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Do AD, Wu KS, Chu SS, Giang LH, Lin YL, Chang CC, Wong TT, Hsieh CL, Sung SY. LOXL1-AS1 contributes to metastasis in sonic-hedgehog medulloblastoma by promoting cancer stem-like phenotypes. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:130. [PMID: 38689348 PMCID: PMC11059759 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03057-0] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastomas (MBs) are one of the most common malignant brain tumor types in children. MB prognosis, despite improvement in recent years, still depends on clinical and biological risk factors. Metastasis is the leading cause of MB-related deaths, which highlights an unmet need for risk stratification and targeted therapy to improve clinical outcomes. Among the four molecular subgroups, sonic-hedgehog (SHH)-MB harbors clinical and genetic heterogeneity with a subset of high-risk cases. Recently, long non-coding (lnc)RNAs were implied to contribute to cancer malignant progression, but their role in MB remains unclear. This study aimed to identify pro-malignant lncRNAs that have prognostic and therapeutic significance in SHH-MB. METHODS The Daoy SHH-MB cell line was engineered for ectopic expression of MYCN, a genetic signature of SHH-MB. MYCN-associated lncRNA genes were identified using RNA-sequencing data and were validated in SHH-MB cell lines, MB tissue samples, and patient cohort datasets. SHH-MB cells with genetic manipulation of the candidate lncRNA were evaluated for metastatic phenotypes in vitro, including cell migration, invasion, sphere formation, and expressions of stemness markers. An orthotopic xenograft mouse model was used to evaluate metastasis occurrence and survival. Finally, bioinformatic screening and in vitro assays were performed to explore downstream mechanisms. RESULTS Elevated lncRNA LOXL1-AS1 expression was identified in MYCN-expressing Daoy cells and MYCN-amplified SHH-MB tumors, and was significantly associated with lower survival in SHH-MB patients. Functionally, LOXL1-AS1 promoted SHH-MB cell migration and cancer stemness in vitro. In mice, MYCN-expressing Daoy cells exhibited a high metastatic rate and adverse effects on survival, both of which were suppressed under LOLX1-AS1 perturbation. Integrative bioinformatic analyses revealed associations of LOXL1-AS1 with processes of cancer stemness, cell differentiation, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. LOXL1-AS1 positively regulated the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. Knockdown of TGF-β2 in SHH-MB cells significantly abrogated their LOXL1-AS1-mediated prometastatic functions. CONCLUSIONS This study proved the functional significance of LOXL1-AS1 in SHH-MB metastasis by its promotion of TGF-β2-mediated cancer stem-like phenotypes, providing both prognostic and therapeutic potentials for targeting SHH-MB metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Duy Do
- International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Immunology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Kuo-Sheng Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Shing-Shung Chu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Le Hien Giang
- International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, 180000, Vietnam
| | - Yu-Ling Lin
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Che-Chang Chang
- International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Tong Wong
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Hsieh
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- Institute for Drug Evaluation Platform, Development Center for Biotechnology, Taipei, 11571, Taiwan.
