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Slika H, Karimov Z, Alimonti P, Abou-Mrad T, De Fazio E, Alomari S, Tyler B. Preclinical Models and Technologies in Glioblastoma Research: Evolution, Current State, and Future Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16316. [PMID: 38003507 PMCID: PMC10671665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary central nervous system tumor and one of the most debilitating cancers. The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma remains poor, and the management of this tumor, both in its primary and recurrent forms, remains suboptimal. Despite the tremendous efforts that are being put forward by the research community to discover novel efficacious therapeutic agents and modalities, no major paradigm shifts have been established in the field in the last decade. However, this does not mirror the abundance of relevant findings and discoveries made in preclinical glioblastoma research. Hence, developing and utilizing appropriate preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the characteristics and behavior of human glioblastoma is of utmost importance. Herein, we offer a holistic picture of the evolution of preclinical models of glioblastoma. We further elaborate on the commonly used in vitro and vivo models, delving into their development, favorable characteristics, shortcomings, and areas of potential improvement, which aids researchers in designing future experiments and utilizing the most suitable models. Additionally, this review explores progress in the fields of humanized and immunotolerant mouse models, genetically engineered animal models, 3D in vitro models, and microfluidics and highlights promising avenues for the future of preclinical glioblastoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Ziya Karimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Paolo Alimonti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Tatiana Abou-Mrad
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon;
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Emerson De Fazio
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.A.); (E.D.F.)
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (H.S.); (Z.K.); (S.A.)
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Martell E, Kuzmychova H, Senthil H, Kaul E, Chokshi CR, Venugopal C, Anderson CM, Singh SK, Sharif T. Compensatory cross-talk between autophagy and glycolysis regulates senescence and stemness in heterogeneous glioblastoma tumor subpopulations. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:110. [PMID: 37420311 PMCID: PMC10327182 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01604-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous research efforts, successful targeting of aberrant tumor metabolism in clinical practice has remained elusive. Tumor heterogeneity and plasticity may play a role in the clinical failure of metabolism-targeting interventions for treating cancer patients. Moreover, compensatory growth-related processes and adaptive responses exhibited by heterogeneous tumor subpopulations to metabolic inhibitors are poorly understood. Here, by using clinically-relevant patient-derived glioblastoma (GBM) cell models, we explore the cross-talk between glycolysis, autophagy, and senescence in maintaining tumor stemness. We found that stem cell-like GBM tumor subpopulations possessed higher basal levels of glycolytic activity and increased expression of several glycolysis-related enzymes including, GLUT1/SLC2A1, PFKP, ALDOA, GAPDH, ENO1, PKM2, and LDH, compared to their non-stem-like counterparts. Importantly, bioinformatics analysis also revealed that the mRNA expression of glycolytic enzymes positively correlates with stemness markers (CD133/PROM1 and SOX2) in patient GBM tumors. While treatment with glycolysis inhibitors induced senescence in stem cell-like GBM tumor subpopulations, as evidenced by increased β-galactosidase staining and upregulation of the cell cycle regulators p21Waf1/Cip1/CDKN1A and p16INK4A/CDKN2A, these cells maintained their aggressive stemness features and failed to undergo apoptotic cell death. Using various techniques including autophagy flux and EGFP-MAP1LC3B+ puncta formation analysis, we determined that inhibition of glycolysis led to the induction of autophagy in stem cell-like GBM tumor subpopulations, but not in their non-stem-like counterparts. Similarly, blocking autophagy in stem cell-like GBM tumor subpopulations induced senescence-associated growth arrest without hampering stemness capacity or inducing apoptosis while reciprocally upregulating glycolytic activity. Combinatorial treatment of stem cell-like GBM tumor subpopulations with autophagy and glycolysis inhibitors blocked the induction of senescence while drastically impairing their stemness capacity which drove cells towards apoptotic cell death. These findings identify a novel and complex compensatory interplay between glycolysis, autophagy, and senescence that helps maintain stemness in heterogeneous GBM tumor subpopulations and provides a survival advantage during metabolic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Martell
- Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Helgi Kuzmychova
- Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Harshal Senthil
- Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Esha Kaul
- Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Chirayu R Chokshi
- Department of Biochemistry, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Chitra Venugopal
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher M Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Neuroscience Research Program, Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sheila K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tanveer Sharif
