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Vazaios K, Stavrakaki Ε, Vogelezang LB, Ju J, Waranecki P, Metselaar DS, Meel MH, Kemp V, van den Hoogen BG, Hoeben RC, Chiocca EA, Goins WF, Stubbs A, Li Y, Alonso MM, Calkoen FG, Hulleman E, van der Lugt J, Lamfers ML. The heterogeneous sensitivity of pediatric brain tumors to different oncolytic viruses is predicted by unique gene expression profiles. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200804. [PMID: 38694569 PMCID: PMC11060958 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, the prognosis of high-grade pediatric brain tumors (PBTs) remains dismal; however, recent cases of favorable clinical responses were documented in clinical trials using oncolytic viruses (OVs). In the current study, we employed four different species of OVs: adenovirus Delta24-RGD, herpes simplex virus rQNestin34.5v1, reovirus R124, and the non-virulent Newcastle disease virus rNDV-F0-GFP against three entities of PBTs (high-grade gliomas, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors, and ependymomas) to determine their in vitro efficacy. These four OVs were screened on 14 patient-derived PBT cell cultures and the degree of oncolysis was assessed using an ATP-based assay. Subsequently, the observed viral efficacies were correlated to whole transcriptome data and Gene Ontology analysis was performed. Although no significant tumor type-specific OV efficacy was observed, the analysis revealed the intrinsic biological processes that associated with OV efficacy. The predictive power of the identified expression profiles was further validated in vitro by screening additional PBTs. In summary, our results demonstrate OV susceptibility of multiple patient-derived PBT entities and the ability to predict in vitro responses to OVs using unique expression profiles. Such profiles may hold promise for future OV preselection with effective oncolytic potency in a specific tumor, therewith potentially improving OV responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Vazaios
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Εftychia Stavrakaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette B. Vogelezang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jie Ju
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Piotr Waranecki
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis S. Metselaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michaël H. Meel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vera Kemp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rob C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - E. Antonio Chiocca
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - William F. Goins
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 450 Technology Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Andrew Stubbs
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yunlei Li
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marta M. Alonso
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Avda. de Pío XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Av. de Pío XII, 36, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IDISNA), Av. de Pío XII, 36, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Friso G. Calkoen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jasper van der Lugt
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martine L.M. Lamfers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Furst LM, Roussel EM, Leung RF, George AM, Best SA, Whittle JR, Firestein R, Faux MC, Eisenstat DD. The Landscape of Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: The Virtues and Pitfalls of Pre-Clinical Models. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:424. [PMID: 38927304 PMCID: PMC11200883 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are malignant and usually fatal central nervous system (CNS) WHO Grade 4 tumors. The majority of pHGG consist of diffuse midline gliomas (DMG), H3.3 or H3.1 K27 altered, or diffuse hemispheric gliomas (DHG) (H3.3 G34-mutant). Due to diffuse tumor infiltration of eloquent brain areas, especially for DMG, surgery has often been limited and chemotherapy has not been effective, leaving fractionated radiation to the involved field as the current standard of care. pHGG has only been classified as molecularly distinct from adult HGG since 2012 through Next-Generation sequencing approaches, which have shown pHGG to be epigenetically regulated and specific tumor sub-types to be representative of dysregulated differentiating cells. To translate discovery research into novel therapies, improved pre-clinical models that more adequately represent the tumor biology of pHGG are required. This review will summarize the molecular characteristics of different pHGG sub-types, with a specific focus on histone K27M mutations and the dysregulated gene expression profiles arising from these mutations. Current and emerging pre-clinical models for pHGG will be discussed, including commonly used patient-derived cell lines and in vivo modeling techniques, encompassing patient-derived xenograft murine models and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). Lastly, emerging techniques to model CNS tumors within a human brain environment using brain organoids through co-culture will be explored. As models that more reliably represent pHGG continue to be developed, targetable biological and genetic vulnerabilities in the disease will be more rapidly identified, leading to better treatments and improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam M. Furst
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (L.M.F.); (E.M.R.); (R.F.L.); (M.C.F.)
- Stem Cell Medicine, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Enola M. Roussel
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (L.M.F.); (E.M.R.); (R.F.L.); (M.C.F.)
- Stem Cell Medicine, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Ryan F. Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (L.M.F.); (E.M.R.); (R.F.L.); (M.C.F.)
- Stem Cell Medicine, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Ankita M. George
- Stem Cell Medicine, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Sarah A. Best
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - James R. Whittle
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ron Firestein
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia;
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Maree C. Faux
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (L.M.F.); (E.M.R.); (R.F.L.); (M.C.F.)
- Stem Cell Medicine, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - David D. Eisenstat
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (L.M.F.); (E.M.R.); (R.F.L.); (M.C.F.)
- Stem Cell Medicine, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Centre, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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3
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Weisbrod LJ, Thiraviyam A, Vengoji R, Shonka N, Jain M, Ho W, Batra SK, Salehi A. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG): A review of current and emerging treatment strategies. Cancer Lett 2024; 590:216876. [PMID: 38609002 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a childhood malignancy of the brainstem with a dismal prognosis. Despite recent advances in its understanding at the molecular level, the prognosis of DIPG has remained unchanged. This article aims to review the current understanding of the genetic pathophysiology of DIPG and to highlight promising therapeutic targets. Various DIPG treatment strategies have been investigated in pre-clinical studies, several of which have shown promise and have been subsequently translated into ongoing clinical trials. Ultimately, a multifaceted therapeutic approach that targets cell-intrinsic alterations, the micro-environment, and augments the immune system will likely be necessary to eradicate DIPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Weisbrod
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Anand Thiraviyam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Raghupathy Vengoji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Nicole Shonka
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Winson Ho
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Afshin Salehi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Nebraska, Omaha, NE, 68114, USA.
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Cornel AM, van der Sman L, van Dinter JT, Arrabito M, Dunnebach E, van Hoesel M, Kluiver TA, Lopes AP, Dautzenberg NMM, Dekker L, van Rijn JM, van den Beemt DAMH, Buhl JL, du Chatinier A, Barneh F, Lu Y, Lo Nigro L, Krippner-Heidenreich A, Sebestyén Z, Kuball J, Hulleman E, Drost J, van Heesch S, Heidenreich OT, Peng WC, Nierkens S. Targeting pediatric cancers via T-cell recognition of the monomorphic MHC class I-related protein MR1. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007538. [PMID: 38519054 PMCID: PMC10961533 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007538] [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] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) restriction of conventional T-cell targeting introduces complexity in generating T-cell therapy strategies for patients with cancer with diverse HLA-backgrounds. A subpopulation of atypical, major histocompatibility complex-I related protein 1 (MR1)-restricted T-cells, distinctive from mucosal-associated invariant T-cells (MAITs), was recently identified recognizing currently unidentified MR1-presented cancer-specific metabolites. It is hypothesized that the MC.7.G5 MR1T-clone has potential as a pan-cancer, pan-population T-cell immunotherapy approach. These cells are irresponsive to healthy tissue while conferring T-cell receptor(TCR) dependent, HLA-independent cytotoxicity to a wide range of adult cancers. Studies so far are limited to adult malignancies. Here, we investigated the potential of MR1-targeting cellular therapy strategies in pediatric cancer. Bulk RNA sequencing data of primary pediatric tumors were analyzed to assess MR1 expression. In vitro pediatric tumor models were subsequently screened to evaluate their susceptibility to engineered MC.7.G5 TCR-expressing T-cells. Targeting capacity was correlated with qPCR-based MR1 mRNA and protein overexpression. RNA expression of MR1 in primary pediatric tumors varied widely within and between tumor entities. Notably, embryonal tumors exhibited significantly lower MR1 expression than other pediatric tumors. In line with this, most screened embryonal tumors displayed resistance to MR1T-targeting in vitro MR1T susceptibility was observed particularly in pediatric leukemia and diffuse midline glioma models. This study demonstrates potential of MC.7.G5 MR1T-cell immunotherapy in pediatric leukemias and diffuse midline glioma, while activity against embryonal tumors was limited. The dismal prognosis associated with relapsed/refractory leukemias and high-grade brain tumors highlights the promise to improve survival rates of children with these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelisa M Cornel
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Loutje van der Sman
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jip T van Dinter
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Arrabito
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ester Dunnebach
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas A Kluiver
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ana P Lopes
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Linde Dekker
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jorik M van Rijn
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Juliane L Buhl
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aimee du Chatinier
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Farnaz Barneh
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yuyan Lu
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Lo Nigro
- Center of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Zsolt Sebestyén
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Kuball
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jarno Drost
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Olaf T Heidenreich
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Weng Chuan Peng
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Fernando D, Ahmed AU, Williams BRG. Therapeutically targeting the unique disease landscape of pediatric high-grade gliomas. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1347694. [PMID: 38525424 PMCID: PMC10957575 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1347694] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are a rare yet devastating malignancy of the central nervous system's glial support cells, affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Tumors of the central nervous system account for the leading cause of pediatric mortality of which high-grade gliomas present a significantly grim prognosis. While the past few decades have seen many pediatric cancers experiencing significant improvements in overall survival, the prospect of survival for patients diagnosed with pHGGs has conversely remained unchanged. This can be attributed in part to tumor heterogeneity and the existence of the blood-brain barrier. Advances in discovery research have substantiated the existence of unique subgroups of pHGGs displaying alternate responses to different therapeutics and varying degrees of overall survival. This highlights a necessity to approach discovery research and clinical management of the disease in an alternative subtype-dependent manner. This review covers traditional approaches to the therapeutic management of pHGGs, limitations of such methods and emerging alternatives. Novel mutations which predominate the pHGG landscape are highlighted and the therapeutic potential of targeting them in a subtype specific manner discussed. Collectively, this provides an insight into issues in need of transformative progress which arise during the management of pHGGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasun Fernando
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Afsar U. Ahmed
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Bryan R. G. Williams
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Johns DA, Williams RJ, Smith CM, Nadaminti PP, Samarasinghe RM. Novel insights on genetics and epigenetics as clinical targets for paediatric astrocytoma. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1560. [PMID: 38299304 PMCID: PMC10831580 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1560] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Paediatric and adult astrocytomas are notably different, where clinical treatments used for adults are not as effective on children with the same form of cancer and these treatments lead to adverse long-term health concerns. Integrative omics-based studies have shown the pathology and fundamental molecular characteristics differ significantly and cannot be extrapolated from the more widely studied adult disease. Recent clinical advances in our understanding of paediatric astrocytomas, with the aid of next-generation sequencing and epigenome-wide profiling, have led to the identification of key canonical mutations that vary based on the tumour location and age of onset. These driver mutations, in particular the identification of the recurrent histone H3 mutations in high-grade tumours, have confirmed the important role epigenetic dysregulations play in cancer progression. This review summarises the current updates of the classification, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical management of paediatric astrocytoma based on their grades and the ongoing clinical trials. It also provides novel insights on genetic and epigenetic alterations as diagnostic biomarkers, highlighting the potential of targeting these pathways as therapeutics for this devastating childhood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dona A. Johns
- School of Medicine, Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - Richard J. Williams
- School of Medicine, Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Craig M. Smith
- School of Medicine, Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - Pavani P. Nadaminti
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, ParkvilleMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Rasika M. Samarasinghe
- School of Medicine, Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
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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.
