Metabolomics and Proteomics in Prostate Cancer Research: Overview, Analytical Techniques, Data Analysis, and Recent Clinical Applications

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant global contributor to mortality, predominantly affecting males aged 65 and above. The field of omics has recently gained traction due to its capacity to provide profound insights into the biochemical mechanisms underlying conditions like prostate cancer. This involves the identification and quantification of low-molecular-weight metabolites and proteins acting as crucial biochemical signals for early detection, therapy assessment, and target identification. A spectrum of analytical methods is employed to discern and measure these molecules, revealing their altered biological pathways within diseased contexts. Metabolomics and proteomics generate refined data subjected to detailed statistical analysis through sophisticated software, yielding substantive insights. This review aims to underscore the major contributions of multi-omics to PCa research, covering its core principles, its role in tumor biology characterization, biomarker discovery, prognostic studies, various analytical technologies such as mass spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, data processing, and recent clinical applications made possible by an integrative "omics" approach. This approach seeks to address the challenges associated with current PCa treatments. Hence, our research endeavors to demonstrate the valuable applications of these potent tools in investigations, offering significant potential for understanding the complex biochemical environment of prostate cancer and advancing tailored therapeutic approaches for further development.

Proteomic and metabolomic signatures of U87 glioblastoma cells treated with cisplatin and/or paclitaxel

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary malignancy of the central nervous system and is classified as a grade IV astrocytoma by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although GBM rarely metastasizes, its prognosis remains poor. Moreover, the standard treatment for GBM, temozolomide (TMZ), is associated with chemoresistance, which is a major factor behind GBM-related deaths. Investigating drugs with repurposing potential in the context of GBM is worthwhile to bypass lengthy bench-to-bedside research. The field of omics has garnered significant interest in scientific research because of its potential to delineate the intricate regulatory network underlying tumor development. In particular, proteomic and metabolomic analyses are powerful approaches for the investigation of metabolic enzymes and intermediate metabolites since they represent the functional end of the cancer phenotype.

METHODS

We chose two of the most widely prescribed anticancer drugs, cisplatin and paclitaxel. To our knowledge, the current literature lacks studies examining their effects on metabolic and proteomic alterations in GBM. We employed the mass spectrometry technological platform 'UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS' to examine the changes in the proteome and metabolome profiles of the U87 cell line with defined concentrations of cisplatin and/or paclitaxel via an untargeted approach.

RESULTS

A total of 1,419 distinct proteins and 90 metabolites were generated, and subsequent analysis was performed. We observed that upon treatment with cisplatin (9.5 μM), U87 cells exhibited apparent efforts to cope with this exogenous stressor, understanding the effect of paclitaxel (5.3 μM) on altering the transport machinery of the cell, and how the combination of cisplatin and/or paclitaxel suggests potential interactions with promising benefits in GBM therapeutics.

CONCLUSION

Our research provides a detailed map of alterations in response to cisplatin and paclitaxel treatment, provides crucial insights into the molecular basis of their action, and paves the way for further research to identify molecular targets for this elusive malignancy.

Association of proton pump inhibitor use with survival and adverse effects outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma: pooled analysis of three clinical trials

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used in cancer patients, but their impact on treatment outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) patients remains unclear. This study investigated the association of PPI use with survival and adverse effects in MM patients across three randomized-control trials initiating daratumumab, lenalidomide, or bortezomib combination treatments. Cox proportional hazard analysis and logistic regression were employed to assess the associations with treatment outcomes, while adjusting for age, sex, weight, MM international staging system stage, ECOG-performance status, comorbidity count, and presence of gastrointestinal disorders. Pooled data involving 1804 patients revealed that 557 (32%) used PPIs at baseline. PPI use was independently associated with worse overall survival (adjusted HR [95% CI] 1.32 [1.08-1.62], P = 0.007) and grade ≥ 3 adverse events (adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.39 [1.03-1.88], P = 0.030). However, the association with progression-free survival did not reach statistical significance (adjusted HR [95% CI] 1.14 [0.97-1.33], P = 0.112). Findings were consistent across trials and treatment arms. PPI use was identified as a negative prognostic factor in MM patients, potentially enhancing clinical decisions regarding its use. Further research is needed to fully comprehend the impacts and safety of PPI use in MM patients.

Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Extravasation in Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer, Melanoma, and Lung Cancer

Brain metastasis is an incurable end-stage of systemic cancer associated with poor prognosis, and its incidence is increasing. Brain metastasis occurs through a multi-step cascade where cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to the brain. The extravasation of tumor cells through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical step in brain metastasis. During extravasation, circulating cancer cells roll along the brain endothelium (BE), adhere to it, then induce alterations in the endothelial barrier to transmigrate through the BBB and enter the brain. Rolling and adhesion are generally mediated by selectins and adhesion molecules induced by inflammatory mediators, while alterations in the endothelial barrier are mediated by proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinase, and the transmigration step mediated by factors, including chemokines. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating extravasation are not yet fully understood. A better understanding of these mechanisms is essential as it may serve as the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of brain metastases. In this review, we summarize the molecular events that occur during the extravasation of cancer cells through the blood-brain barrier in three types of cancer most likely to develop brain metastasis: breast cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer. Common molecular mechanisms driving extravasation in these different tumors are discussed.

Analysis and mapping of global scientific research on human monkeypox over the past 20 years

Background and Aim

Human monkeypox is an emerging global threat. Hundreds of publications were disseminated in the last few months. This study aimed to map, analyze, and evaluate the bibliometric indicators of the global monkeypox research output.

Materials and Methods

All documents published in the past 20 years were retrieved using the Scopus database. Papers published in English and peer-reviewed journals were included. VOSviewer was used to create density and network visualization maps.

Results

A total of 1725 published documents were retrieved. Of these, 53% were published in 2022. The average number of authors per document was 4.2. Authors from the USA were the most active and published about 42.1% of the total documents. International collaboration was evident between the USA and both UK and Congo. Keywords mapping identified the main research lines in this field that correlate monkeypox with public health, smallpox, vaccination, and antiviral treatment.

Conclusion

This study analyzed and mapped the expanding field of monkeypox research across the world. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the United States has contributed greatly in terms of both individual researchers and academic institutions. There was less cooperation on a global scale than was anticipated. Fostering international cooperation is essential for countering this worldwide danger. Additional scientific research should be conducted to investigate the link between smallpox immunization and monkeypox epidemics.

Preclinical and Clinical Applications of Metabolomics and Proteomics in Glioblastoma Research

Glioblastoma (GB) is a primary malignancy of the central nervous system that is classified by the WHO as a grade IV astrocytoma. Despite decades of research, several aspects about the biology of GB are still unclear. Its pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms are poorly understood, and methods to optimize patient diagnosis and prognosis remain a bottle neck owing to the heterogeneity of the malignancy. The field of omics has recently gained traction, as it can aid in understanding the dynamic spatiotemporal regulatory network of enzymes and metabolites that allows cancer cells to adjust to their surroundings to promote tumor development. In combination with other omics techniques, proteomic and metabolomic investigations, which are a potent means for examining a variety of metabolic enzymes as well as intermediate metabolites, might offer crucial information in this area. Therefore, this review intends to stress the major contribution these tools have made in GB clinical and preclinical research and highlights the crucial impacts made by the integrative "omics" approach in reducing some of the therapeutic challenges associated with GB research and treatment. Thus, our study can purvey the use of these powerful tools in research by serving as a hub that particularly summarizes studies employing metabolomics and proteomics in the realm of GB diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

COVID-19 Vaccines, Effectiveness, and Immune Responses

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has captivated the globe's attention since its emergence in 2019. This highly infectious, spreadable, and dangerous pathogen has caused health, social, and economic crises. Therefore, a worldwide collaborative effort was made to find an efficient strategy to overcome and develop vaccines. The new vaccines provide an effective immune response that safeguards the community from the virus' severity. WHO has approved nine vaccines for emergency use based on safety and efficacy data collected from various conducted clinical trials. Herein, we review the safety and effectiveness of the WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines and associated immune responses, and their impact on improving the public's health. Several immunological studies have demonstrated that vaccination dramatically enhances the immune response and reduces the likelihood of future infections in previously infected individuals. However, the type of vaccination and individual health status can significantly affect immune responses. Exposure of healthy individuals to adenovirus vectors or mRNA vaccines causes the early production of antibodies from B and T cells. On the other hand, unhealthy individuals were more likely to experience harmful events due to relapses in their existing conditions. Taken together, aligning with the proper vaccination to a patient's case can result in better outcomes.

