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Fleischmann M, Bechwar J, Voigtländer D, Fischer M, Schnetzke U, Hochhaus A, Scholl S. Synergistic Effects of the RAR alpha Agonist Tamibarotene and the Menin Inhibitor Revumenib in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells with KMT2A Rearrangement or NPM1 Mutation. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1311. [PMID: 38610989 PMCID: PMC11011083 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071311] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of menin in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harboring histone-lysine-N-methyltransferase 2A rearrangement (KMT2Ar) or the mutated Nucleophosmin gene (NPM1c) is considered a novel and effective treatment approach in these patients. However, rapid acquisition of resistance mutations can impair treatment success. In patients with elevated retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) expression levels, promising effects are demonstrated by the next-generation RARalpha agonist tamibarotene, which restores differentiation or induces apoptosis. In this study, the combination of revumenib and tamibarotene was investigated in various KMT2Ar or NPM1c AML cell lines and patient-derived blasts, focusing on the potential synergistic induction of differentiation or apoptosis. Both effects were analyzed by flow cytometry and validated by Western blot analysis. Synergy calculations were performed using viability assays. Regulation of the relevant key mediators for the MLL complex were quantified by RT-qPCR. In MV4:11 cells characterized by the highest relative mRNA levels of RARA, highly synergistic induction of apoptosis is demonstrated upon combination treatment. Induction of apoptosis by combined treatment of MV4:11 cells is accompanied by pronounced induction of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX and a synergistic reduction in CDK6 mRNA levels. In MOLM13 and OCI-AML3 cells, an increase in differentiation markers like PU.1 or a decreased ratio of phosphorylated to total CEBPA is demonstrated. In parts, corresponding effects were observed in patient-derived AML cells carrying either KMT2Ar or NPM1c. The impact of revumenib on KMT2Ar or NPM1c AML cells was significantly enhanced when combined with tamibarotene, demonstrating synergistic differentiation or apoptosis initiation. These findings propose promising strategies for relapsed/refractory AML patients with defined molecular characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sebastian Scholl
- Abteilung Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Comprehensive Cancer Central Germany—Campus Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (M.F.); (J.B.); (D.V.); (M.F.); (U.S.); (A.H.)
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2
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Li C, Fei C, Li J, Wu H, Chen L, Roshani R, Li H, Shi L, Song C, Gu J, Lu Y, Zhou Q. SMARCC2 combined with c‑Myc inhibits the migration and invasion of glioma cells via modulation of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:551. [PMID: 34080022 PMCID: PMC8185515 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common type of central nervous system tumor. SWItch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) is a tumor suppressor that serves an important role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The present study aimed to identify key molecules involved in the EMT process. SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily c member 2 (SMARCC2) is mutated in and its expression is low in multiple types of cancer. SMARCC2 is the core subunit of the chromatin-remodeling complex, SWI/SNF. Relative mRNA SMARCC2 expression levels in human glioma tissue were analyzed via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, whereas the protein expression levels were determined via immunohistochemistry staining. SMARCC2 expression was knocked down in glioma cells using small interfering RNA (si) and overexpressed by infection with adenovirus vectors carrying SMARCC2 cDNA. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion, respectively. Subsequently, immunofluorescence and western blotting were performed to analyze the expression levels of the oncogene c-Myc, which is associated with SMARCC2. SMARCC2 combines with C-MYC to downregulate its expression. Consistent with the results of the bioinformatics analysis, which revealed that the upregulated expression levels of SMARCC2 were associated with a more favorable prognosis in patients with glioma, the mRNA and protein expression levels of SMARCC2 were significantly upregulated in low-grade glioma tissues compared with high-grade glioma tissues. The results of the wound healing assay demonstrated that cell migration was significantly increased in the siSMARCC2-1/3 groups compared with the negative control (NC) group. By contrast, the migratory ability of cells was significantly reduced following transduction with adenovirus overexpressing SMARCC2, which upregulated the expression of SMARCC2, compared with the lentiviral