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Naeem A, Knoer G, Avantaggiati ML, Rodriguez O, Albanese C. Provocative non-canonical roles of p53 and AKT signaling: A role for Thymosin β4 in medulloblastoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109785. [PMID: 36720193 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT and p53 pathways are key regulators of cancer cell survival and death, respectively. Contrary to their generally accepted roles, several lines of evidence, including ours in medulloblastoma, the most common childhood brain cancer, highlight non-canonical functions for both proteins and show a complex context-dependent dynamic behavior in determining cell fate. Interestingly, p53-mediated cell survival and AKT-mediated cell death can dominate in certain conditions, and these interchangeable physiological functions may potentially be manipulated for better clinical outcomes. This review article presents studies in which p53 and AKT behave contrary to their well-established functions. We discuss the factors and circumstances that may be involved in mediating these changes and the implications of these unique roles of p53 and AKT in devising therapeutic strategies. Lastly, based on our recent finding of Thymosin beta 4-mediated chemosensitivity via an AKT-p53 interaction in medulloblastoma cells, we also discuss the possible implications of Thymosin beta-4 in enhancing drug sensitivity in this deadly childhood disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Naeem
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; Health Research Governance Department, Ministry of Public Health, Qatar.
| | - Grace Knoer
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Maria Laura Avantaggiati
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Olga Rodriguez
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; Center for Translational Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Chris Albanese
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; Center for Translational Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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2
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Marabitti V, Giansanti M, De Mitri F, Gatto F, Mastronuzzi A, Nazio F. Pathological implications of metabolic reprogramming and its therapeutic potential in medulloblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1007641. [PMID: 36340043 PMCID: PMC9627342 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1007641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-specific alterations in metabolism have been recognized to sustain the production of ATP and macromolecules needed for cell growth, division and survival in many cancer types. However, metabolic heterogeneity poses a challenge for the establishment of effective anticancer therapies that exploit metabolic vulnerabilities. Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most heterogeneous malignant pediatric brain tumors, divided into four molecular subgroups (Wingless, Sonic Hedgehog, Group 3 and Group 4). Recent progresses in genomics, single-cell sequencing, and novel tumor models have updated the classification and stratification of MB, highlighting the complex intratumoral cellular diversity of this cancer. In this review, we emphasize the mechanisms through which MB cells rewire their metabolism and energy production networks to support and empower rapid growth, survival under stressful conditions, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Additionally, we discuss the potential clinical benefits of currently available drugs that could target energy metabolism to suppress MB progression and increase the efficacy of the current MB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Marabitti
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Giansanti
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca De Mitri
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gatto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Nazio
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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3
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Lazow MA, Palmer JD, Fouladi M, Salloum R. Medulloblastoma in the Modern Era: Review of Contemporary Trials, Molecular Advances, and Updates in Management. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1733-1751. [PMID: 35859223 PMCID: PMC9723091 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01273-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Critical discoveries over the past two decades have transformed our understanding of medulloblastoma from a single entity into a clinically and biologically heterogeneous disease composed of at least four molecularly distinct subgroups with prognostically and therapeutically relevant genomic signatures. Contemporary clinical trials also have provided valuable insight guiding appropriate treatment strategies. Despite therapeutic and biological advances, medulloblastoma patients across the age spectrum experience tumor- and treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Using an updated risk stratification approach integrating both clinical and molecular features, ongoing research seeks to (1) cautiously reduce therapy and mitigate toxicity in low-average risk patients, and (2) thoughtfully intensify treatment with incorporation of novel, biologically guided agents for patients with high-risk disease. Herein, we review important historical and contemporary studies, discuss management updates, and summarize current knowledge of the biological landscape across unique pediatric, infant, young adult, and relapsed medulloblastoma populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot A Lazow
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joshua D Palmer
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- The James Cancer Centre, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maryam Fouladi
