Analysis of chromatin accessibility uncovers TEAD1 as a regulator of migration in human glioblastoma

AR and YAP crosstalk: impacts on therapeutic strategies in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer ranks as one of the most common types of cancer affecting men worldwide, and its progression is shaped by a diverse array of influencing factors. The AR signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. While existing anti-androgen treatments show initial efficacy, they ultimately do not succeed in halting the advancement to CRPC. Recent studies have identified alterations in the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway within prostate cancer, highlighting intricate crosstalk with the AR signaling pathway. In this review, we examine the interactions and underlying mechanisms between AR and YAP, the key molecules in these two signaling pathways. AR regulates the stability and function of YAP by modulating its transcription, translation, and phosphorylation status, while YAP exerts both promotional and inhibitory regulatory effects on AR. Based on these findings, this paper investigates their significant roles in the onset, progression, and therapeutic resistance of prostate cancer, and discusses the clinical potential of YAP in prostate cancer treatment.

Dietary Palmitic Acid Drives a Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC15-YAP Feedback Loop Promoting Tumor Metastasis

Elevated uptake of saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (PA) is associated with tumor metastasis; however, the precise mechanisms remain partially understood, hindering the development of therapy for PA-driven tumor metastasis. The Hippo-Yes-associated protein (Hippo/YAP) pathway is implicated in cancer progression. Here it is shown that a high-palm oil diet potentiates tumor metastasis in murine xenografts in part through YAP. It is found that the palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC15 is a YAP-regulated gene that forms a feedback loop with YAP. Notably, PA drives the ZDHHC15-YAP feedback loop, thus enforces YAP signaling, and hence promotes tumor metastasis in murine xenografts. In addition, it is shown that ZDHHC15 associates with Kidney and brain protein (KIBRA, also known as WW- and C2 domain-containing protein 1, WWC1), an upstream component of Hippo signaling, and mediates its palmitoylation. KIBRA palmitoylation leads to its degradation and regulates its subcellular localization and activity toward the Hippo/YAP pathway. Moreover, PA enhances KIBRA palmitoylation and degradation. It is further shown that combinatorial targeting of YAP and fatty acid synthesis exhibits augmented effects against metastasis formation in mice fed with a Palm diet. Collectively, these findings uncover a ZDHHC15-YAP feedback loop as a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying PA-promoted tumor metastasis and support targeting YAP and fatty acid synthesis as potential therapeutic targets in PA-driven tumor metastasis.

Single-nucleus and spatial landscape of the sub-ventricular zone in human glioblastoma

The sub-ventricular zone (SVZ) is the most well-characterized neurogenic area in the mammalian brain. We previously showed that in 65% of patients with glioblastoma (GBM), the SVZ is a reservoir of cancer stem-like cells that contribute to treatment resistance and the emergence of recurrence. Here, we build a single-nucleus RNA-sequencing-based microenvironment landscape of the tumor mass and the SVZ of 15 patients and two histologically normal SVZ samples as controls. We identify a ZEB1-centered mesenchymal signature in the tumor cells of the SVZ. Moreover, the SVZ microenvironment is characterized by tumor-supportive microglia, which spatially coexist and establish crosstalks with tumor cells. Last, differential gene expression analyses, predictions of ligand-receptor and incoming/outgoing interactions, and functional assays reveal that the interleukin (IL)-1β/IL-1RAcP and Wnt-5a/Frizzled-3 pathways represent potential therapeutic targets in the SVZ. Our data provide insights into the biology of the SVZ in patients with GBM and identify potential targets of this microenvironment.

Early matrix softening contributes to vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype switching and aortic dissection through down-regulation of microRNA-143/145

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) dysregulation. Aberrations in the ECM stiffness can lead to changes in cellular functions. However, the mechanism by which ECM softening regulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs) phenotype switching remains unclear. To understand this mechanism, we cultured VSMCs in a soft extracellular matrix and discovered that the expression of microRNA (miR)-143/145, mediated by activation of the AKT signalling pathway, decreased significantly. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-143/145 reduced BAPN-induced aortic softening, switching the VSMC synthetic phenotype and the incidence of TAD in mice. Additionally, high-throughput sequencing of immunoprecipitated RNA indicated that the TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) is a common target gene of miR-143/145, which was subsequently verified using a luciferase reporter assay. TEAD1 is upregulated in soft ECM hydrogels in vitro, whereas the switch to a synthetic phenotype in VSMCs decreases after TEAD1 knockdown. Finally, we verified that miR-143/145 levels are associated with disease severity and prognosis in patients with thoracic aortic dissection. ECM softening, as a result of promoting the VSMCs switch to a synthetic phenotype by downregulating miR-143/145, is an early trigger of TAD and provides a therapeutic target for this fatal disease. miR-143/145 plays a role in the early detection of aortic dissection and its severity and prognosis, which can offer information for future risk stratification of patients with dissection.

Deciphering the role of transcription factors in glioblastoma cancer stem cells

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and fatal brain malignancy, is largely driven by a subset of tumor cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs possess stem cell-like properties, including self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation, making them pivotal for tumor initiation, invasion, metastasis, and overall tumor progression. The regulation of CSCs is primarily controlled by transcription factors (TFs) which regulate the expressions of genes involved in maintaining stemness and directing differentiation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of TFs in regulating CSCs in GBM. The discussion encompasses the definitions of CSCs and TFs, the significance of glioma stem cells (GSCs) in GBM, and how TFs regulate GSC self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, and transformation. The potential for developing TF-targeted GSC therapies is also explored, along with future research directions. By understanding the regulation of GSCs by TFs, we may uncover novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against this devastating disease of GBM.

Single-nucleus and spatial landscape of the sub-ventricular zone in human glioblastoma

The sub-ventricular zone (SVZ) is the most well-characterized neurogenic area in the mammalian brain. We previously showed that in 65% of patients with glioblastoma (GBM), the SVZ is a reservoir of cancer stem-like cells that contribute to treatment resistance and emergence of recurrence. Here, we built a single-nucleus RNA-sequencing-based microenvironment landscape of the tumor mass (T_Mass) and the SVZ (T_SVZ) of 15 GBM patients and 2 histologically normal SVZ (N_SVZ) samples as controls. We identified a mesenchymal signature in the T_SVZ of GBM patients: tumor cells from the T_SVZ relied on the ZEB1 regulatory network, whereas tumor cells in the T_Mass relied on the TEAD1 regulatory network. Moreover, the T_SVZ microenvironment was predominantly characterized by tumor-supportive microglia, which spatially co-exist and establish heterotypic interactions with tumor cells. Lastly, differential gene expression analyses, predictions of ligand-receptor and incoming/outgoing interactions, and functional assays revealed that the IL-1β/IL-1RAcP and Wnt-5a/Frizzled-3 pathways are therapeutic targets in the T_SVZ microenvironment. Our data provide insights into the biology of the SVZ in GBM patients and identify specific targets of this microenvironment.

