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Lin H, Liu C, Hu A, Zhang D, Yang H, Mao Y. Understanding the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma: mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:31. [PMID: 38720342 PMCID: PMC11077829 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the predominant and primary malignant intracranial tumor, poses a formidable challenge due to its immunosuppressive microenvironment, thereby confounding conventional therapeutic interventions. Despite the established treatment regimen comprising surgical intervention, radiotherapy, temozolomide administration, and the exploration of emerging modalities such as immunotherapy and integration of medicine and engineering technology therapy, the efficacy of these approaches remains constrained, resulting in suboptimal prognostic outcomes. In recent years, intensive scrutiny of the inhibitory and immunosuppressive milieu within GBM has underscored the significance of cellular constituents of the GBM microenvironment and their interactions with malignant cells and neurons. Novel immune and targeted therapy strategies have emerged, offering promising avenues for advancing GBM treatment. One pivotal mechanism orchestrating immunosuppression in GBM involves the aggregation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), glioma-associated macrophage/microglia (GAM), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Among these, MDSCs, though constituting a minority (4-8%) of CD45+ cells in GBM, play a central component in fostering immune evasion and propelling tumor progression, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. MDSCs deploy intricate immunosuppressive mechanisms that adapt to the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the interplay between GBM and MDSCs provides a compelling basis for therapeutic interventions. This review seeks to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms inherent in the GBM microenvironment, explore existing therapeutic targets, and consolidate recent insights into MDSC induction and their contribution to GBM immunosuppression. Additionally, the review comprehensively surveys ongoing clinical trials and potential treatment strategies, envisioning a future where targeting MDSCs could reshape the immune landscape of GBM. Through the synergistic integration of immunotherapy with other therapeutic modalities, this approach can establish a multidisciplinary, multi-target paradigm, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life in patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaxian Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Duanwu Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Ge X, Yang Y, Wang W, Tian L, Zhang G, Tian Z, Xue X. Pediatric H3K27M‑mutant diffuse midline glioma with vertebral metastasis: A case report and literature review. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:48. [PMID: 38192660 PMCID: PMC10773191 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a type of high-grade glial tumor, which occurs in the midline structure and develops mostly in children. Extraneural metastases (ENM) are exceedingly rare in patients with H3K27M-mutant DMG. A 9-year-old male patient presented with a headache, nausea and vomiting. Following magnetic resonance imaging and immunohistochemical molecular testing examination, the patient was diagnosed with H3K27M-mutant DMG and received chemoradiotherapy plus five cycles of chemotherapy with temozolomide intermittently as an adjuvant therapy. The treatment resulted in a slight reduction of the tumor volume. However, 2 months later, the patient was admitted to hospital with complaints of drooping of the mouth, and waist and back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging and positron-emission tomography-computed tomography revealed an unusual presentation with multiple vertebral metastases and craniospinal leptomeningeal dissemination. Following discussion between the members of a multidisciplinary medical team, the patient underwent one cycle of chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and cisplatin. However, the condition did not improve and the patient died 4 weeks after the diagnosis of ENM. The mechanisms underlying the development of these rare metastases remain unclear. The present case report provides insights into the clinical characteristics and potential metastasis mechanisms of this aggressive disease and may help to elucidate new pathways for the management of ENM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Ge
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Wenyan Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Zhesen Tian
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoying Xue
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
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3
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Brown EJ, Balaguer-Lluna L, Cribbs AP, Philpott M, Campo L, Browne M, Wong JF, Oppermann U, Carcaboso ÁM, Bullock AN, Farnie G. PRMT5 inhibition shows in vitro efficacy against H3K27M-altered diffuse midline glioma, but does not extend survival in vivo. Sci Rep 2024; 14:328. [PMID: 38172189 PMCID: PMC10764357 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48652-x] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
H3K27-altered Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) is a universally fatal paediatric brainstem tumour. The prevalent driver mutation H3K27M creates a unique epigenetic landscape that may also establish therapeutic vulnerabilities to epigenetic inhibitors. However, while HDAC, EZH2 and BET inhibitors have proven somewhat effective in pre-clinical models, none have translated into clinical benefit due to either poor blood-brain barrier penetration, lack of efficacy or toxicity. Thus, there remains an urgent need for new DMG treatments. Here, we performed wider screening of an epigenetic inhibitor library and identified inhibitors of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) among the top hits reducing DMG cell viability. Two of the most effective inhibitors, LLY-283 and GSK591, were targeted against PRMT5 using distinct binding mechanisms and reduced the viability of a subset of DMG cells expressing wild-type TP53 and mutant ACVR1. RNA-sequencing and phenotypic analyses revealed that LLY-283 could reduce the viability, clonogenicity and invasion of DMG cells in vitro, representing three clinically important phenotypes, but failed to prolong survival in an orthotopic xenograft model. Together, these data show the challenges of DMG treatment and highlight PRMT5 inhibitors for consideration in future studies of combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Brown
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Leire Balaguer-Lluna
- SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adam P Cribbs
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Philpott
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Leticia Campo
- Department of Oncology, Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Molly Browne
- Department of Oncology, Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jong Fu Wong
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit (BRU), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ángel M Carcaboso
- SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex N Bullock
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Gillian Farnie
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Centre for Translational Myeloma Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Cancer Research Horizons, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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4
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Pang F, Zhang L, Li M, Yi X, Wang Y, Yang P, Wen B, Jiang J, Teng Y, Yang X, Chen L, Xu J, Wang L. Ribosomal S6 protein kinase 4 promotes resistance to EZH2 inhibitors in glioblastoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1636-1648. [PMID: 37726387 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00666-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant type of brain tumor with limited treatment options. Recent research has focused on epigenetic regulatory factors, such as Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), which plays a role in gene expression through epigenetic modifications. EZH2 inhibitors have been developed as potential therapeutic agents for GBM, but resistance to these inhibitors remains a considerable challenge. This study aimed to investigate the role of ribosomal S6 protein kinase 4 (RSK4) in GBM and its association with resistance to EZH2 inhibitors. We first induced drug resistance in primary GBM cell lines by treatment with an EZH2 inhibitor and observed increases in the expression of stemness markers associated with glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in the drug-resistant cells. We also found high expression of RSK4 in GBM patient samples and identified the correlation of high RSK4 expression with poor prognosis and GSC marker expression. Further experiments showed that knocking down RSK4 in drug-resistant GBM cells restored their sensitivity to EZH2 inhibitors and decreased the expression of GSC markers, thus reducing their self-renewal capacity. From a mechanistic perspective, we discovered that RSK4 directly phosphorylates EZH2, activating the EZH2/STAT3 pathway and promoting resistance to EZH2 inhibitors in GBM. We also found that combining EZH2 inhibitors with an RSK4 inhibitor called BI-D1870 had better inhibitory effects on GBM occurrence and progression in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that RSK4 enhances cancer stemness and mediates resistance to EZH2 inhibitors in GBM. Combination treatment with EZH2 inhibitors and RSK4 inhibitors is a promising potential therapeutic strategy for GBM. Collectively, our results strongly demonstrate that RSK4 regulates the EZH2/STAT3 pathway to promote GSC maintenance and EZH2i resistance in a PRC2-independent manner, indicating that RSK4 is a promising therapeutic target for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangning Pang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine and Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xicai Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peng Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bin Wen
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinquan Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yunpeng Teng
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Ligang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.
