A novel C19MC amplified cell line links Lin28/let-7 to mTOR signaling in embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes

Cellular hierarchies of embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes are shaped by oncogenic microRNAs and receptor-ligand interactions

Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) is a pediatric brain tumor with dismal prognosis. Characteristic alterations of the chromosome 19 microRNA cluster (C19MC) are observed in most ETMR; however, the ramifications of C19MC activation and the complex cellular architecture of ETMR remain understudied. Here we analyze 11 ETMR samples from patients using single-cell transcriptomics and multiplexed spatial imaging. We reveal a spatially distinct cellular hierarchy that spans highly proliferative neural stem-like cells and more differentiated neuron-like cells. C19MC is predominantly expressed in stem-like cells and controls a transcriptional network governing stemness and lineage commitment, as resolved by genome-wide analysis of microRNA-mRNA binding. Systematic analysis of receptor-ligand interactions between malignant cell types reveals fibroblast growth factor receptor and Notch signaling as oncogenic pathways that can be successfully targeted in preclinical models and in one patient with ETMR. Our study provides fundamental insights into ETMR pathobiology and a powerful rationale for more effective targeted therapies.

Exploring Maintenance Therapy in Pediatric Embryonal Tumor With Multilayered Rosettes

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) represent a distinct entity characterized by aggressive behavior. Historical retrospective analyses have documented dire overall survival rates ranging from 0% to 14% at 1 year. However, a contemporary report by Khan and colleagues shows overall survival rates reaching 29% at 2 years and 27% at 4 years. We present the case of an 18-month-old girl diagnosed with ETMR, confirmed by chromosome 19 microRNA cluster amplification following initial presentation with focal seizures. The patient underwent a combination of surgical interventions, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue, and proton therapy, achieving a disease-free status after completing standard treatment. Subsequently, a 12-month maintenance regimen comprising intrathecal topotecan, oral sodium valproate, and oral cis-retinoic acid was administered. The maintenance therapy was well tolerated, with manageable adverse effects. The patient remains progression-free for 32 months postmaintenance therapy (50 months from initial presentation). This study explores the feasibility and safety profile of maintenance therapy in ETMR. Future studies may explore this approach to determine its efficacy in children with ETMR.

Molecular mechanism and therapeutic strategies for embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes in children (Review)

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) are relatively rare but highly aggressive intracranial tumors that mainly occur in children under four years of age. Despite high-intensity and multi-modal treatment, the five-year overall survival rate of patients with ETMR remains <30%. Therefore, it is necessary to improve understanding of the molecular biological changes in ETMR. The present review presents an overview of the recent molecular and biological characteristics of ETMR in children, the current recommended treatments, and research into potential targeted strategies based on these findings. ETMR are molecularly characterized by distinct DNA methylation signatures and dysregulated expression of oncogenic miRNAs. Despite increased knowledge of the novel molecular characteristics of ETMR in children, treatment outcomes have only marginally improved. Thus, there is an urgent need to translate these new insights in ETMR biology into more effective treatment.

Integrated proteomics spotlight the proteasome as a therapeutic vulnerability in embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes

BACKGROUND

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) are rare malignant embryonal brain tumors. The prognosis of ETMR is poor and novel therapeutic approaches are desperately needed. Comprehension of ETMR tumor biology is currently based on only few previous molecular studies, which mainly focused on the analyses of nucleic acids. In this study, we explored integrated ETMR proteomics.

METHODS

Using mass spectrometry, proteome data were acquired from 16 ETMR and the ETMR cell line BT183. Proteome data were integrated with case-matched global DNA methylation data, publicly available transcriptome data, and proteome data of further embryonal and pediatric brain tumors.

RESULTS

Proteome-based cluster analyses grouped ETMR samples according to histomorphology, separating neuropil-rich tumors with neuronal signatures from primitive tumors with signatures relating to stemness and chromosome organization. Integrated proteomics showcased that ETMR and BT183 cells harbor proteasome regulatory proteins in abundance, implicating their strong dependency on the proteasome machinery to safeguard proteostasis. Indeed, in vitro assays using BT183 highlighted that ETMR tumor cells are highly vulnerable toward treatment with the CNS penetrant proteasome inhibitor Marizomib.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, histomorphology stipulates the proteome signatures of ETMR, and proteasome regulatory proteins are pervasively abundant in these tumors. As validated in vitro, proteasome inhibition poses a promising therapeutic option in ETMR.

LIN28B and Let-7 in Diffuse Midline Glioma: A Review

Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is the most lethal of all childhood cancers. DMGs are driven by histone-tail-mutation-mediated epigenetic dysregulation and partner mutations in genes controlling proliferation and migration. One result of this epigenetic and genetic landscape is the overexpression of LIN28B RNA binding protein. In other systems, LIN28B has been shown to prevent let-7 microRNA biogenesis; however, let-7, when available, faithfully suppresses tumorigenic pathways and induces cellular maturation by preventing the translation of numerous oncogenes. Here, we review the current literature on LIN28A/B and the let-7 family and describe their role in gliomagenesis. Future research is then recommended, with a focus on the mechanisms of LIN28B overexpression and localization in DMG.

Childhood Brain Tumors: A Review of Strategies to Translate CNS Drug Delivery to Clinical Trials

Brain and spinal tumors affect 1 in 1000 people by 25 years of age, and have diverse histological, biological, anatomical and dissemination characteristics. A mortality of 30-40% means the majority are cured, although two-thirds have life-long disability, linked to accumulated brain injury that is acquired prior to diagnosis, and after surgery or chemo-radiotherapy. Only four drugs have been licensed globally for brain tumors in 40 years and only one for children. Most new cancer drugs in clinical trials do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Techniques to enhance brain tumor drug delivery are explored in this review, and cover those that augment penetration of the BBB, and those that bypass the BBB. Developing appropriate delivery techniques could improve patient outcomes by ensuring efficacious drug exposure to tumors (including those that are drug-resistant), reducing systemic toxicities and targeting leptomeningeal metastases. Together, this drug delivery strategy seeks to enhance the efficacy of new drugs and enable re-evaluation of existing drugs that might have previously failed because of inadequate delivery. A literature review of repurposed drugs is reported, and a range of preclinical brain tumor models available for translational development are explored.

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes, C19MC-altered or not elsewhere classified: Clinicopathological characteristics, prognostic factors, and outcomes of 17 children from 2018 to 2022

Objective

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMRs) are a histologically heterogeneous entity and gather embryonal tumors with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTRs), ependymoblastoma, and medulloepithelioma. ETMRs are highly aggressive and associated with poorer clinical courses. However, cases of this entity are rare, and advances in molecular genetics and therapy are minor. The purpose of our study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical, pathological features, and prognostic factors of ETMRs.

Methods

Our cohort consisted of 17 patients diagnosed with ETMRs in our hospital from 2018 to 2022, and two of them were lost to follow-up. Clinical data were retrieved, and immunohistochemistry and genetic analyses were performed.