Early Detection of Prostate Cancer: Self-Reported Knowledge and Attitude of Physicians in Jordan

Prostate cancer (PC) screening aims to detect PC in early stages, amenable to curative treatment and reduction in disease morbidity and mortality. However, PC screening may be associated with overdiagnosis and complications of unnecessary treatment for indolent disease. Therefore, careful patient selection for PC screening is critical to avoid overestimation and missed diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess physicians’ knowledge and attitude towards early detection of PC in Jordan and whether their knowledge is an important predictor of their attitude. An electronic, self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge, and attitude of physicians regarding early detection of PC. The participants’ responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Around 296 physicians agreed to participate in this study. Most respondents were males (75.7%), residents (34%), practiced medicine more than 15 years (29%) and graduated (81.4%) from local universities. Surprisingly, only 28.4% recognized PC as a non-self-detected disease and less than one-half (48.6%) were aware that PC screening tests are not enough to exclude a diagnosis of PC. The median knowledge Percent of Maximum Possible (POMP) score was 59%. Around two-thirds of participants showed a positive attitude towards early detection of PC (median attitude POMP score was 66%). Higher attitude scores were significantly associated with younger age, those working in private hospitals, and those having higher knowledge POMP score (P < .05). This study highlighted that most physicians demonstrated a positive attitude towards PC screening but with moderate level of knowledge that is considered an important predictor of their attitude towards PC early detection. Thus, improving knowledge and awareness of physicians should be considered as a strategy to improve their attitude towards prostate screening practices and informing men of the importance of regular screening.

Knowledge and attitudes of pharmacists towards colorectal cancer health education in Jordan: A cross-sectional study

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to assess pharmacists' knowledge and attitude towards early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Jordan and to explore potential predictor variables of such knowledge and attitude.

METHODS USED TO CONDUCT THE STUDY

An electronic, self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data about demographics, knowledge and attitude regarding early detection of CRC. Both content and face validity were tested in a panel of experts. The participants' responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions.

RESULTS OF THE STUDY

The 352 pharmacists (78% females, 94% Jordanian) had a median age of 28 years and graduated mostly (83%) from public universities. Surprisingly, 90% were not able to identify carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a non-accurate diagnostic method and almost one-third did not identify the correct screening tests. On a scale of 5, the majority of participants (59%) had moderate knowledge scores (3 or 4) in case scenarios. The median knowledge Percent of Maximum Possible (POMP) score was 67% and higher scores were associated with more years since graduation, pharmacists with MSc degree and higher, working in urban areas, studying oncology course and received oncology training (P < .05). Most participants showed a positive attitude towards early detection of CRC (median attitude POMP score was 78%). However, none of the analysed variables predicted their level of attitude.

CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM THE STUDY AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Although the majority of pharmacists demonstrated a positive attitude towards early detection of CRC, their knowledge was inadequate. The study highlighted the importance of optimising the education programmes to improve the pharmacists' knowledge about CRC early detection and preparing the pharmacists for participating in future national screening initiatives.

Calcium-Sensing Receptor Antagonist NPS-2143 Inhibits Breast Cancer cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion via Downregulation of p-ERK1/2, Bcl-2 and Integrin β1 and Induces Caspase 3/7 Activation

Purpose: Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) has been associated with breast cancer metastasis tothe bone. Targeting chemoattractant factors, such as calcium, that are released in response tobone resorption could prevent metastasis and induce apoptosis of cancer cells. In the presentstudy, we investigated the potential caspase 3/7 activation following treatment with a CaSRantagonist, NPS-2143, in breast cancer cells. In addition, the effects of NPS-2143 on breastcancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed.

Methods: Colorimetric MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability. Apo-one homogeneouscaspase-3/7 assay was used to measure caspase 3/7 activities in breast cancer cells. Cellmigration and invasion were assessed using scratch wound assay and matrigel invasionchambers, respectively. The protein expressions of p-ERK1/2, integrin β1 and Bcl-2 wereevaluated using western blotting.

