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Xiao F, Zhu H, Xiong Y, Guo Y, Zhang Z, Zeng J, Xiao Y, Liao B, Shang X, Zhao S, Hu G, Huang K, Guo H. Positive feedback loop of c-myc/XTP6/NDH2/NF-κB to promote malignant progression in glioblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:187. [PMID: 38965580 PMCID: PMC11225266 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03109-5] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the initiation and progression of cancer. Furthermore, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as pivotal regulators in sustaining the NF-κB signaling pathway's functionality. Despite these findings, the underlying molecular mechanisms through which lncRNAs influence the NF-κB pathway remain largely unexplored. METHODS Bioinformatic analyses were utilized to investigate the differential expression and prognostic significance of XTP6. The functional roles of XTP6 were further elucidated through both in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches. To estimate the interaction between XTP6 and NDH2, RNA pulldown and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted. The connection between XTP6 and the IκBα promoter was examined using Chromatin Isolation by RNA Purification (ChIRP) assays. Additionally, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were implemented to analyze the binding affinity of c-myc to the XTP6 promoter, providing insights into the regulatory mechanisms at play. RESULTS XTP6 was remarkedly upregulated in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tissues and was connected with adverse prognosis in GBM patients. Our investigations revealed that XTP6 can facilitate the malignant progression of GBM both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, XTP6 downregulated IκBα expression by recruiting NDH2 to the IκBα promoter, which resulted in elevated levels of H3K27me3, thereby reducing the transcriptional activity of IκBα. Moreover, the progression of GBM was further driven by the c-myc-mediated upregulation of XTP6, establishing a positive feedback loop with IκBα that perpetuated the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Notably, the application of an inhibitor targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway effectively inhibited the continuous activation induced by XTP6, leading to a significant reduction in tumor formation in vivo. CONCLUSION The results reveal that XTP6 unveils an innovative epigenetic mechanism instrumental in the sustained activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Yaping Xiong
- Departments of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Yun Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Bin Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Xuesong Shang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Siyi Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Guowen Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
- JXHC key Laboratory of Neurological medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
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Schupp PG, Shelton SJ, Brody DJ, Eliscu R, Johnson BE, Mazor T, Kelley KW, Potts MB, McDermott MW, Huang EJ, Lim DA, Pieper RO, Berger MS, Costello JF, Phillips JJ, Oldham MC. Deconstructing Intratumoral Heterogeneity through Multiomic and Multiscale Analysis of Serial Sections. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2429. [PMID: 39001492 PMCID: PMC11240479 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors may contain billions of cells, including distinct malignant clones and nonmalignant cell types. Clarifying the evolutionary histories, prevalence, and defining molecular features of these cells is essential for improving clinical outcomes, since intratumoral heterogeneity provides fuel for acquired resistance to targeted therapies. Here we present a statistically motivated strategy for deconstructing intratumoral heterogeneity through multiomic and multiscale analysis of serial tumor sections (MOMA). By combining deep sampling of IDH-mutant astrocytomas with integrative analysis of single-nucleotide variants, copy-number variants, and gene expression, we reconstruct and validate the phylogenies, spatial distributions, and transcriptional profiles of distinct malignant clones. By genotyping nuclei analyzed by single-nucleus RNA-seq for truncal mutations, we further show that commonly used algorithms for identifying cancer cells from single-cell transcriptomes may be inaccurate. We also demonstrate that correlating gene expression with tumor purity in bulk samples can reveal optimal markers of malignant cells and use this approach to identify a core set of genes that are consistently expressed by astrocytoma truncal clones, including AKR1C3, whose expression is associated with poor outcomes in several types of cancer. In summary, MOMA provides a robust and flexible strategy for precisely deconstructing intratumoral heterogeneity and clarifying the core molecular properties of distinct cellular populations in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick G. Schupp
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Samuel J. Shelton
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Daniel J. Brody
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Rebecca Eliscu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Brett E. Johnson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Tali Mazor
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kevin W. Kelley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Matthew B. Potts
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Michael W. McDermott
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Eric J. Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Daniel A. Lim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Russell O. Pieper
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Mitchel S. Berger
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Joseph F. Costello
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Joanna J. Phillips
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Michael C. Oldham
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.G.S.); (S.J.S.); (D.J.B.); (R.E.); (B.E.J.); (T.M.); (K.W.K.); (M.B.P.); (M.W.M.); (D.A.L.); (R.O.P.); (M.S.B.); (J.F.C.); (J.J.P.)
