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Saulnier O, Zagozewski J, Liang L, Hendrikse LD, Layug P, Gordon V, Aldinger KA, Haldipur P, Borlase S, Coudière-Morrison L, Cai T, Martell E, Gonzales NM, Palidwor G, Porter CJ, Richard S, Sharif T, Millen KJ, Doble BW, Taylor MD, Werbowetski-Ogilvie TE. A group 3 medulloblastoma stem cell program is maintained by OTX2-mediated alternative splicing. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:1233-1246. [PMID: 39025928 PMCID: PMC11321995 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
OTX2 is a transcription factor and known driver in medulloblastoma (MB), where it is amplified in a subset of tumours and overexpressed in most cases of group 3 and group 4 MB. Here we demonstrate a noncanonical role for OTX2 in group 3 MB alternative splicing. OTX2 associates with the large assembly of splicing regulators complex through protein-protein interactions and regulates a stem cell splicing program. OTX2 can directly or indirectly bind RNA and this may be partially independent of its DNA regulatory functions. OTX2 controls a pro-tumorigenic splicing program that is mirrored in human cerebellar rhombic lip origins. Among the OTX2-regulated differentially spliced genes, PPHLN1 is expressed in the most primitive rhombic lip stem cells, and targeting PPHLN1 splicing reduces tumour growth and enhances survival in vivo. These findings identify OTX2-mediated alternative splicing as a major determinant of cell fate decisions that drive group 3 MB progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Saulnier
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Genomics and Development of Childhood Cancers, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
- INSERM U830, Cancer, Heterogeneity, Instability and Plasticity, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
- SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Jamie Zagozewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lisa Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Liam D Hendrikse
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Layug
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Victor Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kimberly A Aldinger
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Parthiv Haldipur
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephanie Borlase
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ludivine Coudière-Morrison
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ting Cai
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry, Human Genetics and Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emma Martell
- Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Naomi M Gonzales
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gareth Palidwor
- Ottawa Bioinformatics Core Facility, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher J Porter
- Ottawa Bioinformatics Core Facility, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stéphane Richard
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry, Human Genetics and Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tanveer Sharif
- Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kathleen J Millen
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brad W Doble
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael D Taylor
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Tamra E Werbowetski-Ogilvie
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Sokolov D, Sharda N, Banerjee A, Denisenko K, Basalious EB, Shukla H, Waddell J, Hamdy NM, Banerjee A. Differential Signaling Pathways in Medulloblastoma: Nano-biomedicine Targeting Non-coding Epigenetics to Improve Current and Future Therapeutics. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:31-47. [PMID: 38151840 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128277350231219062154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastomas (MDB) are malignant, aggressive brain tumors that primarily affect children. The survival rate for children under 14 is approximately 72%, while for ages 15 to 39, it is around 78%. A growing body of evidence suggests that dysregulation of signaling mechanisms and noncoding RNA epigenetics play a pivotal role in this disease. METHODOLOGY This study conducted an electronic search of articles on websites like PubMed and Google. The current review also used an in silico databases search and bioinformatics analysis and an extensive comprehensive literature search for original research articles and review articles as well as retrieval of current and future medications in clinical trials. RESULTS This study indicates that several signaling pathways, such as sonic hedgehog, WNT/β-catenin, unfolded protein response mediated ER stress, notch, neurotrophins and TGF-β and ERK, MAPK, and ERK play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MDB. Gene and ncRNA/protein are also involved as an axis long ncRNA to sponge micro-RNAs that affect downstream signal proteins expression and translation affection disease pathophysiology, prognosis and present potential target hit for drug repurposing. Current treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; unfortunately, the disease often relapses, and the survival rate is less than 5%. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective treatments to combat recurrence and improve survival rates. CONCLUSION This review describes various MDB disease hallmarks, including the signaling mechanisms involved in pathophysiology, related-causal genes, epigenetics, downstream genes/epigenes, and possibly the causal disease genes/non-protein coding (nc)RNA/protein axis. Additionally, the challenges associated with MDB treatment are discussed, along with how they are being addressed using nano-technology and nano-biomedicine, with a listing of possible treatment options and future potential treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Sokolov
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, MD 21201, USA
| | - Neha Sharda
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, MD 21201, USA
| | - Aindrila Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kseniia Denisenko
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, MD 21201, USA
| | - Emad B Basalious
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Al Kasr Al Aini 11562, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hem Shukla
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jaylyn Waddell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, MD 21201, USA
| | - Nadia M Hamdy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aditi Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, MD 21201, USA
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3