- Department of Pathology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Eckerdt F, Platanias LC. Emerging Role of Glioma Stem Cells in Mechanisms of Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3458. [PMID: 37444568 PMCID: PMC10340782 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery at the beginning of this millennium, glioma stem cells (GSCs) have sparked extensive research and an energetic scientific debate about their contribution to glioblastoma (GBM) initiation, progression, relapse, and resistance. Different molecular subtypes of GBM coexist within the same tumor, and they display differential sensitivity to chemotherapy. GSCs contribute to tumor heterogeneity and recapitulate pathway alterations described for the three GBM subtypes found in patients. GSCs show a high degree of plasticity, allowing for interconversion between different molecular GBM subtypes, with distinct proliferative potential, and different degrees of self-renewal and differentiation. This high degree of plasticity permits adaptation to the environmental changes introduced by chemo- and radiation therapy. Evidence from mouse models indicates that GSCs repopulate brain tumors after therapeutic intervention, and due to GSC plasticity, they reconstitute heterogeneity in recurrent tumors. GSCs are also inherently resilient to standard-of-care therapy, and mechanisms of resistance include enhanced DNA damage repair, MGMT promoter demethylation, autophagy, impaired induction of apoptosis, metabolic adaptation, chemoresistance, and immune evasion. The remarkable oncogenic properties of GSCs have inspired considerable interest in better understanding GSC biology and functions, as they might represent attractive targets to advance the currently limited therapeutic options for GBM patients. This has raised expectations for the development of novel targeted therapeutic approaches, including targeting GSC plasticity, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells, and oncolytic viruses. In this review, we focus on the role of GSCs as drivers of GBM and therapy resistance, and we discuss how insights into GSC biology and plasticity might advance GSC-directed curative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Yan H, Zhu J, Ping Y, Yan M, Liao G, Yuan H, Zhou Y, Xiang F, Pang B, Xu J, Pang L. The Heterogeneous Cellular States of Glioblastoma Stem Cells Revealed by Single Cell Analysis. Stem Cells 2023; 41:111-125. [PMID: 36583266 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) contributed to the progression, treatment resistance, and relapse of glioblastoma (GBM). However, current researches on GSCs were performed usually outside the human tumor microenvironment, ignoring the importance of the cellular states of primary GSCs. In this study, we leveraged single-cell transcriptome sequencing data of 6 independent GBM cohorts from public databases, and combined lineage and stemness features to identify primary GSCs. We dissected the cell states of GSCs and correlated them with the clinical outcomes of patients. As a result, we constructed a cellular hierarchy where GSCs resided at the center. In addition, we identified and characterized 2 different and recurrent GSCs subpopulations: proliferative GSCs (pGSCs) and quiescent GSCs (qGSCs). The pGSCs showed high cell cycle activity, indicating rapid cell division, while qGSCs showed a quiescent state. Then we traced the processes of tumor development by pseudo-time analysis and tumor phylogeny, and found that GSCs accumulated throughout the whole tumor development period. During the process, pGSCs mainly contributed to the early stage and qGSCs were enriched in the later stage. Finally, we constructed an 8-gene prognostic signature reflecting pGSCs activity and found that patients whose tumors were enriched for the pGSC signature had poor clinical outcomes. Our study highlights the primary GSCs heterogeneity and its correlation to tumor development and clinical outcomes, providing the potential targets for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoteng Yan
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China.,Aging Translational Medicine Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Zhu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yanyan Ping
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Min Yan
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Gaoming Liao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Huating Yuan
- Bioinformatics and BioMedical Bigdata Mining Laboratory, School of Big Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Zhou
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Fengyu Xiang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Bo Pang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Jinyuan Xu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Lin Pang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
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5
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Glioma Stem Cells: Novel Data Obtained by Single-Cell Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214224. [PMID: 36430704 PMCID: PMC9694247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common type of primary CNS tumor, composed of cells that resemble normal glial cells. Recent genetic studies have provided insight into the inter-tumoral heterogeneity of gliomas, resulting in the updated 2021 WHO classification of gliomas. Thorough understanding of inter-tumoral heterogeneity has already improved the prognosis and treatment outcomes of some types of gliomas. Currently, the challenge for researchers is to study the intratumoral cell heterogeneity of newly defined glioma subtypes. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) present in gliomas and many other tumors are an example of intratumoral heterogeneity of great importance. In this review, we discuss the modern concept of glioma stem cells and recent single-cell sequencing-driven progress in the research of intratumoral glioma cell heterogeneity. The particular emphasis was placed on the recently revealed variations of the cell composition of the subtypes of the adult-type diffuse gliomas, including astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma and glioblastoma. The novel data explain the inconsistencies in earlier glioma stem cell research and also provide insight into the development of more effective targeted therapy and the cell-based immunotherapy of gliomas. Separate sections are devoted to the description of single-cell sequencing approach and its role in the development of cell-based immunotherapies for glioma.