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Wu Q, Berglund AE, Macaulay RJ, Etame AB. The Role of Mesenchymal Reprogramming in Malignant Clonal Evolution and Intra-Tumoral Heterogeneity in Glioblastoma. Cells 2024; 13:942. [PMID: 38891074 PMCID: PMC11171993 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110942] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common yet uniformly fatal adult brain cancer. Intra-tumoral molecular and cellular heterogeneities are major contributory factors to therapeutic refractoriness and futility in GBM. Molecular heterogeneity is represented through molecular subtype clusters whereby the proneural (PN) subtype is associated with significantly increased long-term survival compared to the highly resistant mesenchymal (MES) subtype. Furthermore, it is universally recognized that a small subset of GBM cells known as GBM stem cells (GSCs) serve as reservoirs for tumor recurrence and progression. The clonal evolution of GSC molecular subtypes in response to therapy drives intra-tumoral heterogeneity and remains a critical determinant of GBM outcomes. In particular, the intra-tumoral MES reprogramming of GSCs using current GBM therapies has emerged as a leading hypothesis for therapeutic refractoriness. Preventing the intra-tumoral divergent evolution of GBM toward the MES subtype via new treatments would dramatically improve long-term survival for GBM patients and have a significant impact on GBM outcomes. In this review, we examine the challenges of the role of MES reprogramming in the malignant clonal evolution of glioblastoma and provide future perspectives for addressing the unmet therapeutic need to overcome resistance in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Anders E. Berglund
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Robert J. Macaulay
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Arnold B. Etame
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Dong N, Qi W, Wu L, Li J, Zhang X, Wu H, Zhang W, Jiang J, Zhang S, Fu W, Liu Q, Qi G, Wang L, Lu Y, Luo J, Kong Y, Liu Y, Zhao RC, Wang J. LINC00606 promotes glioblastoma progression through sponge miR-486-3p and interaction with ATP11B. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:139. [PMID: 38725030 PMCID: PMC11080186 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND LncRNAs regulate tumorigenesis and development in a variety of cancers. We substantiate for the first time that LINC00606 is considerably expressed in glioblastoma (GBM) patient specimens and is linked with adverse prognosis. This suggests that LINC00606 may have the potential to regulate glioma genesis and progression, and that the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of LINC00606 in GBM remain largely unknown. METHODS The expression of LINC00606 and ATP11B in glioma and normal brain tissues was evaluated by qPCR, and the biological functions of the LINC00606/miR-486-3p/TCF12/ATP11B axis in GBM were verified through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The molecular mechanism of LINC00606 was elucidated by immunoblotting, FISH, RNA pulldown, CHIP-qPCR, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS We demonstrated that LINC00606 promotes glioma cell proliferation, clonal expansion and migration, while reducing apoptosis levels. Mechanistically, on the one hand, LINC00606 can sponge miR-486-3p; the target gene TCF12 of miR-486-3p affects the transcriptional initiation of LINC00606, PTEN and KLLN. On the other hand, it can also regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to mediate glioma cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis by binding to ATP11B protein. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the LINC00606/miR-486-3p/TCF12/ATP11B axis is involved in the regulation of GBM progression and plays a role in tumor regulation at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels primarily through LINC00606 sponging miR-486-3p and targeted binding to ATP11B. Therefore, our research on the regulatory network LINC00606 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naijun Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxin Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Li
- Shanghai Institute of Phage, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueqi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wen Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Jiawen Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Shibo Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Wenjun Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Guandong Qi
- Residential College, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lukai Wang
- Residential College, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyuan Lu
- Residential College, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Luo
- Residential College, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Kong
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking, Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Centre of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Clinical Trial of Stem Cell Therapy (BZ0381), Beijing, China.
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China.
