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Gonzalez-Meljem JM, Martinez-Barbera JP. Implications of cellular senescence in paediatric pituitary tumours. EBioMedicine 2024; 99:104905. [PMID: 38043401 PMCID: PMC10730348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104905] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-standing view of senescent cells as passive and dysfunctional biological remnants has recently shifted into a new paradigm where they are main players in the development of many diseases, including cancer. The senescence programme represents a first line of defence that prevents tumour cell growth but also leads to the secretion of multiple pro-inflammatory and pro-tumourigenic factors that fuel tumour initiation, growth, and progression. Here, we review the main molecular features and biological functions of senescent cells in cancer, including the outcomes of inducing or targeting senescence. We discuss evidence on the role of cellular senescence in pituitary tumours, with an emphasis on adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) and pituitary adenomas. Although senescence has been proposed to be a tumour-preventing mechanism in pituitary adenomas, research in ACP has shown that senescent cells are tumour-promoting in both murine models and human tumours. Future studies characterizing the impact of targeting senescent cells may result in novel therapies against pituitary tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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2
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De Rosa A, Calvanese F, Ducray F, Vasiljevic A, Manet R, Raverot G, Jouanneau E. First evidence of anti-VEGF efficacy in an adult case of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma: Case report and illustrative review. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2023; 84:727-733. [PMID: 37865272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a neurosurgical challenge, due to location and to the substantial risk of morbidity associated with surgical resection. Recent advances in molecular research have identified a mutation signature in papillary craniopharyngiomas: BRAF V600E. This has led to targeted therapy, yielding positive results. Despite numerous studies of the pathophysiology of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma, treatment options for molecular-based therapy are still lacking. The objective of our study was to provide an illustrative review of the literature on possible molecular targets in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and to report the case of a patient harboring an adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma deemed unsuitable for surgical resection, in which an anti-VEGF antibody was used to achieve tumor control. CASE REPORT An 84-year-old-man was referred to our department with a history of visual loss caused by recurrent infundibular adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. A first surgical attempt to reduce the cystic portion of the tumor compressing the optic pathway failed. Due to rapid worsening of visual function, adjuvant therapy with bevacizumab was initiated before radiotherapy. RESULTS Neuroradiological and ophthalmological follow-up showed a decrease in tumor volume and improvement in visual function as early as 6 weeks after commencing therapy. These results were confirmed 3 months after commencement of chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was scheduled for long-term tumor control. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first in the literature in which targeted therapy using anti-VEGF was successfully used as a single agent to treat adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma, with favorable outcome in terms of tumor shrinkage and clinical improvement. These preliminary results may open new perspectives for the management of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Validation of this approach requires additional clinical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Rosa
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy; Skull Base and Pituitary Unit, Department of Neurosurgery B, Neurological Hospital Pierre-Wertheimer, Bron, 69677 Lyon, France.
| | - Francesco Calvanese
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki University, Meilahden tornisairaala, Haartmaninkatu 4 Rakennus 1, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - François Ducray
- Cancer Initiation and Tumoral Cell Identity (CITI) Department, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL) Inserm 1052, CNRS 5286, université Claude-Bernard Lyon I, centre Léon-Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandre Vasiljevic
- Department of Pathology and Neuropathology, GHE, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Romain Manet
- Skull Base and Pituitary Unit, Department of Neurosurgery B, Neurological Hospital Pierre-Wertheimer, Bron, 69677 Lyon, France
| | - Gerald Raverot
- Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "groupement hospitalier Est" hospices civils de Lyon, "Claude-Bernard" Lyon 1 University, hôpital Louis-Pradel, Lyon, France
| | - Emmanuel Jouanneau
- Skull Base and Pituitary Unit, Department of Neurosurgery B, Neurological Hospital Pierre-Wertheimer, Bron, 69677 Lyon, France; Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, University Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France
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3
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Jin L, Cai K, Wu W, Xiao Y, Qiao N, Liu F, Ru S, Cao L, Zhu H, Bai J, Liu C, Li C, Zhao P, Zhang Y, Gui S. Correlations between the expression of molecules in the TGF-β signaling pathway and clinical factors in adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1167776. [PMID: 37854185 PMCID: PMC10579895 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1167776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinical and pathological factors associated with preoperative hypothalamus invasion and postoperative outcomes of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (ACPs) after the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) resection. Methods Ninety-three specimens of ACPs, consisting of 71 primary and 22 recurrent tumors, were investigated for the expression of TGF-β1, SMAD2, SMAD3, and β-catenin by immunohistochemistry staining. The clinical information of relevant patients, including the extent of resection, hypothalamus invasion, endocrinopathy, complications, and prognosis, was reviewed. The relationships between the expression of these immunopathological markers and clinical factors were analyzed. Results Endocrinological dysfunctions were more common in recurrent patients and primary patients with hypothalamus invasion in the comparisons. For recurrent patients, the rate of gross total resection (GTR) was significantly lower than for primary patients (63.6% vs. 90.1%, P = 0.007). According to radiological and intraoperative findings, invasive ACPs (IACPs) included 48 (67.6%) cases in primary tumors. The expression of TGF-β1 and β-catenin was significantly higher in recurrent tumors (P = 0.021 and P = 0.018, respectively) and IACPs (P = 0.008 and P = 0.004, respectively). The expression level of TGF-β1 was associated with hypothalamus involvement (Puget grade, P = 0.05; Vile grade, P = 0.002), postoperative endocrinopathy (P = 0.01), and pituitary stalk preservation (P = 0.008) in primary patients. In addition, the extent of resection, treatment history, hypothalamic invasion, and level of TGF-β1 expression had significant influences on tumor recurrence/progression after surgery separately. Conclusion Our study demonstrated the potential role of TGF-β1 in the regulation of hypothalamus invasion in ACPs and the prediction of prognosis after EEA surgery. The TGF-β signaling pathway may represent a crucial mechanism in the aggressive behavior and progression of ACPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kefan Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - WenTao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Youchao Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Qiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangzheng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Siming Ru
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haibo Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiwei Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunhui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuzhong Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yazhuo Zhang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Songbai Gui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Massimi L, Palombi D, Musarra A, Bianchi F, Frassanito P, Tamburrini G, Di Rocco C. Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma: evolution in the management. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:2613-2632. [PMID: 37728836 PMCID: PMC10613147 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-06143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spite of the continuous progresses in pediatric neurosurgery, adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (AC) remains a challenging tumor due to its proximity to optic pathways, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and Willis' circle, which can result in significant endocrine, cognitive, and neurological morbidity after treatment with subsequent impact on the patient's quality of life (QoL). The relevance that QoL has today explains the changes in the management of AC observed over the time. The goal of the present article is to provide a historical background, to show the milestones in the changes of the AC treatment, and to analyze the current main options to manage such a challenging tumor. MATERIAL AND METHODS The pertinent literature has been reviewed. Moreover, a comparison between the past and recent personal series is reported. RESULTS Three main eras have been identified. The first (named Cushing era) was characterized by the need to realize a harmless surgery and to define the best way to approach AC; the second (microscope era) was characterized by a tremendous technical and technological development, with remarkable results in term of safe tumor resection and control but relatively poor QoL outcomes; and the third one (current period) is characterized by an increasing integration between surgery and adjuvant treatments, with relatively minor tumor control but significant improvement of QoL (comparable overall survival). The authors' experience reflects these changes. Two groups of children were compared: 52 cases (mean follow-up: 17.5 years) belong to the historical series (group 1, 1985-2003, aggressive surgical management) and 41 (mean follow-up: 8.5 years) to the current one (Group 2, 2004-2021, integrated management). No significant differences between the two groups were detected about recurrence rate, surgical mortality, and overall survival. However, Group 2 showed significant lower rates of postoperative panhypopituitarism, obesity, and visual deterioration. CONCLUSIONS Radical surgery allows for a good AC control with a low rate of recurrence but high risk of permanent morbidity. Despite the greater number of recurrences and surgeries, the more conservative policy, based on a combination of treatments, seems to provide the same tumor control with a better QoL. The advances in trans-nasal and trans-ventricular endoscopy, in proton therapy and in the management of the AC cyst are the main factors that allowed such an improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massimi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Davide Palombi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Musarra
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Bianchi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Frassanito
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Tamburrini
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Gan HW, Morillon P, Albanese A, Aquilina K, Chandler C, Chang YC, Drimtzias E, Farndon S, Jacques TS, Korbonits M, Kuczynski A, Limond J, Robinson L, Simmons I, Thomas N, Thomas S, Thorp N, Vargha-Khadem F, Warren D, Zebian B, Mallucci C, Spoudeas HA. National UK guidelines for the management of paediatric craniopharyngioma. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023; 11:694-706. [PMID: 37549682 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00162-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Although rare, craniopharyngiomas constitute up to 80% of tumours in the hypothalamic-pituitary region in childhood. Despite being benign, the close proximity of these tumours to the visual pathways, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland means that both treatment of the tumour and the tumour itself can cause pronounced long-term neuroendocrine morbidity against a background of high overall survival. To date, the optimal management strategy for these tumours remains undefined, with practice varying between centres. In light of these discrepancies, as part of a national endeavour to create evidence-based and consensus-based guidance for the management of rare paediatric endocrine tumours in the UK, we aimed to develop guidelines, which are presented in this Review. These guidelines were developed under the auspices of the UK Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group and the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, with the oversight and endorsement of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II methodology to standardise care for children and young people with craniopharyngiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoong-Wei Gan
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
| | - Paul Morillon
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Assunta Albanese
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kristian Aquilina
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Chris Chandler
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Yen-Ching Chang
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Evangelos Drimtzias
- St James' University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Sarah Farndon
- Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Thomas S Jacques
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Márta Korbonits
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Adam Kuczynski
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Limond
- Department of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Louise Robinson
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ian Simmons
- St James' University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Nick Thomas
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sophie Thomas
- Nottingham Children's Hospital, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nicola Thorp
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Clatterbridge Road, Bebington, UK
| | - Faraneh Vargha-Khadem
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Daniel Warren
- St James' University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Bassel Zebian
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Conor Mallucci
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Scagliotti V, Vignola ML, Willis T, Howard M, Marinelli E, Gaston-Massuet C, Andoniadou C, Charalambous M. Imprinted Dlk1 dosage as a size determinant of the mammalian pituitary gland. eLife 2023; 12:e84092. [PMID: 37589451 PMCID: PMC10468206 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84092] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-regulated genes of the Imprinted Gene Network are involved in the control of growth and body size, and imprinted gene dysfunction underlies human paediatric disorders involving the endocrine system. Imprinted genes are highly expressed in the pituitary gland, among them, Dlk1, a paternally expressed gene whose membrane-bound and secreted protein products can regulate proliferation and differentiation of multiple stem cell populations. Dosage of circulating DLK1 has been previously implicated in the control of growth through unknown molecular mechanisms. Here we generate a series of mouse genetic models to modify levels of Dlk1 expression in the pituitary gland and demonstrate that the dosage of DLK1 modulates the process of stem cell commitment with lifelong impact on pituitary gland size. We establish that stem cells are a critical source of DLK1, where embryonic disruption alters proliferation in the anterior pituitary, leading to long-lasting consequences on growth hormone secretion later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Scagliotti
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Maria Lillina Vignola
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Thea Willis
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mark Howard
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Eugenia Marinelli
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Carles Gaston-Massuet
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Cynthia Andoniadou
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Marika Charalambous
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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Laporte E, Vankelecom H. Organoid models of the pituitary gland in health and disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1233714. [PMID: 37614709 PMCID: PMC10442803 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1233714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The pituitary gland represents the hub of our endocrine system. Its cells produce specific hormones that direct multiple vital physiological processes such as body growth, fertility, and stress. The gland also contains a population of stem cells which are still enigmatic in phenotype and function. Appropriate research models are needed to advance our knowledge on pituitary (stem cell) biology. Over the last decade, 3D organoid models have been established, either derived from the pituitary stem cells or from pluripotent stem cells, covering both healthy and diseased conditions. Here, we summarize the state-of-the-art of pituitary-allied organoid models and discuss applications of these powerful in vitro research and translational tools to study pituitary development, biology, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Laporte
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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8
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Bian Y, Hahn H, Uhmann A. The hidden hedgehog of the pituitary: hedgehog signaling in development, adulthood and disease of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1219018. [PMID: 37476499 PMCID: PMC10355329 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1219018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling plays pivotal roles in embryonic development, adult homeostasis and tumorigenesis. However, its engagement in the pituitary gland has been long underestimated although Hedgehog signaling and pituitary embryogenic development are closely linked. Thus, deregulation of this signaling pathway during pituitary development results in malformation of the gland. Research of the last years further implicates a regulatory role of Hedgehog signaling in the function of the adult pituitary, because its activity is also interlinked with homeostasis, hormone production, and most likely also formation of neoplasms of the gland. The fact that this pathway can be efficiently targeted by validated therapeutic strategies makes it a promising candidate for treating pituitary diseases. We here summarize the current knowledge about the importance of Hedgehog signaling during pituitary development and review recent data that highlight the impact of Hedgehog signaling in the healthy and the diseased adult pituitary gland.
