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Sadowski K, Jażdżewska A, Kozłowski J, Zacny A, Lorenc T, Olejarz W. Revolutionizing Glioblastoma Treatment: A Comprehensive Overview of Modern Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5774. [PMID: 38891962 PMCID: PMC11172387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in the adult population, with an average survival of 12.1 to 14.6 months. The standard treatment, combining surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, is not as efficient as we would like. However, the current possibilities are no longer limited to the standard therapies due to rapid advancements in biotechnology. New methods enable a more precise approach by targeting individual cells and antigens to overcome cancer. For the treatment of glioblastoma, these are gamma knife therapy, proton beam therapy, tumor-treating fields, EGFR and VEGF inhibitors, multiple RTKs inhibitors, and PI3K pathway inhibitors. In addition, the increasing understanding of the role of the immune system in tumorigenesis and the ability to identify tumor-specific antigens helped to develop immunotherapies targeting GBM and immune cells, including CAR-T, CAR-NK cells, dendritic cells, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Each of the described methods has its advantages and disadvantages and faces problems, such as the inefficient crossing of the blood-brain barrier, various neurological and systemic side effects, and the escape mechanism of the tumor. This work aims to present the current modern treatments of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Sadowski
- The Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adrianna Jażdżewska
- The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Jan Kozłowski
- The Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.)
| | - Aleksandra Zacny
- The Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.)
| | - Tomasz Lorenc
- Department of Radiology I, The Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wioletta Olejarz
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
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Lan Z, Li X, Zhang X. Glioblastoma: An Update in Pathology, Molecular Mechanisms and Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3040. [PMID: 38474286 PMCID: PMC10931698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053040] [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] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant type of primary brain tumor in adults. Despite important advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis and biology of this tumor in the past decade, the prognosis for GBM patients remains poor. GBM is characterized by aggressive biological behavior and high degrees of inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity. Increased understanding of the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of GBM may not only help more accurately define specific subgroups for precise diagnosis but also lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of targeted therapy. Herein, we systematically review the key achievements in the understanding of GBM molecular pathogenesis, mechanisms, and biomarkers in the past decade. We discuss the advances in the molecular pathology of GBM, including genetics, epigenetics, transcriptomics, and signaling pathways. We also review the molecular biomarkers that have potential clinical roles. Finally, new strategies, current challenges, and future directions for discovering new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for GBM will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaoqin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; (Z.L.); (X.L.)
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3
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Kim T, Lee A, Ahn S, Park JS, Jeun SS, Lee YS. Comprehensive Molecular Genetic Analysis in Glioma Patients by Next Generation Sequencing. Brain Tumor Res Treat 2024; 12:23-39. [PMID: 38317486 PMCID: PMC10864139 DOI: 10.14791/btrt.2023.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma is caused by multiple genomic alterations. The evolving classification of gliomas emphasizes the significance of molecular testing. Next generation sequencing (NGS) offers the assessment of parallel combinations of multiple genetic alterations and identifying actionable mutations that guide treatment. This study comprehensively analyzed glioma patients using multi-gene NGS panels, providing powerful insights to inform diagnostic classification and targeted therapies. METHODS We conducted a targeted panel-based NGS analysis on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded nucleic acids extracted from a total of 147 glioma patients. These samples underwent amplicon capture-based library preparation and sequenced using the Oncomine Comprehensive Assay platform. The resulting sequencing data were then analyzed using the bioinformatics tools. RESULTS A total of 301 mutations, were found in 132 out of 147 tumors (89.8%). These mutations were in 68 different genes. In 62 tumor samples (42.2%), copy number variations (CNVs) with gene amplifications occurred in 25 genes. Moreover, 25 tumor samples (17.0%) showed gene fusions in 6 genes and intragenic deletion in a gene. Our analysis identified actionable targets in several genes, including 11 with mutations, 8 with CNVs, and 3 with gene fusions and intragenic deletion. These findings could impact FDA-approved therapies, NCCN guideline-based treatments, and clinical trials. CONCLUSION We analyzed precisely diagnosing the classification of gliomas, detailing the frequency and co-occurrence of genetic alterations and identifying genetic alterations with potential therapeutic targets by NGS-based molecular analysis. The high-throughput NGS analysis is an efficient and powerful tool to comprehensively support molecular testing in neurooncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeeun Kim
- Department of Hospital Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ahwon Lee
- Department of Hospital Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Stephan Ahn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Sung Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sin Soo Jeun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youn Soo Lee