| | - Jin Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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5
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du Chatinier A, Velilla IQ, Meel MH, Hoving EW, Hulleman E, Metselaar DS. Microglia in pediatric brain tumors: The missing link to successful immunotherapy. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101246. [PMID: 37924816 PMCID: PMC10694606 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in children. Despite the development of immunotherapeutic strategies for adult brain tumors, progress in pediatric neuro-oncology has been hindered by the complex and poorly understood nature of the brain's immune system during early development, a phase that is critical for the onset of many pediatric brain tumors. A defining characteristic of these tumors is the abundance of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. In this review, we explore the concept of microglial diversity across brain regions and throughout development and discuss how their maturation stage may contribute to tumor growth in children. We also summarize the current knowledge on the roles of microglia in common pediatric brain tumor entities and provide examples of myeloid-based immunotherapeutic strategies. Our review underscores the importance of microglial plasticity in pediatric brain tumors and its significance for developing effective immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimée du Chatinier
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Irene Querol Velilla
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michaël Hananja Meel
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eelco Wieger Hoving
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Serge Metselaar
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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6
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Dewdney B, Jenkins MR, Best SA, Freytag S, Prasad K, Holst J, Endersby R, Johns TG. From signalling pathways to targeted therapies: unravelling glioblastoma's secrets and harnessing two decades of progress. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:400. [PMID: 37857607 PMCID: PMC10587102 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01637-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a rare, and highly lethal form of brain cancer, poses significant challenges in terms of therapeutic resistance, and poor survival rates for both adult and paediatric patients alike. Despite advancements in brain cancer research driven by a technological revolution, translating our understanding of glioblastoma pathogenesis into improved clinical outcomes remains a critical unmet need. This review emphasises the intricate role of receptor tyrosine kinase signalling pathways, epigenetic mechanisms, and metabolic functions in glioblastoma tumourigenesis and therapeutic resistance. We also discuss the extensive efforts over the past two decades that have explored targeted therapies against these pathways. Emerging therapeutic approaches, such as antibody-toxin conjugates or CAR T cell therapies, offer potential by specifically targeting proteins on the glioblastoma cell surface. Combination strategies incorporating protein-targeted therapy and immune-based therapies demonstrate great promise for future clinical research. Moreover, gaining insights into the role of cell-of-origin in glioblastoma treatment response holds the potential to advance precision medicine approaches. Addressing these challenges is crucial to improving outcomes for glioblastoma patients and moving towards more effective precision therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Dewdney
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
- Centre For Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Misty R Jenkins
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
| | - Sarah A Best
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
| | - Saskia Freytag
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
| | - Krishneel Prasad
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
| | - Jeff Holst
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Raelene Endersby
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre For Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Terrance G Johns
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre For Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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7
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Gladkova MG, Leidmaa E, Anderzhanova EA. Epidrugs in the Therapy of Central Nervous System Disorders: A Way to Drive on? Cells 2023; 12:1464. [PMID: 37296584 PMCID: PMC10253154 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The polygenic nature of neurological and psychiatric syndromes and the significant impact of environmental factors on the underlying developmental, homeostatic, and neuroplastic mechanisms suggest that an efficient therapy for these disorders should be a complex one. Pharmacological interventions with drugs selectively influencing the epigenetic landscape (epidrugs) allow one to hit multiple targets, therefore, assumably addressing a wide spectrum of genetic and environmental mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The aim of this review is to understand what fundamental pathological mechanisms would be optimal to target with epidrugs in the treatment of neurological or psychiatric complications. To date, the use of histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (HDACis and DNMTis) in the clinic is focused on the treatment of neoplasms (mainly of a glial origin) and is based on the cytostatic and cytotoxic actions of these compounds. Preclinical data show that besides this activity, inhibitors of histone deacetylases, DNA methyltransferases, bromodomains, and ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins impact the expression of neuroimmune inflammation mediators (cytokines and pro-apoptotic factors), neurotrophins (brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF)), ion channels, ionotropic receptors, as well as pathoproteins (β-amyloid, tau protein, and α-synuclein). Based on this profile of activities, epidrugs may be favorable as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. For the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, drug addiction, as well as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, contemporary epidrugs still require further development concerning a tuning of pharmacological effects, reduction in toxicity, and development of efficient treatment protocols. A promising strategy to further clarify the potential targets of epidrugs as therapeutic means to cure neurological and psychiatric syndromes is the profiling of the epigenetic mechanisms, which have evolved upon actions of complex physiological lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical exercise, and which are effective in the management of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G. Gladkova
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Este Leidmaa
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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8
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von Knebel Doeberitz N, Paech D, Sturm D, Pusch S, Turcan S, Saunthararajah Y. Changing paradigms in oncology: Toward noncytotoxic treatments for advanced gliomas. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:1431-1446. [PMID: 35603902 PMCID: PMC9474618 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Glial-lineage malignancies (gliomas) recurrently mutate and/or delete the master regulators of apoptosis p53 and/or p16/CDKN2A, undermining apoptosis-intending (cytotoxic) treatments. By contrast to disrupted p53/p16, glioma cells are live-wired with the master transcription factor circuits that specify and drive glial lineage fates: these transcription factors activate early-glial and replication programs as expected, but fail in their other usual function of forcing onward glial lineage-maturation-late-glial genes have constitutively "closed" chromatin requiring chromatin-remodeling for activation-glioma-genesis disrupts several epigenetic components needed to perform this work, and simultaneously amplifies repressing epigenetic machinery instead. Pharmacologic inhibition of repressing epigenetic enzymes thus allows activation of late-glial genes and terminates glioma self-replication (self-replication = replication without lineage-maturation), independent of p53/p16/apoptosis. Lineage-specifying master transcription factors therefore contrast with p53/p16 in being enriched in self-replicating glioma cells, reveal a cause-effect relationship between aberrant epigenetic repression of late-lineage programs and malignant self-replication, and point to specific epigenetic targets for noncytotoxic glioma-therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Paech
- Division of RadiologyGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
- Department of NeuroradiologyBonn University HospitalBonnGermany
| | - Dominik Sturm
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ) HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)HeidelbergGermany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology & ImmunologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Stefan Pusch
- Department of NeuropathologyInstitute of Pathology, Ruprecht‐Karls‐University HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Sevin Turcan
- Department of NeurologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology ResearchTaussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
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9