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Borlase S, DeCarlo A, Coudière-Morrison L, Liang L, Porter CJ, Ramaswamy V, Werbowetski-Ogilvie TE. Cross-species analysis of SHH medulloblastoma models reveals significant inhibitory effects of trametinib on tumor progression. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:347. [PMID: 37726268 PMCID: PMC10509237 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01646-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastomas (MBs) exhibit an intermediate prognosis and extensive intertumoral heterogeneity. While SHH pathway antagonists are effective in post-pubertal patients, younger patients exhibit significant side effects, and tumors that harbor mutations in downstream SHH pathway genes will be drug resistant. Thus, novel targeted therapies are needed. Here, we performed preclinical testing of the potent MEK inhibitor (MEKi) trametinib on tumor properties across 2 human and 3 mouse SHH MB models in vitro and in 3 orthotopic MB xenograft models in vivo. Trametinib significantly reduces tumorsphere size, stem/progenitor cell proliferation, viability, and migration. RNA-sequencing on human and mouse trametinib treated cells corroborated these findings with decreased expression of cell cycle, stem cell pathways and SHH-pathway related genes concomitant with increases in genes associated with cell death and ciliopathies. Importantly, trametinib also decreases tumor growth and increases survival in vivo. Cell cycle related E2F target gene sets are significantly enriched for genes that are commonly downregulated in both trametinib treated tumorspheres and primary xenografts. However, IL6/JAK STAT3 and TNFα/NFκB signaling gene sets are specifically upregulated following trametinib treatment in vivo indicative of compensatory molecular changes following long-term MEK inhibition. Our study reveals a novel role for trametinib in effectively attenuating SHH MB tumor progression and warrants further investigation of this potent MEK1/2 inhibitor either alone or in combination with other targeted therapies for the treatment of SHH MB exhibiting elevated MAPK pathway activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Borlase
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Alexandria DeCarlo
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- 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
| | - Ludivine Coudière-Morrison
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lisa Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Christopher J Porter
- Ottawa Bioinformatics Core Facility, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- 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
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tamra E Werbowetski-Ogilvie
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Denisova OV, Merisaari J, Huhtaniemi R, Qiao X, Yetukuri L, Jumppanen M, Kaur A, Pääkkönen M, von Schantz‐Fant С, Ohlmeyer M, Wennerberg K, Kauko O, Koch R, Aittokallio T, Taipale M, Westermarck J. PP2A-based triple-strike therapy overcomes mitochondrial apoptosis resistance in brain cancer cells. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:1803-1820. [PMID: 37458534 PMCID: PMC10483611 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial glycolysis and hyperactivity of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (AKT) pathway are hallmarks of malignant brain tumors. However, kinase inhibitors targeting AKT (AKTi) or the glycolysis master regulator pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDKi) have failed to provide clinical benefits for brain tumor patients. Here, we demonstrate that heterogeneous glioblastoma (GB) and medulloblastoma (MB) cell lines display only cytostatic responses to combined AKT and PDK targeting. Biochemically, the combined AKT and PDK inhibition resulted in the shutdown of both target pathways and priming to mitochondrial apoptosis but failed to induce apoptosis. In contrast, all tested brain tumor cell models were sensitive to a triplet therapy, in which AKT and PDK inhibition was combined with the pharmacological reactivation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) by NZ-8-061 (also known as DT-061), DBK-1154, and DBK-1160. We also provide proof-of-principle evidence for in vivo efficacy in the intracranial GB and MB models by the brain-penetrant triplet therapy (AKTi + PDKi + PP2A reactivator). Mechanistically, PP2A reactivation converted the cytostatic AKTi + PDKi response to cytotoxic apoptosis, through PP2A-elicited shutdown of compensatory mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and by increased proton leakage. These results encourage the development of triple-strike strategies targeting mitochondrial metabolism to overcome therapy tolerance in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana V. Denisova
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | - Joni Merisaari
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineUniversity of TurkuFinland
| | - Riikka Huhtaniemi
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | - Xi Qiao
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | - Laxman Yetukuri
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFEUniversity of HelsinkiFinland
- Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE)University of OsloNorway
| | - Mikael Jumppanen
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | - Amanpreet Kaur
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | - Mirva Pääkkönen
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | | | - Michael Ohlmeyer
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Atux Iskay LLCPlainsboroNJUSA
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFEUniversity of HelsinkiFinland
- Biotech Research & Innovation CentreUniversity of CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Otto Kauko
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | | | - Tero Aittokallio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFEUniversity of HelsinkiFinland
- Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE)University of OsloNorway
- Institute for Cancer ResearchOslo University HospitalNorway
| | - Mikko Taipale
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular ResearchUniversity of TorontoCanada
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineUniversity of TurkuFinland
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Transcriptomic analysis of the cerebral hippocampal tissue in spontaneously hypertensive rats exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia: associations with inflammation and energy metabolism. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3681. [PMID: 36878975 PMCID: PMC9988845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30682-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the effect of acute hypobaric hypoxia (AHH) on the hippocampal region of the brain in early-stage spontaneously hypertensive male rats. The rats were classified into a control (ground level; ~ 400 m altitude) group and an AHH experimental group placed in an animal hypobaric chamber at a simulated altitude of 5500 m for 24 h. RNA-Seq analysis of the brains and hippocampi showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were primarily associated with ossification, fibrillar collagen trimer, and platelet-derived growth factor binding. The DEGs were classified into functional categories including general function prediction, translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis, replication, recombination, and repair. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were primarily associated with relaxin signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, and amoebiasis pathways. Protein-protein interaction network analysis indicated that 48 DEGs were involved in both inflammation and energy metabolism. Further, we performed validation experiments to show that nine DEGs were closely associated with inflammation and energy metabolism, of which two (Vegfa and Angpt2) and seven (Acta2, Nfkbia, Col1a1, Edn1, Itga1, Ngfr, and Sgk1) genes showed up and downregulated expression, respectively. Collectively, these results indicated that inflammation and energy metabolism-associated gene expression in the hippocampus was altered in early-stage hypertension upon AHH exposure.
