the key genetic alterations and signaling pathways associated with each entity. Furthermore, we explore the emerging role of epigenetic regulation in medulloblastoma and the mechanism of resistance to therapy. We also delve into the latest developments in targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Continuing collaborative efforts are needed to further unravel the complex molecular mechanisms and profile optimal treatment for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian S Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Stephanie A Toll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Wouter J F Vanbilloen
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Neurology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, 5022 Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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4
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Navickas SM, Giles KA, Brettingham-Moore KH, Taberlay PC. The role of chromatin remodeler SMARCA4/BRG1 in brain cancers: a potential therapeutic target. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02773-9. [PMID: 37433987 PMCID: PMC10374441 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02773-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
The chromatin remodeler SMARCA4/BRG1 is a key epigenetic regulator with diverse roles in coordinating the molecular programs that underlie brain tumour development. BRG1 function in brain cancer is largely specific to the tumour type and varies further between tumour subtypes, highlighting its complexity. Altered SMARCA4 expression has been linked to medulloblastoma, low-grade gliomas such as oligodendroglioma, high-grade gliomas such as glioblastoma and atypical/teratoid rhabdoid tumours. SMARCA4 mutations in brain cancer predominantly occur in the crucial catalytic ATPase domain, which is associated with tumour suppressor activity. However, SMARCA4 is opposingly seen to promote tumourigenesis in the absence of mutation and through overexpression in other brain tumours. This review explores the multifaceted interaction between SMARCA4 and various brain cancer types, highlighting its roles in tumour pathogenesis, the pathways it regulates, and the advances that have been made in understanding the functional relevance of mutations. We discuss developments made in targeting SMARCA4 and the potential to translate these to adjuvant therapies able to enhance current methods of brain cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Navickas
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Katherine A Giles
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
- Children's Medical Research Institute, 214 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Kate H Brettingham-Moore
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Phillippa C Taberlay
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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5
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Gorini F, Miceli M, de Antonellis P, Amente S, Zollo M, Ferrucci V. Epigenetics and immune cells in medulloblastoma. Front Genet 2023; 14:1135404. [PMID: 36968588 PMCID: PMC10036437 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1135404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a highly malignant childhood tumor of the cerebellum. Transcriptional and epigenetic signatures have classified MB into four molecular subgroups, further stratified into biologically different subtypes with distinct somatic copy-number aberrations, driver genes, epigenetic alterations, activated pathways, and clinical outcomes. The brain tumor microenvironment (BTME) is of importance to regulate a complex network of cells, including immune cells, involved in cancer progression in brain malignancies. MB was considered with a “cold” immunophenotype due to the low influx of immune cells across the blood brain barrier (BBB). Recently, this assumption has been reconsidered because of the identification of infiltrating immune cells showing immunosuppressive phenotypes in the BTME of MB tumors. Here, we are providing a comprehensive overview of the current status of epigenetics alterations occurring during cancer progression with a description of the genomic landscape of MB by focusing on immune cells within the BTME. We further describe how new immunotherapeutic approaches could influence concurring epigenetic mechanisms of the immunosuppressive cells in BTME. In conclusion, the modulation of these molecular genetic complexes in BTME during cancer progression might enhance the therapeutic benefit, thus firing new weapons to fight MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gorini
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Miceli
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasqualino de Antonellis
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Amente
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Zollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, Naples, Italy
- DAI Medicina di Laboratorio e Trasfusionale, ‘AOU Federico II Policlinico, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate “Franco Salvatore”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Veronica Ferrucci,
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6
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The Role of Epigenetics in Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1394:119-136. [PMID: 36587385 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-14732-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Identification of distinct genetic and epigenetic profiles in various neuroepithelial tumors has improved the classification and uncovered novel diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive molecular biomarkers for improved prediction of treatment response and outcome. Especially, in pediatric high-grade brain tumors, such as diffuse midline glioma, H3K27M-altered and posterior fossa group A-ependymoma, epigenetic changes predominate, along with changes in expression of known oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes induced by histone modifications and DNA methylation. The precise role of epigenetic abnormalities is important for understanding tumorigenesis and the establishment of brain tumor treatment strategies. Using powerful epigenetic-based therapies for cancer cells, the aberrantly regulated epigenome can be restored to a more normal state through epigenetic reprogramming. Combinations of agents targeting DNA methylation and/or other epigenetic modifications may be a promising cancer treatment. Therefore, the integration of multi-omics data including epigenomics is now important for classifying primary brain tumors and predicting their biological behavior. Recent advances in molecular genetics and epigenetic integrated diagnostics of brain tumors influence new strategies for targeted therapy.