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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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6
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Pećina-Šlaus N, Hrašćan R. Glioma Stem Cells-Features for New Therapy Design. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1557. [PMID: 38672638 PMCID: PMC11049195 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081557] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
On a molecular level, glioma is very diverse and presents a whole spectrum of specific genetic and epigenetic alterations. The tumors are unfortunately resistant to available therapies and the survival rate is low. The explanation of significant intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity and the infiltrative capability of gliomas, as well as its resistance to therapy, recurrence and aggressive behavior, lies in a small subset of tumor-initiating cells that behave like stem cells and are known as glioma cancer stem cells (GCSCs). They are responsible for tumor plasticity and are influenced by genetic drivers. Additionally, GCSCs also display greater migratory abilities. A great effort is under way in order to find ways to eliminate or neutralize GCSCs. Many different treatment strategies are currently being explored, including modulation of the tumor microenvironment, posttranscriptional regulation, epigenetic modulation and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nives Pećina-Šlaus
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Reno Hrašćan
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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7
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Cao W, Lan J, Hu C, Kong J, Xiang L, Zhang Z, Sun Y, Zeng Z, Lei S. Predicting the prognosis of glioma patients with TERT promoter mutations and guiding the specific immune profile of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:5618-5633. [PMID: 38499392 PMCID: PMC11006486 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205668] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) is frequently mutated in gliomas. This study sought to identify immune biomarkers of gliomas with TERTp mutations. Data from TCGA were used to identify and validate survival-associated gene signatures, and immune and stromal scores were calculated using the ESTIMATE algorithm. High stromal or immune scores in patients with TERTp-mutant gliomas correlated with shorter overall survival compared to cases with low stromal or immune scores. Among TERTp-mutant gliomas with both high immune and high stromal scores, 213 commonly shared DEGs were identified. Among 71 interacting DEGs representing candidate hub genes in a PPI network, HOXC6, WT1, CD70, and OTP showed significant ability in establishing subgroups of high- and low-risk patients. A risk model based on these 4 genes showed strong prognostic potential for gliomas with mutated TERTp, but was inapplicable for TERTp-wild-type gliomas. TERTp-mutant gliomas with high-risk scores displayed a greater percentage of naïve B cells, plasma cells, naïve CD4 T cells, and activated mast cells than low-risk score gliomas. TIDE analysis indicated that immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy may benefit glioma patients with TERTp mutations. The present risk model can help predict prognosis of glioma patients with TERTp mutations and aid ICB treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Cao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Brain Bank for Functions and Diseases of Department of Education of Guizhou, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Jinzhi Lan
- Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, China
| | - Chujiao Hu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Jinping Kong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Limin Xiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Zhixue Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Yating Sun
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Zhirui Zeng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Shan Lei
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
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8
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De Fazio E, Pittarello M, Gans A, Ghosh B, Slika H, Alimonti P, Tyler B. Intrinsic and Microenvironmental Drivers of Glioblastoma Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2563. [PMID: 38473812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are diffusely infiltrating brain tumors whose prognosis is strongly influenced by their extent of invasion into the surrounding brain tissue. While lower-grade gliomas present more circumscribed borders, high-grade gliomas are aggressive tumors with widespread brain infiltration and dissemination. Glioblastoma (GBM) is known for its high invasiveness and association with poor prognosis. Its low survival rate is due to the certainty of its recurrence, caused by microscopic brain infiltration which makes surgical eradication unattainable. New insights into GBM biology at the single-cell level have enabled the identification of mechanisms exploited by glioma cells for brain invasion. In this review, we explore the current understanding of several molecular pathways and mechanisms used by tumor cells to invade normal brain tissue. We address the intrinsic biological drivers of tumor cell invasion, by tackling how tumor cells interact with each other and with the tumor microenvironment (TME). We focus on the recently discovered neuronal niche in the TME, including local as well as distant neurons, contributing to glioma growth and invasion. We then address the mechanisms of invasion promoted by astrocytes and immune cells. Finally, we review the current literature on the therapeutic targeting of the molecular mechanisms of invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson De Fazio
- Department of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University School of Medicine, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Matilde Pittarello
- Department of Medicine, Humanitas University School of Medicine, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gans
- Department of Neurology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Bikona Ghosh
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Hasan Slika
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Paolo Alimonti
