1
|
Holmberg KO, Borgenvik A, Zhao M, Giraud G, Swartling FJ. Drivers Underlying Metastasis and Relapse in Medulloblastoma and Targeting Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1752. [PMID: 38730706 PMCID: PMC11083189 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091752] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastomas comprise a molecularly diverse set of malignant pediatric brain tumors in which patients are stratified according to different prognostic risk groups that span from very good to very poor. Metastasis at diagnosis is most often a marker of poor prognosis and the relapse incidence is higher in these children. Medulloblastoma relapse is almost always fatal and recurring cells have, apart from resistance to standard of care, acquired genetic and epigenetic changes that correlate with an increased dormancy state, cell state reprogramming and immune escape. Here, we review means to carefully study metastasis and relapse in preclinical models, in light of recently described molecular subgroups. We will exemplify how therapy resistance develops at the cellular level, in a specific niche or from therapy-induced secondary mutations. We further describe underlying molecular mechanisms on how tumors acquire the ability to promote leptomeningeal dissemination and discuss how they can establish therapy-resistant cell clones. Finally, we describe some of the ongoing clinical trials of high-risk medulloblastoma and suggest or discuss more individualized treatments that could be of benefit to specific subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl O. Holmberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (K.O.H.); (M.Z.); (G.G.)
| | - Anna Borgenvik
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Miao Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (K.O.H.); (M.Z.); (G.G.)
| | - Géraldine Giraud
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (K.O.H.); (M.Z.); (G.G.)
- Department of Women and Child Health, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Uppsala University Children’s Hospital, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik J. Swartling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (K.O.H.); (M.Z.); (G.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fernando D, Ahmed AU, Williams BRG. Therapeutically targeting the unique disease landscape of pediatric high-grade gliomas. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1347694. [PMID: 38525424 PMCID: PMC10957575 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1347694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are a rare yet devastating malignancy of the central nervous system's glial support cells, affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Tumors of the central nervous system account for the leading cause of pediatric mortality of which high-grade gliomas present a significantly grim prognosis. While the past few decades have seen many pediatric cancers experiencing significant improvements in overall survival, the prospect of survival for patients diagnosed with pHGGs has conversely remained unchanged. This can be attributed in part to tumor heterogeneity and the existence of the blood-brain barrier. Advances in discovery research have substantiated the existence of unique subgroups of pHGGs displaying alternate responses to different therapeutics and varying degrees of overall survival. This highlights a necessity to approach discovery research and clinical management of the disease in an alternative subtype-dependent manner. This review covers traditional approaches to the therapeutic management of pHGGs, limitations of such methods and emerging alternatives. Novel mutations which predominate the pHGG landscape are highlighted and the therapeutic potential of targeting them in a subtype specific manner discussed. Collectively, this provides an insight into issues in need of transformative progress which arise during the management of pHGGs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dasun Fernando
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Afsar U. Ahmed
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Bryan R. G. Williams
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ravi Kiran AVVV, Kumari GK, Krishnamurthy PT, Johnson AP, Kenchegowda M, Osmani RAM, Abu Lila AS, Moin A, Gangadharappa HV, Rizvi SMD. An Update on Emergent Nano-Therapeutic Strategies against Pediatric Brain Tumors. Brain Sci 2024; 14:185. [PMID: 38391759 PMCID: PMC10886772 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020185] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric brain tumors are the major cause of pediatric cancer mortality. They comprise a diverse group of tumors with different developmental origins, genetic profiles, therapeutic options, and outcomes. Despite many technological advancements, the treatment of pediatric brain cancers has remained a challenge. Treatment options for pediatric brain cancers have been ineffective due to non-specificity, inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and causing off-target side effects. In recent years, nanotechnological advancements in the medical field have proven to be effective in curing challenging cancers like brain tumors. Moreover, nanoparticles have emerged successfully, particularly in carrying larger payloads, as well as their stability, safety, and efficacy monitoring. In the present review, we will emphasize pediatric brain cancers, barriers to treating these cancers, and novel treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammu V V V Ravi Kiran