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9
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Zhao C, Hu W, Luo N, Wang X, Lin D, Lin Z. Expression of S100A9 in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and its association with wet keratin formation. Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:282. [PMID: 37206553 PMCID: PMC10189609 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11981] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Wet keratin is a hallmark of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP), which is frequently infiltrated by inflammatory cells. S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) has been confirmed to play a decisive role in the development of inflammation. However, the relationship between wet keratin (keratin nodules) and S100A9 in ACP is poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to explore the expression of S100A9 in ACP and its association with wet keratin formation. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of S100A9, β-catenin and Ki67 in 46 cases of ACP. A total of three online databases were used to analyze S100A9 gene expression and protein data. The results revealed that S100A9 was primarily expressed in wet keratin and some intratumoral and peritumoral cells, and its expression in wet keratin was upregulated in the high inflammation group (P=1.800x10-3). In addition, S100A9 was correlated with the degree of inflammation (r=0.6; P=7.412x10-3) and the percentage of Ki67-positive cells (r=0.37; P=1.000x10-2). In addition, a significant correlation was noted between the area of wet keratin and the degree of inflammation (r=0.51; P=2.500x10-4). In conclusion, the present study showed that S100A9 was upregulated in ACP and may be closely associated with wet keratin formation and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in ACP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, P.R. China
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, P.R. China
| | - Wenxin Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, P.R. China
| | - Ning Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, P.R. China
| | - Xingfu Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, P.R. China
| | - Da Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101199, P.R. China
| | - Zhixiong Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Professor Zhixiong Lin, Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, 50 Yikesong Road, Xiangshan, Haidian, Beijing 100093, P.R. China
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10
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Apps JR, Muller HL, Hankinson TC, Yock TI, Martinez-Barbera JP. Contemporary Biological Insights and Clinical Management of Craniopharyngioma. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:518-538. [PMID: 36574377 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are clinically aggressive tumors because of their invasive behavior and recalcitrant tendency to recur after therapy. There are 2 types based on their distinct histology and molecular features: the papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP), which is associated with BRAF-V600E mutations and the adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP), characterized by mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin). Patients with craniopharyngioma show symptoms linked to the location of the tumor close to the optic pathways, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland, such as increased intracranial pressure, endocrine deficiencies, and visual defects. Treatment is not specific and mostly noncurative, and frequently includes surgery, which may achieve gross total or partial resection, followed by radiotherapy. In cystic tumors, frequent drainage is often required and intracystic instillation of drugs has been used to help manage cyst refilling. More recently targeted therapies have been used, particularly in PCP, but also now in ACP and clinical trials are underway or in development. Although patient survival is high, the consequences of the tumor and its treatment can lead to severe comorbidities resulting in poor quality of life, in particular for those patients who bear tumors with hypothalamic involvement. Accordingly, in these patients at risk for the development of a hypothalamic syndrome, hypothalamus-sparing treatment strategies such as limited resection followed by irradiation are recommended. In this review, we provide an update on various aspects of CP, with emphasis on recent advances in the understanding of tumor pathogenesis, clinical consequences, management, and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Richard Apps
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, Birth Defects Research Centre, GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
- Oncology Department, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK
| | - Hermann Lothar Muller
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky University, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, 26133 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Todd Cameron Hankinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Torunn Ingrid Yock
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, Birth Defects Research Centre, GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
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Vamvoukaki R, Chrysoulaki M, Betsi G, Xekouki P. Pituitary Tumorigenesis-Implications for Management. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59040812. [PMID: 37109772 PMCID: PMC10145673 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs), the third most common intracranial tumor, are mostly benign. However, some of them may display a more aggressive behavior, invading into the surrounding structures. While they may rarely metastasize, they may resist different treatment modalities. Several major advances in molecular biology in the past few years led to the discovery of the possible mechanisms involved in pituitary tumorigenesis with a possible therapeutic implication. The mutations in the different proteins involved in the Gsa/protein kinase A/c AMP signaling pathway are well-known and are responsible for many PitNETS, such as somatotropinomas and, in the context of syndromes, as the McCune-Albright syndrome, Carney complex, familiar isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA), and X-linked acrogigantism (XLAG). The other pathways involved are the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, Wnt, and the most recently studied HIPPO pathways. Moreover, the mutations in several other tumor suppressor genes, such as menin and CDKN1B, are responsible for the MEN1 and MEN4 syndromes and succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) in the context of the 3PAs syndrome. Furthermore, the pituitary stem cells and miRNAs hold an essential role in pituitary tumorigenesis and may represent new molecular targets for their diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to summarize the different cell signaling pathways and genes involved in pituitary tumorigenesis in an attempt to clarify their implications for diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodanthi Vamvoukaki
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Chrysoulaki
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | - Grigoria Betsi
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Xekouki
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71500 Crete, Greece
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12
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Jiang Y, Yang J, Liang R, Zan X, Fan R, Shan B, Liu H, Li L, Wang Y, Wu M, Qi X, Chen H, Ren Q, Liu Z, Wang Y, Zhang J, Zhou P, Li Q, Tian M, Yang J, Wang C, Li X, Jiang S, Zhou L, Zhang G, Chen Y, Xu J. Single-cell RNA sequencing highlights intratumor heterogeneity and intercellular network featured in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadc8933. [PMID: 37043580 PMCID: PMC10096597 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adc8933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite improvements in microscopically neurosurgical techniques made in recent years, the prognosis of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is still unsatisfactory. Little is known about cellular atlas and biological features of ACP. Here, we carried out integrative analysis of 44,038 single-cell transcriptome profiles to characterize the landscape of intratumoral heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment (TME) in ACP. Four major neoplastic cell states with distinctive expression signatures were defined, which further revealed the histopathological features and elucidated unknown cellular atlas of ACP. Pseudotime analyses suggested potential evolutionary trajectories between specific neoplastic cell states. Notably, a distinct oligodendrocyte lineage was identified in ACP, which was associated with immunological infiltration and neural damage. In addition, we described a tumor-centric regulatory network based on intercellular communication in TME. Together, our findings represent a unique resource for deciphering tumor heterogeneity of ACP, which will improve clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinlong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ruichao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin Zan
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rangrang Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Baoyin Shan
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Min Wu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hongxu Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qingqing Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuelong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Peizhi Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meng Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinhao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chaoyang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xueying Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shu Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liangxue Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Gao Zhang
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Sai Ying Pun, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Yaohui Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Institute of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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13
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Wang C, Zhang H, Fan J, Li Q, Guo R, Pan J, Liu Y, Peng J, Zhu Q, Feng Y, Wu C, Luo P, Qiu X, Shi J, Deng Y, Qi S, Liu Y. Inhibition of integrated stress response protects against lipid-induced senescence in hypothalamic neural stem cells in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:720-732. [PMID: 36454228 PMCID: PMC10076952 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is a benign tumor with malignant clinical manifestations. ACP adjacent to the hypothalamus often presents with more severe symptoms and higher incidence of hypothalamic dysfunction. However, the mechanism underlying hypothalamic dysfunction remains unclear. METHODS Immunostaining was performed to determine the nerve damage to the floor of the third ventricle (3VF) adjacent to ACP and to examine the recruitment and senescence of hypothalamic neural stem cells (htNSCs). The accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) in htNSCs was evaluated via BODIPY staining, oil red O staining, and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro and in vivo assays were used to evaluate the effect of cystic fluid or oxidized low-density lipoprotein and that of oxytocin (OXT) on htNSC senescence and the hypothalamic function. The protein expression levels were analyzed using western blotting. RESULTS htNSCs with massive LD accumulation were recruited to the damaged 3VF adjacent to ACP. The LDs in htNSCs induced senescence and reduced neuronal differentiation; however, htNSC senescence was effectively prevented by inhibiting either CD36 or integrated stress response (ISR) signaling. Furthermore, OXT pretreatment reduced lipotoxicity via the inhibition of ISR signaling and the repair of the blood-brain barrier. CONCLUSIONS Reduced LD aggregation or ISR signaling inhibition prevented senescence in htNSCs and identified molecular pathways and potential therapeutic targets that may improve hypothalamic dysfunction in ACP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaohu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Huarong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Dietetics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongrong Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yawei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Junxiang Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Qianchao Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiwen Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengdong Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingying Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Songtao Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