Results

Among 17 cases, 16 were ETANTRs, and one was medulloepithelioma. Morphologically, tumor cells of ETANTRs could transform into anaplasia and lose the biphasic architecture during tumor progression. Immunohistochemistry of LIN28A revealed positive expression in 17 cases, and the expression of LIN28A was more intense and diffuse in the recurrent lesions than in primaries. The increased N-MYC copy numbers were detected in the primary tumor and recurrence of patient 8. Moreover, the incidence of metastatic disease was 100% in patients aged &gt; 4 years and 18% in the younger group. For patients receiving chemotherapy, the median overall survival time was 7.4 months, while that of those who didn’t receive it was 1.2 months. Nevertheless, surgical approaches, radiotherapy, age at presentation, gender, tumor location, and metastatic status were not associated with independent prognosis.

Conclusion

ETANTR might not present as the typical morphologies during tumor progression, so analyses of C19MC amplification and Lin28A antibody are indispensable for diagnosing ETMRs accurately. Children aged &gt; 4 years tend to have a higher rate of metastasis in ETMRs. Chemotherapy is the only prognostic factor for ETMRs patients with a favorable prognosis. The biological nature and clinical patterns for recurrent diseases need to be further demonstrated to predict prognosis and guide treatment.

Association between LIN28B gene polymorphisms and Wilms' tumor susceptibility

Aim: To survey the association between LIN28B gene polymorphisms and the increased risk of Wilms' tumor (WT). Methods: Five LIN28B polymorphisms (rs314276 C>A, rs221634 A>T, rs221635 T>C, the rs4145418 A>C and rs9404590 T>G) were genotyped in 355 WT patients and 1070 healthy controls to assess the association. Result: The rs314276 CA/AA genotype was a protective factor against WT (corrected odds ratio [OR]: 0.71; p = 0.006). Individuals older than 18 months (corrected OR: 0.60; p = 0.001), males (corrected OR: 0.65; p = 0.011) and in clinical stage I + II patients (corrected OR: 0.60; p = 0.0008) with this genotype were less susceptible to WT. Conclusion: The rs314276 CA/AA genotype may protect against WT.

Embryonal Tumor With Multilayered Rosettes of the Parietooccipital Region: A Case Report

Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes is a rare and highly malignant early childhood brain tumor. We report a case of embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes in the parietooccipital region of a 2-year-old girl. Histopathology of the tumor demonstrated amplification of the 19q13.42 locus and strong positivity for LIN28A. Treatment was multimodal and included 3 surgical resections, adjuvant chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue, and focal radiotherapy. The use of the agents vorinostat and isotretinoin, and the addition of focal radiation have not been extensively described in this patient population, but may attribute to our patient's sustained remission at 2.5-years follow-up.

Clinical phenotypes and prognostic features of embryonal tumours with multi-layered rosettes: a Rare Brain Tumor Registry study

BACKGROUND

Embryonal tumours with multi-layered rosettes (ETMRs) are a newly recognised, rare paediatric brain tumour with alterations of the C19MC microRNA locus. Due to varied diagnostic practices and scarce clinical data, disease features and determinants of outcomes for these tumours are poorly defined. We did an integrated clinicopathological and molecular analysis of primary ETMRs to define clinical phenotypes, and to identify prognostic factors of survival and key treatment modalities for this orphan disease.

METHODS

Paediatric patients with primary ETMRs and tissue available for analyses were identified from the Rare Brain Tumor Consortium global registry. The institutional histopathological diagnoses were centrally re-reviewed as per the current WHO CNS tumour guidelines, using histopathological and molecular assays. Only patients with complete clinical, treatment, and survival data on Nov 30, 2019, were included in clinicopathological analyses. Among patients who received primary multi-modal curative regimens, event-free survival and overall survival were determined using Cox proportional hazard and log-rank analyses. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs for clinical, molecular, or treatment-related prognostic factors.

FINDINGS

159 patients had a confirmed molecular diagnosis of primary ETMRs (median age at diagnosis 26 months, IQR 18-36) and were included in our clinicopathological analysis. ETMRs were predominantly non-metastatic (94 [73%] of 128 patients), arising from multiple sites; 84 (55%) of 154 were cerebral tumours and 70 (45%) of 154 arose at sites characteristic of other brain tumours. Hallmark C19MC alterations were seen in 144 (91%) of 159 patients; 15 (9%) were ETMR not otherwise specified. In patients treated with curative intent, event-free survival was 57% (95% CI 47-68) at 6 months and 31% (21-42) at 2 years; overall survival was 29% (20-38) at 2 years and 27% (18-37) at 4 years. Overall survival was associated with non-metastatic disease (HR 0·48, 95% CI 0·28-0·80; p=0·0057) and non-brainstem location (0·42 [0·22-0·81]; p=0·013) on univariate analysis, as well as with gross total resection (0·30, 0·16-0·58; p=0·0014), high-dose chemotherapy (0·35, 0·19-0·67; p=0·0020), and radiotherapy (0·21, 0·10-0·41; p<0·0001) on multivariable analysis. 2-year event-free and overall survival was 0% at 2 years in patients treated with conventional chemotherapy without radiotherapy (regardless of surgery extent), and 21% (95% CI 1-41) and 30% (6-54), respectively, in patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy, and gross total resection without radiotherapy. 2-year event-free survival in patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy was 66% (95% CI 39-93) for patients with gross total resection and 44% (7-81) for patients with sub-total resection. 2-5-year overall survival was 66% (95% CI 33-99, p=0·038) for patients with gross total resection and 67% (36-98, p=0·0020) for patients with sub-total resection.

INTERPRETATION

Prompt molecular diagnosis and post-surgical treatment with intensive multi-modal therapy tailored to patient-specific risk features could improve ETMR survival.

FUNDING

Canadian Institute of Health Research, Canada Research Chair Awards, Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, Spanish Society of Pediatrics, Consejería de Salud y Familias de la Junta de Andalucía, Miracle Marnie, Phoebe Rose Rocks, Tali's Funds, Garron Cancer Centre, Grace's Walk, Meagan's Hug, Brainchild, Nelina's Hope, and Jean Martel Foundation.

Brain tumors: Medulloblastoma, ATRT, ependymoma

Children with medulloblastoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), and ependymoma are treated with a multidisciplinary approach including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Lower doses of craniospinal irradiation and tumor bed boost together with chemotherapy are the current standard of care for average-risk medulloblastoma in the Children's Oncology Group (COG). The International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) is examining the role of hyperfractionated craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy in high-risk patients. The recent stratification of medulloblastoma into specific molecular risk groups has prompted both COG and SIOP to reexamine the role of these modalities in these different risk groups to maximize cure rates and minimize long-term complications. Proton therapy has shown lower rates of neurocognitive and endocrine complications compared with photons. Ependymomas are treated with maximal surgical resection and adjuvant radiation therapy. The role of chemotherapy in ependymoma is currently being studied in both COG and SIOP. Likewise, for ATRT the role of different high-dose chemotherapy regimens together with local radiation therapy in infants, or craniospinal radiation in older children, is the current focus of research.