vector-non-specific control (LVS-NC) group. The Transwell assay results further showed that SMARCC2 overexpression significantly inhibited the migratory and invasive abilities of U87MG and LN229 cells compared with the LVS-NC group. Co-immunoprecipitation assays were subsequently conducted to validate the binding of SMARCC2 and c-Myc; the results demonstrated that the expression of c-Myc was downregulated in adenovirus-transfected cells compared with LVS-NC-transfected cells. The results of the western blotting experiments demonstrated that the expression levels of N-cadherin, vimentin, snail family transcriptional repressor 1 and β-catenin were notably downregulated, whereas the expression levels of T-cadherin were markedly upregulated in cell lines stably overexpressing SMARCC2 compared with the LVS-NC group. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that SMARCC2 may inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling by regulating c-Myc expression in glioma. SMARCC2 regulates the EMT status of the glioblastoma cell line by mediating the expression of the oncogene C-MYC to inhibit its migration and invasion ability. Thus, SMARCC2 may function as a tumor suppressor or oncogene by regulating associated oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Chengshuo Fei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Junjie Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Hang Wu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Ramzi Roshani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Linyong Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Chong Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Junwei Gu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yuntao Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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Nasir A, Cardall A, Othman RT, Nicolaou N, Lourdusamy A, Linke F, Onion D, Ryzhova M, Cameron H, Valente C, Ritchie A, Korshunov A, Pfister SM, Grabowska AM, Kerr ID, Coyle B. ABCB1 inhibition provides a novel therapeutic target to block TWIST1-induced migration in medulloblastoma. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdab030. [PMID: 33948561 PMCID: PMC8080134 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Therapeutic intervention in metastatic medulloblastoma is dependent on elucidating the underlying metastatic mechanism. We investigated whether an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like pathway could drive medulloblastoma metastasis. Methods A 3D Basement Membrane Extract (3D-BME) model was used to investigate medulloblastoma cell migration. Cell line growth was quantified with AlamarBlue metabolic assays and the morphology assessed by time-lapse imaging. Gene expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR and protein expression by immunohistochemistry of patient tissue microarrays and mouse orthotopic xenografts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine whether the EMT transcription factor TWIST1 bound to the promoter of the multidrug pump ABCB1. TWIST1 was overexpressed in MED6 cells by lentiviral transduction (MED6-TWIST1). Inhibition of ABCB1 was mediated by vardenafil, and TWIST1 expression was reduced by either Harmine or shRNA. Results Metastatic cells migrated to form large metabolically active aggregates, whereas non-tumorigenic/non-metastatic cells formed small aggregates with decreasing metabolic activity. TWIST1 expression was upregulated in the 3D-BME model. TWIST1 and ABCB1 were significantly associated with metastasis in patients (P = .041 and P = .04, respectively). High nuclear TWIST1 expression was observed in the invasive edge of the MED1 orthotopic model, and TWIST1 knockdown in cell lines was associated with reduced cell migration (P < .05). TWIST1 bound to the ABCB1 promoter (P = .03) and induced cell aggregation in metastatic and TWIST1-overexpressing, non-metastatic (MED6-TWIST1) cells, which was significantly attenuated by vardenafil (P < .05). Conclusions In this study, we identified a TWIST1–ABCB1 signaling axis during medulloblastoma migration, which can be therapeutically targeted with the clinically approved ABCB1 inhibitor, vardenafil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishah Nasir
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alice Cardall
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ramadhan T Othman
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Niovi Nicolaou
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anbarasu Lourdusamy
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Franziska Linke
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - David Onion
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marina Ryzhova
- Department of Neuropathology, NN Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - Hanna Cameron
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cara Valente
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alison Ritchie
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrey Korshunov
