1
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Barateiro LGRP, de Oliveira Cavagna R, Dos Reis MB, de Paula FE, Teixeira GR, Moreno DA, Bonatelli M, Santana I, Saggioro FP, Neder L, Stavale JN, Malheiros SMF, Garcia-Rivello H, Christiansen S, Nunes S, da Costa MJG, Pinheiro J, Júnior CA, Mançano BM, Reis RM. Somatic mutational profiling and clinical impact of driver genes in Latin-Iberian medulloblastomas: Towards precision medicine. Neuropathology 2024. [PMID: 38736183 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most prevalent malignant brain tumor in children, known for its heterogeneity and treatment-associated toxicity, and there is a critical need for new therapeutic targets. We analyzed the somatic mutation profile of 15 driver genes in 69 Latin-Iberian molecularly characterized medulloblastomas using the Illumina TruSight Tumor 15 panel. We classified the variants based on their clinical impact and oncogenicity. Among the patients, 66.7% were MBSHH, 13.0% MBWNT, 7.3% MBGrp3, and 13.0% MBGrp4. Among the 63 variants found, 54% were classified as Tier I/II and 31.7% as oncogenic/likely oncogenic. We observed 33.3% of cases harboring at least one mutation. TP53 (23.2%, 16/69) was the most mutated gene, followed by PIK3CA (5.8%, 4/69), KIT (4.3%, 3/69), PDGFRA (2.9%, 2/69), EGFR (1.4%, 1/69), ERBB2 (1.4%, 1/69), and NRAS (1.4%, 1/69). Approximately 41% of MBSHH tumors exhibited mutations, TP53 (32.6%) being the most frequently mutated gene. Tier I/II and oncogenic/likely oncogenic TP53 variants were associated with relapse, progression, and lower survival rates. Potentially actionable variants in the PIK3CA and KIT genes were identified. Latin-Iberian medulloblastomas, particularly the MBSHH, exhibit higher mutation frequencies than other populations. We corroborate the TP53 mutation status as an important prognostic factor, while PIK3CA and KIT are potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gustavo Ramos Teixeira
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | - Murilo Bonatelli
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Iara Santana
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | - Luciano Neder
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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2
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Wang S, Zhang D, Wang J, Peng X, Sun H, Ji Y, Yang Z, Bian X, Hou Y, Ge M, Liu Y. PUMC-MB1 is a novel group 3 medulloblastoma preclinical model, sensitive to PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor. J Neurooncol 2024; 168:139-149. [PMID: 38662151 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04655-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medulloblastoma (MB), a common and heterogeneous posterior fossa tumor in pediatric patients, presents diverse prognostic outcomes. To advance our understanding of MB's intricate biology, the development of novel patient tumor-derived culture MB models with necessary data is still an essential requirement. METHODS We continuously passaged PUMC-MB1 in vitro in order to establish a continuous cell line. We examined the in vitro growth using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and in vivo growth with subcutaneous and intracranial xenograft models. The xenografts were investigated histopathologically with Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Concurrently, we explored its molecular features using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), targeted sequencing, and RNA sequecing. Guided by bioinformatics analysis, we validated PUMC-MB1's drug sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS PUMC-MB1, derived from a high-risk MB patient, displayed a population doubling time (PDT) of 48.18 h and achieved 100% tumor growth in SCID mice within 20 days. HE and Immunohistochemical examination of the original tumor and xenografts confirmed the classification of PUMC-MB1 as a classic MB. Genomic analysis via WGS revealed concurrent MYC and OTX2 amplifications. The RNA-seq data classified it within the Group 3 MB subgroup, while according to the WHO classification, it fell under the Non-WNT/Non-SHH MB. Comparative analysis with D283 and D341med identified 4065 differentially expressed genes, with notable enrichment in the PI3K-AKT pathway. Cisplatin, 4-hydroperoxy cyclophosphamide/cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dactolisib (a selective PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor) significantly inhibited PUMC-MB1 proliferation in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS PUMC-MB1, a novel Group 3 (Non-WNT/Non-SHH) MB cell line, is comprehensively characterized for its growth, pathology, and molecular characteristics. Notably, dactolisib demonstrated potent anti-proliferative effects with minimal toxicity, promising a potential therapeutic avenue. PUMC-MB1 could serve as a valuable tool for unraveling MB mechanisms and innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Cell Resource Center, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS); School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Cell Resource Center, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS); School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Cell Resource Center, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS); School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojiao Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hailang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanqi Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenli Yang
- Department of Pathology, Cell Resource Center, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS); School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Xiaocui Bian
- Department of Pathology, Cell Resource Center, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS); School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Hou
- Department of Pathology, Cell Resource Center, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS); School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Ming Ge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuqin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Cell Resource Center, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS); School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China.
