1
|
Chatzikalil E, Stergiou IE, Papadakos SP, Konstantinidis I, Theocharis S. The Clinical Relevance of the EPH/Ephrin Signaling Pathway in Pediatric Solid and Hematologic Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3834. [PMID: 38612645 PMCID: PMC11011407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neoplasms represent a complex group of malignancies that pose unique challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of the underlying molecular pathogenetic mechanisms. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptors (EPHs), the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their membrane-tethered ligands, ephrins, orchestrate short-distance cell-cell signaling and are intricately involved in cell-pattern morphogenesis and various developmental processes. Unraveling the role of the EPH/ephrin signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of pediatric neoplasms and its clinical implications can contribute to deciphering the intricate landscape of these malignancies. The bidirectional nature of the EPH/ephrin axis is underscored by emerging evidence revealing its capacity to drive tumorigenesis, fostering cell-cell communication within the tumor microenvironment. In the context of carcinogenesis, the EPH/ephrin signaling pathway prompts a reevaluation of treatment strategies, particularly in pediatric oncology, where the modest progress in survival rates and enduring treatment toxicity necessitate novel approaches. Molecularly targeted agents have emerged as promising alternatives, prompting a shift in focus. Through a nuanced understanding of the pathway's intricacies, we aim to lay the groundwork for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for young patients grappling with neoplastic challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Chatzikalil
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brown EJ, Balaguer-Lluna L, Cribbs AP, Philpott M, Campo L, Browne M, Wong JF, Oppermann U, Carcaboso ÁM, Bullock AN, Farnie G. PRMT5 inhibition shows in vitro efficacy against H3K27M-altered diffuse midline glioma, but does not extend survival in vivo. Sci Rep 2024; 14:328. [PMID: 38172189 PMCID: PMC10764357 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48652-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
H3K27-altered Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) is a universally fatal paediatric brainstem tumour. The prevalent driver mutation H3K27M creates a unique epigenetic landscape that may also establish therapeutic vulnerabilities to epigenetic inhibitors. However, while HDAC, EZH2 and BET inhibitors have proven somewhat effective in pre-clinical models, none have translated into clinical benefit due to either poor blood-brain barrier penetration, lack of efficacy or toxicity. Thus, there remains an urgent need for new DMG treatments. Here, we performed wider screening of an epigenetic inhibitor library and identified inhibitors of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) among the top hits reducing DMG cell viability. Two of the most effective inhibitors, LLY-283 and GSK591, were targeted against PRMT5 using distinct binding mechanisms and reduced the viability of a subset of DMG cells expressing wild-type TP53 and mutant ACVR1. RNA-sequencing and phenotypic analyses revealed that LLY-283 could reduce the viability, clonogenicity and invasion of DMG cells in vitro, representing three clinically important phenotypes, but failed to prolong survival in an orthotopic xenograft model. Together, these data show the challenges of DMG treatment and highlight PRMT5 inhibitors for consideration in future studies of combination treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Brown
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Leire Balaguer-Lluna
- SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adam P Cribbs
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Philpott
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Leticia Campo
- Department of Oncology, Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Molly Browne
- Department of Oncology, Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jong Fu Wong
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ángel M Carcaboso
- SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex N Bullock
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Gillian Farnie
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Cancer Research Horizons, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Saleh AH, Samuel N, Juraschka K, Saleh MH, Taylor MD, Fehlings MG. The biology of ependymomas and emerging novel therapies. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:208-222. [PMID: 35031778 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00433-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ependymomas are rare central nervous system tumours that can arise in the brain's supratentorial region or posterior fossa, or in the spinal cord. In 1924, Percival Bailey published the first comprehensive study of ependymomas. Since then, and especially over the past 10 years, our understanding of ependymomas has grown exponentially. In this Review, we discuss the evolution in knowledge regarding ependymoma subgroups and the resultant clinical implications. We also discuss key oncogenic and tumour suppressor signalling pathways that regulate tumour growth, the role of epigenetic dysregulation in the biology of ependymomas, and the various biological features of ependymoma tumorigenesis, including cell immortalization, stem cell-like properties, the tumour microenvironment and metastasis. We further review the limitations of current therapies such as relapse, radiation-induced cognitive deficits and chemotherapy resistance. Finally, we highlight next-generation therapies that are actively being explored, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, telomerase inhibitors, anti-angiogenesis agents and immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amr H Saleh
- MD Program, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nardin Samuel
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kyle Juraschka
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammad H Saleh
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael D Taylor
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Larrew T, Saway BF, Lowe SR, Olar A. Molecular Classification and Therapeutic Targets in Ependymoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246218. [PMID: 34944845 PMCID: PMC8699461 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ependymoma is a biologically diverse tumor wherein molecular classification has superseded traditional histological grading based on its superior ability to characterize behavior, prognosis, and possible targeted therapies. The current, updated molecular classification of ependymoma consists of ten distinct subgroups spread evenly among the spinal, infratentorial, and supratentorial compartments, each with its own distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. In this review, the history, histopathology, standard of care, prognosis, oncogenic drivers, and hypothesized molecular targets for all subgroups of ependymoma are explored. This review emphasizes that despite the varied behavior of the ependymoma subgroups, it remains clear that research must be performed to further elucidate molecular targets for these tumors. Although not all ependymoma subgroups are oncologically aggressive, development of targeted therapies is essential, particularly for cases where surgical resection is not an option without causing significant morbidity. The development of molecular therapies must rely on building upon our current understanding of ependymoma oncogenesis, as well as cultivating transfer of knowledge based on malignancies with similar genomic alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Larrew
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (T.L.); (B.F.S.)
