1
|
Zarychta J, Kowalczyk A, Marszołek A, Zawitkowska J, Lejman M. Strategies to overcome tumor microenvironment immunosuppressive effect on the functioning of CAR-T cells in high-grade glioma. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241266140. [PMID: 39156126 PMCID: PMC11327996 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241266140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the treatment of some types of cancer, high-grade gliomas (HGGs) remain a significant clinical problem. In the case of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common solid tumor of the central nervous system in adults, the average survival time from diagnosis is only 15-18 months, despite the use of intensive multimodal therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells, which have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of certain hematologic malignancies, are a new, promising therapeutic option. However, the efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors is lower due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype therefore seems particularly important because it may allow for increasing the effectiveness of CAR-T cells in the therapy of solid tumors. The following literature review aims to present the results of preclinical studies showing the possibilities of improving the efficacy of CAR-T in the TME of GBM by reprogramming the TME toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. It may be achievable thanks to the use of CAR-T in a synergistic therapy in combination with oncolytic viruses, radiotherapy, or epigenetic inhibitors, as well as by supporting CAR-T cells crossing of the blood-brain barrier, normalizing impaired angiogenesis in the TME, improving CAR-T effector functions by cytokine signaling or by blocking/knocking out T-cell inhibitors, and modulating the microRNA expression. The use of CAR-T cells modified in this way in synergistic therapy could lead to the longer survival of patients with HGG by inducing an endogenous anti-tumor response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zarychta
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrian Kowalczyk
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Marszołek
- Student Scientific Society of Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, A. Racławickie 1, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Freire NH, Jaeger MDC, de Farias CB, Nör C, Souza BK, Gregianin L, Brunetto AT, Roesler R. Targeting the epigenome of cancer stem cells in pediatric nervous system tumors. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2241-2255. [PMID: 36637615 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04655-2] [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: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma, and pediatric glioma account for almost 30% of all cases of pediatric cancers. Recent evidence indicates that pediatric nervous system tumors originate from stem or progenitor cells and present a subpopulation of cells with highly tumorigenic and stem cell-like features. These cancer stem cells play a role in initiation, progression, and resistance to treatment of pediatric nervous system tumors. Histone modification, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and microRNA regulation display a range of regulatory activities involved in cancer origin and progression, and cellular identity, especially those associated with stem cell features, such as self-renewal and pluripotent differentiation potential. Here, we review the contribution of different epigenetic mechanisms in pediatric nervous system tumor cancer stem cells. The choice between a differentiated and undifferentiated state can be modulated by alterations in the epigenome through the regulation of stemness genes such as CD133, SOX2, and BMI1 and the activation neuronal of differentiation markers, RBFOX3, GFAP, and S100B. Additionally, we highlighted the stage of development of epigenetic drugs and the clinical benefits and efficacy of epigenetic modulators in pediatric nervous system tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natália Hogetop Freire
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500 (Setor IV - Campus do Vale), Porto Alegre, 91501-970, Brazil.
| | - Mariane da Cunha Jaeger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carolina Nör
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Lauro Gregianin
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Pediatric Oncology Service, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - André Tesainer Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500 (Setor IV - Campus do Vale), Porto Alegre, 91501-970, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Epigenetic mechanisms in paediatric brain tumours: regulators lose control. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:167-185. [PMID: 35076654 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are essential to regulate gene expression during normal development. However, they are often disrupted in pathological conditions including tumours, where they contribute to their formation and maintenance through altered gene expression. In recent years, next generation genomic techniques has allowed a remarkable advancement of our knowledge of the genetic and molecular landscape of paediatric brain tumours and have highlighted epigenetic deregulation as a common hallmark in their pathogenesis. This review describes the main epigenetic dysregulations found in paediatric brain tumours, including at DNA methylation and histone modifications level, in the activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes and in the expression of non-coding RNAs. How these altered processes influence tumour biology and how they can be leveraged to dissect the molecular heterogeneity of these tumours and contribute to their classification is also addressed. Finally, the availability and value of preclinical models as well as the current clinical trials exploring targeting key epigenetic mediators in paediatric brain tumours are discussed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Divisato G, Piscitelli S, Elia M, Cascone E, Parisi S. MicroRNAs and Stem-like Properties: The Complex Regulation Underlying Stemness Maintenance and Cancer Development. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081074. [PMID: 34439740 PMCID: PMC8393604 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the extraordinary properties to indefinitely proliferate and self-renew in culture to produce different cell progeny through differentiation. This latter process recapitulates embryonic development and requires rounds of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is characterized by the loss of the epithelial features and the acquisition of the typical phenotype of the mesenchymal cells. In pathological conditions, EMT can confer stemness or stem-like phenotypes, playing a role in the tumorigenic process. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation, found in the tumor tissues, with stem-like properties such as uncontrolled proliferation, self-renewal, and ability to differentiate into different cell types. ESCs and CSCs share numerous features (pluripotency, self-renewal, expression of stemness genes, and acquisition of epithelial-mesenchymal features), and most of them are under the control of microRNAs (miRNAs). These small molecules have relevant roles during both embryogenesis and cancer development. The aim of this review was to recapitulate molecular mechanisms shared by ESCs and CSCs, with a special focus on the recently identified classes of microRNAs (noncanonical miRNAs, mirtrons, isomiRs, and competitive endogenous miRNAs) and their complex functions during embryogenesis and cancer development.