Differential Regulation of Male-Hormones-Related Enhancers Revealed by Chromatin Accessibility and Transcriptional Profiles in Pig Liver

Surgical castration can effectively avoid boar taint and improve pork quality by removing the synthesis of androstenone in the testis, thereby reducing its deposition in adipose tissue. The expression of genes involved in testis-derived hormone metabolism was altered following surgical castration, but the upstream regulatory factors and underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we systematically profiled chromatin accessibility and transcriptional dynamics in liver tissue of castrated and intact full-sibling Yorkshire pigs. First, we identified 897 differentially expressed genes and 6864 differential accessible regions (DARs) using RNA- and ATAC-seq. By integrating the RNA- and ATAC-seq results, 227 genes were identified, and a significant positive correlation was revealed between differential gene expression and the ATAC-seq signal. We constructed a transcription factor regulatory network after motif analysis of DARs and identified a candidate transcription factor (TF) SP1 that targeted the HSD3B1 gene, which was responsible for the metabolism of androstenone. Subsequently, we annotated DARs by incorporating H3K27ac ChIP-seq data, marking 2234 typical enhancers and 245 super enhancers involved in the regulation of all testis-derived hormones. Among these, four typical enhancers associated with HSD3B1 were identified. Furthermore, an in-depth investigation was conducted on the androstenone-related enhancers, and an androstenone-related mutation was identified in a newfound candidatetypical enhancer (andEN) with dual-luciferase assays. These findings provide further insights into how enhancers function as links between phenotypic and non-coding area variations. The discovery of upstream TF and enhancers of HSD3B1 contributes to understanding the regulatory networks of androstenone metabolism and provides an important foundation for improving pork quality.

Towards a structural and functional analysis of the immunoglobulin-fold proteome

The immunoglobulin fold (Ig fold) domain is a super-secondary structural motif consisting of a sandwich with two layers of β-sheets that is present in many proteins with very diverse biological functions covering a wide range of physiological processes. This domain presents a modular architecture built with β strands connected by variable length loops that has a highly conserved structural core of four β-strands and quite variable β-sheet extensions in the two sandwich layers that enable both divergent and convergent evolutionary mechanisms in the known Ig fold proteome. The central role of this Ig fold's structural plasticity in the evolutionary success of antibodies in our immune system is well established. Nature has also utilized this Ig fold in all domains of life in many different physiological contexts that go way beyond the immune system. Here we will present a structural and functional overview of the utilization of the Ig fold in different biological processes and in different cellular contexts to highlight some of the innumerable ways that this structural motif can interact in multidomain proteins to enable their diversity of functions. This includes shareable specific protein structure visualizations behind those functions that serve as starting points for further explorations of the biomolecular interactions spanning the Ig fold proteome. This overview also highlights how this Ig fold is being utilized through natural adaptation, engineering, and even building from scratch for a range of biotechnological applications.

Cell and gene therapy in neuro-oncology

The majority of primary brain tumors are gliomas, among which glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. GBM has a median survival of 18-24 months, and despite extensive research it remains incurable, thus novel therapies are urgently needed. The current standard of care is a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, but still remains ineffective due to the invasive nature and high recurrence of gliomas. Gene therapy is a versatile treatment strategy investigated for multiple tumor types including GBM. In gene therapy, a variety of vectors are employed to deliver genes designed for different antitumoral effects. Also, over the past decades, stem cell biology has provided a new approach to cancer therapies. Stem cells can be used as regenerative medicine, therapeutic carriers, drug targeting, and generation of immune cells. Stem cell-based therapy allows targeted therapy that spares healthy brain tissue as well as establishes a long-term antitumor response by stimulating the immune system and delivering prodrug, metabolizing genes, or even oncolytic viruses. This chapter describes the latest developments and the current trends in gene and cell-based therapy against GBM from both preclinical and clinical perspectives, including different gene therapy delivery systems, molecular targets, and stem cell therapies.

Super-enhancers: Implications in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most prevalent malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Despite intensive efforts to enhance the efficiencies of various therapeutics (chemotherapy, surgical interventions, molecular-targeted therapies, immunotherapies), the prognosis for patients with GC remains poor. This might be predominantly due to the limited understanding of the complicated etiology of GC. Importantly, epigenetic modifications and alterations are crucial during GC development. Super-enhancers (SEs) are a large cluster of adjacent enhancers that greatly activate transcription. SEs sustain cell-specific identity by enhancing the transcription of specific oncogenes. In this review, we systematically summarize how SEs are involved in GC development, including the SE landscape in GC, the SE target genes in GC, and the interventions related to SE functions for treating GC.

Inhibition of demethylase by IOX1 modulates chromatin accessibility to enhance NSCLC radiation sensitivity through attenuated PIF1

Chromatin accessibility is a critical determinant of gene transcriptional expression and regulated by histones modification. However, the potential for manipulating chromatin accessibility to regulate radiation sensitivity remains unclear. Our findings demonstrated that the histone demethylase inhibitor, 5-carboxy-8-hydroxyquinoline (IOX1), could enhance the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, IOX1 treatment reduced chromatin accessibility in the promoter region of DNA damage repair genes, leading to decreased DNA repair efficiency and elevated DNA damage induced by γ irradiation. Notably, IOX1 treatment significantly reduced both chromatin accessibility and the transcription of phytochrome interacting factor 1 (PIF1), a key player in telomere maintenance. Inhibition of PIF1 delayed radiation-induced DNA and telomeric DNA damage repair, as well as increased radiosensitivity of NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. Further study indicated that the above process was regulated by a reduction of transcription factor myc-associated zinc finger protein (MAZ) binding to the distal intergenic region of the PIF1. Taken together, IOX1-mediated demethylase inactivation reduced chromatin accessibility, leading to elevated telomere damage which is partly due to PIF1 inhibition, thereby enhancing NSCLC radiosensitivity.

Positive Association of TEAD1 With Schizophrenia in a Northeast Chinese Han Population

OBJECTIVE

Schizophrenia is a complex and devastating psychiatric disorder with a strong genetic background. However, much uncertainty still exists about the role of genetic susceptibility in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) is a transcription factor associated with neurodevelopment and has modulating effects on various nervous system diseases. In the current study, we performed a case-control association study in a Northeast Chinese Han population to explore the characteristics of pathogenic TEAD1 polymorphisms and potential association with schizophrenia.

METHODS

We recruited a total of 721 schizophrenia patients and 1,195 healthy controls in this study. The 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene region of TEAD1 were selected and genotyped.

RESULTS

The genetic association analyses showed that five SNPs (rs12289262, rs6485989, rs4415740, rs7113256, and rs1866709) were significantly different between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls in allele or/and genotype frequencies. After Bonferroni correction, the association of three SNPs (rs4415740, rs7113256, and rs1866709) with schizophrenia were still evident. Haplotype analysis revealed that two strong linkage disequilibrium blocks (rs6485989-rs4415740-rs7113256 and rs16911710-rs12364619-rs1866709) were globally associated with schizophrenia. Four haplotypes (C-C-C and T-T-T, rs6485989-rs4415740-rs7113256; G-T-A and G-T-G, rs16911710-rs12364619-rs1866709) were significantly different between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

The current findings indicated that the human TEAD1 gene has a genetic association with schizophrenia in the Chinese Han population and may act as a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia.