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ralph Salloum
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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4
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Martín-Rubio P, Espiau-Romera P, Royo-García A, Caja L, Sancho P. Metabolic determinants of stemness in medulloblastoma. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:587-598. [PMID: 36157911 PMCID: PMC9453267 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i8.587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastomas (MBs) are the most prevalent brain tumours in children. They are classified as grade IV, the highest in malignancy, with about 30% metastatic tumours at the time of diagnosis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of tumour cells that can initiate and support tumour growth. In MB, CSCs contribute to tumour initiation, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Metabolic differences among the different MB groups have started to emerge. Sonic hedgehog tumours show enriched lipid and nucleic acid metabolism pathways, whereas Group 3 MBs upregulate glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glutamine anabolism, and glutathione-mediated anti-oxidant pathways. Such differences impact the clinical behaviour of MB tumours and can be exploited therapeutically. In this review, we summarise the existing knowledge about metabolic rewiring in MB, with a particular focus on MB-CSCs. Finally, we highlight some of the emerging metabolism-based therapeutic strategies for MB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alba Royo-García
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Laia Caja
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Patricia Sancho
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
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5
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Alammar H, Nassani R, Alshehri MM, Aljohani AA, Alrfaei BM. Deficiency in the Treatment Description of mTOR Inhibitor Resistance in Medulloblastoma, a Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010464. [PMID: 35008889 PMCID: PMC8745694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a common fatal pediatric brain tumor. More treatment options are required to prolong survival and decrease disability. mTOR proteins play an essential role in the disease pathogenesis, and are an essential target for therapy. Three generations of mTOR inhibitors have been developed and are clinically used for immunosuppression and chemotherapy for multiple cancers. Only a few mTOR inhibitors have been investigated for the treatment of medulloblastoma and other pediatric tumors. The first-generation mTOR, sirolimus, temsirolimus, and everolimus, went through phase I clinical trials. The second-generation mTOR, AZD8055 and sapanisertib, suppressed medulloblastoma cell growth; however, limited studies have investigated possible resistance pathways. No clinical trials have been found to treat medulloblastoma using third-generation mTOR inhibitors. This systematic review highlights the mechanisms of resistance of mTOR inhibitors in medulloblastoma and includes IDO1, T cells, Mnk2, and eIF4E, as they prolong malignant cell survival. The findings promote the importance of combination therapy in medulloblastoma due to its highly resistant nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Alammar
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Rayan Nassani
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Cellular Therapy and Cancer Research, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Mana M. Alshehri
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Cellular Therapy and Cancer Research, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Alaa A. Aljohani
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Bahauddeen M. Alrfaei
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (A.A.A.)
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Cellular Therapy and Cancer Research, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.); (M.M.A.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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Conti V, Cominelli M, Pieri V, Gallotti AL, Pagano I, Zanella M, Mazzoleni S, Pivetta F, Patanè M, Scotti GM, Piras IS, Pollo B, Falini A, Zippo A, Castellano A, Maestro R, Poliani PL, Galli R. mTORC1 promotes malignant large cell/anaplastic histology and is a targetable vulnerability in SHH-TP53 mutant medulloblastoma. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e153462. [PMID: 34673573 PMCID: PMC8675203 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.153462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), one of the most malignant brain tumors of childhood, comprises distinct molecular subgroups, with p53 mutant sonic hedgehog-activated (SHH-activated) MB patients having a very severe outcome that is associated with unfavorable histological large cell/anaplastic (LC/A) features. To identify the molecular underpinnings of this phenotype, we analyzed a large cohort of MB developing in p53-deficient Ptch+/- SHH mice that, unexpectedly, showed LC/A traits that correlated with mTORC1 hyperactivation. Mechanistically, mTORC1 hyperactivation was mediated by a decrease in the p53-dependent expression of mTORC1 negative regulator Tsc2. Ectopic mTORC1 activation in mouse MB cancer stem cells (CSCs) promoted the in vivo acquisition of LC/A features and increased malignancy; accordingly, mTORC1 inhibition in p53-mutant Ptch+/- SHH MB and CSC-derived MB resulted in reduced tumor burden and aggressiveness. Most remarkably, mTORC1 hyperactivation was detected only in p53-mutant SHH MB patient samples, and treatment with rapamycin of a human preclinical model phenocopying this subgroup decreased tumor growth and malignancy. Thus, mTORC1 may act as a specific druggable target for this subset of SHH MB, resulting in the implementation of a stringent risk stratification and in the potentially rapid translation of this precision medicine approach into the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Conti