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Grieco M, Ursini O, Palamà IE, Gigli G, Moroni L, Cortese B. HYDRHA: Hydrogels of hyaluronic acid. New biomedical approaches in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and tissue engineering. Mater Today Bio 2022; 17:100453. [PMID: 36254248 PMCID: PMC9568881 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100453] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, hyaluronic acid (HA) has attracted an ever-growing interest in the biomedical engineering field as a biocompatible, biodegradable, and chemically versatile molecule. In fact, HA is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and crosstalk. Innovative experimental strategies in vitro and in vivo using three-dimensional (3D) HA systems have been increasingly reported in studies of diseases, replacement of tissue and organ damage, repairing wounds, and encapsulating stem cells for tissue regeneration. The present work aims to give an overview and comparison of recent work carried out on HA systems showing advantages, limitations, and their complementarity, for a comprehensive characterization of their use. A special attention is paid to the use of HA in three important areas: cancer, diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), and tissue regeneration, discussing the most innovative experimental strategies. Finally, perspectives within and beyond these research fields are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Grieco
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Ornella Ursini
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Elena Palamà
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), 73100, Lecce, Italy,Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi” University of Salento, Via Arnesano, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), 73100, Lecce, Italy,Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Cortese
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), 00185, Rome, Italy,Corresponding author.
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Zhao G, Ding L, Yu H, Wang W, Wang H, Hu Y, Qin L, Deng G, Xie B, Li G, Qi L. M2-like tumor-associated macrophages transmit exosomal miR-27b-3p and maintain glioblastoma stem-like cell properties. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:350. [PMID: 35927251 PMCID: PMC9352681 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01081-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence supporting the implications of exosomes-shuttled microRNAs (miRs) in the phenotypes of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), whilst the role of exosomal miR-27b-3p remains to be established. Herein, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of M2 tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-derived exosomal miR-27b-3p on the function of GSCs. Clinical glioblastoma (GBM) specimens were obtained and GSCs and M2-TAMs were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and exosomes were separated from M2-TAMs. It was observed that M2-TAM-derived exosomes promoted the stem-like properties of GSCs. Gain- and loss- of function assays were then conducted to explore the effects of exosomal miR-27b-3p and the miR-27b-3p/MLL4/PRDM1 axis on GSC phenotypes. A xenograft tumor model of GBM was further established for in vivo substantiation. Inhibition of miR-27b-3p in M2-TAMs reduced exosomal miR-27b-3p transferred into GSCs and consequently diminished GSC viability in vitro and tumor-promoting effects of GSCs in vivo. The interaction among miR-27b-3p, mixed linked leukemia 4 (MLL4), positive regulatory domain I (PRDM1) was validated by dual-luciferase and ChIP assays. MLL4 positively regulated PRDM1 expression by inducing methylation in the PRDM1 enhancer region and ultimately reduced IL-33 expression. miR-27b-3p targeted MLL4/PRDM1 to activate IL-33 and maintain the stem-like function of GSCs. In conclusion, our study elucidated that M2-TAM-derived exosomal miR-27b-3p enhanced the tumorigenicity of GSCs through the MLL4/PRDM1/IL-33 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifang Zhao
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, People's Republic of China.,Jilin Medical University, Jilin, 132013, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongquan Yu
- Department of Oncological Neurosurgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiyao Wang
- Jilin Medical University, Jilin, 132013, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Wang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Hu
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingsha Qin
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangce Deng
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, People's Republic of China
| | - Buqing Xie
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, People's Republic of China
| | - Guofeng Li
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Qi
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, 511518, People's Republic of China.