RPL22L1, a novel candidate oncogene promotes temozolomide resistance by activating STAT3 in glioblastoma

Aggressiveness and drug resistance are major challenges in the clinical treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). Our previously research reported a novel candidate oncogene ribosomal protein L22 like 1 (RPL22L1). The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential role and mechanism of RPL22L1 in progression and temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of GBM. Online database, tissue microarrays and clinical tissue specimens were used to evaluate the expression and clinical implication of RPL22L1 in GBM. We performed cell function assays, orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft tumor models to evaluate the effects and molecular mechanisms of RPL22L1 on GBM. RPL22L1 expression was significantly upregulated in GBM and associated with poorer prognosis. RPL22L1 overexpression enhanced GBM cell proliferation, migration, invasion, TMZ resistance and tumorigenicity, which could be reduced by RPL22L1 knockdown. Further, we found RPL22L1 promoted mesenchymal phenotype of GBM and the impact of these effects was closely related to EGFR/STAT3 pathway. Importantly, we observed that STAT3 specific inhibitor (Stattic) significantly inhibited the malignant functions of RPL22L1, especially on TMZ resistance. RPL22L1 overexpressed increased combination drug sensitive of Stattic and TMZ both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Stattic effectively restored the sensitive of RPL22L1 induced TMZ resistance in vitro and in vivo. Our study identified a novel candidate oncogene RPL22L1 which promoted the GBM malignancy through STAT3 pathway. And we highlighted that Stattic combined with TMZ therapy might be an effective treatment strategy in RPL22L1 high-expressed GBM patients.

Rewiring of the promoter-enhancer interactome and regulatory landscape in glioblastoma orchestrates gene expression underlying neurogliomal synaptic communication

Chromatin organization controls transcription by modulating 3D-interactions between enhancers and promoters in the nucleus. Alterations in epigenetic states and 3D-chromatin organization result in gene expression changes contributing to cancer. Here, we map the promoter-enhancer interactome and regulatory landscape of glioblastoma, the most aggressive primary brain tumour. Our data reveals profound rewiring of promoter-enhancer interactions, chromatin accessibility and redistribution of histone marks in glioblastoma. This leads to loss of long-range regulatory interactions and overall activation of promoters, which orchestrate changes in the expression of genes associated to glutamatergic synapses, axon guidance, axonogenesis and chromatin remodelling. SMAD3 and PITX1 emerge as major transcription factors controlling genes related to synapse organization and axon guidance. Inhibition of SMAD3 and neuronal activity stimulation cooperate to promote proliferation of glioblastoma cells in co-culture with glutamatergic neurons, and in mice bearing patient-derived xenografts. Our findings provide mechanistic insight into the regulatory networks that mediate neurogliomal synaptic communication.

Circular RNA circTIE1 drives proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells through regulating miR-1286/TEAD1 axis

Recent studies have verified that circRNAs (circular RNAs) play a critical role in glioma occurrence and malignant progression. However, numerous circRNAs with unknown functions remain to be explored with further research. qPCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) was employed to detect circTIE1 expression in glioma tissues, NHAs (normal human astrocytes), and glioma cellular lines (U87, U118, U251, T98G, LN229). Cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Cellular proliferation was evaluated by a 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) proliferation assay. Cell migration and aggression were both evaluated by transwell and migration assays. The direct binding and regulation among circTIE1, miR-1286 and TEAD1 was identified by western blotting, qPCR, luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Xenografts were generated by injecting glioma cells orthotopically into the brains of nude mice. Immunohistochemistry staining was implemented to evaluate the expression of the proliferation markers ki67 and TEAD1. We found that circTIE1 (circBase ID: hsa_circ_0012012) was upregulated in glioma tissues and glioma cellular lines in contrast to NBT (normal brain tissues) and NHA. CircTIE1 knockdown inhibited glioma cell viability, proliferation, migration and aggression both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circTIE1 could upregulate TEAD1 expression via miR-1286 sponging, and TEAD1 is a well-known functional gene that could promote malignant advancement in glioma. This research found a novel circRNA, circTIE1, which is an essential marker of glioma progression and diagnosis and may be anticipated to become a crucial target for molecular targeted therapy of glioma.

Epigenetic and transcriptional activation of the secretory kinase FAM20C as an oncogene in glioma

Gliomas are the most prevalent and aggressive malignancies of the nervous system. Previous bioinformatic studies have revealed the crucial role of the secretory pathway kinase FAM20C in the prediction of glioma invasion and malignancy. However, little is known about the pathogenesis of FAM20C in the regulation of glioma. Here, we construct the full-length transcriptome atlas in paired gliomas and observe that 22 genes are upregulated by full-length transcriptome and differential APA analysis. Analysis of ATAC-seq data reveals that both FAM20C and NPTN are the hub genes with chromatin openness and differential expression. Further, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that FAM20C stimulates the proliferation and metastasis of glioma cells. Meanwhile, NPTN, a novel cancer suppressor gene, counteracts the function of FAM20C by inhibiting both the proliferation and migration of glioma. The blockade of FAM20C by neutralizing antibodies results in the regression of xenograft tumors. Moreover, MAX, BRD4, MYC, and REST are found to be the potential trans-active factors for the regulation of FAM20C. Taken together, our results uncover the oncogenic role of FAM20C in glioma and shed new light on the treatment of glioma by abolishing FAM20C.

New findings on the action of hypericin in hypoxic cancer cells with a focus on the modulation of side population cells

The presence of key hypoxia regulators, namely, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α or HIF-2α, in tumors is associated with poor patient prognosis. Hypoxia massively activates several genes, including the one encoding the BCRP transporter that proffers multidrug resistance to cancer cells through the xenobiotic efflux and is a determinant of the side population (SP) associated with cancer stem-like phenotypes. As natural medicine comes to the fore, it is instinctive to look for natural agents possessing powerful features against cancer resistance. Hypericin, a pleiotropic agent found in Hypericum plants, is a good example as it is a BCRP substrate and potential inhibitor, and an SP and HIF modulator. Here, we showed that hypericin efficiently accumulated in hypoxic cancer cells, degraded HIF-1/2α, and decreased BCRP efflux together with hypoxia, thus diminishing the SP population. On the contrary, this seemingly favorable result was accompanied by the stimulated migration of this minor population that preserved the SP phenotype. Because hypoxia unexpectedly decreased the BCRP level and SP fraction, we compared the SP and non-SP proteomes and their changes under hypoxia in the A549 cell line. We identified differences among protein groups connected to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, although major changes were related to hypoxia, as the upregulation of many proteins, including serpin E1, PLOD2 and LOXL2, that ultimately contribute to the initiation of the metastatic cascade was detected. Altogether, this study helps in clarifying the innate and hypoxia-triggered resistance of cancer cells and highlights the ambivalent role of natural agents in the biology of these cells.

Transmembrane water-efflux rate measured by magnetic resonance imaging as a biomarker of the expression of aquaporin-4 in gliomas

The water-selective channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) contributes to the migration and proliferation of gliomas, and to their resistance to therapy. Here we show, in glioma cell cultures, in subcutaneous and orthotopic gliomas in rats, and in glioma tumours in patients, that transmembrane water-efflux rate is a sensitive biomarker of AQP4 expression and can be measured via conventional dynamic-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Water-efflux rates correlated with stages of glioma proliferation as well as with changes in the heterogeneity of intra-tumoural and inter-tumoural AQP4 in rodent and human gliomas following treatment with temozolomide and with the AQP4 inhibitor TGN020. Regions with low water-efflux rates contained higher fractions of stem-like slow-cycling cells and therapy-resistant cells, suggesting that maps of water-efflux rates could be used to identify gliomas that are resistant to therapies.

Gene Therapy for High Grade Glioma: The Clinical Experience

INTRODUCTION

High-grade gliomas (HGG) are the most common malignant primary brain tumors in adults, with a median survival of ~18 months. The standard of care (SOC) is maximal safe surgical resection, and radiation therapy with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide. This protocol remains unchanged since 2005, even though HGG median survival has marginally improved.

AREAS COVERED

Gene therapy was developed as a promising approach to treat HGG. Here, we review completed and ongoing clinical trials employing viral and non-viral vectors for adult and pediatric HGG, as well as the key supporting preclinical data.