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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.
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8
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Liu C, Kuang S, Wu L, Cheng Q, Gong X, Wu J, Zhang L. Radiotherapy and radio-sensitization in H3 K27M -mutated diffuse midline gliomas. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023. [PMID: 37157237 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14225] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND H3K27M mutated diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are extremely aggressive and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in pediatric brain tumors with 5-year survival <1%. Radiotherapy is the only established adjuvant treatment of H3K27M DMGs; however, the radio-resistance is commonly observed. METHODS We summarized current understandings of the molecular responses of H3K27M DMGs to radiotherapy and provide crucial insights into current advances in radiosensitivity enhancement. RESULTS Ionizing radiation (IR) can mainly inhibit tumor cell growth by inducing DNA damage regulated by the cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair (DDR) system. In H3K27M DMGs, the aberrant genetic and epigenetic changes, stemness genotype, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) disrupt the cell cycle checkpoints and DDR system by altering the associated regulatory signaling pathways, which leads to the development of radio-resistance. CONCLUSIONS The advances in mechanisms of radio-resistance in H3K27M DMGs promote the potential targets to enhance the sensitivity to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- Departments of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuwen Kuang
- Departments of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuan Gong
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Longbo Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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9
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Parsels LA, Wahl DR, Koschmann C, Morgan MA, Zhang Q. Developing H3K27M mutant selective radiosensitization strategies in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Neoplasia 2023; 37:100881. [PMID: 36724689 PMCID: PMC9918797 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare but highly lethal pediatric and adolescent tumor located in the pons of the brainstem. DIPGs harbor unique and specific pathological and molecular alterations, such as the hallmark lysine 27-to-methionine (H3K27M) mutation in histone H3, which lead to global changes in the epigenetic landscape and drive tumorigenesis. While fractionated radiotherapy, the current standard of care, improves symptoms and delays tumor progression, DIPGs inevitably recur, and despite extensive efforts chemotherapy-driven radiosensitization strategies have failed to improve survival. Advances in our understanding of the role of epigenetics in the cellular response to radiation-induced DNA damage, however, offer new opportunities to develop combinational therapeutic strategies selective for DIPGs expressing H3K27M. In this review, we provide an overview of preclinical studies that explore potential radiosensitization strategies targeting the unique epigenetic landscape of H3K27M mutant DIPG. We further discuss opportunities to selectively radiosensitize DIPG through strategic inhibition of the radiation-induced DNA damage response. Finally, we discuss the potential for using radiation to induce anti-tumor immune responses that may be potentiated in DIPG by radiosensitizing-therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A Parsels
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Daniel R Wahl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Carl Koschmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Meredith A Morgan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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10
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Skouras P, Markouli M, Strepkos D, Piperi C. Advances on Epigenetic Drugs for Pediatric Brain Tumors. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1519-1535. [PMID: 36154607 PMCID: PMC10472812 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220922150456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric malignant brain tumors represent the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths in childhood. The therapeutic scheme of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has improved patient management, but with minimal progress in patients' prognosis. Emerging molecular targets and mechanisms have revealed novel approaches for pediatric brain tumor therapy, enabling personalized medical treatment. Advances in the field of epigenetic research and their interplay with genetic changes have enriched our knowledge of the molecular heterogeneity of these neoplasms and have revealed important genes that affect crucial signaling pathways involved in tumor progression. The great potential of epigenetic therapy lies mainly in the widespread location and the reversibility of epigenetic alterations, proposing a wide range of targeting options, including the possible combination of chemoand immunotherapy, significantly increasing their efficacy. Epigenetic drugs, including inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases, histone deacetylases and demethylases, are currently being tested in clinical trials on pediatric brain tumors. Additional novel epigenetic drugs include protein and enzyme inhibitors that modulate epigenetic modification pathways, such as Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) proteins, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9), AXL, Facilitates Chromatin Transcription (FACT), BMI1, and CREB Binding Protein (CBP) inhibitors, which can be used either as standalone or in combination with current treatment approaches. In this review, we discuss recent progress on epigenetic drugs that could possibly be used against the most common malignant tumors of childhood, such as medulloblastomas, high-grade gliomas and ependymomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Skouras
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Mariam Markouli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Strepkos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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11
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Groves A, Cooney TM. Epigenetic programming of pediatric high-grade glioma: Pushing beyond proof of concept to clinical benefit. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1089898. [PMID: 36589742 PMCID: PMC9795020 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1089898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are a molecularly diverse group of malignancies, each incredibly aggressive and in dire need of treatment advancements. Genomic analysis has revolutionized our understanding of these tumors, identifying biologically relevant subgroups with differing canonical mutational profiles that vary based on tumor location and age. In particular, the discovery of recurrent histone H3 mutations (H3K27M in diffuse midline glioma, H3G34R/V in hemispheric pediatric high-grade gliomas) as unique "oncohistone" drivers revealed epigenetic dysregulation as a hallmark of pediatric high-grade gliomas oncogenesis. While reversing this signature through epigenetic programming has proven effective in several pre-clinical survival models, early results from pediatric high-grade gliomas clinical trials suggest that epigenetic modifier monotherapy will likely not provide long-term disease control. In this review we summarize the genetic, epigenetic, and cellular heterogeneity of pediatric high-grade gliomas, and highlight potential paths forward for epigenetic programming in this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Groves
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, IA, United States,*Correspondence: Andrew Groves,
| | - Tabitha M. Cooney
- Dana Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Boston, MA, United States
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12
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Cordycepin (3′-Deoxyadenosine) Suppresses Heat Shock Protein 90 Function and Targets Tumor Growth in an Adenosine Deaminase-Dependent Manner. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133122. [PMID: 35804893 PMCID: PMC9264932 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in metabolism and energy production are increasingly being recognized as important drivers of neoplasia, raising the possibility that metabolic analogs could disrupt oncogenic pathways. 3′-deoxyadenosine, also known as cordycepin, is an adenosine analog that inhibits the growth of several types of cancer. However, the effects of cordycepin have only been examined in a limited number of tumor types, and its mechanism of action is poorly understood. We found that cordycepin slows the growth and promotes apoptosis in uveal melanoma, as well as a range of other hard-to-treat malignancies, including retinoblastoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors, and diffuse midline gliomas. Interestingly, these effects were dependent on low adenosine deaminase (ADA) expression or activity. Inhibition of ADA using either siRNA or pharmacologic approaches sensitized tumors with higher ADA to cordycepin in vitro and in vivo, with increased apoptosis, reduced clonogenic capacity, and slower migration of neoplastic cells. Our studies suggest that ADA is both a biomarker predicting response to cordycepin and a target for combination therapy. We also describe a novel mechanism of action for cordycepin: competition with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in binding to Hsp90, resulting in impaired processing of oncogenic Hsp90 client proteins.
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13
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The Intricate Epigenetic and Transcriptional Alterations in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: Targeting the Crosstalk as the Oncogenic Achilles’ Heel. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061311. [PMID: 35740334 PMCID: PMC9219798 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are a deadly and heterogenous subgroup of gliomas for which the development of innovative treatments is urgent. Advances in high-throughput molecular techniques have shed light on key epigenetic components of these diseases, such as K27M and G34R/V mutations on histone 3. However, modification of DNA compaction is not sufficient by itself to drive those tumors. Here, we review molecular specificities of pHGGs subcategories in the context of epigenomic rewiring caused by H3 mutations and the subsequent oncogenic interplay with transcriptional signaling pathways co-opted from developmental programs that ultimately leads to gliomagenesis. Understanding how transcriptional and epigenetic alterations synergize in each cellular context in these tumors could allow the identification of new Achilles’ heels, thereby highlighting new levers to improve their therapeutic management.
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14
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Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Protein Inhibitors: Biologic Insights and Therapeutic Potential in Pediatric Brain Tumors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060665. [PMID: 35745584 PMCID: PMC9227239 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors have surpassed leukemia as the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Several landmark studies from the last two decades have shown that many pediatric brain tumors are driven by epigenetic dysregulation within specific developmental contexts. One of the major determinants of epigenetic control is the histone code, which is orchestrated by a number of enzymes categorized as writers, erasers, and readers. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are reader proteins that bind to acetylated lysines in histone tails and play a crucial role in regulating gene transcription. BET inhibitors have shown efficacy in a wide range of cancers, and a number have progressed to clinical phase testing. Here, we review the evidence for BET inhibitors in pediatric brain tumor experimental models, as well as their translational potential.