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Rocklands, Ooty 643001, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G Kusuma Kumari
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Rocklands, Ooty 643001, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Praveen T Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Rocklands, Ooty 643001, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Asha P Johnson
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhuchandra Kenchegowda
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Riyaz Ali M Osmani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Amr Selim Abu Lila
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afrasim Moin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - H V Gangadharappa
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Syed Mohd Danish Rizvi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81442, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Trivedi R, Bhat KP. Liquid biopsy: creating opportunities in brain space. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1727-1746. [PMID: 37752289 PMCID: PMC10667495 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, liquid biopsy has emerged as an alternative method to diagnose and monitor tumors. Compared to classical tissue biopsy procedures, liquid biopsy facilitates the repetitive collection of diverse cellular and acellular analytes from various biofluids in a non/minimally invasive manner. This strategy is of greater significance for high-grade brain malignancies such as glioblastoma as the quantity and accessibility of tumors are limited, and there are collateral risks of compromised life quality coupled with surgical interventions. Currently, blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are the most common biofluids used to collect circulating cells and biomolecules of tumor origin. These liquid biopsy analytes have created opportunities for real-time investigations of distinct genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics alterations associated with brain tumors. This review describes different classes of liquid biopsy biomarkers present in the biofluids of brain tumor patients. Moreover, an overview of the liquid biopsy applications, challenges, recent technological advances, and clinical trials in the brain have also been provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Trivedi
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Krishna P Bhat
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schoof M, Epplen GD, Walter C, Ballast A, Holdhof D, Göbel C, Neyazi S, Varghese J, Albert TK, Kerl K, Schüller U. The tumor suppressor CREBBP and the oncogene MYCN cooperate to induce malignant brain tumors in mice. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:36. [PMID: 37407554 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00481-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor and chromatin modifier cAMP response element-binding protein binding protein (CREBBP) and v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene neuroblastoma derived homolog (MYCN), a member of the MYC oncogene family, are critically involved in brain development. Both genes are frequently mutated in the same tumor entities, including high-grade glioma and medulloblastoma. Therefore, we hypothesized that alterations in both genes cooperate to induce brain tumor formation. For further investigation, hGFAP-cre::CrebbpFl/Fl::lsl-MYCN mice were generated, which combine Crebbp deletion with overexpression of MYCN in neural stem cells (NSCs). Within eight months, these animals developed aggressive forebrain tumors. The first tumors were detectable in the olfactory bulbs of seven-day-old mice. This location raises the possibility that presumptive founder cells are derived from the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ). To examine the cellular biology of these tumors, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed, which revealed high intratumoral heterogeneity. Data comparison with reference CNS cell types indicated the highest similarity of tumor cells with transit-amplifying NSCs or activated NSCs of the V-SVZ. Consequently, we analyzed V-SVZ NSCs of our mouse model aiming to confirm that the tumors originate from this stem cell niche. Mutant V-SVZ NSCs showed significantly increased cell viability and proliferation as well as reduced glial and neural differentiation in vitro compared to control cells. In summary, we demonstrate the oncogenic potential of a combined loss of function of CREBBP and overexpression of MYCN in this cell population. hGFAP-cre::CrebbpFl/Fl::lsl-MYCN mice thus provide a valuable tool to study tumor-driving mechanisms in a key neural stem/ progenitor cell niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Schoof
- Research Institute Children`s Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Carolin Walter
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Annika Ballast
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dörthe Holdhof
- Research Institute Children`s Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Göbel
- Research Institute Children`s Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sina Neyazi
- Research Institute Children`s Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Varghese
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Karl Albert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kornelius Kerl