| | - Shian-Ying Sung
- International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
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Da-Veiga MA, Rogister B, Lombard A, Neirinckx V, Piette C. Glioma Stem Cells in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: From Current Knowledge to Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092296. [PMID: 35565425 PMCID: PMC9099564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) has a dismal prognosis in which the younger the patient, the more restricted the treatments are, in regard to the incurred risks. Current therapies destroy many tumor cells but fail to target the highly malignant glioma stem cells (GSCs) that adapt quickly to give rise to recurring, treatment-resistant cancers. Despite a lack of consensus around an efficient detection, GSCs are well described in adult brain tumors but remain poorly investigated in pediatric cases, mostly due to their rarity. An improved knowledge about GSC roles in pediatric tumors would provide a key leverage towards the elimination of this sub-population, based on targeted treatments. The aim of this review is to sum up the state of art about GSCs in pHGG. Abstract In children, high-grade gliomas (HGG) and diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) account for a high proportion of death due to cancer. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are tumor cells in a specific state defined by a tumor-initiating capacity following serial transplantation, self-renewal, and an ability to recapitulate tumor heterogeneity. Their presence was demonstrated several decades ago in adult glioblastoma (GBM), and more recently in pediatric HGG and DMG. In adults, we and others have previously suggested that GSCs nest into the subventricular zone (SVZ), a neurogenic niche, where, among others, they find shelter from therapy. Both bench and bedside evidence strongly indicate a role for the GSCs and the SVZ in GBM progression, fostering the development of innovative targeting treatments. Such new therapeutic approaches are of particular interest in infants, in whom standard therapies are often limited due to the risk of late effects. The aim of this review is to describe current knowledge about GSCs in pediatric HGG and DMG, i.e., their characterization, the models that apply to their development and maintenance, the specific signaling pathways that may underlie their activity, and their specific interactions with neurogenic niches. Finally, we will discuss the clinical relevance of these observations and the therapeutic advantages of targeting the SVZ and/or the GSCs in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Da-Veiga
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
| | - Bernard Rogister
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
- Department of Neurology, CHU of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Lombard
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHU of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Virginie Neirinckx
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
| | - Caroline Piette
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, CHU Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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Amadasu E, Kang R, Usmani A, Borlongan CV. Effects of Lovastatin on Brain Cancer Cells. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221102903. [PMID: 35670207 PMCID: PMC9178988 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221102903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although brain tumors occur less frequently than other forms of cancer, they have one of the bleakest prognoses with low survival rates. The conventional treatment for brain tumors includes surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, resistance to treatment remains a problem with recurrence shortly following. The resistance to treatment may be caused by cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subset of brain tumor cells with the affinity for self-renewal and differentiation into multiple cell lineages. An emerging approach to targeting CSCs in brain tumors is through repurposing the lipid-lowering medication, lovastatin. Lovastatin is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor that impacts the mevalonate pathway. The inhibition of intermediates in the mevalonate pathway affects signaling cascades and oncogenes associated with brain tumor stem cells (BTSC). In this review, we show the possible mechanisms where lovastatin can target BTSC for different varieties of malignant brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efosa Amadasu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Richard Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ahsan Usmani
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Cesario V Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
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Voskamp MJ, Li S, van Daalen KR, Crnko S, ten Broeke T, Bovenschen N. Immunotherapy in Medulloblastoma: Current State of Research, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5387. [PMID: 34771550 PMCID: PMC8582409 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), a primary tumor of the central nervous system, is among the most prevalent pediatric neoplasms. The median age of diagnosis is six. Conventional therapies include surgical resection of the tumor with subsequent radiation and chemotherapy. However, these therapies often cause severe brain damage, and still, approximately 75% of pediatric patients relapse within a few years. Because the conventional therapies cause such severe damage, especially in the pediatric developing brain, there is an urgent need for better treatment strategies such as immunotherapy, which over the years has gained accumulating interest. Cancer immunotherapy aims to enhance the body's own immune response to tumors and is already widely used in the clinic, e.g., in the treatment of melanoma and lung cancer. However, little is known about the possible application of immunotherapy in brain cancer. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current consensus on MB classification and the state of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research concerning immunotherapy in MB. Based on existing evidence, we will especially focus on immune checkpoint inhibition and CAR T-cell therapy. Additionally, we will discuss challenges associated with these immunotherapies and relevant strategies to overcome those.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije J. Voskamp
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.J.V.); (S.L.); (S.C.); (T.t.B.)
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.J.V.); (S.L.); (S.C.); (T.t.B.)
| | - Kim R. van Daalen
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB1 8RN, UK;
| | - Sandra Crnko
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.J.V.); (S.L.); (S.C.); (T.t.B.)
| | - Toine ten Broeke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.J.V.); (S.L.); (S.C.); (T.t.B.)
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.J.V.); (S.L.); (S.C.); (T.t.B.)