- Department of Hospital Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
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Pflug KM, Lee DW, Tripathi A, Bankaitis VA, Burgess K, Sitcheran R. Cyanine Dye Conjugation Enhances Crizotinib Localization to Intracranial Tumors, Attenuating NF-κB-Inducing Kinase Activity and Glioma Progression. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:6140-6150. [PMID: 37939020 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The ALK and c-MET inhibitor Crizotinib has demonstrated preclinical therapeutic potential for newly diagnosed GBM, although its efficacy is limited by poor penetration of the blood brain barrier. Here, we identify Crizotinib as a novel inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-inducing kinase, which is a key regulator of GBM growth and proliferation. We further show that the conjugation of Crizotinib to a heptamethine cyanine dye, or a near-infrared dye (IR-Crizotinib), attenuated glioma cell proliferation and survival in vitro to a greater extent than unconjugated Crizotinib. Moreover, we observed increased IR-Crizotinib localization to orthotopic mouse xenograft GBM tumors, which resulted in impaired tumor growth in vivo. Overall, IR-Crizotinib exhibited improved intracranial chemotherapeutic delivery and tumor localization with concurrent inhibition of NIK and noncanonical NF-κB signaling, thereby reducing glioma growth in vitro, as well as in vivo, and increasing survival in a preclinical rodent model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Pflug
- Department of Cellular Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center , College Station, Texas 77807, United States
| | - Dong W Lee
- Department of Cellular Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center , College Station, Texas 77807, United States
| | - Ashutosh Tripathi
- Department of Cellular Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center , College Station, Texas 77807, United States
| | - Vytas A Bankaitis
- Department of Cellular Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center , College Station, Texas 77807, United States
| | - Kevin Burgess
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, Box 30012, College Station, Texas 77842, United States
| | - Raquel Sitcheran
- Department of Cellular Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center , College Station, Texas 77807, United States
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Pellecchia S, Viscido G, Franchini M, Gambardella G. Predicting drug response from single-cell expression profiles of tumours. BMC Med 2023; 21:476. [PMID: 38041118 PMCID: PMC10693176 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03182-1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH) presents a significant obstacle in formulating effective treatment strategies in clinical practice. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has evolved as a powerful instrument for probing ITH at the transcriptional level, offering an unparalleled opportunity for therapeutic intervention. RESULTS Drug response prediction at the single-cell level is an emerging field of research that aims to improve the efficacy and precision of cancer treatments. Here, we introduce DREEP (Drug Response Estimation from single-cell Expression Profiles), a computational method that leverages publicly available pharmacogenomic screens from GDSC2, CTRP2, and PRISM and functional enrichment analysis to predict single-cell drug sensitivity from transcriptomic data. We validated DREEP extensively in vitro using several independent single-cell datasets with over 200 cancer cell lines and showed its accuracy and robustness. Additionally, we also applied DREEP to molecularly barcoded breast cancer cells and identified drugs that can selectively target specific cell populations. CONCLUSIONS DREEP provides an in silico framework to prioritize drugs from single-cell transcriptional profiles of tumours and thus helps in designing personalized treatment strategies and accelerating drug repurposing studies. DREEP is available at https://github.com/gambalab/DREEP .
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pellecchia
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, Scuola Superiore Meridionale, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Viscido
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Melania Franchini
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Singh J, Khanduja KL, Avti PK. Unravelling benzazepines and aminopyrimidine as multi-target therapeutic repurposing drugs for EGFR V774M mutation in neuroglioma patients. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2023; 14:28876. [PMID: 38938756 PMCID: PMC11199933 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2023.28876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Neuroglioma, a classification encompassing tumors arising from glial cells, exhibits variable aggressiveness and depends on tumor grade and stage. Unraveling the EGFR gene alterations, including amplifications (unaltered), deletions, and missense mutations (altered), is emerging in glioma. However, the precise understanding of emerging EGFR mutations and their role in neuroglioma remains limited. This study aims to identify specific EGFR mutations prevalent in neuroglioma patients and investigate their potential as therapeutic targets using FDA-approved drugs for repurposing approach. Methods Neuroglioma patient's data were analyzed to identify the various mutations and survival rates. High throughput virtual screening (HTVS) of FDA-approved (1615) drugs using molecular docking and simulation was executed to determine the potential hits. Results Neuroglioma patient samples (n=4251) analysis reveals 19% EGFR alterations with most missense mutations at V774M in exon 19. The Kaplan-Meier plots show that the overall survival rate was higher in the unaltered group than in the altered group. Docking studies resulted the best hits based on each target's higher docking score, minimum free energy (MMGBSA), minimum kd, ki, and IC50 values. MD simulations and their trajectories show that compounds ZINC000011679756 target unaltered EGFR and ZINC000003978005 targets altered EGFR, whereas ZINC000012503187 (Conivaptan, Benzazepine) and ZINC000068153186 (Dabrafenib, aminopyrimidine) target both the EGFRs. The shortlisted compounds demonstrate favorable residual interactions with their respective targets, forming highly stable complexes. Moreover, these shortlisted compounds have drug- like properties as assessed by ADMET profiling. Conclusion Therefore, compounds (ZINC000012503187 and ZINC000068153186) can effectively target both the unaltered/altered EGFRs as multi-target therapeutic repurposing drugs towards neuroglioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender Singh