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Badodi S, Pomella N, Lim YM, Brandner S, Morrison G, Pollard SM, Zhang X, Zabet NR, Marino S. Combination of BMI1 and MAPK/ERK inhibitors is effective in medulloblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:1273-1285. [PMID: 35213723 PMCID: PMC9340634 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic changes play a key role in the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. METHODS We explore the therapeutic potential of BMI1 and MAPK/ERK inhibition in BMI1High;CHD7Low MB cells and in a preclinical xenograft model. RESULTS We identify a synergistic vulnerability of BMI1High;CHD7Low MB cells to a combination treatment with BMI1 and MAPK/ERK inhibitors. Mechanistically, CHD7-dependent binding of BMI1 to MAPK-regulated genes underpins the CHD7-BMI1-MAPK regulatory axis responsible of the antitumour effect of the inhibitors in vitro and in a preclinical mouse model. Increased ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation activity is found in BMI1High;CHD7Low G4 MB patients, raising the possibility that they could be amenable to a similar therapy. CONCLUSIONS The molecular dissection of the CHD7-BMI1-MAPK regulatory axis in BMI1High;CHD7Low MB identifies this signature as a proxy to predict MAPK functional activation, which can be effectively drugged in preclinical models, and paves the way for further exploration of combined BMI1 and MAPK targeting in G4 MB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Badodi
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nicola Pomella
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Yau Mun Lim
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gillian Morrison
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine & Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Steven M Pollard
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine & Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nicolae Radu Zabet
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Silvia Marino
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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7
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Combined MEK and JAK/STAT3 pathway inhibition effectively decreases SHH medulloblastoma tumor progression. Commun Biol 2022; 5:697. [PMID: 35835937 PMCID: PMC9283517 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03654-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common primary malignant pediatric brain cancer. We recently identified novel roles for the MEK/MAPK pathway in regulating human Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) MB tumorigenesis. The MEK inhibitor, selumetinib, decreased SHH MB growth while extending survival in mouse models. However, the treated mice ultimately succumbed to disease progression. Here, we perform RNA sequencing on selumetinib-treated orthotopic xenografts to identify molecular pathways that compensate for MEK inhibition specifically in vivo. Notably, the JAK/STAT3 pathway exhibits increased activation in selumetinib-treated tumors. The combination of selumetinib and the JAK/STAT3 pathway inhibitor, pacritinib, further reduces growth in two xenograft models and also enhances survival. Multiplex spatial profiling of proteins in drug-treated xenografts reveals shifted molecular dependencies and compensatory changes following combination drug treatment. Our study warrants further investigation into MEK and JAK/STAT3 inhibition as a novel combinatory therapeutic strategy for SHH MB. RNA sequencing of MEK inhibitor (selumetinib)-treated tumors reveals an upregulation of the JAK/STAT3 pathway, with combinatorial therapeutic strategies of JAK/STAT3 inhibitors and selumetinib investigated for the SHH subgroup of medulloblastoma.