EXPERT OPINION

These therapies have proven safe, and pre- and post-treatment tissue analyses demonstrated tumor cell lysis, increased immune cell infiltration, and increased systemic immune function. Although viral therapy in clinical trials has not yet significantly extended the survival of HGG, promising strategies are being tested. Oncolytic HSV vectors have shown promising results for both adult and pediatric HGG. A recently published study demonstrated that HG47Δ improved survival in recurrent HGG. Likewise, PVSRIPO has shown survival improvement compared to historical controls. It is likely that further analysis of these trials will stimulate the development of new administration protocols, and new therapeutic combinations that will improve HGG prognosis.

An atlas of late prenatal human neurodevelopment resolved by single-nucleus transcriptomics

Late prenatal development of the human neocortex encompasses a critical period of gliogenesis and cortical expansion. However, systematic single-cell analyses to resolve cellular diversity and gliogenic lineages of the third trimester are lacking. Here, we present a comprehensive single-nucleus RNA sequencing atlas of over 200,000 nuclei derived from the proliferative germinal matrix and laminating cortical plate of 15 prenatal, non-pathological postmortem samples from 17 to 41 gestational weeks, and 3 adult controls. This dataset captures prenatal gliogenesis with high temporal resolution and is provided as a resource for further interrogation. Our computational analysis resolves greater complexity of glial progenitors, including transient glial intermediate progenitor cell (gIPC) and nascent astrocyte populations in the third trimester of human gestation. We use lineage trajectory and RNA velocity inference to further characterize specific gIPC subpopulations preceding both oligodendrocyte (gIPC-O) and astrocyte (gIPC-A) lineage differentiation. We infer unique transcriptional drivers and biological pathways associated with each developmental state, validate gIPC-A and gIPC-O presence within the human germinal matrix and cortical plate in situ, and demonstrate gIPC states being recapitulated across adult and pediatric glioblastoma tumors.

Global changes in chromatin accessibility and transcription in growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma

PURPOSE

Growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (GHPA) is an insidious disease with persistent hypersecretion of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1, causing increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have investigated the transcription of GHPA. However, the gene regulatory landscape has not been fully characterized. The objective of our study was to unravel the changes in chromatin accessibility and transcription in GHPA.

METHODS

Six patients diagnosed with GHPA in the Department of Neurosurgery at Huashan Hospital were enrolled in our study. Primary pituitary adenoma tissues and adjacent normal pituitary specimens with no morphologic abnormalities from these six patients were obtained at surgery. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) were applied to investigate the underlying relationship between gene expression and chromatin accessibility changes in GHPA.

RESULTS

Totally, 1528 differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified by transcriptomics analyses, including 725 up-regulated and 803 down-regulated. Further, we obtained 64 significantly DEGs including 10 DEGs were elevated and 54 DEGs were negligibly expressed in tumors tissues. The up-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in terms related to synapse formation, nervous system development and secretory pathway. In parallel, 3916 increased and 2895 decreased chromatin-accessible regions were mapped by ATAC-seq. Additionally, the chromatin accessible changes were frequently located adjacent to transcription factor CTCF and Rfx2 binding site.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results are the first to demonstrate the landscape of chromatin accessibility in GHPA, which may contribute to illustrate the underlying transcriptional regulation mechanism of this disease.

Glioblastoma cell motility depends on enhanced oxidative stress coupled with mobilization of a sulfurtransferase

Cell motility is critical for tumor malignancy. Metabolism being an obligatory step in shaping cell behavior, we looked for metabolic weaknesses shared by motile cells across the diverse genetic contexts of patients' glioblastoma. Computational analyses of single-cell transcriptomes from thirty patients' tumors isolated cells with high motile potential and highlighted their metabolic specificities. These cells were characterized by enhanced mitochondrial load and oxidative stress coupled with mobilization of the cysteine metabolism enzyme 3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST). Functional assays with patients' tumor-derived cells and -tissue organoids, and genetic and pharmacological manipulations confirmed that the cells depend on enhanced ROS production and MPST activity for their motility. MPST action involved protection of protein cysteine residues from damaging hyperoxidation. Its knockdown translated in reduced tumor burden, and a robust increase in mice survival. Starting from cell-by-cell analyses of the patients' tumors, our work unravels metabolic dependencies of cell malignancy maintained across heterogeneous genomic landscapes.

Glioblastoma cell motility depends on enhanced oxidative stress coupled with mobilization of a sulfurtransferase

Cell motility is critical for tumor malignancy. Metabolism being an obligatory step in shaping cell behavior, we looked for metabolic weaknesses shared by motile cells across the diverse genetic contexts of patients' glioblastoma. Computational analyses of single-cell transcriptomes from thirty patients' tumors isolated cells with high motile potential and highlighted their metabolic specificities. These cells were characterized by enhanced mitochondrial load and oxidative stress coupled with mobilization of the cysteine metabolism enzyme 3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST). Functional assays with patients' tumor-derived cells and -tissue organoids, and genetic and pharmacological manipulations confirmed that the cells depend on enhanced ROS production and MPST activity for their motility. MPST action involved protection of protein cysteine residues from damaging hyperoxidation. Its knockdown translated in reduced tumor burden, and a robust increase in mice survival. Starting from cell-by-cell analyses of the patients' tumors, our work unravels metabolic dependencies of cell malignancy maintained across heterogeneous genomic landscapes.

High-resolution transcriptomics informs glial pathology in human temporal lobe epilepsy

The pathophysiology of epilepsy underlies a complex network dysfunction between neurons and glia, the molecular cell type-specific contributions of which remain poorly defined in the human disease. In this study, we validated a method that simultaneously isolates neuronal (NEUN +), astrocyte (PAX6 + NEUN-), and oligodendroglial progenitor (OPC) (OLIG2 + NEUN-) enriched nuclei populations from non-diseased, fresh-frozen human neocortex and then applied it to characterize the distinct transcriptomes of such populations isolated from electrode-mapped temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) surgical samples. Nuclear RNA-seq confirmed cell type specificity and informed both common and distinct pathways associated with TLE in astrocytes, OPCs, and neurons. Compared to postmortem control, the transcriptome of epilepsy astrocytes showed downregulation of mature astrocyte functions and upregulation of development-related genes. To gain further insight into glial heterogeneity in TLE, we performed single cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq) on four additional human TLE samples. Analysis of the integrated TLE dataset uncovered a prominent subpopulation of glia that express a hybrid signature of both reactive astrocyte and OPC markers, including many cells with a mixed GFAP + OLIG2 + phenotype. A further integrated analysis of this TLE scRNA-seq dataset and a previously published normal human temporal lobe scRNA-seq dataset confirmed the unique presence of hybrid glia only in TLE. Pseudotime analysis revealed cell transition trajectories stemming from this hybrid population towards both OPCs and reactive astrocytes. Immunofluorescence studies in human TLE samples confirmed the rare presence of GFAP + OLIG2 + glia, including some cells with proliferative activity, and functional analysis of cells isolated directly from these samples disclosed abnormal neurosphere formation in vitro. Overall, cell type-specific isolation of glia from surgical epilepsy samples combined with transcriptomic analyses uncovered abnormal glial subpopulations with de-differentiated phenotype, motivating further studies into the dysfunctional role of reactive glia in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Recent Advances in Glioma Cancer Treatment: Conventional and Epigenetic Realms

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most typical and aggressive form of primary brain tumor in adults, with a poor prognosis. Successful glioma treatment is hampered by ineffective medication distribution across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the emergence of drug resistance. Although a few FDA-approved multimodal treatments are available for glioblastoma, most patients still have poor prognoses. Targeting epigenetic variables, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and different vaccine- and peptide-based treatments are some innovative approaches to improve anti-glioma treatment efficacy. Following the identification of lymphatics in the central nervous system, immunotherapy offers a potential method with the potency to permeate the blood-brain barrier. This review will discuss the rationale, tactics, benefits, and drawbacks of current glioma therapy options in clinical and preclinical investigations.