- Central Laboratory, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 528300, Guangdong, China
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Campanini ML, Almeida JP, Martins CS, de Castro M. The molecular pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2023; 67:266-275. [PMID: 36748936 PMCID: PMC10689043 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Research from the last 20 years has provided important insights into the molecular pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas (CPs). Besides the well-known clinical and histological differences between the subtypes of CPs, adamantinomatous (ACP) and papillary (PCP) craniopharyngiomas, other molecular differences have been identified, further elucidating pathways related to the origin and development of such tumors. The present minireview assesses current knowledge on embryogenesis and the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and signaling pathways involved in the ACP and PCP subtypes, revealing the similarities and differences in their profiles. ACP and PCP subtypes can be identified by the presence of mutations in CTNNB1 and BRAF genes, with prevalence around 60% and 90%, respectively. Therefore, β-catenin accumulates in the nucleus-cytoplasm of cell clusters in ACPs and, in PCPs, cell immunostaining with specific antibody against the V600E-mutated protein can be seen. Distinct patterns of DNA methylation further differentiate ACPs and PCPs. In addition, research on genetic and epigenetic changes and tumor microenvironment specificities have further clarified the development and progression of the disease. No relevant transcriptional differences in ACPs have emerged between children and adults. In conclusion, ACPs and PCPs present diverse genetic signatures and each subtype is associated with specific signaling pathways. A better understanding of the pathways related to the growth of such tumors is paramount for the development of novel targeted therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Lanciotti Campanini
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil,
| | - João Paulo Almeida
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Clarissa Silva Martins
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, RS, Brasil
| | - Margaret de Castro
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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15
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Molecular biological features of cyst wall of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3049. [PMID: 36810626 PMCID: PMC9944325 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29664-z] [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: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular biological differences between cyst walls and those in solid bodies are the foundation of the outcomes. In this study, the CTNNB1 mutations were confirmed by DNAsequencing; CTNNB1 expression levels were detected by PCR; the differences between solid bodies and cyst walls in proliferative capacity and tumor stem cell niches were assessed by immunohistochemistry; the effect of the residual cyst wall on recurrence was assessed by follow-up. Mutations in the CTNNB1 in the cyst wall and the solid body were identical in each case. No differences were found in the transcriptional level of CTNNB1 between the cyst walls and the solid bodies (P = 0.7619). The cyst wall showed a pathological structure similar to the solid body. Proliferative capacity of cyst walls was stronger than that of solid body (P = 0.0021), and β-catenin nuclear positive cells (cell clusters) in cyst walls were more than that in solid tumor (P = 0.0002). The retrospective 45 ACPs showed residual cyst wall was significantly associated with tumor recurrence or regrowth (P = 0.0176). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed there was a significant difference in the prognosis between GTR and STR (P < 0.0001).The cyst wall of ACP contained more tumor stem cell niches which could lead to the recurrence. According to the above-mentioned, a special attention to the management of the cyst wall should be paid.
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16
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Gonzalez-Meljem JM, Ivins S, Andoniadou CL, Le Tissier P, Scambler P, Martinez-Barbera JP. An expression and function analysis of the CXCR4/SDF-1 signalling axis during pituitary gland development. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280001. [PMID: 36800350 PMCID: PMC9937476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemokine SDF-1 (CXCL12) and its receptor CXCR4 control several processes during embryonic development such as the regulation of stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. However, the role of this pathway in the formation of the pituitary gland is not understood. We sought to characterise the expression patterns of CXCR4, SDF-1 and CXCR7 at different stages of pituitary gland development. Our expression profiling revealed that SDF-1 is expressed in progenitor-rich regions of the pituitary anterior lobe, that CXCR4 and CXCR7 have opposite expression domains and that CXCR4 expression is conserved between mice and human embryos. We then assessed the importance of this signalling pathway in the development and function of the murine pituitary gland through conditional deletion of CXCR4 in embryonic pituitary progenitors. Successful and specific ablation of CXCR4 expression in embryonic pituitary progenitors did not lead to observable embryonic nor postnatal defects but allowed the identification of stromal CXCR4+ cells not derived from HESX1+ progenitors. Further analysis of constitutive SDF-1, CXCR7 and CXCR4 mutants of the pathway indicates that CXCR4 expression in HESX1+ cells and their descendants is not essential for normal pituitary development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Mario Gonzalez-Meljem
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Mexico City, Mexico
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Ivins
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cynthia Lilian Andoniadou
- Division of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Le Tissier
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Scambler
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Sun S, Yang C, Feng F, Zhong H, Ma S, Huang B, Ni S, Li X. Do the two components have a common origin in coexisting tumor of craniopharyngioma and pituitary adenoma? Med Hypotheses 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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18
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Willis TL, Lodge EJ, Andoniadou CL, Yianni V. Cellular interactions in the pituitary stem cell niche. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:612. [PMID: 36451046 PMCID: PMC9712314 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04612-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells in the anterior pituitary gland can give rise to all resident endocrine cells and are integral components for the appropriate development and subsequent maintenance of the organ. Located in discreet niches within the gland, stem cells are involved in bi-directional signalling with their surrounding neighbours, interactions which underpin pituitary gland homeostasis and response to organ challenge or physiological demand. In this review we highlight core signalling pathways that steer pituitary progenitors towards specific endocrine fate decisions throughout development. We further elaborate on those which are conserved in the stem cell niche postnatally, including WNT, YAP/TAZ and Notch signalling. Furthermore, we have collated a directory of single cell RNA sequencing studies carried out on pituitaries across multiple organisms, which have the potential to provide a vast database to study stem cell niche components in an unbiased manner. Reviewing published data, we highlight that stem cells are one of the main signalling hubs within the anterior pituitary. In future, coupling single cell sequencing approaches with genetic manipulation tools in vivo, will enable elucidation of how previously understudied signalling pathways function within the anterior pituitary stem cell niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea L Willis
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily J Lodge
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Cynthia L Andoniadou
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Val Yianni
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
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Fang C, Zhou L, Huang H, Xu HT, Hong T, Zheng SY. Bioinformatics analysis and validation of the critical genes associated with adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1007236. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1007236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is an epithelial tumor that arises when Rathke’s pouch remains during embryonic development. The pathogenesis of ACP remains unclear, and treatment options are limited. Here, we reveal the critical genes expressed in ACP and provide a basis for further research and treatment. The raw dataset GSE94349 was downloaded from the GEO database. We selected 24 ACP and 27 matched samples from individuals with no documented tumor complications (control group). Then, we screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to identify key signaling pathways and associated DEGs. A total of 470 DEGs were identified (251 upregulated and 219 downregulated). Hierarchical clustering showed that the DEGs could precisely distinguish the ACP group from the control group (CG). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that the upregulated DEGs were mainly involved in cell adhesion, inflammatory responses, and extracellular matrix management. The downregulated DEGs were primarily involved in cell junction and nervous system development. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the critical pathway was pathways in cancer. In the PPI network, CDH1, SHH, and WNT5A had the highest degrees of interaction and were associated with the formation of ACP. CDH1 was verified as a critical gene by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in ACP and CG samples. We found that CDH1 may play an important role in the pathways in cancer signaling pathway that regulates ACP development. The CDH1 gene may be a target for future research and treatment of ACP.
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20
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Rai A, Yelamanchi SD, Radotra BD, Gupta SK, Mukherjee KK, Tripathi M, Chhabra R, Ahuja CK, Kumar N, Pandey A, Korbonits M, Dutta P, Gaston-Massuet C. Phosphorylation of β-catenin at Serine552 correlates with invasion and recurrence of non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumours. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:138. [PMID: 36114575 PMCID: PMC9482208 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01441-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-functioning pituitary tumours (NF-PitNETs) are common intracranial benign neoplasms that can exhibit aggressive behaviour by invading neighbouring structures and, in some cases, have multiple recurrences. Despite resulting in severe co-morbidities, no predictive biomarkers of recurrence have been identified for NF-PitNETs. In this study we have used high-throughput mass spectrometry-based analysis to examine the phosphorylation pattern of different subsets of NF-PitNETs. Based on histopathological, radiological, surgical and clinical features, we have grouped NF-PitNETs into non-invasive, invasive, and recurrent disease groups. Tumour recurrence was determined based on regular clinical and radiological data of patients for a mean follow-up of 10 years (SD ± 5.4 years). Phosphoproteomic analyses identified a unique phosphopeptide enrichment pattern which correlates with disease recurrence. Candidate phosphorylated proteins were validated in a large cohort of NF-PitNET patients by western blot and immunohistochemistry. We identified a cluster of 22 phosphopeptides upregulated in recurrent NF-PitNETs compared to non-invasive and invasive subgroups. We reveal significant phosphorylation of the β-catenin at Ser552 in recurrent and invasive NF-PitNETs, compared to non-invasive/non-recurrent NF-PitNET subgroup. Moreover, β-catenin pSer552 correlates with the recurrence free survival among 200 patients with NF-PitNET. Together, our results suggest that the phosphorylation status of β-catenin at Ser552 could act as potential biomarker of tumour recurrence in NF-PitNETs.