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The Impact of Astrocytes and Endothelial Cells on Glioblastoma Stemness Marker Expression in Multicellular Spheroids. Cell Mol Bioeng 2021; 14:639-651. [PMID: 34900016 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-021-00691-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common primary brain tumor in adults, is extremely malignant and lethal. GBM tumors are highly heterogenous, being comprised of cellular and matrix components, which contribute to tumor cell invasion, cancer stem cell maintenance, and drug resistance. Here, we developed a heterotypic 3D spheroid model integrating GBM cells with astrocytes and endothelial cells (ECs) to better simulate the cellular components of the tumor microenvironment and investigate their impact on the stemness marker expression of GBM cells, which has not been previously investigated. Methods We used U87 GBM cells, C8-D1A mouse astrocytes, and human umbilical vein ECs to construct co- and tri-culture spheroid models in low-attachment U-well plates. We characterized the expression of known stemness markers NESTIN, SOX2, CD133, NANOG, and OCT4 in these models and compared it to respective mixed monoculture spheroids (control) using qRT-PCR and immunostaining. Results We incorporated GBM cells and astrocytes/ECs in 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, and 1:9 ratio and observed spontaneous self-assembled spheroids in all coculture conditions. We observed changing spheroid size dynamics over 7 days and an increased expression in stemness markers in GBM-astrocyte and GBM-EC coculture spheroids in 1:4 and 1:9 coculture conditions, respectively. In a triculture model employing GBM cells, astrocytes, and ECs in a 1:4:9 ratio, we found an increased expression of all the stemness markers. Conclusions We elucidated the impact of astrocytes and ECs on GBM stemness marker expression. This multicellular spheroid model may provide an important tool for investigating the crosstalk between cell types in GBM. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-021-00691-y.
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Tran K, Brice R, Yao L. Bioscaffold-based study of glioblastoma cell behavior and drug delivery for tumor therapy. Neurochem Int 2021; 147:105049. [PMID: 33945833 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a severe form of brain cancer with an average five-year survival rate of 6.7%. Current treatment strategies include surgical resection of the tumor area and lining the lesion site with therapeutics, which offer only a moderate impact on increasing survival rates. Drug-testing models based on the monolayer cell culture method may partially explain the lack of advancement in effective GBM treatment, because this model is limited in its ability to show heterogeneous cell-cell and cell-environment interactions as tumor cells in the in vivo state. The development of bioscaffold-based culture models is an important improvement in GBM research, preclinical trials, and targeted drug testing, through better mimicking of the heterogeneity of tumor environmental conditions. A major hurdle towards better GBM outcomes is in delivering medication across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which normally prevents the crossing of materials into the treatment site. The delivery of therapeutics using bioscaffolds is a potential means of overcoming the BBB and could potentially facilitate long-lasting drug release. A number of natural and synthetic materials have been studied for their biodegradability, toxicity, distribution, and pharmaceutical stability, which are needed to determine the overall effectiveness and safety of glioblastoma treatment. This review summarizes advancements in the research of bioscaffold-based GBM cell growth systems and the potential of using bioscaffolds as a carrier for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimmy Tran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| | - Ryan Brice
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA
| | - Li Yao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS, 67260, USA.
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10
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Vieira de Castro J, S. Gonçalves C, P. Martins E, Miranda-Lorenzo I, T. Cerqueira M, Longatto-Filho A, A. Pinto A, L. Reis R, Sousa N, Heeschen C, M. Costa B. Intracellular Autofluorescence as a New Biomarker for Cancer Stem Cells in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:828. [PMID: 33669350 PMCID: PMC7920313 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are implicated in tumor initiation, progression, therapy resistance, and relapse, is of great biological and clinical relevance. In glioblastoma (GBM), this is still a challenge, as no single marker is able to universally identify populations of GBM cancer stem cells (GSCs). Indeed, there is still controversy on whether biomarker-expressing cells fulfill the functional criteria of bona fide GSCs, despite being widely used. Here, we describe a novel subpopulation of autofluorescent (Fluo+) cells in GBM that bear all the functional characteristics of GSCs, including higher capacity to grow as neurospheres, long-term self-renewal ability, increased expression of stem cell markers, and enhanced in vivo tumorigenicity. Mechanistically, the autofluorescent phenotype is largely due to the intracellular accumulation of riboflavin, mediated by the ABC transporter ABCG2. In summary, our work identifies an intrinsic cellular autofluorescent phenotype enriched in GBM cells with functional stem cells features that can be used as a novel, simple and reliable biomarker to target these highly malignant tumors, with implications for GBM biological and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vieira de Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.); (E.P.M.); (A.L.-F.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; (M.T.C.); (R.L.R.)
| | - Céline S. Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.); (E.P.M.); (A.L.-F.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; (M.T.C.); (R.L.R.)
| | - Eduarda P. Martins
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.); (E.P.M.); (A.L.-F.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; (M.T.C.); (R.L.R.)
| | - Irene Miranda-Lorenzo
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.M.-L.); (C.H.)
| | - Mariana T. Cerqueira
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; (M.T.C.); (R.L.R.)