- Department of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University School of Medicine, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Betty Tyler
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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9
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Boskovic P, Wilke N, Man KH, Lichter P, Francois L, Radlwimmer B. Branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 regulates glioblastoma cell plasticity and contributes to immunosuppression. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:251-265. [PMID: 37769206 PMCID: PMC10836774 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. Cellular plasticity and the poorly differentiated features result in a fast relapse of the tumors following treatment. Moreover, the immunosuppressive microenvironment proved to be a major obstacle to immunotherapeutic approaches. Branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) was shown to drive the growth of glioblastoma and other cancers;however, its oncogenic mechanism remains poorly understood. METHODS Using human tumor data, cell line models and orthotopic immuno-competent and -deficient mouse models, we investigated the phenotypic and mechanistic effects of BCAT1 on glioblastoma cell state and immunomodulation. RESULTS Here, we show that BCAT1 is crucial for maintaining the poorly differentiated state of glioblastoma cells and that its low expression correlates with a more differentiated glioblastoma phenotype. Furthermore, orthotopic tumor injection into immunocompetent mice demonstrated that the brain microenvironment is sufficient to induce differentiation of Bcat1-KO tumors in vivo. We link the transition to a differentiated cell state to the increased activity of ten-eleven translocation demethylases and the hypomethylation and activation of neuronal differentiation genes. In addition, the knockout of Bcat1 attenuated immunosuppression, allowing for an extensive infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells and complete abrogation of tumor growth. Further analysis in immunodeficient mice revealed that both tumor cell differentiation and immunomodulation following BCAT1-KO contribute to the long-term suppression of tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS Our study unveils BCAT1's pivotal role in promoting glioblastoma growth by inhibiting tumor cell differentiation and sustaining an immunosuppressive milieu. These findings offer a novel therapeutic avenue for targeting glioblastoma through the inhibition of BCAT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Boskovic
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Wilke
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ka-Hou Man
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Lichter
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Liliana Francois
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Radlwimmer
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Murugesan A, Konda Mani S, Koochakkhani S, Subramanian K, Kandhavelu J, Thiyagarajan R, Gurbanov AV, Mahmudov KT, Kandhavelu M. Design, synthesis and anticancer evaluation of novel arylhydrazones of active methylene compounds. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127909. [PMID: 37951450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127909] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor, tropomyosin kinase receptor kinase type A (TrkA) is emerging as an important target for Glioblastoma (GBM) treatment. TrkA is the cancer biomarker majorly involved in tumor invasion and migration into nearby normal tissue. However, currently, available Trk inhibitors exhibit many adverse effects in cancer patients, thus demanding a novel class of ligands to regulate Trk signaling. Here, we exploited the role of TrkA (NTRK1) expression from the 651 datasets of brain tumors. RNA sequence analysis identified overexpression of NTRK1 in GBM, recurrent GBM as well in Oligoastrocytoma patients. Also, TrkA expression tends to increase over the higher grades of GBM. TrkA protein targeting hydrazone derivatives, R48, R142, and R234, were designed and their mode of interaction was studied using molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies. Ligands' stability and binding assessment reveals R48, 2 2-(2-(2-hydroxy-4-nitrophenyl) hydrazineylidene)-1-phenylbutane-1,3-dione, as a potent ligand that interacts well with TrkA's hydrophobic residues, Ile, Phe, Leu, Ala, and Val. R48- TrkA exhibits stable binding potentials with an average RMSD value <0.8 nm. R48 obeyed Lipinski's rule of five and possessed the best oral bioavailability, suggesting R48 as a potential compound with drug-likeness properties. In-vitro analysis also revealed that R48 exhibited a higher cytotoxicity effect for U87 GBM cells than TMZ with the IC50 value of 68.99 μM. It showed the lowest percentage of cytotoxicity to the non-cancerous TrkA expressing MEF cells. However, further SiRNA analysis validates the non-specific binding of R48, necessitating structural alteration for the development of R48-based TrkA inhibitor for GBM therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Murugesan
- Department of Biotechnology, Lady Doak College, Madurai Kamaraj University, Thallakulam, Madurai 625002, India; Molecular Signaling Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and BioMediTech, P.O. Box 553, 33101 Tampere, Finland
| | - Saravanan Konda Mani
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research, Chennai 600 073, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Shabnaz Koochakkhani
- Molecular Signaling Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and BioMediTech, P.O. Box 553, 33101 Tampere, Finland
| | - Kumar Subramanian
- Oncology Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jayalakshmi Kandhavelu
- Oncology Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ramesh Thiyagarajan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atash V Gurbanov
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Excellence Center, Baku State University, Z. Xalilov Str. 23, Az 1148 Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Kamran T Mahmudov
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Excellence Center, Baku State University, Z. Xalilov Str. 23, Az 1148 Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Meenakshisundaram Kandhavelu
- Molecular Signaling Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and BioMediTech, P.O. Box 553, 33101 Tampere, Finland.