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Cominelli
- Pathology Unit, Molecular and Translational Medicine Department, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Pieri
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Functional Neuroradiology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto L. Gallotti
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pagano
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Zanella
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Flavia Pivetta
- Unit of Experimental Oncology 1, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO), Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Monica Patanè
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “C. Besta,” Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia M. Scotti
- Center for Omics Sciences, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ignazio S. Piras
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Bianca Pollo
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “C. Besta,” Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Falini
- Functional Neuroradiology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Zippo
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare (INGM), Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology & Epigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Antonella Castellano
- Functional Neuroradiology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Maestro
- Unit of Experimental Oncology 1, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO), Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Pietro L. Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Molecular and Translational Medicine Department, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rossella Galli
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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7
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Wubeizi Ointment Suppresses Keloid Formation through Modulation of the mTOR Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:3608372. [PMID: 33062677 PMCID: PMC7545458 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3608372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Wubeizi (Rhus chinensis Mill.) ointment has been shown as an effective treatment for keloids. However, the protective mechanisms of Wubeizi ointment are not fully understood. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been demonstrated to be associated with keloid pathogenesis. In the present study, we investigated if Wubeizi ointment suppressed keloid formation through the modulation of key molecules of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway including phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt). Methods A keloid mouse model and human keloid-derived fibroblasts were developed and treated with Galla chinensis. Immunohistochemistry, western blot, and reverse transcription-PCR were used to detect PI3K, PTEN, Akt, and mTOR in keloid tissues and keloid fibroblasts. The apoptosis and proliferation rate of keloid fibroblasts was, respectively, analyzed by flow cytometry according to the MTT assay. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. For two variable comparisons, a two independent samples t-test was used. For multiple variable comparisons, data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by pairwise q-tests. Results Our in vivo and in vitro studies showed that Wubeizi ointment suppressed keloid formation through inhibition of fibroblast proliferation and promotion of fibroblast apoptosis. The underlying basis involves downregulation of p-Akt and p-mTOR as well as upregulation of PTEN. Conclusion These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of Wubeizi ointment for treating keloids.
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8
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Chaturvedi NK, Kling MJ, Griggs CN, Kesherwani V, Shukla M, McIntyre EM, Ray S, Liu Y, McGuire TR, Sharp JG, Band H, Joshi SS, Coulter DW. A Novel Combination Approach Targeting an Enhanced Protein Synthesis Pathway in MYC-driven (Group 3) Medulloblastoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1351-1362. [PMID: 32371591 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The MYC oncogene is frequently amplified in patients with medulloblastoma, particularly in group 3 patients, who have the worst prognosis. mTOR signaling-driven deregulated protein synthesis is very common in various cancers, including medulloblastoma, that can promote MYC stabilization. As a transcription factor, MYC itself is further known to regulate transcription of several components of protein synthesis machinery, leading to an enhanced protein synthesis rate and proliferation. Thus, inhibiting enhanced protein synthesis by targeting the MYC and mTOR pathways together may represent a highly relevant strategy for the treatment of MYC-driven medulloblastoma. Here, using siRNA and small-molecule inhibitor approaches, we evaluated the effects of combined inhibition of MYC transcription and mTOR signaling on medulloblastoma cell growth/survival and associated molecular mechanism(s) in MYC-amplified (group 3) medulloblastoma cell lines and xenografts. Combined inhibition of MYC and mTOR synergistically suppressed medulloblastoma cell growth and induced G1 cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, the combined inhibition significantly downregulated the expression levels of key target proteins of MYC and mTOR signaling. Our results with RNA-sequencing revealed that combined inhibition synergistically modulated global gene expression including MYC/mTOR components. In addition, the combination treatment significantly delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival of MYC-amplified medulloblastoma xenografted mice by downregulating expression of MYC and the key downstream components of mTOR signaling, compared with single-agent therapy. Together, our findings demonstrated that dual inhibition of MYC (transcription) and mTOR (translation) of the protein synthesis pathway can be a novel therapeutic approach against MYC-driven medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew J Kling