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3
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Yasir M, Park J, Chun W. EWS/FLI1 Characterization, Activation, Repression, Target Genes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Ewing Sarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15173. [PMID: 37894854 PMCID: PMC10607184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their clonal origins, tumors eventually develop into complex communities made up of phenotypically different cell subpopulations, according to mounting evidence. Tumor cell-intrinsic programming and signals from geographically and temporally changing microenvironments both contribute to this variability. Furthermore, the mutational load is typically lacking in childhood malignancies of adult cancers, and they still exhibit high cellular heterogeneity levels largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas represent highly aggressive malignancies affecting both bone and soft tissue, primarily afflicting adolescents. Unfortunately, the outlook for patients facing relapsed or metastatic disease is grim. These tumors are primarily fueled by a distinctive fusion event involving an FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, with the most prevalent fusion being EWS/FLI1. Despite originating from a common driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells display significant variations in transcriptional activity, both within and among tumors. Recent research has pinpointed distinct fusion protein activities as a principal source of this heterogeneity, resulting in markedly diverse cellular phenotypes. In this review, we aim to characterize the role of the EWS/FLI fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma by exploring its general mechanism of activation and elucidating its implications for tumor heterogeneity. Additionally, we delve into potential therapeutic opportunities to target this aberrant fusion protein in the context of Ewing sarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (J.P.)
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4
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Rechberger JS, Toll SA, Vanbilloen WJF, Daniels DJ, Khatua S. Exploring the Molecular Complexity of Medulloblastoma: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2398. [PMID: 37510143 PMCID: PMC10378552 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Over the last few decades, significant progress has been made in revealing the key molecular underpinnings of this disease, leading to the identification of distinct molecular subgroups with different clinical outcomes. In this review, we provide an update on the molecular landscape of medulloblastoma and treatment strategies. We discuss the four main molecular subgroups (WNT-activated, SHH-activated, and non-WNT/non-SHH groups 3 and 4), highlighting the key genetic alterations and signaling pathways associated with each entity. Furthermore, we explore the emerging role of epigenetic regulation in medulloblastoma and the mechanism of resistance to therapy. We also delve into the latest developments in targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Continuing collaborative efforts are needed to further unravel the complex molecular mechanisms and profile optimal treatment for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian S Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Stephanie A Toll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Wouter J F Vanbilloen
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Neurology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, 5022 Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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5
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Lygina E, Morgacheva D, Khadela A, Postwala H, Shah Y, Dinikina Y. Effectiveness of metronomic chemotherapy in a child with medulloblastoma: A case report. Oncol Lett 2023; 25:194. [PMID: 37113402 PMCID: PMC10126878 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13780] [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] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common pediatric malignant tumors arising from the central nervous system with an unknown etiology and variable prognosis. Relapsed or refractory MB in pediatric patients after intensive anticancer therapy (chemo-, radiotherapy) is associated with treatment resistance and poor survival prognosis. Metronomic chemotherapy in combination with mTOR inhibitors may have advantages due to an alternate mechanism of cytotoxicity and a favourable adverse effects profile. Furthermore, it is considered to be a prospective anticancer regimen regardless of the presence/absence of molecular targets. The present study reported a successful result of this treatment option with optimal tolerability in relapsed MB in a pediatric male patient and highlighted the advantages for a selected group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lygina
- Department of Chemotherapy for Hematologic Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation for Children, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
| | - Daria Morgacheva
- Department of Chemotherapy for Hematologic Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation for Children, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
| | - Avinash Khadela
- Department of Pharmacology, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Humzah Postwala
- Pharm D Section, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Yesha Shah
- Pharm D Section, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Yulia Dinikina
- Department of Chemotherapy for Hematologic Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation for Children, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
- Correspondence to: Dr Yulia Dinikina, Department of Chemotherapy for Hematologic Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation for Children, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 2 Akkuratova Street, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia, E-mail:
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6