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21
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Mota JIS, Silva-Júnior RMP, Martins CS, Bueno AC, Wildemberg LE, Antunes XLDS, Ozaki JGO, Coeli-Lacchini FB, Garcia-Peral C, Oliveira AER, Santos AC, Moreira AC, Machado HR, Dos Santos MV, Colli LM, Gadelha MR, Antonini SRR, de Castro M. Telomere length and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 187:219-230. [PMID: 35584004 DOI: 10.1530/eje-21-1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate how telomere length behaves in adamantinomtous craniopharyngioma (aCP) and if it contributes to the pathogenesis of aCPs with and without CTNNB1 mutations. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study enrolling 42 aCP patients from 2 tertiary institutions. METHODS Clinicopathological features were retrieved from the patient's charts. Fresh frozen tumors were used for RNA and DNA analyses. Telomere length was evaluated by qPCR (T/S ratio). Somatic mutations in TERT promoter (TERTp) and CTNNB1 were detected by Sanger and/or whole-exome sequencing. We performed RNA-Seq to identify differentially expressed genes in aCPs presenting with shorter or longer telomere lengths. RESULTS Mutations in CTNNB1 were detected in 29 (69%) tumors. There was higher frequency of CTNNB1 mutations in aCPs from patients diagnosed under the age of 15 years (85% vs 15%; P = 0.04) and a trend to recurrent disease (76% vs 24%; P = 0.1). No mutation was detected in the TERTp region. The telomeres were shorter in CTNNB1-mutated aCPs (0.441, IQR: 0.297-0.597vs 0.607, IQR: 0.445-0.778; P = 0.04), but it was neither associated with clinicopathological features nor with recurrence. RNAseq identified a total of 387 differentially expressed genes, generating two clusters, being one enriched for short telomeres and CTNNB1-mutated aCPs. CONCLUSIONS: CTNNB1 mutations are more frequent in children and adolescents and appear to associate with progressive disease. CTNNB1-mutated aCPs have shorter telomeres, demonstrating a relationship between the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and telomere biology in the pathogenesis of aCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Italo Soares Mota
- Department of Internal Medicine of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Clarissa Silva Martins
- Department of Internal Medicine of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Bueno
- Department of Pediatrics of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eduardo Wildemberg
- Neuroendocrinology Research Center/Endocrinology Section, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ximene Lima da Silva Antunes
- Neuroendocrinology Research Center/Endocrinology Section, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jorge Guilherme Okanobo Ozaki
- Department of Internal Medicine of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Garcia-Peral
- Institute of Neuroscience of Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Edson Rocha Oliveira
- Department of Internal Medicine of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antônio Carlos Santos
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology and Oncology of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ayrton Custodio Moreira
- Department of Internal Medicine of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helio Rubens Machado
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Hematology and Oncology of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Volpon Dos Santos
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Hematology and Oncology of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro M Colli
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology and Oncology of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monica R Gadelha
- Neuroendocrinology Research Center/Endocrinology Section, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sonir Roberto R Antonini
- Department of Pediatrics of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Margaret de Castro
- Department of Internal Medicine of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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22
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Abstract
Craniopharyngioma (CP) is an intracranial benign tumor that behaves aggressively due to its location, infiltration of the surrounding nervous tissue and high capacity for recurrence. Treatment of choice is surgery followed or not by radiotherapy. Recent advances in molecular biology techniques and the better understanding of the genetic alterations of the two histological types of CP have open new therapeutic perspectives with targeted drugs. Adamantinomatous CP (ACP) is associated with activating mutations of the CTNNB1 gene. Such mutations are accompanied by intracellular accumulation of β-catenin, an oncogenic protein that activates the intracellular Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathway, which regulates the transcription of genes involved in cell proliferation. Therefore, the use of molecular therapies directed against the activation of the Wnt/ β-catenin pathway could be an attractive and promising therapeutic option in the management of ACPs. On the other hand, papillary CP (PCP) is associated with activating mutations in the BRAF gene. This gene encodes a BRAF protein that plays an important role in the intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which also regulates cell proliferation. The use of BRAF inhibitors either in monotherapy or in combination with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in isolated clinical cases of relapsed PCPs. A preliminary report of a recent phase II clinical trial has shown a therapeutic response in 93.7% of patients with BRAF V600E -mutated PCP, with an 85% reduction in tumor size. In the present review we comment on the efficacy and safety of the different drugs being used in patients with PCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Iglesias
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro Segovia de Arana (IDIPHISA), Calle Manuel de Falla 1, 28222, Madrid, Spain.
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23
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Pascual JM, Prieto R, Carrasco R, Barrios L. Basal Recess in Third Ventricle Tumors: A Pathological Feature Defining a Clinical-Topographical Subpopulation of Papillary Craniopharyngiomas. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2022; 81:330-343. [PMID: 35472085 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the presence of a hollow recess at the midline undersurface of tumors primarily localized within the third ventricle (3V). This structure was originally identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 6 3V craniopharyngiomas (CPs) from our series and was then methodically scrutinized in autopsy studies (n = 1091) and MRI scans (n = 5558) of CPs and in 1251 3V tumors reported in the medical literature from 1839 to 2021. A recess at the tumor base was identified in 110 CPs, 95 with a verified papillary histology (papillary craniopharyngioma [PCP]) and 15 with typical gross appearance of PCP. Topographically, 90 tumors were strictly within the 3V (82%); 20 developed at the infundibulo-tuberal region of the 3V floor (18%). Morphologically, 2 main types of recess were identified: (i) a long, narrow recess with either a duct-like or a tubular shape that reached the central region of the CP (n = 47, 42.5%); and (ii) a short recess extending only a few millimeters into the lesion, either with a duct-like or a shallow cleft-like morphology (n = 63, 57.5%). Thus, the presence of a basal recess represents a pathological hallmark of a subpopulation of 3V PCPs. The presumed nature and diagnostic significance of this novel finding is comprehensively addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Pascual
- Department of Neurosurgery, La Princesa University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ruth Prieto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Carrasco
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Barrios
- Statistics Department, Computing Center, C.S.I.C. Madrid, Spain
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24
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Müller HL, Tauber M, Lawson EA, Özyurt J, Bison B, Martinez-Barbera JP, Puget S, Merchant TE, van Santen HM. Hypothalamic syndrome. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2022; 8:24. [PMID: 35449162 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-022-00351-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic syndrome (HS) is a rare disorder caused by disease-related and/or treatment-related injury to the hypothalamus, most commonly associated with rare, non-cancerous parasellar masses, such as craniopharyngiomas, germ cell tumours, gliomas, cysts of Rathke's pouch and Langerhans cell histiocytosis, as well as with genetic neurodevelopmental syndromes, such as Prader-Willi syndrome and septo-optic dysplasia. HS is characterized by intractable weight gain associated with severe morbid obesity, multiple endocrine abnormalities and memory impairment, attention deficit and reduced impulse control as well as increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Currently, there is no cure for this condition but treatments for general obesity are often used in patients with HS, including surgery, medication and counselling. However, these are mostly ineffective and no medications that are specifically approved for the treatment of HS are available. Specific challenges in HS are because the syndrome represents an adverse effect of different diseases, and that diagnostic criteria, aetiology, pathogenesis and management of HS are not completely defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann L Müller
- Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Maithé Tauber
- Centre de Référence du Syndrome de Prader-Willi et autres syndromes avec troubles du comportement alimentaire, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU-Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity) INSERM UMR1291 - CNRS UMR5051 - Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jale Özyurt
- Biological Psychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Bison
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Juan-Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Puget
- Service de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Service de Neurochirurgie, Hopital Pierre Zobda Quitman, Martinique, France
| | - Thomas E Merchant
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hanneke M van Santen
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
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25
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Alexandraki KI, Xekouki P. Medical Therapy for Craniopharyngiomas. TOUCHREVIEWS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 17:121-132. [PMID: 35118458 DOI: 10.17925/ee.2021.17.2.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Craniopharyngiomas are rare benign neoplasms presenting in two different types, adamantinomatous (ACP) or papillary (PCP), which are molecularly and clinically distinct. Traditional treatment includes surgical resection and radiotherapy, which are accompanied by a number of debilitating complications because of the tumours' proximity to important brain structures. Recent advances in the understanding of molecular pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas have opened horizons to medical therapeutic options. ACPs are mainly characterized by mutations of β-catenin, which activate Wingless/Int (Wnt), and alter the mitogen extracellular kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, as well as inflammatory, cellular senescence, programmed cell death and sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathways. PCPs are mainly characterized by Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway activation secondary to BRAF-V600E mutations. MEK inhibitors, such as binimetinib, or anti-inflammatory mediators, such as tocilizumab or interferon, have been administered to patients with ACP and the efficacy is mostly favourable. On the other hand, BRAF inhibitors, such as dabrafenib or vemurafenib, either alone or in combination with the MEK inhibitors trametinib and cobimetinib, have been administered to patients with PCP resulting in favourable responses. A number of ongoing trials will shed light on schemes, doses, combined treatments and safety issues of the new molecular-targeted treatments, changing the management of patients with craniopharyngiomas by launching the era of personalized medicine in these rare neoplasms. We conducted a systematic review to identify case series or case reports with patients currently treated with systemic medical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystallenia I Alexandraki
- Second Department of Surgery, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Xekouki
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
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26
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Kodani Y, Kawata M, Suga H, Kasai T, Ozone C, Sakakibara M, Kuwahara A, Taga S, Arima H, Kameyama T, Saito K, Nakashima A, Nagasaki H. EpCAM Is a Surface Marker for Enriching Anterior Pituitary Cells From Human Hypothalamic-Pituitary Organoids. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:941166. [PMID: 35903276 PMCID: PMC9316845 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.941166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Human stem cell-derived organoid culture enables the in vitro analysis of the cellular function in three-dimensional aggregates mimicking native organs, and also provides a valuable source of specific cell types in the human body. We previously established organoid models of the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) complex using human pluripotent stem cells. Although the models are suitable for investigating developmental and functional HP interactions, we consider that isolated pituitary cells are also useful for basic and translational research on the pituitary gland, such as stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. To develop a method for the purification of pituitary cells in HP organoids, we performed surface marker profiling of organoid cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Screening of 332 human cell surface markers and a subsequent immunohistochemical analysis identified epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as a surface marker of anterior pituitary cells, as well as their ectodermal precursors. EpCAM was not expressed on hypothalamic lineages; thus, anterior pituitary cells were successfully enriched by magnetic separation of EpCAM+ cells from iPSC-derived HP organoids. The enriched pituitary population contained functional corticotrophs and their progenitors; the former responded normally to a corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulus. Our findings would extend the applicability of organoid culture as a novel source of human anterior pituitary cells, including stem/progenitor cells and their endocrine descendants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kodani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Miho Kawata
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Suga
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hidetaka Suga, ; Hiroshi Nagasaki,
| | - Takatoshi Kasai
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chikafumi Ozone
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mayu Sakakibara
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kuwahara
- Regenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
| | - Shiori Taga
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Regenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Arima
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshiki Kameyama
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kanako Saito
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Akira Nakashima
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nagasaki
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hidetaka Suga, ; Hiroshi Nagasaki,
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27
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Abstract
In spite of the significant technical and technological progress in neurosurgery and the continuous discoveries by the basic research, adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma remains a significant clinical challenge. Actually, the huge size of the tumor, its multiple cystic components, the encasement of Willis' circle and optic pathways, and the invasion of the hypothalamus often prevent its safe surgical resection. Moreover, the local aggressiveness of the tumor accounts for a high risk of recurrence even after a gross total resection. For these reasons, more and more efforts are being dedicated to enhance the knowledge about AC and improve the tools for its treatment.This paper is dedicated to the most recent advances concerning the AC management. Promising, new insights come for the basic research, thanks to the updates on the role of the WNT-β-catenin pathway (important for the tumor genesis and progression, not yet developed enough for a safe target therapy in children but useful for determining the prognosis) and the inflammatory mediators (widely overexpressed, especially by the cyst of the tumor, and for which target therapies are being developed). Moreover, further factors and pathways are under investigation.Also the development of new treatment strategies accounts for the improvement of the prognosis and the quality of life of AC patients. The enhancement of the experience with the endoscopic techniques (both transsphenoidal and transventricular approaches) actually allows to perform a less invasive but effective surgery that can be coupled with new modalities of radiation therapy aiming at obtaining a reliable control of the disease and protecting the endocrinological, ophthalmological, and neurological functions. A special mention is finally deserved by the techniques specifically designed for the intracystic therapy (as cyst fenestration alone or in combination with administration of radionuclides or bleomycin or interferon-α) that are here analyzed together with the aforementioned advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bianchi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Benato
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Massimi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore-Rome, Rome, Italy.