- Cooperation Unit Neuro-oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Pediatric Neurooncology and Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian D Kerr
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy (MNTI) and Pineal Anlage Tumor (PAT) Harbor A Medulloblastoma Signature by DNA Methylation Profiling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040706. [PMID: 33572349 PMCID: PMC7916108 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare tumor of uncertain origin, morphologically overlapping other rare neoplasms such as pineal anlage tumor (PAT) and a subset of medulloblastomas (i.e., melanotic medulloblastoma). Despite the similarities with MNTI, their possible histogenetic relationship has been traditionally disregarded based on their aggressive behavior and dismal prognosis. The aim of this study was to further characterize the molecular features of MNTI and PAT based on DNA-methylation and copy number variation profiling analysis. We found that MNTI shares a methylation profile with group 3 high-risk medulloblastoma, and potentially with PAT, suggesting a common histogenesis. Most MNTIs in our series lacked copy number variation alterations, whereas their presence in the one PAT deserves further study in larger cohorts to better determine their impact in prognosis and biologic behavior. Abstract MNTI is a rare tumor of indeterminate histogenesis and molecular signature. We performed methylation and copy number variation (CNV) profiles in patients with MNTI (n = 7) and PAT (n = 1) compared to the methylation brain tumor classifier v11b4 (BT-C) and the medulloblastoma (MB) classifier group 3/4 v1.0 (MB3/4-C). The patients’ mean age was 8 months (range: 4–48). The BT-C classified five MNTIs and one PAT (relapse) as class family MB-G3/G4, subclass group 3 (score: >0.9). The remaining two MNTIs and PAT (primary) were classified as class family plexus tumor, subclass pediatric (scores: >0.45). The MB3/4-C classified all MNTIs as high-risk MB-G3, Subtype II (score: >0.45). The primary PAT was classified as subtype III (score: 0.99) and its relapse as subtype II/III. MNTI and PAT clustered close to MB-G3. CNV analysis showed multiple rearrangements in one PAT and two MNTIs. The median follow-up was 54 months (four MNTIs in remission, one PAT died). In conclusion, we demonstrated that MNTI shares a homogenous methylation profile with MB-G3, and possibly with PAT. The role of a multipotent progenitor cell (i.e., early cranial neural crest cell) in their histogenesis and the influence of the anatomical site, tumor microenvironment, and other cytogenetic events in their divergent biologic behavior deserve further investigation.
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Targeting DDX3 in Medulloblastoma Using the Small Molecule Inhibitor RK-33. Transl Oncol 2018; 12:96-105. [PMID: 30292066 PMCID: PMC6171097 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant tumor that arises from the cerebellum of the central nervous system. Clinically, medulloblastomas are treated by surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, all of which result in toxicity and morbidity. Recent reports have identified that DDX3, a member of the RNA helicase family, is mutated in medulloblastoma. In this study, we demonstrate the role of DDX3 in driving medulloblastoma. With the use of a small molecule inhibitor of DDX3, RK-33, we could inhibit growth and promote cell death in two medulloblastoma cell lines, DAOY and UW228, with IC50 values of 2.5 μM and 3.5 μM, respectively. Treatment of DAOY and UW228 cells with RK-33 caused a G1 arrest, resulted in reduced TCF reporter activity, and reduced mRNA expression levels of downstream target genes of the WNT pathway, such as Axin2, CCND1, MYC, and Survivin. In addition, treatment of DAOY and UW228 cells with a combination of RK-33 and radiation exhibited a synergistic effect. Importantly, the combination of RK-33 and 5 Gy radiation caused tumor regression in a mouse xenograft model of medulloblastoma. Using immunohistochemistry, we observed DDX3 expression in both pediatric (55%) and adult (66%) medulloblastoma patients. Based on these results, we conclude that RK-33 is a promising radiosensitizing agent that inhibits DDX3 activity and down-regulates WNT/β-catenin signaling and could be used as a frontline therapeutic strategy for DDX3-expressing medulloblastomas in combination with radiation.
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Abstract
In the originally published paper, the "before" image for the afatinib condition in Fig. 6c was incorrect. Instead of an image displaying a GBM-3 neoplastic organoid before afatinib treatment, this panel showed an image from the GBM-2 control (DMSO) group before treatment. This error has now been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of the article; the "before, afatinib" panel in Fig. 6c now shows a representative image from the indicated experiment. The color of all error bars in Fig. 6 has also been changed to black, for consistency. All statistical analysis and all conclusions presented in the article are unaffected by this error. Nevertheless, we apologize for the mistake.