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15
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Lewis NA, Klein RH, Kelly C, Yee J, Knoepfler PS. Histone H3.3 K27M chromatin functions implicate a network of neurodevelopmental factors including ASCL1 and NEUROD1 in DIPG. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:18. [PMID: 35590427 PMCID: PMC9121554 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The histone variant H3.3 K27M mutation is a defining characteristic of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)/diffuse midline glioma (DMG). This histone mutation is responsible for major alterations to histone H3 post-translational modification (PTMs) and subsequent aberrant gene expression. However, much less is known about the effect this mutation has on chromatin structure and function, including open versus closed chromatin regions as well as their transcriptomic consequences. Results Recently, we developed isogenic CRISPR-edited DIPG cell lines that are wild-type for histone H3.3 that can be compared to their matched K27M lines. Here we show via ATAC-seq analysis that H3.3K27M glioma cells have unique accessible chromatin at regions corresponding to neurogenesis, NOTCH, and neuronal development pathways and associated genes that are overexpressed in H3.3K27M compared to our isogenic wild-type cell line. As to mechanisms, accessible enhancers and super-enhancers corresponding to increased gene expression in H3.3K27M cells were also mapped to genes involved in neurogenesis and NOTCH signaling, suggesting that these pathways are key to DIPG tumor maintenance. Motif analysis implicates specific transcription factors as central to the neuro-oncogenic K27M signaling pathway, in particular, ASCL1 and NEUROD1. Conclusions Altogether our findings indicate that H3.3K27M causes chromatin to take on a more accessible configuration at key regulatory regions for NOTCH and neurogenesis genes resulting in increased oncogenic gene expression, which is at least partially reversible upon editing K27M back to wild-type. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13072-022-00447-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole A Lewis
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Rachel Herndon Klein
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Cailin Kelly
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Jennifer Yee
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Paul S Knoepfler
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA. .,Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA. .,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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16
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Da-Veiga MA, Rogister B, Lombard A, Neirinckx V, Piette C. Glioma Stem Cells in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: From Current Knowledge to Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092296. [PMID: 35565425 PMCID: PMC9099564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) has a dismal prognosis in which the younger the patient, the more restricted the treatments are, in regard to the incurred risks. Current therapies destroy many tumor cells but fail to target the highly malignant glioma stem cells (GSCs) that adapt quickly to give rise to recurring, treatment-resistant cancers. Despite a lack of consensus around an efficient detection, GSCs are well described in adult brain tumors but remain poorly investigated in pediatric cases, mostly due to their rarity. An improved knowledge about GSC roles in pediatric tumors would provide a key leverage towards the elimination of this sub-population, based on targeted treatments. The aim of this review is to sum up the state of art about GSCs in pHGG. Abstract In children, high-grade gliomas (HGG) and diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) account for a high proportion of death due to cancer. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are tumor cells in a specific state defined by a tumor-initiating capacity following serial transplantation, self-renewal, and an ability to recapitulate tumor heterogeneity. Their presence was demonstrated several decades ago in adult glioblastoma (GBM), and more recently in pediatric HGG and DMG. In adults, we and others have previously suggested that GSCs nest into the subventricular zone (SVZ), a neurogenic niche, where, among others, they find shelter from therapy. Both bench and bedside evidence strongly indicate a role for the GSCs and the SVZ in GBM progression, fostering the development of innovative targeting treatments. Such new therapeutic approaches are of particular interest in infants, in whom standard therapies are often limited due to the risk of late effects. The aim of this review is to describe current knowledge about GSCs in pediatric HGG and DMG, i.e., their characterization, the models that apply to their development and maintenance, the specific signaling pathways that may underlie their activity, and their specific interactions with neurogenic niches. Finally, we will discuss the clinical relevance of these observations and the therapeutic advantages of targeting the SVZ and/or the GSCs in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Da-Veiga
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
| | - Bernard Rogister
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
- Department of Neurology, CHU of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Lombard
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHU of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Virginie Neirinckx
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
| | - Caroline Piette
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, CHU Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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17
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Hayden E, Holliday H, Lehmann R, Khan A, Tsoli M, Rayner BS, Ziegler DS. Therapeutic Targets in Diffuse Midline Gliomas-An Emerging Landscape. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246251. [PMID: 34944870 PMCID: PMC8699135 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) remain one of the most devastating childhood brain tumour types, for which there is currently no known cure. In this review we provide a summary of the existing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this disease, highlighting current analyses and novel treatment propositions. Together, the accumulation of these data will aid in the understanding and development of more effective therapeutic options for the treatment of DMGs. Abstract Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are invariably fatal pediatric brain tumours that are inherently resistant to conventional therapy. In recent years our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of DMG tumorigenicity has resulted in the identification of novel targets and the development of a range of potential therapies, with multiple agents now being progressed to clinical translation to test their therapeutic efficacy. Here, we provide an overview of the current therapies aimed at epigenetic and mutational drivers, cellular pathway aberrations and tumor microenvironment mechanisms in DMGs in order to aid therapy development and facilitate a holistic approach to patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Hayden
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
| | - Holly Holliday
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Rebecca Lehmann
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Aaminah Khan
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
| | - Maria Tsoli
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Benjamin S. Rayner
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick 2031, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9382-1730; Fax: +61-2-9382-1789
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18
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Pharmaco-proteogenomic profiling of pediatric diffuse midline glioma to inform future treatment strategies. Oncogene 2021; 41:461-475. [PMID: 34759345 PMCID: PMC8782719 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a deadly pediatric and adolescent central nervous system (CNS) tumor localized along the midline structures of the brain atop the spinal cord. With a median overall survival (OS) of just 9–11-months, DMG is characterized by global hypomethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), driven by recurring somatic mutations in H3 genes including, HIST1H3B/C (H3.1K27M) or H3F3A (H3.3K27M), or through overexpression of EZHIP in patients harboring wildtype H3. The recent World Health Organization’s 5th Classification of CNS Tumors now designates DMG as, ‘H3 K27-altered’, suggesting that global H3K27me3 hypomethylation is a ubiquitous feature of DMG and drives devastating transcriptional programs for which there are no treatments. H3-alterations co-segregate with various other somatic driver mutations, highlighting the high-level of intertumoral heterogeneity of DMG. Furthermore, DMG is also characterized by very high-level intratumoral diversity with tumors harboring multiple subclones within each primary tumor. Each subclone contains their own combinations of driver and passenger lesions that continually evolve, making precision-based medicine challenging to successful execute. Whilst the intertumoral heterogeneity of DMG has been extensively investigated, this is yet to translate to an increase in patient survival. Conversely, our understanding of the non-genomic factors that drive the rapid growth and fatal nature of DMG, including endogenous and exogenous microenvironmental influences, neurological cues, and the posttranscriptional and posttranslational architecture of DMG remains enigmatic or at best, immature. However, these factors are likely to play a significant role in the complex biological sequelae that drives the disease. Here we summarize the heterogeneity of DMG and emphasize how analysis of the posttranslational architecture may improve treatment paradigms. We describe factors that contribute to treatment response and disease progression, as well as highlight the potential for pharmaco-proteogenomics (i.e., the integration of genomics, proteomics and pharmacology) in the management of this uniformly fatal cancer.
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19
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H3.3K27M Mutation Controls Cell Growth and Resistance to Therapies in Pediatric Glioma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215551. [PMID: 34771714 PMCID: PMC8583077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although the involvement of the H3.3K27M mutation in Diffuse Midline Glioma tumorigenesis is now established, its role in their resistance to treatments and, therefore, in their fatal outcome remains poorly documented. Here, thanks to our models of H3.3K27M induction in pediatric glioma cells, we finally shed light on this crucial issue. Hence, we demonstrate here for the first time that H3.3K27M can increase cell radioresistance capabilities independently of TP53 alterations. Moreover, thanks to a drug library screening, we evidenced that this mutation can, depending on the cellular context, drastically modulate the response of these cells to different classes of compounds, thus paving the way for new therapeutic strategies. Altogether, our results provide here the proof that, beyond its role in tumorigenesis, the presence of H3.3K27M mutation by itself alters the response to treatments of pediatric glioma cells. Abstract High-grade gliomas represent the most lethal class of pediatric tumors, and their resistance to both radio- and chemotherapy is associated with a poor prognosis. Recurrent mutations affecting histone genes drive the tumorigenesis of some pediatric high-grade gliomas, and H3K27M mutations are notably characteristic of a subtype of gliomas called DMG (Diffuse Midline Gliomas). This dominant negative mutation impairs H3K27 trimethylation, leading to profound epigenetic modifications of genes expression. Even though this mutation was described as a driver event in tumorigenesis, its role in tumor cell resistance to treatments has not been deciphered so far. To tackle this issue, we expressed the H3.3K27M mutated histone in three initially H3K27-unmutated pediatric glioma cell lines, Res259, SF188, and KNS42. First, we validated these new H3.3K27M-expressing models at the molecular level and showed that K27M expression is associated with pleiotropic effects on the transcriptomic signature, largely dependent on cell context. We observed that the mutation triggered an increase in cell growth in Res259 and SF188 cells, associated with higher clonogenic capacities. Interestingly, we evidenced that the mutation confers an increased resistance to ionizing radiations in Res259 and KNS42 cells. Moreover, we showed that H3.3K27M mutation impacts the sensitivity of Res259 cells to specific drugs among a library of 80 anticancerous compounds. Altogether, these data highlight that, beyond its tumorigenic role, H3.3K27M mutation is strongly involved in pediatric glioma cells’ resistance to therapies, likely through transcriptomic reprogramming.