C19MC amplification and expression of Lin28A and Olig2 in the classification of embryonal tumors of the central nervous system: A 14-year retrospective study from a tertiary care center

INTRODUCTION

CNS embryonal tumors (CET) other than medulloblastomas (MB) and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs), previously designated as 'central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors' ('CNS PNETs'), are a heterogenous subset of tumors with poorly defined diagnostic criteria. Other than the subset of embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) defined by C19MC amplification, most CETs are diagnosed by exclusion of other molecularly defined entities and histological mimics including MB, AT/RTs, and high-grade gliomas, and termed as CET, not otherwise specified (NOS) in the 2016 WHO classification.

AIM

To reclassify 'CNS PNETs' as per WHO 2016, and estimate the true proportion of CET, NOS in a tertiary healthcare setting, and to evaluate the diagnostic utility of C19MC amplification, Lin28A and Olig2 expression in the subclassification of CETs.

METHODS

Previously diagnosed cases of 'CNS PNETs' (2002-2016) were first evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MIC2, RelaA, L1CAM, IDH1R132H, H3K27M, H3G34R, H3G34V, INI1, and BRG1 proteins and by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) for EWSR1 translocation to exclude histological mimics. The selected CETs (case cohort) and 79 histological mimics (comparison cohort) comprising of MB, AT/RT, pineal parenchymal tumors, Ewing sarcoma, esthesioneuroblastoma, intraocular medulloepithelioma, and H3G34R mutant high-grade glioma were subject to IHC for Olig2 and Lin28A, and FISH for C19MC amplification.

RESULTS

Twenty-two cases of 'CNS PNETs' were retrieved, all of which were negative for the first panel of markers and showed retained INI-1/BRG1 expression. Three of them (3/22, 13.6%) showed C19MC amplification (ETMR, C19MC-altered) with ETMR histology, Lin28A positivity, and Olig2 negativity. Among the remaining 19 CETs, one showed medulloepithelioma histology (Medulloepithelioma, NOS) and remaining were non-descript small round cell tumors (CET, NOS), all negative for Lin28A. Olig2 was positive in only 3 CETs (13.6%), all being CET, NOS. All tumors in the comparison cohort were negative for C19MC amplification, Lin28A and Olig2 except for 27% of ATRTs that were Lin28A positive.

CONCLUSION

ETMR, C19MC-altered constitute less than 14% of CETs, with majority remaining uncharacterized as CET, NOS. Lin28A is 100% sensitive for the detection of C19MC amplification; however, its specificity is limited by its expression in ATRTs. Olig2 expression is seen only in a small subset of CET, NOS and is of limited diagnostic utility.

Delta-24-RGD, an Oncolytic Adenovirus, Increases Survival and Promotes Proinflammatory Immune Landscape Remodeling in Models of AT/RT and CNS-PNET

PURPOSE

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) and central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors (CNS-PNET) are pediatric brain tumors with poor survival and life-long negative side effects. Here, the aim was to characterize the efficacy and safety of the oncolytic adenovirus, Delta-24-RGD, which selectively replicates in and kills tumor cells.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Delta-24-RGD determinants for infection and replication were evaluated in patient expression datasets. Viral replication and cytotoxicity were assessed in vitro in a battery of CNS-PNET and AT/RT cell lines. In vivo, efficacy was determined in different orthotopic mouse models, including early and established tumor models, a disseminated AT/RT lesion model, and immunocompetent humanized mouse models (hCD34+-NSG-SGM3).

RESULTS

Delta-24-RGD infected and replicated efficiently in all the cell lines tested. In addition, the virus induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity [IC50 value below 1 plaque-forming unit (PFU)/cell] and the release of immunogenic markers. In vivo, a single intratumoral Delta-24-RGD injection (107 or 108 PFU) significantly increased survival and led to long-term survival in AT/RT and PNET models. Delta-24-RGD hindered the dissemination of AT/RTs and increased survival, leading to 70% of long-term survivors. Of relevance, viral administration to established tumor masses (30 days after engraftment) showed therapeutic benefit. In humanized immunocompetent models, Delta-24-RGD significantly extended the survival of mice bearing AT/RTs or PNETs (ranging from 11 to 27 days) and did not display any toxicity associated with inflammation. Immunophenotyping of Delta-24-RGD-treated tumors revealed increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

Delta-24-RGD is a feasible therapeutic option for AT/RTs and CNS-PNETs. This work constitutes the basis for potential translation to the clinical setting.

Embryonal tumors with multi-layered rosettes: a disease of dysregulated miRNAs

INTRODUCTION

ETMRs are highly lethal, pediatric embryonal brain tumors, previously classified as various histologic diagnoses including supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (sPNET) and CNS PNET. With recognition that these tumors harbor recurrent amplification of a novel oncogenic miRNA cluster on chr19, C19MC, ETMRs were designated as a distinct biological and molecular entity with a spectrum of histologic and clinical manifestations.

METHODS

We reviewed published literature describing clinical presentation, the genetic and epigenetic drivers of oncogenesis, and recent therapeutic strategies adopted to combat these aggressive tumors.

RESULTS

As a consequence of C19MC amplification, ETMRs upregulate several oncogenic and pluripotency proteins, including LIN28A, DNMT3B and MYCN, that confer a unique epigenetic signature reminiscent of nascent embryonic stem cells. In this review, we focus on the dysregulation of miRNAs in ETMR, the major pathogenic mechanism identified in this disease.

CONCLUSION

Despite the use of multi-modal therapeutic regimens, ETMR patients have dismal survival. Understanding the unique biology of these tumors has provided new insights towards novel therapeutic targets.

Transcriptomic Analysis Revealed an Emerging Role of Alternative Splicing in Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes

Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) is an aggressive and rare pediatric embryonal brain tumor. Amplification of C19MC microRNA cluster and expression of LIN28 are distinctive features of ETMR. Despite the increasing efforts to decipher ETMR, the biology remains poorly understood. To date, the role of aberrant alternative splicing in ETMR has not been thoroughly investigated. In the current study, a comprehensive analysis was performed on published unprocessed RNA-seq reads of tissue-matched ETMR and fetal controls datasets. Gene expression was quantified in samples using Kallisto/sleuth pipeline. For the alternative splicing analysis, STAR, SplAdder and rMATS were used. Functional enrichment analysis was subsequently performed using Metascape. The expression analysis identified a total of 3622 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ETMR and fetal controls while 1627 genes showed differential alternative splicing patterns. Interestingly, genes with significant alternative splicing events in ETMR were identified to be involved in signaling pathways such as ErbB, mTOR and MAPK pathways as well as ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, cell cycle and autophagy. Moreover, up-regulated DEGs with alternative splicing events were involved in important biological processes including nuclear transport, regulation of cell cycle and regulation of Wnt signaling pathway. These findings highlight the role of aberrant alternative splicing in shaping the ETMR tumor landscape, and the identified pathways constitute potential therapeutic targets.