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Ye Y, Huang Z, Zhang M, Li J, Zhang Y, Lou C. Synergistic therapeutic potential of alpelisib in cancers (excluding breast cancer): Preclinical and clinical evidences. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114183. [PMID: 36641927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114183] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is well-known for its important role in cancer growth, proliferation and migration. The activation of PI3K pathway is always connected with endocrine resistance and poor prognosis in cancers. Alpelisib, a selective inhibitor of PI3K, has been demonstrated to be effective in combination with endocrine therapy in HR+ PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer in preclinical and clinical trials. Recently, the synergistic effects of alpelisib combined with targeted agents have been widely reported in PIK3CA-mutated cancer cells, such as breast, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), cervical, liver, pancreatic and lung cancer. However, previous reviews mainly focused on the pharmacological activities of alpelisib in breast cancer. The synergistic therapeutic potential of alpelisib in other cancers has not yet been well reviewed. In this review, an extensive study of related literatures (published until December 20, 2022) regarding the anti-cancer functions and synergistic effects of alpelisib was carried out through the databases. Useful information was extracted. We summarized the preclinical and clinical studies of alpelisib in combination with targeted anti-cancer agents in cancer treatment (excluding breast cancer). The combinations of alpelisib and other targeted agents significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy both in preclinical and clinical studies. Unfortunately, synergistic therapies still could not effectively avoid the possible toxicities and adverse events during treatment. Finally, some prospects for the combination studies in cancer treatment were provided in the paper. Taken together, this review provided valuable information for alpelisib in preclinical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Zhiyu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Maoqing Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Jiayue Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Yiqiong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Chenghua Lou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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7
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Candido MF, Medeiros M, Veronez LC, Bastos D, Oliveira KL, Pezuk JA, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. Drugging Hijacked Kinase Pathways in Pediatric Oncology: Opportunities and Current Scenario. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020664. [PMID: 36839989 PMCID: PMC9966033 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood cancer is considered rare, corresponding to ~3% of all malignant neoplasms in the human population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a universal occurrence of more than 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants around the globe, and despite improvements in diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, one child dies of cancer every 3 min. Consequently, more efficient, selective and affordable therapeutics are still needed in order to improve outcomes and avoid long-term sequelae. Alterations in kinases' functionality is a trademark of cancer and the concept of exploiting them as drug targets has burgeoned in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry of the 21st century. Consequently, an increasing plethora of inhibitors has emerged. In the present study, the expression patterns of a selected group of kinases (including tyrosine receptors, members of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways, coordinators of cell cycle progression, and chromosome segregation) and their correlation with clinical outcomes in pediatric solid tumors were accessed through the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform and by a thorough search of published literature. To further illustrate the importance of kinase dysregulation in the pathophysiology of pediatric cancer, we analyzed the vulnerability of different cancer cell lines against their inhibition through the Cancer Dependency Map portal, and performed a search for kinase-targeted compounds with approval and clinical applicability through the CanSAR knowledgebase. Finally, we provide a detailed literature review of a considerable set of small molecules that mitigate kinase activity under experimental testing and clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric tumors, while discuss critical challenges that must be overcome before translation into clinical options, including the absence of compounds designed specifically for childhood tumors which often show differential mutational burdens, intrinsic and acquired resistance, lack of selectivity and adverse effects on a growing organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Medeiros
- Regional Blood Center, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chain Veronez
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - David Bastos
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla Laissa Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Alejandra Pezuk
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-9144; Fax: +55-16-3315-4886
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8
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Marabitti V, Giansanti M, De Mitri F, Gatto F, Mastronuzzi A, Nazio F. Pathological implications of metabolic reprogramming and its therapeutic potential in medulloblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1007641. [PMID: 36340043 PMCID: PMC9627342 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1007641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-specific alterations in metabolism have been recognized to sustain the production of ATP and macromolecules needed for cell growth, division and survival in many cancer types. However, metabolic heterogeneity poses a challenge for the establishment of effective anticancer therapies that exploit metabolic vulnerabilities. Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most heterogeneous malignant pediatric brain tumors, divided into four molecular subgroups (Wingless, Sonic Hedgehog, Group 3 and Group 4). Recent progresses in genomics, single-cell sequencing, and novel tumor models have updated the classification and stratification of MB, highlighting the complex intratumoral cellular diversity of this cancer. In this review, we emphasize the mechanisms through which MB cells rewire their metabolism and energy production networks to support and empower rapid growth, survival under stressful conditions, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Additionally, we discuss the potential clinical benefits of currently available drugs that could target energy metabolism to suppress MB progression and increase the efficacy of the current MB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Marabitti
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Giansanti
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca De Mitri
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gatto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Nazio
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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9