TMEM158 promotes the proliferation and migration of glioma cells via STAT3 signaling in glioblastomas

Glioblastoma is the most common primary intracranial malignant tumor in adults and has high morbidity and high mortality. TMEM158 has been reported to promote the progression of solid tumors. However, its potential role in glioma is still unclear. Here, we found that TMEM158 expression in human glioma cells in the tumor core was significantly higher than that in noncancerous cells at the tumor edge using bioinformatics analysis. Cancer cells in patients with primary GBMs harbored significantly higher expression of TMEM158 than those in patients with WHO grade II or III gliomas. Interestingly, regardless of tumor grading, human glioma samples that were IDH1-wild-type (IDH1-WT) exhibited higher expression of TMEM158 than those with IDH1-mutant (IDH1-Mut). We also illustrated that TMEM158 mRNA expression was correlated with poor overall survival in glioma patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that silencing TMEM158 inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells and that TMEM158 overexpression promoted the migration and invasion of glioma cells by stimulating the EMT process. We found that the underlying mechanism involves STAT3 activation mediating TMEM158-driven glioma progression. In vivo results further confirmed the inhibitory effect of the TMEM158 downregulation on glioma growth. Collectively, these findings further our understanding of the oncogenic function of TMEM158 in gliomas, which represents a potential therapeutic target, especially for GBMs.

JUN activation modulates chromatin accessibility to drive TNFα ‐induced mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma

Chromatin dynamics as well as genetic evolution underlies the adaptability of tumour cells to environmental cues. Three subtypes of tumour cells have been identified in glioblastoma, one of the commonest malignant brain tumours in adults. During tumour progression or under therapeutic pressure, the non‐mesenchymal subtypes may progress to the mesenchymal subtype, leading to unfavourable prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms for this transition remain poorly understood. Here taking a TNFα‐induced cellular model, we profile the chromatin accessibility dynamics during mesenchymal transition. Moreover, we identify the JUN family as one of the key driving transcription factors for the gained chromatin accessibility. Accordingly, inhibition of JUN phosphorylation and therefore its transcription activity successfully impedes TNFα‐induced chromatin remodelling and mesenchymal transition. In line with these findings based on experimental models, JUN activity is positively correlated with mesenchymal features in clinical glioblastoma specimens. Together, this study unveils a deregulated transcription regulatory network in glioblastoma progression and hopefully provides a rationale for anti‐glioblastoma therapy.

TEADs serve as potential prognostic biomarkers and targets for human gastric cancer

TEADs are critical transcription factors that participate in the Hippo pathway. Evidence indicates the promotion role of TEADs in cancer progression. However, the role of TEADs and the expression patterns in gastric cancer remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the expression levels of TEADs in gastric cancer samples, and the clinical outcomes of patients with high TEADs expression were observed. Co-expression and interaction analysis as well as functional enrichment analysis were further conducted to determine the potential role of TEADs in gastric cancer. These results suggested TEADs may serve as the prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for gastric cancer. However, more studies are warranted to verify our findings and promote the application in gastric cancer patients.

Mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles containing miR-378a-3p inhibit the occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease by targeting GATA2

This study sought to determine whether mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles (MSCs-EVs) carrying microRNA-378a-3p (miR-378a-3p) could affect the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by regulating the GATA-binding protein 2 (GATA2)/aquaporin-4 (AQP4)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) axis. Initially, colon mucosa biopsy tissues were harvested from healthy controls and patients with IBD for qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. EVs harvested from MSCs and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to stimulate the M064 cells to establish an in vitro inflammation cell model. Besides, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid intracolon administration was performed to establish in vivo IBD mouse models. After loss- and gain-of-function assays, the regulatory role of MSCs-derived EVs loaded with manipulated miR-378a-3p in IBD in relation to GATA2/AQP4/PPAR-α were explored. Upregulation of GATA2 was identified in the colon tissue of IBD patients. GATA2, which was a target gene of miR-378a-3p, transcriptionally upregulated AQP4. After silencing of GATA2, LPS-induced apoptosis of M064 cells was reduced by the downregulation of AQP4. Decreased AQP4 contributed to PPAR-α pathway inactivation and weakened the LPS-induced apoptosis of M064 cells. MSCs-EVs delivering miR-378a-3p suppressed the GATA2/AQP4/PPAR-α pathway, which reduced LPS-induced apoptosis of M064 cells and the occurrence of IBD in mice. Altogether, the current study illustrated that MSCs-EVs transfer miR-378a-3p to reduce the GATA2 expression, which downregulates AQP4 to block the PPAR-α signalling pathway, thus suppressing the occurrence of IBD.

Identification of a novel autophagy-related prognostic signature and small molecule drugs for glioblastoma by bioinformatics

OBJECTIVE

To explore the autophagy-related prognostic signature (ARPs) via data mining in gene expression profiles for glioblastoma (GBM).

METHODS

Using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we obtained 156 GBM samples and 5 adjacent normal samples, and denoted them as discovery cohort. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen autophagy genes that related to GBM prognosis. Then, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model was used to construct an autophagy-based ARPs, which was validated in an external cohort containing 80 GBM samples. The patients in the above-mentioned cohorts were divided into low-risk group and high-risk group according to the median prognostic risk score, and the diagnostic performance of the model was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. The gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed between the high-risk and low-risk patients. Additionally, the genetic features of ARPs, such as genetic variation profiles, correlations with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and potential drug sensitivity, were further assessed in the TCGA-GBM data set.

RESULTS

A signature of ARPs including NDUFB9, BAK1, SUPT3H, GAPDH, CDKN1B, CHMP6, and EGFR were detected and validated. We identified a autophagy-related prognosis 7-gene signature correlated survival prognosis, immune infiltration, level of cytokines, and cytokine receptor in tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the signature was tested in several pathways related to disorders of tumor microenvironment, as well as cancer-related pathways. Additionally, a range of small molecular drugs, shown to have a potential therapeutic effect on GBM.

CONCLUSIONS

We constructed an autophagy-based 7-gene signature, which could serve as an independent prognostic indicator for cases of GBM and sheds light on the role of autophagy as a potential therapeutic target in GBM.

Cell-lineage controlled epigenetic regulation in glioblastoma stem cells determines functionally distinct subgroups and predicts patient survival

There is ample support for developmental regulation of glioblastoma stem cells. To examine how cell lineage controls glioblastoma stem cell function, we present a cross-species epigenome analysis of mouse and human glioblastoma stem cells. We analyze and compare the chromatin-accessibility landscape of nine mouse glioblastoma stem cell cultures of three defined origins and 60 patient-derived glioblastoma stem cell cultures by assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing. This separates the mouse cultures according to cell of origin and identifies three human glioblastoma stem cell clusters that show overlapping characteristics with each of the mouse groups, and a distribution along an axis of proneural to mesenchymal phenotypes. The epigenetic-based human glioblastoma stem cell clusters display distinct functional properties and can separate patient survival. Cross-species analyses reveals conserved epigenetic regulation of mouse and human glioblastoma stem cells. We conclude that epigenetic control of glioblastoma stem cells primarily is dictated by developmental origin which impacts clinically relevant glioblastoma stem cell properties and patient survival.

