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Qin N, Paisana E, Picard D, Leprivier G, Langini M, Custódia C, Cascão R, Conrad C, Peitzsch M, Stefanski A, Stühler K, Fischer U, Faria CC, Dietrich S, Reifenberger G, Remke M. The long non-coding RNA OTX2-AS1 promotes tumor growth and predicts response to BCL-2 inhibition in medulloblastoma. J Neurooncol 2023; 165:329-342. [PMID: 37976029 PMCID: PMC10689561 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04508-y] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary brain tumors are a leading cause of cancer-related death in children, and medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. The current molecular characterization of medulloblastoma is mainly based on protein-coding genes, while little is known about the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). This study aimed to elucidate the role of the lncRNA OTX2-AS1 in medulloblastoma. METHODS Analyses of DNA copy number alterations, methylation profiles, and gene expression data were used to characterize molecular alterations of OTX2-AS1 in medulloblastoma tissue samples. In vitro analyses of medulloblastoma cell models and orthotopic in vivo experiments were carried out for functional characterization of OTX2-AS1. High-throughput drug screening was employed to identify pharmacological inhibitors, while proteomics and metabolomics analyses were performed to address potential mechanisms of drug action. RESULTS We detected amplification and consecutive overexpression of OTX2 and OTX2-AS1 in a subset of medulloblastomas. In addition, OTX2-AS1 promoter methylation was linked to OTX2-AS1 expression. OTX2-AS1 knockout reduced medulloblastoma cell viability and cell migration in vitro and prolonged survival in the D283 orthotopic medulloblastoma mouse xenograft model. Pharmacological inhibition of BCL-2 suppressed the growth of OTX2-AS1 overexpressing medulloblastoma cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a pro-tumorigenic role of OTX2-AS1 in medulloblastoma and identified BCL-2 inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach to target OTX2-AS1 overexpressing medulloblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Qin
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- High-Throughput Drug Screening Core Facility, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (MSSO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Eunice Paisana
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Daniel Picard
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gabriel Leprivier
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maike Langini
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Carlos Custódia
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Rita Cascão
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Catleen Conrad
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anja Stefanski
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Medicine 1, Heinrich Heine University Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Medicine 1, Heinrich Heine University Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ute Fischer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claudia C Faria
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, EPE, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Sascha Dietrich
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Guido Reifenberger
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marc Remke
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- High-Throughput Drug Screening Core Facility, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Fitzgerald MC, O’Halloran PJ, Connolly NMC, Murphy BM. Targeting the apoptosis pathway to treat tumours of the paediatric nervous system. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:460. [PMID: 35568716 PMCID: PMC9107479 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04900-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
New, more effective therapeutics are required for the treatment of paediatric cancers. Current treatment protocols of cytotoxic treatments including chemotherapy trigger cancer-cell death by engaging the apoptosis pathway, and chemotherapy efficacy is frequently impeded by apoptosis dysregulation. Apoptosis dysregulation, through genetic or epigenetic mechanisms, is a feature of many cancer types, and contributes to reduced treatment response, disease progression and ultimately treatment resistance. Novel approaches are required to overcome dysregulated apoptosis signalling, increase the efficacy of cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. Here, we provide an insight into current knowledge of how the apoptosis pathway is dysregulated in paediatric nervous system tumours, with a focus on TRAIL receptors, the BCL-2 proteins and the IAP family, and highlight preclinical evidence demonstrating that pharmacological manipulation of the apoptosis pathway can restore apoptosis signalling and sensitise cancer cells to treatment. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Fitzgerald
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77 Ireland ,grid.417322.10000 0004 0516 3853National Children’s Research Centre at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512 Ireland
| | - Philip J. O’Halloran
- grid.417322.10000 0004 0516 3853National Children’s Research Centre at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512 Ireland ,grid.415490.d0000 0001 2177 007XDepartment of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Niamh M. C. Connolly
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77 Ireland ,grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77 Ireland