Collapse
|
5
|
Prieto-Colomina A, Fernández V, Chinnappa K, Borrell V. MiRNAs in early brain development and pediatric cancer: At the intersection between healthy and diseased embryonic development. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100073. [PMID: 33998002 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The size and organization of the brain are determined by the activity of progenitor cells early in development. Key mechanisms regulating progenitor cell biology involve miRNAs. These small noncoding RNA molecules bind mRNAs with high specificity, controlling their abundance and expression. The role of miRNAs in brain development has been studied extensively, but their involvement at early stages remained unknown until recently. Here, recent findings showing the important role of miRNAs in the earliest phases of brain development are reviewed, and it is discussed how loss of specific miRNAs leads to pathological conditions, particularly adult and pediatric brain tumors. Let-7 miRNA downregulation and the initiation of embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR), a novel link recently discovered by the laboratory, are focused upon. Finally, it is discussed how miRNAs may be used for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of pediatric brain tumors, with the hope of improving the prognosis of these devastating diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Prieto-Colomina
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Virginia Fernández
- Neurobiology of miRNA, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa, Italy
| | - Kaviya Chinnappa
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Víctor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Diana A, Gaido G, Maxia C, Murtas D. MicroRNAs at the Crossroad of the Dichotomic Pathway Cell Death vs. Stemness in Neural Somatic and Cancer Stem Cells: Implications and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9630. [PMID: 33348804 PMCID: PMC7766058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stemness and apoptosis may highlight the dichotomy between regeneration and demise in the complex pathway proceeding from ontogenesis to the end of life. In the last few years, the concept has emerged that the same microRNAs (miRNAs) can be concurrently implicated in both apoptosis-related mechanisms and cell differentiation. Whether the differentiation process gives rise to the architecture of brain areas, any long-lasting perturbation of miRNA expression can be related to the occurrence of neurodevelopmental/neuropathological conditions. Moreover, as a consequence of neural stem cell (NSC) transformation to cancer stem cells (CSCs), the fine modulation of distinct miRNAs becomes necessary. This event implies controlling the expression of pro/anti-apoptotic target genes, which is crucial for the management of neural/neural crest-derived CSCs in brain tumors, neuroblastoma, and melanoma. From a translational point of view, the current progress on the emerging miRNA-based neuropathology therapeutic applications and antitumor strategies will be disclosed and their advantages and shortcomings discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Diana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Maxia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Daniela Murtas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Haltom AR, Toll SA, Cheng D, Maegawa S, Gopalakrishnan V, Khatua S. Medulloblastoma epigenetics and the path to clinical innovation. J Neurooncol 2020; 150:35-46. [PMID: 32816225 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-020-03591-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the last decade, a number of genomic and pharmacological studies have demonstrated the importance of epigenetic dysregulation in medulloblastoma initiation and progression. High throughput approaches including gene expression array, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and methylation profiling have now clearly identified at least four molecular subgroups within medulloblastoma, each with distinct clinical and prognostic characteristics. These studies have clearly shown that despite the overall paucity of mutations, clinically relevant events do occur within the cellular epigenetic machinery. Thus, this review aims to provide an overview of our current understanding of the spectrum of epi-oncogenetic perturbations in medulloblastoma. METHODS Comprehensive review of epigenetic profiles of different subgroups of medulloblastoma in the context of molecular features. Epigenetic regulation is mediated mainly by DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs (miRNA). Importantly, epigenetic mis-events are reversible and have immense therapeutic potential. CONCLUSION The widespread epigenetic alterations present in these tumors has generated intense interest in their use as therapeutic targets. We provide an assessment of the progress that has been made towards the development of molecular subtypes-targeted therapies and the current status of clinical trials that have leveraged these recent advances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Haltom
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie A Toll
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, USA
| | - Donghang Cheng
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shinji Maegawa
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vidya Gopalakrishnan
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
