1
|
Jovanovich N, Habib A, Chilukuri A, Hameed NUF, Deng H, Shanahan R, Head JR, Zinn PO. Sex-specific molecular differences in glioblastoma: assessing the clinical significance of genetic variants. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1340386. [PMID: 38322284 PMCID: PMC10844554 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1340386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive types of brain cancer, and despite rigorous research, patient prognosis remains poor. The characterization of sex-specific differences in incidence and overall survival (OS) of these patients has led to an investigation of the molecular mechanisms that may underlie this dimorphism. Methods We reviewed the published literature describing the gender specific differences in GBM Biology reported in the last ten years and summarized the available information that may point towards a patient-tailored GBM therapy. Results Radiomics analyses have revealed that imaging parameters predict OS and treatment response of GBM patients in a sex-specific manner. Moreover, gender-based analysis of the transcriptome GBM tumors has found differential expression of various genes, potentially impacting the OS survival of patients in a sex-dependent manner. In addition to gene expression differences, the timing (subclonal or clonal) of the acquisition of common GBM-driver mutations, metabolism requirements, and immune landscape of these tumors has also been shown to be sex-specific, leading to a differential therapeutic response by sex. In male patients, transformed astrocytes are more sensitive to glutaminase 1 (GLS1) inhibition due to increased requirements for glutamine uptake. In female patients, GBM is more sensitive to anti-IL1β due to an increased population of circulating granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (gMDSC). Conclusion Moving forward, continued elucidation of GBM sexual dimorphism will be critical in improving the OS of GBM patients by ensuring that treatment plans are structured to exploit these sex-specific, molecular vulnerabilities in GBM tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolina Jovanovich
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ahmed Habib
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Akanksha Chilukuri
- Rangos Research Center, Children’s Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - N. U. Farrukh Hameed
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Hansen Deng
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Regan Shanahan
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jeffrey R. Head
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Pascal O. Zinn
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kim MJ, Martin CA, Kim J, Jablonski MM. Computational methods in glaucoma research: Current status and future outlook. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101222. [PMID: 37925783 PMCID: PMC10842846 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101222] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in computational techniques have transformed glaucoma research, providing a deeper understanding of genetics, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets. Systems genetics integrates genomic and clinical data, aiding in identifying drug targets, comprehending disease mechanisms, and personalizing treatment strategies for glaucoma. Molecular dynamics simulations offer valuable molecular-level insights into glaucoma-related biomolecule behavior and drug interactions, guiding experimental studies and drug discovery efforts. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies hold promise in revolutionizing glaucoma research, enhancing disease diagnosis, target identification, and drug candidate selection. The generalized protocols for systems genetics, MD simulations, and AI model development are included as a guide for glaucoma researchers. These computational methods, however, are not separate and work harmoniously together to discover novel ways to combat glaucoma. Ongoing research and progresses in genomics technologies, MD simulations, and AI methodologies project computational methods to become an integral part of glaucoma research in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minjae J Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Hamilton Eye Institute, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Cole A Martin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Hamilton Eye Institute, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Jinhwa Kim
- Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence, Graduate School of Metaverse, Department of Management Information Systems, Sogang University, 1 Shinsoo-Dong, Mapo-Gu, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Monica M Jablonski
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Hamilton Eye Institute, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu X, Li Z, Wang ZQ, Xu X. The neurological and non-neurological roles of the primary microcephaly-associated protein ASPM. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1242448. [PMID: 37599996 PMCID: PMC10436222 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1242448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary microcephaly (MCPH), is a neurological disorder characterized by small brain size that results in numerous developmental problems, including intellectual disability, motor and speech delays, and seizures. Hitherto, over 30 MCPH causing genes (MCPHs) have been identified. Among these MCPHs, MCPH5, which encodes abnormal spindle-like microcephaly-associated protein (ASPM), is the most frequently mutated gene. ASPM regulates mitotic events, cell proliferation, replication stress response, DNA repair, and tumorigenesis. Moreover, using a data mining approach, we have confirmed that high levels of expression of ASPM correlate with poor prognosis in several types of tumors. Here, we summarize the neurological and non-neurological functions of ASPM and provide insight into its implications for the diagnosis and treatment of MCPH and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingxuan Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen University-Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena Joint PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Laboratory of Genome Stability, Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Zheng Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhao-Qi Wang
- Shenzhen University-Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena Joint PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Laboratory of Genome Stability, Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Xingzhi Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen University-Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena Joint PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yin L, Li W, Chen X, Wang R, Zhang T, Meng J, Li Z, Xu L, Yin R, Cheng B, Yang H. HOOK1 Inhibits the Progression of Renal Cell Carcinoma via TGF-β and TNFSF13B/VEGF-A Axis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206955. [PMID: 37085921 PMCID: PMC10265082 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206955] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows HOOK1 disordered in human malignancies. However, the clinicopathological and biological significance of HOOK1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains rarely studied. In this study, the authors demonstrate that HOOK1 is downregulated in RCC samples with predicted poorer clinical prognosis. Mechanistically, HOOK1 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis via canonical TGF-β/ALK5/p-Smad3 and non-canonical TGF-β/MEK/ERK/c-Myc pathway. At the same time, HOOK1 inhibits RCC angiogenesis and sunitinib resistance by promoting degradation of TNFSF13B through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In addition, HOOK1 is transcriptionally regulated by nuclear factor E2F3 in VHL dependent manner. Notably, an agonist of HOOK1, meletin, is screened and it shows antitumor activity more effectively when combined with sunitinib or nivolumab than it is used alone. The findings reveal a pivotal role of HOOK1 in anti-cancer treatment, and identify a novel therapeutic strategy for renal cell carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yin
- Department of UrologyPutuo People's HospitalTongji UniversityShanghai200060P. R. China
- Department of UrologyRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025P. R. China
| | - Wenjia Li
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025P. R. China
| | - Xuxiao Chen
- Department of General SurgeryHepatobiliary SurgeryShanghai Institute of Digestive SurgeryRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025P. R. China
| | - Ronghao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000P. R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of UrologyPutuo People's HospitalTongji UniversityShanghai200060P. R. China
| | - Jialin Meng
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary DiseasesAnhui Medical UniversityHefei230032P. R. China
| | - Zhao Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya Hospital Central South UniversityChangsha410008P. R. China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe First People's Hospital of ChangdeChangde415000P. R. China
| | - Rui Yin
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinan250012P. R. China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Department of UrologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000P. R. China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of UrologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|