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Genetically engineered cerebral organoids model brain tumor formation. Nat Methods 2018; 15:631-639. [PMID: 30038414 PMCID: PMC6071863 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-018-0070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumours are among the most lethal and devastating cancers. Their study is limited by genetic heterogeneity and the incompleteness of available laboratory models. Three-dimensional organoid culture models offer innovative possibilities for modelling human disease. Here, we establish a 3D in vitro model, named neoplastic cerebral organoid (neoCOR), in which we recapitulate brain tumorigenesis by introducing oncogenic mutations in cerebral organoids via transposon- and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis. By screening clinically-relevant mutations identified in cancer genome projects, we define mutation combinations that result in glioblastoma-like and central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumour (CNS-PNET)-like neoplasms. We demonstrate that neoCORs are suitable to study aspects of tumour biology such as invasiveness, and to evaluate the effect of drugs in the context of specific DNA aberrations. neoCORs will provide a valuable complement to current basic and preclinical models for studying brain tumour biology.
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Immunohistochemical investigation of topoIIβ, H3K27me3 and JMJD3 expressions in medulloblastoma. Pathol Res Pract 2017; 213:975-981. [PMID: 28554742 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Topoisomerase IIβ (topoIIβ) is a nuclear enzyme specifically expressed in neurons, and plays an important role in the development of the cerebellum. To date, the expression of topoIIβ protein in medulloblastoma (MB) has not been investigated. In this study, 16 MB specimens including 10 classical subtypes of MB and 6 desmoplastic subtypes of MB (DMB), along with 5 normal cerebellum samples, were obtained from clinics. With immunohistochemical staining, prominently expressed topoIIβ was seen in normal cerebellar tissues, while there was no or less pronounced staining in classical MB cells. Interestingly, on comparing topoIIβ expression in different regions of DMB samples, relatively high levels of topoIIβ were revealed within nodules composed of differentiated neurocytic cells, which are known to predict a favorable clinical outcome for MB. We also examined the expression of two epigenetic factors, H3K27me3 and JMJD3 in the different tissues. Very high levels of H3K27me3 were found in all MB samples, except the intranodules of DMB, where JMJD3 expression was more prominent. Furthermore, a negative correlation between topoIIβ and H3K27me3 in MB was revealed in this study. Thus, our data primarily indicate that topoIIβ can be used to estimate neuronal differentiation in MB, and may serve as a target for improving the survival rates for this condition. We speculate that H3K27me3 repression of topoIIβ at the transcriptional level may occur, although this needs to be verified using larger numbers of MB samples in future experiments.
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Lee S, Heinrich EL, Li L, Lu J, Choi AH, Levy RA, Wagner JE, Yip MLR, Vaidehi N, Kim J. CCR9-mediated signaling through β-catenin and identification of a novel CCR9 antagonist. Mol Oncol 2015; 9:1599-611. [PMID: 26003048 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of chemokine receptor CCR9 expression in solid tumors may contribute to poor patient prognosis. In this study, we characterized a novel CCR9-mediated pathway that promotes pancreatic cancer cell invasion and drug resistance, indicating that CCR9 may play a critical role in cancer progression through activation of β-catenin. We noted that the CCL25/CCR9 axis in pancreatic cancer cells induced the activation of β-catenin, which enhanced cell proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance. CCR9-mediated activation of β-catenin and the resulting downstream effects were effectively inhibited by blockade of the PI3K/AKT pathway, but not by antagonism of Wnt. Importantly, we discovered that CCR9/CCL25 increased the lethal dose of gemcitabine, suggesting decreased efficacy of anti-cancer drugs with CCR9 signaling. Through in silico computational modeling, we identified candidate CCR9 antagonists and tested their effects on CCR9/β-catenin regulation of cell signaling and drug sensitivity. When combined with gemcitabine, it resulted in synergistic cytotoxicity. Our results show that CCR9/β-catenin signaling enhances pancreatic cancer invasiveness and chemoresistance, and may be a highly novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangjun Lee
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Eileen L Heinrich
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Lily Li
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Jianming Lu
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Audrey H Choi
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Rachel A Levy
- Department of Immunology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Wagner
- Department of Immunology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - M L Richard Yip
- HTS Lab, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Nagarajan Vaidehi
- Department of Immunology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Joseph Kim
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA.