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8
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Frappaz D, Barritault M. Reply to Roesler et al. concerning the MEVITEM trial. Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:1212. [PMID: 35552748 PMCID: PMC9248393 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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9
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Roesler R, de Farias CB, Brunetto AT, Gregianin L, Jaeger M, Nör C, Thomaz A. Possible mechanisms and biomarkers of resistance to vismodegib in SHH medulloblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:1210-1211. [PMID: 35552442 PMCID: PMC9248385 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Roesler
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 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
| | - 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
| | - Lauro Gregianin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Pediatric Oncology Service, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 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
| | - Carolina Nör
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Si ck Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda Thomaz
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, UK
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10
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Cell Surface Proteins for Enrichment and In Vitro Characterization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Myogenic Progenitors. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:2735414. [PMID: 35251185 PMCID: PMC8894063 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2735414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human myogenic progenitors can be derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) for use in modeling natural and pathological myogenesis, as well as treating muscle diseases. Transgene-free methods of deriving myogenic progenitors from different PSC lines often produce mixed populations that are heterogeneous in myogenic differentiation potential, yet detailed and accurate characterization of human PSC-derived myogenic progenitors remains elusive in the field. The isolation and purification of human PSC-derived myogenic progenitors is thus an important methodological consideration when we investigate the properties and behaviors of these cells in culture. We previously reported a transgene-free, serum-free floating sphere culture method for the derivation of myogenic progenitors from human PSCs. In this study, we first performed comprehensive cell surface protein profiling of the sphere culture cells through the screening of 255 antibodies. Next, we used magnetic activated cell sorting and enriched the cells according to the expression of specific surface markers. The ability of muscle differentiation in the resulting cells was characterized by immunofluorescent labeling and quantification of positively stained cells. Our results revealed that myotube-forming cells resided in the differentiated cultures of CD29+, CD56+, CD271+, and CD15– fractions, while thick and multinucleated myotubes were identified in the differentiated cultures from CD9+ and CD146+ fractions. We found that PAX7 localization to the nucleus correlates with myotube-forming ability in these sorted populations. We also demonstrated that cells in unsorted, CD271+, and CD15– fractions responded differently to cryopreservation and prolonged culture expansion. Lastly, we showed that CD271 expression is essential for terminal differentiation of human PSC-derived myogenic progenitors. Taken together, these cell surface proteins are not only useful markers to identify unique cellular populations in human PSC-derived myogenic progenitors but also functionally important molecules that can provide valuable insight into human myogenesis.
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11
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Bashir N, Ishfaq M, Mazhar K, Khan JS, Shahid R. Upregulation of CD271 transcriptome in breast cancer promotes cell survival via NFκB pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:487-495. [PMID: 34755264 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06900-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological treatment of many cancers currently targets membrane bound receptors located on a cell surface. We are in a great to need identify novel membrane proteins associated with migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells. CD271, a single transmembrane protein belongs to tumor necrosis factor receptor family acts and play its role in proliferation of cancer cell. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of CD271 in breast cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study we analyzed the mRNA expression of CD271 in breast tumor tissue, breast cancer cell line MCF7 and isolated cancer stem cells (MCF7-CSCs) by RT-qPCR. We also measured the protein levels through western blotting in MCF-7 cell line. CD271 was upregulated in breast cancer patients among all age groups. Within the promoter region of CD271, there is a binding site for NF-κB1 which overlaps a putative quadraplex forming sequence. While CD271 also activates NF-κB pathway, down regulation of CD271 through quadraplex targeting resulted in inhibition of NF-κB and its downstream targets Nanog and Sox2. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our data shows that CD271 and NF-κB are regulated in interdependent manner. Upon CD271 inhibition, the NF-κB expression also reduces which in turn affects the cell proliferation and migration. These results suggest that CD271 is playing a crucial rule in cancer progression by regulating NF-κB and is a good candidate for the therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabiha Bashir
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mehreen Ishfaq
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kehkashan Mazhar
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), KRL Hospital Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jahangir Sarwar Khan
- Department of General Surgery, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Ramla Shahid
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan.
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12
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Landry AP, Samuel N, Spears J, Zador Z. Integrated computational analyses reveal novel insights into the stromal microenvironment of SHH-subtype medulloblastoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20694. [PMID: 34667228 PMCID: PMC8526813 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumour of childhood. While our understanding of this disease has progressed substantially in recent years, the role of tumour microenvironment remains unclear. Given the increasing role of microenvironment-targeted therapeutics in other cancers, this study was aimed at further exploring its role in medulloblastoma. Multiple computational techniques were used to analyze open-source bulk and single cell RNA seq data from primary samples derived from all subgroups of medulloblastoma. Gene expression is used to infer stromal subpopulations, and network-based approaches are used to identify potential therapeutic targets. Bulk data was obtained from 763 medulloblastoma samples and single cell data from an additional 7241 cells from 23 tumours. Independent bulk (285 tumours) and single cell (32,868 cells from 29 tumours) validation cohorts were used to verify results. The SHH subgroup was found to be enriched in stromal activity, including the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, while group 3 is comparatively stroma-suppressed. Several receptor and ligand candidates underlying this difference are identified which we find to correlate with metastatic potential of SHH medulloblastoma. Additionally, a biologically active gradient is detected within SHH medulloblastoma, from "stroma-active" to "stroma-suppressed" cells which may have relevance to targeted therapy. This study serves to further elucidate the role of the stromal microenvironment in SHH-subgroup medulloblastoma and identify novel treatment possibilities for this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Landry
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Nardin Samuel
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julian Spears
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zsolt Zador