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Martín-Rubio P, Espiau-Romera P, Royo-García A, Caja L, Sancho P. Metabolic determinants of stemness in medulloblastoma. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:587-598. [PMID: 36157911 PMCID: PMC9453267 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i8.587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastomas (MBs) are the most prevalent brain tumours in children. They are classified as grade IV, the highest in malignancy, with about 30% metastatic tumours at the time of diagnosis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of tumour cells that can initiate and support tumour growth. In MB, CSCs contribute to tumour initiation, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Metabolic differences among the different MB groups have started to emerge. Sonic hedgehog tumours show enriched lipid and nucleic acid metabolism pathways, whereas Group 3 MBs upregulate glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glutamine anabolism, and glutathione-mediated anti-oxidant pathways. Such differences impact the clinical behaviour of MB tumours and can be exploited therapeutically. In this review, we summarise the existing knowledge about metabolic rewiring in MB, with a particular focus on MB-CSCs. Finally, we highlight some of the emerging metabolism-based therapeutic strategies for MB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alba Royo-García
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Laia Caja
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Patricia Sancho
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
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10
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Safa AR. Drug and apoptosis resistance in cancer stem cells: a puzzle with many pieces. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:850-872. [PMID: 36627897 PMCID: PMC9771762 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to anticancer agents and apoptosis results in cancer relapse and is associated with cancer mortality. Substantial data have provided convincing evidence establishing that human cancers emerge from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which display self-renewal and are resistant to anticancer drugs, radiation, and apoptosis, and express enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal progression. CSCs represent a heterogeneous tumor cell population and lack specific cellular targets, which makes it a great challenge to target and eradicate them. Similarly, their close relationship with the tumor microenvironment creates greater complexity in developing novel treatment strategies targeting CSCs. Several mechanisms participate in the drug and apoptosis resistance phenotype in CSCs in various cancers. These include enhanced expression of ATP-binding cassette membrane transporters, activation of various cytoprotective and survival signaling pathways, dysregulation of stemness signaling pathways, aberrant DNA repair mechanisms, increased quiescence, autophagy, increased immune evasion, deficiency of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins including c-FLIP [cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein], Bcl-2 family members, inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, and PI3K/AKT signaling. Studying such mechanisms not only provides mechanistic insights into these cells that are unresponsive to drugs, but may lead to the development of targeted and effective therapeutics to eradicate CSCs. Several studies have identified promising strategies to target CSCs. These emerging strategies may help target CSC-associated drug resistance and metastasis in clinical settings. This article will review the CSCs drug and apoptosis resistance mechanisms and how to target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R. Safa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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11
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McSwain LF, Parwani KK, Shahab SW, Hambardzumyan D, MacDonald TJ, Spangle JM, Kenney AM. Medulloblastoma and the DNA Damage Response. Front Oncol 2022; 12:903830. [PMID: 35747808 PMCID: PMC9209741 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.903830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children with standard of care consisting of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Recent molecular profiling led to the identification of four molecularly distinct MB subgroups – Wingless (WNT), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4. Despite genomic MB characterization and subsequent tumor stratification, clinical treatment paradigms are still largely driven by histology, degree of surgical resection, and presence or absence of metastasis rather than molecular profile. Patients usually undergo resection of their tumor followed by craniospinal radiation (CSI) and a 6 month to one-year multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen. While there is clearly a need for development of targeted agents specific to the molecular alterations of each patient, targeting proteins responsible for DNA damage repair could have a broader impact regardless of molecular subgrouping. DNA damage response (DDR) protein inhibitors have recently emerged as targeted agents with potent activity as monotherapy or in combination in different cancers. Here we discuss the molecular underpinnings of genomic instability in MB and potential avenues for exploitation through DNA damage response inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon F. McSwain
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kiran K. Parwani
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shubin W. Shahab
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dolores Hambardzumyan
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tobey J. MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Spangle
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Anna Marie Kenney
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Anna Marie Kenney,
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12
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Lou J, Lv JX, Zhang YP, Liu ZJ. OSI-027 inhibits the tumorigenesis of colon cancer through mediation of c-Myc/FOXO3a/PUMA axis. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1204-1214. [PMID: 35293663 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Colon cancer is a gastrointestinal malignancy which is one of the leading causes of tumor-associated deaths. It has been reported that mTOR can lead to the progression of colon cancer. However, the mechanism by which mTOR inhibitor (OSI-027) mediates the tumorigenesis of colon cancer remains largely unknown. Cell function of colon cancer was investigated by CCK-8 flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. In addition, qRT-PCR and western blot were used to investigate the mechanism underlying the function of OSI-027 in colon cancer. OSI-027 dose-dependently reduced colon cancer cell viability through inducing the cell apoptosis. In addition, OSI-027 induced the apoptosis of colon cancer cells via upregulation of PUMA. OSI-027 promoted the expression of PUMA by activation of FOXO3a, and c-Myc knockdown partially increased FOXO3a and PUMA level. Moreover, OSI-027 attenuated the tumor growth of colon cancer through mediation of mTOR/c-Myc/FOXO3a axis. OSI-027 attenuates colon cancer progression through mediation of c-Myc/FOXO3a/PUMA axis. Thereby, this research might shed new insights on exploring the strategies against colon cancer. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Lou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jian-Xin Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - You-Ping Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhan-Ju Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