A modified IRS-III chemotherapy regimen leads to prolonged survival in children with embryonal tumor with multilayer rosettes

Background

Embryonal tumor with multilayer rosettes (ETMR) is a rare CNS malignancy affecting young children that carries a very poor prognosis. Treatment with intensive surgical resection, radiotherapy, and high-dose chemotherapy is insufficient treatment in the vast majority of cases. Effective, biologically based therapies for this tumor are therefore desperately needed. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute–modified IRS-III protocol incorporates preclinically active agents, such as doxorubicin and actinomycin D, into the treatment regimen for ETMR and may improve patient outcomes.

Methods

The authors present a case series of 5 children with ETMR treated with an IRS-III-based chemotherapy backbone.

Results

All 5 patients received a gross-total tumor resection. Patients received between 12 and 51 weeks of IRS-III therapy at the discretion of their treating physician. Four patients received focal radiation therapy, with the fifth patient instead receiving a cycle of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue. Four patients have progression-free survival of more than 18 months. Chemotherapy treatment was reasonably tolerated by all 5 patients with one case of mild sinusoidal obstructive syndrome and one case of Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy.

Conclusions

The patient outcomes in this small cohort are far better than would be expected based on the historical survival for this tumor. Given the tremendous need for effective therapy for ETMR, further investigation of this approach is warranted. An international consensus protocol based on the IRS-III regimen has been developed and will be available through a multicenter clinical trial and a global treatment registry.

ETMR: a tumor entity in its infancy

Embryonal tumor with Multilayered Rosettes (ETMR) is a relatively rare but typically deadly type of brain tumor that occurs mostly in infants. Since the discovery of the characteristic chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC) amplification a decade ago, the methods for diagnosing this entity have improved and many new insights in the molecular landscape of ETMRs have been acquired. All ETMRs, despite their highly heterogeneous histology, are characterized by specific high expression of the RNA-binding protein LIN28A, which is, therefore, often used as a diagnostic marker for these tumors. ETMRs have few recurrent genetic aberrations, mainly affecting the miRNA pathway and including amplification of C19MC (embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes, C19MC-altered) and mutually exclusive biallelic DICER1 mutations of which the first hit is typically inherited through the germline (embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes, DICER1-altered). Identification of downstream pathways affected by the deregulated miRNA machinery has led to several proposed potential therapeutical vulnerabilities including targeting the WNT, SHH, or mTOR pathways, MYCN or chromosomal instability. However, despite those findings, treatment outcomes have only marginally improved, since the initial description of this tumor entity. Many patients do not survive longer than a year after diagnosis and the 5-year overall survival rate is still lower than 30%. Thus, there is an urgent need to translate the new insights in ETMR biology into more effective treatments. Here, we present an overview of clinical and molecular characteristics of ETMRs and the current progress on potential targeted therapies.

Embryonal Tumors of the Central Nervous System: An Update

Embryonal tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare, high-grade neoplasms predominantly affecting the pediatric population. Well-defined embryonal tumors include medulloblastoma, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes, C19MC-altered and embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes, not otherwise specified, pineoblastoma, pituitary blastoma, CNS neuroblastoma, and ganglioneuroblastoma. Although their prognosis is nearly uniformly poor, the rapidly evolving understanding of their molecular biology contributes to diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and clinical trial participation. Knowledge of current tumor stratification and diagnostic techniques will help pathologists guide care and preserve tissue for necessary or desired additional testing.

Presacral Medulloepithelioma: Case Report and Literature Review

Medulloepithelioma is a rare early childhood tumor typically presenting in the intraocular region and neuroaxis. We report a rare case of a 2-year-old girl that presented with a peripheral medulloepithelioma in the presacral region. Examination of the tumor revealed that it lacked amplification of the 19q13.42 locus yet was positive for LIN28A. The patient was treated with intensive and high-dose chemotherapy as per 99703 protocol followed by complete surgical resection of the tumor and rapamycin maintenance and remains disease-free 5 years postinitial diagnosis. Ten previous cases were reported, including 5 patients who were alive disease free at the time of the publication. Optimal management of this rare condition is still controversial, particularly with regard to the respective role of chemotherapy and radiation.

Patient-Derived Orthotopic Xenograft Models of Pediatric Brain Tumors: In a Mature Phase or Still in Its Infancy?

In recent years, molecular profiling has led to the discovery of an increasing number of brain tumor subtypes, and associated therapeutic targets. These molecular features have been incorporated in the 2016 new World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS), which now distinguishes tumor subgroups not only histologically, but also based on molecular characteristics. Despite an improved diagnosis of (pediatric) tumors in the CNS however, the survival of children with malignant brain tumors still is far worse than for those suffering from other types of malignancies. Therefore, new treatments need to be developed, based on subgroup-specific genetic aberrations. Here, we provide an overview of the currently available orthotopic xenograft models for pediatric brain tumor subtypes as defined by the 2016 WHO classification, to facilitate the choice of appropriate animal models for the preclinical testing of novel treatment strategies, and to provide insight into the current gaps and challenges.

The molecular landscape of ETMR at diagnosis and relapse

Embryonal tumours with multilayered rosettes (ETMRs) are aggressive paediatric embryonal brain tumours with a universally poor prognosis1. Here we collected 193 primary ETMRs and 23 matched relapse samples to investigate the genomic landscape of this distinct tumour type. We found that patients with tumours in which the proposed driver C19MC2-4 was not amplified frequently had germline mutations in DICER1 or other microRNA-related aberrations such as somatic amplification of miR-17-92 (also known as MIR17HG). Whole-genome sequencing revealed that tumours had an overall low recurrence of single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), but showed prevalent genomic instability caused by widespread occurrence of R-loop structures. We show that R-loop-associated chromosomal instability can be induced by the loss of DICER1 function. Comparison of primary tumours and matched relapse samples showed a strong conservation of structural variants, but low conservation of SNVs. Moreover, many newly acquired SNVs are associated with a mutational signature related to cisplatin treatment. Finally, we show that targeting R-loops with topoisomerase and PARP inhibitors might be an effective treatment strategy for this deadly disease.

A C19MC-LIN28A-MYCN Oncogenic Circuit Driven by Hijacked Super-enhancers Is a Distinct Therapeutic Vulnerability in ETMRs: A Lethal Brain Tumor

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMRs) are highly lethal infant brain cancers with characteristic amplification of Chr19q13.41 miRNA cluster (C19MC) and enrichment of pluripotency factor LIN28A. Here we investigated C19MC oncogenic mechanisms and discovered a C19MC-LIN28A-MYCN circuit fueled by multiple complex regulatory loops including an MYCN core transcriptional network and super-enhancers resulting from long-range MYCN DNA interactions and C19MC gene fusions. Our data show that this powerful oncogenic circuit, which entraps an early neural lineage network, is potently abrogated by bromodomain inhibitor JQ1, leading to ETMR cell death.

