1
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Thirimanne HN, Almiron-Bonnin D, Nuechterlein N, Arora S, Jensen M, Parada CA, Qiu C, Szulzewsky F, English CW, Chen WC, Sievers P, Nassiri F, Wang JZ, Klisch TJ, Aldape KD, Patel AJ, Cimino PJ, Zadeh G, Sahm F, Raleigh DR, Shendure J, Ferreira M, Holland EC. Meningioma transcriptomic landscape demonstrates novel subtypes with regional associated biology and patient outcome. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100566. [PMID: 38788713 PMCID: PMC11228955 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Meningiomas, although mostly benign, can be recurrent and fatal. World Health Organization (WHO) grading of the tumor does not always identify high-risk meningioma, and better characterizations of their aggressive biology are needed. To approach this problem, we combined 13 bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets to create a dimension-reduced reference landscape of 1,298 meningiomas. The clinical and genomic metadata effectively correlated with landscape regions, which led to the identification of meningioma subtypes with specific biological signatures. The time to recurrence also correlated with the map location. Further, we developed an algorithm that maps new patients onto this landscape, where the nearest neighbors predict outcome. This study highlights the utility of combining bulk transcriptomic datasets to visualize the complexity of tumor populations. Further, we provide an interactive tool for understanding the disease and predicting patient outcomes. This resource is accessible via the online tool Oncoscape, where the scientific community can explore the meningioma landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damian Almiron-Bonnin
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Nuechterlein
- Neuropathology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sonali Arora
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matt Jensen
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Translational Tumor Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carolina A Parada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chengxiang Qiu
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Collin W English
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William C Chen
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Neurological Surgery, and Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philipp Sievers
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Farshad Nassiri
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Justin Z Wang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tiemo J Klisch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth D Aldape
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Akash J Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick J Cimino
- Neuropathology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gelareh Zadeh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Felix Sahm
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David R Raleigh
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Neurological Surgery, and Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Manuel Ferreira
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric C Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Translational Tumor Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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2
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Parrish AG, Arora S, Thirimanne HN, Rudoy D, Schmid S, Sievers P, Sahm F, Holland EC, Szulzewsky F. Aggressive high-grade NF2 mutant meningiomas downregulate oncogenic YAP signaling via the upregulation of VGLL4 and FAT3/4. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.30.596719. [PMID: 38854109 PMCID: PMC11160807 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.30.596719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Although generally benign, a subset of meningiomas is of higher grade, shows aggressive growth behavior and recurs even after multiple surgeries. Around half of all meningiomas harbor inactivating mutations in NF2. While benign low-grade NF2 mutant meningiomas exhibit few genetic events in addition to NF2 inactivation, aggressive high-grade NF2 mutant meningiomas frequently harbor a highly aberrant genome. We and others have previously shown that NF2 inactivation leads to YAP1 activation and that YAP1 acts as the pivotal oncogenic driver in benign NF2 mutant meningiomas. Using bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq data from a large cohort of human meningiomas, we show that aggressive NF2 mutant meningiomas harbor decreased levels YAP1 activity compared to their benign counterparts. Decreased expression levels of YAP target genes are significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence. We then identify the increased expression of the YAP1 competitor VGLL4 as well as the YAP1 upstream regulators FAT3/4 as a potential mechanism for the downregulation of YAP activity in aggressive NF2 mutant meningiomas. High expression of these genes is significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence. In vitro, overexpression of VGLL4 resulted in the downregulation of YAP activity in benign NF2 mutant meningioma cells, confirming the direct link between VGLL4 expression and decreased levels of YAP activity observed in aggressive NF2 mutant meningiomas. Our results shed new insight on the biology of benign and aggressive NF2 mutant meningiomas and may have important implications for the efficacy of therapies targeting oncogenic YAP1 activity in NF2 mutant meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail G Parrish
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sonali Arora
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Dmytro Rudoy
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sebastian Schmid
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Philipp Sievers
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Sahm
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eric C Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Seattle Translational Tumor Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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3