| | - Brian Fabian Saway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (T.L.); (B.F.S.)
| | | | - Adriana Olar
- NOMIX Laboratories, Denver, CO 80218, USA
- Correspondence: or
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
N'Tumba-Byn T, Yamada M, Seandel M. Loss of tyrosine kinase receptor Ephb2 impairs proliferation and stem cell activity of spermatogonia in culture†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:950-962. [PMID: 31836902 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline stem and progenitor cells can be extracted from the adult mouse testis and maintained long-term in vitro. Yet, the optimal culture conditions for preserving stem cell activity are unknown. Recently, multiple members of the Eph receptor family were detected in murine spermatogonia, but their roles remain obscure. One such gene, Ephb2, is crucial for maintenance of somatic stem cells and was previously found enriched at the level of mRNA in murine spermatogonia. We detected Ephb2 mRNA and protein in primary adult spermatogonial cultures and hypothesized that Ephb2 plays a role in maintenance of stem cells in vitro. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 targeting and generated stable mutant SSC lines with complete loss of Ephb2. The characteristics of Ephb2-KO cells were interrogated using phenotypic and functional assays. Ephb2-KO SSCs exhibited reduced proliferation compared to wild-type cells, while apoptosis was unaffected. Therefore, we examined whether Ephb2 loss correlates with activity of canonical pathways involved in stem cell self-renewal and proliferation. Ephb2-KO cells had reduced ERK MAPK signaling. Using a lentiviral transgene, Ephb2 expression was rescued in Ephb2-KO cells, which partially restored signaling and proliferation. Transplantation analysis revealed that Ephb2-KO SSCs cultures formed significantly fewer colonies than WT, indicating a role for Ephb2 in preserving stem cell activity of cultured cells. Transcriptome analysis of wild-type and Ephb2-KO SSCs identified Dppa4 and Bnc1 as differentially expressed, Ephb2-dependent genes that are potentially involved in stem cell function. These data uncover for the first time a crucial role for Ephb2 signaling in cultured SSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thierry N'Tumba-Byn
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Marco Seandel
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu H, Wang M, Xu L, Li M, Zhao M. Neuroprotective effect of miR-204-5p downregulation against isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment via targeting EphB2 and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:1746-1754. [PMID: 33878909 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211009970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isoflurane, one of the most commonly used inhalational anesthetics, is usually used in surgery patients and often causes long-term learning and memory impairment. The aim of this study was to explore the role of microRNA-204-5p (miR-204-5p) in isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment in rats. METHODS The Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was used to estimate the spatial learning and memory abilities of laboratory rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations in the hippocampal tissues. The expression level of miR-204-5p was determined by using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The potential target genes of miR-204-5p were predicted and verified by the TargetScan and dual-luciferase reporter assay, respectively. RESULTS Isoflurane-induced rats showed significantly higher neurological function scores, higher escape latency and shorter time spent in the original quadrant. Isoflurane could significantly induce neuroinflammation, and the expression of miR-204-5p was increased in the hippocampal tissue of rats exposed to isoflurane. Moreover, downregulation of miR-204-5p attenuated the effect of isoflurane treatment on the escape latency and the time in the original quadrant, and inflammatory cytokines level was downregulated by inhibiting the expression of miR-204-5p. EphB2 was verified as a direct target gene of miR-204-5p. CONCLUSION Downregulated miR-204-5p exerts protective effects against isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment via targeting EphB2 and inhibiting neuroinflammation. MiR-204-5p could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the lightening of cognitive dysfunction induced by isoflurane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Liu
- Anesthesiology Department, Jinan Third People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - M Wang
- Anesthesiology Department, Jinan Third People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - L Xu
- Anesthesiology Department, Jinan Third People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - M Li
- Anesthesiology Department, Jinan Third People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - M Zhao