- Department of Biophysics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India – 160012
| | - Krishan L Khanduja
- Department of Biophysics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India – 160012
| | - Pramod K Avti
- Department of Biophysics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India – 160012
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Kumari S, Kumar P. Identification and characterization of putative biomarkers and therapeutic axis in Glioblastoma multiforme microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1236271. [PMID: 37538397 PMCID: PMC10395518 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1236271] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-cellular secretory components, including chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors in the tumor microenvironment, are often dysregulated, impacting tumorigenesis in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) microenvironment, where the prognostic significance of the current treatment remains unsatisfactory. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of post-translational modifications (PTM) and their respective enzymes, such as acetylation and ubiquitination in GBM etiology through modulating signaling events. However, the relationship between non-cellular secretory components and post-translational modifications will create a research void in GBM therapeutics. Therefore, we aim to bridge the gap between non-cellular secretory components and PTM modifications through machine learning and computational biology approaches. Herein, we highlighted the importance of BMP1, CTSB, LOX, LOXL1, PLOD1, MMP9, SERPINE1, and SERPING1 in GBM etiology. Further, we demonstrated the positive relationship between the E2 conjugating enzymes (Ube2E1, Ube2H, Ube2J2, Ube2C, Ube2J2, and Ube2S), E3 ligases (VHL and GNB2L1) and substrate (HIF1A). Additionally, we reported the novel HAT1-induced acetylation sites of Ube2S (K211) and Ube2H (K8, K52). Structural and functional characterization of Ube2S (8) and Ube2H (1) have identified their association with protein kinases. Lastly, our results found a putative therapeutic axis HAT1-Ube2S(K211)-GNB2L1-HIF1A and potential predictive biomarkers (CTSB, HAT1, Ube2H, VHL, and GNB2L1) that play a critical role in GBM pathogenesis.
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Rodriguez SMB, Kamel A, Ciubotaru GV, Onose G, Sevastre AS, Sfredel V, Danoiu S, Dricu A, Tataranu LG. An Overview of EGFR Mechanisms and Their Implications in Targeted Therapies for Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11110. [PMID: 37446288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite all of the progress in understanding its molecular biology and pathogenesis, glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive types of cancers, and without an efficient treatment modality at the moment, it remains largely incurable. Nowadays, one of the most frequently studied molecules with important implications in the pathogenesis of the classical subtype of GBM is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Although many clinical trials aiming to study EGFR targeted therapies have been performed, none of them have reported promising clinical results when used in glioma patients. The resistance of GBM to these therapies was proven to be both acquired and innate, and it seems to be influenced by a cumulus of factors such as ineffective blood-brain barrier penetration, mutations, heterogeneity and compensatory signaling pathways. Recently, it was shown that EGFR possesses kinase-independent (KID) pro-survival functions in cancer cells. It seems imperative to understand how the EGFR signaling pathways function and how they interconnect with other pathways. Furthermore, it is important to identify the mechanisms of drug resistance and to develop better tailored therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mara Baez Rodriguez
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Amira Kamel
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Vasile Ciubotaru
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gelu Onose
- Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ani-Simona Sevastre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Veronica Sfredel
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Suzana Danoiu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anica Dricu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ligia Gabriela Tataranu
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 020022 Bucharest, Romania
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Luo M, Lee LKC, Peng B, Choi CHJ, Tong WY, Voelcker NH. Delivering the Promise of Gene Therapy with Nanomedicines in Treating Central Nervous System Diseases. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201740. [PMID: 35851766 PMCID: PMC9475540 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases, such as Alzheimer's diseases (AD), Parkinson's Diseases (PD), brain tumors, Huntington's disease (HD), and stroke, still remain difficult to treat by the conventional molecular drugs. In recent years, various gene therapies have come into the spotlight as versatile therapeutics providing the potential to prevent and treat these diseases. Despite the significant progress that has undoubtedly been achieved in terms of the design and modification of genetic modulators with desired potency and minimized unwanted immune responses, the efficient and safe in vivo delivery of gene therapies still poses major translational challenges. Various non-viral nanomedicines have been recently explored to circumvent this limitation. In this review, an overview of gene therapies for CNS diseases is provided and describes recent advances in the development of nanomedicines, including their unique characteristics, chemical modifications, bioconjugations, and the specific applications that those nanomedicines are harnessed to deliver gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Luo