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Guo S, Hu X, Cotton JL, Ma L, Li Q, Cui J, Wang Y, Thakare RP, Tao Z, Ip YT, Wu X, Wang J, Mao J. VGLL2 and TEAD1 fusion proteins drive YAP/TAZ-independent transcription and tumorigenesis by engaging p300. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.592016. [PMID: 38746415 PMCID: PMC11092657 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.592016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Studies on Hippo pathway regulation of tumorigenesis largely center on YAP and TAZ, the transcriptional co-regulators of TEAD. Here, we present an oncogenic mechanism involving VGLL and TEAD fusions that is Hippo pathway-related but YAP/TAZ-independent. We characterize two recurrent fusions, VGLL2-NCOA2 and TEAD1-NCOA2, recently identified in spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma. We demonstrate that, in contrast to VGLL2 and TEAD1, the fusion proteins are strong activators of TEAD-dependent transcription, and their function does not require YAP/TAZ. Furthermore, we identify that VGLL2 and TEAD1 fusions engage specific epigenetic regulation by recruiting histone acetyltransferase p300 to control TEAD-mediated transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes. We showed that small molecule p300 inhibition can suppress fusion proteins-induced oncogenic transformation both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our study reveals a molecular basis for VGLL involvement in cancer and provides a framework for targeting tumors carrying VGLL, TEAD, or NCOA translocations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susu Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Xiaodi Hu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Cotton
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Lifang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jiangtao Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Ritesh P. Thakare
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Zhipeng Tao
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Y. Tony Ip
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Xu Wu
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Junhao Mao
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
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4
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Rajan ARD, Huang Y, Stundl J, Chu K, Irodi A, Yang Z, Applegate BE, Bronner ME. Generation of a zebrafish neurofibromatosis model via inducible knockout of nf2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.23.590787. [PMID: 38712289 PMCID: PMC11071375 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.23.590787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF-2) is a dominantly inherited genetic disorder that results from mutations in the tumor suppressor gene, neurofibromin 2 (NF2) gene. Here, we report the generation of a conditional zebrafish model of neurofibromatosis established by an inducible genetic knockout of nf2a/b, the zebrafish homolog of human NF2. Analysis of nf2a and nf2b expression reveals ubiquitous expression of nf2b in the early embryo, with overlapping expression in the neural crest and its derivatives and in the cranial mesenchyme. In contrast, nf2a displays lower expression levels. Induction of nf2a/b knockout at early stages increases the proliferation of larval Schwann cells and meningeal fibroblasts. Subsequently, in adult zebrafish, nf2a/b knockout triggers the development of a spectrum of tumors, including vestibular schwannomas, spinal schwannomas, meningiomas, and retinal hamartomas, mirroring the tumor manifestations observed in patients with NF-2. Collectively, these findings highlight the generation of a novel zebrafish model that mimics the complexities of the human NF-2 disorder. Consequently, this model holds significant potential for facilitating therapeutic screening and elucidating key driver genes implicated in NF-2 onset.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuanyun Huang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Jan Stundl
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Katelyn Chu
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Anushka Irodi
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zihan Yang
- University of Southern California, Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian E. Applegate
- University of Southern California, Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Alfred Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marianne E. Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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5
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Schmid S, Russell ZR, Yamashita AS, West ME, Parrish AG, Walker J, Rudoy D, Yan JZ, Quist DC, Gessesse BN, Alvinez N, Cimino PJ, Kumasaka DK, Parchment RE, Holland EC, Szulzewsky F. ERK signaling promotes resistance to TRK kinase inhibition in NTRK fusion-driven glioma mouse models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.13.584849. [PMID: 38558981 PMCID: PMC10979979 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.13.584849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric-type high-grade gliomas frequently harbor gene fusions involving receptor tyrosine kinase genes, including neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK) fusions. Clinically, these tumors show high initial response rates to tyrosine kinase inhibition but ultimately recur due to the accumulation of additional resistance-conferring mutations. Here, we developed a series of genetically engineered mouse models of treatment-naïve and -experienced NTRK1/2/3 fusion-driven gliomas. Both the TRK kinase domain and the N-terminal fusion partners influenced tumor histology and aggressiveness. Treatment with TRK kinase inhibitors significantly extended survival of NTRK fusion-driven glioma mice in a fusion- and inhibitor-dependent manner, but tumors ultimately recurred due to the presence of treatment-resistant persister cells. Finally, we show that ERK activation promotes resistance to TRK kinase inhibition and identify MEK inhibition as a potential combination therapy. These models will be invaluable tools for preclinical testing of novel inhibitors and to study the cellular responses of NTRK fusion-driven gliomas to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schmid