- Anesthesiology Department, Jinan Third People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Amero P, Khatua S, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Lopez-Berestein G. Aptamers: Novel Therapeutics and Potential Role in Neuro-Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102889. [PMID: 33050158 PMCID: PMC7600320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A relatively new paradigm in cancer therapeutics is the use of cancer cell-specific aptamers, both as therapeutic agents and for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. After the first therapeutic aptamer was described nearly 25 years ago, and the subsequent first aptamer drug approved, many efforts have been made to translate preclinical research into clinical oncology settings. Studies of aptamer-based technology have unveiled the vast potential of aptamers in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Among pediatric solid cancers, brain tumors are the leading cause of death. Although a few aptamer-related translational studies have been performed in adult glioblastoma, the use of aptamers in pediatric neuro-oncology remains unexplored. This review will discuss the biology of aptamers, including mechanisms of targeting cell surface proteins, various modifications of aptamer structure to enhance therapeutic efficacy, the current state and challenges of aptamer use in neuro-oncology, and the potential therapeutic role of aptamers in pediatric brain tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Correspondence: (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.); Tel.: +1-713-563-6150 (C.R.-A.); +1-713-792-8140 (G.L.-B.)
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.); Tel.: +1-713-563-6150 (C.R.-A.); +1-713-792-8140 (G.L.-B.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hui H, Ma W, Cui J, Gong M, Wang Y, Zhang Y, He T, Bi Y, He Y. Periodic acid‑Schiff staining method for function detection of liver cells is affected by 2% horse serum in induction medium. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:8062-8068. [PMID: 28944920 PMCID: PMC5779889 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing a thorough understanding of experimental methods of hepatic differentiation in hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) should expand the knowledge of hepatocyte induction in vitro and may help to develop cell transplantation therapies for the clinical usage of HPCs in liver diseases. A previous induction method effectively induced differentiation and metabolic abilities in HPCs. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining is used to identify glycogen synthesis and hepatocyte function; however, this method failed to detect induced hepatocytes. The present study aimed to investigate the possible factors affecting the previous confusing results of PAS staining. Removal of single induction factors, including dexamethasone, hepatic growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 4 from the induction media did not restore PAS staining, whereas replacement of 2% horse serum (HS) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) significantly increased the number of PAS positive cells. Following 12 days of basal induction, replacing the induction medium with media containing 10% FBS for 12–72 h significantly improved PAS staining, but did not influence indocyanine green uptake. Furthermore, incubation in induction medium with 10% FBS following 12 days of normal induction did not affect the expression of hepatic markers and mature function of HPCs. Therefore, the present study suggested that 2% HS in the induction medium did not affect the hepatic function of induced cells, but did affect glycogen storage, whereas replacement of medium with 10% FBS in advance of PAS staining may restore the failure of PAS staining in low serum concentrations of induced hepatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hui
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Jiejie Cui
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Mengjia Gong
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Tongchuan He
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Yang Bi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Yun He
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nagaraja S, Vitanza NA, Woo PJ, Taylor KR, Liu F, Zhang L, Li M, Meng W, Ponnuswami A, Sun W, Ma J, Hulleman E, Swigut T, Wysocka J, Tang Y, Monje M. Transcriptional Dependencies in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Cancer Cell 2017; 31:635-652.e6. [PMID: 28434841 PMCID: PMC5462626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a fatal pediatric cancer with limited therapeutic options. The majority of cases of DIPG exhibit a mutation in histone-3 (H3K27M) that results in oncogenic transcriptional aberrancies. We show here that DIPG is vulnerable to transcriptional disruption using bromodomain inhibition or CDK7 blockade. Targeting oncogenic transcription through either of these methods synergizes with HDAC inhibition, and DIPG cells resistant to HDAC inhibitor therapy retain sensitivity to CDK7 blockade. Identification of super-enhancers in DIPG provides insights toward the cell of origin, highlighting oligodendroglial lineage genes, and reveals unexpected mechanisms mediating tumor viability and invasion, including potassium channel function and EPH receptor signaling. The findings presented demonstrate transcriptional vulnerabilities and elucidate previously unknown mechanisms of DIPG pathobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surya Nagaraja
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Pamelyn J Woo
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kathryn R Taylor
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Wei Meng
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Anitha Ponnuswami
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wenchao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tomek Swigut
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joanna Wysocka
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, USA
| | - Yujie Tang