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20
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Leszczynska KB, Jayaprakash C, Kaminska B, Mieczkowski J. Emerging Advances in Combinatorial Treatments of Epigenetically Altered Pediatric High-Grade H3K27M Gliomas. Front Genet 2021; 12:742561. [PMID: 34646308 PMCID: PMC8503186 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.742561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic mutations in histone encoding genes result in gross alterations in the epigenetic landscape. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) and one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with only 1% surviving for 5 years. Due to the location in the brainstem, DIPGs are difficult to resect and rapidly turn into a fatal disease. Over 80% of DIPGs confer mutations in genes coding for histone 3 variants (H3.3 or H3.1/H3.2), with lysine to methionine substitution at position 27 (H3K27M). This results in a global decrease in H3K27 trimethylation, increased H3K27 acetylation, and widespread oncogenic changes in gene expression. Epigenetic modifying drugs emerge as promising candidates to treat DIPG, with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors taking the lead in preclinical and clinical studies. However, some data show the evolving resistance of DIPGs to the most studied HDAC inhibitor panobinostat and highlight the need to further investigate its mechanism of action. A new forceful line of research explores the simultaneous use of multiple inhibitors that could target epigenetically induced changes in DIPG chromatin and enhance the anticancer response of single agents. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic approaches against H3K27M-expressing pHGGs focused on targeting epigenetic dysregulation and highlight promising combinatorial drug treatments. We assessed the effectiveness of the epigenetic drugs that are already in clinical trials in pHGGs. The constantly expanding understanding of the epigenetic vulnerabilities of H3K27M-expressing pHGGs provides new tumor-specific targets, opens new possibilities of therapy, and gives hope to find a cure for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna B Leszczynska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chinchu Jayaprakash
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Mieczkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.,3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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21
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Catara G, Spano D. Combinatorial Strategies to Target Molecular and Signaling Pathways to Disarm Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:689131. [PMID: 34381714 PMCID: PMC8352560 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.689131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is an urgent public health issue with a very huge number of cases all over the world expected to increase by 2040. Despite improved diagnosis and therapeutic protocols, it remains the main leading cause of death in the world. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a tumor subpopulation defined by ability to self-renewal and to generate the heterogeneous and differentiated cell lineages that form the tumor bulk. These cells represent a major concern in cancer treatment due to resistance to conventional protocols of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. In fact, although partial or complete tumor regression can be achieved in patients, these responses are often followed by cancer relapse due to the expansion of CSCs population. The aberrant activation of developmental and oncogenic signaling pathways plays a relevant role in promoting CSCs therapy resistance. Although several targeted approaches relying on monotherapy have been developed to affect these pathways, they have shown limited efficacy. Therefore, an urgent need to design alternative combinatorial strategies to replace conventional regimens exists. This review summarizes the preclinical studies which provide a proof of concept of therapeutic efficacy of combinatorial approaches targeting the CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Catara
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Spano
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
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22
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He C, Xu K, Zhu X, Dunphy PS, Gudenas B, Lin W, Twarog N, Hover LD, Kwon CH, Kasper LH, Zhang J, Li X, Dalton J, Jonchere B, Mercer KS, Currier DG, Caufield W, Wang Y, Xie J, Broniscer A, Wetmore C, Upadhyaya SA, Qaddoumi I, Klimo P, Boop F, Gajjar A, Zhang J, Orr BA, Robinson GW, Monje M, Freeman Iii BB, Roussel MF, Northcott PA, Chen T, Rankovic Z, Wu G, Chiang J, Tinkle CL, Shelat AA, Baker SJ. Patient-derived models recapitulate heterogeneity of molecular signatures and drug response in pediatric high-grade glioma. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4089. [PMID: 34215733 PMCID: PMC8253809 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) is a major contributor to cancer-related death in children. In vitro and in vivo disease models reflecting the intimate connection between developmental context and pathogenesis of pHGG are essential to advance understanding and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. Here we report establishment of 21 patient-derived pHGG orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models and eight matched cell lines from diverse groups of pHGG. These models recapitulate histopathology, DNA methylation signatures, mutations and gene expression patterns of the patient tumors from which they were derived, and include rare subgroups not well-represented by existing models. We deploy 16 new and existing cell lines for high-throughput screening (HTS). In vitro HTS results predict variable in vivo response to PI3K/mTOR and MEK pathway inhibitors. These unique new models and an online interactive data portal for exploration of associated detailed molecular characterization and HTS chemical sensitivity data provide a rich resource for pediatric brain tumor research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen He
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Computational Biology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Paige S Dunphy
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Oncology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Brian Gudenas
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Wenwei Lin
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nathaniel Twarog
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Laura D Hover
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Junyuan Zhang
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Pathology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Duane G Currier
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - William Caufield
- Preclinical Pharmacokinetics Shared Resource St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yingzhe Wang
- Preclinical Pharmacokinetics Shared Resource St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jia Xie
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Alberto Broniscer
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Paul Klimo
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Frederick Boop
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Burgess B Freeman Iii
- Preclinical Pharmacokinetics Shared Resource St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Taosheng Chen
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Gang Wu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Computational Biology, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Christopher L Tinkle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Anang A Shelat
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Memphis, TN, USA.
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23
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Khater AR, Abou-Antoun T. Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition Factor Signaling in Pediatric Nervous System Tumors: Implications for Malignancy and Cancer Stem Cell Enrichment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654103. [PMID: 34055785 PMCID: PMC8155369 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654103] [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: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant nervous system cancers in children are the most devastating and worrisome diseases, specifically due to their aggressive nature and, in some cases, inoperable location in critical regions of the brain and spinal cord, and the impermeable blood-brain barrier that hinders delivery of pharmaco-therapeutic compounds into the tumor site. Moreover, the delicate developmental processes of the nervous system throughout the childhood years adds another limitation to the therapeutic modalities and doses used to treat these malignant cancers. Therefore, pediatric oncologists are charged with the daunting responsibility of attempting to deliver effective cures to these children, yet with limited doses of the currently available therapeutic options in order to mitigate the imminent neurotoxicity of radio- and chemotherapy on the developing nervous system. Various studies reported that c-Met/HGF signaling is affiliated with increased malignancy and stem cell enrichment in various cancers such as high-grade gliomas, high-risk medulloblastomas, and MYCN-amplified, high-risk neuroblastomas. Therapeutic interventions that are utilized to target c-Met signaling in these malignant nervous system cancers have shown benefits in basic translational studies and preclinical trials, but failed to yield significant clinical benefits in patients. While numerous pre-clinical data reported promising results with the use of combinatorial therapy that targets c-Met with other tumorigenic pathways, therapeutic resistance remains a problem, and long-term cures are rare. The possible mechanisms, including the overexpression and activation of compensatory tumorigenic mechanisms within the tumors or ineffective drug delivery methods that may contribute to therapeutic resistance observed in clinical trials are elaborated in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rose Khater
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Abou-Antoun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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On J, Natsumeda M, Watanabe J, Saito S, Kanemaru Y, Abe H, Tsukamoto Y, Okada M, Oishi M, Yoshimura J, Kakita A, Fujii Y. Low Detection Rate of H3K27M Mutations in Cerebrospinal Fluid Obtained from Lumbar Puncture in Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Midline Gliomas. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:681. [PMID: 33918936 PMCID: PMC8070169 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested the feasibility of detecting H3K27M mutations in the cerebrospinal fluid of diffuse midline glioma (DMG) patients. However, cerebrospinal fluid from patients in these studies were collected mainly during biopsy, ventriculo-peritoneal shunt procedures or postmortem. We assessed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) extracted from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma in a series of 12 radiographically suspected and/or pathologically confirmed diffuse midline glioma patients and assessed for H3F3A K27M mutation using digital droplet PCR. In 10 patients, CSF was obtained by lumbar puncture at presentation. A definitive detection of H3F3A K27M mutation was achieved in only one case (10%); H3F3A K27M mutation was suspected in three other cases (30%). H3F3A K27M mutation was detected in two patients in CSF obtained by ventricular tap during a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt for obstructive hydrocephalus. Cases in which a definitive assessment was possible (definite H3F3A K27M or definite H3F3A wildtype) tended to be younger (median 7.5 years vs. 40.5 years; p = 0.07) and have a higher concentration of CSF protein (median 123 mg/dL vs. 27.5 mg/dL; p = 0.21) compared to nondefinite cases. Low proliferation and apoptotic rates seemed to be characteristics of DMG unfavorable for liquid biopsy. More advanced lesions with necrosis and evidence of dissemination were unlikely to be candidates for lumbar puncture due to the fear of exacerbating obstructive hydrocephalus. Methods to safely sample CSF and a more sensitive detection of ctDNA are necessary for reliable liquid biopsy of DMG at presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jotaro On
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
| | - Manabu Natsumeda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
| | - Jun Watanabe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
| | - Shoji Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yu Kanemaru
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
| | - Hideaki Abe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yoshihiro Tsukamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
| | - Masayasu Okada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
| | - Makoto Oishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
| | - Junichi Yoshimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan;
| | - Yukihiko Fujii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan; (J.O.); (J.W.); (S.S.); (Y.K.); (H.A.); (Y.T.); (M.O.); (M.O.); (J.Y.); (Y.F.)
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Metselaar DS, du Chatinier A, Stuiver I, Kaspers GJL, Hulleman E. Radiosensitization in Pediatric High-Grade Glioma: Targets, Resistance and Developments. Front Oncol 2021; 11:662209. [PMID: 33869066 PMCID: PMC8047603 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.662209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. These epigenetically dysregulated tumors often harbor mutations in genes encoding histone 3, which contributes to a stem cell-like, therapy-resistant phenotype. Furthermore, pHGG are characterized by a diffuse growth pattern, which, together with their delicate location, makes complete surgical resection often impossible. Radiation therapy (RT) is part of the standard therapy against pHGG and generally the only modality, apart from surgery, to provide symptom relief and a delay in tumor progression. However, as a single treatment modality, RT still offers no chance for a cure. As with most therapeutic approaches, irradiated cancer cells often acquire resistance mechanisms that permit survival or stimulate regrowth after treatment, thereby limiting the efficacy of RT. Various preclinical studies have investigated radiosensitizers in pHGG models, without leading to an improved clinical outcome for these patients. However, our recently improved molecular understanding of pHGG generates new opportunities to (re-)evaluate radiosensitizers in these malignancies. Furthermore, the use of radio-enhancing agents has several benefits in pHGG compared to other cancers, which will be discussed here. This review provides an overview and a critical evaluation of the radiosensitization strategies that have been studied to date in pHGG, thereby providing a framework for improving radiosensitivity of these rapidly fatal brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis S Metselaar
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Aimée du Chatinier
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Iris Stuiver
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Chen Z, Peng P, Zhang X, Mania-Farnell B, Xi G, Wan F. Advanced Pediatric Diffuse Pontine Glioma Murine Models Pave the Way towards Precision Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051114. [PMID: 33807733 PMCID: PMC7961799 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) account for ~15% of pediatric brain tumors, which invariably present with poor survival regardless of treatment mode. Several seminal studies have revealed that 80% of DIPGs harbor H3K27M mutation coded by HIST1H3B, HIST1H3C and H3F3A genes. The H3K27M mutation has broad effects on gene expression and is considered a tumor driver. Determination of the effects of H3K27M on posttranslational histone modifications and gene regulations in DIPG is critical for identifying effective therapeutic targets. Advanced animal models play critical roles in translating these cutting-edge findings into clinical trial development. Here, we review current molecular research progress associated with DIPG. We also summarize DIPG animal models, highlighting novel genomic engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and innovative humanized DIPG mouse models. These models will pave the way towards personalized precision medicine for the treatment of DIPGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirong Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (P.P.); (X.Z.)