MiR-30b-5p inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of medulloblastoma cells via targeting MYB proto-oncogene like 2 (MYBL2). J Investig Med 2020; 68:1179-1185. [DOI: 10.1136/jim-2020-001354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumors among children. MiR-30b-5p is a potential tumor suppressor in a variety of human cancers. However, its expression and function in MB remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the expression, role and regulatory mechanism of miR-30b-5p in MB. The expression of miR-30b-5p in MB tissues and cell lines was detected by real-time PCR. The effects of miR-30b-5p on cell proliferation and apoptosis were monitored by CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Bioinformatics database TargetScan predicted the target genes of miR-30b-5p. The interaction between miR-30b-5p and MYB proto-oncogene Like 2 (MYBL2) was determined by luciferase reporter gene assay. We demonstrated that the expression of miR-30b-5p was significantly downregulated in MB. Upregulated miR-30b-5p could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of MB.Moreover, overexpressed miR-30b-5p could increase the expression of BAX but decrease that of Bcl-2. Downregulated miR-30b-5p exerted the opposite effect. MYBL2 was proved to be the target gene of miR-30b-5p and was negatively regulated by miR-30b-5p. These results indicate that miR-30b-5p inhibits the progression of MB via targeting the expression of MYBL2.
Collapse
|
9
|
Perla A, Fratini L, Cardoso PS, Nör C, Brunetto AT, Brunetto AL, de Farias CB, Jaeger M, Roesler R. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Pediatric Brain Cancers: Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potential. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:546. [PMID: 32754588 PMCID: PMC7365945 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain cancers are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Biological changes in these tumors likely include epigenetic deregulation during embryonal development of the nervous system. Histone acetylation is one of the most widely investigated epigenetic processes, and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are increasingly important candidate treatments in many cancer types. Here, we review advances in our understanding of how HDACis display antitumor effects in experimental models of specific pediatric brain tumor types, i.e., medulloblastoma (MB), ependymoma (EPN), pediatric high-grade gliomas (HGGs), and rhabdoid and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs). We also discuss clinical perspectives for the use of HDACis in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Perla
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lívia Fratini
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paula S Cardoso
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carolina Nör
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - André T Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Algemir L Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mariane Jaeger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Oto J, Plana E, Solmoirago MJ, Fernández-Pardo Á, Hervás D, Cana F, España F, Artoni A, Bucciarelli P, Carrabba G, Navarro S, Merati G, Medina P. microRNAs and Markers of Neutrophil Activation as Predictors of Early Incidental Post-Surgical Pulmonary Embolism in Patients with Intracranial Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061536. [PMID: 32545233 PMCID: PMC7353032 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of cancer that severely increases morbidity and mortality. Patients with intracranial tumors are more likely to develop VTE than patients with cancers at other sites. Conversely, limited tools exist to identify patients with high thrombotic risk. Upon activation, neutrophils release their content through different mechanisms triggering thrombosis. We explored the ability of microRNAs (miRNAs) and plasma markers of neutrophil activation measured before surgery to predict the risk of early post-surgical pulmonary embolism (PE) in glioma and meningioma patients. We recruited and prospectively followed 50 patients with glioma and 50 with meningioma, 34% of whom in each group developed an early objectively-diagnosed post-surgical PE. We measured miRNA expression and neutrophil markers (cell-free DNA, nucleosomes, calprotectin and myeloperoxidase) before surgery. In glioma patients, we adjusted and validated a predictive model for post-surgical PE with 6 miRNAs: miR-363-3p, miR-93-3p, miR-22-5p, miR-451a, miR-222-3p and miR-140-3p (AUC = 0.78; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [0.63, 0.94]) and another with cfDNA and myeloperoxidase as predictors (AUC = 0.71; 95% CI [0.52, 0.90]). Furthermore, we combined both types of markers and obtained a model with myeloperoxidase and miR-140-3p as predictors (AUC = 0.79; 95% CI [0.64, 0.94]). In meningioma patients we fitted and validated a predictive model with 6 miRNAs: miR-29a-3p, miR-660-5p, miR-331-3p, miR-126-5p, miR-23a-3p and miR-23b-3p (AUC = 0.69; 95% CI [0.52, 0.87]). All our models outperformed the Khorana score. This is the first study that analyzes the capability of plasma miRNAs and neutrophil activation markers to predict early post-surgical PE in glioma and meningioma patients. The estimation of the thrombotic risk before surgery may promote a tailored thromboprophylaxis in a selected group of high-risk patients, in order to minimize the incidence of PE and avoid bleedings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Oto
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.O.); (E.P.); (M.J.S.); (Á.F.-P.); (F.C.); (F.E.); (S.N.)
