MicroRNA regulating stanniocalcin-1 is a metastasis and dissemination promoting factor in glioblastoma

Sevoflurane Suppresses Glioma Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion Both In Vitro and In Vivo Partially Via Regulating KCNQ1OT1/miR-146b-5p/STC1 Axis

Background: Sevoflurane (Sev), a volatile anesthetic agent, is widely used in neurosurgery for anesthesia maintenance, accompanied with antitumor activity postanesthesia in multiple human cancers, including glioma. However, the molecular mechanism of Sev in glioma is largely unclear, including associated informative noncoding RNAs, such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs). Methods: Expression of lncRNA KCNQ1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1), miRNA (miR)-146b-5p, and stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in vitro were examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorting method, and transwell assays, respectively. Tumor growth in vivo was determined by xenograft models. The direct interaction between genes was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: Sev enhanced apoptotic rate, but inhibited cell viability, migration, and invasion abilities of human glioma A172 and U251 cells in vitro, as well as tumor growth inhibition in vivo. The tumor-suppressive role of Sev in glioma was accompanied with downregulated KCNQ1OT1 and STC1, and upregulated miR-146b-5p. Overexpression of KCNQ1OT1 through transfection reversed, while KCNQ1OT1 silencing aggravated the antitumor role of Sev in A172 and U251 cells. Moreover, KCNQ1OT1-mediated tumor-promoting activity in A172 and U251 cells under Sev treatment was abrogated by miR-146b-5p restoration or STC1 deletion. Essentially, KCNQ1OT1 could positively regulate STC1 by acting as miR-146b-5p decoy. Conclusion: KCNQ1OT1 knockdown mediated the role of Sev in glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo through miR-146b-5p/STC1 pathway.

Crosstalk between glioblastoma and tumor microenvironment drives proneural-mesenchymal transition through ligand-receptor interactions

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common intrinsic and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with a median survival of approximately 15 months. GBM heterogeneity is considered responsible for the treatment resistance and unfavorable prognosis. Proneural-mesenchymal transition (PMT) represents GBM malignant progression and recurrence, which might be a breakthrough to understand GBM heterogeneity and overcome treatment resistance. PMT is a complicated process influenced by crosstalk between GBM and tumor microenvironment, depending on intricate ligand-receptor interactions. In this review, we summarize the autocrine and paracrine pathways in the GBM microenvironment and related ligand-receptor interactions inducing PMT. We also discuss the current therapies targeting the PMT-related autocrine and paracrine pathways. Together, this review offers a comprehensive understanding of the failure of GBM-targeted therapy and ideas for future tendencies of GBM treatment.

LncBIRC3-OT promotes the malignant progression of glioma by interacting with RELA to upregulate stanniocalcin-1 expression

Glioma is the most common malignant intracranial tumor, accounting for 80 % of all malignant brain tumors. Growing evidence suggests that lncRNAs are involved in the growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in a variety of tumors, including glioma. In this study, lncBIRC3-OT (NONHSAT159592.1), which is highly expressed in glioma, was screened by RNA-seq method and verified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Subsequently, we knocked down the endogenous expression of lncBIRC3-OT in U87 and U251 cells and found that down-regulated lncBIRC3-OT inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. Mechanically, lncBIRC3-OT could guide RELA protein to the stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) promoter, initiate STC1 transcription, and ultimately promote the progression of glioma. Together, these findings suggest that lncBIRC3-OT is an important regulator promoting glioma progression, and may be a promising therapeutic target for glioma.

Identification of testicular cancer immune infiltrates and novel immune cell subtypes

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most common type of testicular cancer, comprising 90-95% of cases and representing the most prevalent solid malignancy in young adult men. Immune infiltrates play important regulatory roles in tumors, but their role in TGCT remains unclear. Molecular subtyping is a promising way to provide precisely personalized treatment and avoid unnecessary toxicities. This study investigated immune infiltrates, key biomarkers, and immune subtyping of TGCT. In GSE3218, 24 differentially expressed immune genes (immDEGs) were identified. A new risk signature consisting of six immDEGs was developed using these genes. Individuals in the high-risk group had poor overall survival (OS; hazard ratio of 4.61 and P-value < 0.001). We validated the six-immDEGs risk signature in pure seminoma and mixed TGCT types. Two distinct immune patterns (Cluster 1 and Cluster 2) were identified using the consensusclusterplus, and Cluster 1 possessed an unfavorable OS compared with Cluster 2 (hazard ratio, 2.56; P < 0.001). Cluster 1 patients had significantly lower naive B cells, memory B cells, plasma cells, naive CD4 T cells, gamma delta T cells, and activated dendritic cells than Cluster 2 patients. Genes relating to the WNT signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, antigen processing and presentation, and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity were associated with TGCT. STC1 was elevated in TGCT tissues, and its high expression showed advanced clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis of TGCT. Our findings may contribute to an increased understanding of the onset and progression of TGCT.

