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Nicheperovich A, Townsend-Nicholson A. Towards Precision Oncology: The Role of Smoothened and Its Variants in Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101648. [PMID: 36294790 PMCID: PMC9605185 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (Smo) is a central signal transducer of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway which has been linked to diverse forms of tumours. Stimulated by advancements in structural and functional characterisation, the Smo receptor has been recognised as an important therapeutic target in Hh-driven cancers, and several Smo inhibitors have now been approved for cancer therapy. This receptor is also known to be an oncoprotein itself and its gain-of-function variants have been associated with skin, brain, and liver cancers. According to the COSMIC database, oncogenic mutations of Smo have been identified in various other tumours, although their oncogenic effect remains unknown in these tissues. Drug resistance is a common challenge in cancer therapies targeting Smo, and data analysis shows that healthy individuals also harbour resistance mutations. Based on the importance of Smo in cancer progression and the high incidence of resistance towards Smo inhibitors, this review suggests that detection of Smo variants through tumour profiling could lead to increased precision and improved outcomes of anti-cancer treatments.
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2
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Antonica F, Aiello G, Soldano A, Abballe L, Miele E, Tiberi L. Modeling Brain Tumors: A Perspective Overview of in vivo and Organoid Models. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:818696. [PMID: 35706426 PMCID: PMC9190727 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.818696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are a large and heterogeneous group of neoplasms that affect the central nervous system and include some of the deadliest cancers. Almost all the conventional and new treatments fail to hinder tumoral growth of the most malignant brain tumors. This is due to multiple factors, such as intra-tumor heterogeneity, the microenvironmental properties of the human brain, and the lack of reliable models to test new therapies. Therefore, creating faithful models for each tumor and discovering tailored treatments pose great challenges in the fight against brain cancer. Over the years, different types of models have been generated, and, in this review, we investigated the advantages and disadvantages of the models currently used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Antonica
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Aiello
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessia Soldano
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Tiberi
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luca Tiberi,
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3
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Smit MJ, Martini TEI, Armandari I, Bočkaj I, Zomerman WW, de Camargo Magalhães ES, Siragna Z, Meeuwsen TGJ, Scherpen FJG, Schoots MH, Ritsema M, den Dunnen WFA, Hoving EW, Paridaen JTML, de Haan G, Guryev V, Bruggeman SWM. The developmental stage of the medulloblastoma cell-of-origin restricts Hedgehog pathway usage and drug sensitivity. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:275628. [PMID: 35535520 PMCID: PMC9234672 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma originates from the cerebellar granule neuron progenitor (CGNP) lineage, which depends on Hedgehog signaling for its perinatal expansion. Whereas SHH tumors exhibit overall deregulation of this pathway, they also show patient age-specific aberrations. To investigate whether the developmental stage of the CGNP can account for these age-specific lesions, we analyzed developing murine CGNP transcriptomes and observed highly dynamic gene expression as a function of age. Cross-species comparison with human SHH medulloblastoma showed partial maintenance of these expression patterns, and highlighted low primary cilium expression as hallmark of infant medulloblastoma and early embryonic CGNPs. This coincided with reduced responsiveness to upstream SHH pathway component Smoothened, whereas sensitivity to downstream components SUFU and GLI family proteins was retained. Together, these findings can explain the preference for SUFU mutations in infant medulloblastoma and suggest that drugs targeting the downstream SHH pathway will be most appropriate for infant patients. Summary: There is a relationship between the age of the medulloblastoma patient and the developmental age of the tumor cell-of-origin, and this influences the SHH pathway signaling route used by the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlinde J Smit
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tosca E I Martini
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Inna Armandari
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Irena Bočkaj
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Walderik W Zomerman
- Department of Pediatrics/Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eduardo S de Camargo Magalhães
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21949-590, Brazil
| | - Zillah Siragna
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tiny G J Meeuwsen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J G Scherpen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mirthe H Schoots
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martha Ritsema
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F A den Dunnen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eelco W Hoving
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith T M L Paridaen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerald de Haan
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Present address: Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Victor Guryev
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sophia W M Bruggeman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
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4
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Wang W, Shiraishi R, Kawauchi D. Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Cerebellar Development and Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:864035. [PMID: 35573667 PMCID: PMC9100414 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.864035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway regulates the development of the central nervous system in vertebrates. Aberrant regulation of SHH signaling pathways often causes neurodevelopmental diseases and brain tumors. In the cerebellum, SHH secreted by Purkinje cells is a potent mitogen for granule cell progenitors, which are the most abundant cell type in the mature brain. While a reduction in SHH signaling induces cerebellar structural abnormalities, such as hypoplasia in various genetic disorders, the constitutive activation of SHH signaling often induces medulloblastoma (MB), one of the most common pediatric malignant brain tumors. Based on the existing literature on canonical and non-canonical SHH signaling pathways, emerging basic and clinical studies are exploring novel therapeutic approaches for MB by targeting SHH signaling at distinct molecular levels. In this review, we discuss the present consensus on SHH signaling mechanisms, their roles in cerebellar development and tumorigenesis, and the recent advances in clinical trials for MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanchen Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Shiraishi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
- Department of NCNP Brain Physiology and Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kawauchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Daisuke Kawauchi,
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Hwang EI, Sayour EJ, Flores CT, Grant G, Wechsler-Reya R, Hoang-Minh LB, Kieran MW, Salcido J, Prins RM, Figg JW, Platten M, Candelario KM, Hale PG, Blatt JE, Governale LS, Okada H, Mitchell DA, Pollack IF. The current landscape of immunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:11-24. [PMID: 35121998 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric central nervous system tumors are the most common solid malignancies in childhood, and aggressive therapy often leads to long-term sequelae in survivors, making these tumors challenging to treat. Immunotherapy has revolutionized prospects for many cancer types in adults, but the intrinsic complexity of treating pediatric patients and the scarcity of clinical studies of children to inform effective approaches have hampered the development of effective immunotherapies in pediatric settings. Here, we review recent advances and ongoing challenges in pediatric brain cancer immunotherapy, as well as considerations for efficient clinical translation of efficacious immunotherapies into pediatric settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene I Hwang
- Division of Oncology, Brain Tumor Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Elias J Sayour
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Catherine T Flores