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11
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Zarzuela L, Durán RV, Tomé M. Metabolism and signaling crosstalk in glioblastoma progression and therapy resistance. Mol Oncol 2023. [PMID: 38105543 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13571] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumor in adults and one of the most lethal human cancers, with high recurrence and therapy resistance. Glioblastoma cells display extensive genetic and cellular heterogeneity, which precludes a unique and common therapeutic approach. The standard of care in glioblastoma patients includes surgery followed by radiotherapy plus concomitant temozolomide. As in many other cancers, cell signaling is deeply affected due to mutations or alterations in the so-called molecular drivers. Moreover, glioblastoma cells undergo metabolic adaptations to meet the new demands in terms of energy and building blocks, with an increasing amount of evidence connecting metabolic transformation and cell signaling deregulation in this type of aggressive brain tumor. In this review, we summarize some of the most common alterations both in cell signaling and metabolism in glioblastoma, presenting an integrative discussion about how they contribute to therapy resistance. Furthermore, this review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art of therapeutic approaches and clinical trials exploiting signaling and metabolism in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Zarzuela
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa - CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Raúl V Durán
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa - CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Mercedes Tomé
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa - CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
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12
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Heuer S, Winkler F. Glioblastoma revisited: from neuronal-like invasion to pacemaking. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:887-896. [PMID: 37586918 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, two developments have helped us to better understand the fundamental biology of glioblastoma: the description of a striking intratumoral heterogeneity including gene expression-based cell states, and the discovery that neuro-cancer interactions and cancer-intrinsic neurodevelopmental mechanisms are fundamental features of glioblastoma. In this opinion article, we aim to integrate both developments. We explain how two key disease features are characterized by different neural mechanisms related to distinct but plastic cancer cell states: first, the single cell-dominated invasive parts and second, the more solid parts which are dominated by communicating cell networks constantly activated by pacemaker-like glioblastoma cells. The resulting integrative roadmap of molecular and functional heterogeneity contributes to the Cancer Neuroscience of glioblastoma and suggests novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Heuer
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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13
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Stringer BW, De Silva MI, Greenberg Z, Noreña Puerta A, Adams R, Milky B, Zabolocki M, van den Hurk M, Ebert LM, Fairly Bishop C, Conn SJ, Kichenadasse G, Michael MZ, Ormsby RJ, Poonoose S, Bardy C. Human cerebrospinal fluid affects chemoradiotherapy sensitivities in tumor cells from patients with glioblastoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf1332. [PMID: 37878712 PMCID: PMC10599627 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf1332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancers in the central nervous system resist therapies effective in other cancers, possibly due to the unique biochemistry of the human brain microenvironment composed of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, the impact of CSF on cancer cells and therapeutic efficacy is unknown. Here, we examined the effect of human CSF on glioblastoma (GBM) tumors from 25 patients. We found that CSF induces tumor cell plasticity and resistance to standard GBM treatments (temozolomide and irradiation). We identified nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1), a transcription factor hampering ferroptosis, as a mediator of therapeutic resistance in CSF. NUPR1 inhibition with a repurposed antipsychotic, trifluoperazine, enhanced the killing of GBM cells resistant to chemoradiation in CSF. The same chemo-effective doses of trifluoperazine were safe for human neurons and astrocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells. These findings reveal that chemoradiation efficacy decreases in human CSF and suggest that combining trifluoperazine with standard care may improve the survival of patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett W. Stringer
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Manam Inushi De Silva
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Zarina Greenberg
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alejandra Noreña Puerta
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert Adams
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Bridget Milky
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael Zabolocki
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mark van den Hurk
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa M. Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Christine Fairly Bishop
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Medical Centre, SA Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Simon J. Conn
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ganessan Kichenadasse