High LIN28A and PLK4 co‑expression is associated with poor prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. LIN28 homolog A (LIN28A) is a RNA‑binding protein, which serves a fundamental role in cell development and pluripotency. Polo‑like kinase 4 (PLK4) is a member of the polo‑like kinase family, which primarily takes part in the mitotic regulation. Overexpression of LIN28A has been demonstrated in ovarian cancer; however, the expression of PLK4 and the correlation between the expression of LIN28A and PLK4 in EOC has not been discussed. In the present study, the mRNA and protein levels of LIN28A and PLK4 were evaluated by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry in ovarian tissues of patients. Results demonstrated significantly increased expression in EOC compared with benign epithelial ovarian tumors. High expression of LIN28A and PLK4 was detected at the advanced pathological stage. Furthermore, PLK4 expression was positively correlated with LIN28A (r=0.555; P=0.039). The median survival analysis of patients with EOC with LIN28A and PLK4 double positive expression was 14 months, compared with 30 months in single positive and 60 months in double negative patients by Kaplan‑Meier analysis (P<0.05). The expressions of LIN28A and PLK4 was elevated in different EOC cell lines compared to with a normal ovarian cell line. The 293T cells transfected with LIN28A plus a PLK4 plasmid were the fastest‑growing group. These results suggest that co‑expression of LIN28A and PLK4 may be associated with poor prognosis of EOC and could serve as promising prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in EOC. LIN28A and PLK4 may be used along with traditional morphological and clinical characteristics for predicting prognosis.

Improving Diagnostic and Therapeutic Outcomes in Pediatric Brain Tumors

Pediatric brain tumors are the primary cause of cancer-related death during childhood. Unfortunately, the number of primary and metastatic brain tumors is steadily increasing while the mortality rates for many central nervous system (CNS) lesions have remained stagnant. Molecularly defined tumor classes have been added to the most recent 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification System of Central Nervous System Brain Tumors, driving potential new treatments and identifying targets to improve survival for these patients. Focusing on the genetic mutations most commonly seen in the pediatric CNS tumor population provides the ability to better define tumors based on shared molecular characteristics. Consequently, there is the potential for greater efficacy in targeted therapy to treat these identified genetic aberrations. Understanding the growing importance of molecular diagnosis in pediatric CNS tumors is vital to successfully using novel targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes.

Embryonal Tumors of the Central Nervous System in Children: The Era of Targeted Therapeutics

Embryonal tumors (ET) of the central nervous system (CNS) in children encompass a wide clinical spectrum of aggressive malignancies. Until recently, the overlapping morphological features of these lesions posed a diagnostic challenge and undermined discovery of optimal treatment strategies. However, with the advances in genomic technology and the outpouring of biological data over the last decade, clear insights into the molecular heterogeneity of these tumors are now well delineated. The major subtypes of ETs of the CNS in children include medulloblastoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), and embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR), which are now biologically and clinically characterized as different entities. These important developments have paved the way for treatments guided by risk stratification as well as novel targeted therapies in efforts to improve survival and reduce treatment burden.

Preclinical drug screen reveals topotecan, actinomycin D, and volasertib as potential new therapeutic candidates for ETMR brain tumor patients

Background

Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) is a rare and aggressive embryonal brain tumor that solely occurs in infants and young children and has only recently been recognized as a separate brain tumor entity in the World Health Organization classification for CNS tumors. Patients have a very dismal prognosis with a median survival of 12 months upon diagnosis despite aggressive treatment. The aim of this study was to develop novel treatment regimens in a preclinical drug screen in order to inform potentially more active clinical trial protocols.

Methods

We have carried out an in vitro and in vivo drug screen using the ETMR cell line BT183 and its xenograft model. Furthermore, we have generated the first patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model for ETMR and evaluated our top drug candidates in an in vitro drug screen using this model.

Results

BT183 cells are very sensitive to the topoisomerase inhibitors topotecan and doxorubicin, to the epigenetic agents decitabine and panobinostat, to actinomycin D, and to targeted drugs such as the polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitor volasertib, the aurora kinase A inhibitor alisertib, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor MLN0128. In xenograft mice, monotherapy with topotecan, volasertib, and actinomycin D led to a temporary response in tumor growth and a significant increase in survival. Finally, using multi-agent treatment regimens of topotecan or doxorubicin combined with methotrexate and vincristine, the response in tumor growth and survival was further increased compared with mice receiving single treatments.

Conclusions

We have identified several promising candidates for combination therapies in future clinical trials for ETMR patients.

The TORC1/2 inhibitor TAK228 sensitizes atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors to cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity

Background

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) are deadly pediatric brain tumors driven by LIN28. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is activated in many deadly, drug-resistant cancers and governs important cellular functions such as metabolism and survival. LIN28 regulates mTOR in normal cells. We therefore hypothesized that mTOR is activated downstream of LIN28 in AT/RT, and the brain-penetrating mTOR complex 1 and 2 (mTORC1/2) kinase inhibitor TAK228 would reduce AT/RT tumorigenicity.

Methods

Activation of mTOR in AT/RT was determined by measuring pS6 and pAKT (Ser473) by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray of 18 primary AT/RT tumors. In vitro growth assays (BrdU and MTS), death assays (CC3, c-PARP by western blot), and survival curves of AT/RT orthotopic xenograft models were used to measure the efficacy of TAK228 alone and in combination with cisplatin.

Results

Lentiviral short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of LIN28A led to decreased mTOR activation. Primary human AT/RT had high levels of pS6 and pAKT (Ser473) in 21% and 87% of tumors by immunohistochemistry. TAK228 slowed cell growth, induced apoptosis in vitro, and nearly doubled median survival of orthotopic xenograft models of AT/RT. TAK228 combined with cisplatin synergistically slowed cell growth and enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Suppression of AKT sensitized cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis and forced activation of AKT protected cells. Combined treatment with TAK228 and cisplatin significantly extended survival of orthotopic xenograft models of AT/RT compared with each drug alone.

Conclusions

TAK228 has efficacy in AT/RT as a single agent and synergizes with conventional chemotherapies by sensitizing tumors to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. These results suggest TAK228 may be an effective new treatment for AT/RT.

Recent Advancement of the Molecular Diagnosis in Pediatric Brain Tumor

Recent discoveries of brain tumor-related genes and fast advances in genomic testing technologies have led to the era of molecular diagnosis of brain tumor. Molecular profiling of brain tumor became the significant step in the diagnosis, the prediction of prognosis and the treatment of brain tumor. Because traditional molecular testing methods have limitations in time and cost for multiple gene tests, next-generation sequencing technologies are rapidly introduced into clinical practice. Targeted sequencing panels using these technologies have been developed for brain tumors. In this article, focused on pediatric brain tumor, key discoveries of brain tumor-related genes are reviewed and cancer panels used in the molecular profiling of brain tumor are discussed.