| | - Brona M. Murphy
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77 Ireland ,grid.417322.10000 0004 0516 3853National Children’s Research Centre at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512 Ireland ,grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77 Ireland
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Visani M, Marucci G, de Biase D, Giangaspero F, Buttarelli FR, Brandes AA, Franceschi E, Acquaviva G, Ciarrocchi A, Rhoden KJ, Tallini G, Pession A. miR-196B-5P and miR-200B-3P Are Differentially Expressed in Medulloblastomas of Adults and Children. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10050265. [PMID: 32365560 PMCID: PMC7277606 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10050265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor that typically affects children, while in adults it represents ~1% of all brain tumors. Little is known about microRNA expression profile of the rare adult medulloblastoma. The main aim of this study was to identify peculiar differences in microRNA expression between childhood and adult medulloblastoma. Medulloblastomas were profiled for microRNA expression using the Exiqon Human miRNome panel (I + II) analyzing 752 microRNAs in a training set of six adult and six childhood cases. Then, the most differentially expressed microRNAs were validated in a total of 21 adult and 19 childhood cases. Eight microRNAs (miR-196b-5p, miR-183-5p, miR-200b-3p, miR-196a-5p, miR-193a-3p, miR-29c-3p, miR-33b-5p, and miR-200a-3p) were differentially expressed in medulloblastoma of adults and children. Analysis of the validation set confirmed that miR-196b-5p and miR-200b-3p were significantly overexpressed in medulloblastoma of adults as compared with those of children. We followed an in silico approach to investigate direct targets and the pathways involved for the two microRNAs (miR-196b and miR-200b) differently expressed between adult and childhood medulloblastoma. Adult and childhood medulloblastoma have different miRNA expression profiles. In particular, the differential dysregulation of miR-196b-5p and miR-200b-3p characterizes the miRNA profile of adult medulloblastoma and suggests potential targets for novel diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Visani
- Department of Specialized, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine, Anatomic Pathology-Molecular Diagnostic Unit AUSL-IRCCS of Bologna, University of Bologna School of Medicine, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (G.T.)
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (D.d.B.); Tel.: +39-051-214-4717 (M.V. & D.d.B.); Fax: +39-051-636-3682 (M.V. & D.d.B.)
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Ospedale Bellaria AUSL-IRCCS of Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Dario de Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Molecular Diagnostic Unit AUSL of Bologna, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (D.d.B.); Tel.: +39-051-214-4717 (M.V. & D.d.B.); Fax: +39-051-636-3682 (M.V. & D.d.B.)
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University School of Medicine, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli (Isernia), Italy
| | | | - Alba Ariela Brandes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bellaria–Maggiore Hospitals AUSL-IRCCS of Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (A.A.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Enrico Franceschi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bellaria–Maggiore Hospitals AUSL-IRCCS of Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (A.A.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Giorgia Acquaviva
- Department of Specialized, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine, Anatomic Pathology-Molecular Diagnostic Unit AUSL-IRCCS of Bologna, University of Bologna School of Medicine, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Kerry Jane Rhoden
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medical Genetics Unit, University of Bologna School of Medicine, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Tallini
- Department of Specialized, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine, Anatomic Pathology-Molecular Diagnostic Unit AUSL-IRCCS of Bologna, University of Bologna School of Medicine, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Annalisa Pession
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Molecular Diagnostic Unit AUSL of Bologna, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
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Čančer M, Hutter S, Holmberg KO, Rosén G, Sundström A, Tailor J, Bergström T, Garancher A, Essand M, Wechsler-Reya RJ, Falk A, Weishaupt H, Swartling FJ. Humanized Stem Cell Models of Pediatric Medulloblastoma Reveal an Oct4/mTOR Axis that Promotes Malignancy. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 25:855-870.e11. [PMID: 31786016 PMCID: PMC6900751 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), the most frequent malignant childhood brain tumor, can arise from cellular malfunctions during hindbrain development. Here we generate humanized models for Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)-subgroup MB via MYCN overexpression in primary human hindbrain-derived neuroepithelial stem (hbNES) cells or iPSC-derived NES cells, which display a range of aggressive phenotypes upon xenografting. iPSC-derived NES tumors develop quickly with leptomeningeal dissemination, whereas hbNES-derived cells exhibit delayed tumor formation with less dissemination. Methylation and expression profiling show that tumors from both origins recapitulate hallmarks of infant SHH MB and reveal that mTOR activation, as a result of increased Oct4, promotes aggressiveness of human SHH tumors. Targeting mTOR decreases cell viability and prolongs survival, showing the utility of these varied models for dissecting mechanisms mediating tumor aggression and demonstrating the value of humanized models for a better understanding of pediatric cancers. Human iPSC-derived or primary neuroepithelial stem cells can be transformed by MYCN MYCN drives infant SHH medulloblastoma with clinically relevant features Epigenetically regulated Oct4 promotes mTOR hyperactivation in infant SHH tumors mTOR inhibition efficiently targets metastatic SHH medulloblastoma models and PDXs