| | - Emma Plana
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.O.); (E.P.); (M.J.S.); (Á.F.-P.); (F.C.); (F.E.); (S.N.)
- Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - María José Solmoirago
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.O.); (E.P.); (M.J.S.); (Á.F.-P.); (F.C.); (F.E.); (S.N.)
| | - Álvaro Fernández-Pardo
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.O.); (E.P.); (M.J.S.); (Á.F.-P.); (F.C.); (F.E.); (S.N.)
| | - David Hervás
- Data Science, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Fernando Cana
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.O.); (E.P.); (M.J.S.); (Á.F.-P.); (F.C.); (F.E.); (S.N.)
| | - Francisco España
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.O.); (E.P.); (M.J.S.); (Á.F.-P.); (F.C.); (F.E.); (S.N.)
| | - Andrea Artoni
- A. Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.A.); (P.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Paolo Bucciarelli
- A. Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.A.); (P.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Giorgio Carrabba
- Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Silvia Navarro
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.O.); (E.P.); (M.J.S.); (Á.F.-P.); (F.C.); (F.E.); (S.N.)
| | - Giuliana Merati
- A. Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.A.); (P.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Pilar Medina
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (J.O.); (E.P.); (M.J.S.); (Á.F.-P.); (F.C.); (F.E.); (S.N.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
High impact of miRNA-4521 on FOXM1 expression in medulloblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:696. [PMID: 31541075 PMCID: PMC6754377 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma, an embryonal tumor of the cerebellum/fourth ventricle, is one of the most frequent malignant brain tumors in children. Although genetic variants are increasingly used in treatment stratification, survival of high-risk patients, characterized by leptomeningeal dissemination, TP53 mutation or MYC amplification, is still poor. FOXM1, a proliferation-specific oncogenic transcription factor, is deregulated in various solid tumors, including medulloblastoma, and triggers cellular proliferation, migration and genomic instability. In tissue samples obtained from medulloblastoma patients, the significant upregulation of FOXM1 was associated with a loss of its putative regulating microRNA, miR-4521. To understand the underlying mechanism, we investigated the effect of miR-4521 on the expression of the transcription factor FOXM1 in medulloblastoma cell lines. Transfection of this microRNA reduced proliferation and invasion of several medulloblastoma cell lines and induced programmed cell death through activation of caspase 3/7. Further, downstream targets of FOXM1 such as PLK1 and cyclin B1 were significantly reduced thus affecting the cell cycle progression in medulloblastoma cell lines. In conclusion, a restoration of miRNA-4521 may selectively suppress the pathophysiological effect of aberrant FOXM1 expression and serve as a targeted approach for medulloblastoma therapy.