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Zachary R Russell
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Alex Shimura Yamashita
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Madeline E West
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Abigail G Parrish
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Julia Walker
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Dmytro Rudoy
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - James Z Yan
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David C Quist
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Neriah Alvinez
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Patrick J Cimino
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Debra K Kumasaka
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ralph E Parchment
- Clinical Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers Program, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Eric C Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Seattle Translational Tumor Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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6
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Zakimi N, Nguyen MP, Raleigh DR. Gene transcript fusions are associated with clinical outcomes and molecular groups of meningiomas. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:57. [PMID: 38509407 PMCID: PMC10954959 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02708-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Zakimi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Minh P Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David R Raleigh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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7
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Szulzewsky F, Thirimanne HN, Holland EC. Meningioma: current updates on genetics, classification, and mouse modeling. Ups J Med Sci 2024; 129:10579. [PMID: 38571886 PMCID: PMC10989216 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v129.10579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas, the most common primary brain tumors in adults, are often benign and curable by surgical resection. However, a subset is of higher grade, shows aggressive growth behavior as well as brain invasion, and often recurs even after several rounds of surgery. Increasing evidence suggests that tumor classification and grading primarily based on histopathology do not always accurately predict tumor aggressiveness and recurrence behavior. The underlying biology of aggressive treatment-resistant meningiomas and the impact of specific genetic aberrations present in these high-grade tumors is still only insufficiently understood. Therefore, an in-depth research into the biology of this tumor type is warranted. More recent studies based on large-scale molecular data such as whole exome/genome sequencing, DNA methylation sequencing, and RNA sequencing have provided new insights into the biology of meningiomas and have revealed new risk factors and prognostic subtypes. The most common genetic aberration in meningiomas is functional loss of NF2 and occurs in both low- and high-grade meningiomas, whereas NF2-wildtype meningiomas are enriched for recurrent mutations in TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, PI3KCA, and SMO and are more frequently benign. Most meningioma mouse models are based on patient-derived xenografts and only recently have new genetically engineered mouse models of meningioma been developed that will aid in the systematic evaluation of specific mutations found in meningioma and their impact on tumor behavior. In this article, we review recent advances in the understanding of meningioma biology and classification and highlight the most common genetic mutations, as well as discuss new genetically engineered mouse models of meningioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Eric C. Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Translational Tumor Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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8
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Chung CI, Yang J, Yang X, Liu H, Ma Z, Szulzewsky F, Holland EC, Shen Y, Shu X. Phase separation of YAP-MAML2 differentially regulates the transcriptome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310430121. [PMID: 38315854 PMCID: PMC10873646 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310430121] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase separation (PS) drives the formation of biomolecular condensates that are emerging biological structures involved in diverse cellular processes. Recent studies have unveiled PS-induced formation of several transcriptional factor (TF) condensates that are transcriptionally active, but how strongly PS promotes gene activation remains unclear. Here, we show that the oncogenic TF fusion Yes-associated protein 1-Mastermind like transcriptional coactivator 2 (YAP-MAML2) undergoes PS and forms liquid-like condensates that bear the hallmarks of transcriptional activity. Furthermore, we examined the contribution of PS to YAP-MAML2-mediated gene expression by developing a chemogenetic tool that dissolves TF condensates, allowing us to compare phase-separated and non-phase-separated conditions at identical YAP-MAML2 protein levels. We found that a small fraction of YAP-MAML2-regulated genes is further affected by PS, which include the canonical YAP target genes CTGF and CYR61, and other oncogenes. On the other hand, majority of YAP-MAML2-regulated genes are not affected by PS, highlighting that transcription can be activated effectively by diffuse complexes of TFs with the transcriptional machinery. Our work opens new directions in understanding the role of PS in selective modulation of gene expression, suggesting differential roles of PS in biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-I. Chung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Junjiao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Human Genetics, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Hongjiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Human Genetics, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Zhimin Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA98109