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Affiliation(s)
- Matko Čančer
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sonja Hutter
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karl O Holmberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gabriela Rosén
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Sundström
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jignesh Tailor
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Tobias Bergström
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Garancher
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 92037 La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Magnus Essand
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert J Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 92037 La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Holger Weishaupt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik J Swartling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Fults DW, Taylor MD, Garzia L. Leptomeningeal dissemination: a sinister pattern of medulloblastoma growth. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2019; 23:613-621. [PMID: 30771762 DOI: 10.3171/2018.11.peds18506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Leptomeningeal dissemination (LMD) is the defining pattern of metastasis for medulloblastoma. Although LMD is responsible for virtually 100% of medulloblastoma deaths, it remains the least well-understood part of medulloblastoma pathogenesis. The fact that medulloblastomas rarely metastasize outside the CNS but rather spread almost exclusively to the spinal and intracranial leptomeninges has fostered the long-held belief that medulloblastoma cells spread directly through the CSF, not the bloodstream. In this paper the authors discuss selected molecules for which experimental evidence explains how the effects of each molecule on cell physiology contribute mechanistically to LMD. A model of medulloblastoma LMD is described, analogous to the invasion-metastasis cascade of hematogenous metastasis of carcinomas. The LMD cascade is based on the molecular themes that 1) transcription factors launch cell programs that mediate cell motility and invasiveness and maintain tumor cells in a stem-like state; 2) disseminating medulloblastoma cells escape multiple death threats by subverting apoptosis; and 3) inflammatory chemokine signaling promotes LMD by creating an oncogenic microenvironment. The authors also review recent experimental evidence that challenges the belief that CSF spread is the sole mechanism of LMD and reveal an alternative scheme in which medulloblastoma cells can enter the bloodstream and subsequently home to the leptomeninges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Fults
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah School of Medicine and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Michael D Taylor
- 2Division of Neurosurgery, Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Center, and Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Livia Garzia
- 3Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center and Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Ocak S, Özkan MA, Ozkan F, Öz B, Celkan TT, Apak H. Çocukluk çağı medulloblastom olgularında P53, ERBB2, c-Kit ve BCL2 Ekspresyonunun prognostik ve klinik önemi. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.442463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Jenkins NC, Rao G, Eberhart CG, Pedone CA, Dubuc AM, Fults DW. Somatic cell transfer of c-Myc and Bcl-2 induces large-cell anaplastic medulloblastomas in mice. J Neurooncol 2015; 126:415-24. [PMID: 26518543 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-015-1985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A highly aggressive subgroup of the pediatric brain tumor medulloblastoma is characterized by overexpression of the proto-oncogene c-Myc, which encodes a transcription factor that normally maintains neural progenitor cells in an undifferentiated, proliferating state during embryonic development. Myc-driven medulloblastomas typically show a large-cell anaplastic (LCA) histological pattern, in which tumor cells display large, round nuclei with prominent nucleoli. This subgroup of medulloblastoma is therapeutically challenging because it is associated with a high rate of metastatic dissemination, which is a powerful predictor of short patient survival times. Genetically engineered mouse models have revealed important insights into the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma and served as preclinical testing platforms for new therapies. Here we report a new mouse model of Myc-driven medulloblastoma, in which tumors arise in situ after retroviral transfer and expression of Myc in Nestin-expressing neural progenitor cells in the cerebella of newborn mice. Tumor induction required concomitant loss of Tp53 or overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Like Myc-driven medulloblastomas in humans, the tumors induced in mice by Myc + Bcl-2 and Myc - Tp53 showed LCA cytoarchitecture and a high rate of metastatic dissemination to the spine. The fact that Myc - Tp53 tumors arose only in Tp53(-/-) mice, coupled with the inefficient germline transmission of the Tp53-null allele, made retroviral transfer of Myc + Bcl-2 a more practical method for generating LCA medulloblastomas. The high rate of spinal metastasis (87% of brain tumor-bearing mice) will be an asset for testing new therapies that target the most lethal aspect of medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah C Jenkins