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13
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Rasti AR, Guimaraes-Young A, Datko F, Borges VF, Aisner DL, Shagisultanova E. PIK3CA Mutations Drive Therapeutic Resistance in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2100370. [PMID: 35357905 PMCID: PMC8984255 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is an intracellular pathway activated in response to progrowth signaling, such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and other kinases. Abnormal activation of PI3K has long been recognized as one of the main oncogenic drivers in breast cancer, including HER2-positive (HER2+) subtype. Somatic activating mutations in the gene encoding PI3K alpha catalytic subunit (PIK3CA) are present in approximately 30% of early-stage HER2+ tumors and drive therapeutic resistance to multiple HER2-targeted agents. Here, we review currently available agents targeting PI3K, discuss their potential role in HER2+ breast cancer, and provide an overview of ongoing trials of PI3K inhibitors in HER2+ disease. Additionally, we review the landscape of PIK3CA mutational testing and highlight the gaps in knowledge that could present potential barriers in the effective application of PI3K inhibitors for treatment of HER2+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Guimaraes-Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Farrah Datko
- University of Colorado Health Cancer Center, Harmony Campus, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Virginia F. Borges
- Young Women Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Dara L. Aisner
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Elena Shagisultanova
- Young Women Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO
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14
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Alammar H, Nassani R, Alshehri MM, Aljohani AA, Alrfaei BM. Deficiency in the Treatment Description of mTOR Inhibitor Resistance in Medulloblastoma, a Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010464. [PMID: 35008889 PMCID: PMC8745694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a common fatal pediatric brain tumor. More treatment options are required to prolong survival and decrease disability. mTOR proteins play an essential role in the disease pathogenesis, and are an essential target for therapy. Three generations of mTOR inhibitors have been developed and are clinically used for immunosuppression and chemotherapy for multiple cancers. Only a few mTOR inhibitors have been investigated for the treatment of medulloblastoma and other pediatric tumors. The first-generation mTOR, sirolimus, temsirolimus, and everolimus, went through phase I clinical trials. The second-generation mTOR, AZD8055 and sapanisertib, suppressed medulloblastoma cell growth; however, limited studies have investigated possible resistance pathways. No clinical trials have been found to treat medulloblastoma using third-generation mTOR inhibitors. This systematic review highlights the mechanisms of resistance of mTOR inhibitors in medulloblastoma and includes IDO1, T cells, Mnk2, and eIF4E, as they prolong malignant cell survival. The findings promote the importance of combination therapy in medulloblastoma due to its highly resistant nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Alammar
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Rayan Nassani
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Cellular Therapy and Cancer Research, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Mana M. Alshehri
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Cellular Therapy and Cancer Research, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Alaa A. Aljohani
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Bahauddeen M. Alrfaei
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (A.A.A.)
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Cellular Therapy and Cancer Research, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.); (M.M.A.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Ray S, Chaturvedi NK, Bhakat KK, Rizzino A, Mahapatra S. Subgroup-Specific Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Predictive Markers Influencing Pediatric Medulloblastoma Treatment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 12:diagnostics12010061. [PMID: 35054230 PMCID: PMC8774967 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant central nervous system tumor in pediatric patients. Mainstay of therapy remains surgical resection followed by craniospinal radiation and chemotherapy, although limitations to this therapy are applied in the youngest patients. Clinically, tumors are divided into average and high-risk status on the basis of age, metastasis at diagnosis, and extent of surgical resection. However, technological advances in high-throughput screening have facilitated the analysis of large transcriptomic datasets that have been used to generate the current classification system, dividing patients into four primary subgroups, i.e., WNT (wingless), SHH (sonic hedgehog), and the non-SHH/WNT subgroups 3 and 4. Each subgroup can further be subdivided on the basis of a combination of cytogenetic and epigenetic events, some in distinct signaling pathways, that activate specific phenotypes impacting patient prognosis. Here, we delve deeper into the genetic basis for each subgroup by reviewing the extent of cytogenetic events in key genes that trigger neoplastic transformation or that exhibit oncogenic properties. Each of these discussions is further centered on how these genetic aberrations can be exploited to generate novel targeted therapeutics for each subgroup along with a discussion on challenges that are currently faced in generating said therapies. Our future hope is that through better understanding of subgroup-specific cytogenetic events, the field may improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment to improve overall quality of life for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutapa Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 601 S Saddle Creek Road, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.R.); (N.K.C.)
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (K.K.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Nagendra K. Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 601 S Saddle Creek Road, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.R.); (N.K.C.)
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (K.K.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Kishor K. Bhakat
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (K.K.B.); (A.R.)
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Angie Rizzino
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (K.K.B.); (A.R.)
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sidharth Mahapatra
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 601 S Saddle Creek Road, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (S.R.); (N.K.C.)