The therapeutic potential of targeting the PI3K pathway in pediatric brain tumors

Central nervous system tumors are the most common cancer type in children and the leading cause of cancer related deaths. There is therefore a need to develop novel treatments. Large scale profiling studies have begun to identify alterations that could be targeted therapeutically, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway, which is one of the most commonly activated pathways in cancer with many inhibitors under clinical development. PI3K signaling has been shown to be aberrantly activated in many pediatric CNS neoplasms. Pre-clinical analysis supports a role for PI3K signaling in the control of tumor growth, survival and migration as well as enhancing the cytotoxic effects of current treatments. Based on this evidence agents targeting PI3K signaling have begun to be tested in clinical trials of pediatric cancer patients. Overall, targeting the PI3K pathway presents as a promising strategy for the treatment of pediatric CNS tumors. In this review we examine the genetic alterations found in the PI3K pathway in pediatric CNS tumors and the pathological role it plays, as well as summarizing the current pre-clinical and clinical data supporting the use of PI3K pathway inhibitors for the treatment of these tumors.

miR-524-5p of the primate-specific C19MC miRNA cluster targets TP53IPN1- and EMT-associated genes to regulate cellular reprogramming

Background

Introduction of the transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM) is able to ‘reprogram’ somatic cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to enhance reprogramming efficiency when co-expressed with the OSKM factors. The primate-specific chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC) is essential in primate reproduction, development, and differentiation. miR-524-5p, a C19MC member, is highly homologous to the reprogramming miR-520d-5p; we also reported that miR-524-5p was expressed in iPSCs but not mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This study aimed to elucidate possible contributions of miR-524-5p to the reprogramming process.

Methods

A miR-524-5p precursor was introduced into human fibroblast HFF-1 in the presence of OSKM, and the relative number of embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like colonies that stained positively with alkaline phosphatase (AP) and Nanog were quantified to determine reprogramming efficiency. A miR-524-5p mimic was transfected to MSCs to investigate the effects of miR-524-5p on TP53INP1, ZEB2, and SMAD4 expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. Direct gene targeting was confirmed by luciferase activity. A phylogenetic tree of TP53INP1 was constructed by the Clustal method. Contribution of miR-524-5p to cell proliferation and apoptosis was examined by cell counts, BrdU, MTT, and cell death assays, and pluripotency gene expression by real-time PCR.

Results

Co-expressing the miR-524 precursor with OSKM resulted in a two-fold significant increase in the number of AP- and Nanog-positive ESC-like colonies, indicating a role for miR-524-5p in reprogramming. The putative target, TP53INP1, showed an inverse expression relationship with miR-524-5p; direct TP53INP1 targeting was confirmed in luciferase assays. miR-524-5p-induced TP53INP1 downregulation enhanced cell proliferation, suppressed apoptosis, and upregulated the expression of pluripotency genes, all of which are critical early events of the reprogramming process. Interestingly, the TP53INP1 gene may have co-evolved late with the primate-specific miR-524-5p. miR-524-5p also promoted mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), a required initial event of reprogramming, by directly targeting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, ZEB2 and SMAD4.

Conclusions

Via targeting TP53INP1, ZEB2, and SMAD4, miR-524-5p contributes to the early stage of inducing pluripotency by promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, upregulating expression of pluripotency genes, and enhancing MET. Other C19MC miRNAs may have similar reprogramming functions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0666-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lymph node metastasis of presacral ependymoblastoma in a young child

Ependymoblastoma presenting outside the brain is rare in children. The overwhelming majority of presacral ependymal tumors are of the benign myxpapillary type. We present a case of ependymoblastoma in the presacral region of a four-year old child. The patient presented with a presacral mass and ipsilateral inguinal lymph node metastasis. Both masses revealed histologic and immunophenotypic features of ependymoblastoma associated with myxoid areas and high Ki-67 proliferation index. The masses were excised and the patient remained well for a year after diagnosis with no other therapy. This report emphasizes ependymoblastoma as rare entity in the differential diagnosis of presacral tumors in children and, up to our knowledge, the first report of inguinal lymph node metastasis of ependymoblastoma.

The transcriptional modulator HMGA2 promotes stemness and tumorigenicity in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) contains a population of stem-like cells that promote tumor invasion and resistance to therapy. Identifying and targeting stem cell factors in GBM may lead to the development of more effective therapies. High Mobility Group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is a transcriptional modulator that mediates motility and self-renewal in normal and cancer stem cells. We identified increased expression of HMGA2 in the majority of primary human GBM tumors and cell lines compared to normal brain. Additionally, HMGA2 expression was increased in CD133+ GBM neurosphere cells compared to CD133- cells. Targeting HMGA2 with lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) led to decreased GBM stemness, invasion, and tumorigenicity. Ectopic expression of HMGA2 in GBM cell lines promoted stemness, invasion, and tumorigenicity. Our data suggests that targeting HMGA2 in GBM may be therapeutically beneficial.

Disrupting LIN28 in atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors reveals the importance of the mitogen activated protein kinase pathway as a therapeutic target

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is among the most fatal of all pediatric brain tumors. Aside from loss of function mutations in the SMARCB1 (BAF47/INI1/SNF5) chromatin remodeling gene, little is known of other molecular drivers of AT/RT. LIN28A and LIN28B are stem cell factors that regulate thousands of RNAs and are expressed in aggressive cancers. We identified high-levels of LIN28A and LIN28B in AT/RT primary tumors and cell lines, with corresponding low levels of the LIN28-regulated microRNAs of the let-7 family. Knockdown of LIN28A by lentiviral shRNA in the AT/RT cell lines CHLA-06-ATRT and BT37 inhibited growth, cell proliferation and colony formation and induced apoptosis. Suppression of LIN28A in orthotopic xenograft models led to a more than doubling of median survival compared to empty vector controls (48 vs 115 days). LIN28A knockdown led to increased expression of let-7b and let-7g microRNAs and a down-regulation of KRAS mRNA. AT/RT primary tumors expressed increased mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway activity, and the MEK inhibitor selumetinib (AZD6244) decreased AT/RT growth and increased apoptosis. These data implicate LIN28/RAS/MAP kinase as key drivers of AT/RT tumorigenesis and indicate that targeting this pathway may be a therapeutic option in this aggressive pediatric malignancy.