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gerald Grant
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Robert Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Initiation & Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lan B Hoang-Minh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Robert M Prins
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John W Figg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael Platten
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University and CCU Brain Tumor Immunology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kate M Candelario
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paul G Hale
- Children's Brain Trust, Coral Springs, FL, USA
| | - Jason E Blatt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lance S Governale
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ian F Pollack
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Hor CHH, Lo JCW, Cham ALS, Leong WY, Goh ELK. Multifaceted Functions of Rab23 on Primary Cilium-Mediated and Hedgehog Signaling-Mediated Cerebellar Granule Cell Proliferation. J Neurosci 2021; 41:6850-6863. [PMID: 34210780 PMCID: PMC8360682 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3005-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling from the primary cilium drives cerebellar granule cell precursor (GCP) proliferation. Mutations of hedgehog (Hh) pathway repressors commonly cause medulloblastoma, the most prevalent and malignant childhood brain tumor that arises from aberrant GCP proliferation. We demonstrate that Nestin Cre-driven conditional knock-out (CKO) of a Shh pathway repressor-Rab23 in the mouse brain of both genders caused mis-patterning of cerebellar folia and elevated GCP proliferation during early development, but with no prevalent occurrence of medulloblastoma at adult stage. Strikingly, Rab23-depleted GCPs exhibited upregulated basal level of Shh pathway activities despite showing an abnormal ciliogenesis of primary cilia. In line with the compromised ciliation, Rab23-depleted GCPs were desensitized against Hh pathway activity stimulations by Shh ligand and Smoothened (Smo) agonist-SAG, and exhibited attenuated stimulation of Smo-localization on the primary cilium in response to SAG. These results implicate multidimensional actions of Rab23 on Hh signaling cascade. Rab23 represses the basal level of Shh signaling, while facilitating primary cilium-dependent extrinsic Shh signaling activation. Collectively, our findings unravel instrumental roles of Rab23 in GCP proliferation and ciliogenesis. Furthermore, Rab23's potentiation of Shh signaling pathway through the primary cilium and Smo suggests a potential new therapeutic strategy for Smo/primary cilium-driven medulloblastoma.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Primary cilium and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling are known to regulate granule cell precursor (GCP) proliferation. Aberrant overactivation of Shh signaling pathway ectopically increases GCP proliferation and causes malignant childhood tumor called medulloblastoma. However, the genetic and molecular regulatory cascade of GCP tumorigenesis remains incompletely understood. Our finding uncovers Rab23 as a novel regulator of hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway activity and cell proliferation in GCP. Intriguingly, we demonstrated that Rab23 confers dual functions in regulating Shh signaling; it potentiates primary cilium and Shh/Smoothened (Smo)-dependent signaling activation, while antagonizes basal level Hh activity. Our data present a previously underappreciated aspect of Rab23 in mediating extrinsic Shh signaling upstream of Smo. This study sheds new light on the mechanistic insights underpinning Shh signaling-mediated GCP proliferation and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H H Hor
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Neuroscience Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, 169857
| | - J C W Lo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - A L S Cham
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W Y Leong
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Neuroscience Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, 169857
| | - E L K Goh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Neuroscience Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, 169857
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Faculty, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232
- KK Research Center, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, 229899
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7
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Li Z, Langhans SA. In Vivo and Ex Vivo Pediatric Brain Tumor Models: An Overview. Front Oncol 2021; 11:620831. [PMID: 33869004 PMCID: PMC8047472 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.620831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
After leukemia, tumors of the brain and spine are the second most common form of cancer in children. Despite advances in treatment, brain tumors remain a leading cause of death in pediatric cancer patients and survivors often suffer from life-long consequences of side effects of therapy. The 5-year survival rates, however, vary widely by tumor type, ranging from over 90% in more benign tumors to as low as 20% in the most aggressive forms such as glioblastoma. Even within historically defined tumor types such as medulloblastoma, molecular analysis identified biologically heterogeneous subgroups each with different genetic alterations, age of onset and prognosis. Besides molecularly driven patient stratification to tailor disease risk to therapy intensity, such a diversity demonstrates the need for more precise and disease-relevant pediatric brain cancer models for research and drug development. Here we give an overview of currently available in vitro and in vivo pediatric brain tumor models and discuss the opportunities that new technologies such as 3D cultures and organoids that can bridge limitations posed by the simplicity of monolayer cultures and the complexity of in vivo models, bring to accommodate better precision in drug development for pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sigrid A. Langhans
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
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Yang J, Kim SK, Wang KC, Kim KH, Park SH, Phi JH. A boy with a congenital cerebellar mass. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:983-987. [PMID: 32613423 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04767-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumorigenesis of medulloblastoma is believed to be associated with granule cell progenitor neurogenesis of the cerebellum. Nevertheless, congenital medulloblastomas are rarely found. Here, we report a case of congenital medulloblastoma that showed spontaneous albeit transient regression. METHODS A one-month-old baby presented with abnormal antenatal and postnatal imaging findings. Upon ultrasonography at 26 weeks of gestational age, Dandy-Walker malformation with vermian hypoplasia and cystic change was suspected. Brain MRI at 1 week after birth revealed gadolinium-enhancing lesions in the cerebellum with apparent infiltrative features along the cerebellar folia accompanied by three independent cysts in the upper and inferolateral sides of the lesion. Serial MRIs taken up to 5 months of age showed a decrease in the size and extent of enhancing solid portions. The baby did not show any abnormal signs or developmental delay. MRI at the age of 7 months showed enlargement of the lesion, and surgery was performed. RESULTS The lesion was diagnosed as medulloblastoma with histologically extensive nodularity (MBEN), genetically SHH-activated and TP53-wildtype. CONCLUSION This case provides an unusual chance of observing an early phase of medulloblastoma development and raises a suspicion that medulloblastoma may initiate itself very early in cerebellar organogenesis and progress later at a certain time of postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyul Yang
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Neuro-oncology clinic, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Seung-Ki Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Chang Wang
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Neuro-oncology clinic, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Ki-Hong Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sung-Hye Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Phi