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutics ScienceMonash UniversityParkville Campus, 381 Royal ParadeParkvilleVIC3052Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnologythe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLD4072Australia
| | - Leo Kit Cheung Lee
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinNew TerritoriesHong Kong
| | - Bo Peng
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutics ScienceMonash UniversityParkville Campus, 381 Royal ParadeParkvilleVIC3052Australia
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible ElectronicsXi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical materials & EngineeringNorthwestern Polytechnical UniversityXi'an710072China
| | - Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinNew TerritoriesHong Kong
| | - Wing Yin Tong
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutics ScienceMonash UniversityParkville Campus, 381 Royal ParadeParkvilleVIC3052Australia
| | - Nicolas H. Voelcker
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutics ScienceMonash UniversityParkville Campus, 381 Royal ParadeParkvilleVIC3052Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)ClaytonVIC3168Australia
- Melbourne Centre for NanofabricationVictorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility151 Wellington RoadClaytonVIC3168Australia
- Materials Science and EngineeringMonash University14 Alliance LaneClaytonVIC3800Australia
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Schwark K, Messinger D, Cummings JR, Bradin J, Kawakibi A, Babila CM, Lyons S, Ji S, Cartaxo RT, Kong S, Cantor E, Koschmann C, Yadav VN. Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) targeting in pediatric high-grade glioma and diffuse midline glioma: Pre-clinical models and precision medicine. Front Oncol 2022; 12:922928. [PMID: 35978801 PMCID: PMC9376238 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.922928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG), including both diffuse midline glioma (DMG) and non-midline tumors, continues to be one of the deadliest oncologic diagnoses (both henceforth referred to as “pHGG”). Targeted therapy options aimed at key oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) drivers using small-molecule RTK inhibitors has been extensively studied, but the absence of proper in vivo modeling that recapitulate pHGG biology has historically been a research challenge. Thankfully, there have been many recent advances in animal modeling, including Cre-inducible transgenic models, as well as intra-uterine electroporation (IUE) models, which closely recapitulate the salient features of human pHGG tumors. Over 20% of pHGG have been found in sequencing studies to have alterations in platelet derived growth factor-alpha (PDGFRA), making growth factor modeling and inhibition via targeted tyrosine kinases a rich vein of interest. With commonly found alterations in other growth factors, including FGFR, EGFR, VEGFR as well as RET, MET, and ALK, it is necessary to model those receptors, as well. Here we review the recent advances in murine modeling and precision targeting of the most important RTKs in their clinical context. We additionally provide a review of current work in the field with several small molecule RTK inhibitors used in pre-clinical or clinical settings for treatment of pHGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kallen Schwark
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Dana Messinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jessica R. Cummings
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Joshua Bradin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Abed Kawakibi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Clarissa M. Babila
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Samantha Lyons
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sunjong Ji
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Rodrigo T. Cartaxo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Seongbae Kong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Evan Cantor
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Carl Koschmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Viveka Nand Yadav
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Research Institute (CMRI), Kansas, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Viveka Nand Yadav,
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A Proteomic Platform Unveils the Brain Glycogen Phosphorylase as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Glioblastoma Multiforme. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158200. [PMID: 35897773 PMCID: PMC9331883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, several efforts have been made to identify original strategies against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM): this requires a more detailed investigation of the molecular mechanism of GBM so that novel targets can be identified for new possible therapeutic agents. Here, using a combined biochemical and proteomic approach, we evaluated the ability of a blood–brain barrier-permeable 2,3-benzodiazepin-4-one, called 1g, to interfere with the activity and the expression of brain glycogen phosphorylase (PYGB) on U87MG cell line in parallel with the capability of this compound to inhibit the cell growth and cycle. Thus, our results highlighted PYGB as a potential therapeutic target in GBM prompting 1g as a capable anticancer drug thanks to its ability to negatively modulate the uptake and metabolism of glucose, the so-called “Warburg effect”, whose increase is considered a common feature of cancer cells in respect of their normal counterparts.