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal
| | - Adhemar Longatto-Filho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.); (E.P.M.); (A.L.-F.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; (M.T.C.); (R.L.R.)
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil
- Medical Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM) 14, Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Afonso A. Pinto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Braga, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Rui L. Reis
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; (M.T.C.); (R.L.R.)
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.); (E.P.M.); (A.L.-F.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; (M.T.C.); (R.L.R.)
| | - Christopher Heeschen
- Stem Cells and Cancer Group, Molecular Pathology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.M.-L.); (C.H.)
- Center for Single-Cell Omics & State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Bruno M. Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.); (E.P.M.); (A.L.-F.); (N.S.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal; (M.T.C.); (R.L.R.)
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11
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Cantini G, Pisati F, Pessina S, Finocchiaro G, Pellegatta S. Immunotherapy against the radial glia marker GLAST effectively triggers specific antitumor effectors without autoimmunity. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:884-893. [PMID: 23162756 PMCID: PMC3489744 DOI: 10.4161/onci.20637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The glutamate-aspartate transporter GLAST is a radial glia marker that is highly expressed in GL261 stem-like cells (GSCs). To target GLAST, we treated glioma-bearing mice with three subcutaneous injections of four GLAST peptides emulsified with Montanide ISA-51 in association with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) injections. Vaccination with GLAST peptides significantly prolonged survival, effectively enhanced systemic T-cell and NK-cell responses and promoted robust antitumor cytotoxicity. GLAST expression significantly decreased in gliomas from immunized mice, as evaluated by histological analysis and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Moreover, the immunization protocol led to the upregulation of interferonγ (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα) as well as to the downregulation of transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 and β2 in the tumor. Beyond these changes, gliomas from immunized mice exhibited an increased recruitment of NK cells and antigen-specific CD8+ T cells expressing the tumor homing molecule VLA-4, as well as a local chemotactic gradient featuring expression of CXCL10 (which may be responsible for the recruitment of CTLs), CCL3, CCL4 and CCL5 (which are involved in NK-cell migration), and NKG2D ligand on glioma cells. Importantly, although GLAST is expressed in the central nervous system, autoimmune reactions were not observed in immunized mice. Altogether, these results support the contention that GLAST may constitute a glioma antigen against which immune responses can be efficiently induced without major safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Cantini
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology; Neurological Institute C. Besta; Milan, Italy ; Department of Experimental Oncology; European Institute of Oncology; Campus IFOM-IEO; Milan, Italy
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12
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Vieira de Castro J, Gonçalves CS, Hormigo A, Costa BM. Exploiting the Complexities of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Insights for Cancer Initiation and Therapeutic Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155278. [PMID: 32722427 PMCID: PMC7432229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in the 2000s revolutionized the cancer research field, raising new questions regarding the putative cell(s) of origin of this tumor type, and partly explaining the highly heterogeneous nature of glioblastoma (GBM). Increasing evidence has suggested that GSCs play critical roles in tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. The remarkable oncogenic features of GSCs have generated significant interest in better defining and characterizing these cells and determining novel pathways driving GBM that could constitute attractive key therapeutic targets. While exciting breakthroughs have been achieved in the field, the characterization of GSCs is a challenge and the cell of origin of GBM remains controversial. For example, the use of several cell-surface molecular markers to identify and isolate GSCs has been a challenge. It is now widely accepted that none of these markers is, per se, sufficiently robust to distinguish GSCs from normal stem cells. Finding new strategies that are able to more efficiently and specifically target these niches could also prove invaluable against this devastating and therapy-insensitive tumor. In this review paper, we summarize the most relevant findings and discuss emerging concepts and open questions in the field of GSCs, some of which are, to some extent, pertinent to other cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vieira de Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Céline S. Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Adília Hormigo
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Medicine, The Tisch Cancer Institute and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029-6574, USA;
| | - Bruno M. Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +35-1-253-604-872
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13
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Azzarelli R. Organoid Models of Glioblastoma to Study Brain Tumor Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:220. [PMID: 32373607 PMCID: PMC7176979 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma represents an aggressive form of brain cancer characterized by poor prognosis and a 5-year survival rate of only 3–7%. Despite remarkable advances in brain tumor research in the past decades, very little has changed for patients, due in part to the recurrent nature of the disease and to the lack of suitable models to perform genotype-phenotype association studies and personalized drug screening. In vitro culture of cancer cells derived from patient biopsies has been fundamental in understanding tumor biology and for testing the effect of various drugs. These cultures emphasize the role of in vitro cancer stem cells (CSCs), which fuel tumor growth and are thought to be the cause of relapse after treatment. However, it has become clear over the years that a 2D monolayer culture of these CSCs has certain disadvantages, including the lack of heterogeneous cell-cell and cell-environment interactions, which can now be partially overcome by the introduction of 3D organoid cultures. This is a novel and expanding field of research and in this review, I describe the emerging 3D models of glioblastoma. I also discuss their potential to advance our knowledge of tumor biology and CSC heterogeneity, while debating their current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Azzarelli