The epigenetic regulation of glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) function remains poorly understood. Here, the authors compare the chromatin accessibility landscape of GSC cultures from mice and patients and suggest that the epigenome of GSCs is cell lineage-regulated and could predict patient survival.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells may reduce intestinal epithelial damage in ulcerative colitis by communicating with macrophages and blocking inflammatory pathways: an analysis in silico

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, non-specific inflammatory disease that affects mainly the colonic mucosa and submucosa. The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis is unclear, which limits the development of effective treatments. In this study, single-cell sequencing data from 18 ulcerative colitis samples and 12 healthy controls were downloaded from the Single Cell Portal database, cell types were defined through cluster analysis, and genes in each cluster that were differentially expressed in ulcerative colitis were identified. These genes were enriched in functional pathways related to apoptosis, immunity and inflammation. Analysis using iTALK software suggested extensive communication among immune cells. Single-cell sequencing data from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells from three healthy female donors were obtained from the Sequence Read Archive database. The SingleR package was used to identify different cell types, for each of which a stemness score was calculated. Pseudotime analysis was performed to infer the trajectory of cells. SCENIC software was used to identify the gene regulatory network in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and iTALK software was performed to explore the relationship among macrophages, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and enterocytes. Molecular docking confirmed the possibility of cell-cell interactions via binding between surface receptors and their ligands. The bulk data were downloaded and analyzed to validate the expression of genes. Our bioinformatics analyses suggest that ulcerative colitis involves communication between macrophages and enterocytes via ligand-receptor pairs. Our results further suggest that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells may alleviate ulcerative colitis by communicating with macrophages to block inflammation.

MiR-597-5p suppresses the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting transcriptional enhancer associate domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with high incidence and mortality. MiR-597-5p is downregulated in tumor tissues of HCC compared with non-tumor tissues. However, its role in HCC is still unknown. This study aims to assess the function of miR-597-5p in HCC development and investigate the underlying mechanism. To perform gain- and loss-of-function studies, SK-HEP-1 cells and Huh-7 cells were transfected with miR-597-5p mimics and inhibitor, respectively. MiR-597-5p markedly reduced the cell viability and the expression of Ki-67 in HCC cells. MiR-597-5p also repressed the cell cycle progression of HCC cells and the protein levels of cyclin D1 and CDK2. Moreover, miR597-5p inhibited the migration and invasion of HCC cells and decreased MMP2 and MMP9 levels. Transcriptional enhancer associate domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) was identified as a target of miR-597-5p by luciferase reporter assay. TEAD1 and its downstream target genes, CTGF and CYR61, were downregulated by miR-597-5p in HCC cells. Furthermore, miR-597-5p was demonstrated to function in HCC progression by targeting TEAD1 via TEAD1 expression gain and loss. Our study demonstrates that miR-597-5p represses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells through targeting TEAD1, which provides a therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

YAP signaling in preovulatory granulosa cells is critical for the functioning of the EGF network during ovulation

Failure to ovulate is a major cause of infertility. The critical pathway that induces ovulation involves the EGF and MAPK phosphorylation, but studies in rodents have suggested that the Hippo activator, YAP, is also involved. It is unknown whether YAP-dependent transcriptional activity is important for the LH- or EGF-induced ovulatory cascade in monovulatory species such as the cow. Using a well-defined preovulatory GC culture system, we employed pharmacological inhibitors to demonstrate that YAP signaling is critical for expression of EGFR and downstream target genes EREG, EGR1 and TNFAIP6. Most importantly, by using an ultrasound guided follicle injection system, we also showed that the classic Hippo signaling inhibitor Verteporfin inhibits GnRH-induced ovulation in vivo in cattle. In conclusion, YAP transcriptional activity is critical for EGF-like cascade induced by LH to promote ovulation in a monovulatory species.

The Hippo pathway effectors YAP and TAZ interact with EGF-like signaling to regulate expansion-related events in bovine cumulus cells in vitro

PURPOSE

To determine if the inhibition of the interaction between the Hippo effector YAP or its transcriptional co-activator TAZ with the TEAD family of transcription factors is critical for the cumulus expansion-related events induced by the EGF network in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs).

METHODS

We performed a series of experiments using immature bovine COCs subjected to an IVM protocol for up 24 h in which cumulus expansion was stimulated with EGF recombinant protein or FSH.

RESULTS

The main results indicated that EGFR activity stimulation in bovine cumulus cells (CC) increases mRNA levels encoding the classic YAP/TAZ-TEAD target gene CTGF. To determine if important genes for cumulus expansion are transcriptional targets of YAP/TAZ-TEAD interaction in CC, COCs were then subjected to IVM in the presence of FSH with or without distinct concentrations of Verteporfin (VP; a small molecule inhibitor that interferes with YAP/TAZ binding to TEADs). COCs were then collected at 6, 12, 18, and 24 h for total RNA extraction and RT-qPCR analyses. This experiment indicated that VP inhibits in a time- and concentration-dependent manner distinct cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation-related genes, by regulating EGFR and CTGF expression in CC.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the results presented herein represent considerable insight into the functional relevance of a completely novel signaling pathway underlying cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in monovulatory species. YAP/TAZ or CTGF may represent potential targets to improve the efficiency of IVM systems, not only for monovulatory species of agricultural importance as the cow, but for human embryo production.

Transcription factors in glioblastoma - Molecular pathogenesis and clinical implications

Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is one of the most lethal human cancers, however, the molecular mechanisms driving GBM remain largely elusive. Recent studies have revealed that transcription factors are significantly involved in GBM biology. Transcription factors (TFs), which are proteins that bind DNA to regulate gene expression, have critical roles at focal points in signaling pathways, orchestrating many cellular processes, such as cell growth and proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immune responses, and metabolism. Dysregulated or mutated TFs are common in GBM, resulting in aberrant gene expression that promotes tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. In the present Review, we focus on TFs that are implicated in GBM pathogenesis, highlighting their oncogenic or tumor suppressive functions and describing the molecular mechanisms underlying their effect on GBM cells. We also discuss their use as biomarkers for GBM prognosis and therapeutic response, as well as their targeting with drugs for GBM treatment. Deciphering the role of TFs in the biology of GBM will provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms and reveal novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Interrogation of the microenvironmental landscape in spinal ependymomas reveals dual functions of tumor-associated macrophages

Spinal ependymomas are the most common spinal cord tumors in adults, but their intratumoral cellular heterogeneity has been less studied, and how spinal microglia are involved in tumor progression is still unknown. Here, our single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses of three spinal ependymoma subtypes dissect the microenvironmental landscape of spinal ependymomas and reveal tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) subsets with distinct functional phenotypes. CCL2+ TAMs are related to the immune response and exhibit a high capacity for apoptosis, while CD44+ TAMs are associated with tumor angiogenesis. By combining these results with those of single-cell ATAC-sequencing data analysis, we reveal that TEAD1 and EGR3 play roles in regulating the functional diversity of TAMs. We further identify diverse characteristics of both malignant cells and TAMs that might underlie the different malignant degrees of each subtype. Finally, assessment of cell-cell interactions reveal that stromal cells act as extracellular factors that mediate TAM diversity. Overall, our results reveal dual functions of TAMs in tumor progression, providing valuable insights for TAM-targeting immunotherapy.