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7
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Skouras P, Markouli M, Strepkos D, Piperi C. Advances on Epigenetic Drugs for Pediatric Brain Tumors. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1519-1535. [PMID: 36154607 PMCID: PMC10472812 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220922150456] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric malignant brain tumors represent the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in childhood. The therapeutic scheme of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has improved patient management, but with minimal progress in patients' prognosis. Emerging molecular targets and mechanisms have revealed novel approaches for pediatric brain tumor therapy, enabling personalized medical treatment. Advances in the field of epigenetic research and their interplay with genetic changes have enriched our knowledge of the molecular heterogeneity of these neoplasms and have revealed important genes that affect crucial signaling pathways involved in tumor progression. The great potential of epigenetic therapy lies mainly in the widespread location and the reversibility of epigenetic alterations, proposing a wide range of targeting options, including the possible combination of chemoand immunotherapy, significantly increasing their efficacy. Epigenetic drugs, including inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases, histone deacetylases and demethylases, are currently being tested in clinical trials on pediatric brain tumors. Additional novel epigenetic drugs include protein and enzyme inhibitors that modulate epigenetic modification pathways, such as Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) proteins, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9), AXL, Facilitates Chromatin Transcription (FACT), BMI1, and CREB Binding Protein (CBP) inhibitors, which can be used either as standalone or in combination with current treatment approaches. In this review, we discuss recent progress on epigenetic drugs that could possibly be used against the most common malignant tumors of childhood, such as medulloblastomas, high-grade gliomas and ependymomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Skouras
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Mariam Markouli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Strepkos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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8
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Deng H, Guo X, Feng N, Luo Y, Liu B, Liu S, Wu JI, Shi X. Targeting H3K27me3 demethylase to inhibit Shh signaling and cholesterol metabolism in medulloblastoma growth. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1057147. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1057147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously we uncovered the epigenetic regulation of medulloblastoma that low levels of H3K27me3 are required for Shh target gene expression and medulloblastoma growth. Since Jmjd3, an H3K27me3 demethylase, is responsible for maintaining low H3K27me3 at Shh target genes, targeting Jmjd3 could be an efficient way to inhibit Shh signaling and medulloblastoma growth. Here we show that the small molecule GSK-J4, an inhibitor of Jmjd3, significantly inhibited the expression of Shh target genes in Shh responsive cell models and primary cerebellar granule neuron precursors. GSK-J4 also significantly reduced the growth of primary Shh medulloblastoma cultures. Treating human medulloblastoma cell line DaoY by GSK-J4 led to cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase with decreased cells in S-phase. Tumor cell proliferation was significantly inhibited by GSK-J4 treatment. Gene expression analyses showed that GSK-J4 additionally constrained the expression of key genes in cholesterol biosynthesis. Our results highlight the possibility that targeting H3K27me3 demethylase Jmjd3 with GSK-J4 to inhibit Shh signaling and cholesterol metabolism is a potential application to treat Shh medulloblastoma.
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Kling MJ, Kesherwani V, Mishra NK, Alexander G, McIntyre EM, Ray S, Challagundla KB, Joshi SS, Coulter DW, Chaturvedi NK. A novel dual epigenetic approach targeting BET proteins and HDACs in Group 3 (MYC-driven) Medulloblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:321. [DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02530-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Medulloblastoma (MB) patients with MYC oncogene amplification or overexpression exhibit extremely poor clinical outcomes and respond poorly to current therapies. Epigenetic deregulation is very common in MYC-driven MB. The bromodomain extra-terminal (BET) proteins and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic regulators of MYC transcription and its associated tumorigenic programs. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the BET proteins and HDACs together in MB.