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Nakod PS, Kim Y, Rao SS. Three-dimensional biomimetic hyaluronic acid hydrogels to investigate glioblastoma stem cell behaviors. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 117:511-522. [PMID: 31691953 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the deadliest form of primary brain tumor. GBM tumors are highly heterogeneous, being composed of tumor cells as well as glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) that contribute to drug resistance and tumor recurrence following treatment. To develop therapeutic strategies, an improved understanding of GSC behavior in their microenvironment is critical. Herein, we have employed three-dimensional (3D) hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels that allow the incorporation of brain microenvironmental cues to investigate GSC behavior. U87 cell line and patient-derived D456 cells were cultured as suspension cultures (serum-free) and adherently (in the presence of serum) and were then encapsulated in HA hydrogels. We observed that all the seeded single cells expanded and formed spheres, and the size of the spheres increased with time. Increasing the initial cell seeding density of cells influenced the sphere size distribution. Interestingly, clonal expansion of serum-free grown tumor cells in HA hydrogels was observed. Also, stemness marker expression of serum and/or serum-free grown cells was altered when cultured in HA hydrogels. Finally, we demonstrated that HA hydrogels can support long-term GSC culture (up to 60 days) with retention of stemness markers. Overall, such biomimetic culture systems could further our understanding of the microenvironmental regulation of GSC phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinaki S Nakod
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
| | - Yonghyun Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
| | - Shreyas S Rao
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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15
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Xu Y, Yang X, Mei S, Sun Y, Li J. Acquisition of temozolomide resistance by the rat C6 glioma cell line increases cell migration and side population phenotype. Oncol Rep 2019; 42:2355-2362. [PMID: 31578583 PMCID: PMC6826311 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are reportedly associated with drug resistance in glioma, but there are conflicting findings on the effects of cancer stem cells on drug resistance. The aim of the present study was to identify the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance in rat C6 glioma cells, through the use of Transwell invasion assays, flow cytometric and western blot analyses as well as immunohistochemical staining. The results revealed that acquisition of drug resistance by C6 cells enhanced migration ability in vivo and in vitro. Notably, drug resistance did not depend on the cancer stem cells of C6 cells, but on the increase of a side population phenotype. Blockade of the ABC transporter could increase sensitivity to temozolomide and temozolomide‑induced apoptosis in C6 cells. Collectively, these data indicated that drug resistance of C6 cells was mediated by the side population phenotype rather than by cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of KMUST, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Xiangcai Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of KMUST, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Shuting Mei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of KMUST, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of KMUST, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Jiejing Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of KMUST, Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
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16
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GPD1 Specifically Marks Dormant Glioma Stem Cells with a Distinct Metabolic Profile. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 25:241-257.e8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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17
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The Genetic Landscape of Human Glioblastoma and Matched Primary Cancer Stem Cells Reveals Intratumour Similarity and Intertumour Heterogeneity. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:2617030. [PMID: 30984267 PMCID: PMC6431486 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2617030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant human brain tumour, characterized by rapid progression, invasion, intense angiogenesis, high genomic instability, and resistance to therapies. Despite countless experimental researches for new therapeutic strategies and promising clinical trials, the prognosis remains extremely poor, with a mean survival of less than 14 months. GBM aggressive behaviour is due to a subpopulation of tumourigenic stem-like cells, GBM stem cells (GSCs), which hierarchically drive onset, proliferation, and tumour recurrence. The morbidity and mortality of this disease strongly encourage exploring genetic characteristics of GSCs. Here, using array-CGH platform, we investigated genetic and genomic aberration profiles of GBM parent tumour (n = 10) and their primarily derived GSCs. Statistical analysis was performed by using R software and complex heatmap and corrplot packages. Pearson correlation and K-means algorithm were exploited to compare genetic alterations and to group similar genetic profiles in matched pairs of GBM and derived GSCs. We identified, in both GBM and matched GSCs, recurrent copy number alterations, as chromosome 7 polysomy, chromosome 10 monosomy, and chromosome 9p21deletions, which are typical features of primary GBM, essential for gliomagenesis. These observations suggest a condition of strong genomic instability both in GBM as GSCs. Our findings showed the robust similarity between GBM mass and GSCs (Pearson corr.≥0.65) but also highlighted a marked variability among different patients. Indeed, the heatmap reporting Gain/Loss State for 21022 coding/noncoding genes demonstrated high interpatient divergence. Furthermore, K-means algorithm identified an impairment of pathways related to the development and progression of cancer, such as angiogenesis, as well as pathways related to the immune system regulation, such as T cell activation. Our data confirmed the preservation of the genomic landscape from tumour tissue to GSCs, supporting the relevance of this cellular model to test in vitro new target therapies for GBM.