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Yi J, Shi X, Xuan Z, Wu J. Histone demethylase UTX/KDM6A enhances tumor immune cell recruitment, promotes differentiation and suppresses medulloblastoma. Cancer Lett 2020; 499:188-200. [PMID: 33253789 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The deregulation of epigenetic pathways has been implicated as a critical step in tumorigenesis including in childhood brain tumor medulloblastoma. The H3K27me3 demethylase UTX/KDM6A plays important roles in development and is frequently mutated in various types of cancer. However, how UTX regulates tumor development remains largely unclear. Here, we report the generation of a UTX-deleted mouse model of SHH medulloblastoma that demonstrates the tumor suppressor functions of UTX, which could be antagonized by the deletion of another H3K27me3 demethylase JMJD3/KDM6B. Intriguingly, UTX deletion in cancerous cerebellar granule neuron precursors (CGNPs) resulted in the impaired recruitment of host CD8+ T cells to the tumor microenvironment through a non-cell autonomous mechanism. In both mouse medulloblastoma models and in human medulloblastoma cells, we showed that UTX activates Th1-type chemokines, which are responsible for T cell migration. Surprisingly, our results showed that the depletion of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells did not affect mouse medulloblastoma growth. Nevertheless, the UTX/chemokine/T cell recruitment pathway we identified may be applied to many other cancers and may be important for improving cancer immunotherapy. In addition, UTX is required for the expression of NeuroD2 in precancerous progenitors, which encodes a potent proneural transcription factor. Overexpression of NEUROD2 in CGNPs decreased cell proliferation and increased neuron differentiation. We showed that UTX deletion led to impaired neural differentiation, which could coordinate with active SHH signaling to accelerate medulloblastoma development. Thus, UTX regulates both cell-intrinsic oncogenic processes and the tumor microenvironment in medulloblastoma. Our study provides insights into both medulloblastoma development and context dependent functions of UTX in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqing Yi
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xuanming Shi
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Zhenyu Xuan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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10
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Aldaregia J, Errarte P, Olazagoitia-Garmendia A, Gimeno M, Uriz JJ, Gershon TR, Garcia I, Matheu A. Erbb4 Is Required for Cerebellar Developmentand Malignant Phenotype of Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040997. [PMID: 32316671 PMCID: PMC7226104 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common and malignant pediatric brain tumor in childhood. It originates from dysregulation of cerebellar development, due to an excessive proliferation of cerebellar granule neuron precursor cells (CGNPs). The underlying molecular mechanisms, except for the role of SHH and WNT pathways, remain largely unknown. ERBB4 is a tyrosine kinase receptor whose activity in cancer is tissue dependent. In this study, we characterized the role of ERBB4 during cerebellum development and medulloblastoma progression paying particular interests to its role in CGNPs and medulloblastoma stem cells (MBSCs). Our results show that ERBB4 is expressed in the CGNPs during cerebellum development where it plays a critical role in migration, apoptosis and differentiation. Similarly, it is enriched in the population of MBSCs, where also controls those critical processes, as well as self-renewal and tumor initiation for medulloblastoma progression. These results are translated to clinical samples where high levels of ERBB4 correlate with poor outcome in Group 4 and all medulloblastomas groups. Transcriptomic analysis identified critical processes and pathways altered in cells with knock-down of ERBB4. These results highlight the impact and underlying mechanisms of ERBB4 in critical processes during cerebellum development and medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncal Aldaregia
- Cellular Oncology group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Dr. Beguiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (J.A.); (P.E.); (A.O.-G.); (M.G.)
| | - Peio Errarte
- Cellular Oncology group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Dr. Beguiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (J.A.); (P.E.); (A.O.-G.); (M.G.)
| | - Ane Olazagoitia-Garmendia
- Cellular Oncology group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Dr. Beguiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (J.A.); (P.E.); (A.O.-G.); (M.G.)
| | - Marian Gimeno
- Cellular Oncology group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Dr. Beguiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (J.A.); (P.E.); (A.O.-G.); (M.G.)
| | | | - Timothy R. Gershon
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
| | - Idoia Garcia
- Cellular Oncology group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Dr. Beguiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (J.A.); (P.E.); (A.O.-G.); (M.G.)
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.G.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-943006073 (I.G. & A.M.)
| | - Ander Matheu
- Cellular Oncology group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Dr. Beguiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (J.A.); (P.E.); (A.O.-G.); (M.G.)
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
- CIBERfes, Carlos III Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.G.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-943006073 (I.G. & A.M.)
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11
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Lu PCW, Shahbaz S, Winn LM. Benzene and its effects on cell signaling pathways related to hematopoiesis and leukemia. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 40:1018-1032. [PMID: 32112456 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Benzene is an environmental toxicant found in many consumer products. It is an established human carcinogen and is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia in adults. Epidemiological evidence has since shown that benzene can cross the placenta and affect the fetal liver. Animal studies have shown that in utero exposure to benzene can increase tumor incidence in offspring. Although there have been risk factors established for acute myeloid leukemia, they still do not account for many of the cases. Clearly then, current efforts to elucidate the mechanism by which benzene exerts its carcinogenic properties have been superficial. Owing to the critical role of cell signaling pathways in the development of an organism and its various organ systems, it seems plausible to suspect that these pathways may have a role in leukemogenesis. This review article assesses current evidence of the effects of benzene on critical hematopoietic signaling pathways. Pathways discussed included Hedgehog, Notch/Delta, Wingless/Integrated, nuclear factor-kappaB and others. Following a review of the literature, it seems that current evidence about the effects of benzene on these critical signaling pathways remains limited. Given the important role of these pathways in hematopoiesis, more attention should be given to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C W Lu
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Shahbaz
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louise M Winn
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,School of Environmental Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Jackson TW, Bendfeldt GA, Beam KA, Rock KD, Belcher SM. Heterozygous mutation of sonic hedgehog receptor (Ptch1) drives cerebellar overgrowth and sex-specifically alters hippocampal and cortical layer structure, activity, and social behavior in female mice. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2020; 78:106866. [PMID: 32113901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2020.106866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is essential for the differentiation and migration of early stem cell populations during cerebellar development. Dysregulation of SHH-signaling can result in cerebellar overgrowth and the formation of the brain tumor medulloblastoma. Treatment for medulloblastoma is extremely aggressive and patients suffer life-long side effects including behavioral deficits. Considering that other behavioral disorders including autism spectrum disorders, holoprosencephaly, and basal cell nevus syndrome are known to present with cerebellar abnormalities, it is proposed that some behavioral abnormalities could be inherent to the medulloblastoma sequalae rather than treatment. Using a haploinsufficient SHH receptor knockout mouse model (Ptch1+/-), a partner preference task was used to explore activity, social behavior and neuroanatomical changes resulting from dysregulated SHH signaling. Compared to wild-type, Ptch1+/- females displayed increased activity by traveling a greater distance in both open-field and partner preference tasks. Social behavior was also sex-specifically modified in Ptch1+/- females that interacted more with both novel and familiar animals in the partner preference task compared to same-sex wild-type controls. Haploinsufficiency of PTCH1 resulted in cerebellar overgrowth in lobules IV/V and IX of both sexes, and female-specific decreases in hippocampal size and isocortical layer thickness. Taken together, neuroanatomical changes related to deficient SHH signaling may alter social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Jackson
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark Labs, Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NS, USA.