Results: Our study revealed that NPS-2143 significantly reduced cell proliferation with halfmaximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 4.08 and 5.71 μM in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, respectively. NPS-2143 induced caspase 3/7 activation in MDA-MB-231 breastcancer cells which was accompanied with a remarkable reduction in the expression of Bcl-2antiapoptotic protein. NPS-2143 suppressed migratory and invasive abilities of MDA-MB-231cells with a significant reduction in the expression of p-ERK1/2 and integrin β1 proteins.

Conclusion: Our study confirms the ability NPS-2143 to suppress proliferative, migratory andinvasive effects of breast cancer cells which was accompanied by caspase 3/7 activation andsuggests the potential of NPS-2143 as a promising anti-cancer molecule in breast cancer.

Impaired awareness of hypoglycemia in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus in north of Jordan

BACKGROUND

Hypoglycemia is a common complication of insulin therapy in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Awareness of hypoglycemic symptoms helps patients to recognize hypoglycemia and initiate self-treatment. Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia (IAH) exposes patients to severe hypoglycemia, which could be associated with seizures and unconsciousness. This study aimed to assess IAH, frequency of hypoglycemia, severe hypoglycemia and intensity of hypoglycemic symptoms among children and adolescents with Type 1 DM in North of Jordan.

METHODS

Data were collected from 94 children and adolescents with Type 1 DM. Clarke's and Edinburgh surveys were used to assess IAH and individual symptoms of hypoglycemia, respectively. Frequency of hypoglycemia and other related information were obtained by self-reporting or from medical records.

RESULTS

16.0% of participants were having IAH, 66.0% of participants reported recurrent hypoglycemia (>once/month) and 18.0% of participants developed ≥1 severe hypoglycemia during the previous year. IAH was not associated with age, gender, duration of DM, HbA1c, insulin regimen, adherence to insulin or development of severe hypoglycemia (p-values> 0.05). Instead, IAH was associated with frequency of hypoglycemia during the previous 6 months (p-value< 0.01). Hunger, tiredness, dizziness, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, trembling and weakness were the most common symptoms felt by participants when they develop hypoglycemia. Hunger was the only common symptom that was significantly higher in children compared to adolescent (p-value < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has reported low prevalence of IAH in children and adolescents with Type 1 DM in North of Jordan. IAH was more common in subjects with more frequent hypoglycemia.

Investigating the Contribution of NPSR1, IL-6 and BDNF Polymorphisms to Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Hemodialysis Patients

AIMS

Psychological symptoms are prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Previous investigations showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as the interaction with neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) are linked to the development of psychological distress. This study examined the association of polymorphisms of genes encoding these proteins with depression and anxiety in a representative group of Jordanian HD patients.

METHODS

A total of 302 HD patients were involved in the study and categorized into three groups based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS-D or HADS-A scores as follows: normal (<7), mild (8-10) and moderate-severe (11-21). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of NPSR1 Asn107Ile (rs324981), IL-6 G174C (rs1800795), and BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) was genotyped using blood samples.

RESULTS

The frequency of Ile-allele of NPSR1 Asn107Ile was significantly higher in patients with moderate-severe HADS-A scores versus normal (53% vs. 40.8%, p = .035). Using ordinal regression analysis, Asn-allele of NPSR1 polymorphism was nominally significantly associated with a lower risk of anxiety (OR = 0.57, CI: 0.33-0.97, p = .038) after adjusting for other covariates. A marginally significant difference in genotype distribution of IL-6 G174C was observed among patients according to HADS-D scores (p = .05). Furthermore, carriers of IL-6174 CC genotype showed lower median IL-6 serum concentration versus carriers of GG genotype (5.2 vs. 1.35 pg/mL, p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the genetic role of NPSR1 in the pathogenesis of anxiety and suggest that carriers of NPSR1 Ile-allele are at increased risk of anxiety in HD patients. Neither BDNF Val66Met nor IL-6 G174C were linked to psychological symptoms. Future studies among other ethnicities are necessary to verify the observations.

Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycaemia in Insulin-treated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) may develop hypoglycemia as an adverse effect of insulin therapy. Hypoglycemia has dangerous consequences that result from neuroglycopenia and hypersecretion of counter-regulatory hormones. Patients who recognize early symptoms of hypoglycemia can initiate self-treatment and rectify the situation. Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia (IAH) predisposes patients to severe hypoglycemia and unconsciousness.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of IAH, the intensity of hypoglycaemic symptoms, the frequency of severe hypoglycemia and factors associated with IAH in patients with insulin-treated T2DM.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study that used Clarke's and Gold's surveys to assess IAH and Edinburgh survey to assess the intensity of hypoglycemic symptoms in patients with insulin-treated T2DM (n= 388). The frequency of hypoglycemia and other data were collected by self-reporting or from medical records.