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12
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Shafi O, Siddiqui G. Tracing the origins of glioblastoma by investigating the role of gliogenic and related neurogenic genes/signaling pathways in GBM development: a systematic review. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:146. [PMID: 35538578 PMCID: PMC9087910 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02602-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive tumors. The etiology and the factors determining its onset are not yet entirely known. This study investigates the origins of GBM, and for this purpose, it focuses primarily on developmental gliogenic processes. It also focuses on the impact of the related neurogenic developmental processes in glioblastoma oncogenesis. It also addresses why glial cells are at more risk of tumor development compared to neurons. Methods Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, involving glioblastoma, gliogenesis, neurogenesis, stemness, neural stem cells, gliogenic signaling and pathways, neurogenic signaling and pathways, and astrocytogenic genes. Results The origin of GBM is dependent on dysregulation in multiple genes and pathways that accumulatively converge the cells towards oncogenesis. There are multiple layers of steps in glioblastoma oncogenesis including the failure of cell fate-specific genes to keep the cells differentiated in their specific cell types such as p300, BMP, HOPX, and NRSF/REST. There are genes and signaling pathways that are involved in differentiation and also contribute to GBM such as FGFR3, JAK-STAT, and hey1. The genes that contribute to differentiation processes but also contribute to stemness in GBM include notch, Sox9, Sox4, c-myc gene overrides p300, and then GFAP, leading to upregulation of nestin, SHH, NF-κB, and others. GBM mutations pathologically impact the cell circuitry such as the interaction between Sox2 and JAK-STAT pathway, resulting in GBM development and progression. Conclusion Glioblastoma originates when the gene expression of key gliogenic genes and signaling pathways become dysregulated. This study identifies key gliogenic genes having the ability to control oncogenesis in glioblastoma cells, including p300, BMP, PAX6, HOPX, NRSF/REST, LIF, and TGF beta. It also identifies key neurogenic genes having the ability to control oncogenesis including PAX6, neurogenins including Ngn1, NeuroD1, NeuroD4, Numb, NKX6-1 Ebf, Myt1, and ASCL1. This study also postulates how aging contributes to the onset of glioblastoma by dysregulating the gene expression of NF-κB, REST/NRSF, ERK, AKT, EGFR, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovais Shafi
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Ghazia Siddiqui
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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13
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Rodriguez SMB, Staicu GA, Sevastre AS, Baloi C, Ciubotaru V, Dricu A, Tataranu LG. Glioblastoma Stem Cells-Useful Tools in the Battle against Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094602. [PMID: 35562993 PMCID: PMC9100635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are cells with a self-renewal ability and capacity to initiate tumors upon serial transplantation that have been linked to tumor cell heterogeneity. Most standard treatments fail to completely eradicate GSCs, causing the recurrence of the disease. GSCs could represent one reason for the low efficacy of cancer therapy and for the short relapse time. Nonetheless, experimental data suggest that the presence of therapy-resistant GSCs could explain tumor recurrence. Therefore, to effectively target GSCs, a comprehensive understanding of their biology and the survival and developing mechanisms during treatment is mandatory. This review provides an overview of the molecular features, microenvironment, detection, and targeting strategies of GSCs, an essential information required for an efficient therapy. Despite the outstanding results in oncology, researchers are still developing novel strategies, of which one could be targeting the GSCs present in the hypoxic regions and invasive edge of the glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mara Baez Rodriguez
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni”, 041915 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.B.R.); (V.C.); (L.G.T.)
| | - Georgiana-Adeline Staicu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (G.-A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Ani-Simona Sevastre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Carina Baloi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (G.-A.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Vasile Ciubotaru
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni”, 041915 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.B.R.); (V.C.); (L.G.T.)
| | - Anica Dricu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (G.-A.S.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ligia Gabriela Tataranu
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni”, 041915 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.B.R.); (V.C.); (L.G.T.)
- Department 6—Clinical Neurosciences, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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14
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Innovating Strategies and Tailored Approaches in Neuro-Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051124. [PMID: 35267432 PMCID: PMC8909701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051124] [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] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse gliomas, the most frequent and aggressive primary central nervous system neoplasms, currently lack effective curative treatments, particularly for cases lacking the favorable prognostic marker IDH mutation. Nonetheless, advances in molecular biology allowed to identify several druggable alterations in a subset of IDH wild-type gliomas, such as NTRK and FGFR-TACC fusions, and BRAF hotspot mutations. Multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as regorafenib, also showed efficacy in the setting of recurrent glioblastoma. IDH inhibitors are currently in the advanced phase of clinical evaluation for patients with IDH-mutant gliomas. Several immunotherapeutic approaches, such as tumor vaccines or checkpoint inhibitors, failed to improve patients' outcomes. Even so, they may be still beneficial in a subset of them. New methods, such as using pulsed ultrasound to disrupt the blood-brain barrier, gene therapy, and oncolytic virotherapy, are well tolerated and may be included in the therapeutic armamentarium soon.