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Medical Centre, SA Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael Z. Michael
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Medical Centre, SA Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rebecca J. Ormsby
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Santosh Poonoose
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Cedric Bardy
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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14
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Dewdney B, Jenkins MR, Best SA, Freytag S, Prasad K, Holst J, Endersby R, Johns TG. From signalling pathways to targeted therapies: unravelling glioblastoma's secrets and harnessing two decades of progress. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:400. [PMID: 37857607 PMCID: PMC10587102 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01637-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a rare, and highly lethal form of brain cancer, poses significant challenges in terms of therapeutic resistance, and poor survival rates for both adult and paediatric patients alike. Despite advancements in brain cancer research driven by a technological revolution, translating our understanding of glioblastoma pathogenesis into improved clinical outcomes remains a critical unmet need. This review emphasises the intricate role of receptor tyrosine kinase signalling pathways, epigenetic mechanisms, and metabolic functions in glioblastoma tumourigenesis and therapeutic resistance. We also discuss the extensive efforts over the past two decades that have explored targeted therapies against these pathways. Emerging therapeutic approaches, such as antibody-toxin conjugates or CAR T cell therapies, offer potential by specifically targeting proteins on the glioblastoma cell surface. Combination strategies incorporating protein-targeted therapy and immune-based therapies demonstrate great promise for future clinical research. Moreover, gaining insights into the role of cell-of-origin in glioblastoma treatment response holds the potential to advance precision medicine approaches. Addressing these challenges is crucial to improving outcomes for glioblastoma patients and moving towards more effective precision therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Dewdney
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
- Centre For Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Misty R Jenkins
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
| | - Sarah A Best
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
| | - Saskia Freytag
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
| | - Krishneel Prasad
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
| | - Jeff Holst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Raelene Endersby
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre For Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Terrance G Johns
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre For Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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15
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de Ruiter Swain J, Michalopoulou E, Noch EK, Lukey MJ, Van Aelst L. Metabolic partitioning in the brain and its hijacking by glioblastoma. Genes Dev 2023; 37:681-702. [PMID: 37648371 PMCID: PMC10546978 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350693.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The different cell types in the brain have highly specialized roles with unique metabolic requirements. Normal brain function requires the coordinated partitioning of metabolic pathways between these cells, such as in the neuron-astrocyte glutamate-glutamine cycle. An emerging theme in glioblastoma (GBM) biology is that malignant cells integrate into or "hijack" brain metabolism, co-opting neurons and glia for the supply of nutrients and recycling of waste products. Moreover, GBM cells communicate via signaling metabolites in the tumor microenvironment to promote tumor growth and induce immune suppression. Recent findings in this field point toward new therapeutic strategies to target the metabolic exchange processes that fuel tumorigenesis and suppress the anticancer immune response in GBM. Here, we provide an overview of the intercellular division of metabolic labor that occurs in both the normal brain and the GBM tumor microenvironment and then discuss the implications of these interactions for GBM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jed de Ruiter Swain
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
| | | | - Evan K Noch
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Michael J Lukey
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA;
| | - Linda Van Aelst
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA;
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16
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Wang X, Sun Y, Zhang DY, Ming GL, Song H. Glioblastoma modeling with 3D organoids: progress and challenges. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvad008. [PMID: 38596241 PMCID: PMC10913843 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive adult primary brain tumor with nearly universal treatment resistance and recurrence. The mainstay of therapy remains maximal safe surgical resection followed by concurrent radiation therapy and temozolomide chemotherapy. Despite intensive investigation, alternative treatment options, such as immunotherapy or targeted molecular therapy, have yielded limited success to achieve long-term remission. This difficulty is partly due to the lack of pre-clinical models that fully recapitulate the intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity of GBM and the complex tumor microenvironment. Recently, GBM 3D organoids originating from resected patient tumors, genetic manipulation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids and bio-printing or fusion with non-malignant tissues have emerged as novel culture systems to portray the biology of GBM. Here, we highlight several methodologies for generating GBM organoids and discuss insights gained using such organoid models compared to classic modeling approaches using cell lines and xenografts. We also outline limitations of current GBM 3D organoids, most notably the difficulty retaining the tumor microenvironment, and discuss current efforts for improvements. Finally, we propose potential applications of organoid models for a deeper mechanistic understanding of GBM and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yusha Sun