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (P.P.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (P.P.); (X.Z.)
| | - Barbara Mania-Farnell
- Department of Biological Science, Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, IN 46323, USA;
| | - Guifa Xi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Correspondence: (G.X.); (F.W.); Tel.: +1-(312)5034296 (G.X.); +86-(027)-8366-5201 (F.W.)
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (P.P.); (X.Z.)
- Correspondence: (G.X.); (F.W.); Tel.: +1-(312)5034296 (G.X.); +86-(027)-8366-5201 (F.W.)
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Thakur A, Sidu RK, Zou H, Alam MK, Yang M, Lee Y. Inhibition of Glioma Cells' Proliferation by Doxorubicin-Loaded Exosomes via Microfluidics. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:8331-8343. [PMID: 33149579 PMCID: PMC7605152 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s263956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant glioma is a fatal brain cancer. Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that exosomes can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), suggesting their potential use as drug delivery vehicles to glioma. Therefore, various loading methods of anticancer agents into exosomes have been developed. However, the loading efficiency of anticancer drugs, such as doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX), into exosomes is relatively low, thus challenging to improve the drug delivery efficiency to glioma cells (GMs) via exosomes. Methods To improve the loading efficiency of doxorubicin into exosomes, a microfluidic device (Exo-Load) was developed. Next, to increase the exosomal delivery of doxorubicin to GMs, autologous exosomes were used for its loading via Exo-Load. Briefly, exosomes from SF7761 stem cells-like- and U251-GMs were isolated and characterized by nano-tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunogold EM. Finally, doxorubicin was successfully loaded into exosomes with saponin by Exo-Load, and the uptake and functionality of doxorubicin-loaded exosomes for parent GMs were evaluated. Results The loading efficiency of DOX into SF7761 stem cells-like- and U251-GMs-derived-exosomes were 19.7% and 7.86% via Exo-Load at the injection flow rate of 50 µL/min, respectively. Interestingly, the loading efficiency of DOX into U251 GMs-derived exosomes was significantly improved to 31.98% by a sigmoid type of Exo-Load at the injection flow rate of 12.5 µL/min. Importantly, DOX-loaded GMs-derived exosomes via Exo-Load inhibited parent GMs’ proliferation more than heterologous GMs, supporting exosomes’ homing effect. Conclusion This study revealed that DOX and PTX could be loaded in exosomes via Exo-Load, demonstrating that Exo-Load could be a potential drug-loading device into exosomes with further optimization. This study also demonstrated that the delivery of DOX to SF7761 GMs via their daughter exosomes was much more efficient rather than U251 GMs-derived exosomes, supporting that the use of autologous exosomes could be better for glioma drug targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhimanyu Thakur
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Rakesh Kumar Sidu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Heng Zou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Md Kowsar Alam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Youngjin Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
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Genetic landscape and autoimmunity of monocytes in developing Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:25712-25721. [PMID: 32989127 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002476117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a systemic autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organs, including eyes, skin, and central nervous system. It is known that monocytes significantly contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. However, the subset heterogeneity with unique functions and signatures in human circulating monocytes and the identity of disease-specific monocytic populations remain largely unknown. Here, we employed an advanced single-cell RNA sequencing technology to systematically analyze 11,259 human circulating monocytes and genetically defined their subpopulations. We constructed a precise atlas of human blood monocytes, identified six subpopulations-including S100A12, HLA, CD16, proinflammatory, megakaryocyte-like, and NK-like monocyte subsets-and uncovered two previously unidentified subsets: HLA and megakaryocyte-like monocyte subsets. Relative to healthy individuals, cellular composition, gene expression signatures, and activation states were markedly alternated in VKH patients utilizing cell type-specific programs, especially the CD16 and proinflammatory monocyte subpopulations. Notably, we discovered a disease-relevant subgroup, proinflammatory monocytes, which showed a discriminative gene expression signature indicative of inflammation, antiviral activity, and pathologic activation, and converted into a pathologic activation state implicating the active inflammation during VKH disease. Additionally, we found the cell type-specific transcriptional signature of proinflammatory monocytes, ISG15, whose production might reflect the treatment response. Taken together, in this study, we present discoveries on accurate classification, molecular markers, and signaling pathways for VKH disease-associated monocytes. Therapeutically targeting this proinflammatory monocyte subpopulation would provide an attractive approach for treating VKH, as well as other autoimmune diseases.
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29
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Combined treatment with CBP and BET inhibitors reverses inadvertent activation of detrimental super enhancer programs in DIPG cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:673. [PMID: 32826850 PMCID: PMC7442654 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02800-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are the most aggressive brain tumors in children with 5-year survival rates of only 2%. About 85% of all DIPG are characterized by a lysine-to-methionine substitution in histone 3, which leads to global H3K27 hypomethylation accompanied by H3K27 hyperacetylation. Hyperacetylation in DIPG favors the action of the Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) protein BRD4, and leads to the reprogramming of the enhancer landscape contributing to the activation of DIPG super enhancer-driven oncogenes. The activity of the acetyltransferase CREB-binding protein (CBP) is enhanced by BRD4 and associated with acetylation of nucleosomes at super enhancers (SE). In addition, CBP contributes to transcriptional activation through its function as a scaffold and protein bridge. Monotherapy with either a CBP (ICG-001) or BET inhibitor (JQ1) led to the reduction of tumor-related characteristics. Interestingly, combined treatment induced strong cytotoxic effects in H3.3K27M-mutated DIPG cell lines. RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that these effects were caused by the inactivation of DIPG SE-controlled tumor-related genes. However, single treatment with ICG-001 or JQ1, respectively, led to activation of a subgroup of detrimental super enhancers. Combinatorial treatment reversed the inadvertent activation of these super enhancers and rescued the effect of ICG-001 and JQ1 single treatment on enhancer-driven oncogenes in H3K27M-mutated DIPG, but not in H3 wild-type pedHGG cells. In conclusion, combinatorial treatment with CBP and BET inhibitors is highly efficient in H3K27M-mutant DIPG due to reversal of inadvertent activation of detrimental SE programs in comparison with monotherapy.
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Chen KY, Bush K, Klein RH, Cervantes V, Lewis N, Naqvi A, Carcaboso AM, Lechpammer M, Knoepfler PS. Reciprocal H3.3 gene editing identifies K27M and G34R mechanisms in pediatric glioma including NOTCH signaling. Commun Biol 2020; 3:363. [PMID: 32647372 PMCID: PMC7347881 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-1076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone H3.3 mutations are a hallmark of pediatric gliomas, but their core oncogenic mechanisms are not well-defined. To identify major effectors, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce H3.3K27M and G34R mutations into previously H3.3-wildtype brain cells, while in parallel reverting the mutations in glioma cells back to wildtype. ChIP-seq analysis broadly linked K27M to altered H3K27me3 activity including within super-enhancers, which exhibited perturbed transcriptional function. This was largely independent of H3.3 DNA binding. The K27M and G34R mutations induced several of the same pathways suggesting key shared oncogenic mechanisms including activation of neurogenesis and NOTCH pathway genes. H3.3 mutant gliomas are also particularly sensitive to NOTCH pathway gene knockdown and drug inhibition, reducing their viability in culture. Reciprocal editing of cells generally produced reciprocal effects on tumorgenicity in xenograft assays. Overall, our findings define common and distinct K27M and G34R oncogenic mechanisms, including potentially targetable pathways. Kuang-Yui Chen et al. show that histone H3.3 K27M and G34R mutations share key oncogenic mechanisms such as activation of neurogenesis and NOTCH pathway genes. They find that H3.3 mutant gliomas are sensitive to inhibition of the NOTCH pathway, suggesting a potentially targetable pathway in pediatric gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yui Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Kelly Bush
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Rachel Herndon Klein
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Vanessa Cervantes
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Nichole Lewis
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Aasim Naqvi
- Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | | | | | - Paul S Knoepfler
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. .,Institute of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA. .,Department Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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31
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Dahl NA, Danis E, Balakrishnan I, Wang D, Pierce A, Walker FM, Gilani A, Serkova NJ, Madhavan K, Fosmire S, Green AL, Foreman NK, Venkataraman S, Vibhakar R. Super Elongation Complex as a Targetable Dependency in Diffuse Midline Glioma. Cell Rep 2020; 31:107485. [PMID: 32268092 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone 3 gene mutations are the eponymous drivers in diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), aggressive pediatric brain cancers for which no curative therapy currently exists. These recurrent oncohistones induce a global loss of repressive H3K27me3 residues and broad epigenetic dysregulation. In order to identify therapeutically targetable dependencies within this disease context, we performed an RNAi screen targeting epigenetic/chromatin-associated genes in patient-derived DMG cultures. This identified AFF4, the scaffold protein of the super elongation complex (SEC), as a molecular dependency in DMG. Interrogation of SEC function demonstrates a key role for maintaining clonogenic potential while promoting self-renewal of tumor stem cells. Small-molecule inhibition of SEC using clinically relevant CDK9 inhibitors restores regulatory RNA polymerase II pausing, promotes cellular differentiation, and leads to potent anti-tumor effect both in vitro and in patient-derived xenograft models. These studies present a rationale for further exploration of SEC inhibition as a promising therapeutic approach to this intractable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Dahl
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Etienne Danis
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ilango Balakrishnan
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dong Wang