Collapse
|
12
|
Bongaarts A, Prabowo AS, Arena A, Anink JJ, Reinten RJ, Jansen FE, Spliet WGM, Thom M, Coras R, Blümcke I, Kotulska K, Jozwiak S, Grajkowska W, Söylemezoğlu F, Pimentel J, Schouten-van Meeteren AYN, Mills JD, Iyer AM, van Vliet EA, Mühlebner A, Aronica E. MicroRNA519d and microRNA4758 can identify gangliogliomas from dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumours and astrocytomas. Oncotarget 2018; 9:28103-28115. [PMID: 29963264 PMCID: PMC6021349 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioneuronal tumours, including gangliogliomas and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumours, represent the most common low-grade epilepsy-associated brain tumours and are a well-recognized cause of intractable focal epilepsy in children and young adults. Classification is predominantly based on histological features, which is difficult due to the broad histological spectrum of these tumours. The aim of the present study was to find molecular markers that can be used to identify entities within the histopathology spectrum of glioneuronal tumours. The focus of this study was on microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and are involved in the pathogenesis of different neurological diseases and oncogenesis. Using a miRNA array, miR-519d and miR-4758 were found to be upregulated in gangliogliomas (n=26) compared to control cortex (n=17), peritumoural tissue (n=7), dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumours (n=9) and astrocytomas (grade I-IV; subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, n=10; pilocytic astrocytoma, n=15; diffuse astrocytoma grade II, n=10; grade III, n=14 and glioblastoma n=15). Furthermore, the PI3K/AKT3/P21 pathway, which is predicated to be targeted by miR-519d and miR-4758, was deregulated in gangliogliomas. Functionally, overexpression of miR-519d in an astrocytic cell line resulted in a downregulation of CDKN1A (P21) and an increase in cell proliferation, whereas co-transfection with miR-4758 counteracted this effect. These results suggest that miR-519d and miR-4758 might work in concert as regulators of the cell cycle in low grade gliomas. Furthermore, these miRNAs could be used to distinguish gangliogliomas from dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumours and other low and high grade gliomas and may lead to more targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anika Bongaarts
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Avanita S Prabowo
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Arena
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jasper J Anink
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roy J Reinten
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Floor E Jansen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim G M Spliet
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Thom
- Neuropathology Department, University College London, Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Roland Coras
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ingmar Blümcke
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Kotulska
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sergiusz Jozwiak
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Child Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wieslawa Grajkowska
- Department of Pathology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Figen Söylemezoğlu
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - José Pimentel
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - James D Mills
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anand M Iyer
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin A van Vliet
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angelika Mühlebner
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fiscon G, Conte F, Licursi V, Nasi S, Paci P. Computational identification of specific genes for glioblastoma stem-like cells identity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7769. [PMID: 29773872 PMCID: PMC5958093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most malignant brain cancer, contains self-renewing, stem-like cells that sustain tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Identifying genes promoting stem-like cell differentiation might unveil targets for novel treatments. To detect them, here we apply SWIM - a software able to unveil genes (named switch genes) involved in drastic changes of cell phenotype - to public datasets of gene expression profiles from human glioblastoma cells. By analyzing matched pairs of stem-like and differentiated glioblastoma cells, SWIM identified 336 switch genes, potentially involved in the transition from stem-like to differentiated state. A subset of them was significantly related to focal adhesion and extracellular matrix and strongly down-regulated in stem-like cells, suggesting that they may promote differentiation and restrain tumor growth. Their expression in differentiated cells strongly correlated with the down-regulation of transcription factors like OLIG2, POU3F2, SALL2, SOX2, capable of reprogramming differentiated glioblastoma cells into stem-like cells. These findings were corroborated by the analysis of expression profiles from glioblastoma stem-like cell lines, the corresponding primary tumors, and conventional glioma cell lines. Switch genes represent a distinguishing feature of stem-like cells and we are persuaded that they may reveal novel potential therapeutic targets worthy of further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiscon
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- SysBio Centre of Systems Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Conte
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- SysBio Centre of Systems Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Licursi
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Nasi
- Department of Biology and Biotecnology - Charles Darwin, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Paci
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy.