- Department of Neurosurgery and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Ganesh Rao
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carolyn A Pedone
- Department of Neurosurgery and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Adrian M Dubuc
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel W Fults
- Department of Neurosurgery and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
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Vriend J, Ghavami S, Marzban H. The role of the ubiquitin proteasome system in cerebellar development and medulloblastoma. Mol Brain 2015; 8:64. [PMID: 26475605 PMCID: PMC4609148 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0155-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar granule cells precursors are derived from the upper rhombic lip and migrate tangentially independent of glia along the subpial stream pathway to form the external germinal zone. Postnatally, granule cells migrate from the external germinal zone radially through the Purkinje cell layer, guided by Bergmann glia fibers, to the internal granular cell layer. Medulloblastomas (MBs) are the most common malignant childhood brain tumor. Many of these tumors develop from precursor cells of the embryonic rhombic lips. Four main groups of MB are recognized. The WNT group of MBs arise primarily from the lower rhombic lip and embryonic brainstem. The SHH group of MBs originate from cerebellar granule cell precursors in the external germinal zone of the embryonic cerebellum. The cellular origins of type 3 and type 4 MBs are not clear. Several ubiquitin ligases are revealed to be significant factors in development of the cerebellum as well as in the initiation and maintenance of MBs. Proteasome dysfunction at a critical stage of development may be a major factor in determining whether progenitor cells which are destined to become granule cells differentiate normally or become MB cells. We propose the hypothesis that proteasomal activity is essential to regulate the critical transition between proliferating granule cells and differentiated granule cells and that proteasome dysfunction may lead to MB. Proteasome dysfunction could also account for various mutations in MBs resulting from deficiencies in DNA checkpoint and repair mechanisms prior to development of MBs. Data showing a role for the ubiquitin ligases β-TrCP, FBW7, Huwe1, and SKP2 in MBs suggest the possibility of a classification of MBs based on the expression (over expression or under expression) of specific ubiquitin ligases which function as oncogenes, tumor suppressors or cell cycle regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Vriend
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Hassan Marzban
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. .,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada.
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Overcoming multiple drug resistance mechanisms in medulloblastoma. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2014; 2:57. [PMID: 24887326 PMCID: PMC4229867 DOI: 10.1186/2051-5960-2-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour. Recurrence and progression of disease occurs in 15-20% of standard risk and 30-40% of high risk patients. We analysed whether circumvention of chemoresistance pathways (drug export, DNA repair and apoptotic inhibition) can restore chemotherapeutic efficacy in a panel of MB cell lines. RESULTS We demonstrate, by immunohistochemistry in patient tissue microarrays, that ABCB1 is expressed in 43% of tumours and is significantly associated with high-risk. We show that ABCB1, O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) and BCL2 family members are differentially expressed (by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and flow cytometry) in MB cell lines. Based on these findings, each pathway was then inhibited or circumvented and cell survival assessed using clonogenic assays. Inhibition of ABCB1 using vardenafil or verapamil resulted in a significant increase in sensitivity to etoposide in ABCB1-expressing MB cell lines. Sensitivity to temozolomide (TMZ) was MGMT-dependent, but two novel imidazotetrazine derivatives (N-3 sulfoxide and N-3 propargyl TMZ analogues) demonstrated ≥7 fold and ≥3 fold more potent cytotoxicity respectively compared to TMZ in MGMT-expressing MB cell lines. Activity of the BAD mimetic ABT-737 was BCL2A1 and ABCB1 dependent, whereas the pan-BCL2 inhibitor obatoclax was effective as a single cytotoxic agent irrespective of MCL1, BCL2, BCL2A1, or ABCB1 expression. CONCLUSIONS ABCB1 is associated with high-risk MB; hence, inhibition of ABCB1 by vardenafil may represent a valid approach in these patients. Imidazotetrazine analogues of TMZ and the BH3 mimetic obatoclax are promising clinical candidates in drug resistant MB tumours expressing MGMT and BCL2 anti-apoptotic members respectively.