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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13
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Shah AH, Gilbert M, Ivan ME, Komotar RJ, Heiss J, Nath A. The role of human endogenous retroviruses in gliomas: from etiological perspectives and therapeutic implications. Neuro Oncol 2021; 23:1647-1655. [PMID: 34120190 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accounting for approximately 8% of the human genome, Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) have been implicated in a variety of cancers including gliomas. In normal cells, tight epigenetic regulation of HERVs prevent aberrant expression; however, in cancer cells, HERVs expression remains pervasive, suggesting a role of HERVs in oncogenic transformation. HERVs may contribute to oncogenesis in several ways including insertional mutagenesis, chromosomal rearrangements, proto-oncogene formation, and maintenance of stemness. On the other hand, recent data has suggested that reversing epigenetic silencing of HERVs may induce robust anti-tumor immune responses, suggesting HERVs' potential therapeutic utility in gliomas. By reversing epigenetic modifications that silence HERVs, DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors may stimulate a viral-mimicry cascade via HERV-derived dsRNA formation that induce interferon-mediated apoptosis. Leveraging this anti-tumor autoimmune response may be a unique avenue to target certain subsets of epigenetically-dysregulated gliomas. Nevertheless, the role of HERVs in gliomas as either arbitrators of oncogenesis or forerunners of the innate anti-tumor immune response remains unclear. Here, we review the role of HERVs in gliomas, their potential dichotomous function in propagating oncogenesis and stimulating the anti-tumor immune response and identify future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish H Shah
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Mark Gilbert
- Neuro-oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health
| | - Michael E Ivan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Ricardo J Komotar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
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14
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Werbowetski-Ogilvie TE. From sorting to sequencing in the molecular era: the evolution of the cancer stem cell model in medulloblastoma. FEBS J 2021; 289:1765-1778. [PMID: 33714236 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) model posits that tumors contain subpopulations that display defining features of normal stem cells including self-renewal capacity and differentiation. Tumor cells exhibiting these features are now considered to be responsible for tumor propagation and drug resistance in a wide variety of cancers. Therefore, the identification of robust CSC markers and characterization of CSC-specific molecular signatures may lead to the identification of novel therapeutics that selectively abolish this clinically relevant cell population while preserving normal tissue. Brain tumor researchers have been at the forefront of the CSC field. From initial in vitro cell sorting experiments to the sophisticated bioinformatic technologies that now exquisitely resolve primary brain tumors at a single-cell level, recent glioma and medulloblastoma (MB) studies have integrated developmental state with genomic and transcriptome data to identify the spectrum of cell types that may drive tumor progression. This review will examine the last two decades of CSC studies in the field. Seminal discoveries, emerging controversies, and outstanding questions will be covered with a particular focus on MB, the most common malignant primary brain tumor in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamra E Werbowetski-Ogilvie
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Program, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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15
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Wang Z, Yang Q, Tan Y, Tang Y, Ye J, Yuan B, Yu W. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Suppress Cancer Development: The Other Side of the Coin. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:613534. [PMID: 33614646 PMCID: PMC7890026 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.613534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main stromal components of cancer, representing a group of heterogeneous cells. Many studies indicate that CAFs promote tumor development. Besides, evidence of the tumor suppression effects of CAFs keeps on merging. In the tumor microenvironment, multiple stimuli can activate fibroblasts. Notably, this does not necessarily mean the activated CAFs become strong tumor promoters immediately. The varying degree of CAFs activation makes quiescent CAFs, tumor-restraining CAFs, and tumor-promoting CAFs. Quiescent CAFs and tumor-restraining CAFs are more present in early-stage cancer, while comparatively, more tumor-promoting CAFs present in advanced-stage cancer. The underlying mechanism that balances tumor promotion or tumor inhibition effects of CAFs is mostly unknown. This review focus on the inhibitory effects of CAFs on cancer development. We describe the heterogeneous origin, markers, and metabolism in the CAFs population. Transgenetic mouse models that deplete CAFs or deplete CAFs activation signaling in the tumor stroma present direct evidence of CAFs protective effects against cancer. Moreover, we outline CAFs subpopulation and CAFs derived soluble factors that act as a tumor suppressor. Single-cell RNA-sequencing on CAFs population provides us new insight to classify CAFs subsets. Understanding the full picture of CAFs will help translate CAFs biology from bench to bedside and develop new strategies to improve precision cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanhuai Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinuo Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Ramaswamy V, Coltin H. Molecular and clinical correlates of medulloblastoma subgroups: A narrative review. GLIOMA 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/glioma.glioma_18_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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17
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Luo RY, Luo C, Zhong F, Shen WY, Li H, Zhang YL, Dai RP. Early-Life Multiple Sevoflurane Exposures Alleviate Long-term Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Mice via the proBDNF/ERK Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:170-183. [PMID: 32910421 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02113-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Early-life multiple anesthetics exposure causes neurotoxicity and hence cognitive dysfunction on developing brain. However, the effects of early-life multiple sevoflurane exposures on emotional changes, especially upon stress, are far beyond understood. In young male C57BL6/J mice, the present study showed that 3% sevoflurane inhalation for 2 h in three consecutive days did not influence anxiety-like behaviors as measured by open field test, light dark transition, and elevated plus maze test. In addition, foot shocks stress induced both the short- and long-term anxiety-like behaviors. However, triple sevoflurane exposures ameliorated the long-term anxiety-like behaviors induced by the foot shocks. In parallel, foot shocks stress upregulated the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor (proBDNF) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which were significantly inhibited by triple sevoflurane exposures. Immunofluorescence further indicated that the increased p-ERK was mainly expressed in the proBDNF-positive staining cells. Intra-ACC injection of recombinant proBDNF protein upregulated the p-ERK expression and blocked the anxiolytic effect of sevoflurane exposure on long-term anxiety-like behaviors. Therefore, our study demonstrated that multiple sevoflurane exposures alleviate long-term anxiety-like behaviors upon acute stress in young mice by inhibiting proBDNF-ERK signaling in the ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Yi Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Central Ren-Min Road No. 139, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Anesthesia Medical Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cong Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Central Ren-Min Road No. 139, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China.