Chromatin accessibility analysis identifies GSTM1 as a prognostic marker in human glioblastoma patients

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant human brain tumor that has an extremely poor prognosis. Classic mutations such as IDH (isocitrate dehydrogenase) mutations, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) alternations, and MGMT (O6-methylguanine-methyltransferase) promoter hypermethylation have been used to stratify patients and provide prognostic significance. Epigenetic perturbations have been demonstrated in glioblastoma tumorigenesis. Despite the genetic markers used in the management of glioblastoma patients, new biomarkers that could predict patient survival independent of known biomarkers remain to be identified.

METHODS

ATAC-seq (assay for transposase accessible chromatin followed by sequencing) and RNA-seq have been used to profile chromatin accessible regions using glioblastoma patient samples with short-survival versus long-survival. Cell viability, cell cycle, and Western blot analysis were used to characterize the cellular phenotypes and identify signaling pathways.

RESULTS

Analysis of chromatin accessibility by ATAC-seq coupled with RNA-seq methods identified the GSTM1 (glutathione S-transferase mu-1) gene, which featured higher chromatin accessibility in GBM tumors with short survival. GSTM1 was confirmed to be a significant prognostic marker to predict survival using a different GBM patient cohort. Knockdown of GSTM1 decreased cell viability, caused cell cycle arrest, and decreased the phosphorylation levels of the NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa B) p65 subunit and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) (pSer727).

CONCLUSIONS

This report demonstrates the use of ATAC-seq coupled with RNA-seq to identify GSTM1 as a prognostic marker of GBM patient survival. Activation of phosphorylation levels of NF-kB p65 and STAT3 (pSer727) by GSTM1 is shown. Analysis of chromatin accessibility in patient samples could generate an independent biomarker that can be used to predict patient survival.

Small Intestinal Submucosa Membrane Modified by Fusion Peptide-Mediated Extracellular Vesicles to Promote Tissue Regeneration

Tissue injury, which often occurs in daily life, remains challenging in clinical medicine. Developing a novel biomaterial with the capability to provide an ideal microenvironment and homeostasis around the wound is highly desirable for effective tissue regenerative medicine. The small intestinal submucosa (SIS) membrane possesses a precise spatial structure with excellent biocompatibility. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can achieve rapid cell proliferation and migration with little immune response by creating a satisfactory microenvironment. In this study, fusion peptide-mediated EVs are able to modify the surface of the SIS membrane via specific combination. In vitro studies prove that modified SIS membranes can promote cell migration and spreading. This phenomenon may be because of the activation of TEADs, which regulate cell behavior. By constructing a rat abdominal wall defect model, it is further demonstrated that the modified SIS membrane is more conducive to tissue regeneration. Collectively, these results suggest that SIS membranes modified by fusion peptide-mediated EVs achieve excellent biofunction and provide promising prospects for tissue regeneration.

Anti-invasive efficacy and survival benefit of the YAP-TEAD inhibitor Verteporfin in preclinical glioblastoma models

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains a largely incurable disease as current therapy fails to target the invasive nature of GBM growth in disease progression and recurrence. Here we use the FDA-approved drug and small molecule Hippo inhibitor Verteporfin to target YAP-TEAD activity, known to mediate convergent aspects of tumor invasion/metastasis, and assess the drug's efficacy and survival benefit in GBM models.

METHODS

Up to eight low-passage patient-derived GBM cell lines with distinct genomic drivers, including three primary/recurrent pairs, were treated with Verteporfin or vehicle to assess in-vitro effects on proliferation, migration, YAP-TEAD activity, and transcriptomics. Patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models (PDX) were used to assess Verteporfin's brain penetrance and effects on tumor burden and survival.

RESULTS

Verteporfin treatment disturbed YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity; disrupted transcriptome signatures related to invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal, and proneural-to-mesenchymal transition, phenocopying TEAD1-knockout effects; and impaired tumor migration/invasion dynamics across primary and recurrent GBM lines. In an aggressive orthotopic PDX GBM model, short-term Verteporfin treatment consistently diminished core and infiltrative tumor burden, which was associated with decreased tumor expression of Ki67, nuclear YAP, TEAD1, and TEAD-associated targets EGFR, CDH2 and ITGB1. Finally, long-term Verteporfin treatment appeared non-toxic and conferred survival benefit compared to vehicle in two PDX models: as monotherapy in primary (de-novo) GBM and in combination with Temozolomide chemoradiation in recurrent GBM, where VP treatment associated with increased MGMT methylation.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate combined anti-invasive and anti-proliferative efficacy for Verteporfin with survival benefit in preclinical GBM models, indicating potential therapeutic value of this already FDA-approved drug if repurposed for glioblastoma patients.

Applications of CRISPR-Cas9 Technology to Genome Editing in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive malignancy of the brain and spinal cord with a poor life expectancy. The low survivability of GBM patients can be attributed, in part, to its heterogeneity and the presence of multiple genetic alterations causing rapid tumor growth and resistance to conventional therapy. The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated (Cas) nuclease 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system is a cost-effective and reliable gene editing technology, which is widely used in cancer research. It leads to novel discoveries of various oncogenes that regulate autophagy, angiogenesis, and invasion and play important role in pathogenesis of various malignancies, including GBM. In this review article, we first describe the principle and methods of delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Second, we summarize the current knowledge and major applications of CRISPR-Cas9 to identifying and modifying the genetic regulators of the hallmark of GBM. Lastly, we elucidate the major limitations of current CRISPR-Cas9 technology in the GBM field and the future perspectives. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing aids in identifying novel coding and non-coding transcriptional regulators of the hallmarks of GBM particularly in vitro, while work using in vivo systems requires further investigation.

Integrated Chromatin Accessibility and Transcriptome Landscapes of Doxorubicin-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Doxorubicin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs for breast cancer while its common drug resistance leads to poor patient prognosis and survival. Growing evidence indicate dynamically reorganized chromatin allows rapid access of the gene regulatory machinery to open genomic regions facilitating subsequent gene expression through direct transcription factor (TF) activation and regulatory element binding.

METHODS

To better understand the regulatory network underlying doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer cells, we explored the systematic alterations of chromatin accessibility and gene expression by the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) in combination with RNA sequencing, followed by integrative analysis to identify potential regulators and their targets associated with differentially accessible regions (DARs) in doxorubicin-resistant MCF7 (MCF7-DR) cells.

RESULTS

A total of 3,963 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to doxorubicin resistance were identified, including dramatically up-regulated MT1E, GSTP1, LDHB, significantly down-regulated TFF1, UBB, DSCAM-AS1, and histone-modifying enzyme coding genes HDAC2, EZH2, PRMT5, etc. By integrating with transcriptomic datasets, we identified 18,228 DARs in MCF7-DR cells compared to control, which were positively correlated with their nearest DEGs (r = 0.6). There were 11,686 increased chromatin-accessible regions, which were enriched in up-regulated genes related to diverse KEGG pathways, such as the cell cycle, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, signaling pathways of MAPK, PI3K/Akt and Hippo, which play essential roles in regulating cell apoptosis, proliferation, metabolism, and inflammatory responses. The 6,542 decreased chromatin-accessible regions were identified for the declined doxorubicin-associated biological processes, for instance, endocrine and insulin resistance, central carbon metabolism, signaling pathways of TGF-beta and P53. Combining data from TCGA, analyses of the DAR sequences associated with the DNA-binding motifs of significantly enriched TF families including AP-1, TEAD and FOX, indicated that the loss-function of FOXA1 might play a critical role in doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells (DOX-R BCCs).