- SysBio Centre of Systems Biology, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Schliesser MG, Claus R, Hielscher T, Grimm C, Weichenhan D, Blaes J, Wiestler B, Hau P, Schramm J, Sahm F, Weiß EK, Weiler M, Baer C, Schmidt-Graf F, Schackert G, Westphal M, Hertenstein A, Roth P, Galldiks N, Hartmann C, Pietsch T, Felsberg J, Reifenberger G, Sabel MC, Winkler F, von Deimling A, Meisner C, Vajkoczy P, Platten M, Weller M, Plass C, Wick W. Prognostic relevance of miRNA-155 methylation in anaplastic glioma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:82028-82045. [PMID: 27880937 PMCID: PMC5347671 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The outcome of patients with anaplastic gliomas varies considerably depending on single molecular markers, such as mutations of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes, as well as molecular classifications based on epigenetic or genetic profiles. Remarkably, 98% of the RNA within a cell is not translated into proteins. Of those, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown not only to have a major influence on physiologic processes but also to be deregulated and prognostic in malignancies.To find novel survival markers and treatment options we performed unbiased DNA methylation screens that revealed 12 putative miRNA promoter regions with differential DNA methylation in anaplastic gliomas. Methylation of these candidate regions was validated in different independent patient cohorts revealing a set of miRNA promoter regions with prognostic relevance across data sets. Of those, miR-155 promoter methylation and miR-155 expression were negatively correlated and especially the methylation showed superior correlation with patient survival compared to established biomarkers.Functional examinations in malignant glioma cells further cemented the relevance of miR-155 for tumor cell viability with transient and stable modifications indicating an onco-miRNA activity. MiR-155 also conferred resistance towards alkylating temozolomide and radiotherapy as consequence of nuclear factor (NF)κB activation.Preconditioning glioma cells with an NFκB inhibitor reduced therapy resistance of miR-155 overexpressing cells. These cells resembled tumors with a low methylation of the miR-155 promoter and thus mir-155 or NFκB inhibition may provide treatment options with a special focus on patients with IDH wild type tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Georg Schliesser
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Claus
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Hielscher
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Grimm
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dieter Weichenhan
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Blaes
- Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Wiestler
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Neurology Clinic, Regensburg University, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Schramm
- Neurosurgery Clinic, University of Bonn Medical Center, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Sahm
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisa K Weiß
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Weiler
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of General Neurology, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Constance Baer
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friederike Schmidt-Graf
- Department of General Neurology, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany.,Neurology Clinic, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Manfred Westphal
- Neurosurgery Clinic, University Clinic Hamburg, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Anne Hertenstein
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick Roth
- Department of General Neurology, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Christian Hartmann
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department for Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Torsten Pietsch
- Department of Neuropathology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Joerg Felsberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany.,Neurosurgery Clinic, Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Guido Reifenberger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany.,Neurosurgery Clinic, Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Frank Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Vajkoczy
- Department Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of General Neurology, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of General Neurology, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Consortium, Clinical Cooperation Units, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit of Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of General Neurology, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that human cancers arise from various tissues of origin that initiate from cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer-initiating cells. The extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways are dysregulated in CSCs, and these cells play crucial roles in tumor initiation, progression, cell death resistance, chemo- and radiotherapy resistance, and tumor recurrence. Understanding CSC-specific signaling proteins and pathways is necessary to identify specific therapeutic targets that may lead to the development of more efficient therapies selectively targeting CSCs. Several signaling pathways-including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), NOTCH1, and Wnt/Β-catenin&and expression of the CSC markers CD133, CD24, CD44, Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and ALDH1A1 maintain CSC properties. Studying such pathways may help to understand CSC biology and lead to the development of potential therapeutic interventions to render CSCs more sensitive to cell death triggered by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Moreover, recent demonstrations of dedifferentiation of differentiated cancer cells into CSC-like cells have created significant complexity in the CSCs hypothesis. Therefore, any successful therapeutic agent or combination of drugs for cancer therapy must eliminate not only CSCs but differentiated cancer cells and the entire bulk of tumor cells. This review article expands on the CSC hypothesis and paradigm with respect to major signaling pathways and effectors that regulate CSC apoptosis resistance. Moreover, selective CSC apoptotic modulators and their therapeutic potential for making tumors more responsive to therapy are discussed. The use of novel therapies, including small-molecule inhibitors of specific proteins in signaling pathways that regulate stemness, proliferation and migration of CSCs, immunotherapy, and noncoding microRNAs may provide better means of treating CSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R Safa