RESULTS

The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of IAH was 17.01% (13.27%-20.75%) as determined by Clarke's method and 5.93% (3.58-8.28) by Gold's method (Odds= 3.25, p-value<0.00001). Drowsiness, hunger, sweating, tiredness, trembling and weakness, were the most intense hypoglycaemic symptoms, and 6.19% of participants reported at least one episode of severe hypoglycaemia within the past year. Regardless of classification method used, IAH is not dependent on age, gender, duration of T2DM or duration of insulin therapy (p-values>0.05). Instead, IAH is positively associated with frequency of hypoglycaemia during the previous six months (p-value<0.05) and development of severe hypoglycaemia within the past year (p-value <0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights large variability in IAH depending on the method used for assessment. Increased hypoglycaemia frequency may increase the prevalence of IAH and thus the development of severe hypoglycemia.

Association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-6 serum levels with depressive and anxiety symptoms in hemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the possible association of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with depressive and anxiety symptoms in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

METHOD

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over 274 HD patients from March to October 2017. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was utilized to evaluate depressive (HADS-D) and anxiety (HADS-A) symptoms. The HADS-D/A is a self-report instrument that has a maximum score of 21. Serum BDNF and IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Serum IL-6 was significantly higher in patients with depressive symptoms compared to normal (20.47 ± 4.27 pg/mL for HADS-D ≥11 versus 9.26 ± 1.59 pg/mL for HADS-D <7, p = 0.014). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that IL-6, education level, hypertension, and dialysis duration were significant predictors of HADS-D. Also, gender, education level, hypertension, and the number of dialysis sessions/week were significant predictors of HADS-A. Significant positive correlation was shown between HADS-D and IL-6 (r = 0.1729, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Collectively, HD patients with depressive symptoms showed higher levels of IL-6, supporting previous findings that the circulating inflammatory mediator IL-6 can be used as a biomarker for prediction of depressive symptoms in HD patients. Further longitudinal or interventional studies are needed to further validate this association.

Simvastatin enhances irinotecan-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer via inhibition of MCL-1

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors around the world. Hyperlipidemia is considered as one of the most important risk factors for the development of prostate cancer. Simvastatin is widely used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and was previously shown to induce apoptosis in several cancer types including lung, colon, pancreas, breast, and prostate cancer. In this study we aimed to explore the potential role of simvastatin in enhancing irinotecan-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving this potential effect of simvastatin were also explored. PC3 cells were treated with simvastatin, irinotecan or combination. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. Flow cytometry technique was used to analyze apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Western blot was used for detection of protein expression. Results showed that simvastatin has a significant anti-proliferative activity on PC3 cells. Combined treatment of simvastatin with irinotecan exhibited a significant inhibition of PC3 cell growth compared to each treatment alone. Flow cytometry analysis showed that PC3 cell treatment with simvastatin and irinotecan combination demonstrated a remarkable increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells and those accumulated at G0/G1 phase when compared to each treatment alone. Moreover, induction of apoptosis was caspase-independent. Western blot showed that apoptosis was accompanied by upregulation of GRP-78 level and downregulation of Mcl-1 levels in a time-dependent manner. The results of this study demonstrated that combined treatment of simvastatin with chemotherapeutic agents such as irinotecan resulted in enhancement of growth inhibition and induction of prostate cancer cell apoptosis.

Effects of antirheumatic drug underutilization on rheumatoid arthritis disease activity

BACKGROUND

Following the recommended guidelines is crucial for achieving patient remission in rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of proper drug utilization of antirheumatic drugs on disease activity and drug safety in Jordan.

METHODS

In a retrospective cross-sectional study, patient's demographics, clinical variables, drug regimens and side effects were recorded and the 28-joint disease activity scores were calculated. Patients were stratified into high, moderate, low disease activity or remission group.