Natural history of spinal cord metastasis from brain glioblastomas

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Spinal cord metastasis arising from an intracranial glioblastoma is a rare and late event during the natural course of the disease. These pathological entities remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to identify and investigate the timeline, clinical and imaging findings, and prognostic factors of spinal cord metastasis from a glioblastoma.

METHODS

Consecutive histopathological cases of spinal cord metastasis from glioblastomas in adults entered in the French nationwide database between January 2004 and 2016 were screened.

RESULTS

Overall, 14 adult patients with a brain glioblastoma (median age 55.2 years) and harboring a spinal cord metastasis were included. The median overall survival as 16.0 months (range, 9.8-22.2). The median spinal cord Metastasis Free Survival (time interval between the glioblastoma diagnosis and the spinal cord metastasis diagnosis) was 13.6 months (range, 0.0-27.9). The occurrence of a spinal cord metastasis diagnosis greatly impacted neurological status: 57.2% of patients were not ambulatory, which contributed to dramatically decreased Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores (12/14, 85.7% with a KPS score ≤ 70). The median overall survival following spinal cord metastasis was 3.3 months (range, 1.3-5.3). Patients with a cerebral ventricle effraction during the initial brain surgery had a shorter spinal cord Metastasis Free Survival (6.6 vs 18.3 months, p = 0.023). Out of the 14 patients, eleven (78.6%) had a brain IDH-wildtype glioblastoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal cord metastasis from a brain IDH-wildtype glioblastoma has a poor prognosis. Spinal MRI can be proposed during the follow-up of glioblastoma patients especially those who have benefited from cerebral surgical resection with opening of the cerebral ventricles.

Circular RNA circPOSTN promotes neovascularization by regulating miR-219a-2-3p/STC1 axis and stimulating the secretion of VEGFA in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most malignant type of astrocytic tumor, is one of the deadliest cancers prevalent in adults. Along with tumor growth, patients with GBM generally suffer from extensive cerebral edema and apparent symptoms of intracranial hyper-pressure. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that circRNA plays a critically important role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the biological function and the underlying mechanism of circRNA in GBM remain elusive. In this study, by conducting gene expression detection based on 15 pairs of GBM clinical specimens and the normal adjunct tissues, we observed that circPOSTN showed abnormally higher expression in GBM. Both loss-of-function and gain-of-function biological experiments demonstrated that circPOSTN scheduled the proliferation, migration, and neovascularization abilities of GBM cells. Further, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay, quantitative RT-PCR, and subcellular separation suggested that circPOSTN was predominately localized in the cytoplasm and may serve as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). CircRNA-miRNA interaction prediction based on online analytical processing, AGO2-RIP assay, biotin labeled RNA pulldown assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that circPOSTN sponged miR-219a-2-3p, limited its biological function, and ultimately upregulated their common downstream gene STC1. Finally, by carrying out in vitro and in vivo functional assays, we uncovered a new regulatory axis circPOSTN/miR-219a-2-3p/STC1 that promoted GBM neovascularization by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) secretion. Our study underscores the critical role of circPOSTN in GBM progression, providing a novel insight into GBM anti-tumor therapy.

A miR-137-XIAP axis contributes to the sensitivity of TRAIL-induced cell death in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor in the central nervous system with limited therapeutic strategies to prolong the survival rate in clinic. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-based strategy has been demonstrated to induce cell death in an extensive spectrum of tumor cells, including GBM, while a considerable proportion of malignant cells are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. MiR-137 is highly expressed in the brain, but significantly decreases with advanced progression of GBM. However, the functional link between miR-137 and TRAIL-induced apoptosis in GBM cells has not been established. Here, GBM cells were transfected with miR-137, and gene expression levels were examined by qRT-PCR and western blot. Apoptotic cells were measured by Annexin-V staining and TUNEL assay. Our data showed that miR-137 sensitizes GBM cells to the TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Mechanistically, we identified that XIAP is a bona fide target of miR-137, which is essential for miR-137-regulated sensitivity of TRAIL-induced cell death in GBM cells. Finally, in a xenograft model, combined utilization of miR-137 and TRAIL potently suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, we demonstrate that a miR-137-XIAP axis is required for the sensitivity of TRAIL-induced cell death and shed a light on the avenue for the treatment of GBM.

Prognostic value of STC1 in solid tumors: a meta-analysis

Aim: The prognostic value of STC1 has been evaluated in solid tumors. However, the results remain controversial. Materials & methods: Relevant studies published up to 27 February 2021 were identified by a comprehensive search of the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases. Hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios with 95% CIs were applied to explore the association between STC1 and survival outcome and clinical characteristics. Results: Sixteen articles involving 2942 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that high STC1 expression was significantly associated with worse overall survival (HR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.63-2.24) and disease-free survival/progression-free survival/relapse-free survival (HR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.34-3.02). Conclusion: STC1 may be an effective prognostic marker in solid tumors.