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Angela Pierce
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Faye M Walker
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ahmed Gilani
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Natalie J Serkova
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Krishna Madhavan
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Susan Fosmire
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Adam L Green
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nicholas K Foreman
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sujatha Venkataraman
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rajeev Vibhakar
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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32
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Dankner M, Issa-Chergui B, Bouganim N. Post-mortem tissue donation programs as platforms to accelerate cancer research. JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY CLINICAL RESEARCH 2020; 6:163-170. [PMID: 32198850 PMCID: PMC7339213 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Given recent advances in the treatment of cancer, patients are surviving longer but frequently develop treatment-resistant and inoperable metastases. Biomedical research has advanced to the stage where in-depth study of these lesions is feasible, with the goal of further refining our understanding of metastatic dissemination, therapeutic resistance and inoperable tumors. However, there is a lack of tissue specimens derived from multiple metastatic sites within the same patient that would permit the study of these processes. Furthermore, patients with rapidly progressing or metastatic disease are rarely candidates for surgery, making those most in need of innovation and discovery extremely difficult to study. For this reason, post-mortem tissue donation programs are an approach that is quickly gaining traction in the cancer research community. Herein, we discuss what post-mortem tissue donation entails, attitudes towards these procedures, and highlight important studies already utilizing these resources. In addition, we propose future directions for use of this tissue that can directly improve clinical management of advanced cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dankner
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Badia Issa-Chergui
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Quebec, Canada.,McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathaniel Bouganim
- Division of Oncology, McGill University, Quebec, Canada.,McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
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33
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Meel MH, de Gooijer MC, Metselaar DS, Sewing ACP, Zwaan K, Waranecki P, Breur M, Buil LCM, Lagerweij T, Wedekind LE, Twisk JWR, Koster J, Hashizume R, Raabe EH, Montero Carcaboso Á, Bugiani M, Phoenix TN, van Tellingen O, van Vuurden DG, Kaspers GJL, Hulleman E. Combined Therapy of AXL and HDAC Inhibition Reverses Mesenchymal Transition in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3319-3332. [PMID: 32165429 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an incurable type of pediatric brain cancer, which in the majority of cases is driven by mutations in genes encoding histone 3 (H3K27M). We here determined the preclinical therapeutic potential of combined AXL and HDAC inhibition in these tumors to reverse their mesenchymal, therapy-resistant, phenotype. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We used public databases and patient-derived DIPG cells to identify putative drivers of the mesenchymal transition in these tumors. Patient-derived neurospheres, xenografts, and allografts were used to determine the therapeutic potential of combined AXL/HDAC inhibition for the treatment of DIPG. RESULTS We identified AXL as a therapeutic target and regulator of the mesenchymal transition in DIPG. Combined AXL and HDAC inhibition had a synergistic and selective antitumor effect on H3K27M DIPG cells. Treatment of DIPG cells with the AXL inhibitor BGB324 and the HDAC inhibitor panobinostat resulted in a decreased expression of mesenchymal and stem cell genes. Moreover, this combination treatment decreased expression of DNA damage repair genes in DIPG cells, strongly sensitizing them to radiation. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that BGB324, like panobinostat, crosses the blood-brain barrier. Consequently, treatment of patient-derived DIPG xenograft and murine DIPG allograft-bearing mice with BGB324 and panobinostat resulted in a synergistic antitumor effect and prolonged survival. CONCLUSIONS Combined inhibition of AXL and HDACs in DIPG cells results in a synergistic antitumor effect by reversing their mesenchymal, stem cell-like, therapy-resistant phenotype. As such, this treatment combination may serve as part of a future multimodal therapeutic strategy for DIPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël H Meel
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark C de Gooijer
- Division of Pharmacology/Mouse Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis S Metselaar
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A Charlotte P Sewing
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kenn Zwaan
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Piotr Waranecki
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Breur
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Levi C M Buil
- Division of Pharmacology/Mouse Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tonny Lagerweij
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laurine E Wedekind
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Department of Oncogenomics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Departments of Neurological Surgery and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Eric H Raabe
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ángel Montero Carcaboso
- Preclinical Therapeutics and Drug Delivery Research Program, Department of Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Timothy N Phoenix
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati/Research in Patient Services, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Olaf van Tellingen
- Division of Pharmacology/Mouse Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dannis G van Vuurden
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. .,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Abe H, Natsumeda M, Okada M, Watanabe J, Tsukamoto Y, Kanemaru Y, Yoshimura J, Oishi M, Hashizume R, Kakita A, Fujii Y. MGMT Expression Contributes to Temozolomide Resistance in H3K27M-Mutant Diffuse Midline Gliomas. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1568. [PMID: 32039031 PMCID: PMC6985080 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) show resistance to many chemotherapeutic agents including temozolomide (TMZ). Histone gene mutations in DMGs trigger epigenetic changes including DNA hypomethylation, one of which is a frequent lack of O6-methyl-guanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation, resulting in increased MGMT expression. We established the NGT16 cell line with HIST1H3B K27M and ACVR1 G328E gene mutations from a DMG patient and used this cell line and other DMG cell lines with H3F3A gene mutation (SF7761, SF8628, JHH-DIPG1) to analyze MGMT promoter methylation, MGMT protein expression, and response to TMZ. Three out of 4 DMG cell lines (NGT16, SF8628, and JHH-DIPG1) had unmethylated MGMT promoter, increased MGMT expression, and showed resistance to TMZ treatment. SF7761 cells with H3F3A gene mutation showed MGMT promoter methylation, lacked MGMT expression, and sensitivity to TMZ treatment. NGT16 line showed response to ALK2 inhibitor K02288 treatment in vitro. We confirmed in vitro that MGMT expression contributes to TMZ resistance in DMG cell lines. There is an urgent need to develop new strategies to treat TMZ-resistant DMGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Abe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Manabu Natsumeda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masayasu Okada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Jun Watanabe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Tsukamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yu Kanemaru
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Junichi Yoshimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Makoto Oishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Fujii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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35
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Hermans E, Hulleman E. Patient-Derived Orthotopic Xenograft Models of Pediatric Brain Tumors: In a Mature Phase or Still in Its Infancy? Front Oncol 2020; 9:1418. [PMID: 31970083 PMCID: PMC6960099 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, molecular profiling has led to the discovery of an increasing number of brain tumor subtypes, and associated therapeutic targets. These molecular features have been incorporated in the 2016 new World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS), which now distinguishes tumor subgroups not only histologically, but also based on molecular characteristics. Despite an improved diagnosis of (pediatric) tumors in the CNS however, the survival of children with malignant brain tumors still is far worse than for those suffering from other types of malignancies. Therefore, new treatments need to be developed, based on subgroup-specific genetic aberrations. Here, we provide an overview of the currently available orthotopic xenograft models for pediatric brain tumor subtypes as defined by the 2016 WHO classification, to facilitate the choice of appropriate animal models for the preclinical testing of novel treatment strategies, and to provide insight into the current gaps and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hermans
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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36
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Kasper LH, Baker SJ. Invited Review: Emerging functions of histone H3 mutations in paediatric diffuse high-grade gliomas. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 46:73-85. [PMID: 31859390 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Paediatric diffuse high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are rare, but deadly tumours. The discovery of recurrent mutations in the tail of histone H3, changing lysine 27 to methionine, or glycine 34 to arginine or valine, has illuminated a critical role for epigenetic dysregulation in the aetiology of childhood gliomas and opened new avenues of exploration that have resulted in numerous advances for the field. In this review, we describe the current models of H3K27M mutant cancer that are available to the research community and the insights they have provided on tumour biology and the epigenetic and transcriptional effects of histone mutations. We also review the current understanding of the H3G34R/V mutation and the therapeutic outlook for the treatment of pHGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Kasper
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - S J Baker