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Research Institute Children`s Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bumpous LA, Moe KC, Wang J, Carver LA, Williams AG, Romer AS, Scobee JD, Maxwell JN, Jones CA, Chung DH, Tansey WP, Liu Q, Weissmiller AM. WDR5 facilitates recruitment of N-MYC to conserved WDR5 gene targets in neuroblastoma cell lines. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:32. [PMID: 37336886 PMCID: PMC10279693 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00477-z] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Collectively, the MYC family of oncoprotein transcription factors is overexpressed in more than half of all malignancies. The ability of MYC proteins to access chromatin is fundamental to their role in promoting oncogenic gene expression programs in cancer and this function depends on MYC-cofactor interactions. One such cofactor is the chromatin regulator WDR5, which in models of Burkitt lymphoma facilitates recruitment of the c-MYC protein to chromatin at genes associated with protein synthesis, allowing for tumor progression and maintenance. However, beyond Burkitt lymphoma, it is unknown whether these observations extend to other cancers or MYC family members, and whether WDR5 can be deemed as a "universal" MYC recruiter. Here, we focus on N-MYC amplified neuroblastoma to determine the extent of colocalization between N-MYC and WDR5 on chromatin while also demonstrating that like c-MYC, WDR5 can facilitate the recruitment of N-MYC to conserved WDR5-bound genes. We conclude based on this analysis that N-MYC and WDR5 colocalize invariantly across cell lines at predicted sites of facilitated recruitment associated with protein synthesis genes. Surprisingly, we also identify N-MYC-WDR5 cobound genes that are associated with DNA repair and cell cycle processes. Dissection of chromatin binding characteristics for N-MYC and WDR5 at all cobound genes reveals that sites of facilitated recruitment are inherently different than most N-MYC-WDR5 cobound sites. Our data reveals that WDR5 acts as a universal MYC recruiter at a small cohort of previously identified genes and highlights novel biological functions that may be coregulated by N-MYC and WDR5 to sustain the neuroblastoma state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A Bumpous
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Kylie C Moe
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Logan A Carver
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Alexandria G Williams
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Alexander S Romer
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Jesse D Scobee
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Jack N Maxwell
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Cheyenne A Jones
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Dai H Chung
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, Dallas, TX, 75234, USA
| | - William P Tansey
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37240, USA
| | - April M Weissmiller
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dhungel L, Harris C, Romine L, Sarkaria J, Raucher D. Targeted c-Myc Inhibition and Systemic Temozolomide Therapy Extend Survival in Glioblastoma Xenografts. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:718. [PMID: 37370649 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10060718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive disease with poor patient outcomes despite current treatment options, which consist of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, these strategies present challenges such as resistance development, damage to healthy tissue, and complications due to the blood-brain barrier. There is therefore a critical need for new treatment modalities that can selectively target tumor cells, minimize resistance development, and improve patient survival. Temozolomide is the current standard chemotherapeutic agent for glioblastoma, yet its use is hindered by drug resistance and severe side effects. Combination therapy using multiple drugs acting synergistically to kill cancer cells and with multiple targets can provide increased efficacy at lower drug concentrations and reduce side effects. In our previous work, we designed a therapeutic peptide (Bac-ELP1-H1) targeting the c-myc oncogene and demonstrated its ability to reduce tumor size, delay neurological deficits, and improve survival in a rat glioblastoma model. In this study, we expanded our research to the U87 glioblastoma cell line and investigated the efficacy of Bac-ELP1-H1/hyperthermia treatment, as well as the combination treatment of temozolomide and Bac-ELP1-H1, in suppressing tumor growth and extending survival in athymic mice. Our experiments revealed that the combination treatment of Bac-ELP1-H1 and temozolomide acted synergistically to enhance survival in mice and was more effective in reducing tumor progression than the single components. Additionally, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of hyperthermia in facilitating the accumulation of the Bac-ELP1-H1 protein at the tumor site. Our findings suggest that the combination of targeted c-myc inhibitory biopolymer with systemic temozolomide therapy may represent a promising alternative treatment option for glioblastoma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laxmi Dhungel
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Cayla Harris
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Lauren Romine
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Jan Sarkaria
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Drazen Raucher