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel Y Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guo-li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- GBM Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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17
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Nakhle J, Khattar K, Özkan T, Boughlita A, Abba Moussa D, Darlix A, Lorcy F, Rigau V, Bauchet L, Gerbal-Chaloin S, Daujat-Chavanieu M, Bellvert F, Turchi L, Virolle T, Hugnot JP, Buisine N, Galloni M, Dardalhon V, Rodriguez AM, Vignais ML. Mitochondria Transfer from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Confers Chemoresistance to Glioblastoma Stem Cells through Metabolic Rewiring. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1041-1056. [PMID: 37377608 PMCID: PMC10266428 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBM) are heterogeneous tumors with high metabolic plasticity. Their poor prognosis is linked to the presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSC), which support resistance to therapy, notably to temozolomide (TMZ). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) recruitment to GBM contributes to GSC chemoresistance, by mechanisms still poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that MSCs transfer mitochondria to GSCs through tunneling nanotubes, which enhances GSCs resistance to TMZ. More precisely, our metabolomics analyses reveal that MSC mitochondria induce GSCs metabolic reprograming, with a nutrient shift from glucose to glutamine, a rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid cycle from glutaminolysis to reductive carboxylation and increase in orotate turnover as well as in pyrimidine and purine synthesis. Metabolomics analysis of GBM patient tissues at relapse after TMZ treatment documents increased concentrations of AMP, CMP, GMP, and UMP nucleotides and thus corroborate our in vitro analyses. Finally, we provide a mechanism whereby mitochondrial transfer from MSCs to GSCs contributes to GBM resistance to TMZ therapy, by demonstrating that inhibition of orotate production by Brequinar (BRQ) restores TMZ sensitivity in GSCs with acquired mitochondria. Altogether, these results identify a mechanism for GBM resistance to TMZ and reveal a metabolic dependency of chemoresistant GBM following the acquisition of exogenous mitochondria, which opens therapeutic perspectives based on synthetic lethality between TMZ and BRQ. Significance Mitochondria acquired from MSCs enhance the chemoresistance of GBMs. The discovery that they also generate metabolic vulnerability in GSCs paves the way for novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Nakhle
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- RESTORE Research Center, University of Toulouse, INSERM 1301, CNRS 5070, EFS, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Khattar Khattar
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Tülin Özkan
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Adel Boughlita
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Daouda Abba Moussa
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Amélie Darlix
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédérique Lorcy
- Department of Pathology and Oncobiology, Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
- The Center of the Biological Resource Center of University Hospital Center of Montpellier (BRC), Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Rigau
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Department of Pathology and Oncobiology, Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
- The Center of the Biological Resource Center of University Hospital Center of Montpellier (BRC), Montpellier, France
| | - Luc Bauchet
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hopital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - Sabine Gerbal-Chaloin
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Martine Daujat-Chavanieu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Floriant Bellvert
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, University of Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France
- MetaboHUB-MetaToul, National Infrastructure of Metabolomics and Fluxomics, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurent Turchi
- Université Côte D'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Team INSERM, “Cancer Stem Cell Plasticity and Functional Intra-tumor Heterogeneity”, Nice, France
| | - Thierry Virolle
- Université Côte D'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Team INSERM, “Cancer Stem Cell Plasticity and Functional Intra-tumor Heterogeneity”, Nice, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Hugnot
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Buisine
- UMR7221 Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Mireille Galloni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Dardalhon
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne-Marie Rodriguez