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Di Ruscio V, Del Baldo G, Fabozzi F, Vinci M, Cacchione A, de Billy E, Megaro G, Carai A, Mastronuzzi A. Pediatric Diffuse Midline Gliomas: An Unfinished Puzzle. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092064. [PMID: 36140466 PMCID: PMC9497626 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a heterogeneous group of aggressive pediatric brain tumors with a fatal prognosis. The biological hallmark in the major part of the cases is H3K27 alteration. Prognosis remains poor, with median survival ranging from 9 to 12 months from diagnosis. Clinical and radiological prognostic factors only partially change the progression-free survival but they do not improve the overall survival. Despite efforts, there is currently no curative therapy for DMG. Radiotherapy remains the standard treatment with only transitory benefits. No chemotherapeutic regimens were found to significantly improve the prognosis. In the new era of a deeper integration between histological and molecular findings, potential new approaches are currently under investigation. The entire international scientific community is trying to target DMG on different aspects. The therapeutic strategies involve targeting epigenetic alterations, such as methylation and acetylation status, as well as identifying new molecular pathways that regulate oncogenic proliferation; immunotherapy approaches too are an interesting point of research in the oncology field, and the possibility of driving the immune system against tumor cells has currently been evaluated in several clinical trials, with promising preliminary results. Moreover, thanks to nanotechnology amelioration, the development of innovative delivery approaches to overcross a hostile tumor microenvironment and an almost intact blood–brain barrier could potentially change tumor responses to different treatments. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of available and potential new treatments that are worldwide under investigation, with the intent that patient- and tumor-specific treatment could change the biological inauspicious history of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Di Ruscio
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapies, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapies, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabozzi
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapies, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vinci
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapies, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cacchione
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapies, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Emmanuel de Billy
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapies, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomina Megaro
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapies, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapies, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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10
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Immunogenic Cell Death Enhances Immunotherapy of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: From Preclinical to Clinical Studies. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091762. [PMID: 36145510 PMCID: PMC9502387 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the most lethal tumor involving the pediatric central nervous system. The median survival of children that are diagnosed with DIPG is only 9 to 11 months. More than 200 clinical trials have failed to increase the survival outcomes using conventional cytotoxic or myeloablative chemotherapy. Immunotherapy presents exciting therapeutic opportunities against DIPG that is characterized by unique and heterogeneous features. However, the non-inflammatory DIPG microenvironment greatly limits the role of immunotherapy in DIPG. Encouragingly, the induction of immunogenic cell death, accompanied by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) shows satisfactory efficacy of immune stimulation and antitumor strategies. This review dwells on the dilemma and advances in immunotherapy for DIPG, and the potential efficacy of immunogenic cell death (ICD) in the immunotherapy of DIPG.
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11
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Dhar S, Gadd S, Patel P, Vaynshteyn J, Raju GP, Hashizume R, Brat DJ, Becher OJ. A tumor suppressor role for EZH2 in diffuse midline glioma pathogenesis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:47. [PMID: 35395831 PMCID: PMC8994223 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01336-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas, specifically diffuse midline gliomas, account for only 20% of clinical cases but are 100% fatal. A majority of the DMG cases are characterized by the signature K27M mutation in histone H3. The H3K27M mutation opposes the function of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the methyltransferase enzyme of the polycomb repressor complex 2. However, the role of EZH2 in DMG pathogenesis is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate a tumor suppressor function for EZH2 using Ezh2 loss- and gain-of-function studies in H3WT DMG mouse models. Genetic ablation of Ezh2 increased cell proliferation and tumor grade while expression of an Ezh2 gain-of-function mutation significantly reduced tumor incidence and increased tumor latency. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Ezh2 deletion upregulates an inflammatory response with upregulation of immunoproteasome genes such as Psmb8, Psmb9, and Psmb10. Ezh2 gain-of-function resulted in enrichment of the oxidative phosphorylation/mitochondrial metabolic pathway namely the isocitrate dehydrogenase Idh1/2/3 genes. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 augmented neural progenitor cell proliferation, supporting the tumor suppressive role of EZH2. In vivo 7-day treatment of H3K27M DMG tumor bearing mice with an EZH2 inhibitor, Tazemetostat, did not alter proliferation or significantly impact survival. Together our results suggest that EZH2 has a tumor suppressor function in DMG and warrants caution in clinical translation of EZH2 inhibitors to treat patients with DMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Dhar
- grid.413808.60000 0004 0388 2248Department of Pediatrics, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL USA ,Present Address: NeoImmuneTech Inc., 2400 Research Blvd., Suite 250, Rockville, MD USA
| | - Samantha Gadd
- grid.413808.60000 0004 0388 2248Department of Pathology, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Priyam Patel
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Quantitative Data Science Core, Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Jake Vaynshteyn
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - G. Praveen Raju
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- grid.413808.60000 0004 0388 2248Department of Pediatrics, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Daniel J. Brat
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Oren J. Becher
- grid.413808.60000 0004 0388 2248Department of Pediatrics, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
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12
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Mousazadeh L, Mousazadeh B, Motaei J, Abbasi F, Esfehani RJ. Preclinical and clinical aspects of using Tazemetostate in human cancers. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:1329-1333. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612828666220408121514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Epigenetic drugs are novel drug categories with promising effects in different cancers. Tazemetostate is among the drugs that were recently used in clinical settings, especially in the treatment of specific tumors and lymphomas. There are a growing number of ongoing clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of tazemetostate in different cancers. The present review addressed the available preclinical studies evaluating the combination of tazemetostate and other chemotherapy agents in treating different cancers and summarized the limited clinical evidence available regarding the efficacy of this novel Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitor in cancer. Based on the available clinical studies, tazemetostate could be considered a safe epigenetic agent with limited adverse events for treating specific types of lymphomas and solid tumors. However, the superiority of using tazemetostate over other chemotherapy agents in patients with cancer as well as using the drug for other clinical conditions including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis needs further investigation. Moreover, the effect of tazemetostate on human germline cells is clearly evaluated as some animal studies demonstrated that the drug can affect germline epigenome suggesting further studies on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Mousazadeh
- Department of Nursing, Kurdistan Technical Institute, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Behzad Mousazadeh
- Department of Medical laboratory science, Kurdistan Technical Institute, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Jamshid Motaei
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Faezeh Abbasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Reza Jafarzadeh Esfehani
- Blood Borne Infections Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR)- Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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13
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Rahal F, Capdevielle C, Rousseau B, Yzotte J, Dupuy JW, Cappellen D, Chotard G, Ménard M, Charpentier J, Jecko V, Caumont C, Gimbert E, Grosset CF, Hagedorn M. An EZH2 blocker sensitizes histone mutated diffuse midline glioma to cholesterol metabolism inhibitors through an off-target effect. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac018. [PMID: 35300150 PMCID: PMC8923007 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse Midline Glioma, H3K27M-mutant (DMG) is a rare, highly aggressive pediatric tumor affecting the brainstem, and is one of the deadliest cancers. Currently available treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy do only modestly prolong survival. In this pathology, H3K27 mutations deregulate Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), including enzymatic activity of EZH2, which is therefore under investigation as a therapeutic target. Methods We used a chemical EZH2 inhibitor, GSK126, small interfering RNAs, and a CRISPR/Cas9 knockout approaches in a series of DMG tumor cell lines to investigate metabolic treatment responses by proteomic analysis. A combination strategy was elaborated and studied in primary and established DMG cells, spheroid 3D cultures, and in vivo in a chick chorio-allantoic membrane DMG assay and an orthotopic intracranial DMG mouse model. Results GSK126 shows significant (P < .05–.001) inhibitory effects in in vitro cell proliferation assays and induces apoptosis. Chemical targeting of EZH2 induced expression of proteins implicated in cholesterol metabolism. Low-dose GSK126 treatment together with statins revealed strong growth inhibition in combinatorial treatments, but not in single treatments, both in DMG cells in vitro, in DMG spheroid cultures, and in chick and mouse in vivo models (P < .05). All statistical tests were two-sided. Conclusions Our results reveal an unexpected GSK126-inducible sensitivity to cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors in highly aggressive pediatric glioma that warrants further evaluation as treatment strategy. This combinatorial therapy should have few side effects because of the low doses used to achieve significant anti-tumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Rahal