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bhardwaj N, Das G, Srinivasan R. Neuroblastoma-derived v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral related oncogene or MYCN gene. J Clin Pathol 2023:jcp-2022-208476. [PMID: 37221048 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2022-208476] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The MYCN gene belongs to the MYC family of transcription factors. Amplification of MYCN, first discovered in neuroblastoma cells, ushered in the era of cancer genomics. The MYCN gene and MYCN protein are extensively studied in the context of neuroblastoma. As demonstrated in transgenic mouse models, MYCN gene shows a restricted spatiotemporal expression predominantly in the neural crest cells which explains the associated neoplasms including neuroblastoma and central nervous system tumours. In neuroblastoma, MYCN amplification is a marker of aggressive tumours with poor prognosis and survival and forms the basis of risk stratification classifications.MYCN dysregulated expression occurs by several mechanisms at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels. These include massive gene amplification which occurs in an extrachromosomal location, upregulated transcription and stabilisation of the protein increasing its half-life. MYCN protein, a basic loop-helix-loop leucine zipper transcription factor, has many regions which bind to several proteins foremost of which is MAX forming the MYC:MAX heterodimer. Overall, MYCN controls multiple aspects of cell fate, foremost of which is cellular proliferation besides cell differentiation, apoptosis and cellular metabolism, all of which are the focus of this brief review. In addition to amplification, other mechanisms of MYCN overexpression include activating missense mutations as reported in basal cell carcinoma and Wilms tumour. A better understanding of this molecule will help in the discovery of novel strategies for its indirect targeting to improve the outcomes of patients with neuroblastoma and other MYCN-associated neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Bhardwaj
- Department of Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Gargi Das
- Medical Oncology (Pediatric Oncology), Cancer Institute-WIA, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Radhika Srinivasan
- Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Talapatra J, Reddy MM. Lipid Metabolic Reprogramming in Embryonal Neoplasms with MYCN Amplification. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072144. [PMID: 37046804 PMCID: PMC10093342 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072144] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells reprogram their metabolism, including glucose, glutamine, nucleotide, lipid, and amino acids to meet their enhanced energy demands, redox balance, and requirement of biosynthetic substrates for uncontrolled cell proliferation. Altered lipid metabolism in cancer provides lipids for rapid membrane biogenesis, generates the energy required for unrestricted cell proliferation, and some of the lipids act as signaling pathway mediators. In this review, we focus on the role of lipid metabolism in embryonal neoplasms with MYCN dysregulation. We specifically review lipid metabolic reactions in neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, medulloblastoma, Wilms tumor, and rhabdomyosarcoma and the possibility of targeting lipid metabolism. Additionally, the regulation of lipid metabolism by the MYCN oncogene is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyotirmayee Talapatra
- The Operation Eyesight Universal Institute for Eye Cancer, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| | - Mamatha M Reddy
- The Operation Eyesight Universal Institute for Eye Cancer, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bartolucci D, Montemurro L, Raieli S, Lampis S, Pession A, Hrelia P, Tonelli R. MYCN Impact on High-Risk Neuroblastoma: From Diagnosis and Prognosis to Targeted Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4421. [PMID: 36139583 PMCID: PMC9496712 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Among childhood cancers, neuroblastoma is the most diffuse solid tumor and the deadliest in children. While to date, the pathology has become progressively manageable with a significant increase in 5-year survival for its less aggressive form, high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) remains a major issue with poor outcome and little survivability of patients. The staging system has also been improved to better fit patient needs and to administer therapies in a more focused manner in consideration of pathology features. New and improved therapies have been developed; nevertheless, low efficacy and high toxicity remain a staple feature of current high-risk neuroblastoma treatment. For this reason, more specific procedures are required, and new therapeutic targets are also needed for a precise medicine approach. In this scenario, MYCN is certainly one of the most interesting targets. Indeed, MYCN is one of the most relevant hallmarks of HR-NB, and many studies has been carried out in recent years to discover potent and specific inhibitors to block its activities and any related oncogenic function. N-Myc protein has been considered an undruggable target for a long time. Thus, many new indirect and direct approaches have been discovered and preclinically evaluated for the interaction with MYCN and its pathways; a few of the most promising approaches are nearing clinical application for the investigation in HR-NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Montemurro