Lin28: an emerging important oncogene connecting several aspects of cancer

RNA-binding protein Lin28 was originally found as a heterochronic gene which played a significant role in the development of Caenorhabditis elegans. The tumor suppressor let-7 is a downstream target of Lin28, which has a wide variety of target genes which are involved in many aspects of cellular activities. By inhibition of let-7 and directly binding the target RNAs, Lin28 plays an important role in different biological and pathological processes including differentiation, metabolism, proliferation, pluripotency, and tumorigenesis. Overexpression of Lin28 has been reported in several kinds of cancers and is correlated with poor outcomes. It has been shown that Lin28 could affect the progression of cancers in several ways, such as promoting proliferation, increasing glucose metabolism, and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells. Decrease of Lin28 expression or reactivation of let-7 in cancer cells could induce a reverse effect, indicating their therapeutic values in developing novel strategies for cancer treatment. Here, we will overview the regulatory mechanisms and functions of Lin28 in cancers.

Tissue Factor Regulation by miR-520g in Primitive Neuronal Brain Tumor Cells: A Possible Link between Oncomirs and the Vascular Tumor Microenvironment

Pediatric embryonal brain tumors with multilayered rosettes demonstrate a unique oncogenic amplification of the chromosome 19 miRNA cluster, C19MC. Because oncogenic lesions often cause deregulation of vascular effectors, including procoagulant tissue factor (TF), this study explores whether there is a link between C19MC oncogenic miRNAs (oncomirs) and the coagulant properties of cancer cells, a question previously not studied. In a pediatric embryonal brain tumor tissue microarray, we observed an association between C19MC amplification and reduced fibrin content and TF expression, indicative of reduced procoagulant activity. In medulloblastoma cell lines (DAOY and UW228) engineered to express miR-520g, a biologically active constituent of the C19MC cluster, we observed reduced TF expression, procoagulant and TF signaling activities (responses to factor VIIa stimulation), and diminished TF emission as cargo of extracellular vesicles. Antimir and luciferase reporter assays revealed a specific and direct effect of miR-520g on the TF 3' untranslated region. Although the endogenous MIR520G locus is methylated in differentiated cells, exposure of DAOY cells to 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine or their growth as stem cell-like spheres up-regulated endogenous miR-520g with a coincident reduction in TF expression. We propose that the properties of tumors harboring oncomirs may include unique alterations of the vascular microenvironment, including deregulation of TF, with a possible impact on the biology, therapy, and hemostatic adverse effects of both disease progression and treatment.

Pediatric Brain Tumors: Innovative Genomic Information Is Transforming the Diagnostic and Clinical Landscape

Pediatric neuro-oncology has undergone an exciting and dramatic transformation during the past 5 years. This article summarizes data from collaborative group and institutional trials that have advanced the science of pediatric brain tumors and survival of patients with these tumors. Advanced genomic analysis of the entire spectrum of pediatric brain tumors has heralded an era in which stakeholders in the pediatric neuro-oncology community are being challenged to reconsider their current research and diagnostic and treatment strategies. The incorporation of this new information into the next-generation treatment protocols will unleash new challenges. This review succinctly summarizes the key advances in our understanding of the common pediatric brain tumors (ie, medulloblastoma, low- and high-grade gliomas, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, and ependymoma) and some selected rare tumors (ie, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor and CNS primitive neuroectodermal tumor). The potential impact of this new information on future clinical protocols also is discussed. Cutting-edge genomics technologies and the information gained from such studies are facilitating the identification of molecularly defined subgroups within patients with particular pediatric brain tumors. The number of evaluable patients in each subgroup is small, particularly in the subgroups of rare diseases. Therefore, international collaboration will be crucial to draw meaningful conclusions about novel approaches to treating pediatric brain tumors.

Embryonal brain tumors

Embryonal brain tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that primarily occur in infants and young children. They are highly cellular tumors with brisk mitotic activity, and they share a propensity for dissemination throughout the neuroaxis. Emerging molecular data enable improved diagnostic and prognostic discrimination for these tumors. Because of their aggressive potential, they are treated similarly with multimodality therapy including maximal safe resection, chemotherapy, and age- and risk-adapted radiotherapy. Craniospinal irradiation is commonly used in the treatment of these patients, especially in those older than 3 years. Because proton therapy allows for increased sparing of the anterior structures in craniospinal irradiation, there is a particular interest in using proton therapy to treat these young patients. For very young patients treated with focal fields only, proton therapy also decreases unnecessary radiation exposure to uninvolved intracranial structures. It is hoped that the use of proton therapy for these vulnerable patients will translate into decreased long-term neurocognitive, endocrine, vascular, and developmental effects, in addition to a decreased risk of second malignancies. This review describes the role of radiation in general and proton therapy in particular for the treatment of medulloblastoma, central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors, and the recently described embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes.

Lin28a protects against cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic mice through the insulin-PI3K-mTOR pathway

The insulin-PI3K-mTOR pathway exhibits a variety of cardiovascular activities including protection against I/R injury. Lin28a enhanced glucose uptake and insulin-sensitivity via insulin-PI3K-mTOR signalling pathway. However, the role of lin28a on experimental cardiac I/R injury in diabetic mice are not well understood. Diabetic mice underwent 30 min. of ischaemia followed by 3 hrs of reperfusion. Animals were randomized to be treated with lentivirus carrying lin28a siRNA (siLin28a) or lin28a cDNA (Lin28a) 72 hrs before coronary artery ligation. Myocardial infarct size (IS), cardiac function, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondria morphology in diabetic mice who underwent cardiac I/R injury were compared between groups. The target proteins of lin28a were examined by western blot analysis. Lin28a overexpression significantly reduced myocardial IS, improved LV ejection fraction (LVEF), decreased myocardial apoptotic index and alleviated mitochondria cristae destruction in diabetic mice underwent cardiac I/R injury. Lin28a knockdown exacerbated cardiac I/R injury as demonstrated by increased IS, decreased LVEF, increased apoptotic index and aggravated mitochondria cristae destruction. Interestingly, pre-treatment with rapamycin abolished the beneficial effects of lin28a overexpression. Lin28a overexpression increased, while Lin28a knockdown decreased the expression of IGF1R, p-Akt, p-mTOR and p-p70s6k after cardiac I/R injury in diabetic mice. Rapamycin pre-treatment abolished the effects of increased p-mTOR and p-p70s6k expression exerted by lin28a overexpression. This study indicates that lin28a overexpression reduces IS, improves cardiac function, decreases cardiomyocyte apoptosis index and alleviates cardiomyocyte mitochondria impairment after cardiac I/R injury in diabetic mice. The mechanism responsible for the effects of lin28a is associated with the insulin-PI3K-mTOR dependent pathway.

Systematic comparison of MRI findings in pediatric ependymoblastoma with ependymoma and CNS primitive neuroectodermal tumor not otherwise specified

BACKGROUND

Ependymoblastoma (EBL), ependymoma (EP), and primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the central nervous system not otherwise specified (CNS-PNET NOS) are pediatric brain tumors that can be differentiated by histopathology in the clinical setting. Recently, we described specific MRI features of EBL. In this study, we compare standardized MRI characteristics of EBL with EP and CNS-PNET NOS in a series comprising 22 patients in each group.