| | - Eric C. Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA98109
- Seattle Tumor Translational Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA98109
| | - Yin Shen
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Human Genetics, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Xiaokun Shu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
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9
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Andersen MS, Kofoed MS, Paludan-Müller AS, Pedersen CB, Mathiesen T, Mawrin C, Wirenfeldt M, Kristensen BW, Olsen BB, Halle B, Poulsen FR. Meningioma animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:764. [PMID: 37898750 PMCID: PMC10612271 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04620-7] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal models are widely used to study pathological processes and drug (side) effects in a controlled environment. There is a wide variety of methods available for establishing animal models depending on the research question. Commonly used methods in tumor research include xenografting cells (established/commercially available or primary patient-derived) or whole tumor pieces either orthotopically or heterotopically and the more recent genetically engineered models-each type with their own advantages and disadvantages. The current systematic review aimed to investigate the meningioma model types used, perform a meta-analysis on tumor take rate (TTR), and perform critical appraisal of the included studies. The study also aimed to assess reproducibility, reliability, means of validation and verification of models, alongside pros and cons and uses of the model types. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science for all in vivo meningioma models. The primary outcome was tumor take rate. Meta-analysis was performed on tumor take rate followed by subgroup analyses on the number of cells and duration of incubation. The validity of the tumor models was assessed qualitatively. We performed critical appraisal of the methodological quality and quality of reporting for all included studies. RESULTS We included 114 unique records (78 using established cell line models (ECLM), 21 using primary patient-derived tumor models (PTM), 10 using genetically engineered models (GEM), and 11 using uncategorized models). TTRs for ECLM were 94% (95% CI 92-96) for orthotopic and 95% (93-96) for heterotopic. PTM showed lower TTRs [orthotopic 53% (33-72) and heterotopic 82% (73-89)] and finally GEM revealed a TTR of 34% (26-43). CONCLUSION This systematic review shows high consistent TTRs in established cell line models and varying TTRs in primary patient-derived models and genetically engineered models. However, we identified several issues regarding the quality of reporting and the methodological approach that reduce the validity, transparency, and reproducibility of studies and suggest a high risk of publication bias. Finally, each tumor model type has specific roles in research based on their advantages (and disadvantages). SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO-ID CRD42022308833.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Schou Andersen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
- BRIDGE (Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Mikkel Seremet Kofoed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE (Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Asger Sand Paludan-Müller
- Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and NHTA: Market Access & Health Economics Consultancy, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Bonde Pedersen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE (Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tiit Mathiesen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Mawrin
- Department of Neuropathology, Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martin Wirenfeldt
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Biology, Hospital South West Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Birgitte Brinkmann Olsen
- Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bo Halle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE (Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Frantz Rom Poulsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE (Brain Research - Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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10
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Henikoff S, Henikoff JG, Ahmad K, Paranal RM, Janssens DH, Russell ZR, Szulzewsky F, Kugel S, Holland EC. Epigenomic analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples by CUT&Tag. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5930. [PMID: 37739938 PMCID: PMC10516967 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41666-z] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
For more than a century, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sample preparation has been the preferred method for long-term preservation of biological material. However, the use of FFPE samples for epigenomic studies has been difficult because of chromatin damage from long exposure to high concentrations of formaldehyde. Previously, we introduced Cleavage Under Targeted Accessible Chromatin (CUTAC), an antibody-targeted chromatin accessibility mapping protocol based on CUT&Tag. Here we show that simple modifications of our CUTAC protocol either in single tubes or directly on slides produce high-resolution maps of paused RNA Polymerase II at enhancers and promoters using FFPE samples. We find that transcriptional regulatory element differences produced by FFPE-CUTAC distinguish between mouse brain tumors and identify and map regulatory element markers with high confidence and precision, including microRNAs not detectable by RNA-seq. Our simple workflows make possible affordable epigenomic profiling of archived biological samples for biomarker identification, clinical applications and retrospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Henikoff
- Basic Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
| | - Jorja G Henikoff