- Univ Bordeaux, Campus de Carreire/Victoire, Sciences de la santé/Sciences de l'Homme, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
- Inserm U1035, Bâtiment TP Zone Sud, Bordeaux, France
| | - Caroline Capdevielle
- Univ Bordeaux, Campus de Carreire/Victoire, Sciences de la santé/Sciences de l'Homme, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
- Inserm U1035, Bâtiment TP Zone Sud, Bordeaux, France
| | - Benoit Rousseau
- Univ Bordeaux, Campus de Carreire/Victoire, Sciences de la santé/Sciences de l'Homme, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
- Animalerie A2, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex
| | - Julien Yzotte
- Univ Bordeaux, Campus de Carreire/Victoire, Sciences de la santé/Sciences de l'Homme, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
- Animalerie A2, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex
| | | | - David Cappellen
- Univ Bordeaux, Campus de Carreire/Victoire, Sciences de la santé/Sciences de l'Homme, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
- Inserm U1035, Bâtiment TP Zone Sud, Bordeaux, France
| | - Guillaume Chotard
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux University Hospital, place Amélie Raba Léon, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
| | - Mélissa Ménard
- Univ Bordeaux, Campus de Carreire/Victoire, Sciences de la santé/Sciences de l'Homme, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
- Inserm U1035, Bâtiment TP Zone Sud, Bordeaux, France
| | - Justine Charpentier
- Univ Bordeaux, Campus de Carreire/Victoire, Sciences de la santé/Sciences de l'Homme, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
- Inserm U1035, Bâtiment TP Zone Sud, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vincent Jecko
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux University Hospital, place Amélie Raba Léon, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
| | - Charline Caumont
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux University Hospital, place Amélie Raba Léon, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
| | - Edouard Gimbert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux University Hospital, place Amélie Raba Léon, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
| | - Christophe F Grosset
- Univ Bordeaux, Campus de Carreire/Victoire, Sciences de la santé/Sciences de l'Homme, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
- Inserm U1035, Bâtiment TP Zone Sud, Bordeaux, France
| | - Martin Hagedorn
- Univ Bordeaux, Campus de Carreire/Victoire, Sciences de la santé/Sciences de l'Homme, Bordeaux CEDEX, France
- Inserm U1035, Bâtiment TP Zone Sud, Bordeaux, France
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14
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Hayden E, Holliday H, Lehmann R, Khan A, Tsoli M, Rayner BS, Ziegler DS. Therapeutic Targets in Diffuse Midline Gliomas-An Emerging Landscape. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246251. [PMID: 34944870 PMCID: PMC8699135 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) remain one of the most devastating childhood brain tumour types, for which there is currently no known cure. In this review we provide a summary of the existing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this disease, highlighting current analyses and novel treatment propositions. Together, the accumulation of these data will aid in the understanding and development of more effective therapeutic options for the treatment of DMGs. Abstract Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are invariably fatal pediatric brain tumours that are inherently resistant to conventional therapy. In recent years our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of DMG tumorigenicity has resulted in the identification of novel targets and the development of a range of potential therapies, with multiple agents now being progressed to clinical translation to test their therapeutic efficacy. Here, we provide an overview of the current therapies aimed at epigenetic and mutational drivers, cellular pathway aberrations and tumor microenvironment mechanisms in DMGs in order to aid therapy development and facilitate a holistic approach to patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Hayden
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
| | - Holly Holliday
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Rebecca Lehmann
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Aaminah Khan
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
| | - Maria Tsoli
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Benjamin S. Rayner
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington 2052, Australia; (E.H.); (H.H.); (R.L.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (B.S.R.)
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick 2031, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9382-1730; Fax: +61-2-9382-1789
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15
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Haag D, Mack N, Benites Goncalves da Silva P, Statz B, Clark J, Tanabe K, Sharma T, Jäger N, Jones DTW, Kawauchi D, Wernig M, Pfister SM. H3.3-K27M drives neural stem cell-specific gliomagenesis in a human iPSC-derived model. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:407-422.e13. [PMID: 33545065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive childhood tumor of the brainstem with currently no curative treatment available. The vast majority of DIPGs carry a histone H3 mutation leading to a lysine 27-to-methionine exchange (H3K27M). We engineered human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to carry an inducible H3.3-K27M allele in the endogenous locus and studied the effects of the mutation in different disease-relevant neural cell types. H3.3-K27M upregulated bivalent promoter-associated developmental genes, producing diverse outcomes in different cell types. While being fatal for iPSCs, H3.3-K27M increased proliferation in neural stem cells (NSCs) and to a lesser extent in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Only NSCs gave rise to tumors upon induction of H3.3-K27M and TP53 inactivation in an orthotopic xenograft model recapitulating human DIPGs. In NSCs, H3.3-K27M leads to maintained expression of stemness and proliferative genes and a premature activation of OPC programs that together may cause tumor initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Haag
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology (B062), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Norman Mack
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology (B062), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patricia Benites Goncalves da Silva
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology (B062), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Statz
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology (B062), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jessica Clark
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology (B062), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Koji Tanabe
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tanvi Sharma
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology (B062), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natalie Jäger
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology (B062), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David T W Jones
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daisuke Kawauchi
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology (B062), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), National Institute of Neuroscience, Tokyo 187-0031, Japan
| | - Marius Wernig
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Pediatric Neurooncology (B062), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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16
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Epigenetic-Targeted Treatments for H3K27M-Mutant Midline Gliomas. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1283:73-84. [PMID: 33155139 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8104-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a lethal midline brainstem tumor that most commonly occurs in children and is genetically defined by substitution of methionine for lysine at site 27 of histone 3 (H3K27M) in the majority of cases. This mutation has since been shown to exert an influence on the posttranslational epigenetic landscape of this disease, with the loss of trimethylation at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) the most common alteration. Based on these findings, a number of drugs targeting these epigenetic changes have been proposed, specifically that alter histone trimethylation, acetylation, or phosphorylation. Various mechanisms have been explored, including inhibition of H327 demethylase and methyltransferase to target trimethylation, inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) to target acetylation, and inhibition of phosphatase-related enzymes to target phosphorylation. This chapter reviews the current rationales and progress made to date in epigenetically targeting DIPG via these mechanisms.