METHODS

All 66 centrally reviewed cases were obtained from the database of the German multicenter HIT trials. We systematically analyzed the initial MRI scans at diagnosis according to standardized criteria, and paired comparison was performed for EBL and EP, as well as for EBL and CNS-PNET NOS.

RESULTS

We found differences between EBL and EP regarding age at diagnosis, MR signal intensity, tumor margin and surrounding edema, presence and size of cysts, and contrast enhancement pattern. Although MRI appearance of EBL shares many features with CNS-PNET NOS, we revealed significant differences in terms of age at diagnosis, tumor volume and localization, tumor margins, edema, and contrast enhancement.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that systematically compares multiple parameters of MRI in pediatric EBL with findings in EP and CNS-PNET NOS. Although a definite differentiation by means of MRI alone might not be feasible in the individual case, we identify significant differences between these tumor entities.

MicroRNAs in pediatric central nervous system embryonal neoplasms: the known unknown

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous short non-coding RNAs that repress post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, while embryonal central nervous system tumors are the foremost cause of mortality in children suffering from a neoplasm. MiRNAs and their regulatory mechanisms are new to understand, while pediatric CNS tumors are difficult to comprehend. Therefore, identification of the link between them composes a major scientific challenge. The present study, reviewed the current knowledge on the role of miRNA in pediatric CNS embryonal tumors, attempting to collect the existing information in one piece of work that could ideally be used as a guide for future reference and research.

Embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes with only one structure suggestive of an ependymoblastic rosette

Embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR) is a very aggressive embryonal central nervous system (CNS) tumor, histologically featuring ependymoblastic rosettes and neuronal differentiation in a neuropil-like background. 19q13.42 amplification was identified in ETANTR and epndymoblastoma, suggesting that these tumors constitute a single entity, called embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR). Here, we report a case involving a 2-year-old boy with a pontine embryonal tumor composed of clusters of poorly differentiated neuroepithelial cells, and smaller neuroblastic/neurocytic cells in a fibrillary and paucicellular neuropil-like matrix, where clear ependymoblastic rosettes were not detected but only one structure suggestive of an ependymoblastic multilayered rosette was found. Fluorescence in situ hybridazation analysis revealed 19q13.42 amplification, supporting the diagnosis of ETANTR. This report indicates that rare ependymoblasic rosettes found in embryonal tumors, which are otherwise CNS primitive neuroectodermal tumors or medulloblastomas, are significant for considering the examination of 19q13.42 amplification to confirm the diagnosis of ETMR.

DNMTs as potential therapeutic targets in high-risk pediatric embryonal brain tumors

Malignant brain tumors, which are the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in children, span a wide spectrum of diseases with distinct clinical phenotypes but may share remarkably similar morphologic features. Until recently, few molecular markers of childhood brain tumors have been identified, which has limited therapeutic advances. Recent global genomic studies have enabled robust molecular classification of childhood brain tumors and the identification and consolidation of rare, seemingly disparate clinical entities. It is now increasingly evident that deregulation of epigenetic processes contributes substantially to heterogeneity in tumor phenotypes and comprise significant drivers of cancer initiation and progression. Specifically, DNA hypermethylation and silencing of critical tumor suppressor genes by DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) has emerged as an important and fundamental mechanism in brain tumor pathogenesis. These observations have been underscored by the recent discovery of TTYH1-C19MC gene fusions in an aggressive pediatric embryonal brain tumor, which results in deregulation and increased expression of a neural-specific DNMT3B isoform in C19MC-associated brain tumors. Our observations that pharmacological inhibitors of DNMTs and histone deacetylases significantly inhibit growth of cells derived from C19MC-associated tumors indicate targeting of epigenomic modifiers as a novel therapeutic approach for these highly treatment-resistant tumors.

CNS-PNETs with C19MC amplification and/or LIN28 expression comprise a distinct histogenetic diagnostic and therapeutic entity

Amplification of the C19MC oncogenic miRNA cluster and high LIN28 expression has been linked to a distinctly aggressive group of cerebral CNS-PNETs (group 1 CNS-PNETs) arising in young children. In this study, we sought to evaluate the diagnostic specificity of C19MC and LIN28, and the clinical and biological spectra of C19MC amplified and/or LIN28+ CNS-PNETs. We interrogated 450 pediatric brain tumors using FISH and IHC analyses and demonstrate that C19MC alteration is restricted to a sub-group of CNS-PNETs with high LIN28 expression; however, LIN28 immunopositivity was not exclusive to CNS-PNETs but was also detected in a proportion of other malignant pediatric brain tumors including rhabdoid brain tumors and malignant gliomas. C19MC amplified/LIN28+ group 1 CNS-PNETs arose predominantly in children <4 years old; a majority arose in the cerebrum but 24 % (13/54) of tumors had extra-cerebral origins. Notably, group 1 CNS-PNETs encompassed several histologic classes including embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR), medulloepithelioma, ependymoblastoma and CNS-PNETs with variable differentiation. Strikingly, gene expression and methylation profiling analyses revealed a common molecular signature enriched for primitive neural features, high LIN28/LIN28B and DNMT3B expression for all group 1 CNS-PNETs regardless of location or tumor histology. Our collective findings suggest that current known histologic categories of CNS-PNETs which include ETANTRs, medulloepitheliomas, ependymoblastomas in various CNS locations, comprise a common molecular and diagnostic entity and identify inhibitors of the LIN28/let7/PI3K/mTOR axis and DNMT3B as promising therapeutics for this distinct histogenetic entity.

Advances in managing medulloblastoma and intracranial primitive neuro-ectodermal tumors

Medulloblastoma and central nervous system (CNS)-primitive neuro-ectodermal tumors (PNETs) are a diverse group of entities which encompasses different pathological and clinical pictures. Initially divided based on histology and location, molecular insight is leading to new definitions and a change in the borders delineating these diseases, such that they become more divergent. Current treatment approaches consist of surgical resection, radiotherapy and intensive chemotherapy, dependent on age. Stratification is one risk factor shown to be prognostic and is divided into high- and average-risks. Outcomes with modern treatment regimens are good, particularly in average-risk medulloblastoma patients, but the cost of cure is high, with high rates of neurocognitive, endocrine and social dysfunction. The changing biological landscape, however, may allow for clearer prediction of tumor behavior, to better identify "good" and "bad" players within these groups. Discovery of subgroups with changes in dependent molecular pathways will also lead to the development of new specific targeted therapies. Presenting exciting opportunities, these advances may transform the treatment for some patients, revolutionizing therapy in the future. Several challenges, however, are yet to be faced and caution is needed not to abandon previously defined prognostic factors on the strength of thus far retrospective evidence. We are witnessing a new era of trials with biological stratification involving multiple subgroups and treatment arms, based on specific tumor-related targets. This review discusses the changing face of medulloblastoma and CNS-PNETs and how we move molecular advances into clinical trials that benefit patients.