| | - Gabriel A Bendfeldt
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark Labs, Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NS, USA.
| | - Kelby A Beam
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark Labs, Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NS, USA.
| | - Kylie D Rock
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark Labs, Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NS, USA.
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark Labs, Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NS, USA.
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13
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Roussel MF, Stripay JL. Modeling pediatric medulloblastoma. Brain Pathol 2019; 30:703-712. [PMID: 31788908 PMCID: PMC7317774 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse models of medulloblastoma have proven to be instrumental in understanding disease mechanisms, particularly the role of epigenetic and molecular drivers, and establishing appropriate preclinical pipelines. To date, our research community has developed murine models for all four groups of medulloblastoma, each of which will be critical for the identification and development of new therapeutic approaches. Approaches to modeling medulloblastoma range from genetic engineering with CRISPR/Cas9 or in utero electroporation, to orthotopic and patient‐derived orthotopic xenograft systems. Each approach or model presents unique advantages that have ultimately contributed to an appreciation of medulloblastoma heterogeneity and the clinical obstacles that exist for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine F Roussel
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105
| | - Jennifer L Stripay
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105
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14
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Regulation of Hedgehog signaling Offers A Novel Perspective for Bone Homeostasis Disorder Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20163981. [PMID: 31426273 PMCID: PMC6719140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is central to the regulation of bone development and homeostasis. HH signaling is not only involved in osteoblast differentiation from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), but also acts upstream within osteoblasts via the OPG/RANK/RANKL axis to control the expression of RANKL. HH signaling has been found to up-regulate parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) expression in osteoblasts, which in turn activates its downstream targets nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB), and as a result CREB and NFAT cooperatively increase RANKL expression and osteoclastogenesis. Osteoblasts must remain in balance with osteoclasts in order to avoid excessive bone formation or resorption, thereby maintaining bone homeostasis. This review systemically summarizes the mechanisms whereby HH signaling induces osteoblast development and controls RANKL expression through PTHrP in osteoblasts. Proper targeting of HH signaling may offer a therapeutic option for treating bone homeostasis disorders.
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15
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Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) comprises a biologically heterogeneous group of embryonal tumours of the cerebellum. Four subgroups of MB have been described (WNT, sonic hedgehog (SHH), Group 3 and Group 4), each of which is associated with different genetic alterations, age at onset and prognosis. These subgroups have broadly been incorporated into the WHO classification of central nervous system tumours but still need to be accounted for to appropriately tailor disease risk to therapy intensity and to target therapy to disease biology. In this Primer, the epidemiology (including MB predisposition), molecular pathogenesis and integrative diagnosis taking histomorphology, molecular genetics and imaging into account are reviewed. In addition, management strategies, which encompass surgical resection of the tumour, cranio-spinal irradiation and chemotherapy, are discussed, together with the possibility of focusing more on disease biology and robust molecularly driven patient stratification in future clinical trials.
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16
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Rahimi-Balaei M, Bergen H, Kong J, Marzban H. Neuronal Migration During Development of the Cerebellum. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:484. [PMID: 30618631 PMCID: PMC6304365 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal migration is a fundamental process in central nervous system (CNS) development. The assembly of functioning neuronal circuits relies on neuronal migration occurring in the appropriate spatio-temporal pattern. A defect in the neuronal migration may result in a neurological disorder. The cerebellum, as a part of the CNS, plays a pivotal role in motor coordination and non-motor functions such as emotion, cognition and language. The excitatory and inhibitory neurons within the cerebellum originate from different distinct germinal zones and migrate through complex routes to assemble in a well-defined neuronal organization in the cerebellar cortex and nuclei. In this review article, the neuronal migration modes and pathways from germinal zones to the final position in the cerebellar cortex and nuclei will be described. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in cerebellar neuronal migration during development will also be reviewed. Finally, some diseases and animal models associated with defects in neuronal migration will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahimi-Balaei
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Hugo Bergen
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jiming Kong
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Hassan Marzban
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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17
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Martirosian V, Neman J. Medulloblastoma: Challenges and advances in treatment and research. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2018; 2:e1146. [PMCID: PMC7941576 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Medulloblastoma (MB) is a pediatric brain tumor occurring in the posterior fossa. MB is a highly heterogeneous tumor, which can be grouped into four main subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. Each subgroup is different both in its implicated pathways and pathology, as well as how they are treated in the clinic. Recent Findings Standard protocol for MB treatment consists of maximal safe resection, followed by craniospinal radiation (in patients 3 years and older) and adjuvant chemotherapy. Advances in clinical stratification of this tumor have allowed establishment of treatment de‐escalation trials aimed at reducing long‐term side effects. However, there have been few advances in identifying novel therapeutic strategies for MB patients due to difficulties in creating chemotherapeutics that can bypass the blood‐brain‐barrier—among other factors. On the other hand, with the help of whole genome sequencing technologies, molecular pathways involved in MB pathogenesis have become clearer and have helped drive MB research. Regardless, this advance in research has yet to translate to the clinic, which may be due to the inability of current in vivo and in vitro models to accurately recapitulate this heterogeneous tumor in humans. Conclusions There have been significant advances in knowledge and treatment of medulloblastoma over the last few decades. Whole genome sequencing has helped elucidate clear differences between the subgroups of MB, allowing physicians to better tailor treatments to each patient in an effort to reduce long‐term sequelae. However, there are still many more obstacles to overcome, including less cytotoxic therapies in the clinic and better modeling systems to accurately replicate this disease in the laboratory. Scientists and physicians must work in a more cohesive manner to create translatable results from the laboratory to the clinic—helping improve therapies for medulloblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahan Martirosian
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Josh Neman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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18