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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Celastrol-induced degradation of FANCD2 sensitizes pediatric high-grade gliomas to the DNA-crosslinking agent carboplatin. EBioMedicine 2019; 50:81-92. [PMID: 31735550 PMCID: PMC6921187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are the leading cause of cancer-related death during childhood. Due to their diffuse growth characteristics, chemoresistance and location behind the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the prognosis of pHGG has barely improved in the past decades. As such, there is a dire need for new therapies that circumvent those difficulties. Since aberrant expression of DNA damage-response associated Fanconi anemia proteins play a central role in the onset and therapy resistance of many cancers, we here investigated if FANCD2 depletion could sensitize pHGG to additional DNA damage. Methods We determined the capacity of celastrol, a BBB-penetrable compound that degrades FANCD2, to sensitize glioma cells to the archetypical DNA-crosslinking agent carboplatin in vitro in seven patient-derived pHGG models. In addition, we tested this drug combination in vivo in a patient-derived orthotopic pHGG xenograft model. Underlying mechanisms to drug response were investigated using mRNA expression profiling, western blotting, immunofluorescence, FANCD2 knockdown and DNA fiber assays. Findings FANCD2 is overexpressed in HGGs and depletion of FANCD2 by celastrol synergises with carboplatin to induce cytotoxicity. Combination therapy prolongs survival of pHGG-bearing mice over monotherapy and control groups in vivo (P<0.05). In addition, our results suggest that celastrol treatment stalls ongoing replication forks, causing sensitivity to DNA-crosslinking in FANCD2-dependent glioma cells. Interpretation Our results show that depletion of FANCD2 acts as a chemo-sensitizing strategy in pHGG. Combination therapy using celastrol and carboplatin might serve as a clinically relevant strategy for the treatment of pHGG. Funding This study was funded by a grant from the Children Cancer-Free Foundation (KIKA, project 210). The disclosed funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
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Abstract
As the process that silences gene expression ensues during development, the stage is set for the activity of Polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to maintain these repressed gene profiles. PRC2 catalyzes a specific histone posttranslational modification (hPTM) that fosters chromatin compaction. PRC2 also facilitates the inheritance of this hPTM through its self-contained "write and read" activities, key to preserving cellular identity during cell division. As these changes in gene expression occur without changes in DNA sequence and are inherited, the process is epigenetic in scope. Mutants of mammalian PRC2 or of its histone substrate contribute to the cancer process and other diseases, and research into these aberrant pathways is yielding viable candidates for therapeutic targeting. The effectiveness of PRC2 hinges on its being recruited to the proper chromatin sites; however, resolving the determinants to this process in the mammalian case was not straightforward and thus piqued the interest of many in the field. Here, we chronicle the latest advances toward exposing mammalian PRC2 and its high maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ray Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Chul-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Ozgur Oksuz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - James M Stafford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Danny Reinberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
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39
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Shen ED, Zeng Q. Inhibition of the Numb/Notch signaling pathway increases radiation sensitivity in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2019; 35:474-485. [PMID: 31271505 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy is the primary treatment for primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The aim of this study is to identify the effect of the Numb/Notch signaling pathway on radiation sensitivity in human NPC cells. NPC tissues and normal nasopharyngeal tissues were collected. To evaluate the regulatory effects of the Numb/Notch signaling pathway, NPC cells were subjected to radiotherapy and various doses of the Numb/Notch signaling pathway inhibitor gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI). Next, the expression of Notch and Numb proteins was determined in NPC tissues and normal nasopharyngeal tissues, and the correlation of Notch and Numb protein expression with the clinicopathological features of NPC tissues was analyzed. Then, the effect of radiotherapy on NPC cell survival rate, survival fraction, apoptosis rate, proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as Numb/Notch signaling pathway-related molecules was detected. The results demonstrated that the Numb/Notch signaling pathway was activated in NPC tissues. Following treatment with radiotherapy and GSI, the Numb/Notch signaling pathway was inhibited. In addition, the NPC cell survival rate, survival fraction, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were decreased, whereas the colony number and apoptosis rate were increased. Following radiotherapy and GSI treatment, Numb expression was increased, whereas Notch1, Hes1, Jagged1, and c-Myc expression was decreased. However, the greatest difference was noted upon treatment with radiotherapy +15 μM GSI. The results reported in this study suggest that a high dose of the inhibitor of the Numb/Notch signaling pathway GSI increased the radiation sensitivity in human NPC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Er-Dong Shen
- Department of Oncology (The 3rd Ward), The First People's Hospital of Yueyang, Yueyang, China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Ear-Nose-Throat, The First People's Hospital of Yueyang, Yueyang, China
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Meel MH, Kaspers GJL, Hulleman E. Preclinical therapeutic targets in diffuse midline glioma. Drug Resist Updat 2019; 44:15-25. [PMID: 31202081 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) are rapidly fatal tumors of the midbrain in children, characterized by a diffuse growing pattern and high levels of intrinsic resistance to therapy. The location of these tumors, residing behind the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the limited knowledge about the biology of these tumors, has hindered the development of effective treatment strategies. However, the introduction of diagnostic biopsies and the implementation of autopsy protocols in several large centers world-wide has allowed for a detailed characterization of these rare tumors. This has resulted in the identification of novel therapeutic targets, as well as major advances in understanding the biology of DMG in relation to therapy resistance. We here provide an overview of the cellular pathways and tumor-specific aberrations that have been targeted in preclinical DMG research, and discuss the advantages and limitations of these therapeutic strategies in relation to therapy resistance and BBB-penetration. Therewith, we aim to provide researchers with a framework for successful preclinical therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Hananja Meel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Potent anti-tumor efficacy of palbociclib in treatment-naïve H3.3K27M-mutant diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. EBioMedicine 2019; 43:171-179. [PMID: 31060906 PMCID: PMC6558223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare and fatal pediatric brain cancer without cure. Seeking therapeutic strategies is still a major challenge in DIPG research. Previous study has shown that dysregulation of G1/S cell cycle checkpoint was common in DIPG and this dysregulation is even more enriched in the H3.3K27 M mutant subgroup. Here we assess potential anti-tumor efficacy of palbociclib, a specific and cytostatic inhibitor of CDK4/6, on high grade H3.3-K27 M-mutant DIPGs in vitro and in vivo. Methods We established patient-derived cell lines from treatment-naïve specimens. All the lines have H3.3K27 M mutation. We used a range of biological in vitro assays to assess the effect of palbociclib on growth of DIPGs. Palbociclib activity was also assayed in vivo against three independent DIPG orthotropic xenografts model. Findings Dysregulation of G1/S cell cycle checkpoint is enriched in these DIPGs. Then, we showed that depletion of CDK4 or CDK6 inhibits DIPG cells growth and blocks G1/S transition. Furthermore, palbociclib effectively repressed DIPG growth in vitro. Transcriptome analysis showed that palbociclib not only blocks G1/S transition, it also blocks other oncogenic targets such as MYC. Finally, palbociclib activity was assayed in vivo against DIPG orthotropic xenografts to demonstrate the high efficiency of blocking tumor growth. Interpretation Our findings thus revealed that palbociclib could be the therapeutic strategy for treatment-naïve DIPG with H3.3K27 M mutation. Fund Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals Clinical Medicine Development of Special Funding Support, Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, and National Natural Science Foundation of China.
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Role of Radiation Therapy in the Management of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: A Systematic Review. Adv Radiat Oncol 2019; 4:520-531. [PMID: 31360809 PMCID: PMC6639749 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the most aggressive primary pediatric brain tumor, with <10% of children surviving 2 years. Radiation therapy (RT) remains the mainstay of treatment, but there is a great clinical need for improvements and advancements in treatment strategies. The aim of this systematic review was to identify all available studies in which RT was used to treat patients with DIPG. Methods and Materials A literature search for studies published up to March 10, 2018 was conducted using the PubMed database. We identified 384 articles using search items “diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma” and 221 articles using search items “diffuse brainstem glioma radiotherapy.” Included studies were prospective and retrospective series that reported outcomes of DIPG treatment with RT. Results We identified 49 studies (1286 patients) using upfront conventionally fractionated RT, 5 studies (92 patients) using hypofractionated RT, and 8 studies (348 patients) using hyperfractionated RT. The mean median overall survival (OS) was 12.0 months, 10.2 months, and 7.9 months in patients who received conventional, hyperfractionated, and hypofractionated RT regimens, respectively. Patients undergoing radiosensitizing therapy had a mean median OS of 11.5 months, and patients who did not receive concomitant systemic therapy had an OS of 9.4 months. In patients who received salvage RT, the mean median OS from initial diagnosis was 16.3 months. Conclusions As one of the largest systematic reviews examining RT for DIPG, this report may serve as a useful tool to help clinicians choose the most appropriate treatment approach, while also providing a platform for future investigations into the utility of RT and systemic therapy.
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ACVR1 R206H cooperates with H3.1K27M in promoting diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma pathogenesis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1023. [PMID: 30833574 PMCID: PMC6399349 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08823-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an incurable pediatric brain tumor, with approximately 25% of DIPGs harboring activating ACVR1 mutations that commonly co-associate with H3.1K27M mutations. Here we show that in vitro expression of ACVR1 R206H with and without H3.1K27M upregulates mesenchymal markers and activates Stat3 signaling. In vivo expression of ACVR1 R206H or G328V with H3.1K27M and p53 deletion induces glioma-like lesions but is not sufficient for full gliomagenesis. However, in combination with PDGFA signaling, ACVR1 R206H and H3.1K27M significantly decrease survival and increase tumor incidence. Treatment of ACVR1 R206H mutant DIPGs with exogenous Noggin or the ACVR1 inhibitor LDN212854 significantly prolongs survival, with human ACVR1 mutant DIPG cell lines also being sensitive to LDN212854 treatment. Together, our results demonstrate that ACVR1 R206H and H3.1K27M promote tumor initiation, accelerate gliomagenesis, promote a mesenchymal profile partly due to Stat3 activation, and identify LDN212854 as a promising compound to treat DIPG.