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28
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Hamblin R, Tsermoulas G, Karavitaki N. Craniopharyngiomas. Presse Med 2021; 50:104078. [PMID: 34688870 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2021.104078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Craniopharyngiomas are rare epithelial tumours situated primarily in the sellar/parasellar region, occurring along the path of the craniopharyngeal duct. Whilst classed as histologically benign tumours, their unpredictable growth pattern and proximity to vital structures including the optic chiasm, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland renders them a considerable threat, with significant associated morbidity and increase in mortality. Occurring both in child and adulthood, their clinical manifestations are broad, commonly with symptoms/signs secondary to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, raised intracranial pressure and visual compromise. They have two distinct histological subtypes (adamantinomatous and papillary), with unique patterns of age distribution, and genetic and molecular make-up. With increasing understanding of their genetic pathogenesis including BRAF V600E mutations in the papillary subtype, and β-catenin mutations in the adamantinomatous, further research provides hope for the discovery of targeted medical therapy that can exploit molecular changes occurring as a result of such alterations. Until then, primary treatment consists of surgery with or without radiotherapy, with intracystic aspiration, chemotherapy or irradiation being alternative options in selected patients. Long term management by an experienced multidisciplinary team is essential, given the breadth of complications, including hypothalamic morbidity, visual compromise, cognitive and neuropsychological sequelae and impairment to quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Hamblin
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK; Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Georgios Tsermoulas
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK; Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK; Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
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29
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Li T, Yang A, Liu G, Zou S, Chen Y, Ni B, Liu Y, Fan J. Status Quo and Research Trends of Craniopharyngioma Research: A 10-Year Bibliometric Analyses (From 2011 to 2020). Front Oncol 2021; 11:744308. [PMID: 34660308 PMCID: PMC8516404 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.744308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a challenging intracranial tumor due to its special hypothalamus-pituitary location. Each patient with CP should be evaluated and treated separately. Exploring novel methods of automatized analysis of data for gaining knowledge on any medical field is an encouraging task, particularly in such an extremely challenging tumor as CP. We aim to summary the situations, investigate the research trends and evaluate research hotspots using bibliometric analysis for the CP research. Methods We extracted all the CP-related literatures from 2011 to 2020 from the Web of Science database. An Online analysis platform of literature metrology (Bibliometric), BICOMB, gCLUTO and CiteSpace softwares were used to do bibliometric analysis. As a supplement, we also analyzed the top 100 cited case reports with particular and certainly infrequent information to improve the analysis. Results According to our retrieval strategy, we found a total of 1262 CP-related literatures. The United States has maintained a leading position in global CP research, followed by China and Germany. Among institutions, Capital Med Univ, St Jude Childrens Res Hosp and Southern Med Univ rank in the top 3 in terms of the number of articles published. “WORLD NEUROSURGERY” is the most popular journal for CP-related research. Moreover, MULLER HL, MERCHANT TE, QI ST and others have made great achievements in the study of CP. Finally, we did biclustering analysis on keywords and identified 4 CP research hotspot clusters. Conclusions Our research provides a comprehensive analysis of the scientific progress of CP in the past 10 years, and insight into the development of CP research field, highlight research trends over time, and help identify valuable future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anming Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangjie Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shisheng Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiguang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bowen Ni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Abstract
Craniopharyngiomas are rare embryonic malformational tumors of the sellar/parasellar region, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as tumors with low-grade malignancy (WHO I). The childhood adamantinomatous subtype of craniopharyngioma is usually cystic with calcified areas. At the time of diagnosis, hypothalamic/pituitary deficits, visual disturbances, and increased intracranial pressure are major symptoms. The treatment of choice in case of favorable tumor location (without hypothalamic involvement) is complete resection. It is important to ensure that optical and hypothalamic functionality are preserved. In case of unfavorable tumor location, that is with hypothalamic involvement, a hypothalamus-sparing surgical strategy with subsequent local irradiation of residual tumor is recommended. In the further course of the disease, recurrences and progression often occur. Nevertheless, overall survival rates are high at 92%. Severe impairment of quality of life and comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, hypothalamic obesity, and neurological consequences can be observed in patients with disease- and/or treatment-related lesions of hypothalamic structures. Childhood-onset craniopharyngioma frequently manifests as a chronic disease so that patients require lifelong, continuous care by experienced multidisciplinary teams to manage clinical and quality of life consequences. For this review, a search for original articles and reviews published between 1986 and 2020 was performed in Pubmed, Science Citation Index Expanded, EMBASE, and Scopus. The search terms used were "craniopharyngioma, hypothalamus, pituitary obesity, irradiation, neurosurgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Otte
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children´s Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, 26133 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Hermann L Müller
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children´s Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, 26133 Oldenburg, Germany
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31
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Gonzalez-Meljem JM, Martinez-Barbera JP. Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma as a model to understand paracrine and senescence-induced tumourigenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4521-4544. [PMID: 34019103 PMCID: PMC8195904 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03798-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a process that can prevent tumour development in a cell autonomous manner by imposing a stable cell cycle arrest after oncogene activation. Paradoxically, senescence can also promote tumour growth cell non-autonomously by creating a permissive tumour microenvironment that fuels tumour initiation, progression to malignancy and metastasis. In a pituitary tumour known as adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP), cells that carry oncogenic β-catenin mutations and overactivate the WNT signalling pathway form cell clusters that become senescent and activate a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Research in mouse models of ACP has provided insights into the function of the senescent cell clusters and revealed a critical role for SASP-mediated activities in paracrine tumour initiation. In this review, we first discuss this research on ACP and subsequently explore the theme of paracrine tumourigenesis in other tumour models available in the literature. Evidence is accumulating supporting the notion that paracrine signalling brought about by senescent cells may underlie tumourigenesis across different tumours and cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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32
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Nys C, Vankelecom H. Pituitary disease and recovery: How are stem cells involved? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 525:111176. [PMID: 33503464 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The pituitary gland embodies our endocrine hub and rigorously regulates hormone balances in the body, thereby ruling over vital developmental and physiological processes. Pituitary dysfunction and disease strongly impact the organism's biology. Physical damage, tumour development and ageing all negatively affect pituitary state and functionality. On top of its hormone-producing cells, the pituitary contains a population of stem cells. Not only their physiological role is still largely unknown, also whether or how these stem cells are involved in pituitary disease and recovery from defective functionality remains enigmatic. Here, we summarize what is known on the phenotypical and functional behaviour of pituitary stem cells in diseased or dysfunctional gland, as particularly caused by injury, tumourigenesis and ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Nys
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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33
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Liu Y, Wang CH, Fan J, Peng JX, Pan J, Zhang X, Qi ST. Establishing a papillary craniopharyngioma cell line by SV40LT-mediated immortalization. Pituitary 2021; 24:159-169. [PMID: 33044631 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-020-01093-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Craniopharyngioma represents a troublesome tumor of the intracranial sellar region. There are currently no available well-characterized craniopharyngioma cell lines. This lack of reliable, immortal cell lines is a major reason for the slow progress in fundamental research related to craniopharyngioma. METHODS We describe the development of an immortal papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP) cell line by transfecting primary PCP cells with the pLenti-simian virus 40 large T antigen(SV40LT). RESULTS Three clones have been cultured for more than 14 months so far, while non-transfected cells ceased proliferation within three months of isolation. The established immortal PCP cell lines were identified to have BRAFV600E mutations, while no mutations in tumor suppressor genes were found in primary cells or immortal cells. Immortal cells had higher proliferation rates and formed tumors when implanted in the bran of nude mice. BRAF inhibition in immortal PCP cells altered cell morphology, inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. CONCLUSION We successfully developed PCP cell lines by SV40LT-mediated immortalization. These cell lines represent a powerful tool for fundamental and therapeutical studies on craniopharyngioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chao-Hu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jun-Xiang Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xi'an Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Song-Tao Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Carreno G, Guiho R, Martinez‐Barbera JP. Cell senescence in neuropathology: A focus on neurodegeneration and tumours. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:359-378. [PMID: 33378554 PMCID: PMC8603933 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The study of cell senescence is a burgeoning field. Senescent cells can modify the cellular microenvironment through the secretion of a plethora of biologically active products referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The consequences of these paracrine signals can be either beneficial for tissue homeostasis, if senescent cells are properly cleared and SASP activation is transient, or result in organ dysfunction, when senescent cells accumulate within the tissues and SASP activation is persistent. Several studies have provided evidence for the role of senescence and SASP in promoting age-related diseases or driving organismal ageing. The hype about senescence has been further amplified by the fact that a group of drugs, named senolytics, have been used to successfully ameliorate the burden of age-related diseases and increase health and life span in mice. Ablation of senescent cells in the brain prevents disease progression and improves cognition in murine models of neurodegenerative conditions. The role of senescence in cancer has been more thoroughly investigated, and it is now accepted that senescence is a double-edged sword that can paradoxically prevent or promote tumourigenesis in a context-dependent manner. In addition, senescence induction followed by senolytic treatment is starting to emerge as a novel therapeutic avenue that could improve current anti-cancer therapies and reduce tumour recurrence. In this review, we discuss recent findings supporting the role of cell senescence in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and in brain tumours. A better understanding of senescence is likely to result in the development of novel and efficacious anti-senescence therapies against these brain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Carreno
- Developmental Biology and Cancer ProgrammeBirth Defects Research CentreInstitute of Child Health Great Ormond Street HospitalUniversity College London30 Guilford StreetLondonWC1N 1EHUK
| | - Romain Guiho