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Integrated genomics has significantly advanced our understanding of medulloblastoma heterogeneity. It is now clear that it actually comprises at least four distinct molecular subgroups termed Wnt/Wingless (WNT), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4 with stark clinical and biological differences. Areas covered: This paper reviews advances in the classification and risk stratification of medulloblastoma, specifically integrating subgroup with clinical and cytogenetic risk factors, with a summary of the potential to lead to more precise therapies. Moreover, the current state of preclinical modeling is summarized with respect to their utility in generating new treatments and correlation with genomic discoveries. Opportunities and challenges in developing new treatment paradigms are summarized and discussed, specifically new therapies for very high-risk metastatic/MYC-amplified Group 3 and TP53-mutant SHH and reductions in therapy for lower risk groups. Expert commentary: Survival across medulloblastoma has been stagnant for over 30 years, and new treatment paradigms are urgently required. Current therapy significantly over treats a high proportion of patients leaving them with lifelong side effects; while many patients still succumb to their disease. Applying biological advances could improve quality of life for a significant proportion of patients while offering new upfront approaches to the highest risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Nör
- a Programme in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology , Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto , ON , Canada.,b Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre , Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- b Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre , Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto , ON , Canada.,c Division of Haematology/Oncology , Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto , ON , Canada
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19
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Aldaregia J, Odriozola A, Matheu A, Garcia I. Targeting mTOR as a Therapeutic Approach in Medulloblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071838. [PMID: 29932116 PMCID: PMC6073374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a master signaling pathway that regulates organismal growth and homeostasis, because of its implication in protein and lipid synthesis, and in the control of the cell cycle and the cellular metabolism. Moreover, it is necessary in cerebellar development and stem cell pluripotency maintenance. Its deregulation has been implicated in the medulloblastoma and in medulloblastoma stem cells (MBSCs). Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant solid tumor in childhood. The current therapies have improved the overall survival but they carry serious side effects, such as permanent neurological sequelae and disability. Recent studies have given rise to a new molecular classification of the subgroups of medulloblastoma, specifying 12 different subtypes containing novel potential therapeutic targets. In this review we propose the targeting of mTOR, in combination with current therapies, as a promising novel therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncal Aldaregia
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Ainitze Odriozola
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Ander Matheu
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain.
- CIBER de fragilidad y envejecimiento saludable (CIBERfes), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Idoia Garcia
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain.
- CIBER de fragilidad y envejecimiento saludable (CIBERfes), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain.
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20
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Ryan KE, Kim PS, Fleming JT, Brignola E, Cheng FY, Litingtung Y, Chiang C. Lkb1 regulates granule cell migration and cortical folding of the cerebellar cortex. Dev Biol 2017; 432:165-177. [PMID: 28974424 PMCID: PMC5694378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar growth and foliation require the Hedgehog-driven proliferation of granule cell precursors (GCPs) in the external granule layer (EGL). However, that increased or extended GCP proliferation generally does not elicit ectopic folds suggests that additional determinants control cortical expansion and foliation during cerebellar development. Here, we find that genetic loss of the serine-threonine kinase Liver Kinase B1 (Lkb1) in GCPs increased cerebellar cortical size and foliation independent of changes in proliferation or Hedgehog signaling. This finding is unexpected given that Lkb1 has previously shown to be critical for Hedgehog pathway activation in cultured cells. Consistent with unchanged proliferation rate of GCPs, the cortical expansion of Lkb1 mutants is accompanied by thinning of the EGL. The plane of cell division, which has been implicated in diverse processes from epithelial surface expansions to gyrification of the human cortex, remains unchanged in the mutants when compared to wild-type controls. However, we find that Lkb1 mutants display delayed radial migration of post-mitotic GCPs that coincides with increased cortical size, suggesting that aberrant cell migration may contribute to the cortical expansion and increase foliation. Taken together, our results reveal an important role for Lkb1 in regulating cerebellar cortical size and foliation in a Hedgehog-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn E Ryan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 4114 MRB III, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Patrick S Kim
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 4114 MRB III, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jonathan T Fleming
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 4114 MRB III, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Emily Brignola
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 4114 MRB III, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Frances Y Cheng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 4114 MRB III, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ying Litingtung
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 4114 MRB III, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Chin Chiang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 4114 MRB III, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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21
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Neumann JE, Swartling FJ, Schüller U. Medulloblastoma: experimental models and reality. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 134:679-689. [PMID: 28725965 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1753-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most frequent malignant brain tumor in childhood, but it may also affect infants, adolescents, and young adults. Recent advances in the understanding of the disease have shed light on molecular and clinical heterogeneity, which is now reflected in the updated WHO classification of brain tumors. At the same time, it is well accepted that preclinical research and clinical trials have to be subgroup-specific. Hence, valid models have to be generated specifically for every medulloblastoma subgroup to properly mimic molecular fingerprints, clinical features, and responsiveness to targeted therapies. This review summarizes the availability of experimental medulloblastoma models with a particular focus on how well these models reflect the actual disease subgroup. We further describe technical advantages and disadvantages of the models and finally point out how some models have successfully been used to introduce new drugs and why some medulloblastoma subgroups are extraordinary difficult to model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Neumann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fredrik J Swartling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Center, Martinistrasse 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
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22
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Zinc and zinc-containing biomolecules in childhood brain tumors. J Mol Med (Berl) 2016; 94:1199-1215. [PMID: 27638340 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-016-1454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Zinc ions are essential cofactors of a wide range of enzymes, transcription factors, and other regulatory proteins. Moreover, zinc is also involved in cellular signaling and enzymes inhibition. Zinc dysregulation, deficiency, over-supply, and imbalance in zinc ion transporters regulation are connected with various diseases including cancer. A zinc ion pool is maintained by two types of proteins: (i) zinc-binding proteins, which act as a buffer and intracellular donors of zinc and (ii) zinc transporters responsible for zinc fluxes into/from cells and organelles. The decreased serum zinc ion levels have been identified in patients suffering from various cancer diseases, including head and neck tumors and breast, prostate, liver, and lung cancer. On the contrary, increased zinc ion levels have been found in breast cancer and other malignant tissues. Zinc metalloproteomes of a majority of tumors including brain ones are still not yet fully understood. Current knowledge show that zinc ion levels and detection of certain zinc-containing proteins may be utilized for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. In addition, these proteins can also be promising therapeutic targets. The aim of the present work is an overview of the importance of zinc ions, zinc transporters, and zinc-containing proteins in brain tumors, which are, after leukemia, the second most common type of childhood cancer and the second leading cause of death in children after accidents.
