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Michaelsen GL, da Silva LDRE, de Lima DS, Jaeger MDC, Brunetto AT, Dalmolin RJS, Sinigaglia M. A Prognostic Methylation-Driven Two-Gene Signature in Medulloblastoma. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:47. [PMID: 38662144 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02203-9] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common pediatric brain tumors and it is estimated that one-third of patients will not achieve long-term survival. Conventional prognostic parameters have limited and unreliable correlations with MB outcome, presenting a major challenge for patients' clinical improvement. Acknowledging this issue, our aim was to build a gene signature and evaluate its potential as a new prognostic model for patients with the disease. In this study, we used six datasets totaling 1679 samples including RNA gene expression and DNA methylation data from primary MB as well as control samples from healthy cerebellum. We identified methylation-driven genes (MDGs) in MB, genes whose expression is correlated with their methylation. We employed LASSO regression, incorporating the MDGs as a parameter to develop the prognostic model. Through this approach, we derived a two-gene signature (GS-2) of candidate prognostic biomarkers for MB (CEMIP and NCBP3). Using a risk score model, we confirmed the GS-2 impact on overall survival (OS) with Kaplan-Meier analysis. We evaluated its robustness and accuracy with receiver operating characteristic curves predicting OS at 1, 3, and 5 years in multiple independent datasets. The GS-2 showed highly significant results as an independent prognostic biomarker compared to traditional MB markers. The methylation-regulated GS-2 risk score model can effectively classify patients with MB into high and low-risk, reinforcing the importance of this epigenetic modification in the disease. Such genes stand out as promising prognostic biomarkers with potential application for MB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Lovatto Michaelsen
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, 90620-110, RS, Brazil
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment-BioME, Digital Metropole Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, 59076-550, RN, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology - INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Lívia Dos Reis Edinger da Silva
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, 90620-110, RS, Brazil
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, RS, Brazil
| | - Douglas Silva de Lima
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, 90620-110, RS, Brazil
- Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariane da Cunha Jaeger
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, 90620-110, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology - INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - André Tesainer Brunetto
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, 90620-110, RS, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology - INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Juliani Siqueira Dalmolin
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment-BioME, Digital Metropole Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, 59076-550, RN, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, 59064-741, RN, Brazil
| | - Marialva Sinigaglia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, 90620-110, RS, Brazil.
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment-BioME, Digital Metropole Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, 59076-550, RN, Brazil.
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology - INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre, 90035-003, RS, Brazil.
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2
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Wulff-Fuentes E, Boakye J, Kroenke K, Berendt RR, Martinez-Morant C, Pereckas M, Hanover JA, Olivier-Van Stichelen S. O-GlcNAcylation regulates OTX2's proteostasis. iScience 2023; 26:108184. [PMID: 38026167 PMCID: PMC10661118 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
O-GlcNAcylation is a key post-translational modification, playing a vital role in cell signaling during development, especially in the brain. In this study, we investigated the role of O-GlcNAcylation in regulating the homeobox protein OTX2, which contributes to various brain disorders, such as combined pituitary hormone deficiency, retinopathy, and medulloblastoma. Our research demonstrated that, under normal physiological conditions, the proteasome plays a pivotal role in breaking down endogenous OTX2. However, when the levels of OTX2 rise, it forms oligomers and/or aggregates that require macroautophagy for clearance. Intriguingly, we demonstrated that O-GlcNAcylation enhances the solubility of OTX2, thereby limiting the formation of these aggregates. Additionally, we unveiled an interaction between OTX2 and the chaperone protein CCT5 at the O-GlcNAc sites, suggesting a potential collaborative role in preventing OTX2 aggregation. Finally, our study demonstrated that while OTX2 physiologically promotes cell proliferation, an O-GlcNAc-depleted OTX2 is detrimental to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey Boakye
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0851, USA
| | - Kaeley Kroenke
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Rex R. Berendt
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | - Michaela Pereckas
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - John A. Hanover
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0851, USA
| | - Stephanie Olivier-Van Stichelen
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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3
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Hedberg J, Studebaker A, Smith L, Chen CY, Westfall JJ, Cam M, Gross A, Hernandez-Aguirre I, Martin A, Kim D, Dhital R, Kim Y, Roberts RD, Cripe TP, Mardis ER, Cassady KA, Leonard J, Miller KE. Oncolytic virus-driven immune remodeling revealed in mouse medulloblastomas at single cell resolution. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 30:39-55. [PMID: 37583388 PMCID: PMC10424001 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses, modified for tumor-restricted infection, are a promising cancer immunotherapeutic, yet much remains to be understood about factors driving their activity and outcome in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we report that oncolytic herpes simplex virus C134, previously found to exert T cell-dependent efficacy in mouse models of glioblastoma, exerts T cell-independent efficacy in mouse models of medulloblastoma, indicating this oncolytic virus uses different mechanisms in different tumors. We investigated C134's behavior in mouse medulloblastomas, using single cell RNA sequencing to map C134-induced gene expression changes across cell types, timepoints, and medulloblastoma subgroup models at whole-transcriptome resolution. Our work details substantial oncolytic virus-induced transcriptional remodeling of medulloblastoma-infiltrating immune cells, 10 subpopulations of monocytes and macrophages collectively demonstrating M1-like responses to C134, and suggests C134 be investigated as a potential new therapy for medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Hedberg
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Adam Studebaker
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Luke Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Chun-Yu Chen
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Jesse J. Westfall
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Maren Cam
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Amy Gross
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Ilse Hernandez-Aguirre
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Alexia Martin
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Doyeon Kim