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pan X, Wang Z, Wan B, Zheng Z. MicroRNA-206 inhibits the viability and migration of medulloblastoma cells by targeting LIM and SH3 protein 1. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:3894-3900. [PMID: 29042998 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miR)-206 has been found to be deregulated in various types of human cancer, including medulloblastoma. However, the regulatory mechanism of miR-206 in medulloblastoma growth and metastasis remains largely unclear. In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction data indicated that miR-206 was significantly downregulated in medulloblastoma tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues (P<0.01). Furthermore, low expression of miR-206 was significantly associated with seeding at presentation and anaplastic histology (P<0.01), but not with sex, age, or residual tumors. Overexpression of miR-206 significantly reduced the viability and migration of medulloblastoma D341 cells (P<0.01). LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) was further identified as a novel target of miR-206 in D341 cells. mRNA levels of LASP1 were significantly higher in medulloblastoma tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (P<0.01), with an inverse correlation to the miR-206 levels in medulloblastoma tissues. In addition, protein expression levels of LASP1 ere negatively regulated by miR-206 in D341 cells. Further investigation showed that overexpression of LASP1 significantly eliminated the inhibitory effects of miR-206 on the migration and invasion of D341 cells (P<0.01). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that miR-206 has a suppressive role in medulloblastoma cell viability and invasion, partly at least, via the targeting of LASP1. Our study highlights the importance of the miR-206/LASP1 in medulloblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuexia Pan
- Third Department of Pediatrics, People's Hospital of Binzhou, Binzhou, Shandong 256610, P.R. China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Department of Hematology, People's Hospital of Binzhou, Binzhou, Shandong 256610, P.R. China
| | - Bin Wan
- Department of Neonatology, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China
| | - Zhenwen Zheng
- Third Department of Pediatrics, People's Hospital of Binzhou, Binzhou, Shandong 256610, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mehravar M, Jafarzadeh M, Kay M, Najafi H, Hosseini F, Mowla SJ, Soltani BM. Introduction of novel splice variants for CASC18 gene and its relation to the neural differentiation. Gene 2016; 603:27-33. [PMID: 27956168 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CASC18 along with APPL2, OCC-1 and NUAK1 flanking genes are located in 12q23.3 locus which is known as a potential cancer predisposition locus. Only an uncharacterized EST was initially reported for CASC18 and it was crucial to find its full length sequence and function. METHODS AND RESULTS In an attempt to search for the CASC18's full-length gene sequence, other related ESTs were bioinformatically collected and four novel splice variants (designated as; CASC18-A, -B, -C and -D) were deduced and some were experimentally validated. Two transcription start sites and two alternative polyadenylation sites were deduced for CASC18 gene, using EST data mining and RACE method. CASC18-A and CASC18-D were exclusively expressed in neural cell lines and CASC18-D expression level was gradually increased during the NT2 differentiation to the neuron-like cells. Consistently, overexpression of CASC18-D variant in NT2 cells resulted in remarkable up-regulation of PAX6 neural differentiation marker, suggesting a crucial role of this variant in neural differentiation. CONCLUSION Here, we introduced seven novel transcription variants for human CASC18 gene in which CASC18-D has the potential of being used as a neural cell differentiation marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majid Mehravar
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meisam Jafarzadeh
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Kay
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Najafi
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Hosseini
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Javad Mowla
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram M Soltani
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Benigni M, Ricci C, Jones AR, Giannini F, Al-Chalabi A, Battistini S. Identification of miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. Neuromolecular Med 2016; 18:551-560. [PMID: 27119371 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-016-8396-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Since no diagnostic laboratory test exists, the identification of specific biomarkers could be fundamental in clinical practice. microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered promising biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the study was to identify a CSF miRNA set that could differentiate ALS from non-ALS condition. miRNA profiling in CSF from ALS patients (n = 24; eight with C9orf72 expansion) and unaffected control subjects (n = 24) by quantitative reverse transcription PCR identified fourteen deregulated miRNAs. Validation experiments confirmed eight miRNAs as significantly deregulated in ALS. No significant differences were observed between ALS patients with or without C9orf72 expansion. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed the highest diagnostic accuracy for the upregulated miR181a-5p and the downregulated miR21-5p and miR15b-5p. The miR181a-5p/miR21-5p and miR181a-5p/miR15b-5p ratios detected ALS with 90 and 85 % sensitivity and 87 and 91 % specificity, respectively, confirming the application potential as disease biomarkers. These deregulated miRNAs are implicated in apoptotic way and provide insight into processes responsible for motor neuron degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Benigni