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Lhermitte B, Blandin AF, Coca A, Guerin E, Durand A, Entz-Werlé N. Signaling pathway deregulation and molecular alterations across pediatric medulloblastomas. Neurochirurgie 2021; 67:39-45. [PMID: 29776650 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastomas (MBs) account for 15% of brain tumors in children under the age of 15. To date, the overall 5-year survival rate for all children is only around 60%. Recent advances in cancer genomics have led to a fundamental change in medulloblastoma classification and is evolving along with the genomic discoveries, allowing to regularly reclassify this disease. The previous molecular classification defined 4 groups (WNT-activated MB, SHH-activated MB and the groups 3 and 4 characterized partially by NMYC and MYC driven MBs). This stratification moved forward recently to better define these groups and their correlation to outcome. This new stratification into 7 novel subgroups was helpful to lay foundations and complementary data on the understanding regarding molecular pathways and gene mutations underlying medulloblastoma biology. This review was aimed at answering the recent key questions on MB genomics and go further in the relevance of those genes in MB development as well as in their targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lhermitte
- Laboratoire de Pathologie, CHU Hautepierre, 1, avenue Molière, 67098 Strasbourg, France
| | - A F Blandin
- EA3430, Progression tumorale et microenvironnement, approches translationnelles et épidémiologie, université de Strasbourg, 3, avenue Molière, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - A Coca
- Service de Neurochirurgie, CHU Hautepierre, 1, avenue Molière, 67098 Strasbourg, France
| | - E Guerin
- Laboratoire de biologie moléculaire et plateforme régionale d'oncobiologie d'Alsace, CHU Hautepierre, 1, avenue Molière, 67098 Strasbourg, France
| | - A Durand
- EA3430, Progression tumorale et microenvironnement, approches translationnelles et épidémiologie, université de Strasbourg, 3, avenue Molière, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - N Entz-Werlé
- EA3430, Progression tumorale et microenvironnement, approches translationnelles et épidémiologie, université de Strasbourg, 3, avenue Molière, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Service de pédiatrie onco-hématologie, CHU Hautepierre, 1, avenue Molière, 67098 Strasbourg, France.
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6
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Genovesi LA, Millar A, Tolson E, Singleton M, Hassall E, Kojic M, Brighi C, Girard E, Andradas C, Kuchibhotla M, Bhuva DD, Endersby R, Gottardo NG, Bernard A, Adolphe C, Olson JM, Taylor MD, Davis MJ, Wainwright BJ. Systems pharmacogenomics identifies novel targets and clinically actionable therapeutics for medulloblastoma. Genome Med 2021; 13:103. [PMID: 34154646 PMCID: PMC8215804 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00920-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity. Existing treatment protocols are aggressive in nature resulting in significant neurological, intellectual and physical disabilities for the children undergoing treatment. Thus, there is an urgent need for improved, targeted therapies that minimize these harmful side effects. METHODS We identified candidate drugs for MB using a network-based systems-pharmacogenomics approach: based on results from a functional genomics screen, we identified a network of interactions implicated in human MB growth regulation. We then integrated drugs and their known mechanisms of action, along with gene expression data from a large collection of medulloblastoma patients to identify drugs with potential to treat MB. RESULTS Our analyses identified drugs targeting CDK4, CDK6 and AURKA as strong candidates for MB; all of these genes are well validated as drug targets in other tumour types. We also identified non-WNT MB as a novel indication for drugs targeting TUBB, CAD, SNRPA, SLC1A5, PTPRS, P4HB and CHEK2. Based upon these analyses, we subsequently demonstrated that one of these drugs, the new microtubule stabilizing agent, ixabepilone, blocked tumour growth in vivo in mice bearing patient-derived xenograft tumours of the Sonic Hedgehog and Group 3 subtype, providing the first demonstration of its efficacy in MB. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that this data-driven systems pharmacogenomics strategy is a powerful approach for the discovery and validation of novel therapeutic candidates relevant to MB treatment, and along with data validating ixabepilone in PDX models of the two most aggressive subtypes of medulloblastoma, we present the network analysis framework as a resource for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Genovesi
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Amanda Millar
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Elissa Tolson
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Matthew Singleton
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Emily Hassall
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Marija Kojic
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Caterina Brighi
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Emily Girard
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Clara Andradas
- Brain Tumour Research Program, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Mani Kuchibhotla
- Brain Tumour Research Program, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Dharmesh D Bhuva
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Raelene Endersby
- Brain Tumour Research Program, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nicholas G Gottardo
- Brain Tumour Research Program, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Anne Bernard
- QFAB Bioinformatics, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Christelle Adolphe
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - James M Olson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Michael D Taylor