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Morimoto Y, Tokumitsu A, Sone T, Hirota Y, Tamura R, Sakamoto A, Nakajima K, Toda M, Kawakami Y, Okano H, Ohta S. TPT1 Supports Proliferation of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells and Brain Tumor Initiating Cells Regulated by Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF). Neurochem Res 2022; 47:2741-2756. [PMID: 35622214 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03629-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
One of the key areas in stem cell research is the identification of factors capable of promoting the expansion of Neural Stem Cell/Progenitor Cells (NSPCs) and understanding their molecular mechanisms for future use in clinical settings. We previously identified Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) as a novel factor that can support the proliferation and/or survival of NSPCs based on in vitro functional cloning strategy and revealed that MIF can support the proliferation of human brain tumor-initiating cells (BTICs). However, the detailed downstream signaling for the functions has largely remained unknown. Thus, in the present study, we newly identified translationally-controlled tumor protein-1 (TPT1), which is expressed in the ventricular zone of mouse embryonic brain, as a downstream target of MIF signaling in mouse and human NSPCs and human BTICs. Using gene manipulation (over or downregulation of TPT1) techniques including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated heterozygous gene disruption showed that TPT1 contributed to the regulation of cell proliferation/survival in mouse NSPCs, human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived-NSPCs, human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived-NSPCs and BTICs. Furthermore, gene silencing of TPT1 caused defects in neuronal differentiation in the NSPCs in vitro. We also identified the MIF-CHD7-TPT1-SMO signaling axis in regulating hESC-NSPCs and BTICs proliferation. Intriguingly, TPT1suppressed the miR-338 gene, which targets SMO in hESC-NSPCs and BTICs. Finally, mice with implanted BTICs infected with lentivirus-TPT1 shRNA showed a longer overall survival than control. These results also open up new avenues for the development of glioma therapies based on the TPT1 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukina Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University of School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ayako Tokumitsu
- Division of Translational Research, Keio University Hospital Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takefumi Sone
- Department of Physiology, Keio University of School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuki Hirota
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University of School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ryota Tamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University of School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ayuna Sakamoto
- Division of Translational Research, Keio University Hospital Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazunori Nakajima
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University of School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masahiro Toda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University of School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kawakami
- Cellular Signaling, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University of School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare 4-3, Kozunomori, Narita, Chiba, 286-8686, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University of School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shigeki Ohta
- Cellular Signaling, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University of School of Medicine, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare 4-3, Kozunomori, Narita, Chiba, 286-8686, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Single nCounter assay for prediction of MYCN amplification and molecular classification of medulloblastomas: a multicentric study. J Neurooncol 2022; 157:27-35. [PMID: 35166989 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-03965-1] [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: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medulloblastoma is the most frequent pediatric malignant brain tumor, and is divided into four main subgroups: WNT, SHH, group 3, and group 4. MYCN amplification is an important medulloblastoma prognostic biomarker. We aimed to molecular classify and predict MYCN amplification in a single assay. METHODS It was included 209 medulloblastomas from 205 patients (Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal), divided into training (n = 50) and validation (n = 159) sets. A nCounter assay was carried out using a custom panel for molecular classification, with additional genes, including MYCN. nSolver 4.0 software and the R environment were used for profiling and MYCN mRNA analysis. MYCN amplification by FISH was performed in 64 cases. RESULTS The 205 medulloblastomas were classified in SHH (44.9%), WNT (15.6%), group 3 (18.1%) and group 4 (21.4%). In the training set, MYCN amplification was detected in three SHH medulloblastomas by FISH, which showed significantly higher MYCN mRNA counts than non-FISH amplified cases, and a cutoff for MYCN amplification was established ([Formula: see text] + 4σ = 11,124.3). Applying this threshold value in the validation set, we identified MYCN mRNA counts above the cutoff in three cases, which were FISH validated. CONCLUSION We successfully stratified medulloblastoma molecular subgroups and predicted MYCN amplification using a single nCounter assay without the requirement of additional biological tissue, costs, or bench time.