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Emerging Strategies for the Treatment of Tumor Stem Cells in Central Nervous System Malignancies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 853:167-87. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-16537-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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DeSouza RM, Jones BRT, Lowis SP, Kurian KM. Pediatric medulloblastoma - update on molecular classification driving targeted therapies. Front Oncol 2014; 4:176. [PMID: 25101241 PMCID: PMC4105823 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As advances in the molecular and genetic profiling of pediatric medulloblastoma evolve, associations with prognosis and treatment are found (prognostic and predictive biomarkers) and research is directed at molecular therapies. Medulloblastoma typically affects young patients, where the implications of any treatment on the developing brain must be carefully considered. The aim of this article is to provide a clear comprehensible update on the role molecular profiling and subgroups in pediatric medulloblastoma as it is likely to contribute significantly toward prognostication. Knowledge of this classification is of particular interest because there are new molecular therapies targeting the Shh subgroup of medulloblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kathreena M Kurian
- Brain Tumour Group, Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Bristol , Bristol , UK
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He M, Li Y, Zhang L, Li L, Shen Y, Lin L, Zheng W, Chen L, Bian X, Ng HK, Tang L. Curcumin suppresses cell proliferation through inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in medulloblastoma. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:173-80. [PMID: 24858998 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the survival rate of medulloblastoma patients has greatly improved; yet, patients undergoing current treatment regimes suffer from serious therapy-related side-effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer effects of curcumin on medulloblastoma cells by testing its capacity to suppress proliferation and regulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In the present study, cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle was observed by flow cytometry. The changes in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were analyzed by immunofluorescence, western blot analysis and RT-PCR. Curcumin treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation in the medulloblastoma cell line. Curcumin treatment arrested the cell-cycle at the G2/M phase. Furthermore, curcumin treatment led to activation of GSK-3β, reduced expression of β-catenin and its downstream target cyclin D1. The attenuation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway was due to the loss of nuclear β-catenin. In conclusion, curcumin can inhibit cell growth by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and it has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misi He
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Pathology, Insititute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Longjiang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Weiping Zheng
- Experimental and Teaching Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Experimental and Teaching Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Xiuwu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Ho-Keung Ng
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
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Liu J, Ruan B, You N, Huang Q, Liu W, Dang Z, Xu W, Zhou T, Ji R, Cao Y, Li X, Wang D, Tao K, Dou K. Downregulation of miR-200a induces EMT phenotypes and CSC-like signatures through targeting the β-catenin pathway in hepatic oval cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79409. [PMID: 24260215 PMCID: PMC3829824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be derived from malignant transformed adult hepatic progenitor cells. However, the regulatory factors and molecular mechanisms underlying the process are not well defined. Our previous microRNA (miRNA) microarray analysis revealed a significant decrease of miR-200a level in F344 rat HCC side population (SP) fraction cells versus their normal counterparts. In the present study, we further investigated the effect of miR-200a on hepatic oval cell (HOC) phenotypes. We first confirmed downregulated miR-200a levels in rat hepatoma cells compared with WB-F344 cells. Next, by lentivirus-mediated loss-of-function studies, we showed that stable knockdown of miR-200a confers a mesenchymal phenotype to WB-F344 cells, including an elongated cell morphology, enhanced cell migration ability and expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-representative markers. Concomitantly, several cancer stem cell (CSC)-like traits appeared in these cells, which exhibit enhanced spheroid-forming capacity, express putative hepatic CSC markers and display superior resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assays and western blot analysis identified β-catenin (CTNNB1) as a direct and functional target of miR-200a. Knockdown of miR-200a partially activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and silencing of β-catenin functionally attenuated anti-miR-200a effects in vitro in WB-F344 cells. At length, in vivo xenograft assay demonstrated the acquisition of tumorigenicity of WB-F344 cells after miR-200a siliencing. Collectively, our findings indicate that miR-200a may function as an important regulatory factor in neoplastic transition of HOCs by targeting the β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bai Ruan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan You