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Moschovi M, Koultouki E, Stefanaki K, Sfakianos G, Tourkantoni N, Prodromou N, Alexiou GA. Prognostic significance of angiogenesis in relation to Ki-67, p-53, p-27, and bcl-2 expression in embryonal tumors. Pediatr Neurosurg 2011; 47:241-7. [PMID: 22309998 DOI: 10.1159/000335398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM We investigated the angiogenesis and density of newly formed blood vessels in embryonal tumors in relation to Ki-67, bcl-2, p-53 and p-27 expression. METHODS Forty-five children with embryonal tumors were enrolled in the study. Forty patients had a medulloblastoma (MB) and 5 patients had atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT). RESULTS In MB, the 5-year PFS and OS was 62.5 and 70%, respectively. Patients with Ki-67 index >50%, bcl-2 index >30% and higher density of new vessels were associated with worse survival. In the multivariate analysis, Ki-67 index was identified as a factor with independent prognostic power. In AT/RTs, high density of new vessels (>25 HRF) was observed in 3 patients and Ki-67 index over 25% was found in 4 patients. CONCLUSION Increased Ki-67, bcl-2 and density of new vessels are of prognostic value for the disease outcome in MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Moschovi
- Hematology-Oncology Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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11
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Srikantha U, Balasubramaniam A, Santosh V, Somanna S, Bhagavatula ID, Ashwathnarayana CB. Recurrence in medulloblastoma – Influence of clinical, histological and immunohistochemical factors. Br J Neurosurg 2010; 24:280-8. [DOI: 10.3109/02688691003660558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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12
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Medulloblastomas: a correlative study of MIB-1 proliferation index along with expression of c-Myc, ERBB2, and anti-apoptotic proteins along with histological typing and clinical outcome. Childs Nerv Syst 2009; 25:825-35. [PMID: 19444455 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-009-0884-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric brain tumor. It is however rare in adults. The genetic and protein expression profile of medulloblastoma is complex, which is worthwhile in terms of prognostication and development or selection of targeted therapy. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aims and objectives to correlate the MIB-1 proliferation index and protein expression profiles of c-Myc, ERBB2, and anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl2 and Bcl-xL) in tumor cells with histological subtypes and clinical outcome. METHODS AND MATERIAL In 50 cases, histopathological subtyping was done, and protein expression profiling by immunohistochemical technique was performed by stains for MIB-1, Bcl2, Bcl-xL, c-Myc, and ERBB2 in 30 cases. The findings were correlated with histological types and patient's average follow-up data. RESULTS Histological subtypes were similar to that described in literatures. The average expression of Bcl2, Bcl-xL, MIB-1, c-Myc, and ERBB2 were as follows: 50.38%, 38.18%, 59.03%, 46.16%, and 59.62%, respectively. Bcl2 expression showed statistically significant correlation with progress-free survival (PFS) [p = 0.046], while ERBB2 and MIB-1 showed a trend of higher expression in progressive disease. The protein expression pattern did not correlate with histological subtypes. CONCLUSION Though Bcl-2, ERBB2, and MIB-1 LI came out to be potential markers of aggressive behavior, c-Myc did not correlate with PFS in MB.