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Connor N Griggs
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Varun Kesherwani
- Child Health Research Institute Cancer, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mamta Shukla
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Erin M McIntyre
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sutapa Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Yutong Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Timothy R McGuire
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - J Graham Sharp
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Hamid Band
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.,Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Shantaram S Joshi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Don W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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9
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PET imaging of medulloblastoma with an 18F-labeled tryptophan analogue in a transgenic mouse model. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3800. [PMID: 32123231 PMCID: PMC7051973 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is a key modality to evaluate disease status of brain tumors. In recent years, tremendous efforts have been made in developing PET imaging methods for pediatric brain tumors. Carbon-11 labelled tryptophan derivatives are feasible as PET imaging probes in brain tumor patients with activation of the kynurenine pathway, but the short half-life of carbon-11 limits its application. Using a transgenic mouse model for the sonic hedgehog (Shh) subgroup of medulloblastoma, here we evaluated the potential of the newly developed 1-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tryptophan (1-L-[18F]FETrp) as a PET imaging probe for this common malignant pediatric brain tumor. 1-L-[18F]FETrp was synthesized on a PETCHEM automatic synthesizer with good chemical and radiochemical purities and enantiomeric excess values. Imaging was performed in tumor-bearing Smo/Smo medulloblastoma mice with constitutive actvation of the Smoothened (Smo) receptor using a PerkinElmer G4 PET-X-Ray scanner. Medulloblastoma showed significant and specific accumulation of 1-L-[18F]FETrp. 1-L-[18F]FETrp also showed significantly higher tumor uptake than its D-enantiomer, 1-D-[18F]FETrp. The uptake of 1-L-[18F]FETrp in the normal brain tissue was low, suggesting that 1-L-[18F]FETrp may prove a valuable PET imaging probe for the Shh subgroup of medulloblastoma and possibly other pediatric and adult brain tumors.
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10
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Niesen J, Ohli J, Sedlacik J, Dührsen L, Hellwig M, Spohn M, Holsten T, Schüller U. Pik3ca mutations significantly enhance the growth of SHH medulloblastoma and lead to metastatic tumour growth in a novel mouse model. Cancer Lett 2020; 477:10-18. [PMID: 32112900 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most frequent malignant brain tumour in children with a poor outcome. Divided into four molecular subgroups, MB of the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup accounts for approximately 25% of the cases and is driven by mutations within components of the SHH pathway, such as its receptors PTCH1 or SMO. A fraction of these cases additionally harbour PIK3CA mutations, the relevance of which is so far unknown. To unravel the role of Pik3ca mutations alone or in combination with a constitutively activated SHH signalling pathway, transgenic mice were used. These mice show mutated variants within Smo, Ptch1 or Pik3ca genes in cerebellar granule neuron precursors, which represent the cellular origin of SHH MB. Our results show that Pik3ca mutations alone are insufficient to cause developmental alterations or to initiate MB. However, they significantly accelerate the growth of Shh MB, induce tumour spread throughout the cerebrospinal fluid, and result in lower survival rates of mice with a double Pik3caH1047R/SmoM2 or Pik3caH1047R/Ptch1 mutation. Therefore, PIK3CA mutations in SHH MB may represent a therapeutic target for first and second line combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Niesen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Research Institute Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Ohli
- Centre for Neuropathology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Sedlacik
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lasse Dührsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malte Hellwig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Research Institute Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Spohn
- Research Institute Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Holsten
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Research Institute Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schüller
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Research Institute Children's Cancer Centre Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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11