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17
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Srikanthan D, Taccone MS, Van Ommeren R, Ishida J, Krumholtz SL, Rutka JT. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: current insights and future directions. Chin Neurosurg J 2021; 7:6. [PMID: 33423692 PMCID: PMC7798267 DOI: 10.1186/s41016-020-00218-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a lethal pediatric brain tumor and the leading cause of brain tumor–related death in children. As several clinical trials over the past few decades have led to no significant improvements in outcome, the current standard of care remains fractionated focal radiation. Due to the recent increase in stereotactic biopsies, tumor tissue availabilities have enabled our advancement of the genomic and molecular characterization of this lethal cancer. Several groups have identified key histone gene mutations, genetic drivers, and methylation changes in DIPG, providing us with new insights into DIPG tumorigenesis. Subsequently, there has been increased development of in vitro and in vivo models of DIPG which have the capacity to unveil novel therapies and strategies for drug delivery. This review outlines the clinical characteristics, genetic landscape, models, and current treatments and hopes to shed light on novel therapeutic avenues and challenges that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilakshan Srikanthan
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.,The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael S Taccone
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.,The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Randy Van Ommeren
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Joji Ishida
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Stacey L Krumholtz
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - James T Rutka
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada. .,The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Suite 1503, 555, University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.
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18
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Keane L, Cheray M, Saidi D, Kirby C, Friess L, Gonzalez-Rodriguez P, Gerdes ME, Grabert K, McColl BW, Joseph B. Inhibition of microglial EZH2 leads to anti-tumoral effects in pediatric diffuse midline gliomas. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdab096. [PMID: 34485907 PMCID: PMC8409254 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), within diffuse midline gliomas are aggressive pediatric brain tumors characterized by histone H3-K27M mutation. Small-molecule inhibitors for the EZH2-H3K27 histone methyltransferase have shown promise in preclinical animal models of DIPG, despite having little effect on DIPG cells in vitro. Therefore, we hypothesized that the effect of EZH2 inhibition could be mediated through targeting of this histone modifying enzyme in tumor-associated microglia. METHODS Primary DIPG tissues, and cocultures between microglia and patient-derived DIPG or -pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) cell lines, were used to establish the H3-K27M status of each cell type. Antisense RNA strategies were used to target EZH2 gene expression in both microglia and glioma cells. Microglia anti-tumoral properties were assessed by gene expression profile, tumor cell invasion capacity, microglial phagocytic activity, and associated tumor cell death. RESULTS In primary DIPG tissues, microglia do not carry the H3-K27M mutation, otherwise characteristic of the cancer cells. Activation of a microglial tumor-supportive phenotype by pHGG, independently of their H3-K27M status, is associated with a transient H3K27me3 downregulation. Repression of EZH2 in DIPG cells has no impact on tumor cell survival or their ability to activate microglia. However, repression of EZH2 in microglia induces an anti-tumor phenotype resulting in decreased cancer cell invasion capability, increased microglial phagocytosis, and tumor-related cell death. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that microglia, beyond the tumor cells, contribute to the observed response of DIPG to EZH2 inhibition. Results highlight the potential importance of microglia as a new therapeutic avenue in DIPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Keane
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathilde Cheray
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dalel Saidi
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caoimhe Kirby
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Center for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lara Friess
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Kathleen Grabert
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Barry W McColl
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Center for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bertrand Joseph
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Uddin MS, Mamun AA, Alghamdi BS, Tewari D, Jeandet P, Sarwar MS, Ashraf GM. Epigenetics of glioblastoma multiforme: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic approaches. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:100-120. [PMID: 33370605 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common form of brain cancer and one of the most aggressive cancers found in humans. Most of the signs and symptoms of GBM can be mild and slowly aggravated, although other symptoms might demonstrate it as an acute ailment. However, the precise mechanisms of the development of GBM remain unknown. Due to the improvement of molecular pathology, current researches have reported that glioma progression is strongly connected with different types of epigenetic phenomena, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and aberrant microRNA. Furthermore, the genes and the proteins that control these alterations have become novel targets for treating glioma because of the reversibility of epigenetic modifications. In some cases, gene mutations including P16, TP53, and EGFR, have been observed in GBM. In contrast, monosomies, including removals of chromosome 10, particularly q23 and q25-26, are considered the standard markers for determining the development and aggressiveness of GBM. Recently, amid the epigenetic therapies, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors have been used for treating tumors, either single or combined. Specifically, HDACIs are served as a good choice and deliver a novel pathway to treat GBM. In this review, we focus on the epigenetics of GBM and the consequence of its mutations. We also highlight various treatment approaches, namely gene editing, epigenetic drugs, and microRNAs to combat GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Badrah S Alghamdi
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Philippe Jeandet
- Research Unit, Induced Resistance and Plant Bioprotection, EA 4707, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, Faculty of Sciences, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, PO Box 1039, 51687, Reims Cedex 2, France
| | - Md Shahid Sarwar
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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20
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Graham MS, Mellinghoff IK. Histone-Mutant Glioma: Molecular Mechanisms, Preclinical Models, and Implications for Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7193. [PMID: 33003625 PMCID: PMC7582376 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) is the leading cause of cancer death in children. Despite histologic similarities, it has recently become apparent that this disease is molecularly distinct from its adult counterpart. Specific hallmark oncogenic histone mutations within pediatric malignant gliomas divide these tumors into subgroups with different neuroanatomic and chronologic predilections. In this review, we will summarize the characteristic molecular alterations of pediatric high-grade gliomas, with a focus on how preclinical models of these alterations have furthered our understanding of their oncogenicity as well as their potential impact on developing targeted therapies for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya S. Graham
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Ingo K. Mellinghoff
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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21
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Aziz-Bose R, Monje M. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: molecular landscape and emerging therapeutic targets. Curr Opin Oncol 2020; 31:522-530. [PMID: 31464759 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a fatal childhood brainstem malignancy. Despite advances in understanding of the molecular underpinnings of the tumor in the past decade, the dismal prognosis of DIPG has thus far remained unchanged. This review seeks to highlight promising therapeutic targets within three arenas: DIPG cell-intrinsic vulnerabilities, immunotherapeutic approaches to tumor clearance, and microenvironmental dependencies that promote tumor growth. RECENT FINDINGS Promising therapeutic strategies from recent studies include epigenetic modifying agents such as histone deacetylase inhibitors, bromodomain and extra-terminal motif (BET) protein inhibitors, and CDK7 inhibitors. Tumor-specific immunotherapies are emerging. Key interactions between DIPG and normal brain cells are coming to light, and targeting critical microenvironmental mechanisms driving DIPG growth in the developing childhood brain represents a new direction for therapy. SUMMARY Several DIPG treatment strategies are being evaluated in early clinical trials. Ultimately, we suspect that a multifaceted therapeutic approach utilizing cell-intrinsic, microenvironmental, and immunotherapeutic targets will be necessary for eradicating DIPG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences.,Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.,Stanford Cancer Institute.,Department of Pediatrics.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.,Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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22