- Developmental Biology and Cancer ProgrammeBirth Defects Research CentreInstitute of Child Health Great Ormond Street HospitalUniversity College London30 Guilford StreetLondonWC1N 1EHUK
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez‐Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer ProgrammeBirth Defects Research CentreInstitute of Child Health Great Ormond Street HospitalUniversity College London30 Guilford StreetLondonWC1N 1EHUK
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Scagliotti V, Esse R, Willis TL, Howard M, Carrus I, Lodge E, Andoniadou CL, Charalambous M. Dynamic Expression of Imprinted Genes in the Developing and Postnatal Pituitary Gland. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040509. [PMID: 33808370 PMCID: PMC8066104 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, imprinted genes regulate many critical endocrine processes such as growth, the onset of puberty and maternal reproductive behaviour. Human imprinting disorders (IDs) are caused by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that alter the expression dosage of imprinted genes. Due to improvements in diagnosis, increasing numbers of patients with IDs are now identified and monitored across their lifetimes. Seminal work has revealed that IDs have a strong endocrine component, yet the contribution of imprinted gene products in the development and function of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis are not well defined. Postnatal endocrine processes are dependent upon the production of hormones from the pituitary gland. While the actions of a few imprinted genes in pituitary development and function have been described, to date there has been no attempt to link the expression of these genes as a class to the formation and function of this essential organ. This is important because IDs show considerable overlap, and imprinted genes are known to define a transcriptional network related to organ growth. This knowledge deficit is partly due to technical difficulties in obtaining useful transcriptomic data from the pituitary gland, namely, its small size during development and cellular complexity in maturity. Here we utilise high-sensitivity RNA sequencing at the embryonic stages, and single-cell RNA sequencing data to describe the imprinted transcriptome of the pituitary gland. In concert, we provide a comprehensive literature review of the current knowledge of the role of imprinted genes in pituitary hormonal pathways and how these relate to IDs. We present new data that implicate imprinted gene networks in the development of the gland and in the stem cell compartment. Furthermore, we suggest novel roles for individual imprinted genes in the aetiology of IDs. Finally, we describe the dynamic regulation of imprinted genes in the pituitary gland of the pregnant mother, with implications for the regulation of maternal metabolic adaptations to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Scagliotti
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (V.S.); (R.C.F.E.); (I.C.)
| | - Ruben Esse
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (V.S.); (R.C.F.E.); (I.C.)
| | - Thea L. Willis
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (T.L.W.); (E.L.); (C.L.A.)
| | - Mark Howard
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK;
| | - Isabella Carrus
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (V.S.); (R.C.F.E.); (I.C.)
| | - Emily Lodge
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (T.L.W.); (E.L.); (C.L.A.)
| | - Cynthia L. Andoniadou
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (T.L.W.); (E.L.); (C.L.A.)
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marika Charalambous
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (V.S.); (R.C.F.E.); (I.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Ozaki H, Suga H, Arima H. Hypothalamic-pituitary organoid generation through the recapitulation of organogenesis. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:154-165. [PMID: 33662152 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This paper overviews the development and differentiation of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland from embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. It is important to replicate the developmental process in vivo to create specific cells/organoids from ES/iPS cells. We also introduce the latest findings and discuss future issues for clinical application. Neuroectodermal progenitors are induced from pluripotent stem cells by strictly removing exogenous patterning factors during the early differentiation period. The induced progenitors differentiate into rostral hypothalamic neurons, in particular magnocellular vasopressin+ neurons. In three-dimensional cultures, ES/iPS cells differentiate into hypothalamic neuroectoderm and nonneural head ectoderm adjacently. Rathke's pouch-like structures self-organize at the interface between the two layers and generate various endocrine cells, including corticotrophs and somatotrophs. Our next objective is to sophisticate our stepwise methodology to establish a novel transplantation treatment for hypopituitarism and apply it to developmental disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Ozaki
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Suga
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Arima
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Hengartner AC, Prince E, Vijmasi T, Hankinson TC. Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma: moving toward targeted therapies. Neurosurg Focus 2021; 48:E7. [PMID: 31896087 DOI: 10.3171/2019.10.focus19705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The evolving characterization of the biological basis of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) has provided insights critical for novel systemically delivered therapies. While current treatment strategies for ACP are associated with low mortality rates, patients experience severely lowered quality of life due to high recurrence rates and chronic sequelae, presenting a need for novel effective treatment regimens. The identification of various dysregulated pathways that play roles in the pathogenesis of ACP has prompted the investigation of novel treatment options. Aberrations in the CTNNB1 gene lead to the dysregulation of the Wnt pathway and the accumulation of nuclear β-catenin, which may play a role in tumor invasiveness. While Wnt pathway/β-catenin inhibition may be a promising treatment for ACP, potential off-target effects have limited its use in current intervention strategies. Promising evidence of the therapeutic potential of cystic proinflammatory mediators and immunosuppressants has been translated into clinical therapies, including interleukin 6 and IDO-1 inhibition. The dysregulation of the pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) has led to identification of various therapeutic targets that have shown promise as clinical strategies. The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway is upregulated in ACP and has been implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor growth; however, inhibition of SHH in murine models decreased survival, limiting its therapeutic application. While further preclinical and clinical data are needed, systemically delivered therapies could delay or replace the need for more aggressive definitive treatments. Ongoing preclinical investigations and clinical trials of these prospective pathways promise to advance treatment approaches aimed to increase patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid C Hengartner
- 1Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine; and
| | - Eric Prince
- 1Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine; and
| | - Trinka Vijmasi
- 1Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine; and
| | - Todd C Hankinson
- 1Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine; and.,2Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Aurora, Colorado
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Laporte E, Vennekens A, Vankelecom H. Pituitary Remodeling Throughout Life: Are Resident Stem Cells Involved? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 11:604519. [PMID: 33584539 PMCID: PMC7879485 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.604519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pituitary gland has the primordial ability to dynamically adapt its cell composition to changing hormonal needs of the organism throughout life. During the first weeks after birth, an impressive growth and maturation phase is occurring in the gland during which the distinct hormonal cell populations expand. During pubertal growth and development, growth hormone (GH) levels need to peak which requires an adaptive enterprise in the GH-producing somatotrope population. At aging, pituitary function wanes which is associated with organismal decay including the somatopause in which GH levels drop. In addition to these key time points of life, the pituitary's endocrine cell landscape plastically adapts during specific (patho-)physiological conditions such as lactation (need for PRL) and stress (engagement of ACTH). Particular resilience is witnessed after physical injury in the (murine) gland, culminating in regeneration of destroyed cell populations. In many other tissues, adaptive and regenerative processes involve the local stem cells. Over the last 15 years, evidence has accumulated that the pituitary gland houses a resident stem cell compartment. Recent studies propose their involvement in at least some of the cell remodeling processes that occur in the postnatal pituitary but support is still fragmentary and not unequivocal. Many questions remain unsolved such as whether the stem cells are key players in the vivid neonatal growth phase and whether the decline in pituitary function at old age is associated with decreased stem cell fitness. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanisms of pituitary plasticity, in particular the stem cell-linked ones, are still largely unknown. Pituitary research heavily relies on transgenic in vivo mouse models. While having proven their value, answers to pituitary stem cell-focused questions may more diligently come from a novel powerful in vitro research model, termed organoids, which grow from pituitary stem cells and recapitulate stem cell phenotype and activation status. In this review, we describe pituitary plasticity conditions and summarize what is known on the involvement and phenotype of pituitary stem cells during these pituitary remodeling events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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Russell JP, Lim X, Santambrogio A, Yianni V, Kemkem Y, Wang B, Fish M, Haston S, Grabek A, Hallang S, Lodge EJ, Patist AL, Schedl A, Mollard P, Nusse R, Andoniadou CL. Pituitary stem cells produce paracrine WNT signals to control the expansion of their descendant progenitor cells. eLife 2021; 10:59142. [PMID: 33399538 PMCID: PMC7803373 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to physiological demand, the pituitary gland generates new hormone-secreting cells from committed progenitor cells throughout life. It remains unclear to what extent pituitary stem cells (PSCs), which uniquely express SOX2, contribute to pituitary growth and renewal. Moreover, neither the signals that drive proliferation nor their sources have been elucidated. We have used genetic approaches in the mouse, showing that the WNT pathway is essential for proliferation of all lineages in the gland. We reveal that SOX2+ stem cells are a key source of WNT ligands. By blocking secretion of WNTs from SOX2+ PSCs in vivo, we demonstrate that proliferation of neighbouring committed progenitor cells declines, demonstrating that progenitor multiplication depends on the paracrine WNT secretion from SOX2+ PSCs. Our results indicate that stem cells can hold additional roles in tissue expansion and homeostasis, acting as paracrine signalling centres to coordinate the proliferation of neighbouring cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Russell
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xinhong Lim
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alice Santambrogio
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Val Yianni
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yasmine Kemkem
- Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF), University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Bruce Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Department of Medicine and Liver Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Matthew Fish
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Scott Haston
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Shirleen Hallang
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J Lodge
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda L Patist
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrice Mollard
- Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF), University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Roel Nusse
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Cynthia L Andoniadou