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (K.K.B.); (A.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(402)-599-7754
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16
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Conti V, Cominelli M, Pieri V, Gallotti AL, Pagano I, Zanella M, Mazzoleni S, Pivetta F, Patanè M, Scotti GM, Piras IS, Pollo B, Falini A, Zippo A, Castellano A, Maestro R, Poliani PL, Galli R. mTORC1 promotes malignant large cell/anaplastic histology and is a targetable vulnerability in SHH-TP53 mutant medulloblastoma. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e153462. [PMID: 34673573 PMCID: PMC8675203 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.153462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), one of the most malignant brain tumors of childhood, comprises distinct molecular subgroups, with p53 mutant sonic hedgehog-activated (SHH-activated) MB patients having a very severe outcome that is associated with unfavorable histological large cell/anaplastic (LC/A) features. To identify the molecular underpinnings of this phenotype, we analyzed a large cohort of MB developing in p53-deficient Ptch+/- SHH mice that, unexpectedly, showed LC/A traits that correlated with mTORC1 hyperactivation. Mechanistically, mTORC1 hyperactivation was mediated by a decrease in the p53-dependent expression of mTORC1 negative regulator Tsc2. Ectopic mTORC1 activation in mouse MB cancer stem cells (CSCs) promoted the in vivo acquisition of LC/A features and increased malignancy; accordingly, mTORC1 inhibition in p53-mutant Ptch+/- SHH MB and CSC-derived MB resulted in reduced tumor burden and aggressiveness. Most remarkably, mTORC1 hyperactivation was detected only in p53-mutant SHH MB patient samples, and treatment with rapamycin of a human preclinical model phenocopying this subgroup decreased tumor growth and malignancy. Thus, mTORC1 may act as a specific druggable target for this subset of SHH MB, resulting in the implementation of a stringent risk stratification and in the potentially rapid translation of this precision medicine approach into the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Conti
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Cominelli
- Pathology Unit, Molecular and Translational Medicine Department, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Pieri
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Functional Neuroradiology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto L. Gallotti
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pagano
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Zanella
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Flavia Pivetta
- Unit of Experimental Oncology 1, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO), Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Monica Patanè
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “C. Besta,” Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia M. Scotti
- Center for Omics Sciences, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ignazio S. Piras
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Bianca Pollo
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “C. Besta,” Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Falini
- Functional Neuroradiology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Zippo
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare (INGM), Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology & Epigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Antonella Castellano
- Functional Neuroradiology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Maestro
- Unit of Experimental Oncology 1, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO), Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Pietro L. Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Molecular and Translational Medicine Department, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rossella Galli
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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17
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Chai JY, Sugumar V, Alshawsh MA, Wong WF, Arya A, Chong PP, Looi CY. The Role of Smoothened-Dependent and -Independent Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Tumorigenesis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1188. [PMID: 34572373 PMCID: PMC8466551 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh)-glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) signaling pathway is highly conserved among mammals, with crucial roles in regulating embryonic development as well as in cancer initiation and progression. The GLI transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) are effectors of the Hh pathway and are regulated via Smoothened (SMO)-dependent and SMO-independent mechanisms. The SMO-dependent route involves the common Hh-PTCH-SMO axis, and mutations or transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation at these levels lead to the constitutive activation of GLI transcription factors. Conversely, the SMO-independent route involves the SMO bypass regulation of GLI transcription factors by external signaling pathways and their interacting proteins or by epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of GLI transcription factors expression. Both routes of GLI activation, when dysregulated, have been heavily implicated in tumorigenesis of many known cancers, making them important targets for cancer treatment. Hence, this review describes the various SMO-dependent and SMO-independent routes of GLI regulation in the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers in order to provide a holistic view of the paradigms of hedgehog signaling networks involving GLI regulation. An in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between GLI and various signaling elements could help inspire new therapeutic breakthroughs for the treatment of Hh-GLI-dependent cancers in the future. Lastly, we have presented an up-to-date summary of the latest findings concerning the use of Hh inhibitors in clinical developmental studies and discussed the challenges, perspectives, and possible directions regarding the use of SMO/GLI inhibitors in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yi Chai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
| | - Vaisnevee Sugumar
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | | | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Aditya Arya
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Building 184, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
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18
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Ceccarelli M, D'Andrea G, Micheli L, Gentile G, Cavallaro S, Merlino G, Papoff G, Tirone F. Tumor Growth in the High Frequency Medulloblastoma Mouse Model Ptch1 +/-/Tis21 KO Has a Specific Activation Signature of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Is Counteracted by the PI3K Inhibitor MEN1611. Front Oncol 2021; 11:692053. [PMID: 34395258 PMCID: PMC8362831 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.692053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously generated a mouse model (Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO), which displays high frequency spontaneous medulloblastoma, a pediatric tumor of the cerebellum. Early postnatal cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs) of this model show, in consequence of the deletion of Tis21, a defect of the Cxcl3-dependent migration. We asked whether this migration defect, which forces GCPs to remain in the proliferative area at the cerebellar surface, would be the only inducer of their high frequency transformation. In this report we show, by further bioinformatic analysis of our microarray data of Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO GCPs, that, in addition to the migration defect, they show activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, as the mRNA levels of several activators of this pathway (e.g., Lars, Rraga, Dgkq, Pdgfd) are up-regulated, while some inhibitors (e.g. Smg1) are down-regulated. No such change is observed in the Ptch1+/− or Tis21KO background alone, indicating a peculiar synergy between these two genotypes. Thus we investigated, by mRNA and protein analysis, the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in MBs and in nodules from primary Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MB allografted in the flanks of immunosuppressed mice. Activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is seen in full-blown Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MBs, relative to Ptch1+/−/Tis21WT MBs. In Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MBs we observe that the proliferation of neoplastic GCPs increases while apoptosis decreases, in parallel with hyper-phosphorylation of the mTOR target S6, and, to a lower extent, of AKT. In nodules derived from primary Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MBs, treatment with MEN1611, a novel PI3K inhibitor, causes a dramatic reduction of tumor growth, inhibiting proliferation and, conversely, increasing apoptosis, also of tumor CD15+ stem cells, responsible for long-term relapses. Additionally, the phosphorylation of AKT, S6 and 4EBP1 was significantly inhibited, indicating inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Thus, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation contributes to Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MB development and to high frequency tumorigenesis, observed when the Tis21 gene is down-regulated. MEN1611 could provide a promising therapy for MB, especially for patient with down-regulation of Btg2 (human ortholog of the murine Tis21 gene), which is frequently deregulated in Shh-type MBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Ceccarelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio D'Andrea
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Gentile
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giuliana Papoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Tirone
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
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19
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Paul MR, Zage PE. Overview and recent advances in the targeting of medulloblastoma cancer stem cells. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:957-974. [PMID: 34047251 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1932472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Medulloblastoma, an embryonal small round blue cell tumor primarily arising in the posterior fossa, is the most common malignancy of the central nervous system in children and requires intensive multi-modality therapy for cure. Overall 5-year survival is approximately 75% in children with primary disease, but outcomes for relapsed disease are very poor. Recent advances have identified molecular subgroups with excellent prognosis, with 5-year overall survival rates >90%, and subgroups with very poor prognosis with overall survival rates <50%. Molecular subtyping has allowed for more sophisticated risk stratification of patients, but new treatments for the highest risk patients have not yet improved outcomes. Targeting cancer stem cells may improve outcomes, and several candidate targets and novel drugs are under investigation.Areas covered: We discuss medulloblastoma epidemiology, biology, treatment modalities, risk stratification, and molecular subgroup analysis, links between subgroup and developmental biology, cancer stem cell biology in medulloblastoma including previously described cancer stem cell markers and proposed targeted treatments in the current literature.Expert opinion: The understanding of cancer stem cells in medulloblastoma will advance therapies targeting the most treatment-resistant cells within the tumor and therefore reduce the incidence of treatment refractory and relapsed disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Rose Paul
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA (M.R.P., P.E.Z.); Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Peter E Zage
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA (M.R.P., P.E.Z.); Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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20
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Mohan A, Raj R R, Mohan G, K P P, Thomas Maliekal T. Reporters of Cancer Stem Cells as a Tool for Drug Discovery. Front Oncol 2021; 11:669250. [PMID: 33968778 PMCID: PMC8100607 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.669250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In view of the importance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in chemoresistance, metastasis and recurrence, the biology of CSCs were explored in detail. Based on that, several modalities were proposed to target them. In spite of the several clinical trials, a successful CSC-targeting drug is yet to be identified. The number of molecules screened and entered for clinical trial for CSC-targeting is comparatively low, compared to other drugs. The bottle neck is the lack of a high-throughput adaptable screening strategy for CSCs. This review is aimed to identify suitable reporters for CSCs that can be used to identify the heterogeneous CSC populations, including quiescent CSCs, proliferative CSCs, drug resistant CSCs and metastatic CSCs. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment regulating CSCs revealed that the factors in CSC-niche activates effector molecules that function as CSC markers, including pluripotency markers, CD133, ABCG2 and ALDH1A1. Among these factors OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, ABCG2 and ALDH1A1 are ideal for making reporters for CSCs. The pluripotency molecules, like OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG, regulate self-renewal, chemoresistance and metastasis. ABCG2 is a known regulator of drug resistance while ALDH1A1 modulates self-renewal, chemoresistance and metastasis. Considering the heterogeneity of CSCs, including a quiescent population and a proliferative population with metastatic ability, we propose the use of a combination of reporters. A dual reporter consisting of a pluripotency marker and a marker like ALDH1A1 will be useful in screening drugs that target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Centre for Doctoral Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Reshma Raj R
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Gayathri Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Padmaja K P
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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21
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Badodi S, Pomella N, Zhang X, Rosser G, Whittingham J, Niklison-Chirou MV, Lim YM, Brandner S, Morrison G, Pollard SM, Bennett CD, Clifford SC, Peet A, Basson MA, Marino S. Inositol treatment inhibits medulloblastoma through suppression of epigenetic-driven metabolic adaptation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2148. [PMID: 33846320 PMCID: PMC8042111 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of chromatin modifiers plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma, the most common paediatric malignant brain tumour. Here, we identify a BMI1-dependent sensitivity to deregulation of inositol metabolism in a proportion of medulloblastoma. We demonstrate mTOR pathway activation and metabolic adaptation specifically in medulloblastoma of the molecular subgroup G4 characterised by a BMI1High;CHD7Low signature and show this can be counteracted by IP6 treatment. Finally, we demonstrate that IP6 synergises with cisplatin to enhance its cytotoxicity in vitro and extends survival in a pre-clinical BMI1High;CHD7Low xenograft model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Badodi