- Programme in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, MSG 1X8, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, MSG 1X8, Canada
| | - Melissa J Davis
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Brandon J Wainwright
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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Shrestha S, Morcavallo A, Gorrini C, Chesler L. Biological Role of MYCN in Medulloblastoma: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges Ahead. Front Oncol 2021; 11:694320. [PMID: 34195095 PMCID: PMC8236857 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.694320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The constitutive and dysregulated expression of the transcription factor MYCN has a central role in the pathogenesis of the paediatric brain tumour medulloblastoma, with an increased expression of this oncogene correlating with a worse prognosis. Consequently, the genomic and functional alterations of MYCN represent a major therapeutic target to attenuate tumour growth in medulloblastoma. This review will provide a comprehensive synopsis of the biological role of MYCN and its family components, their interaction with distinct signalling pathways, and the implications of this network in medulloblastoma development. We will then summarise the current toolbox for targeting MYCN and highlight novel therapeutic avenues that have the potential to results in better-tailored clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumana Shrestha
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Alaide Morcavallo
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Gorrini
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Chesler
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom.,Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), and The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
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Borgenvik A, Čančer M, Hutter S, Swartling FJ. Targeting MYCN in Molecularly Defined Malignant Brain Tumors. Front Oncol 2021; 10:626751. [PMID: 33585252 PMCID: PMC7877538 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.626751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Misregulation of MYC genes, causing MYC overexpression or protein stabilization, is frequently found in malignant brain tumors highlighting their important roles as oncogenes. Brain tumors in children are the most lethal of all pediatric malignancies and the most common malignant primary adult brain tumor, glioblastoma, is still practically incurable. MYCN is one of three MYC family members and is crucial for normal brain development. It is associated with poor prognosis in many malignant pediatric brain tumor types and is focally amplified in specific adult brain tumors. Targeting MYCN has proved to be challenging due to its undruggable nature as a transcription factor and for its importance in regulating developmental programs also in healthy cells. In this review, we will discuss efforts made to circumvent the difficulty of targeting MYCN specifically by using direct or indirect measures to treat MYCN-driven brain tumors. We will further consider the mechanism of action of these measures and suggest which molecularly defined brain tumor patients that might benefit from MYCN-directed precision therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Borgenvik
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Matko Čančer
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sonja Hutter
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik J Swartling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Laneve P, Caffarelli E. The Non-coding Side of Medulloblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:275. [PMID: 32528946 PMCID: PMC7266940 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric brain tumor and a primary cause of cancer-related death in children. Until a few years ago, only clinical and histological features were exploited for MB pathological classification and outcome prognosis. In the past decade, the advancement of high-throughput molecular analyses that integrate genetic, epigenetic, and expression data, together with the availability of increasing wealth of patient samples, revealed the existence of four molecularly distinct MB subgroups. Their further classification into 12 subtypes not only reduced the well-characterized intertumoral heterogeneity, but also provided new opportunities for the design of targets for precision oncology. Moreover, the identification of tumorigenic and self-renewing subpopulations of cancer stem cells in MB has increased our knowledge of its biology. Despite these advancements, the origin of MB is still debated, and its molecular bases are poorly characterized. A major goal in the field is to identify the key genes that drive tumor growth and the mechanisms through which they are able to promote tumorigenesis. So far, only protein-coding genes acting as oncogenic drivers have been characterized in each MB subgroup. The contribution of the non-coding side of the genome, which produces a plethora of transcripts that control fundamental biological processes, as the cell choice between proliferation and differentiation, is still unappreciated. This review wants to fill this major gap by summarizing the recent findings on the impact of non-coding RNAs in MB initiation and progression. Furthermore, their potential role as specific MB biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Laneve
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Caffarelli
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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10