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23
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McCubrey JA, Rakus D, Gizak A, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Lertpiriyapong K, Fitzgerald TL, Yang LV, Montalto G, Cervello M, Libra M, Nicoletti F, Scalisi A, Torino F, Fenga C, Neri LM, Marmiroli S, Cocco L, Martelli AM. Effects of mutations in Wnt/β-catenin, hedgehog, Notch and PI3K pathways on GSK-3 activity-Diverse effects on cell growth, metabolism and cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:2942-2976. [PMID: 27612668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase that participates in an array of critical cellular processes. GSK-3 was first characterized as an enzyme that phosphorylated and inactivated glycogen synthase. However, subsequent studies have revealed that this moon-lighting protein is involved in numerous signaling pathways that regulate not only metabolism but also have roles in: apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell renewal, differentiation, embryogenesis, migration, regulation of gene transcription, stem cell biology and survival. In this review, we will discuss the roles that GSK-3 plays in various diseases as well as how this pivotal kinase interacts with multiple signaling pathways such as: PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, Wnt/beta-catenin, hedgehog, Notch and TP53. Mutations that occur in these and other pathways can alter the effects that natural GSK-3 activity has on regulating these signaling circuits that can lead to cancer as well as other diseases. The novel roles that microRNAs play in regulation of the effects of GSK-3 will also be evaluated. Targeting GSK-3 and these other pathways may improve therapy and overcome therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Steve L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Timothy L Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Bio-medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Aurora Scalisi
- Unit of Oncologic Diseases, ASP-Catania, Catania 95100, Italy
| | - Francesco Torino
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Medical Oncology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section - Policlinico "G. Martino" - University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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24
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Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway in Pediatric Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:2110-23. [PMID: 26512695 PMCID: PMC4695880 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), a primitive neuroectomal tumor of the cerebellum, is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. The cause of MB is largely unknown, but aberrant activation of Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is responsible for ~30% of MB. Despite aggressive treatment with surgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy, 70%–80% of pediatric medulloblastoma cases can be controlled, but most treated patients suffer devastating side effects. Therefore, developing a new effective treatment strategy is urgently needed. Hh signaling controls transcription of target genes by regulating activities of the three Glioma-associated oncogene (Gli1-3) transcription factors. In this review, we will focus on current clinical treatment options of MB and discuss mechanisms of drug resistance. In addition, we will describe current known molecular pathways which crosstalk with the Hedgehog pathway both in the context of medulloblastoma and non-medulloblastoma cancer development. Finally, we will introduce post-translational modifications that modulate Gli1 activity and summarize the positive and negative regulations of the Hh/Gli1 pathway. Towards developing novel combination therapies for medulloblastoma treatment, current information on interacting pathways and direct regulation of Hh signaling should prove critical.
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Bhatia S, Hirsch K, Baig NA, Rodriguez O, Timofeeva O, Kavanagh K, Lee YC, Wang XJ, Albanese C, Karam SD. Effects of altered ephrin-A5 and EphA4/EphA7 expression on tumor growth in a medulloblastoma mouse model. J Hematol Oncol 2015; 8:105. [PMID: 26345456 PMCID: PMC4561476 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-015-0202-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Members of the Eph/ephrin gene families act as key regulators of cerebellar development during embryogenesis. Aberrant signaling of Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands has also been implicated in human cancers. Medulloblastoma is an aggressive primitive neuroectodermal tumor that originates from granule neuron precursors in the cerebellum. Previous studies have suggested a role for the ephrin-A5 ligand and its receptors, EphA4 and EphA7, in granule cell-precursor formation and in guiding cell migration. In the present study, we investigated the effects of genetic loss of ephrin-A5, EphA4, and EphA7 on the spatiotemporal development of medulloblastoma tumors in the context of the smoothened transgenic mouse model system. Findings Radiographic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to monitor tumor growth in a genetically engineered mouse model of medulloblastoma. Tumor tissue was harvested to determine changes in the expression of phosphorylated Akt by Western blotting. This helped to establish a correlation between genotype and/or tumor size and survival. Our in vivo data establish that in ND2-SmoA1 transgenic mice, the homozygous deletion of ephrin-A5 resulted in a consistent pattern of tumor growth inhibition compared to their ephrin-A5 wild-type littermate controls, while the loss of EphA4/EphA7 failed to produce consistent effects versus EphA4/EphA7 wild-type mice. A positive correlation was evident between tumor size, p-Akt, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in our transgenic mouse model system, regardless of genotype. Conclusions Taken together, our findings underscore the importance of targeting specific members of the Eph/ephrin families in conjunction with the Akt pathway in order to inhibit medulloblastoma tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Bhatia
- Present address: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Kellen Hirsch
- Present address: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Nimrah A Baig
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Olga Rodriguez
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Olga Timofeeva
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Present address: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Yi Chien Lee
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Christopher Albanese
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Sana D Karam
- Present address: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
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Role of the macrophage in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and other comorbidities in patients on effective antiretroviral treatment. J Neurovirol 2015; 21:235-41. [PMID: 25933548 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-015-0346-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has altered the outcomes of HIV infection in treated populations by greatly reducing the incidence of opportunistic infections, cancer, and HIV-associated dementia. Despite these benefits, treated patients remain at high risk of chronic diseases affecting the peripheral organs and brain. Generally, these morbidities are attributed to persistence of latent HIV in resting T cells, chronic inflammation, and metabolic effects of ART. This review makes the case that monocytes/macrophages warrant attention as persistent reservoirs of HIV under ART, source of systemic and brain inflammation, and important targets for HIV eradication to control chronic HIV diseases.