Differential and Common Signatures of miRNA Expression and Methylation in Childhood Central Nervous System Malignancies: An Experimental and Computational Approach

Epigenetic modifications are considered of utmost significance for tumor ontogenesis and progression. Especially, it has been found that miRNA expression, as well as DNA methylation plays a significant role in central nervous system tumors during childhood. A total of 49 resected brain tumors from children were used for further analysis. DNA methylation was identified with methylation-specific MLPA and, in particular, for the tumor suppressor genes CASP8, RASSF1, MGMT, MSH6, GATA5, ATM1, TP53, and CADM1. miRNAs were identified with microarray screening, as well as selected samples, were tested for their mRNA expression levels. CASP8, RASSF1 were the most frequently methylated genes in all tumor samples. Simultaneous methylation of genes manifested significant results with respect to tumor staging, tumor type, and the differentiation of tumor and control samples. There was no significant dependence observed with the methylation of one gene promoter, rather with the simultaneous presence of all detected methylated genes' promoters. miRNA expression was found to be correlated to gene methylation. Epigenetic regulation appears to be of major importance in tumor progression and pathophysiology, making it an imperative field of study.

Molecular and Cellular Complexity of Glioma. Focus on Tumour Microenvironment and the Use of Molecular and Imaging Biomarkers to Overcome Treatment Resistance

This review highlights the importance and the complexity of tumour biology and microenvironment in the progression and therapy resistance of glioma. Specific gene mutations, the possible functions of several non-coding microRNAs and the intra-tumour and inter-tumour heterogeneity of cell types contribute to limit the efficacy of the actual therapeutic options. In this scenario, identification of molecular biomarkers of response and the use of multimodal in vivo imaging and in particular the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) based molecular approach, can help identifying glioma features and the modifications occurring during therapy at a regional level. Indeed, a better understanding of tumor heterogeneity and the development of diagnostic procedures can favor the identification of a cluster of patients for personalized medicine in order to improve the survival and their quality of life.

Adoptive immunotherapies in neuro-oncology: classification, recent advances, and translational challenges

Background:

Adoptive immunotherapies are among the pillars of ongoing biological breakthroughs in neuro-oncology, as their potential applications are tremendously wide. The present literature review comprehensively classified adoptive immunotherapies in neuro-oncology, provides an update, and overviews the main translational challenges of this approach.

Methods:

The PubMed/MEDLINE platform, Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) database, and ClinicalTrials.gov website were the sources. The MeSH terms “Immunotherapy, Adoptive,” “Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy,” “Tissue Engineering,” and “Cell Engineering” were combined with “Central Nervous System,” and “Brain.” “Brain tumors” and “adoptive immunotherapy” were used for a further unrestricted search. Only articles published in the last 5 years were selected and further sorted based on the best match and relevance. The search terms “Central Nervous System Tumor,” “Malignant Brain Tumor,” “Brain Cancer,” “Brain Neoplasms,” and “Brain Tumor” were used on the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

Results:

A total of 79 relevant articles and 16 trials were selected. T therapies include chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy and T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic therapy. Natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies are another approach; combinations are also possible. Trials in phase 1 and 2 comprised 69% and 31% of the studies, respectively, 8 of which were concluded. CAR T cell therapy targeting epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) was demonstrated to reduce the recurrence rate of glioblastoma after standard-of-care treatment.

Conclusion:

Adoptive immunotherapies can be classified as T, NK, and NKT cell-based. CAR T cell therapy redirected against EGFRvIII has been shown to be the most promising treatment for glioblastoma. Overcoming immune tolerance and immune escape are the main translational challenges in the near future of neuro-oncology. (www.actabiomedica.it)

miR-137: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Human Glioma

MicroRNA (miR)-137 is highly expressed in the brain and plays a crucial role in the development and prognosis of glioma. In this review, we aim to summarize the latest findings regarding miR-137 in glioma cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and cancer treatment. In addition, we focus on the identified miR-137 targets and pathways in the occurrence and development of glioma. Finally, future implications for the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of miR-137 in glioma were discussed.

Expression, function and clinical application of stanniocalcin-1 in cancer

The glycoprotein stanniocalcin-1 functions as a regulatory endocrine hormone that maintains the balance of calcium and phosphorus in bony fish and as a paracrine/autocrine factor involved in many physiological/pathological processes in humans, including carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of (a) the possible mechanisms through which STC1 affects the malignant properties of cancer, (b) transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation pathways of STC1 and (c) the potential clinical relevance of STC1 as a cancer biomarker and even a therapeutic target in the future. Exploring the role of STC1 in cancer development may provide a better understanding of the tumorigenesis process in humans and may facilitate finding an effective therapeutic method against cancer.