Methods
Using clinically relevant BET inhibitors (JQ1 or OTX015) and a pan-HDAC inhibitor (panobinostat), we evaluated the effects of combined inhibition on cell growth/survival in MYC-amplified MB cell lines and xenografts and examined underlying molecular mechanism(s).
Results
Co-treatment of JQ1 or OTX015 with panobinostat synergistically suppressed growth/survival of MYC-amplified MB cells by inducing G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistic investigation using RNA-seq revealed that co-treatment of JQ1 with panobinostat synergistically modulated global gene expression including MYC/HDAC targets. SYK and MSI1 oncogenes were among the top 50 genes synergistically downregulated by JQ1 and panobinostat. RT-PCR and western blot analyses confirmed that JQ1 and panobinostat synergistically inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of MSI1/SYK along with MYC expression. Reduced SYK/MSI expression after BET (specifically, BRD4) gene-knockdown further confirmed the epigenetic regulation of SYK and MSI1 genes. In addition, the combination of OTX015 and panobinostat significantly inhibited tumor growth in MYC-amplified MB xenografted mice by downregulating expression of MYC, compared to single-agent therapy.
Conclusions
Together, our findings demonstrated that dual-inhibition of BET and HDAC proteins of the epigenetic pathway can be a novel therapeutic approach against MYC-driven MB.
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Yi J, Kim B, Shi X, Zhan X, Lu QR, Xuan Z, Wu J. PRC2 Heterogeneity Drives Tumor Growth in Medulloblastoma. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2874-2886. [PMID: 35731926 PMCID: PMC9388591 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intratumor epigenetic heterogeneity is emerging as a key mechanism underlying tumor evolution and drug resistance. Epigenetic abnormalities frequently occur in medulloblastoma, the most common childhood malignant brain tumor. Medulloblastoma is classified into four subtypes including SHH medulloblastoma, which is characterized by elevated sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling and a cerebellum granule neuron precursor (CGNP) cell-of-origin. Here, we report that the histone H3K27 methyltransferase polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) is often heterogeneous within individual SHH medulloblastoma tumors. In mouse models, complete deletion of the PRC2 core subunit EED inhibited medulloblastoma growth, while a mosaic deletion of EED significantly enhanced tumor growth. EED is intrinsically required for CGNP maintenance by inhibiting both neural differentiation and cell death. Complete deletion of EED led to CGNP depletion and reduced occurrence of medulloblastoma. Surprisingly, medulloblastomas with mosaic EED levels grew faster than control wild-type tumors and expressed increased levels of oncogenes such as Igf2, which is directly repressed by PRC2 and has been demonstrated to be both necessary and sufficient for SHH medulloblastoma progression. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mediated the oncogenic effects of PRC2 heterogeneity in tumor growth. Assessing clones of a human medulloblastoma cell line with different EED levels confirmed that EEDlow cells can stimulate the growth of EEDhigh cells through paracrine IGF2 signaling. Thus, PRC2 heterogeneity plays an oncogenic role in medulloblastoma through both intrinsic growth competence and non-cell autonomous mechanisms in distinct tumor subclones. SIGNIFICANCE The identification of an oncogenic function of PRC2 heterogeneity in medulloblastoma provides insights into subclone competition and cooperation during heterogeneous tumor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqing Yi
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - BongWoo Kim
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xuanming Shi
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaoming Zhan
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Q. Richard Lu
- Brain Tumor Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Zhenyu Xuan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA,Correspondence: Jiang Wu, PhD, , Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas TX 75390-9040, Phone: 214-648-1824
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The Current Landscape of Targeted Clinical Trials in Non-WNT/Non-SHH Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030679. [PMID: 35158947 PMCID: PMC8833659 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Medulloblastoma is a form of malignant brain tumor that arises predominantly in infants and young children and can be divided into different groups based on molecular markers. The group of non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma includes a spectrum of heterogeneous subgroups that differ in their biological characteristics, genetic underpinnings, and clinical course of disease. Non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma is currently treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy; however, new drugs are needed to treat patients who are not yet curable and to reduce treatment-related toxicity and side effects. We here review which new treatment options for non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma are currently clinically tested. Furthermore, we illustrate the challenges that have to be overcome to reach a new therapeutic standard for non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma, for instance the current lack of good preclinical models, and the necessity to conduct trials in a comparably small patient collective. Abstract Medulloblastoma is an embryonal pediatric brain tumor and can be divided into at least four molecularly defined groups. The category non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma summarizes medulloblastoma groups 3 and 4 and is characterized by considerable genetic and clinical heterogeneity. New therapeutic strategies are needed to increase survival rates and to reduce treatment-related toxicity. We performed a noncomprehensive targeted review of the current clinical trial landscape and literature to summarize innovative treatment options for non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma. A multitude of new drugs is currently evaluated in trials for which non-WNT/non-SHH patients are eligible, for instance immunotherapy, kinase inhibitors, and drugs targeting the epigenome. However, the majority of these trials is not restricted to medulloblastoma and lacks molecular classification. Whereas many new molecular targets have been identified in the last decade, which are currently tested in clinical trials, several challenges remain on the way to reach a new therapeutic strategy for non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma. These include the severe lack of faithful preclinical models and predictive biomarkers, the question on how to stratify patients for clinical trials, and the relative lack of studies that recruit large, homogeneous patient collectives. Innovative trial designs and international collaboration will be a key to eventually overcome these obstacles.
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12
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DNMT1 and miRNAs: possible epigenetics footprints in electromagnetic fields utilization in oncology. Med Oncol 2021; 38:125. [PMID: 34495398 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01574-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Many studies were performed to unravel the effects of different types of Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on biological systems. Some studies were conducted to exploit EMFs for medical purposes mainly in cancer therapy. Although many studies suggest that the EMFs exposures can be effective in pre-clinical cancer issues, the treatment outcomes of these exposures on the cancer cells, especially at the molecular level, are challenging and overwhelmingly complicated yet. This article aims to review the epigenetic mechanisms that can be altered by EMFs exposures with the main emphasis on Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF). The epigenetic mechanisms are reversible and affected by environmental factors, thus, EMFs exposures can modulate these mechanisms. According to the reports, ELF-EMF exposures affect epigenetic machinery directly or through the molecular signaling pathways. ELF-EMF in association with DNA methylation, histone modification, miRNAs, and nucleosome remodeling could affect the homeostasis of cancer cells and play a role in DNA damage repairing, apoptosis induction, prevention of metastasis, differentiation, and cell cycle regulation. In general, the result of this study shows that ELF-EMF exposure probably can be effective in cancer epigenetic therapy, but more molecular and clinical investigations are needed to clarify the safe and specific dosimetric characteristics of ELF-EMF in practice.
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13
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Shrestha S, Morcavallo A, Gorrini C, Chesler L. Biological Role of MYCN in Medulloblastoma: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges Ahead. Front Oncol 2021; 11:694320. [PMID: 34195095 PMCID: PMC8236857 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.694320] [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: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The constitutive and dysregulated expression of the transcription factor MYCN has a central role in the pathogenesis of the paediatric brain tumour medulloblastoma, with an increased expression of this oncogene correlating with a worse prognosis. Consequently, the genomic and functional alterations of MYCN represent a major therapeutic target to attenuate tumour growth in medulloblastoma. This review will provide a comprehensive synopsis of the biological role of MYCN and its family components, their interaction with distinct signalling pathways, and the implications of this network in medulloblastoma development. We will then summarise the current toolbox for targeting MYCN and highlight novel therapeutic avenues that have the potential to results in better-tailored clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumana Shrestha
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Alaide Morcavallo
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Gorrini
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Chesler
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom.,Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), and The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
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14
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Shahzad U, Taccone MS, Kumar SA, Okura H, Krumholtz S, Ishida J, Mine C, Gouveia K, Edgar J, Smith C, Hayes M, Huang X, Derry WB, Taylor MD, Rutka JT. Modeling human brain tumors in flies, worms, and zebrafish: From proof of principle to novel therapeutic targets. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:718-731. [PMID: 33378446 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, cell biologists and cancer researchers have taken advantage of non-murine species to increase our understanding of the molecular processes that drive normal cell and tissue development, and when perturbed, cause cancer. The advent of whole-genome sequencing has revealed the high genetic homology of these organisms to humans. Seminal studies in non-murine organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Danio rerio identified many of the signaling pathways involved in cancer. Studies in these organisms offer distinct advantages over mammalian cell or murine systems. Compared to murine models, these three species have shorter lifespans, are less resource intense, and are amenable to high-throughput drug and RNA interference screening to test a myriad of promising drugs against novel targets. In this review, we introduce species-specific breeding strategies, highlight the advantages of modeling brain tumors in each non-mammalian species, and underscore the successes attributed to scientific investigation using these models. We conclude with an optimistic proposal that discoveries in the fields of cancer research, and in particular neuro-oncology, may be expedited using these powerful screening tools and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uswa Shahzad