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18
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Glioblastoma's Next Top Model: Novel Culture Systems for Brain Cancer Radiotherapy Research. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11010044. [PMID: 30621226 PMCID: PMC6356812 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, remains one of the least treatable cancers. Current standard of care—combining surgical resection, radiation, and alkylating chemotherapy—results in a median survival of only 15 months. Despite decades of investment and research into the development of new therapies, most candidate anti-glioma compounds fail to translate into effective treatments in clinical trials. One key issue underlying this failure of therapies that work in pre-clinical models to generate meaningful improvement in human patients is the profound mismatch between drug discovery systems—cell cultures and mouse models—and the actual tumors they are supposed to imitate. Indeed, current strategies that evaluate the effects of novel treatments on GBM cells in vitro fail to account for a wide range of factors known to influence tumor growth. These include secreted factors, the brain’s unique extracellular matrix, circulatory structures, the presence of non-tumor brain cells, and nutrient sources available for tumor metabolism. While mouse models provide a more realistic testing ground for potential therapies, they still fail to account for the full complexity of tumor-microenvironment interactions, as well as the role of the immune system. Based on the limitations of current models, researchers have begun to develop and implement novel culture systems that better recapitulate the complex reality of brain tumors growing in situ. A rise in the use of patient derived cells, creative combinations of added growth factors and supplements, may provide a more effective proving ground for the development of novel therapies. This review will summarize and analyze these exciting developments in 3D culturing systems. Special attention will be paid to how they enhance the design and identification of compounds that increase the efficacy of radiotherapy, a bedrock of GBM treatment.
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19
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Gaetani P, Hulleman E, Levi D, Quarto M, Scorsetti M, Helin K, Simonelli M, Colombo P, Baena RRY. Expression of the Transcription Factor HEY1 in Glioblastoma: A Preliminary Clinical Study. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 96:97-102. [DOI: 10.1177/030089161009600116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims and background The hairy/enhancer of split (E(spl))-related family of transcription factors (HES and HEY) are established targets of the notch signaling pathway, which has been implicated in different developmental processes, tumor formation and the self-renewal of neural stem cells. We determined the expression of HEY1 in human malignant gliomas to investigate whether its expression might be related to prognosis. Methods The expression of HEY1 was studied by in situ hybridization on 62 cases of glioblastoma. Patients were treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We considered as end points of the study the overall survival time and progression-free interval. Correlations between HEY1 expression and tumor grade/patient overall survival and free interval before recurrence were analyzed using univariate analysis. Results Based on the in situ hybridization results, HEY1 expression rate was reported as negative staining in 13 cases (20.6%), as weak staining in 11 cases (17.3%), as moderate staining in 21 cases (33.3%), and as strong staining in 17 cases. We considered in the analysis the cumulative expression of HEY1 at in situ hybridization (Hey Index) as negative in 13 cases and positive in 49 cases (77.78%). The overall survival (P = 0.002) and the free-interval (P = 0.012) were significantly longer in patients who were negative for HEY1 expression. Conclusions Our data suggest that expression of HEY1 might be used as a marker to distinguish glioblastoma patients with a relatively good prognosis from those at high-risk, and that, in the future, HEY1 might represent a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Gaetani
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano (MI), Italy
| | | | - Daniel Levi
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano (MI), Italy
| | | | - Marta Scorsetti
- Department of Radiotherapy, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano (MI), Italy
| | - Kristian Helin
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matteo Simonelli
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano (MI), Italy
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20