Collapse
|
13
|
Gargini R, Segura-Collar B, Garranzo-Asensio M, Hortigüela R, Iglesias-Hernández P, Lobato-Alonso D, Moreno-Raja M, Esteban-Martin S, Sepúlveda-Sánchez JM, Nevola L, Sánchez-Gómez P. IDP-410: a Novel Therapeutic Peptide that Alters N-MYC Stability and Reduces Angiogenesis and Tumor Progression in Glioblastomas. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:408-420. [PMID: 35099769 PMCID: PMC9130446 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01176-6] [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] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most frequent and highly aggressive brain tumors, being resistant to all cytotoxic and molecularly targeted agents tested so far. There is, therefore, an urgent need to find novel therapeutic approaches and/or alternative targets to bring treatment options to patients. Here, we first show that GBMs express high levels of N-MYC protein, a transcription factor involved in normal brain development. A novel stapled peptide designed to specifically target N-MYC protein monomer, IDP-410, is able to impair the formation of N-MYC/MAX complex and reduce the stability of N-MYC itself. As a result, the viability of GBM cells is compromised. Moreover, the efficacy is found dependent on the levels of expression of N-MYC. Finally, we demonstrate that IDP-410 reduces GBM growth in vivo when administered systemically, both in subcutaneous and intracranial xenografts, reducing the vascularization of the tumors, highlighting a potential relationship between the function of N-MYC and the expression of mesenchymal/angiogenic genes. Overall, our results strengthen the view of N-MYC as a therapeutic target in GBM and strongly suggest that IDP-410 could be further developed to become a first-in-class inhibitor of N-MYC protein, affecting not only tumor cell proliferation and survival, but also the interplay between GBM cells and their microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Gargini
- Neurooncology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III-UFIEC, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | - Rafael Hortigüela
- Neurooncology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III-UFIEC, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones, Biológicas Margarita Salas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Westphal MS, Lee E, Schadt EE, Sholler GS, Zhu J. Identification of Let-7 miRNA Activity as a Prognostic Biomarker of SHH Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010139. [PMID: 35008302 PMCID: PMC8750188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric embryonal brain tumor. The current consensus classifies MB into four molecular subgroups: sonic hedgehog-activated (SHH), wingless-activated (WNT), Group 3, and Group 4. MYCN and let-7 play a critical role in MB. Thus, we inferred the activity of miRNAs in MB by using the ActMiR procedure. SHH-MB has higher MYCN expression than the other subgroups. We showed that high MYCN expression with high let-7 activity is significantly associated with worse overall survival, and this association was validated in an independent MB dataset. Altogether, our results suggest that let-7 activity and MYCN can further categorize heterogeneous SHH tumors into more and less-favorable prognostic subtypes, which provide critical information for personalizing treatment options for SHH-MB. Comparing the expression differences between the two SHH-MB prognostic subtypes with compound perturbation profiles, we identified FGFR inhibitors as one potential treatment option for SHH-MB patients with the less-favorable prognostic subtype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eunjee Lee
- Sema4, 333 Ludlow St., Stamford, CT 06902, USA; (M.S.W.); (E.L.); (E.E.S.)
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Eric E. Schadt
- Sema4, 333 Ludlow St., Stamford, CT 06902, USA; (M.S.W.); (E.L.); (E.E.S.)
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Giselle S. Sholler
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA;
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Sema4, 333 Ludlow St., Stamford, CT 06902, USA; (M.S.W.); (E.L.); (E.E.S.)