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Pascual JM, Prieto R, Rosdolsky M. Craniopharyngiomas primarily affecting the hypothalamus. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 181:75-115. [PMID: 34238481 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820683-6.00007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The concept of craniopharyngiomas (CPs) primarily affecting the hypothalamus, or "hypothalamic CPs" (Hy-CPs), refers, in a restrictive sense, to the subgroup of CPs originally developing within the neural tissue of the infundibulum and tuber cinereum, the components of the third ventricle floor. This subgroup, also known as infundibulo-tuberal CPs, largely occupies the third ventricle and comprises up to 40% of this pathological entity. The small subgroup of strictly intraventricular CPs (5%), lesions wholly developed within the third ventricle above an anatomically intact third ventricle floor, can also be included within the Hy-CP category. The remaining types of sellar and/or suprasellar CPs may compress or invade the hypothalamic region during their growth but will not be considered in this review. Hy-CPs predominantly affect adults, causing a wide range of symptoms derived from hypothalamic dysfunction, such as adiposogenital dystrophy (Babinski-Fröhlich's syndrome), diabetes insipidus (DI), abnormal diurnal somnolence, and a complex set of cognitive (dementia-like, Korsakoff-like), emotional (rage, apathy, depression), and behavioral (autism-like, psychotic-like) disturbances. Accordingly, Hy-CPs represent a neurobiological model of psychiatric disorders caused by a lesion restricted to the hypothalamus. The vast majority (90%) of squamous-papillary CPs belong to the Hy-CP category. Pathologically, most Hy-CPs present extensive and strong adhesions to the surrounding hypothalamus, usually formed of a thick band of gliotic tissue encircling the central portion of the tumor ("ring-like" attachment) or its entire boundary ("circumferential" attachment). CPs with these severe adhesion types associate high surgical risk, with morbidity and mortality rates three times higher than those for sellar/suprasellar CPs. Consequently, radical surgical removal of Hy-CPs cannot be generally recommended. Rather, Hy-CPs should be accurately classified according to an individualized surgery-risk stratification scheme considering patient age, CP topography, presence of hypothalamic symptoms, tumor size, and, most importantly, the CP-hypothalamus adhesion pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Pascual
- Department of Neurosurgery, La Princesa University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ruth Prieto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Rosdolsky
- Independent Medical Translator, Jenkintown, PA, United States
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Mueller T, Stucklin ASG, Postlmayr A, Metzger S, Gerber N, Kline C, Grotzer M, Nazarian J, Mueller S. Advances in Targeted Therapies for Pediatric Brain Tumors. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-020-00651-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Over the last years, our understanding of the molecular biology of pediatric brain tumors has vastly improved. This has led to more narrowly defined subgroups of these tumors and has created new potential targets for molecularly driven therapies. This review presents an overview of the latest advances and challenges of implementing targeted therapies into the clinical management of pediatric brain tumors, with a focus on gliomas, craniopharyngiomas, and medulloblastomas.
Recent Findings
Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) show generally a low mutational burden with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling presenting a key driver for these tumors. Direct inhibition of this pathway through BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors has proven to be a clinically relevant strategy. More recently, MEK and IL-6 receptor inhibitors have started to be evaluated in the treatment for craniopharyngiomas. Aside these low-grade tumors, pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) and medulloblastomas exhibit substantially greater molecular heterogeneity with various and sometimes unknown tumor driver alterations. The clinical benefit of different targeted therapy approaches to interfere with altered signaling pathways and restore epigenetic dysregulation is undergoing active clinical testing. For these multiple pathway-driven tumors, combination strategies will most likely be required to achieve clinical benefit.
Summary
The field of pediatric neuro-oncology made tremendous progress with regard to improved diagnosis setting the stage for precision medicine approaches over the last decades. The potential of targeted therapies has been clearly demonstrated for a subset of pediatric brain tumors. However, despite clear response rates, questions of sufficient blood-brain barrier penetration, optimal dosing, treatment duration as well as mechanisms of resistance and how these can be overcome with potential combination strategies need to be addressed in future investigations. Along this line, it is critical for future trials to define appropriate endpoints to assess therapy responses as well as short and long-term toxicities in the growing and developing child.
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Werdermann M, Berger I, Scriba LD, Santambrogio A, Schlinkert P, Brendel H, Morawietz H, Schedl A, Peitzsch M, King AJF, Andoniadou CL, Bornstein SR, Steenblock C. Insulin and obesity transform hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis stemness and function in a hyperactive state. Mol Metab 2020; 43:101112. [PMID: 33157254 PMCID: PMC7691554 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Metabolic diseases are an increasing problem in society with the brain-metabolic axis as a master regulator of the human body for sustaining homeostasis under metabolic stress. However, metabolic inflammation and disease will trigger sustained activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In this study, we investigated the role of metabolic stress on progenitor cells in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Methods In vitro, we applied insulin and leptin to murine progenitor cells isolated from the pituitary and adrenal cortex and examined the role of these hormones on proliferation and differentiation. In vivo, we investigated two different mouse models of metabolic disease, obesity in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice and obesity achieved via feeding with a high-fat diet. Results Insulin was shown to lead to enhanced proliferation and differentiation of both pituitary and adrenocortical progenitors. No alterations in the progenitors were noted in our chronic metabolic stress models. However, hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was observed and the expression of the appetite-regulating genes Npy and Agrp changed in both the hypothalamus and adrenal. Conclusions It is well-known that chronic stress and stress hormones such as glucocorticoids can induce metabolic changes including obesity and diabetes. In this article, we show for the first time that this might be based on an early sensitization of stem cells of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Thus, pituitary and adrenal progenitor cells exposed to high levels of insulin are metabolically primed to a hyper-functional state leading to enhanced hormone production. Likewise, obese animals exhibit a hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis leading to adrenal hyperplasia. This might explain how stress in early life can increase the risk for developing metabolic syndrome in adulthood. Insulin enhances proliferation and differentiation of adrenocortical and pituitary progenitors. Obesity leads to hyperactivation and priming of the HPA axis. Obesity leads to overexpression of appetite-regulating genes in the hypothalamus. Obesity leads to a decrease in the expression of appetite-regulating genes in the adrenal gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Werdermann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany.
| | - Ilona Berger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany.
| | - Laura D Scriba
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany.
| | - Alice Santambrogio
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany; Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Pia Schlinkert
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany.
| | - Heike Brendel
- Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation, Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany.
| | - Henning Morawietz
- Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation, Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany.
| | - Andreas Schedl
- University of Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, iBV, Parc Valrose, Nice, 06108, France.
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany.
| | - Aileen J F King
- Department of Diabetes, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Cynthia L Andoniadou
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany; Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany; Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Charlotte Steenblock
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany.
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Whelan R, Hengartner A, Folzenlogen Z, Prince E, Hankinson TC. Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma in the molecular age and the potential of targeted therapies: a review. Childs Nerv Syst 2020; 36:1635-1642. [PMID: 32440897 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04677-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (ACPs) are histologically benign brain tumors that often follow an aggressive clinical course. Arising in the sellar/suprasellar region, they grow in close proximity to critical neurological and vascular structures and can result in significant neuroendocrine morbidity. First-line treatment often involves surgical resection with or without radiotherapy and has been associated with significant morbidity and poor quality of life outcomes. As a result, the discovery of alternative effective and safe treatments is clearly desirable. In recent years, laboratory studies have harnessed sophisticated techniques to identify the upregulation of several markers that may represent potential therapeutic targets. These targets include IL-6, PD1/PD-L1, MEK, IDO-1, and others. Agents that target these pathways exist, and there is an opportunity to investigate their potential efficacy in the treatment of ACP. Trials investigating some of these agents as monotherapy and in combination for the treatment of pediatric ACP are underway or in development. If positive, these trials may result in a paradigm shift in treatment that will hopefully result in reduced morbidity and better outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ros Whelan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Astrid Hengartner
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA.,Division of Pediatric neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Zach Folzenlogen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Eric Prince
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA.,Division of Pediatric neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.,Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Todd C Hankinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA.,Division of Pediatric neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.,Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Aurora, CO, USA
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Jastania RA, Saeed M, Al-Khalidi H, AlQuthami K, Nageeti TH, Al-Allaf FA, Valerie K, Taher MM. Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma in an Adult: A Case Report with NGS Analysis. Int Med Case Rep J 2020; 13:123-137. [PMID: 32368160 PMCID: PMC7183340 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s243405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Several recent studies have documented CTNNB1 and BRAF mutations which are mutually exclusive for adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) and papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP) tumors. This discovery is helpful in the development of novel targeted therapies in successful clinical trials with BRAF mutations in PCP cases. However, no such targeted therapy is available yet for ACP. Here, we report novel mutations, which are not previously reported, in a case of an adult ACP using NGS analysis. RESULTS Patient DNA was sequenced using Ion PI v3 chip on Ion Proton. A total of 16 variants were identified in this tumor by NGS analysis, out of which four were missense mutations, seven were synonymous mutations, and five were intronic variants. In CTNNB1 gene a known missense mutation in c.101G>T; in TP53 a known missense mutation in c.215C>G; and two known missense variants in PIK3CA, viz., in c.1173A>G; in exon 7, and in c.3128T>C; in exon 21, were found, respectively. Seven synonymous mutations were detected in this tumor, viz., in IDH1 (rs11554137), in FGFR3 (rs7688609), in PDGFRA (rs1873778), in APC (COSM3760869), in EGFR (rs1050171), in MET (rs35775721), and in RET (rs1800861), respectively. Three known, intronic variants were found in genes, such as PIK3CA, KDR, and JAK3, respectively. Also, a 3'-UTR and a splice site acceptor site variant in CSF1R and FLT3 genes were found in this tumor. We have shown allele coverage, allele ratio, and p-value, for all these mutations. The p-values and Phred quality score were significantly high for these variants. CONCLUSION As reported in previous studies, in ACP tumors we found a CTNNB1 mutation by NGS analysis. The PIK3CA variants we detected were not known previously in ACP tumors. Finding the PIK3CA mutations in the ACP tumors may help develop targeted therapy for a subset of craniopharyngiomas with PIK3CA activating mutations. Clinical trials are in progress with specific PIK3CA inhibitors in advanced stages of many cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raid A Jastania
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Saeed
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Radiology, Al-Noor Specialty Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Khalid AlQuthami
- Division of Histopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Blood Bank, Al-Noor Specialty Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahani H Nageeti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal A Al-Allaf
- Science and Technology Unit, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kristoffer Valerie
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Mohiuddin M Taher