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Ravi Dhital
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Yeaseul Kim
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Ryan D. Roberts
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Timothy P. Cripe
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Elaine R. Mardis
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kevin A. Cassady
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jeffrey Leonard
- The Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Katherine E. Miller
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Li Y, Wang H, Sun B, Su G, Cang Y, Zhao L, Zhao S, Li Y, Mao B, Ma P. Smurf1 and Smurf2 mediated polyubiquitination and degradation of RNF220 suppresses Shh-group medulloblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:494. [PMID: 37537194 PMCID: PMC10400574 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06025-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-group medulloblastoma (MB) (Shh-MB) encompasses a clinically and molecularly distinct group of cancers originating from the developing nervous system with aberrant high Shh signaling as a causative driver. We recently reported that RNF220 is required for sustained high Shh signaling during Shh-MB progression; however, how high RNF220 expression is achieved in Shh-MB is still unclear. In this study, we found that the ubiquitin E3 ligases Smurf1 and Smurf2 interact with RNF220, and target it for polyubiquitination and degradation. In MB cells, knockdown or overexpression of Smurf1 or Smurf2 promotes or inhibits cell proliferation, colony formation and xenograft growth, respectively, by controlling RNF220 protein levels, and thus modulating Shh signaling. Furthermore, in clinical human MB samples, the protein levels of Smurf1 or Smurf2 were negatively correlated with those of RNF220 or GAB1, a Shh-MB marker. Overall, this study highlights the importance of the Smurf1- and Smurf2-RNF220 axes during the pathogenesis of Shh-MB and provides new therapeutic targets for Shh-MB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650203, China
| | - Huishan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Laboratory of Animal Tumour Models, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guifeng Su
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Yu Cang
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, 650021, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Animal Center of Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
| | - Bingyu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese of Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Pengcheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
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5
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Vuu YM, Kadar Shahib A, Rastegar M. The Potential Therapeutic Application of Simvastatin for Brain Complications and Mechanisms of Action. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:914. [PMID: 37513826 PMCID: PMC10385015 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins are common drugs that are clinically used to reduce elevated plasma cholesterol levels. Based on their solubility, statins are considered to be either hydrophilic or lipophilic. Amongst them, simvastatin has the highest lipophilicity to facilitate its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Recent studies have suggested that simvastatin could be a promising therapeutic option for different brain complications and diseases ranging from brain tumors (i.e., medulloblastoma and glioblastoma) to neurological disorders (i.e., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease). Specific mechanisms of disease amelioration, however, are still unclear. Independent studies suggest that simvastatin may reduce the risk of developing certain neurodegenerative disorders. Meanwhile, other studies point towards inducing cell death in brain tumor cell lines. In this review, we outline the potential therapeutic effects of simvastatin on brain complications and review the clinically relevant molecular mechanisms in different cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
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6
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Nejati-Koshki K, Roberts CT, Babaei G, Rastegar M. The Epigenetic Reader Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) Is an Emerging Oncogene in Cancer Biology. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2683. [PMID: 37345019 PMCID: PMC10216337 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are gene regulatory processes that control gene expression and cellular identity. Epigenetic factors include the "writers", "readers", and "erasers" of epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation. Accordingly, the nuclear protein Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) is a reader of DNA methylation with key roles in cellular identity and function. Research studies have linked altered DNA methylation, deregulation of MeCP2 levels, or MECP2 gene mutations to different types of human disease. Due to the high expression level of MeCP2 in the brain, many studies have focused on its role in neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that MeCP2 also participates in the tumorigenesis of different types of human cancer, with potential oncogenic properties. It is well documented that aberrant epigenetic regulation such as altered DNA methylation may lead to cancer and the process of tumorigenesis. However, direct involvement of MeCP2 with that of human cancer was not fully investigated until lately. In recent years, a multitude of research studies from independent groups have explored the molecular mechanisms involving MeCP2 in a vast array of human cancers that focus on the oncogenic characteristics of MeCP2. Here, we provide an overview of the proposed role of MeCP2 as an emerging oncogene in different types of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazem Nejati-Koshki
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 85991-56189, Iran;
| | - Chris-Tiann Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
| | - Ghader Babaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 57157-89400, Iran;
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
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EZH2 as a new therapeutic target in brain tumors: Molecular landscape, therapeutic targeting and future prospects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112532. [PMID: 34906772 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are responsible for high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The brain tumor treatment depends on identification of molecular pathways involved in progression and malignancy. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has obtained much attention in recent years in field of cancer therapy due to its aberrant expression and capacity in modulating expression of genes by binding to their promoter and affecting methylation status. The present review focuses on EZH2 signaling in brain tumors including glioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymomas, medulloblastoma and brain rhabdoid tumors. EZH2 signaling mainly participates in increasing proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. However, in medulloblastoma, EZH2 demonstrates tumor-suppressor activity. Furthermore, EZH2 can regulate response of brain tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Various molecular pathways can function as upstream mediators of EZH2 in brain tumors including lncRNAs and miRNAs. Owing to its enzymatic activity, EZH2 can bind to promoter of target genes to induce methylation and affects their expression. EZH2 can be considered as an independent prognostic factor in brain tumors that its upregulation provides undesirable prognosis. Both anti-tumor agents and gene therapies such as siRNA have been developed for targeting EZH2 in cancer therapy.
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