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shatara M, Schieffer KM, Klawinski D, Thomas DL, Pierson CR, Sribnick EA, Jones J, Rodriguez DP, Deeg C, Hamelberg E, LaHaye S, Miller KE, Fitch J, Kelly B, Leraas K, Pfau R, White P, Magrini V, Wilson RK, Mardis ER, Abdelbaki MS, Finlay JL, Boué DR, Cottrell CE, Ghasemi DR, Pajtler KW, Osorio DS. Clinically aggressive pediatric spinal ependymoma with novel MYC amplification demonstrates molecular and histopathologic similarity to newly described MYCN-amplified spinal ependymomas. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:192. [PMID: 34895332 PMCID: PMC8665631 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01296-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary spinal cord tumors contribute to ≤ 10% of central nervous system tumors in individuals of pediatric or adolescent age. Among intramedullary tumors, spinal ependymomas make up ~ 30% of this rare tumor population. A twelve-year-old male presented with an intradural, extramedullary mass occupying the dorsal spinal canal from C6 through T2. Gross total resection and histopathology revealed a World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 ependymoma. He recurred eleven months later with extension from C2 through T1-T2. Subtotal resection was achieved followed by focal proton beam irradiation and chemotherapy. Histopathology was consistent with WHO grade 3 ependymoma. Molecular profiling of the primary and recurrent tumors revealed a novel amplification of the MYC (8q24) gene, which was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization studies. Although MYC amplification in spinal ependymoma is exceedingly rare, a newly described classification of spinal ependymoma harboring MYCN (2p24) amplification (SP-MYCN) has been defined by DNA methylation-array based profiling. These individuals typically present with a malignant progression and dismal outcomes, contrary to the universally excellent survival outcomes seen in other spinal ependymomas. DNA methylation array-based classification confidently classified this tumor as SP-MYCN ependymoma. Notably, among the cohort of 52 tumors comprising the SP-MYCN methylation class, none harbor MYC amplification, highlighting the rarity of this genomic amplification in spinal ependymoma. A literature review comparing our individual to reported SP-MYCN tumors (n = 26) revealed similarities in clinical, histopathologic, and molecular features. Thus, we provide evidence from a single case to support the inclusion of MYC amplified spinal ependymoma within the molecular subgroup of SP-MYCN.
Collapse
|
16
|
MYCN in Neuroblastoma: "Old Wine into New Wineskins". Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9040078. [PMID: 34842635 PMCID: PMC8628738 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MYCN Proto-Oncogene, BHLH Transcription Factor (MYCN) has been one of the most studied genes in neuroblastoma. It is known for its oncogenetic mechanisms, as well as its role in the prognosis of the disease and it is considered one of the prominent targets for neuroblastoma therapy. In the present work, we attempted to review the literature, on the relation between MYCN and neuroblastoma from all possible mechanistic sites. We have searched the literature for the role of MYCN in neuroblastoma based on the following topics: the references of MYCN in the literature, the gene's anatomy, along with its transcripts, the protein's anatomy, the epigenetic mechanisms regulating MYCN expression and function, as well as MYCN amplification. MYCN plays a significant role in neuroblastoma biology. Its functions and properties range from the forming of G-quadraplexes, to the interaction with miRNAs, as well as the regulation of gene methylation and histone acetylation and deacetylation. Although MYCN is one of the most primary genes studied in neuroblastoma, there is still a lot to be learned. Our knowledge on the exact mechanisms of MYCN amplification, etiology and potential interventions is still limited. The knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of MYCN in neuroblastoma, could have potential prognostic and therapeutic advantages.
Collapse
|
17
|
Whitfield JR, Soucek L. The long journey to bring a Myc inhibitor to the clinic. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212429. [PMID: 34160558 PMCID: PMC8240852 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202103090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogene Myc is deregulated in the majority of human tumors and drives numerous hallmarks of cancer. Despite its indisputable role in cancer development and maintenance, Myc is still undrugged. Developing a clinical inhibitor for Myc has been particularly challenging owing to its intrinsically disordered nature and lack of a binding pocket, coupled with concerns regarding potentially deleterious side effects in normal proliferating tissues. However, major breakthroughs in the development of Myc inhibitors have arisen in the last couple of years. Notably, the direct Myc inhibitor that we developed has just entered clinical trials. Celebrating this milestone, with this Perspective, we pay homage to the different strategies developed so far against Myc and all of the researchers focused on developing treatments for a target long deemed undruggable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Edifici Cellex, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|