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Glioblastoma precision therapy: From the bench to the clinic. Cancer Lett 2020; 475:79-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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23
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Kasper LH, Baker SJ. Invited Review: Emerging functions of histone H3 mutations in paediatric diffuse high-grade gliomas. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 46:73-85. [PMID: 31859390 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Paediatric diffuse high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are rare, but deadly tumours. The discovery of recurrent mutations in the tail of histone H3, changing lysine 27 to methionine, or glycine 34 to arginine or valine, has illuminated a critical role for epigenetic dysregulation in the aetiology of childhood gliomas and opened new avenues of exploration that have resulted in numerous advances for the field. In this review, we describe the current models of H3K27M mutant cancer that are available to the research community and the insights they have provided on tumour biology and the epigenetic and transcriptional effects of histone mutations. We also review the current understanding of the H3G34R/V mutation and the therapeutic outlook for the treatment of pHGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Kasper
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - S J Baker
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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24
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Anastas JN, Zee BM, Kalin JH, Kim M, Guo R, Alexandrescu S, Blanco MA, Giera S, Gillespie SM, Das J, Wu M, Nocco S, Bonal DM, Nguyen QD, Suva ML, Bernstein BE, Alani R, Golub TR, Cole PA, Filbin MG, Shi Y. Re-programing Chromatin with a Bifunctional LSD1/HDAC Inhibitor Induces Therapeutic Differentiation in DIPG. Cancer Cell 2019; 36:528-544.e10. [PMID: 31631026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
H3K27M mutations resulting in epigenetic dysfunction are frequently observed in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPGs), an incurable pediatric cancer. We conduct a CRISPR screen revealing that knockout of KDM1A encoding lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) sensitizes DIPG cells to histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Consistently, Corin, a bifunctional inhibitor of HDACs and LSD1, potently inhibits DIPG growth in vitro and in xenografts. Mechanistically, Corin increases H3K27me3 levels suppressed by H3K27M histones, and simultaneously increases HDAC-targeted H3K27ac and LSD1-targeted H3K4me1 at differentiation-associated genes. Corin treatment induces cell death, cell-cycle arrest, and a cellular differentiation phenotype and drives transcriptional changes correlating with increased survival time in DIPG patients. These data suggest a strategy for treating DIPG by simultaneously inhibiting LSD1 and HDACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie N Anastas
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Barry M Zee
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jay H Kalin
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mirhee Kim
- NYU Medical School, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Robyn Guo
- Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Sanda Alexandrescu
- Department of Pathology Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mario Andres Blanco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Shawn M Gillespie
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jayanta Das
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Muzhou Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Sarah Nocco
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Dennis M Bonal
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Quang-De Nguyen
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mario L Suva
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Bradley E Bernstein
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Rhoda Alani
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Todd R Golub
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 500 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, 20815 MD, USA
| | - Philip A Cole
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mariella G Filbin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Yang Shi
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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25
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Abstract
As the process that silences gene expression ensues during development, the stage is set for the activity of Polycomb-repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to maintain these repressed gene profiles. PRC2 catalyzes a specific histone posttranslational modification (hPTM) that fosters chromatin compaction. PRC2 also facilitates the inheritance of this hPTM through its self-contained "write and read" activities, key to preserving cellular identity during cell division. As these changes in gene expression occur without changes in DNA sequence and are inherited, the process is epigenetic in scope. Mutants of mammalian PRC2 or of its histone substrate contribute to the cancer process and other diseases, and research into these aberrant pathways is yielding viable candidates for therapeutic targeting. The effectiveness of PRC2 hinges on its being recruited to the proper chromatin sites; however, resolving the determinants to this process in the mammalian case was not straightforward and thus piqued the interest of many in the field. Here, we chronicle the latest advances toward exposing mammalian PRC2 and its high maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ray Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Chul-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Ozgur Oksuz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - James M Stafford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
| | - Danny Reinberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA
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26
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Meel MH, Kaspers GJL, Hulleman E. Preclinical therapeutic targets in diffuse midline glioma. Drug Resist Updat 2019; 44:15-25. [PMID: 31202081 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) are rapidly fatal tumors of the midbrain in children, characterized by a diffuse growing pattern and high levels of intrinsic resistance to therapy. The location of these tumors, residing behind the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the limited knowledge about the biology of these tumors, has hindered the development of effective treatment strategies. However, the introduction of diagnostic biopsies and the implementation of autopsy protocols in several large centers world-wide has allowed for a detailed characterization of these rare tumors. This has resulted in the identification of novel therapeutic targets, as well as major advances in understanding the biology of DMG in relation to therapy resistance. We here provide an overview of the cellular pathways and tumor-specific aberrations that have been targeted in preclinical DMG research, and discuss the advantages and limitations of these therapeutic strategies in relation to therapy resistance and BBB-penetration. Therewith, we aim to provide researchers with a framework for successful preclinical therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Hananja Meel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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27
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Role of Radiation Therapy in the Management of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: A Systematic Review. Adv Radiat Oncol 2019; 4:520-531. [PMID: 31360809 PMCID: PMC6639749 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the most aggressive primary pediatric brain tumor, with <10% of children surviving 2 years. Radiation therapy (RT) remains the mainstay of treatment, but there is a great clinical need for improvements and advancements in treatment strategies. The aim of this systematic review was to identify all available studies in which RT was used to treat patients with DIPG. Methods and Materials A literature search for studies published up to March 10, 2018 was conducted using the PubMed database. We identified 384 articles using search items “diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma” and 221 articles using search items “diffuse brainstem glioma radiotherapy.” Included studies were prospective and retrospective series that reported outcomes of DIPG treatment with RT. Results We identified 49 studies (1286 patients) using upfront conventionally fractionated RT, 5 studies (92 patients) using hypofractionated RT, and 8 studies (348 patients) using hyperfractionated RT. The mean median overall survival (OS) was 12.0 months, 10.2 months, and 7.9 months in patients who received conventional, hyperfractionated, and hypofractionated RT regimens, respectively. Patients undergoing radiosensitizing therapy had a mean median OS of 11.5 months, and patients who did not receive concomitant systemic therapy had an OS of 9.4 months. In patients who received salvage RT, the mean median OS from initial diagnosis was 16.3 months. Conclusions As one of the largest systematic reviews examining RT for DIPG, this report may serve as a useful tool to help clinicians choose the most appropriate treatment approach, while also providing a platform for future investigations into the utility of RT and systemic therapy.