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Bahmad HF, Poppiti RJ. Medulloblastoma cancer stem cells: molecular signatures and therapeutic targets. J Clin Pathol 2020; 73:243-249. [PMID: 32034059 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2019-206246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant primary intracranial neoplasm diagnosed in childhood. Although numerous efforts have been made during the past few years to exploit novel targeted therapies for this aggressive neoplasm, there still exist substantial hitches hindering successful management of MB. Lately, progress in cancer biology has shown evidence that a subpopulation of cells within the tumour, namely cancer stem cells (CSCs), are thought to be responsible for the resistance to most chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy, accounting for cancer recurrence. Hence, it is crucial to identify the molecular signatures and genetic aberrations that characterise those CSCs and develop therapies that specifically target them. In this review, we aim to give an overview of the main genetic and molecular cues that depict MB-CSCs and provide a synopsis of the novel therapeutic approaches that specifically target this population of cells to attain enhanced antitumorous effects and therefore overcome resistance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Arkadi M Rywlin MD Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Robert J Poppiti
- Arkadi M Rywlin MD Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA .,Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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11
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Kogiso M, Qi L, Braun FK, Injac SG, Zhang L, Du Y, Zhang H, Lin FY, Zhao S, Lindsay H, Su JM, Baxter PA, Adesina AM, Liao D, Qian MG, Berg S, Muscal JA, Li XN. Concurrent Inhibition of Neurosphere and Monolayer Cells of Pediatric Glioblastoma by Aurora A Inhibitor MLN8237 Predicted Survival Extension in PDOX Models. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:2159-2170. [PMID: 29463553 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Pediatric glioblastoma multiforme (pGBM) is a highly aggressive tumor in need of novel therapies. Our objective was to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of MLN8237 (alisertib), an orally available selective inhibitor of Aurora A kinase (AURKA), and to evaluate which in vitro model system (monolayer or neurosphere) can predict therapeutic efficacy in vivoExperimental Design: AURKA mRNA expressions were screened with qRT-PCR. In vitro antitumor effects were examined in three matching pairs of monolayer and neurosphere lines established from patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models of the untreated (IC-4687GBM), recurrent (IC-3752GBM), and terminal (IC-R0315GBM) tumors, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy through log rank analysis of survival times in two models (IC-4687GBM and IC-R0315GBM) following MLN8237 treatment (30 mg/kg/day, orally, 12 days). Drug concentrations in vivo and mechanism of action and resistance were also investigated.Results: AURKA mRNA overexpression was detected in 14 pGBM tumors, 10 PDOX models, and 6 cultured pGBM lines as compared with 11 low-grade gliomas and normal brains. MLN8237 penetrated into pGBM xenografts in mouse brains. Significant extension of survival times were achieved in IC-4687GBM of which both neurosphere and monolayer were inhibited in vitro, but not in IC-R0315GBM of which only neurosphere cells responded (similar to IC-3752GBM). Apoptosis-mediated MLN8237 induced cell death, and the presence of AURKA-negative and CD133+ cells appears to have contributed to in vivo therapy resistance.Conclusions: MLN8237 successfully targeted AURKA in a subset of pGBMs. Our data suggest that combination therapy should aim at AURKA-negative and/or CD133+ pGBM cells to prevent tumor recurrence. Clin Cancer Res; 24(9); 2159-70. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Kogiso
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lin Qi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Frank K Braun
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sarah G Injac
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Linna Zhang
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Yuchen Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Huiyuan Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Frank Y Lin
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sibo Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Holly Lindsay
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jack M Su
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Patricia A Baxter
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Adekunle M Adesina
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Debra Liao
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mark G Qian
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Stacey Berg
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jodi A Muscal
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. .,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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12
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Abou-Antoun TJ, Hale JS, Lathia JD, Dombrowski SM. Brain Cancer Stem Cells in Adults and Children: Cell Biology and Therapeutic Implications. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:372-384. [PMID: 28374184 PMCID: PMC5398995 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0524-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors represent some of the most malignant cancers in both children and adults. Current treatment options target the majority of tumor cells but do not adequately target self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have been reported to resist the most aggressive radiation and chemotherapies, and give rise to recurrent, treatment-resistant secondary malignancies. With advancing technologies, we now have a better understanding of the genetic, epigenetic and molecular signatures and microenvironmental influences which are useful in distinguishing between distinctly different tumor subtypes. As a result, efforts are now underway to identify and target CSCs within various tumor subtypes based on this foundation. This review discusses progress in CSC biology as it relates to targeted therapies which may be uniquely different between pediatric and adult brain tumors. Studies to date suggest that pediatric brain tumors may benefit more from genetic and epigenetic targeted therapies, while combination treatments aimed specifically at multiple molecular pathways may be more effective in treating adult brain tumors which seem to have a greater propensity towards microenvironmental interactions. Ultimately, CSC targeting approaches in combination with current clinical therapies have the potential to be more effective owing to their ability to compromise CSCs maintenance and the mechanisms which underlie their highly aggressive and deadly nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara J Abou-Antoun
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - James S Hale
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stephen M Dombrowski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Section of Pediatric Neurosurgical Oncology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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13
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The MYCN Protein in Health and Disease. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8040113. [PMID: 28358317 PMCID: PMC5406860 DOI: 10.3390/genes8040113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
MYCN is a member of the MYC family of proto-oncogenes. It encodes a transcription factor, MYCN, involved in the control of fundamental processes during embryonal development. The MYCN protein is situated downstream of several signaling pathways promoting cell growth, proliferation and metabolism of progenitor cells in different developing organs and tissues. Conversely, deregulated MYCN signaling supports the development of several different tumors, mainly with a childhood onset, including neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and Wilms’ tumor, but it is also associated with some cancers occurring during adulthood such as prostate and lung cancer. In neuroblastoma, MYCN-amplification is the most consistent genetic aberration associated with poor prognosis and treatment failure. Targeting MYCN has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of these tumors and great efforts have allowed the development of direct and indirect MYCN inhibitors with potential clinical use.
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14
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Hutter S, Bolin S, Weishaupt H, Swartling FJ. Modeling and Targeting MYC Genes in Childhood Brain Tumors. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8040107. [PMID: 28333115 PMCID: PMC5406854 DOI: 10.3390/genes8040107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are the second most common group of childhood cancers, accounting for about 20%–25% of all pediatric tumors. Deregulated expression of the MYC family of transcription factors, particularly c-MYC and MYCN genes, has been found in many of these neoplasms, and their expression levels are often correlated with poor prognosis. Elevated c-MYC/MYCN initiates and drives tumorigenesis in many in vivo model systems of pediatric brain tumors. Therefore, inhibition of their oncogenic function is an attractive therapeutic target. In this review, we explore the roles of MYC oncoproteins and their molecular targets during the formation, maintenance, and recurrence of childhood brain tumors. We also briefly summarize recent progress in the development of therapeutic approaches for pharmacological inhibition of MYC activity in these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Hutter
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Sara Bolin
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Holger Weishaupt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Fredrik J Swartling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
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15
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Huang GH, Xu QF, Cui YH, Li N, Bian XW, Lv SQ. Medulloblastoma stem cells: Promising targets in medulloblastoma therapy. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:583-9. [PMID: 27171351 PMCID: PMC4970825 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Despite great improvements in the therapeutic regimen, relapse and leptomeningeal dissemination still pose great challenges to the long‐term survival of MB patients. Developing more effective strategies has become extremely urgent. In recent years, a number of malignancies, including MB, have been found to contain a subpopulation of cancer cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), or tumor initiating/propagating cells. The CSCs are thought to be largely responsible for tumor initiation, maintenance, dissemination, and relapse; therefore, their pivotal roles have revealed them to be promising targets in MB therapy. Our growing understanding of the major medulloblastoma molecular subgroups and the derivation of some of these groups from specific stem or progenitor cells adds additional layers to the CSC knowledge base. Herein we review the current knowledge of MB stem cells, highlight the molecular mechanisms relating to MB relapse and leptomeningeal dissemination, and incorporate these with the need to develop more effective and accurate therapies for MB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hao Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-Fu Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - You-Hong Cui
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ningning Li
- Division of Neuropathology and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Xiu-Wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sheng-Qing Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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