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13
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Schüller U, Heine VM, Mao J, Kho AT, Dillon AK, Han YG, Huillard E, Sun T, Ligon AH, Qian Y, Ma Q, Alvarez-Buylla A, McMahon AP, Rowitch DH, Ligon KL. Acquisition of granule neuron precursor identity is a critical determinant of progenitor cell competence to form Shh-induced medulloblastoma. Cancer Cell 2008; 14:123-34. [PMID: 18691547 PMCID: PMC2597270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2008.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 482] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2008] [Revised: 06/03/2008] [Accepted: 07/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Whether the brain tumor medulloblastoma originates from stem cells or restricted progenitor cells is unclear. To investigate this, we activated oncogenic Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in multipotent and lineage-restricted central nervous system (CNS) progenitors. We observed that normal unipotent cerebellar granule neuron precursors (CGNPs) derive from hGFAP(+) and Olig2(+) rhombic lip progenitors. Hh activation in a spectrum of early- and late-stage CNS progenitors generated similar medulloblastomas, but not other brain cancers, indicating that acquisition of CGNP identity is essential for tumorigenesis. We show in human and mouse medulloblastoma that cells expressing the glia-associated markers Gfap and Olig2 are neoplastic and retain features of embryonic-type granule lineage progenitors. Thus, oncogenic Hh signaling promotes medulloblastoma from lineage-restricted granule cell progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Schüller
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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14
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McCall TD, Pedone CA, Fults DW. Apoptosis Suppression by Somatic Cell Transfer of Bcl-2 Promotes Sonic Hedgehog–Dependent Medulloblastoma Formation in Mice. Cancer Res 2007; 67:5179-85. [PMID: 17545597 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-4177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastomas are malignant brain tumors that arise in the cerebellum in children. Aberrant activation of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, which normally stimulates proliferation of granule neuron precursors (GNP) during cerebellar development, induces tumors in mice that closely mimic human medulloblastomas. Shh-dependent medulloblastoma formation is enhanced by hyperactive insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling and ectopic expression of Myc oncogenes. This enhanced tumorigenesis stems from the sensitivity of GNPs to IGF and Myc levels in regulating proliferation. An emerging theme in cancer research is that oncogene-induced cell proliferation cannot initiate neoplastic transformation unless cellular programs that mediate apoptosis are disabled. Here, we report a high frequency of medulloblastoma formation in mice after postnatal overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in cooperation with Shh. Ectopic expression of Bcl-2 alone or in combination with N-Myc did not induce tumors, indicating that Shh has essential transforming functions in GNPs not supplied by the mitogenic stimulus of N-Myc combined with a strong antiapoptotic signal provided by Bcl-2. Expression of endogenous Bcl-2 was not up-regulated in Shh-induced tumors. Instead, elevated levels of phosphorylated Akt were found, suggesting that activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling is one intrinsic mechanism for suppressing apoptosis in Shh-dependent medulloblastomas. Thus, blockade of apoptosis cooperates with Shh-stimulated proliferation to transform GNPs and induce aggressive medulloblastomas. These findings provide insights into the molecular signals that initiate medulloblastoma formation and they support the importance of blocking apoptosis in carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd D McCall
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA
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15
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Bar EE, Chaudhry A, Farah MH, Eberhart CG. Hedgehog signaling promotes medulloblastoma survival via Bc/II. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 170:347-55. [PMID: 17200206 PMCID: PMC1762704 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has been identified in several cancers, including medulloblastoma, but the mechanisms by which this pathway affects tumor survival and growth are incompletely understood. We investigated whether Hedgehog might promote survival of medulloblastoma cells via up-regulation of BclII. We found that mRNA levels of the Hedgehog pathway effector Gli1 were significantly associated with BclII expression in medulloblastoma and that Gli1 and BclII are both present in regions of decreased apoptosis in nodular medulloblastoma. Transient overexpression of Gli1 and Gli2 in medulloblastoma cultures induced a BclII transcriptional reporter and increased BclII protein levels, whereas stable overexpression of Gli1 was associated with increased BclII mRNA. The Hedgehog antagonist cyclopamine blocked expression of the Hh pathway targets PTCH1 and Gli1, lowered BclII levels, and increased apoptosis in DAOY and UW228 medulloblastoma cells. Apoptotic induction caused by cyclopamine could be rescued in part by enforced expression of Gli1 or BclII. Hh pathway blockade also sensitized medulloblastoma to the effects of the proapoptotic agent lovastatin. These data demonstrate that BclII is an important mediator of Hh activity in medulloblastoma and suggest new strategies for combined chemotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli E Bar
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Ave., Ross Building 558, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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16