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15
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Sevastre AS, Costachi A, Tataranu LG, Brandusa C, Artene SA, Stovicek O, Alexandru O, Danoiu S, Sfredel V, Dricu A. Glioblastoma pharmacotherapy: A multifaceted perspective of conventional and emerging treatments (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1408. [PMID: 34676001 PMCID: PMC8524703 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10844] [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: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its localisation, rapid onset, high relapse rate and resistance to most currently available treatment methods, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is considered to be the deadliest type of all gliomas. Although surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are among the therapeutic strategies used for the treatment of GBM, the survival rates achieved are not satisfactory, and there is an urgent need for novel effective therapeutic options. In addition to single-target therapy, multi-target therapies are currently under development. Furthermore, drugs are being optimised to improve their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. In the present review, the main strategies applied for GBM treatment in terms of the most recent therapeutic agents and approaches that are currently under pre-clinical and clinical testing were discussed. In addition, the most recently reported experimental data following the testing of novel therapies, including stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, genomic correction and precision medicine, were reviewed, and their advantages and drawbacks were also summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani-Simona Sevastre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Alexandra Costachi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ligia Gabriela Tataranu
- Department of Neurosurgery, ‘Bagdasar-Arseni’ Emergency Clinical Hospital, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina Brandusa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Stefan Alexandru Artene
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Olivian Stovicek
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Nursing Targu Jiu, Titu Maiorescu University of Bucharest, 210106 Targu Jiu, Romania
| | - Oana Alexandru
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Suzana Danoiu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Veronica Sfredel
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anica Dricu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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16
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Peng G, Wang Y, Ge P, Bailey C, Zhang P, Zhang D, Meng Z, Qi C, Chen Q, Chen J, Niu J, Zheng P, Liu Y, Liu Y. The HIF1α-PDGFD-PDGFRα axis controls glioblastoma growth at normoxia/mild-hypoxia and confers sensitivity to targeted therapy by echinomycin. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:278. [PMID: 34470658 PMCID: PMC8411541 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02082-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a lethal brain tumor, remains the most daunting challenge in cancer therapy. Overexpression and constitutive activation of PDGFs and PDGFRα are observed in most GBM; however, available inhibitors targeting isolated signaling pathways are minimally effective. Therefore, better understanding of crucial mechanisms underlying GBM is needed for developing more effective targeted therapies. Methods Target genes controlled by HIF1α in GBM were identified by analysis of TCGA database and by RNA-sequencing of GBM cells with HIF1α knockout by sgRNA-Cas9 method. Functional roles of HIF1α, PDGFs and PDGFRs were elucidated by loss- or gain-of-function assays or chemical inhibitors, and compared in response to oxygen tension. Pharmacological efficacy and gene expression in mice with intracranial xenografts of primary GBM were analyzed by bioluminescence imaging and immunofluorescence. Results HIF1α binds the PDGFD proximal promoter and PDGFRA intron enhancers in GBM cells under normoxia or mild-hypoxia to induce their expression and maintain constitutive activation of AKT signaling, which in turn increases HIF1α protein level and activity. Paradoxically, severe hypoxia abrogates PDGFRα expression despite enhancing HIF1α accumulation and corresponding PDGF-D expression. Knockout of HIF1A, PDGFD or PDGFRA in U251 cells inhibits cell growth and invasion in vitro and eradicates tumor growth in vivo. HIF1A knockdown in primary GBM extends survival of xenograft mice, whereas PDGFD overexpression in GL261 shortens survival. HIF1α inhibitor Echinomycin induces GBM cell apoptosis and effectively inhibits growth of GBM in vivo by simultaneously targeting HIF1α-PDGFD/PDGFRα-AKT feedforward pathway. Conclusions HIF1α orchestrates expression of PDGF-D and PDGFRα for constitutive activation of AKT pathway and is crucial for GBM malignancy. Therefore, therapies targeting HIF1α should provide an effective treatment for GBM. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02082-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong Peng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Division of Immunotherapy, Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Pengfei Ge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Christopher Bailey
- Division of Immunotherapy, Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Peng Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Cancer for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Cancer for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoli Meng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chong Qi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jingtao Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Pan Zheng
- Division of Immunotherapy, Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,OncoC4, Inc., Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Division of Immunotherapy, Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA. .,OncoC4, Inc., Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Yan Liu
- Division of Immunotherapy, Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
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17