- Anesthesia Medical Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Feng Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Central Ren-Min Road No. 139, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Anesthesia Medical Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei-Yun Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Central Ren-Min Road No. 139, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Anesthesia Medical Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Central Ren-Min Road No. 139, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Anesthesia Medical Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan-Ling Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Central Ren-Min Road No. 139, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Anesthesia Medical Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ru-Ping Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Central Ren-Min Road No. 139, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China.
- Anesthesia Medical Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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18
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Schönholzer MT, Migliavacca J, Alvarez E, Santhana Kumar K, Neve A, Gries A, Ma M, Grotzer MA, Baumgartner M. Real-time sensing of MAPK signaling in medulloblastoma cells reveals cellular evasion mechanism counteracting dasatinib blockade of ERK activation during invasion. Neoplasia 2020; 22:470-483. [PMID: 32818841 PMCID: PMC7452206 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aberrantly activated kinase signaling pathways drive invasion and dissemination in medulloblastoma (MB). A majority of tumor-promoting kinase signaling pathways feed into the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway. The activation status of ERK1/2 during invasion of MB cells is not known and its implication in invasion control unclear. We established a synthetic kinase activation relocation sensor (SKARS) for the MAPK ERK1/2 pathway in MB cells for real-time measuring of drug response. We used 3D invasion assays and organotypic cerebellum slice culture to test drug effects in a physiologically relevant tissue environment. We found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) caused rapid nuclear ERK1/2 activation in MB cells, which persisted for several hours. Concomitant treatment with the BCR/ABL kinase inhibitor dasatinib completely repressed nuclear ERK1/2 activity induced by HGF and EGF but not by bFGF. Increased nuclear ERK1/2 activity correlated positively with speed of invasion. Dasatinib blocked ERK-associated invasion in the majority of cells, but we also observed fast-invading cells with low ERK1/2 activity. These ERK1/2-low, fast-moving cells displayed a rounded morphology, while ERK-high fast-moving cells displayed a mesenchymal morphology. Dasatinib effectively blocked EGF-induced proliferation while it only moderately repressed tissue invasion, indicating that a subset of cells may evade invasion repression by dasatinib through non-mesenchymal motility. Thus, growth factor-induced nuclear activation of ERK1/2 is associated with mesenchymal motility and proliferation in MB cells and can be blocked with the BCR/ABL kinase inhibitor dasatinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Thomas Schönholzer
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research Group, University Children's Hospital ZÏrich, Children's Research Center, Balgrist Campus, Lengghalde 5, CH-8008 ZÏrich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Migliavacca
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research Group, University Children's Hospital ZÏrich, Children's Research Center, Balgrist Campus, Lengghalde 5, CH-8008 ZÏrich, Switzerland
| | - Elena Alvarez
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research Group, University Children's Hospital ZÏrich, Children's Research Center, Balgrist Campus, Lengghalde 5, CH-8008 ZÏrich, Switzerland
| | - Karthiga Santhana Kumar
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research Group, University Children's Hospital ZÏrich, Children's Research Center, Balgrist Campus, Lengghalde 5, CH-8008 ZÏrich, Switzerland
| | - Anuja Neve
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research Group, University Children's Hospital ZÏrich, Children's Research Center, Balgrist Campus, Lengghalde 5, CH-8008 ZÏrich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Gries
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research Group, University Children's Hospital ZÏrich, Children's Research Center, Balgrist Campus, Lengghalde 5, CH-8008 ZÏrich, Switzerland
| | - Min Ma
- Quantitative Signaling Group, Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael A Grotzer
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research Group, University Children's Hospital ZÏrich, Children's Research Center, Balgrist Campus, Lengghalde 5, CH-8008 ZÏrich, Switzerland; University Children's Hospital ZÏrich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 ZÏrich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Baumgartner
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research Group, University Children's Hospital ZÏrich, Children's Research Center, Balgrist Campus, Lengghalde 5, CH-8008 ZÏrich, Switzerland.