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Analysis of chromosome 17 miRNAs and their importance in medulloblastomas. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:717509. [PMID: 25866804 PMCID: PMC4383152 DOI: 10.1155/2015/717509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small sequences of nucleotides that regulate posttranscriptionally gene expression. In recent years they have been recognized as very important general regulators of proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, cell death, and others. In some cases, the characteristic presence of miRNAs reflects some of the cellular pathways that may be altered. Particularly medulloblastomas (MB) represent entities that undergo almost characteristic alterations of chromosome 17: from loss of discrete fragments and isochromosomes formation to complete loss of one of them. An analysis of the major loci on this chromosome revealed that it contains at least 19 genes encoding miRNAs which may regulate the development and differentiation of the brain and cerebellum. miRNAs are regulators of real complex networks; they can regulate from 100 to over 300 messengers of various proteins. In this review some miRNAs are considered to be important in MB studies. Some of them are miRNA-5047, miRNA-1253, miRNA-2909, and miRNA-634. Everyone can significantly affect the development, growth, and cell invasion of MB, and they have not been explored in this tumor. In this review, we propose some miRNAs that can affect some genes in MB, and hence the importance of its study.
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Atwood SX, Sarin KY, Whitson RJ, Li JR, Kim G, Rezaee M, Ally MS, Kim J, Yao C, Chang ALS, Oro AE, Tang JY. Smoothened variants explain the majority of drug resistance in basal cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell 2015; 27:342-53. [PMID: 25759020 PMCID: PMC4357167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Advanced basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) frequently acquire resistance to Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors through unknown mechanisms. Here we identify SMO mutations in 50% (22 of 44) of resistant BCCs and show that these mutations maintain Hedgehog signaling in the presence of SMO inhibitors. Alterations include four ligand binding pocket mutations defining sites of inhibitor binding and four variants conferring constitutive activity and inhibitor resistance, illuminating pivotal residues that ensure receptor autoinhibition. In the presence of a SMO inhibitor, tumor cells containing either class of SMO mutants effectively outcompete cells containing the wild-type SMO. Finally, we show that both classes of SMO variants respond to aPKC-ι/λ or GLI2 inhibitors that operate downstream of SMO, setting the stage for the clinical use of GLI antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott X Atwood
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kavita Y Sarin
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ramon J Whitson
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jiang R Li
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Geurim Kim
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Melika Rezaee
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mina S Ally
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jinah Kim
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Catherine Yao
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Anne Lynn S Chang
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Anthony E Oro
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Jean Y Tang
- Program in Epithelial Biology and Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Moutasim KA, Mellows T, Mellone M, Lopez MA, Tod J, Kiely PC, Sapienza K, Greco A, Neill GW, Violette S, Weinreb PH, Marshall JF, Ottensmeier CH, Sayan AE, Jenei V, Thomas GJ. Suppression of Hedgehog signalling promotes pro-tumourigenic integrin expression and function. J Pathol 2014; 233:196-208. [PMID: 24573955 DOI: 10.1002/path.4342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) signalling has been reported in a number of malignancies, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin. Clinical trials of Hh inhibitors are underway in many cancers, and these have produced significant clinical benefit in BCC patients, although regrowth of new, or clinically aggressive, variants, as well as development of secondary malignancies, has been reported. αvβ6 integrin is expressed in many cancers, where it has been shown to correlate with an aggressive tumour phenotype and poor prognosis. We have previously reported αvβ6 up-regulation in aggressive, morphoeic BCC variants, where it modulates the stromal response and induces invasion. To examine a possible link between Hh and αvβ6 function, we generated BCC models, overexpressing Gli1 in immortalized keratinocytes (NTert1, HaCaT). Unexpectedly, we found that suppressing Gli1 significantly increased αvβ6 expression. This promoted tumour cell motility and also stromal myofibroblast differentiation through integrin-dependent TGF-β1 activation. Gli1 inhibited αvβ6 expression by suppressing TGF-β1-induced Smad2/3 activation, blocking a positive feedback loop maintaining high αvβ6 levels. A similar mechanism was observed in AsPC1 pancreatic cancer cells expressing endogenous Gli1, suggesting a common mechanism across tumour types. In vitro findings were supported using human clinical samples, where we showed an inverse correlation between αvβ6 and Gli1 expression in different BCC subtypes and pancreatic cancers. In summary, we show that expression of Gli1 and αvβ6 inversely correlates in tumours in vivo, and Hh targeting up-regulates TGF-β1/Smad2/3-dependent αvβ6 expression, promoting pro-tumourigenic cell functions in vitro. These results have potential clinical significance, given the reported recurrence of BCC variants and secondary malignancies in patients treated by Hh targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karwan A Moutasim
- Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
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Diede SJ, Yao Z, Keyes CC, Tyler AE, Dey J, Hackett CS, Elsaesser K, Kemp CJ, Neiman PE, Weiss WA, Olson JM, Tapscott SJ. Fundamental differences in promoter CpG island DNA hypermethylation between human cancer and genetically engineered mouse models of cancer. Epigenetics 2013; 8:1254-60. [PMID: 24107773 DOI: 10.4161/epi.26486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic alterations are essential for the initiation and progression of human cancer. We previously reported that primary human medulloblastomas showed extensive cancer-specific CpG island DNA hypermethylation in critical developmental pathways. To determine whether genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of medulloblastoma have comparable epigenetic changes, we assessed genome-wide DNA methylation in three mouse models of medulloblastoma. In contrast to human samples, very few loci with cancer-specific DNA hypermethylation were detected, and in almost all cases the degree of methylation was relatively modest compared with the dense hypermethylation in the human cancers. To determine if this finding was common to other GEMMs, we examined a Burkitt lymphoma and breast cancer model and did not detect promoter CpG island DNA hypermethylation, suggesting that human cancers and at least some GEMMs are fundamentally different with respect to this epigenetic modification. These findings provide an opportunity to both better understand the mechanism of aberrant DNA methylation in human cancer and construct better GEMMs to serve as preclinical platforms for therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Diede