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Herrera-Oropeza GE, Angulo-Rojo C, Gástelum-López SA, Varela-Echavarría A, Hernández-Rosales M, Aviña-Padilla K. Glioblastoma multiforme: a multi-omics analysis of driver genes and tumour heterogeneity. Interface Focus 2021; 11:20200072. [PMID: 34123356 PMCID: PMC8193468 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2020.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common brain cancer in adults with the lowest life expectancy. The current neuro-oncology practice has incorporated genes involved in key molecular events that drive GBM tumorigenesis as biomarkers to guide diagnosis and design treatment. This study summarizes findings describing the significant heterogeneity of GBM at the transcriptional and genomic levels, emphasizing 18 driver genes with clinical relevance. A pattern was identified fitting the stem cell model for GBM ontogenesis, with an upregulation profile for MGMT and downregulation for ATRX, H3F3A, TP53 and EGFR in the mesenchymal subtype. We also detected overexpression of EGFR, NES, VIM and TP53 in the classical subtype and of MKi67 and OLIG2 genes in the proneural subtype. Furthermore, we found a combination of the four biomarkers EGFR, NES, OLIG2 and VIM with a remarkable differential expression pattern which confers them a strong potential to determine the GBM molecular subtype. A unique distribution of somatic mutations was found for the young and adult population, particularly for genes related to DNA repair and chromatin remodelling, highlighting ATRX, MGMT and IDH1. Our results also revealed that highly lesioned genes undergo differential regulation with particular biological pathways for young patients. This multi-omic analysis will help delineate future strategies related to the use of these molecular markers for clinical decision-making in the medical routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Emilio Herrera-Oropeza
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico.,Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carla Angulo-Rojo
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada a la Salud, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Santos Alberto Gástelum-López
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | | | | | - Katia Aviña-Padilla
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico.,Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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18
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ELTD1-An Emerging Silent Actor in Cancer Drama Play. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105151. [PMID: 34068040 PMCID: PMC8152501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor, latrophilin, and seven transmembrane domain–containing protein 1 (ELTD1), is a member of the G–protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily. Although discovered in 2001, ELTD1 has been investigated only by a few research groups, and important data about its role in normal and tumor cells is still missing. Even though its functions and structure are not yet fully understood, recent studies show that ELTD1 has a role in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis, and it appears to be a very important biomarker and a molecular target in cancer diseases. Upregulation of ELTD1 in malignant cells has been reported, and correlated with poor cancer prognosis. This review article aims to compile the existing data and to discuss the current knowledge on ELTD1 structure and signaling, and its role in physiological and neoplastic conditions.
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19
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Colardo M, Segatto M, Di Bartolomeo S. Targeting RTK-PI3K-mTOR Axis in Gliomas: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4899. [PMID: 34063168 PMCID: PMC8124221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common and challenging malignancies of the central nervous system (CNS), due to their infiltrative nature, tendency to recurrence, and poor response to treatments. Indeed, despite the advances in neurosurgical techniques and in radiation therapy, the modest effects of therapy are still challenging. Moreover, tumor recurrence is associated with the onset of therapy resistance; it is therefore critical to identify effective and well-tolerated pharmacological approaches capable of inducing durable responses in the appropriate patient groups. Molecular alterations of the RTK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway are typical hallmarks of glioma, and several clinical trials targeting one or more players of this axis have been launched, showing disappointing results so far, due to the scarce BBB permeability of certain compounds or to the occurrence of resistance/tolerance mechanisms. However, as RTK/PI3K/mTOR is one of the pivotal pathways regulating cell growth and survival in cancer biology, targeting still remains a strong rationale for developing strategies against gliomas. Future rigorous clinical studies, aimed at addressing the tumor heterogeneity, the interaction with the microenvironment, as well as diverse posology adjustments, are needed-which might unravel the therapeutic efficacy and response prediction of an RTK/PI3K/mTOR-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sabrina Di Bartolomeo
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, IS, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
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20
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Kawauchi D, Takahashi M, Satomi K, Yamamuro S, Kobayashi T, Uchida E, Honda-Kitahara M, Narita Y, Iwadate Y, Ichimura K, Tomiyama A. The ALK inhibitors, alectinib and ceritinib, induce ALK-independent and STAT3-dependent glioblastoma cell death. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:2442-2453. [PMID: 33728771 PMCID: PMC8177803 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common, but extremely malignant, brain tumor; thus, the development of novel therapeutic strategies for GBMs is imperative. Many tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been approved for various cancers, yet none has demonstrated clinical benefit against GBM. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that is confirmed only during the embryonic development period in humans. In addition, various ALK gene alterations are known to act as powerful oncogenes and therapeutic targets in various tumors. The antitumor activity of various TKIs was tested against three human GBM cell lines (U87MG, LN229, and GSC23), which expressed substantially low ALK levels; second‐generation ALK inhibitors, alectinib and ceritinib, effectively induced GBM cell death. In addition, treatment with either alectinib or ceritinib modulated the activation of various molecules downstream of RTK signaling and induced caspase‐dependent/‐independent cell death mainly by inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation in human GBM cells. In addition, alectinib and ceritinib also showed antitumor activity against a U87MG cell line with acquired temozolomide resistance. Finally, oral administration of alectinib and ceritinib prolonged the survival of mice harboring intracerebral GBM xenografts compared with controls. These results suggested that treatment with the second‐generation ALK inhibitors, alectinib and ceritinib, might serve as a potent therapeutic strategy against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kawauchi
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masamichi Takahashi
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaishi Satomi
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Yamamuro
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kobayashi