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28
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Grill J, Debily MA, Varlet P, Plessier A, Le Dret L, Beccaria K, Puget S, Castel D. The dark matter of diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas: an update. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2019.1560262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Grill
- Equipe Nouvelles Thérapeutiques Anticancéreuses, Unite Mixte de Recherche 8203 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif cedex, France
- Departement de Cancerologie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif cedex, France
| | - Marie-Anne Debily
- Equipe Nouvelles Thérapeutiques Anticancéreuses, Unite Mixte de Recherche 8203 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif cedex, France
- Department Master Biologie et Sante, Universite Evry Val d'Essonne, Evry cedex, France
| | - Pascale Varlet
- Service de Neuropathologie, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris cedex, France
| | - Alexandre Plessier
- Equipe Nouvelles Thérapeutiques Anticancéreuses, Unite Mixte de Recherche 8203 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif cedex, France
| | - Ludivine Le Dret
- Equipe Nouvelles Thérapeutiques Anticancéreuses, Unite Mixte de Recherche 8203 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif cedex, France
| | - Kevin Beccaria
- Departement de Cancerologie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif cedex, France
- Service de Neurochirurgie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, Paris cedex, France
| | - Stéphanie Puget
- Service de Neurochirurgie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, Paris cedex, France
| | - David Castel
- Equipe Nouvelles Thérapeutiques Anticancéreuses, Unite Mixte de Recherche 8203 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif cedex, France
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29
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Zang L, Kondengaden SM, Che F, Wang L, Heng X. Potential Epigenetic-Based Therapeutic Targets for Glioma. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:408. [PMID: 30498431 PMCID: PMC6249994 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is characterized by a high recurrence rate, short survival times, high rates of mortality and treatment difficulties. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation (RT) are the standard treatments, but outcomes rarely improve even after treatment. With the advancement of molecular pathology, recent studies have found that the development of glioma is closely related to various epigenetic phenomena, including DNA methylation, abnormal microRNA (miRNA), chromatin remodeling and histone modifications. Owing to the reversibility of epigenetic modifications, the proteins and genes that regulate these changes have become new targets in the treatment of glioma. In this review, we present a summary of the potential therapeutic targets of glioma and related effective treating drugs from the four aspects mentioned above. We further illustrate how epigenetic mechanisms dynamically regulate the pathogenesis and discuss the challenges of glioma treatment. Currently, among the epigenetic treatments, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) can be used for the treatment of tumors, either individually or in combination. In the treatment of glioma, only HDACIs remain a good option and they provide new directions for the treatment. Due to the complicated pathogenesis of glioma, epigenetic applications to glioma clinical treatment are still limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Zang
- Central Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, Linyi, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shukkoor Muhammed Kondengaden
- Chemistry Department and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Fengyuan Che
- Central Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, Linyi, China.,Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, Linyi, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Central Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, Linyi, China
| | - Xueyuan Heng
- Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, Linyi, China
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30
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Herviou L, Cavalli G, Moreaux J. [EZH2 is therapeutic target for personalized treatment in multiple myeloma]. Bull Cancer 2018; 105:804-819. [PMID: 30041976 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase that functions as the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). PRC2 represses gene transcription through tri-methylation of lysine 27 of histone 3 (H3K27me3) by its catalytic subunit EZH2. EZH2 is also involved in normal B cell differentiation. EZH2 deregulation has been described in many cancer types including hematological malignancies. The oncogenic addiction of tumor cells to EZH2 represents a therapeutic target in several hematological malignancies and solid cancers. Specific small molecules have been recently developed to target cancer cells with EZH2 overexpression or activating mutation. Their therapeutic potential is currently under evaluation. In particular, EZH2 is overexpressed in multiple myeloma (MM), a neoplasia characterized by the accumulation of clonal plasma cells within the bone marrow, with biological functions in the pathophysiology. This review summarizes the roles of EZH2 in B cell differentiation and pathologic hematological processes with a particular focus in multiple myeloma. We also discuss recent advances in the development of EZH2 inhibitors for the personalized treatment of patients with hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Herviou
- IGH, CNRS, université Montpellier, 141, rue de la Cardonille, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Giacomo Cavalli
- IGH, CNRS, université Montpellier, 141, rue de la Cardonille, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Jerome Moreaux
- IGH, CNRS, université Montpellier, 141, rue de la Cardonille, 34090 Montpellier, France; CHU de Montpellier, department of biological hematology, 80, avenue Augustin-Fliche, 34090 Montpellier, France; Université Montpellier, UFR de médecine, 2, rue École de Médecine, CS 59001, 34060 Montpellier cedex 2, France.
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31
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Chen YH, Zeng WJ, Wen ZP, Cheng Q, Chen XP. Under explored epigenetic modulators: role in glioma chemotherapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 833:201-209. [PMID: 29864410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Patients with somatic mutations of epigenetic regulators are characterized by aberrant chromatin modification patterns. Recent mechanistic studies pairing chemical tool compounds and deep-sequencing technology have greatly broadened our understanding of epigenetic regulation in glioma progression and underpinned alternative treatment of epigenetic inhibitors. However, the effect of most inhibitors is condition-dependent, and the overall results of clinical trials still have not been applied to patients. There is an intense need to develop more potent and specific compounds as well as identify the population who may achieve clinical benefits. Besides, combination therapy with conventional therapeutics is another alternative strategy. In this review, we summarize well-characterized chemical probes in glioma research and clinical translation. We also discuss the target population and combination of therapy regimens of various agents. In a holistic sense, we try to provide guidance for selecting targeted chemical probes and pave the way for personalized rational therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hong Chen
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Wen-Jing Zeng
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Wen
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China.
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32
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Han HJ, Jain P, Resnick AC. Shared ACVR1 mutations in FOP and DIPG: Opportunities and challenges in extending biological and clinical implications across rare diseases. Bone 2018; 109:91-100. [PMID: 28780023 PMCID: PMC7888549 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutations in the Type I Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) receptor ACVR1 have been identified in two diseases: Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by genetically driven heterotopic ossification, and in 20-25% of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPGs), a pediatric brain tumor with no effective therapies and dismal median survival. While the ACVR1 mutation is causal for FOP, its role in DIPG tumor biology remains under active investigation. Here, we discuss cross-fertilization between the FOP and DIPG fields, focusing on the biological mechanisms and principles gleaned from FOP that can be applied to DIPG biology. We highlight our current knowledge of ACVR1 in both diseases, and then describe the growing opportunities and barriers to effectively investigate ACVR1 in DIPG. Importantly, learning from other seemingly unrelated diseases harboring similar mutations may uncover novel mechanisms or processes for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry J Han
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Room 4052, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States
| | - Payal Jain
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Room 4052, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States
| | - Adam C Resnick
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Colket Translational Research Building Room 4052, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Room 4052, Philadelphia 19104, PA, United States.