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19
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Thomaz A, Jaeger M, Brunetto AL, Brunetto AT, Gregianin L, de Farias CB, Ramaswamy V, Nör C, Taylor MD, Roesler R. Neurotrophin Signaling in Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2542. [PMID: 32906676 PMCID: PMC7564905 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a family of secreted proteins that act by binding to tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) or p75NTR receptors to regulate nervous system development and plasticity. Increasing evidence indicates that neurotrophins and their receptors in cancer cells play a role in tumor growth and resistance to treatment. In this review, we summarize evidence indicating that neurotrophin signaling influences medulloblastoma (MB), the most common type of malignant brain cancer afflicting children. We discuss the potential of neurotrophin receptors as new therapeutic targets for the treatment of MB. Overall, activation of TrkA and TrkC types of receptors seem to promote cell death, whereas TrkB might stimulate MB growth, and TrkB inhibition displays antitumor effects. Importantly, we show analyses of the gene expression profile of neurotrophins and their receptors in MB primary tumors, which indicate, among other findings, that higher levels of NTRK1 or NTRK2 are associated with reduced overall survival (OS) of patients with SHH MB tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Thomaz
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; (A.T.); (M.J.); (A.L.B.); (A.T.B.); (L.G.); (C.B.d.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariane Jaeger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; (A.T.); (M.J.); (A.L.B.); (A.T.B.); (L.G.); (C.B.d.F.)
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, RS, Brazil
| | - Algemir L. Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; (A.T.); (M.J.); (A.L.B.); (A.T.B.); (L.G.); (C.B.d.F.)
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, RS, Brazil
| | - André T. Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; (A.T.); (M.J.); (A.L.B.); (A.T.B.); (L.G.); (C.B.d.F.)
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, RS, Brazil
| | - Lauro Gregianin
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; (A.T.); (M.J.); (A.L.B.); (A.T.B.); (L.G.); (C.B.d.F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
- Pediatric Oncology Service, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, 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 90035-003, RS, Brazil; (A.T.); (M.J.); (A.L.B.); (A.T.B.); (L.G.); (C.B.d.F.)
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, RS, Brazil
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON 17-9702, Canada; (V.R.); (C.N.); (M.D.T.)
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Carolina Nör
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON 17-9702, Canada; (V.R.); (C.N.); (M.D.T.)
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Michael D. Taylor
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON 17-9702, Canada; (V.R.); (C.N.); (M.D.T.)
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil; (A.T.); (M.J.); (A.L.B.); (A.T.B.); (L.G.); (C.B.d.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil
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20
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An OTX2-PAX3 signaling axis regulates Group 3 medulloblastoma cell fate. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3627. [PMID: 32686664 PMCID: PMC7371715 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OTX2 is a potent oncogene that promotes tumor growth in Group 3 medulloblastoma. However, the mechanisms by which OTX2 represses neural differentiation are not well characterized. Here, we perform extensive multiomic analyses to identify an OTX2 regulatory network that controls Group 3 medulloblastoma cell fate. OTX2 silencing modulates the repressive chromatin landscape, decreases levels of PRC2 complex genes and increases the expression of neurodevelopmental transcription factors including PAX3 and PAX6. Expression of PAX3 and PAX6 is significantly lower in Group 3 medulloblastoma patients and is correlated with reduced survival, yet only PAX3 inhibits self-renewal in vitro and increases survival in vivo. Single cell RNA sequencing of Group 3 medulloblastoma tumorspheres demonstrates expression of an undifferentiated progenitor program observed in primary tumors and characterized by translation/elongation factor genes. Identification of mTORC1 signaling as a downstream effector of OTX2-PAX3 reveals roles for protein synthesis pathways in regulating Group 3 medulloblastoma pathogenesis. OTX2 promotes tumour growth in Group 3 medulloblastoma. Here, the authors show that OTX2 regulates PAX3 to induce neural de-differentiation and promote tumourigenesis in Group 3 medulloblastoma.