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eita Uchida
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Oncology/Neurosurgery, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka-City, Japan
| | - Mai Honda-Kitahara
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Narita
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Iwadate
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koichi Ichimura
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arata Tomiyama
- Division of Brain Tumor Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
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21
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El-Khayat SM, Arafat WO. Therapeutic strategies of recurrent glioblastoma and its molecular pathways 'Lock up the beast'. Ecancermedicalscience 2021; 15:1176. [PMID: 33680090 PMCID: PMC7929780 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2021.1176] [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: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has a poor prognosis-despite aggressive primary treatment composed of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, median survival is still around 15 months. It starts to grow again after a year of treatment and eventually nothing is effective at this stage. Recurrent GBM is one of the most disappointing fields for researchers in which their efforts have gained no benefit for patients. They were directed for a long time towards understanding the molecular basis that leads to the development of GBM. It is now known that GBM is a heterogeneous disease and resistance comes mainly from the regrowth of malignant cells after eradicating specific clones by targeted treatment. Epidermal growth factor receptor, platelet derived growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor are known to be highly active in primary and recurrent GBM through different underlying pathways, despite this bevacizumab is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug for recurrent GBM. Immunotherapy is another important promising modality of treatment of GBM, after proper understanding of the microenvironment of the tumour and overcoming the reasons that historically stigmatise GBM as an 'immunologically cold tumour'. Radiotherapy can augment the effect of immunotherapy by different mechanisms. Also, dual immunotherapy which targets immune pathways at different stages and through different receptors further enhances immune stimulation against GBM. Delivery of pro-drugs to be activated at the tumour site and suicidal genes by gene therapy using different vectors shows promising results. Despite using neurotropic viral vectors specifically targeting glial cells (which are the cells of origin of GBM), no significant improvement of overall-survival has been seen as yet. Non-viral vectors 'polymeric and non-polymeric' show significant tumour shrinkage in pre-clinical trials and now at early-stage clinical trials. To this end, in this review, we aim to study the possible role of different molecular pathways that are involved in GBM's recurrence, we will also review the most relevant and recent clinical experience with targeted treatments and immunotherapies. We will discuss trials utilised tyrosine receptor kinase inhibitors, immunotherapy and gene therapy in recurrent GBM pointing to the causes of potential disappointing preliminary results of some of them. Additionally, we are suggesting a possible future treatment based on recent successful clinical data that could alter the outcome for GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa M El-Khayat
- Cancer Management and Research Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21568, Egypt
| | - Waleed O Arafat
- Alexandria Clinical Oncology Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21568, Egypt
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22
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Updated Insights on EGFR Signaling Pathways in Glioma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020587. [PMID: 33435537 PMCID: PMC7827907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, due to recent advances in molecular biology, the pathogenesis of glioblastoma is better understood. For the newly diagnosed, the current standard of care is represented by resection followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide administration, but because median overall survival remains poor, new diagnosis and treatment strategies are needed. Due to the quick progression, even with aggressive multimodal treatment, glioblastoma remains almost incurable. It is known that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification is a characteristic of the classical subtype of glioma. However, targeted therapies against this type of receptor have not yet shown a clear clinical benefit. Many factors contribute to resistance, such as ineffective blood-brain barrier penetration, heterogeneity, mutations, as well as compensatory signaling pathways. A better understanding of the EGFR signaling network, and its interrelations with other pathways, are essential to clarify the mechanisms of resistance and create better therapeutic agents.
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23
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Establishment and Preliminary Characterization of Three Astrocytic Cells Lines Obtained from Primary Rat Astrocytes by Sub-Cloning. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11121502. [PMID: 33322092 PMCID: PMC7764261 DOI: 10.3390/genes11121502] [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: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are complex and heterogeneous tumors that originate from the glial cells of the brain. The malignant cells undergo deep modifications of their metabolism, and acquire the capacity to invade the brain parenchyma and to induce epigenetic modifications in the other brain cell types. In spite of the efforts made to define the pathology at the molecular level, and to set novel approaches to reach the infiltrating cells, gliomas are still fatal. In order to gain a better knowledge of the cellular events that accompany astrocyte transformation, we developed three increasingly transformed astrocyte cell lines, starting from primary rat cortical astrocytes, and analyzed them at the cytogenetic and epigenetic level. In parallel, we also studied the expression of the differentiation-related H1.0 linker histone variant to evaluate its possible modification in relation with transformation. We found that the most modified astrocytes (A-FC6) have epigenetic and chromosomal alterations typical of cancer, and that the other two clones (A-GS1 and A-VV5) have intermediate properties. Surprisingly, the differentiation-specific somatic histone H1.0 steadily increases from the normal astrocytes to the most transformed ones. As a whole, our results suggest that these three cell lines, together with the starting primary cells, constitute a potential model for studying glioma development.
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