- Basic Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kami Ahmad
- Basic Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ronald M Paranal
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Derek H Janssens
- Basic Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zachary R Russell
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sita Kugel
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric C Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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11
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Nobee A, Xu M, Seth A, Rong Y. Atypical Intraparenchymal Meningioma with YAP1-MAML2 Fusion in a Young Adult Male: A Case Report and Mini Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12814. [PMID: 37628996 PMCID: PMC10454436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612814] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic Yes-associated protein (YAP) 1 fusions have been recently identified in several cases of meningioma mostly involving pediatric patients. The meningiomas harboring YAP1-MAML2, which is the most frequent fusion subtype, exhibit activated YAP1 signaling and share similarities with NF2 (neurofibromatosis type 2 gene) mutant meningiomas. We reported a rare case of atypical intraparenchymal meningioma with YAP1-MAML2 fusion in a 20-year-old male. The patient presented with an episode of seizure without a medical history. MRI revealed a lesion in the right temporal lobe without extra-axial involvement. The radiological and morphological findings, however, were indistinctive from other intracranial diseases, e.g., vascular malformation and glioma. Immunohistochemical results confirmed the presence of abundant meningothelial cells in the tumor and indicated brain invasion, supporting the diagnosis of atypical intraparenchymal meningioma. Targeted RNA fusion analysis further identified a YAP1-MAML2 rearrangement in the tumor. Non-dural-based intraparenchymal meningiomas are uncommon, and the careful selection of specific tumor markers is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, the detection of the fusion gene provides valuable insights into the oncogenic mechanism of meningioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Nobee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Mei Xu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA
| | - Anjali Seth
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Yuan Rong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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12
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Arora S, Szulzewsky F, Jensen M, Nuechterlein N, Pattwell SS, Holland EC. Visualizing genomic characteristics across an RNA-Seq based reference landscape of normal and neoplastic brain. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4228. [PMID: 36918656 PMCID: PMC10014937 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to better understand the relationship between normal and neoplastic brain, we combined five publicly available large-scale datasets, correcting for batch effects and applying Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) to RNA-Seq data. We assembled a reference Brain-UMAP including 702 adult gliomas, 802 pediatric tumors and 1409 healthy normal brain samples, which can be utilized to investigate the wealth of information obtained from combining several publicly available datasets to study a single organ site. Normal brain regions and tumor types create distinct clusters and because the landscape is generated by RNA-Seq, comparative gene expression profiles and gene ontology patterns are readily evident. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis that allows for comparison of gene expression and pathways of interest across adult gliomas, pediatric brain tumors, and normal brain regions. We provide access to this resource via the open source, interactive online tool Oncoscape, where the scientific community can readily visualize clinical metadata, gene expression patterns, gene fusions, mutations, and copy number patterns for individual genes and pathway over this reference landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Arora
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Mailstop C3-168, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Mailstop C3-168, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Matt Jensen
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Mailstop C3-168, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Nicholas Nuechterlein
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Siobhan S Pattwell
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric C Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Mailstop C3-168, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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13
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Pobbati AV, Kumar R, Rubin BP, Hong W. Therapeutic targeting of TEAD transcription factors in cancer. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:450-462. [PMID: 36709077 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway inhibits the activity of the oncogenic YAP (Yes-associated protein)/TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif)-TEAD (TEA/ATTS domain) transcriptional complex. In cancers, inactivating mutations in upstream Hippo components and/or enhanced activity of YAP/TAZ and TEAD have been observed. The activity of this transcriptional complex can be effectively inhibited by targeting the TEAD family of transcription factors. The development of TEAD inhibitors has been driven by the discovery that TEAD has druggable hydrophobic pockets, and is currently at the clinical development stage. Three small molecule TEAD inhibitors are currently being tested in Phase I clinical trials. In this review, we highlight the role of TEADs in cancer, discuss various avenues through which TEAD activity can be inhibited, and outline the opportunities for the administration of TEAD inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajaybabu V Pobbati
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore 138673
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Wanjin Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore 138673.