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Ricci
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Ashley R Jones
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fabio Giannini
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stefania Battistini
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ma C, Komohara Y, Ohnishi K, Shimoji T, Kuwahara N, Sakumura Y, Matsuishi K, Fujiwara Y, Motoshima T, Takahashi W, Yamada S, Kitada S, Fujimoto N, Nakayama T, Eto M, Takeya M. Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages is involved in CD44 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:700-7. [PMID: 26918621 PMCID: PMC4970838 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem‐like cells (CSC) or cancer‐initiating cells are now considered to be an important cell population related to cancer recurrence and the resistance to anti‐cancer therapy. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) are a main component of stromal cells and are related to cancer progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Because the detailed mechanisms allowing the maintenance of CSC in cancer tissues remain unclear, we investigated the relationship between TAM and CD44‐expressing cancer cells in ccRCC. CD44 was used as a marker for CSC, and CD163 and CD204 were used as markers for TAM. CD44‐positive cancer cells were detected in 37 of the 103 cases. Although statistical analysis showed no relationship between CD44‐positive cancer cells and the clinical course, the distribution of CD44‐positive cancer cells was significantly associated with a high density of TAM. Our in vitro study using RCC cell lines and human macrophages demonstrated that CD44 expression was upregulated by direct co‐culture with macrophages. Silencing of TNF‐alpha on macrophages abrogated the upregulation of CD44 expression in cancer cells. Macrophage‐induced CD44 overexpression was also suppressed by NF‐κB inhibitors. These results suggest that TNF‐alpha derived from TAM is linked to CD44 overexpression via NF‐κB signaling in ccRCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoya Ma
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Komohara
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Koji Ohnishi
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Tetsu Shimoji
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Nao Kuwahara
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yasuo Sakumura
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Kozue Matsuishi
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Yukio Fujiwara
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Takanobu Motoshima
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Department of UrologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Wataru Takahashi
- Department of UrologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Sohsuke Yamada
- Department of PathologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Shohei Kitada
- Department of UrologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Naohiro Fujimoto
- Department of UrologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Toshiyuki Nakayama
- Department of PathologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Masatoshi Eto
- Department of UrologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Department of UrologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Motohiro Takeya
- Department of Cell PathologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Role of Epigenetics in Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation: Implications for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17020199. [PMID: 26848657 PMCID: PMC4783933 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17020199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objectives of this review are to survey the current literature on the role of epigenetics in determining the fate of stem cells and to assess how this information can be used to enhance the treatment strategies for some neurodegenerative disorders, like Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Some of these epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation and histone modifications, which have a direct impact on the way that genes are expressed in stem cells and how they drive these cells into a mature lineage. Understanding how the stem cells are behaving and giving rise to mature cells can be used to inform researchers on effective ways to design stem cell-based treatments. In this review article, the way in which the basic understanding of how manipulating this process can be utilized to treat certain neurological diseases will be presented. Different genetic factors and their epigenetic changes during reprogramming of stem cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have significant potential for enhancing the efficacy of cell replacement therapies.
Collapse
|
21
|
He X, Liu Z, Peng Y, Yu C. MicroRNA-181c inhibits glioblastoma cell invasion, migration and mesenchymal transition by targeting TGF-β pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 469:1041-8. [PMID: 26682928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs frequently dysregulated in human malignancies. In this study, we found that miR-181c was down-regulated both in glioblastoma tissues and cell lines. We also annotated 566 TCGA miRNA expression profiles and found that patients with high microRNA-181c (miR-181c)-expressing tumors had significantly longer OS and PFS. Overexpression of miR-181c evidently inhibited glioblastoma cell line T98G migration and invasion. Further, the expression of E-cadherin was significantly upregulated and that of N-cadherin and vimentin was significantly down-regulated. We also found that miR-181c overexpression inhibited TGF-β signaling by down-regulating TGFBR1, TGFBR2 and TGFBRAP1 expression. Overall, our study found that miR-181c plays a key role in glioblastoma cell invasion, migration and mesenchymal transition suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Zengjin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Yutao Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Chunjiang Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.
| |
Collapse
|