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael S Taccone
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sachin A Kumar
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hidehiro Okura
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stacey Krumholtz
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joji Ishida
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Coco Mine
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kyle Gouveia
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julia Edgar
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christian Smith
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Madeline Hayes
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Xi Huang
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - W Brent Derry
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael D Taylor
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - James T Rutka
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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15
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Haltom AR, Toll SA, Cheng D, Maegawa S, Gopalakrishnan V, Khatua S. Medulloblastoma epigenetics and the path to clinical innovation. J Neurooncol 2020; 150:35-46. [PMID: 32816225 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-020-03591-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the last decade, a number of genomic and pharmacological studies have demonstrated the importance of epigenetic dysregulation in medulloblastoma initiation and progression. High throughput approaches including gene expression array, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and methylation profiling have now clearly identified at least four molecular subgroups within medulloblastoma, each with distinct clinical and prognostic characteristics. These studies have clearly shown that despite the overall paucity of mutations, clinically relevant events do occur within the cellular epigenetic machinery. Thus, this review aims to provide an overview of our current understanding of the spectrum of epi-oncogenetic perturbations in medulloblastoma. METHODS Comprehensive review of epigenetic profiles of different subgroups of medulloblastoma in the context of molecular features. Epigenetic regulation is mediated mainly by DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs (miRNA). Importantly, epigenetic mis-events are reversible and have immense therapeutic potential. CONCLUSION The widespread epigenetic alterations present in these tumors has generated intense interest in their use as therapeutic targets. We provide an assessment of the progress that has been made towards the development of molecular subtypes-targeted therapies and the current status of clinical trials that have leveraged these recent advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Haltom
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie A Toll
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, USA
| | - Donghang Cheng
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shinji Maegawa
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vidya Gopalakrishnan
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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16
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Zou H, Poore B, Broniscer A, Pollack IF, Hu B. Molecular Heterogeneity and Cellular Diversity: Implications for Precision Treatment in Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030643. [PMID: 32164294 PMCID: PMC7139663 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric malignant brain tumor, continues to have a high rate of morbidity and mortality in childhood. Recent advances in cancer genomics, single-cell sequencing, and sophisticated tumor models have revolutionized the characterization and stratification of medulloblastoma. In this review, we discuss heterogeneity associated with four major subgroups of medulloblastoma (WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4) on the molecular and cellular levels, including histological features, genetic and epigenetic alterations, proteomic landscape, cell-of-origin, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic approaches. The intratumoral molecular heterogeneity and intertumoral cellular diversity clearly underlie the divergent biology and clinical behavior of these lesions and highlight the future role of precision treatment in this devastating brain tumor in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zou
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (H.Z.); (I.F.P.)
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Brad Poore
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA;
| | - Alberto Broniscer
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA;
| | - Ian F. Pollack
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (H.Z.); (I.F.P.)
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Baoli Hu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (H.Z.); (I.F.P.)