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), CNRS UMR 8256, INSERM ERL U1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Luce Vignais
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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18
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Rusin LY. Evolution of homology: From archetype towards a holistic concept of cell type. J Morphol 2023; 284:e21569. [PMID: 36789784 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The concept of homology lies in the heart of comparative biological science. The distinction between homology as structure and analogy as function has shaped the evolutionary paradigm for a century and formed the axis of comparative anatomy and embryology, which accept the identity of structure as a ground measure of relatedness. The advent of single-cell genomics overturned the classical view of cell homology by establishing a backbone regulatory identity of cell types, the basic biological units bridging the molecular and phenotypic dimensions, to reveal that the cell is the most flexible unit of living matter and that many approaches of classical biology need to be revised to understand evolution and diversity at the cellular level. The emerging theory of cell types explicitly decouples cell identity from phenotype, essentially allowing for the divergence of evolutionarily related morphotypes beyond recognition, as well as it decouples ontogenetic cell lineage from cell-type phylogeny, whereby explicating that cell types can share common descent regardless of their structure, function or developmental origin. The article succinctly summarizes current progress and opinion in this field and formulates a more generalistic view of biological cell types as avatars, transient or terminal cell states deployed in a continuum of states by the developmental programme of one and the same omnipotent cell, capable of changing or combining identities with distinct evolutionary histories or inventing ad hoc identities that never existed in evolution or development. It highlights how the new logic grounded in the regulatory nature of cell identity transforms the concepts of cell homology and phenotypic stability, suggesting that cellular evolution is inherently and massively network-like, with one-to-one homologies being rather uncommon and restricted to shallower levels of the animal tree of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Y Rusin
- Laboratory for Mathematic Methods and Models in Bioinformatics, Institute for Information Transmission Problems (Kharkevich Institute), Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- EvoGenome Analytics LLC, Odintsovo, Moscow Region, Russia
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19
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Khan S, Martinez-Ledesma E, Dong J, Mahalingam R, Park SY, Piao Y, Koul D, Balasubramaniyan V, de Groot JF, Yung WKA. Neuronal differentiation drives the antitumor activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibition in glioblastoma. Neurooncol Adv 2023; 5:vdad132. [PMID: 38130900 PMCID: PMC10734674 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification is found in nearly 40%-50% of glioblastoma cases. Several EGFR inhibitors have been tested in glioblastoma but have failed to demonstrate long-term therapeutic benefit, presumably because of acquired resistance. Targeting EGFR downstream signaling with mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) inhibitors would be a more effective approach to glioblastoma treatment. We tested the therapeutic potential of MEK1/2 inhibitors in glioblastoma using 3D cultures of glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) and mouse models of glioblastoma. Methods Several MEK inhibitors were screened in an unbiased high-throughput platform using GSCs. Cell death was evaluated using flow cytometry and Western blotting (WB) analysis. RNA-seq, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and WB analysis were used to identify and validate neuronal differentiation. Results Unbiased screening of multiple MEK inhibitors in GSCs showed antiproliferative and apoptotic cell death in sensitive cell lines. An RNA-seq analysis of cells treated with trametinib, a potent MEK inhibitor, revealed upregulation of neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation genes, such as achaete-scute homolog 1 (ASCL1), delta-like 3 (DLL3), and neurogenic differentiation 4 (NeuroD4). We validated the neuronal differentiation phenotypes in vitro and in vivo using selected differentiation markers (β-III-tubulin, ASCL1, DLL3, and NeuroD4). Oral treatment with trametinib in an orthotopic GSC xenograft model significantly improved animal survival, with 25%-30% of mice being long-term survivors. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that MEK1/2 inhibition promotes neuronal differentiation in glioblastoma, a potential additional mechanism of action of MEK1/2 inhibitors. Thus, MEK inhibitors could be efficacious in glioblastoma patients with activated EGFR/MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabbir Khan
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Emmanuel Martinez-Ledesma
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Institute for Obesity Research, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Jianwen Dong
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rajasekaran Mahalingam
- Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Soon Young Park
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuji Piao
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dimpy Koul
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - John F de Groot
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - W K Alfred Yung
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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