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nicola Pomella
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Gabriel Rosser
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - John Whittingham
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Victoria Niklison-Chirou
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI-Bath), Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Yau Mun Lim
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gillian Morrison
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine & Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Steven M Pollard
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine & Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher D Bennett
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Women and Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Steven C Clifford
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew Peet
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Women and Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Silvia Marino
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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22
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Eckerdt FD, Bell JB, Gonzalez C, Oh MS, Perez RE, Mazewski C, Fischietti M, Goldman S, Nakano I, Platanias LC. Combined PI3Kα-mTOR Targeting of Glioma Stem Cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21873. [PMID: 33318517 PMCID: PMC7736588 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78788-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary intrinsic tumour of the adult brain and evidence indicates disease progression is driven by glioma stem cells (GSCs). Extensive advances in the molecular characterization of GBM allowed classification into proneural, mesenchymal and classical subtypes, and have raised expectations these insights may predict response to targeted therapies. We utilized GBM neurospheres that display GSC characteristics and found activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in sphere-forming cells. The PI3Kα selective inhibitor alpelisib blocked PI3K/AKT activation and inhibited spheroid growth, suggesting an essential role for the PI3Kα catalytic isoform. p110α expression was highest in the proneural subtype and this was associated with increased phosphorylation of AKT. Further, employing the GBM BioDP, we found co-expression of PIK3CA with the neuronal stem/progenitor marker NES was associated with poor prognosis in PN GBM patients, indicating a unique role for PI3Kα in PN GSCs. Alpelisib inhibited GSC neurosphere growth and these effects were more pronounced in GSCs of the PN subtype. The antineoplastic effects of alpelisib were substantially enhanced when combined with pharmacologic mTOR inhibition. These findings identify the alpha catalytic PI3K isoform as a unique therapeutic target in proneural GBM and suggest that pharmacological mTOR inhibition may sensitize GSCs to selective PI3Kα inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank D Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Jonathan B Bell
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Christopher Gonzalez
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Michael S Oh
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ricardo E Perez
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Candice Mazewski
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mariafausta Fischietti
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ichiro Nakano
- Department of Neurosurgery and O'Neil Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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23
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Garcia-Lopez J, Kumar R, Smith KS, Northcott PA. Deconstructing Sonic Hedgehog Medulloblastoma: Molecular Subtypes, Drivers, and Beyond. Trends Genet 2020; 37:235-250. [PMID: 33272592 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a highly malignant cerebellar tumor predominantly diagnosed during childhood. Driven by pathogenic activation of sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, SHH subgroup MB (SHH-MB) accounts for nearly one-third of diagnoses. Extensive molecular analyses have identified biologically and clinically relevant intertumoral heterogeneity among SHH-MB tumors, prompting the recognition of novel subtypes. Beyond germline and somatic mutations promoting constitutive SHH signaling, driver alterations affect a multitude of pathways and molecular processes, including TP53 signaling, chromatin modulation, and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Here, we review recent advances in the underpinnings of SHH-MB in the context of molecular subtypes, clarify novel somatic and germline drivers, highlight cellular origins and developmental hierarchies, and describe the composition of the tumor microenvironment and its putative role in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Garcia-Lopez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kyle S Smith
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Paul A Northcott
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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24
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Niesen J, Ohli J, Sedlacik J, Dührsen L, Hellwig M, Spohn M, Holsten T, Schüller U. Pik3ca mutations significantly enhance the growth of SHH medulloblastoma and lead to metastatic tumour growth in a novel mouse model. Cancer Lett 2020; 477:10-18. [PMID: 32112900 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most frequent malignant brain tumour in children with a poor outcome. Divided into four molecular subgroups, MB of the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup accounts for approximately 25% of the cases and is driven by mutations within components of the SHH pathway, such as its receptors PTCH1 or SMO. A fraction of these cases additionally harbour PIK3CA mutations, the relevance of which is so far unknown. To unravel the role of Pik3ca mutations alone or in combination with a constitutively activated SHH signalling pathway, transgenic mice were used. These mice show mutated variants within Smo, Ptch1 or Pik3ca genes in cerebellar granule neuron precursors, which represent the cellular origin of SHH MB. Our results show that Pik3ca mutations alone are insufficient to cause developmental alterations or to initiate MB. However, they significantly accelerate the growth of Shh MB, induce tumour spread throughout the cerebrospinal fluid, and result in lower survival rates of mice with a double Pik3caH1047R/SmoM2 or Pik3caH1047R/Ptch1 mutation. Therefore, PIK3CA mutations in SHH MB may represent a therapeutic target for first and second line combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Niesen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Research Institute Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Ohli
- Centre for Neuropathology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Sedlacik
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lasse Dührsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malte Hellwig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Research Institute Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Spohn
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Holsten
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Research Institute Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Research Institute Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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