RESULTS

Around 80% of patients were using methotrexate which was under-dosed in 82% of them. Only 25% were using biologic drugs. Surprisingly, only 10% of patients had low disease activity and only 4% were in a remission state. Anaemia (32.3%) and mild renal impairment (27.6%) were the most common side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The low frequency of well-controlled disease activity is interpreted by high occurrence of methotrexate underdosing and biologic agent underprescription. Implementing the role of a clinical pharmacist could have a real impact on tight control of such disease issues in Jordan.

NOTCH3 is a prognostic factor that promotes glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion via activation of CCND1 and EGFR

Using a GWA analysis of a comprehensive glioma specimen population, we identified whole gain of chromosome 19 as one of the major chromosomal aberrations that correlates to patients' outcomes. Our analysis of significant loci revealed for the first time NOTCH3 as one of the most significant amplification. NOTCH3 amplification is associated with worse outcome compared to tumors with non-amplified locus. NOTCH receptors (NOTCH1-4) are key positive regulators of cell-cell interactions, angiogenesis, cell adhesion and stem cell niche development which have been shown to play critical roles in several human cancers. Our objective is to determine the molecular roles of NOTCH3 in glioma pathogenesis and aggressiveness. Here we show for the first time that NOTCH3 plays a major role in glioma cell proliferation, cell migration, invasion and apoptosis. Therefore, our study uncovers the prognostic value and the oncogenic function of NOTCH3 in gliomagenesis and supports NOTCH3 as a promising target of therapy in high grade glioma. Our studies allowed the identification of a subset of population that may benefit from GSI- or anti-NOTCH3- based therapies. This may lead to the design of novel strategies to improve therapeutic outcome of patients with glioma by establishing medical and scientific basis for personalized chemotherapies.

Tumor derived mutations of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type k affect its function and alter sensitivity to chemotherapeutics in glioma

Poor prognosis and resistance to therapy in malignant gliomas is mainly due to the highly dispersive nature of glioma cells. This dispersive characteristic results from genetic alterations in key regulators of cell migration and diffusion. A better understanding of these regulatory signals holds promise to improve overall survival and response to therapy. Using mapping arrays to screen for genomic alterations in gliomas, we recently identified alterations of the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type kappa gene (PTPRK) that correlate to patient outcomes. These PTPRK alterations are very relevant to glioma biology as PTPRK can directly sense cell–cell contact and is a dephosphorylation regulator of tyrosine phosphorylation signaling, which is a major driving force behind tumor development and progression. Subsequent sequencing of the full length PTPRK transcripts revealed novel PTPRK gene deletion and missense mutations in numerous glioma biopsies. PTPRK mutations were cloned and expressed in PTPRK-null malignant glioma cells. The effect of these mutations on PTPRK anti-oncogenic function and their association with response to anti-glioma therapeutics, such as temozolomide and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, was subsequently analyzed using in vitro cell-based assays. These genetic variations altered PTPRK activity and its post-translational processing. Reconstitution of wild-type PTPRK in malignant glioma cell lines suppressed cell growth and migration by inhibiting EGFR and β-catenin signaling and improved the effect of conventional therapies for glioma. However, PTPRK mutations abrogated tumor suppressive effects of wild-type PTPRK and altered sensitivity of glioma cells to chemotherapy.

Enhancing diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic outcome prediction of gliomas using genomics

Malignant gliomas are the most frequent type of primary brain tumors. Patients' outcome has not improved despite new therapeutics, thus underscoring the need for a better understanding of their genetics and a fresh approach to treatment. The lack of reproducibility in the classification of many gliomas presents an opportunity where genomics may be paramount for accurate diagnosis and therefore best for therapeutic decisions. The aim of this work is to identify large and focal copy number abnormalities (CNA) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) events in a malignant glioma population. We hypothesized that these explorations will allow discovery of genetic markers that may improve diagnosis and predict outcome. DNA from glioma specimens were subjected to CNA and LOH analyses. Our studies revealed more than 4000 CNA and several LOH loci. Losses of chromosomes 1p and/or 19q, 10, 13, 14, and 22 and gains of 7, 19, and 20 were found. Several of these alterations correlated significantly with histology and grade. Further, LOH was detected at numerous chromosomes. Interestingly, several of these loci harbor genes with potential or reported tumor suppressor properties. These novel genetic signatures may lead to critical insights into diagnosis, classification, prognosis, and design of individualized therapies.