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14
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Arora S, Szulzewsky F, Jensen M, Nuechterlein N, Pattwell SS, Holland EC. An RNA seq-based reference landscape of human normal and neoplastic brain. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2448083. [PMID: 36711972 PMCID: PMC9882693 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2448083/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In order to better understand the relationship between normal and neoplastic brain, we combined five publicly available large-scale datasets, correcting for batch effects and applying Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) to RNA-seq data. We assembled a reference Brain-UMAP including 702 adult gliomas, 802 pediatric tumors and 1409 healthy normal brain samples, which can be utilized to investigate the wealth of information obtained from combining several publicly available datasets to study a single organ site. Normal brain regions and tumor types create distinct clusters and because the landscape is generated by RNA seq, comparative gene expression profiles and gene ontology patterns are readily evident. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis that allows for comparison of gene expression and pathways of interest across adult gliomas, pediatric brain tumors, and normal brain regions. We provide access to this resource via the open source, interactive online tool Oncoscape, where the scientific community can readily visualize clinical metadata, gene expression patterns, gene fusions, mutations, and copy number patterns for individual genes and pathway over this reference landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Siobhan S Pattwell
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute
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15
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Arora S, Szulzewsky F, Jensen M, Nuechterlein N, Pattwell SS, Holland EC. An RNA seq-based reference landscape of human normal and neoplastic brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.03.522658. [PMID: 36711910 PMCID: PMC9881953 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.03.522658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In order to better understand the relationship between normal and neoplastic brain, we combined five publicly available large-scale datasets, correcting for batch effects and applying Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) to RNA-seq data. We assembled a reference Brain-UMAP including 702 adult gliomas, 802 pediatric tumors and 1409 healthy normal brain samples, which can be utilized to investigate the wealth of information obtained from combining several publicly available datasets to study a single organ site. Normal brain regions and tumor types create distinct clusters and because the landscape is generated by RNA seq, comparative gene expression profiles and gene ontology patterns are readily evident. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis that allows for comparison of gene expression and pathways of interest across adult gliomas, pediatric brain tumors, and normal brain regions. We provide access to this resource via the open source, interactive online tool Oncoscape, where the scientific community can readily visualize clinical metadata, gene expression patterns, gene fusions, mutations, and copy number patterns for individual genes and pathway over this reference landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Arora
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Mailstop C3-168, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Frank Szulzewsky
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Mailstop C3-168, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Matt Jensen
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Mailstop C3-168, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Nicholas Nuechterlein
- Paul Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Siobhan S Pattwell
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Eric C Holland
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Mailstop C3-168, Seattle, WA 98109
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16
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Sahebjam S, Gilbert MR. Modeling YAP fusions: a paradigm for investigating rare cancers? Genes Dev 2022; 36:874-875. [PMID: 36207139 PMCID: PMC9575698 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350069.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Loss of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene is a common finding in meningiomas, and more recently YAP1 fusions have been found in a subset of pediatric NF2 wild-type meningiomas. In the previous issue of Genes & Development, Szulzewsky and colleagues (pp. 857-870) showed that TEAD-dependent YAP1 activity by either the loss of the NF2 gene or YAP1-MAML2 fusion is an oncogenic process promoting meningioma tumorigenesis. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of YAP1-TEAD resulted in antitumor activity in both YAP1 fusion-positive and NF2 mutant meningiomas. Together, these data indicate that disruption of the YAP1-TEAD interaction raises a potential therapeutic option for these tumors that requires future investigation.
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