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33
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Zhang Y, Yu X, Chen L, Zhang Z, Feng S. EZH2 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with glioma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:565-573. [PMID: 27880940 PMCID: PMC5352178 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have investigated the prognostic value of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) expression in patients with glioma but conclude contradictory results. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the prognostic role of EZH2 in glioma by meta-analysis. The databases of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were combined to assess the association between EZH2 and overall survival (OS) as well as progression-free survival (PFS). Odd ratio (OR) and 95% CI were calculated to investigate the relevance of EZH2 on clinical factors. Six studies with 575 patients were included for meta-analysis. The results showed that EZH2 overexpression was correlated with poor OS (n = 6, HR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.56–3.19, p < 0.001) and PFS (n = 3, HR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.56–3.19, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that EZH2 had enhanced prognostic value in Asian patients, for WHO grade I-IV and when using immunohistochemistry (IHC) method. In addition, EZH2 was associated with KPS score < 80. No evidence of publication bias was found in this meta-analysis. In conclusion, the present study showed that EZH2 was a potential prognostic marker for poor OS, PFS and lower KPS score in glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xinguang Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Shiyu Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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34
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Gusyatiner O, Hegi ME. Glioma epigenetics: From subclassification to novel treatment options. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 51:50-58. [PMID: 29170066 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common malignant primary brain tumors, of which glioblastoma is the most malignant form (WHO grade IV), and notorious for treatment resistance. Over the last decade mutations in epigenetic regulator genes have been identified as key drivers of subtypes of gliomas with distinct clinical features. Most characteristic are mutations in IDH1 or IDH2 in lower grade gliomas, and histone 3 mutations in pediatric high grade gliomas that are also associated with characteristic DNA methylation patterns. Furthermore, in adult glioblastoma patients epigenetic silencing of the DNA repair gene MGMT by promoter methylation is predictive for benefit from alkylating agent therapy. These epigenetic alterations are used as biomarkers and play a central role for classification of gliomas (WHO 2016) and treatment decisions. Here we review the pivotal role of epigenetic alterations in the etiology and biology of gliomas. We summarize the complex interactions between "driver" mutations, DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and overall chromatin organization, and how they inform current efforts of testing epigenetic compounds and combinations in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Gusyatiner
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience Research Center and Service of Neurosurgery, Lausanne University Hospital, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Monika E Hegi
- Laboratory of Brain Tumor Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience Research Center and Service of Neurosurgery, Lausanne University Hospital, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.
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35
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Meel MH, Sewing ACP, Waranecki P, Metselaar DS, Wedekind LE, Koster J, van Vuurden DG, Kaspers GJL, Hulleman E. Culture methods of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma cells determine response to targeted therapies. Exp Cell Res 2017; 360:397-403. [PMID: 28947132 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive type of brainstem cancer occurring mainly in children, for which there currently is no effective therapy. Current efforts to develop novel therapeutics for this tumor make use of primary cultures of DIPG cells, maintained either as adherent monolayer in serum containing medium, or as neurospheres in serum-free medium. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that the response of DIPG cells to targeted therapies in vitro is mainly determined by the culture conditions. We show that particular culture conditions induce the activation of different receptor tyrosine kinases and signal transduction pathways, as well as major changes in gene expression profiles of DIPG cells in culture. These differences correlate strongly with the observed discrepancies in response to targeted therapies of DIPG cells cultured as either adherent monolayers or neurospheres. With this research, we provide an argument for the concurrent use of both culture conditions to avoid false positive and false negative results due to the chosen method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël H Meel
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology / Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A Charlotte P Sewing
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology / Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Piotr Waranecki
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology / Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Dennis S Metselaar
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology / Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Laurine E Wedekind
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology / Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan Koster
- Department of Oncogenomics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Dannis G van Vuurden
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology / Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology / Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology / Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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36
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Long W, Yi Y, Chen S, Cao Q, Zhao W, Liu Q. Potential New Therapies for Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:495. [PMID: 28790919 PMCID: PMC5525007 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an extensively invasive malignancy with infiltration into other regions of the brainstem. Although large numbers of specific targeted therapies have been tested, no significant progress has been made in treating these high-grade gliomas. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic approaches is of great importance for the development of more effective treatments. This article reviews the conventional therapies and new potential therapeutic approaches for DIPG, including epigenetic therapy, immunotherapy, and the combination of stem cells with nanoparticle delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyong Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
| | - Yang Yi
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Shen Chen
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Qi Cao
- Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, HoustonTX, United States
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
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37
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Abstract
Astrocytomas (gliomas) are the most common primary brain tumors among adults and second most frequent neoplasm among children. New ideas and novel approaches are being explored world over with aim to devise better management strategeies for this deadly pathological state. We searched the electronic database PubMed for pre-clinical as well as clinical controlled trials reporting importance of various therapeutic drugs against gliomas. It was observed clearly that this approach of using therapeutic drugs is clearly evolving and has been observed to be promising future therapeutic avenue against gliomas. The searched literature on whole revealed that although gliomas are treated aggressively with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, treatment resistance, drug toxicity and poor response rates among pediatric glioma patients, continue to drive the need to discover new and more effective chemotherapeutic agents. The present review is focused on the latest updates in therapeutic drugs against gliomas in pediatric patients. The important chemo-therapeutics discussed in this review included alkylating agents like temoxolomide, derivatives of platinum, nitrosoureas, topoisomerases, angiogenesis inhibitors and cytomegalovirus as therapeutic agents.
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38
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Cordero FJ, Huang Z, Grenier C, He X, Hu G, McLendon RE, Murphy SK, Hashizume R, Becher OJ. Histone H3.3K27M Represses p16 to Accelerate Gliomagenesis in a Murine Model of DIPG. Mol Cancer Res 2017; 15:1243-1254. [PMID: 28522693 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a highly aggressive pediatric brainstem tumor genetically distinguished from adult GBM by the high prevalence of the K27M mutation in the histone H3 variant H3.3 (H3F3A). This mutation reprograms the H3K27me3 epigenetic landscape of DIPG by inhibiting the H3K27-specific histone methyltransferase EZH2. This globally reduces H3K27me2/3, critical repressive marks responsible for cell fate decisions, and also causes focal gain of H3K27me3 throughout the epigenome. To date, the tumor-driving effects of H3.3K27M remain largely unknown. Here, it is demonstrated that H3.3K27M cooperates with PDGF-B in vivo, enhancing gliomagenesis and reducing survival of p53 wild-type (WT) and knockout murine models of DIPG. H3.3K27M expression drives increased proliferation of tumor-derived murine neurospheres, suggesting that cell-cycle deregulation contributes to increased malignancy in mutant tumors. RNA sequencing on tumor tissue from H3.3K27M-expressing mice indicated global upregulation of PRC2 target genes, and a subset of newly repressed genes enriched in regulators of development and cell proliferation. Strikingly, H3.3K27M induced targeted repression of the p16/ink4a (CDKN2A) locus, a critical regulator of the G0-G1 to S-phase transition. Increased levels of H3K27me3 were observed at the p16 promoter; however, pharmacologic reduction of methylation at this promoter did not rescue p16 expression. Although DNA methylation is also present at this promoter, it is not K27M dependent. Intriguingly, inhibition of DNA methylation restores p16 levels and is cytotoxic against murine tumor cells. Importantly, these data reveal that H3.3K27M-mediated p16 repression is an important mechanism underlying the proliferation of H3.3K27M tumor cells, as in vivo cdkn2a knockout eliminates the survival difference between H3.3K27M and H3.3WT tumor-bearing mice.Implications: This study shows that H3.3K27M mutation and PDGF signaling act in concert to accelerate gliomagenesis in a genetic mouse model and identifies repression of p16 tumor suppressor as a target of H3.3K27M, highlighting the G1-S cell-cycle transition as a promising therapeutic avenue. Mol Cancer Res; 15(9); 1243-54. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Cordero
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Zhiqing Huang
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center
| | - Carole Grenier
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center
| | - Xingyao He
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Guo Hu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Roger E McLendon
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Oren J Becher
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. .,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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