- Division of Clinical Research; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA; Department of Pediatrics; University of Washington School of Medicine; Seattle, WA USA
| | - Zizhen Yao
- Division of Human Biology; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA
| | - C Chip Keyes
- Division of Human Biology; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA
| | - Ashlee E Tyler
- Division of Human Biology; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA
| | - Joyoti Dey
- Division of Clinical Research; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA
| | - Christopher S Hackett
- Department of Neurological Surgery; University of California at San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA; Department of Neurology; University of California at San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA; Department of Pediatrics; University of California at San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Katrina Elsaesser
- Division of Basic Sciences; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA
| | - Christopher J Kemp
- Division of Basic Sciences; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA; Division of Public Health Sciences; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA
| | - Paul E Neiman
- Division of Basic Sciences; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA; Department of Medicine; University of Washington School of Medicine; Seattle, WA USA
| | - William A Weiss
- Department of Neurological Surgery; University of California at San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA; Department of Neurology; University of California at San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA; Department of Pediatrics; University of California at San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA
| | - James M Olson
- Division of Clinical Research; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA; Department of Pediatrics; University of Washington School of Medicine; Seattle, WA USA
| | - Stephen J Tapscott
- Division of Clinical Research; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA; Division of Human Biology; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle, WA USA; Department of Neurology; University of Washington School of Medicine; Seattle, WA USA
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Dey J, Dubuc AM, Pedro KD, Thirstrup D, Mecham B, Northcott PA, Wu X, Shih D, Tapscott SJ, LeBlanc M, Taylor MD, Olson JM. MyoD is a tumor suppressor gene in medulloblastoma. Cancer Res 2013; 73:6828-37. [PMID: 24092238 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-0730-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
While medulloblastoma, a pediatric tumor of the cerebellum, is characterized by aberrations in developmental pathways, the majority of genetic determinants remain unknown. An unbiased Sleeping Beauty transposon screen revealed MyoD as a putative medulloblastoma tumor suppressor. This was unexpected, as MyoD is a muscle differentiation factor and not previously known to be expressed in cerebellum or medulloblastoma. In response to deletion of one allele of MyoD, two other Sonic hedgehog-driven mouse medulloblastoma models showed accelerated tumor formation and death, confirming MyoD as a tumor suppressor in these models. In normal cerebellum, MyoD was expressed in the proliferating granule neuron progenitors that are thought to be precursors to medulloblastoma. Similar to some other tumor suppressors that are induced in cancer, MyoD was expressed in proliferating medulloblastoma cells in three mouse models and in human medulloblastoma cases. This suggests that although expression of MyoD in a proliferating tumor is insufficient to prevent tumor progression, its expression in the cerebellum hinders medulloblastoma genesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyoti Dey
- Authors' Affiliations: Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington; Clinical Research Division, Human Biology Division, and Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Presage Biosciences; Sage Bionetworks; Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington; Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumor Research Center and Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Yang D, Cao F, Ye X, Zhao H, Liu X, Li Y, Shi C, Wang H, Zhou J. Arsenic trioxide inhibits the Hedgehog pathway which is aberrantly activated in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Acta Haematol 2013; 130:260-7. [PMID: 23867347 DOI: 10.1159/000351603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Dysregulated Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in several human malignancies. Hh signaling inhibitors are predicted to have a minimal effect when the Smoothened receptor is mutated. Implications that Gli proteins are molecular targets of arsenic trioxide (ATO) action prompted us to investigate the expression of Hh signaling in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and the influence of ATO on the Hh signaling pathway in APL. METHODS Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were employed to analyze the expression of Hh pathway components and the influence of ATO on the Hh signaling pathway in APL. RESULTS The expression of Hh pathway components was significantly upregulated in APL. In newly diagnosed APL patients, Gli2 expression was significantly positively correlated with Gli1 (R = 0.57, p < 0.001) and Smo (R = 0.56, p < 0.001) and the expression of Hh pathway components was significantly higher in the high WBC group (p < 0.05). ATO can significantly downregulate the expression of Hh pathway components in vitro and in vivo (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The Hh pathway is aberrantly activated in APL and associated with a bad prognostic factor. ATO can effectively inhibit the expression of the Hh pathway. The obtained data give the first clinical evidence for the application of ATO in tumors exhibiting an aberrantly activated Hh pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongguang Yang
- Health Ministry Key Lab of Cell Transplantation, Heilongjiang Institute of Hematology and Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Li KKW, Lau KM, Ng HK. Signaling pathway and molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2013; 6:1211-1222. [PMID: 23826403 PMCID: PMC3693187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Although multimodality treatment regimens including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have greatly improved disease outcome, about one-third of MB patient remains incurable, and many long-term survivors are suffered from deleterious effects due to aggressive treatment. Understanding the signaling pathways and the genetic mechanisms contributed to MB development would be the key to develop novel therapeutic treatment strategies for improving survival and outcome of MB. In this review, we discuss the biological signaling pathways involved in MB pathogenesis. We also go through the current international consensus of four core MB subgroups namely, SHH, WNT, Group 3, and Group 4. This is adopted based on the knowledge of genomic complexity of MB as analyzed by recent high-throughput genomic technology. We talk about immunohistochemistry assays established to determine molecular subgroup affiliation. In the last part of review, we discuss how identification of molecular subgroups is going to change our routine disease diagnosis and clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Ka-Wai Li
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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