CONCLUSION

These data exhibit the non-genetic landscape of chromatin accessibility and transcript levels in the DOX-R BCCs, and provide clear insights and resources for the detection of critical TFs and potential cis-regulatory elements-based putative therapeutic targets.

Mapping chromatin accessibility and active regulatory elements reveals pathological mechanisms in human gliomas

Chromatin structure and accessibility, and combinatorial binding of transcription factors to regulatory elements in genomic DNA control transcription. Genetic variations in genes encoding histones, epigenetics-related enzymes or modifiers affect chromatin structure/dynamics and result in alterations in gene expression contributing to cancer development or progression. Gliomas are brain tumors frequently associated with epigenetics-related gene deregulation. We perform whole-genome mapping of chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, DNA methylation patterns and transcriptome analysis simultaneously in multiple tumor samples to unravel epigenetic dysfunctions driving gliomagenesis. Based on the results of the integrative analysis of the acquired profiles, we create an atlas of active enhancers and promoters in benign and malignant gliomas. We explore these elements and intersect with Hi-C data to uncover molecular mechanisms instructing gene expression in gliomas.

Fusion of single-cell transcriptome and DNA-binding data, for genomic network inference in cortical development

BACKGROUND

Network models are well-established as very useful computational-statistical tools in cell biology. However, a genomic network model based only on gene expression data can, by definition, only infer gene co-expression networks. Hence, in order to infer gene regulatory patterns, it is necessary to also include data related to binding of regulatory factors to DNA.

RESULTS

We propose a new dynamic genomic network model, for inferring patterns of genomic regulatory influence in dynamic processes such as development. Our model fuses experiment-specific gene expression data with publicly available DNA-binding data. The method we propose is computationally efficient, and can be applied to genome-wide data with tens of thousands of transcripts. Thus, our method is well suited for use as an exploratory tool for genome-wide data. We apply our method to data from human fetal cortical development, and our findings confirm genomic regulatory patterns which are recognised as being fundamental to neuronal development.

CONCLUSIONS

Our method provides a mathematical/computational toolbox which, when coupled with targeted experiments, will reveal and confirm important new functional genomic regulatory processes in mammalian development.

Circular RNA circ‑CCT3 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the miR‑1287‑5p/TEAD1/PTCH1/LOX axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a poor prognosis because of its insensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to serve important roles in hepatocellular carcinogenesis. circ-CCT3, a novel circRNA, was screened from the differential tissue expression results of a circRNA microarray. Relative expression levels of circ-CCT3 in specimens and cell lines were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and the relationship between circ-CCT3 and prognosis was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curves. The oncogenic role of circ-CCT3 was confirmed in HCC cells through a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, a colony formation assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide double fluorescence staining, flow cytometry, a wound-healing assay and a Transwell assay. Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase reporter assays validated that circ-CCT3 facilitated HCC progression through the miR-1287-5p/TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) axis. TEAD1 could then directly activate patched 1 and lysyl oxidase transcription, as analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. The present study identified a novel circRNA, circ-CCT3, which may be used as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Current Approaches for Glioma Gene Therapy and Virotherapy

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in the adult population and it carries a dismal prognosis. Inefficient drug delivery across the blood brain barrier (BBB), an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and development of drug resistance are key barriers to successful glioma treatment. Since gliomas occur through sequential acquisition of genetic alterations, gene therapy, which enables to modification of the genetic make-up of target cells, appears to be a promising approach to overcome the obstacles encountered by current therapeutic strategies. Gene therapy is a rapidly evolving field with the ultimate goal of achieving specific delivery of therapeutic molecules using either viral or non-viral delivery vehicles. Gene therapy can also be used to enhance immune responses to tumor antigens, reprogram the TME aiming at blocking glioma-mediated immunosuppression and normalize angiogenesis. Nano-particles-mediated gene therapy is currently being developed to overcome the BBB for glioma treatment. Another approach to enhance the anti-glioma efficacy is the implementation of viro-immunotherapy using oncolytic viruses, which are immunogenic. Oncolytic viruses kill tumor cells due to cancer cell-specific viral replication, and can also initiate an anti-tumor immunity. However, concerns still remain related to off target effects, and therapeutic and transduction efficiency. In this review, we describe the rationale and strategies as well as advantages and disadvantages of current gene therapy approaches against gliomas in clinical and preclinical studies. This includes different delivery systems comprising of viral, and non-viral delivery platforms along with suicide/prodrug, oncolytic, cytokine, and tumor suppressor-mediated gene therapy approaches. In addition, advances in glioma treatment through BBB-disruptive gene therapy and anti-EGFRvIII/VEGFR gene therapy are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the results of gene therapy-mediated human clinical trials for gliomas. In summary, we highlight the progress, prospects and remaining challenges of gene therapies aiming at broadening our understanding and highlighting the therapeutic arsenal for GBM.

BDKRB2 is a novel EMT-related biomarker and predicts poor survival in glioma

Bradykinin receptor B2 (BDKRB2) has been reported as an oncogene in several malignancies. In glioma, the role of BDKRB2 remains unknown. This study aimed at investigating its clinical significance and biological function in glioma at the transcriptional level. We selected 301 glioma patients with microarray data from CGGA database and 697 with RNAseq data from TCGA database. Transcriptome and clinical data of 998 samples were analyzed. Statistical analysis and figure generating were performed with R language. BDKRB2 expression showed a positive correlation with the WHO grade of glioma. BDKRB2 was increased in IDH wildtype and mesenchymal subtype of glioma. Gene ontology analysis demonstrated that BDKRB2 was profoundly associated with extracellular matrix organization in glioma. GSEA analysis revealed that BDKRB2 was particularly correlated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). GSVA analysis showed that BDKRB2 was significantly paralleled with several EMT signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, hypoxia, and TGF-β. Moreover, BDKRB2 expression was significantly correlated with key biomarkers of EMT, especially with N-cadherin, snail, slug, vimentin, TWIST1, and TWIST2. Finally, higher BDKRB2 indicated significantly shorter survival for glioma patients. In conclusion, BDKRB2 was associated with more aggressive phenotypes of gliomas. Furthermore, BDKRB2 was involved in the EMT process and could serve as an independent prognosticator in glioma.

Chromatin accessibility profiling methods

Chromatin accessibility, or the physical access to chromatinized DNA, is a widely studied characteristic of the eukaryotic genome. As active regulatory DNA elements are generally 'accessible', the genome-wide profiling of chromatin accessibility can be used to identify candidate regulatory genomic regions in a tissue or cell type. Multiple biochemical methods have been developed to profile chromatin accessibility, both in bulk and at the single-cell level. Depending on the method, enzymatic cleavage, transposition or DNA methyltransferases are used, followed by high-throughput sequencing, providing a view of genome-wide chromatin accessibility. In this Primer, we discuss these biochemical methods, as well as bioinformatics tools for analysing and interpreting the generated data, and insights into the key regulators underlying developmental, evolutionary and disease processes. We outline standards for data quality, reproducibility and deposition used by the genomics community. Although chromatin accessibility profiling is invaluable to study gene regulation, alone it provides only a partial view of this complex process. Orthogonal assays facilitate the interpretation of accessible regions with respect to enhancer-promoter proximity, functional transcription factor binding and regulatory function. We envision that technological improvements including single-molecule, multi-omics and spatial methods will bring further insight into the secrets of genome regulation.