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Cancer Biology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-412-962-9457; Fax: +1-412-692-8906
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17
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Liu X, Ding C, Tan W, Zhang A. Medulloblastoma: Molecular understanding, treatment evolution, and new developments. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 210:107516. [PMID: 32105673 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common childhood malignant brain tumor, accounting for approximately 20% of all pediatric central nervous system tumors. Current standard treatments involving surgical interventions followed by craniospinal irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy have severe motor and cognitive defects. Therefore, individualized treatment regimens with reduced toxicity designed according to the presence of specific oncogenic 'driver' genes are urgently demanded. To this end, recent genetic and epigenetic findings have advanced the classification of MB into the international consensus of four distinct MB molecular subgroups (WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4) based on their respective molecular and histopathological characteristics. More recent studies have indicated that up to seven molecular subgroups exist in childhood MB. Moreover, studies on the inter- and intra-tumoral features of the four subgroups revealed that each subgroup contains variant subtypes. These results have greatly helped risk stratification of MB patients at diagnosis and significantly improved clinical treatment options. Herein, we highlight the recent advances and challenges associated with MB classification, and the development of therapeutic treatments targeting novel subgroup-specific molecular and epigenetic factors, especially those in the SHH-driven MB tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Liu
- Research Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers on Drug Discovery (RLMCBFDD), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunyong Ding
- Research Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers on Drug Discovery (RLMCBFDD), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Ao Zhang
- Research Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers on Drug Discovery (RLMCBFDD), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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18
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Chaturvedi NK, Mahapatra S, Kesherwani V, Kling MJ, Shukla M, Ray S, Kanchan R, Perumal N, McGuire TR, Sharp JG, Joshi SS, Coulter DW. Role of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 in group 3 (MYC-driven) Medulloblastoma. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:1056. [PMID: 31694585 PMCID: PMC6836472 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6291-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MYC amplification or overexpression is common in Group 3 medulloblastoma and is associated with the worst prognosis. Recently, protein arginine methyl transferase (PRMT) 5 expression has been closely associated with aberrant MYC function in various cancers, including brain tumors such as glioblastoma. However, the role of PRMT5 and its association with MYC in medulloblastoma have not been explored. Here, we report the role of PRMT5 as a novel regulator of MYC and implicate PRMT5 as a potential therapeutic target in MYC-driven medulloblastoma. METHODS Expression and association between PRMT5 and MYC in primary medulloblastoma tumors were investigated using publicly available databases. Expression levels of PRMT5 protein were also examined using medulloblastoma cell lines and primary tumors by western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Using MYC-driven medulloblastoma cells, we examined the physical interaction between PRMT5 and MYC by co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization experiments. To determine the functional role of PRMT5 in MYC-driven medulloblastoma, PRMT5 was knocked-down in MYC-amplified cells using siRNA and the consequences of knockdown on cell growth and MYC expression/stability were investigated. In vitro therapeutic potential of PRMT5 in medulloblastoma was also evaluated using a small molecule inhibitor, EPZ015666. RESULTS We observed overexpression of PRMT5 in MYC-driven primary medulloblastoma tumors and cell lines compared to non-MYC medulloblastoma tumors and adjacent normal tissues. We also found that high expression of PRMT5 is inversely correlated with patient survival. Knockdown of PRMT5 using siRNA in MYC-driven medulloblastoma cells significantly decreased cell growth and MYC expression. Mechanistically, we found that PRMT5 physically associated with MYC by direct protein-protein interaction. In addition, a cycloheximide chase experiment showed that PRMT5 post-translationally regulated MYC stability. In the context of therapeutics, we observed dose-dependent efficacy of PRMT5 inhibitor EPZ015666 in suppressing cell growth and inducing apoptosis in MYC-driven medulloblastoma cells. Further, the expression levels of PRMT5 and MYC protein were downregulated upon EPZ015666 treatment. We also observed a superior efficacy of this inhibitor against MYC-amplified medulloblastoma cells compared to non-MYC-amplified medulloblastoma cells, indicating specificity. CONCLUSION Our results reveal the regulation of MYC oncoprotein by PRMT5 and suggest that targeting PRMT5 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for MYC-driven medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagendra K Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Sidharth Mahapatra
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Varun Kesherwani
- Child Health Research Institute Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Matthew J Kling
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Mamta Shukla
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Sutapa Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ranjana Kanchan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Naveenkumar Perumal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Timothy R McGuire
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 69198, USA
| | - J Graham Sharp