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Hauser P, Hanzély Z, Jakab Z, Oláh L, Szabó E, Jeney A, Schuler D, Fekete G, Bognár L, Garami M. Expression and prognostic examination of heat shock proteins (HSP 27, HSP 70, and HSP 90) in medulloblastoma. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2006; 28:461-6. [PMID: 16825994 DOI: 10.1097/01.mph.0000212954.35727.ad] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) is of prognostic significance in several tumor types. HSP expression levels were determined in medulloblastomas and tested whether HSPs expression was associated with prognostic parameters. Expression of antiapoptotic HSP 27, HSP 70, and HSP 90 was investigated by immunohistochemistry, on paraffin-embedded sections from 65 patients. Expression of HSPs was validated on internal vascular controls and by Western blotting analysis. Sample evaluation was based on the estimated percentage of HSP positive tumor cells. For survival analysis Kaplan-Meier method, for statistical analysis chi2 test, univariate analysis, and log rank test were applied. Expression of HSPs varied in medulloblastomas. On the basis of the average expression rate of HSPs, at HSP 27 and HSP 90 with a 10% cut off, and at HSP 70 with a 70% cut off 2 groups were created. The amount of expression of any of the HSP types was not significantly associated with known prognostic factors (age of patient, extent of resection, presence of metastasis) and histologic subtype. After an average follow-up period of 4.30 years, no significant difference was observed in survival depending on the expression of HSP 27 or HSP 70 or HSP 90. The high expression of HSPs indicates that these proteins are potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Hauser
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Schüller U, Koch A, Hartmann W, Garrè ML, Goodyer CG, Cama A, Sörensen N, Wiestler OD, Pietsch T. Subtype-specific expression and genetic alterations of the chemokinereceptor gene CXCR4 in medulloblastomas. Int J Cancer 2005; 117:82-9. [PMID: 15880586 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.21116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recent findings indicate that the chemokine receptor Cxcr4 is essential for normal development of the cerebellar cortex. As medulloblastomas (MBs), the most common malignant brain tumors of childhood, are believed to arise from neuronal cerebellar precursors, we asked whether there is a potential role for Cxcr4 in the pathogenesis of MB. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry revealed expression of Cxcr4 in different variants of MBs. Whereas 18/20 classic MBs showed very low levels of CXCR4 mRNA, high amounts were expressed in 17/18 desmoplastic and 6/7 extensively nodular MBs. In addition, a significant correlation of high CXCR4 mRNA levels and presence of the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR or expression of ATOH1 and GLI1 suggests that CXCR4 is a reliable marker for tumors derived from the cerebellar external granular layer. Because Cxcr4 is important for migration and cell cycle control of granular precursors, we screened for mutations in the coding region by SSCP and gene sequencing. In a series of 90 MBs and 8 MB cell lines, we found one germline and one somatic mutation resulting in amino acid substitutions in the first (Ile53Leu) and second (Asp97Asn) transmembrane regions, respectively. These data suggest that Cxcr4 may be involved in the pathogenesis of MBs.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Amino Acid Substitution
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
- Cerebellar Neoplasms/classification
- Cerebellar Neoplasms/genetics
- Cerebellar Neoplasms/metabolism
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- DNA/genetics
- DNA Mutational Analysis
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Infant
- Medulloblastoma/classification
- Medulloblastoma/genetics
- Medulloblastoma/metabolism
- Middle Aged
- Mutation/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational
- RNA/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor
- Receptors, CXCR4/genetics
- Receptors, CXCR4/metabolism
- Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor/genetics
- Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Trans-Activators
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Zinc Finger Protein GLI1
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Schüller
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
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Giordana MT, D'Agostino C, Pollo B, Silvani A, Ferracini R, Paiolo A, Ghiglione P, Chiò A. Anaplasia Is Rare and Does Not Influence Prognosis in Adult Medulloblastoma. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2005; 64:869-74. [PMID: 16215458 DOI: 10.1097/01.jnen.0000182980.64236.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Histopathologic grading based on increasing anaplasia predicts clinical behavior of pediatric medulloblastomas. The present study was aimed at grading 86 medulloblastomas of adult patients (aged 18 and older) by anaplasia and analyzing the predictive power. Nodularity, desmoplasia, nuclear size, nuclear pleomorphism, necrosis, and endothelial proliferations have been evaluated. Morphometric analysis of nuclear size was performed using the Eclipse Net program. Patients treated with standard postoperative radiotherapy (35 Gy to craniospinal axis and 50 Gy to posterior fossa) were considered for correlation with survival. Pathologic data and total survival were compared by Kaplan-Meier and logrank analysis. No correlation was found between total survival duration and individual pathologic features. Cooccurrence of nuclear pleomorphism, large nuclear diameter, microvascular proliferations, and necroses did not predict outcome. Severe nuclear pleomorphism was found in 4 of 86 cases; the only large-cell medulloblastoma was from an 18-year-old patient. Histopathologic factors have no clinical use for stratification of patients in risk groups. The histologic spectrum of medulloblastoma in adults is different from that in children.
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