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qike Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weihui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
- PLA Center of General Surgery, General Hospital of Chengdu Army Region, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Dang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weihua Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ti Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ru Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Desheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (KD): (KT)
| | - Kefeng Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (KD): (KT)
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14
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Lacroix J, Schlund F, Leuchs B, Adolph K, Sturm D, Bender S, Hielscher T, Pfister SM, Witt O, Rommelaere J, Schlehofer JR, Witt H. Oncolytic effects of parvovirus H-1 in medulloblastoma are associated with repression of master regulators of early neurogenesis. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:703-16. [PMID: 23852775 PMCID: PMC4232887 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Based on extensive pre-clinical studies, the oncolytic parvovirus H-1 (H-1PV) is currently applied to patients with recurrent glioblastoma in a phase I/IIa clinical trial (ParvOryx01, NCT01301430). Cure rates of about 40% in pediatric high-risk medulloblastoma (MB) patients also indicate the need of new therapeutic approaches. In order to prepare a future application of oncolytic parvovirotherapy to MB, the present study preclinically evaluates the cytotoxic efficacy of H-1PV on MB cells in vitro and characterizes cellular target genes involved in this effect. Six MB cell lines were analyzed by whole genome oligonucleotide microarrays after treatment and the results were matched to known molecular and cytogenetic risk factors. In contrast to non-transformed infant astrocytes and neurons, in five out of six MB cell lines lytic H-1PV infection and efficient viral replication could be demonstrated. The cytotoxic effects induced by H-1PV were observed at LD50s below 0.05 p. f. u. per cell indicating high susceptibility. Gene expression patterns in the responsive MB cell lines allowed the identification of candidate target genes mediating the cytotoxic effects of H-1PV. H-1PV induced down-regulation of key regulators of early neurogenesis shown to confer poor prognosis in MB such as ZIC1, FOXG1B, MYC, and NFIA. In MB cell lines with genomic amplification of MYC, expression of MYC was the single gene most significantly repressed after H-1PV infection. H-1PV virotherapy may be a promising treatment approach for MB since it targets genes of functional relevance and induces cell death at very low titers of input virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannine Lacroix
- Division of Tumor Virology, Program Infection and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Brain tumor stem cells: Molecular characteristics and their impact on therapy. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 39:82-101. [PMID: 23831316 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary brain tumor and ranks among the most lethal of human cancers with conventional therapy offering only palliation. Great strides have been made in understanding brain cancer genetics and modeling these tumors with new targeted therapies being tested, but these advances have not translated into substantially improved patient outcomes. Multiple chemotherapeutic agents, including temozolomide, the first-line treatment for glioblastoma, have been developed to kill cancer cells. However, the response to temozolomide in GBM is modest. Radiation is also moderately effective but this approach is plagued by limitations due to collateral radiation damage to healthy brain tissue and development of radioresistance. Therapeutic resistance is attributed at least in part to a cell population within the tumor that possesses stem-like characteristics and tumor propagating capabilities, referred to as cancer stem cells. Within GBM, the intratumoral heterogeneity is derived from a combination of regional genetic variance and a cellular hierarchy often regulated by distinct cancer stem cell niches, most notably perivascular and hypoxic regions. With the recent emergence as a key player in tumor biology, cancer stem cells have symbiotic relationships with the tumor microenvironment, oncogenic signaling pathways, and epigenetic modifications. The origins of cancer stem cells and their contributions to brain tumor growth and therapeutic resistance are under active investigation with novel anti-cancer stem cell therapies offering potential new hope for this lethal disease.