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21
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Alharbi M, Mobark N, Bashawri Y, Abu Safieh L, Alowayn A, Aljelaify R, AlSaeed M, Almutairi A, Alqubaishi F, AlSolme E, Ahmad M, Al-Banyan A, Alotabi FE, Serrano J, Snuderl M, Al-Rashed M, Abedalthagafi M. Methylation Profiling of Medulloblastoma in a Clinical Setting Permits Sub-classification and Reveals New Outcome Predictions. Front Neurol 2020; 11:167. [PMID: 32265819 PMCID: PMC7100767 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common childhood malignant brain tumor and is a leading cause of cancer-related death in children. DNA methylation profiling has rapidly advanced our understanding of MB pathogenesis at the molecular level, but assessments in Saudi Arabian (SA)-MB cases are sparse. MBs can be sub-grouped according to methylation patterns from FPPE samples into Wingless (WNT-MB), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH-MB), Group 3 (G3), and Group 4 (G4) tumors. The WNT-MB and SHH-MB subgroups are characterized by gain-of function mutations that activate oncogenic cell signaling, whilst G3/G4 tumors show recurrent chromosomal alterations. Given that each subgroup has distinct clinical outcomes, the ability to subgroup SA-FPPE samples holds significant prognostic and therapeutic value. Here, we performed the first assessment of MB-DNA methylation patterns in an SA cohort using archival biopsy material (FPPE n = 49). Of the 41 materials available for methylation assessments, 39 could be classified into the major DNA methylation subgroups (SHH, WNT, G3, and G4). Furthermore, methylation analysis was able to reclassify tumors that could not be sub-grouped through next-generation sequencing, highlighting its superior accuracy for MB molecular classifications. Independent assessments demonstrated known clinical relationships of the subgroups, exemplified by the high survival rates observed for WNT tumors. Surprisingly, the G4 subgroup did not conform to previously identified phenotypes, with a high prevalence in females, high metastatic rates, and a large number of tumor-associated deaths. Taking our results together, we demonstrate that DNA methylation profiling enables the robust sub-classification of four disease sub-groups in archival FFPE biopsy material from SA-MB patients. Moreover, we show that the incorporation of DNA methylation biomarkers can significantly improve current disease-risk stratification schemes, particularly concerning the identification of aggressive G4 tumors. These findings have important implications for future clinical disease management in MB cases across the Arab world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musa Alharbi
- Department of Paediatric Oncology Comprehensive Cancer Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahla Mobark
- Department of Paediatric Oncology Comprehensive Cancer Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yara Bashawri
- Department of Biostatistics, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leen Abu Safieh
- Genomics Research Department, Saudi Human Genome Project, King Fahad Medical City and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Albandary Alowayn
- Department of Biostatistics, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rasha Aljelaify
- Department of Biostatistics, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariam AlSaeed
- Department of Biostatistics, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Almutairi
- Department of Biostatistics, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah Alqubaishi
- Department of Biostatistics, Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebtehal AlSolme
- Genomics Research Department, Saudi Human Genome Project, King Fahad Medical City and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maqsood Ahmad
- Department of Neuroscience, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman Al-Banyan
- Department of Neuroscience, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad E Alotabi
- Department of Neuroscience, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jonathan Serrano
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Matija Snuderl
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - May Al-Rashed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak Abedalthagafi
- Genomics Research Department, Saudi Human Genome Project, King Fahad Medical City and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Cytometric analysis of cell suspension generated by cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator in pediatric brain tumors. J Neurooncol 2019; 143:15-25. [PMID: 30827009 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-019-03135-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to test the possibility of using specimens obtained by a cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) in flow and mass cytometry investigations of pediatric brain tumors. METHODS CUSA specimens obtained from 19 pediatric patients with brain tumors were investigated. Flow and mass cytometry methods were applied to analyze the composition of material collected using the CUSA. Cell suspensions were prepared from CUSA aspirates. Then sample viability was assessed by conventional flow cytometry and subsequently stained with a panel of 31 metal-labeled antibodies. RESULTS Viability assessment was performed using conventional flow cytometry. Viability of cells in the acquired samples was below 50% in 16 of 19 cases. A mass cytometry investigation and subsequent analysis enabled us to discriminate brain tumor cells from contaminating leukocytes, whose proportions varied across the specimens. The addition of the viability marker cisplatin directly into the mass cytometry panel gave the means to selecting viable cells only for subsequent analyses. The proportion of non-viable cells was higher among tumor cells compared leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS When the analysis of the tumor cell immunophenotype is performed with markers for determining viability, the expression of the investigated markers can be evaluated. Suitable markers can be selected by high-throughput methods, such as mass cytometry, and those that are diagnostically relevant can be investigated using flow cytometry, which is more flexible in terms of time.
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23
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Testa U, Castelli G, Pelosi E. Genetic Abnormalities, Clonal Evolution, and Cancer Stem Cells of Brain Tumors. Med Sci (Basel) 2018; 6:E85. [PMID: 30279357 PMCID: PMC6313628 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6040085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are highly heterogeneous and have been classified by the World Health Organization in various histological and molecular subtypes. Gliomas have been classified as ranging from low-grade astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas to high-grade astrocytomas or glioblastomas. These tumors are characterized by a peculiar pattern of genetic alterations. Pediatric high-grade gliomas are histologically indistinguishable from adult glioblastomas, but they are considered distinct from adult glioblastomas because they possess a different spectrum of driver mutations (genes encoding histones H3.3 and H3.1). Medulloblastomas, the most frequent pediatric brain tumors, are considered to be of embryonic derivation and are currently subdivided into distinct subgroups depending on histological features and genetic profiling. There is emerging evidence that brain tumors are maintained by a special neural or glial stem cell-like population that self-renews and gives rise to differentiated progeny. In many instances, the prognosis of the majority of brain tumors remains negative and there is hope that the new acquisition of information on the molecular and cellular bases of these tumors will be translated in the development of new, more active treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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