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China; Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Combined EphB2 receptor knockdown with radiation decreases cell viability and invasion in medulloblastoma. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:41. [PMID: 28360821 PMCID: PMC5371267 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0409-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medulloblastoma is one of the most common types of pediatric brain tumor characterized by the subpopulation of cells that exhibit high invasive potential and radioresistant properties. In addition, dysregulated function and signaling by Eph family of receptors have been shown to impart pro-tumorigenic characteristics in this brain malignancy. In the current study, we investigated whether EphB2 knockdown in combination with radiation can alter invasiveness and decrease medulloblastoma tumor growth or viability in vitro. Methods The expression of EphB2 receptor was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Microarray analysis and mRNA analysis was performed on medulloblastoma patient datasets and compared to the normal cerebellum. The radiosensitization effect following EphB2 knockdown was determined by clonogenic assay in human medulloblastoma cells. Effects of EphB2-siRNA in absence or presence of radiation on cell cycle distribution, cell viability, and invasion were analyzed by flow cytometry, MTT assay, trypan blue exclusion assay, xcelligence system, and Western blotting. Results We observed that EphB2 is expressed in both medulloblastoma cell lines and patient samples and its downregulation sensitized these cells to radiation as evident by decreased clonogenic survival fractions. EphB2 expression was also high across different medulloblastoma subgroups compared to normal cerebellum. The radiosensitization effect observed following EphB2 knockdown was in part mediated by enhanced G2/M cell cycle arrest. We also found that the combined approach of EphB2 knockdown and radiation exposure significantly reduced overall cell viability in medulloblastoma cells compared to control groups. Similar results were obtained in the xcelligence-based invasion assay. Western blot analysis also demonstrated changes in the protein expression of cell proliferation, cell survival, and invasion molecules in the combination group versus others. Conclusions Overall, our findings indicate that specific targeting of EphB2 receptor in combination with radiation may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy in medulloblastoma. Future studies are warranted to test the efficacy of this approach in in vivo preclinical models. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12935-017-0409-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
11
|
Grill J. Translating preclinical hopes into clinical reality for children with ependymoma. Neuro Oncol 2015; 17:1545-6. [PMID: 26468169 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nov240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Grill
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology and CNRS UMR 8203, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Sud University, France (J.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jiang J, Wang ZH, Qu M, Gao D, Liu XP, Zhu LQ, Wang JZ. Stimulation of EphB2 attenuates tau phosphorylation through PI3K/Akt-mediated inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11765. [PMID: 26119563 PMCID: PMC4484244 DOI: 10.1038/srep11765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal tau hyperphosphorylation is an early pathological marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, the upstream factors that regulate tau phosphorylation are not illustrated and there is no efficient strategy to arrest tau hyperphosphorylation. Here, we find that activation of endogenous EphB2 receptor by ligand stimulation (ephrinB1/Fc) or by ectopic expression of EphB2 plus the ligand stimulation induces a remarkable tau dephosphorylation at multiple AD-associated sites in SK-N-SH cells and human embryonic kidney cells that stably express human tau (HEK293-tau). In cultured hippocampal neurons and the hippocampus of human tau transgenic mice, dephosphorylation of tau proteins was also detected by stimulation of EphB2 receptor. EphB2 activation inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), a crucial tau kinase, and activates phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt both in vitro and in vivo, whereas simultaneous inhibition of PI3K or upregulation of GSK-3β abolishes the EphB2 stimulation-induced tau dephosphorylation. Finally, we confirm that ephrinB1/Fc treatment induces tyrosine phosphorylation (activation) of EphB2, while deletion of the tyrosine kinase domain (VM) of EphB2 eliminates the receptor stimulation-induced GSK-3β inhibition and tau dephosphorylation. We conclude that activation of EphB2 receptor kinase arrests tau hyperphosphorylation through PI3K-/Akt-mediated GSK-3β inhibition. Our data provide a novel membranous target to antagonize AD-like tau pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Education Ministry of China, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, 430014, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Education Ministry of China, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Min Qu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Education Ministry of China, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Di Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Education Ministry of China, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Education Ministry of China, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Clinical Laboratory of Hangzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Education Ministry of China, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Education Ministry of China, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, JS 226001, China
| |
Collapse
|