- Science and Technology Unit, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Martinez-Barbera JP, Andoniadou CL. Biological Behaviour of Craniopharyngiomas. Neuroendocrinology 2020; 110:797-804. [PMID: 32126562 DOI: 10.1159/000506904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Jakob Erdheim (1874-1937) first described craniopharyn-giomas (CPs) as "hypophyseal duct tumours" and postulated the existence of two tumour types based on their histological features: (1) an aggressive type showing similarities to adamantinomas (tumours of the jaw) and (2) a more benign form characterised by the presence of papillary structures. More than a century later, these initial observations have been confirmed; based on their distinct genetic, epigenetic, and histological features, the WHO classifies CPs into two types: adamantinomatous CPs (ACPs) and papillary CPs (PCPs). Considerable knowledge has been generated on the biology of CPs in the last 20 years. Mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin) are prevalent in ACP, whilst PCPs frequently harbour mutations in BRAF (p.BRAF-V600E). The consequence of these mutations is the activation of either the WNT/β-catenin (ACP) or the MAPK/ERK (PCP) pathway. Murine models support a critical role for these mutations in tumour formation and have provided important insights into tumour pathogenesis, mostly in ACP. A critical role for cellular senescence has been uncovered in murine models of ACP with relevance to human tumours. Several gene profiling studies of human and murine ACP tumours have identified potential targetable pathways, and novel therapeutic agents are being used in clinical and pre-clinical research, in some cases with excellent results. In this review, we will present the accumulated knowledge on the biological features of these tumours and summarise how these advances are being translated into potential novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer, Birth Defect Research Centre, GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom,
| | - Cynthia Lilian Andoniadou
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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46
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Würth R, Thellung S, Corsaro A, Barbieri F, Florio T. Experimental Evidence and Clinical Implications of Pituitary Adenoma Stem Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:54. [PMID: 32153500 PMCID: PMC7044184 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas, accounting for 15% of diagnosed intracranial neoplasms, are usually benign and pharmacologically and surgically treatable; however, the critical location, mass effects and hormone hypersecretion sustain their significant morbidity. Approximately 35% of pituitary tumors show a less benign course since they are highly proliferative and invasive, poorly resectable, and likely recurring. The latest WHO classification of pituitary tumors includes pituitary transcription factor assessment to determine adenohypophysis cell lineages and accurate designation of adenomas, nevertheless little is known about molecular and cellular pathways which contribute to pituitary tumorigenesis. In malignant tumors the identification of cancer stem cells radically changed the concepts of both tumorigenesis and pharmacological approaches. Cancer stem cells are defined as a subset of undifferentiated transformed cells from which the bulk of cancer cells populating a tumor mass is generated. These cells are able to self-renew, promoting tumor progression and recurrence of malignant tumors, also conferring cytotoxic drug resistance. On the other hand, the existence of stem cells within benign tumors is still debated. The presence of adult stem cells in human and murine pituitaries where they sustain the high plasticity of hormone-producing cells, allowed the hypothesis that putative tumor stem cells might exist in pituitary adenomas, reinforcing the concept that the cancer stem cell model could also be applied to pituitary tumorigenesis. In the last few years, the isolation and phenotypic characterization of putative pituitary adenoma stem-like cells was performed using a wide and heterogeneous variety of experimental models and techniques, although the role of these cells in adenoma initiation and progression is still not completely definite. The assessment of possible pituitary adenoma-initiating cell population would be of extreme relevance to better understand pituitary tumor biology and to identify novel potential diagnostic markers and pharmacological targets. In this review, we summarize the most updated studies focused on the definition of pituitary adenoma stem cell phenotype and functional features, highlighting the biological processes and intracellular pathways potentially involved in driving tumor growth, relapse, and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Würth
- Section of Pharmacology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Thellung
- Section of Pharmacology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Section of Pharmacology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Whelan R, Prince E, Gilani A, Hankinson T. The Inflammatory Milieu of Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma and Its Implications for Treatment. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020519. [PMID: 32075140 PMCID: PMC7074265 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngiomas (ACPs) are histologically benign brain tumors that often follow an aggressive clinical course. Their suprasellar location leaves them in close proximity to critical neurological and vascular structures and often results in significant neuroendocrine morbidity. Current treatment paradigms, involving surgical resection and radiotherapy, confer significant morbidity to patients and there is an obvious need to discover effective and safe alternative treatments. Recent years have witnessed significant efforts to fully detail the genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic make-up of these tumors, in an attempt to identify potential therapeutic targets. These studies have resulted in ever mounting evidence that inflammatory processes and the immune response play a critical role in the pathogenesis of both the solid and cystic portion of ACPs. Several inflammatory and immune markers have been identified in both the cyst fluid and solid tumor tissue of ACP. Due to the existence of effective agents that target them, IL-6 and immune checkpoint inhibitors seem to present the most likely immediate candidates for clinical trials of targeted immune-related therapy in ACP. If effective, such agents may result in a paradigm shift in treatment that ultimately reduces morbidity and results in better outcomes for our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ros Whelan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (E.P.); (T.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eric Prince
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (E.P.); (T.H.)
- Department of Pediatric neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ahmed Gilani
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Todd Hankinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (E.P.); (T.H.)
- Department of Pediatric neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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48
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Manojlovic-Gacic E, Rostami E, Karavitaki N, Casar-Borota O. Histopathology of Parasellar Neoplasms. Neuroendocrinology 2020; 110:740-752. [PMID: 32155632 PMCID: PMC7490502 DOI: 10.1159/000507084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The anatomical and histological complexity of the parasellar region as well as the presence of embryonic remnants determine the huge diversity of parasellar neoplasms. Some of them are only located in the parasellar region, whereas others can occur elsewhere, within or outside the central nervous system. Their spectrum ranges from histologically benign and low-grade malignant to high-grade malignant tumours. Although rare, metastases can pose differential diagnostic dilemmas. The severity of the clinical picture, the challenges of surgery and the risk of adverse sequelae related to surgery or radiotherapy make parasellar tumours interesting entities for the clinicians irrespective of their histological malignancy grade. Due to the different cell origins of parasellar tumours, the World Health Organization classification system does not categorise them as a distinct group. Detailed criteria for classification and malignancy grading are presented in the classification systems covering central nervous system tumours, haematological malignancies and tumours of the soft tissue and bone. In the last few years, molecular genetic features have been integrated into the diagnosis of several types of the parasellar tumours enhancing diagnostic accuracy and providing information of the value for targeting therapies. In this review, we will present histopathological and molecular genetic features, updated classification criteria and recent advances in the diagnostics and rationale for novel pharmacological therapies of selected types of parasellar neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Rostami
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Olivera Casar-Borota
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden,
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49
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Alexandraki KI, Kaltsas GA, Karavitaki N, Grossman AB. The Medical Therapy of Craniopharyngiomas: The Way Ahead. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:5751-5764. [PMID: 31369091 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-01299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Craniopharyngiomas, which are categorized as adamantinomatous (ACPs) or papillary (PCPs), have traditionally been treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy, although when the tumors progress or recur, therapeutic possibilities are very limited. Following recent advances in their molecular pathogenesis, new medical therapeutic options have emerged. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The search strategy that we selected to identify the appropriate evidence involved the following medical subject headings (MeSH) terms: ("Craniopharyngioma" [MeSH] AND "Craniopharyngioma/drug therapy" [MeSH]) NOT ("review" [Publication Type] OR "review literature as topic" [MeSH Terms] OR "review" [All Fields]) AND ("2009/05/01" [PDat]: "2019/04/28" [PDat]). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Mutations of β-catenin causing Wnt activation with alterations of the MEK/ERK pathway are encountered in the great majority of patients with ACPs; specific alterations also stratify patients to a more aggressive behavior. In most PCPs there is primary activation of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway secondary to BRAF-V600E mutations. BRAF inhibitors, such as dabrafenib or vemurafenib, either alone or in combination with the MEK inhibitors trametinib and cobimetinib, have been administered to patients with PCPs producing clinically useful and, in some cases, sustained responses. In contrast to PCPs, drugs targeting β-catenin and its downstream MAPK pathway in ACPs have so far only been used in in vitro studies, but there appear to be promising new targets clinically. CONCLUSIONS The identification of specific genetic alterations in patients with craniopharyngiomas has expanded the therapeutic options, providing evidence for a customized approach using newer molecular agents. More studies including a larger number of carefully selected patients are required to evaluate the response to currently available and evolving agents alone and in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystallenia I Alexandraki
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Laiko University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregory A Kaltsas
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Laiko University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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50
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Abstract
Craniopharyngiomas are rare malformational tumours of low histological malignancy arising along the craniopharyngeal duct. The two histological subtypes, adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) and papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP), differ in genesis and age distribution. ACPs are diagnosed with a bimodal peak of incidence (5-15 years and 45-60 years), whereas PCPs are restricted to adults mainly in the fifth and sixth decades of life. ACPs are driven by somatic mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin) that affect β-catenin stability and are predominantly cystic in appearance. PCPs frequently harbour somatic BRAFV600E mutations and are typically solid tumours. Clinical manifestations due to increased intracranial pressure, visual impairment and endocrine deficiencies should prompt imaging investigations, preferentially MRI. Treatment comprises neurosurgery and radiotherapy; intracystic chemotherapy is used in monocystic ACP. Although long-term survival is high, quality of life and neuropsychological function are frequently impaired due to the close anatomical proximity to the optic chiasm, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Indeed, hypothalamic involvement and treatment-related hypothalamic lesions frequently result in hypothalamic obesity, physical fatigue and psychosocial deficits. Given the rarity of these tumours, efforts to optimize infrastructure and international collaboration should be research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann L Müller
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas E Merchant
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Juan-Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Puget
- Service de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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