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Rivero-Hinojosa S, Kinney N, Garner HR, Rood BR. Germline microsatellite genotypes differentiate children with medulloblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2020; 22:152-162. [PMID: 31562520 PMCID: PMC6954392 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The germline genetic events underpinning medulloblastoma (MB) initiation, and therefore the ability to determine who is at risk, are still unknown for the majority of cases. Microsatellites are short repeated sequences that make up ~3% of the genome. Repeat lengths vary among individuals and are often nonrandomly associated with disease, including several cancers such as breast, glioma, lung, and ovarian. Due to their effects on gene function, they have been called the "tuning knobs of the genome." METHODS We have developed a novel approach for identifying a microsatellite-based signature to differentiate MB patients from controls using germline DNA. RESULTS Analyzing germline whole exome sequencing data from a training set of 120 MB subjects and 425 controls, we identified 139 individual microsatellite loci whose genotypes differ significantly between the groups. Using a genetic algorithm, we identified a subset of 43 microsatellites that distinguish MB subjects from controls with a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 88%, respectively. This microsatellite signature was validated in an independent dataset consisting of 102 subjects and 428 controls, with comparable sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 90%, respectively. Analysis of the allele genotypes of those 139 informative loci demonstrates that their association with MB is a consequence of individual microsatellites' genotypes rather than their hypermutability. Finally, an analysis of the genes harboring these microsatellite loci reveals cellular functions important for tumorigenesis. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that MB-specific germline microsatellite variations mark those at risk for MB development and suggests mechanisms of predisposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Rivero-Hinojosa
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center (CNMC), Washington, DC
| | - Nicholas Kinney
- Center for Bioinformatics and Genetics, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
- Gibbs Cancer Center and Research Institute, Spartanburg, South Carolina
| | - Harold R Garner
- Center for Bioinformatics and Genetics, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
- Gibbs Cancer Center and Research Institute, Spartanburg, South Carolina
| | - Brian R Rood
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center (CNMC), Washington, DC
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Sheikholeslami K, Ali Sher A, Lockman S, Kroft D, Ganjibakhsh M, Nejati-Koshki K, Shojaei S, Ghavami S, Rastegar M. Simvastatin Induces Apoptosis in Medulloblastoma Brain Tumor Cells via Mevalonate Cascade Prenylation Substrates. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070994. [PMID: 31319483 PMCID: PMC6678292 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a common pediatric brain tumor and one of the main types of solid cancers in children below the age of 10. Recently, cholesterol-lowering “statin” drugs have been highlighted for their possible anti-cancer effects. Clinically, statins are reported to have promising potential for consideration as an adjuvant therapy in different types of cancers. However, the anti-cancer effects of statins in medulloblastoma brain tumor cells are not currently well-defined. Here, we investigated the cell death mechanisms by which simvastatin mediates its effects on different human medulloblastoma cell lines. Simvastatin is a lipophilic drug that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase and has pleotropic effects. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase prevents the formation of essential downstream intermediates in the mevalonate cascade, such as farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and gernaylgerany parophosphate (GGPP). These intermediates are involved in the activation pathway of small Rho GTPase proteins in different cell types. We observed that simvastatin significantly induces dose-dependent apoptosis in three different medulloblastoma brain tumor cell lines (Daoy, D283, and D341 cells). Our investigation shows that simvastatin-induced cell death is regulated via prenylation intermediates of the cholesterol metabolism pathway. Our results indicate that the induction of different caspases (caspase 3, 7, 8, and 9) depends on the nature of the medulloblastoma cell line. Western blot analysis shows that simvastatin leads to changes in the expression of regulator proteins involved in apoptosis, such as Bax, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xl. Taken together, our data suggests the potential application of a novel non-classical adjuvant therapy for medulloblastoma, through the regulation of protein prenylation intermediates that occurs via inhibition of the mevalonate pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Sheikholeslami
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, BMSB 627, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Annan Ali Sher
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, BMSB 627, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Sandhini Lockman
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, BMSB 627, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Daniel Kroft
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, BMSB 627, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Meysam Ganjibakhsh
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, BMSB 627, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Kazem Nejati-Koshki
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, BMSB 627, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, BMSB 627, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
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Abstract
The human body regenerates constantly in part under the control of signaling pathways that regulate cell growth [...].
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