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Shantaram S Joshi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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19
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Sweeney KJ, Mottolese C, Belot A, Szathmari A, Frappaz D, Lesca G, Putoux A, Di Rocco F. The first case report of medulloblastoma associated with Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2019; 179:1357-1361. [PMID: 31066180 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNMT3A codes for a DNA methyl transferase enzyme that plays a central role embryogenesis. Somatic mutations in this gene have been associated with tumorigenesis and are associated with a number of cancers. The recently described Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome (TBRS) is due to heterozygous germline mutations in the DNMT3A gene. So far, only one case of hematological malignancy associated with TBRS have been reported. Here, we describe the first case presenting with TBRS and medulloblastoma. We also discuss the associations between mutations in DNMT3A found in TBRS, AML, and medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieron J Sweeney
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Le service de neurochirurgie pédiatrique, Hopital Mere Femme, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Carmine Mottolese
- Le service de neurochirurgie pédiatrique, Hopital Mere Femme, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandre Belot
- Service de néphrologie-rhumatologie-dermatologie pédiatriques, Hopital Mere Femme, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandru Szathmari
- Le service de neurochirurgie pédiatrique, Hopital Mere Femme, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Gaetan Lesca
- Service de cytogenetique constitutionnelle, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Audrey Putoux
- Service de génétique, CHU de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, équipe GENDEV, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Federico Di Rocco
- Le service de neurochirurgie pédiatrique, Hopital Mere Femme, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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20
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Lu QR, Qian L, Zhou X. Developmental origins and oncogenic pathways in malignant brain tumors. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 8:e342. [PMID: 30945456 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors such as adult glioblastomas and pediatric high-grade gliomas or medulloblastomas are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, exhibiting poor prognoses with little improvement in outcomes in the past several decades. These tumors are heterogeneous and can be initiated from various neural cell types, contributing to therapy resistance. How such heterogeneity arises is linked to the tumor cell of origin and their genetic alterations. Brain tumorigenesis and progression recapitulate key features associated with normal neurogenesis; however, the underlying mechanisms are quite dysregulated as tumor cells grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner. Recent comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic studies at single-cell resolution have shed new light onto diverse tumor-driving events, cellular heterogeneity, and cells of origin in different brain tumors. Primary and secondary glioblastomas develop through different genetic alterations and pathways, such as EGFR amplification and IDH1/2 or TP53 mutation, respectively. Mutations such as histone H3K27M impacting epigenetic modifications define a distinct group of pediatric high-grade gliomas such as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. The identification of distinct genetic, epigenomic profiles and cellular heterogeneity has led to new classifications of adult and pediatric brain tumor subtypes, affording insights into molecular and lineage-specific vulnerabilities for treatment stratification. This review discusses our current understanding of tumor cells of origin, heterogeneity, recurring genetic and epigenetic alterations, oncogenic drivers and signaling pathways for adult glioblastomas, pediatric high-grade gliomas, and medulloblastomas, the genetically heterogeneous groups of malignant brain tumors. This article is categorized under: Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cell Differentiation and Reversion Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Richard Lu
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Lily Qian
- Brain Tumor Center, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Xianyao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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21
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Zwergel C, Romanelli A, Stazi G, Besharat ZM, Catanzaro G, Tafani M, Valente S, Mai A. Application of Small Epigenetic Modulators in Pediatric Medulloblastoma. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:370. [PMID: 30560106 PMCID: PMC6286966 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is one of the most frequent among pediatric brain tumors, and it has been classified in various subgroups. Some of them already benefit from quite good therapeutic options, whereas others urgently need novel therapeutic approaches. Epigenetic modulators have long been studied in various types of cancer. Within this review, we summarize the main preclinical studies regarding epigenetic targets (such as HDAC, SIRT, BET, EZH2, G9a, LSD1, and DNMT) inhibitors in medulloblastoma. Furthermore, we shed light on the increasing number of applications of drug combinations as well as hybrid compounds involving epigenetic mechanisms. Nevertheless, in the studies published so far, mainly un-specific or old modulators have been used, and the PKs (brain permeability) have not been well-evaluated. Thus, these findings should be considered as a starting point for further improvement and not as a final result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Romanelli
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Stazi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Tafani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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