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16
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Li KKW, Lau KM, Ng HK. Signaling pathway and molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2013; 6:1211-1222. [PMID: 23826403 PMCID: PMC3693187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Although multimodality treatment regimens including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have greatly improved disease outcome, about one-third of MB patient remains incurable, and many long-term survivors are suffered from deleterious effects due to aggressive treatment. Understanding the signaling pathways and the genetic mechanisms contributed to MB development would be the key to develop novel therapeutic treatment strategies for improving survival and outcome of MB. In this review, we discuss the biological signaling pathways involved in MB pathogenesis. We also go through the current international consensus of four core MB subgroups namely, SHH, WNT, Group 3, and Group 4. This is adopted based on the knowledge of genomic complexity of MB as analyzed by recent high-throughput genomic technology. We talk about immunohistochemistry assays established to determine molecular subgroup affiliation. In the last part of review, we discuss how identification of molecular subgroups is going to change our routine disease diagnosis and clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Ka-Wai Li
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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17
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The role of the WNT/β-catenin pathway in central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumours (CNS PNETs). Br J Cancer 2013; 108:2130-41. [PMID: 23591193 PMCID: PMC3670474 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumours (CNS PNETs) are embryonal tumours occurring predominantly in children. Current lack of knowledge regarding their underlying biology hinders development of more effective treatments. We previously identified WNT/β-catenin pathway activation in one-third of CNS PNETs, which was potentially linked to a better prognosis. In this study, we have extended our cohort, achieving a statistically significant correlation with prognosis. We additionally investigated the biological effects of WNT/β-catenin pathway activation in tumour pathogenesis. Methods: A total of 42 primary and 8 recurrent CNS PNETs were analysed for WNT/β-catenin pathway status using β-catenin immunohistochemistry. Genomic copy number and mRNA expression data were analysed to identify a molecular profile linked to WNT/β-catenin pathway activation. Results: Pathway activation was seen in 26% of CNS PNETs and was significantly associated with longer overall survival. Genes displaying a significant difference in expression levels, between tumours with and without WNT/β-catenin pathway activation, included several involved in normal CNS development suggesting aberrant pathway activation may be disrupting this process. Conclusion: We have identified WNT/β-catenin pathway status as a marker, which could potentially be used to stratify disease risk for patients with CNS PNET. Gene expression data suggest pathway activation is disrupting normal differentiation in the CNS.
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18
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Nör C, Sassi FA, de Farias CB, Schwartsmann G, Abujamra AL, Lenz G, Brunetto AL, Roesler R. The histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium butyrate promotes cell death and differentiation and reduces neurosphere formation in human medulloblastoma cells. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 48:533-43. [PMID: 23516101 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8441-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in epigenetic mechanisms regulating chromatin state play a role in the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, which increase chromatin relaxation, have been shown to display anticancer activities. Here we show that the HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate (NaB) markedly increases cell death and reduces colony formation in human MB cell lines. In addition, NaB increased the mRNA expression of Gria2, a neuronal differentiation marker, in D283 and DAOY cells and reduced the number of neurospheres in D283 cell cultures. Finally, NaB reduced the viability of D283 cells when combined with etoposide. These data show that NaB displays pronounced inhibitory effects on the survival of human MB cells and suggest that NaB might potentiate the effects of etoposide. In addition, our study suggests that HDAC inhibition might promote the neuronal differentiation of MB cells and provides the first evidence that an HDAC inhibitor might suppress the expansion or survival of MB cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Nör
- Cancer Research Laboratory, University Hospital Research Center (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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19
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Thakur R, Mishra DP. Pharmacological modulation of beta-catenin and its applications in cancer therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 17:449-56. [PMID: 23490077 PMCID: PMC3822645 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-catenin (β-catenin) is a multifunction protein with a central role in physiological homeostasis. Its abnormal expression leads to various diseases including cancer. In normal physiology, β-catenin either maintains integrity of epithelial tissues or controls transcription of various genes on extracellular instigations. In epithelial tissues, β-catenin functions as a component of the cadherin protein complex and regulates epithelial cell growth and intracellular adhesion. In Wnt signalling, β-catenin is a major transcriptional modulator and plays a crucial role in embryogenesis, stem cell renewal and organ regeneration. Aberrant expression of β-catenin can induce malignant pathways in normal cells and its abnormal activity is also exploited by existing malignant programmes. It acts as an oncogene and modulates transcription of genes to drive cancer initiation, progression, survival and relapse. Abnormal expression and function of β-catenin in cancer makes it a putative drug target. In the past decade, various attempts have been made to identify and characterize various pharmacological inhibitors of β-catenin. Many of these inhibitors are currently being investigated for their anticancer activities in a variety of cancers. The first half of this review will focus on the role of β-catenin in cancer initiation, maintenance, progression and relapse whereas the second half will briefly summarize the recent progress in development of agents for the pharmacological modulation of β-catenin activity in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Thakur
- Cell Death Research Laboratory, Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
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