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Alqahtani A, Choucair K, Ashraf M, Hammouda DM, Alloghbi A, Khan T, Senzer N, Nemunaitis J. Bromodomain and extra-terminal motif inhibitors: a review of preclinical and clinical advances in cancer therapy. Future Sci OA 2019; 5:FSO372. [PMID: 30906568 PMCID: PMC6426170 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2018-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone lysine acetylation is critical in regulating transcription. Dysregulation of this process results in aberrant gene expression in various diseases, including cancer. The bromodomain, present in several proteins, recognizes promotor lysine acetylation and recruits other transcription factors. The bromodomain extra-terminal (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved mammalian members that regulate transcription of oncogenes such as MYC and the NUT fusion oncoprotein. Targeting the acetyl-lysine-binding property of BET proteins is a potential therapeutic approach of cancer. Consequently, following the demonstration that thienotriazolodiazepine small molecules effectively inhibit BET, clinical trials were initiated. We thus discuss the mechanisms of action of various BET inhibitors and the prospects for their clinical use as cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alqahtani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Khalil Choucair
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Mushtaq Ashraf
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Danae M Hammouda
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Abduraham Alloghbi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Talal Khan
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Neil Senzer
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - John Nemunaitis
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
- ProMedica Health System, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
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Wang J, Liang H, Sun M, Zhang L, Xu H, Liu W, Li Y, Zhou Y, Li Y, Li M. Delta-6-desaturase inhibitor enhances radiation therapy in glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:6779-6790. [PMID: 30584371 PMCID: PMC6289123 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s185601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has been reported that cell inflammation pathways contribute to the development of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-inhibitor of DNA-binding protein-1 (ID1)-dependent radio-resistance in glioblastoma. Here, we proposed that inhibiting delta-6-desaturase (D6D) could block arachidonic acid synthesis and PGE2 production, thereby reversing PGE2-ID1-dependent radioresistance in glioblastoma cells and xenograft tumor models. Materials and methods Two glioblastoma cell lines, namely, U-87 MG and LN-229, were used for the in vitro study. The combination effects of SC-26196 (a D6D inhibitor) and radiation were assessed by the MTS assay, colony formation assay, and cell apoptosis analysis. HPLC/MS analysis was performed to quantify the production of arachidonic acid and PGE2. For the in vivo study, 6-week-old nude mice, each bearing a U-87 MG xenograft tumor, were subjected to 4-week treatments of vehicle, SC-26196, radiation, or the combination of both. Tumor growth was monitored during the treatment, and the tumor tissues were collected at the end for further analysis. Results Treatment with SC-26196 significantly improved radiosensitivity in both glioblastoma cell lines in vitro, and radiosensitivity was associated with inhibited synthesis of arachidonic acid and PGE2. The combination of SC-26196 and radiation synergistically inhibited U-87 MG xenograft tumor growth, in association with the induction of tumor apoptosis and suppressed tumor proliferation. SC-26196 also inhibited arachidonic acid and PGE2 production in vivo and limited expression of ID1. Conclusion These data suggested that the D6D inhibitor could reverse PGE2-ID1-dependent radioresistance in glioblastoma cells and xenograft tumor models by blocking the synthesis of arachidonic acid and PGE2. Although further investigation is required, the outcomes from this study may guide us in developing a potentially novel combination strategy for current glioblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Neurology, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Huaxin Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China,
| | - Meiyan Sun
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Huijing Xu
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Statistics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Yingya Li
- Department of Cereal Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China,
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Stafford JM, Lee CH, Voigt P, Descostes N, Saldaña-Meyer R, Yu JR, Leroy G, Oksuz O, Chapman JR, Suarez F, Modrek AS, Bayin NS, Placantonakis DG, Karajannis MA, Snuderl M, Ueberheide B, Reinberg D. Multiple modes of PRC2 inhibition elicit global chromatin alterations in H3K27M pediatric glioma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaau5935. [PMID: 30402543 PMCID: PMC6209383 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau5935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A methionine substitution at lysine-27 on histone H3 variants (H3K27M) characterizes ~80% of diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) and inhibits polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) in a dominant-negative fashion. Yet, the mechanisms for this inhibition and abnormal epigenomic landscape have not been resolved. Using quantitative proteomics, we discovered that robust PRC2 inhibition requires levels of H3K27M greatly exceeding those of PRC2, seen in DIPG. While PRC2 inhibition requires interaction with H3K27M, we found that this interaction on chromatin is transient, with PRC2 largely being released from H3K27M. Unexpectedly, inhibition persisted even after PRC2 dissociated from H3K27M-containing chromatin, suggesting a lasting impact on PRC2. Furthermore, allosterically activated PRC2 is particularly sensitive to H3K27M, leading to the failure to spread H3K27me from PRC2 recruitment sites and consequently abrogating PRC2's ability to establish H3K27me2-3 repressive chromatin domains. In turn, levels of polycomb antagonists such as H3K36me2 are elevated, suggesting a more global, downstream effect on the epigenome. Together, these findings reveal the conditions required for H3K27M-mediated PRC2 inhibition and reconcile seemingly paradoxical effects of H3K27M on PRC2 recruitment and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Stafford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Chul-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Philipp Voigt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicolas Descostes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Ricardo Saldaña-Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Jia-Ray Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Gary Leroy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Ozgur Oksuz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | | | - Fernando Suarez
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aram S. Modrek
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
| | - N. Sumru Bayin
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dimitris G. Placantonakis
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Kimmel Center for Stem Cell Biology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthias A. Karajannis
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matija Snuderl
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
| | - Beatrix Ueberheide
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Proteomics Laboratory, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danny Reinberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYUSoM, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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Meel MH, de Gooijer MC, Guillén Navarro M, Waranecki P, Breur M, Buil LCM, Wedekind LE, Twisk JWR, Koster J, Hashizume R, Raabe EH, Montero Carcaboso A, Bugiani M, van Tellingen O, van Vuurden DG, Kaspers GJL, Hulleman E. MELK Inhibition in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:5645-5657. [PMID: 30061363 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a highly aggressive pediatric brain tumor, for which no effective therapeutic options currently exist. We here determined the potential of inhibition of the maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) for the treatment of DIPG.Experimental Design: We evaluated the antitumor efficacy of the small-molecule MELK inhibitor OTSSP167 in vitro in patient-derived DIPG cultures, and identified the mechanism of action of MELK inhibition in DIPG by RNA sequencing of treated cells. In addition, we determined the blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration of OTSSP167 and evaluated its translational potential by treating mice bearing patient-derived DIPG xenografts.Results: This study shows that MELK is highly expressed in DIPG cells, both in patient samples and in relevant in vitro and in vivo models, and that treatment with OTSSP167 strongly decreases proliferation of patient-derived DIPG cultures. Inhibition of MELK in DIPG cells functions through reducing inhibitory phosphorylation of PPARγ, resulting in an increase in nuclear translocation and consequent transcriptional activity. Brain pharmacokinetic analyses show that OTSSP167 is a strong substrate for both MDR1 and BCRP, limiting its BBB penetration. Nonetheless, treatment of Mdr1a/b;Bcrp1 knockout mice carrying patient-derived DIPG xenografts with OTSSP167 decreased tumor growth, induced remissions, and resulted in improved survival.Conclusions: We show a strong preclinical effect of the kinase inhibitor OTSSP167 in the treatment of DIPG and identify the MELK-PPARγ signaling axis as a putative therapeutic target in this disease. Clin Cancer Res; 24(22); 5645-57. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël H Meel
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark C de Gooijer
- Division of Pharmacology/Mouse Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Miriam Guillén Navarro
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Piotr Waranecki
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Breur
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Levi C M Buil
- Division of Pharmacology/Mouse Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laurine E Wedekind
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Department of Oncogenomics Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Departments of Neurological Surgery, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Eric H Raabe
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Angel Montero Carcaboso
- Preclinical Therapeutics and Drug Delivery Research Program, Department of Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Olaf van Tellingen
- Division of Pharmacology/Mouse Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dannis G van Vuurden
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. .,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Chen YH, Zeng WJ, Wen ZP, Cheng Q, Chen XP. Under explored epigenetic modulators: role in glioma chemotherapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 833:201-209. [PMID: 29864410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Patients with somatic mutations of epigenetic regulators are characterized by aberrant chromatin modification patterns. Recent mechanistic studies pairing chemical tool compounds and deep-sequencing technology have greatly broadened our understanding of epigenetic regulation in glioma progression and underpinned alternative treatment of epigenetic inhibitors. However, the effect of most inhibitors is condition-dependent, and the overall results of clinical trials still have not been applied to patients. There is an intense need to develop more potent and specific compounds as well as identify the population who may achieve clinical benefits. Besides, combination therapy with conventional therapeutics is another alternative strategy. In this review, we summarize well-characterized chemical probes in glioma research and clinical translation. We also discuss the target population and combination of therapy regimens of various agents. In a holistic sense, we try to provide guidance for selecting targeted chemical probes and pave the way for personalized rational therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hong Chen
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Wen-Jing Zeng
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Wen
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China.
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Han L, Zhao Q, Liang X, Wang X, Zhang Z, Ma Z, Zhao M, Wang A, Liu S. Ubenimex enhances Brd4 inhibition by suppressing HEXIM1 autophagic degradation and suppressing the Akt pathway in glioma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:45643-45655. [PMID: 28484091 PMCID: PMC5542215 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of Brd4 by JQ1 treatment showed potential in the treatment of glioma, however, some cases showed low sensitivity of JQ1. In addition, the pre-clinical analysis showed its limitation by demonstrating that transient treatment with JQ1 leads to aggressive tumor development. Thus, an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying JQ1 is urgently required to design strategies to improve its efficiency, as well as overcome its limitation. HEXIM1 has been confirmed to have an important role in regulating JQ1 sensitivity. In our study, ubenimex, a classical anti-cancer drug showed potential in regulating the JQ1 sensitivity of glioma cells using the WST-1 proliferation assay. Further studies demonstrated that ubenimex inhibited autophagy and downregulated the autophagic degradation of HEXIM1. The role of HEXIM1 in regulating JQ1 sensitivity was verified by the HEXIM1 knockdown. Since ubenimex was verified as an Akt inhibitor, we further studied the role of Akt inhibition in regulating JQ1 sensitivity and migration of glioma cells. Data showed that ubenimex improved the efficiency of JQ1 treatment and suppressed migration both in the in vitro and in vivo xenografts models. The Akt agonist attenuated these effects, pointing to the role of Akt inhibition in JQ1 sensitivity and suppressed migration. Our findings suggest the potential of ubenimex adjuvant treatment to enhance JQ1 efficiency and attenuate parts of its side effect (enhancing tumor aggressive) by regulating the autophagic degradation of HEXIM1 and Akt inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Han
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China.,Department of Neurology, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China.,Department of Neurology, Shandong Police Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Police Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xianhong Liang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Police Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Zhiguo Ma
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Police Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Miaoqing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R China
| | - Aihua Wang
- Department of Neurology, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
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Han HJ, Jain P, Resnick AC. Shared ACVR1 mutations in FOP and DIPG: Opportunities and challenges in extending biological and clinical implications across rare diseases. Bone 2018; 109:91-100. [PMID: 28780023 PMCID: PMC7888549 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutations in the Type I Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) receptor ACVR1 have been identified in two diseases: Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by genetically driven heterotopic ossification, and in 20-25% of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPGs), a pediatric brain tumor with no effective therapies and dismal median survival. While the ACVR1 mutation is causal for FOP, its role in DIPG tumor biology remains under active investigation. Here, we discuss cross-fertilization between the FOP and DIPG fields, focusing on the biological mechanisms and principles gleaned from FOP that can be applied to DIPG biology. We highlight our current knowledge of ACVR1 in both diseases, and then describe the growing opportunities and barriers to effectively investigate ACVR1 in DIPG. Importantly, learning from other seemingly unrelated diseases harboring similar mutations may uncover novel mechanisms or processes for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry J Han
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Room 4052, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States
| | - Payal Jain
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Room 4052, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States
| | - Adam C Resnick
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Room 4052, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States.
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