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Verano-Braga T, Gorshkov V, Munthe S, Sørensen MD, Kristensen BW, Kjeldsen F. SuperQuant-assisted comparative proteome analysis of glioblastoma subpopulations allows for identification of potential novel therapeutic targets and cell markers. Oncotarget 2018; 9:9400-9414. [PMID: 29507698 PMCID: PMC5823648 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain cancer with poor prognosis and low survival rate. Invasive cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor recurrence because they escape current treatments. Our main goal was to study the proteome of three GBM subpopulations to identify key molecules behind GBM cell phenotypes and potential cell markers for migrating cells. We used SuperQuant-an enhanced quantitative proteome approach-to increase proteome coverage. We found 148 proteins differentially regulated in migrating CSCs and 199 proteins differentially regulated in differentiated cells. We used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to predict upstream regulators, downstream effects and canonical pathways associated with regulated proteins. IPA analysis predicted activation of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling, actin cytoskeleton signaling, and lysine demethylase 5B (KDM5B) in CSC migration. Moreover, our data suggested that microRNA-122 (miR-122) is a potential upstream regulator of GBM phenotypes as miR-122 activation was predicted for differentiated cells while its inhibition was predicted for migrating CSCs. Finally, we validated transferrin (TF) and procollagen-lysine 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2) as potential markers for migrating cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Verano-Braga
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vladimir Gorshkov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sune Munthe
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mia D Sørensen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Bjarne W Kristensen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Frank Kjeldsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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21
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Abstract
An integrated genomic and functional analysis to elucidate DNA damage signaling factors promoting self-renewal of glioma stem cells (GSCs) identified proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-associated factor (PAF) up-regulation in glioblastoma. PAF is preferentially overexpressed in GSCs. Its depletion impairs maintenance of self-renewal without promoting differentiation and reduces tumor-initiating cell frequency. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that PAF supports GSC maintenance, in part, by influencing DNA replication and pyrimidine metabolism pathways. PAF interacts with PCNA and regulates PCNA-associated DNA translesion synthesis (TLS); consequently, PAF depletion in combination with radiation generated fewer tumorspheres compared with radiation alone. Correspondingly, pharmacological impairment of DNA replication and TLS phenocopied the effect of PAF depletion in compromising GSC self-renewal and radioresistance, providing preclinical proof of principle that combined TLS inhibition and radiation therapy may be a viable therapeutic option in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
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22
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Live-cell calcium imaging of adherent and non-adherent GL261 cells reveals phenotype-dependent differences in drug responses. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:516. [PMID: 28768483 PMCID: PMC5541742 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3507-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor-derived GL261 cell line is used as a model for studying glioblastoma and other high-grade gliomas, and can be cultured adherently or as free-floating aggregates known as neurospheres. These different culture conditions give rise to distinct phenotypes, with increased tumorigenicity displayed by neurosphere-cultured cells. An important technique for understanding GL261 pathobiology is live cell fluorescent imaging of intracellular calcium. However, live cell imaging of GL261 neurospheres presents a technical challenge, as experimental manipulations where drugs are added to the extracellular media cause the cells to move during analysis. Here we present a method to immobilize GL261 neurospheres with low melting point agarose for calcium imaging using the fluorescent calcium sensor fura-2. METHODS GL261 cells were obtained from the NCI-Frederick Cancer Research Tumor Repository and cultured as adherent cells or induced to form neurospheres by placing freshly trypsinized cells into serum-free media containing fibroblast growth factor 2, epidermal growth factor, and B-27 supplement. Prior to experiments, adherent cells were loaded with fura-2 and cultured on 8-well chamber slides. Non-adherent neurospheres were first loaded with fura-2, placed in droplets onto an 8-well chamber slide, and finally covered with a thin layer of low melting point agarose to immobilize the cells. Ratiometric pseudocolored images were obtained during treatment with ATP, capsaicin, or vehicle control. Cells were marked as responsive if fluorescence levels increased more than 30% above baseline. Differences between treatment groups were tested using Student's t-tests and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS We found that cellular responses to pharmacological treatments differ based on cellular phenotype. Adherent cells and neurospheres both responded to ATP with a rise in intracellular calcium. Notably, capsaicin treatment led to robust responses in GL261 neurospheres but not adherent cells. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the use of low melting point agarose for immobilizing GL261 cells, a method that is broadly applicable to any cell type cultured in suspension, including acutely trypsinized cells and primary tumor cells. Our results indicate that it is important to consider GL261 phenotype (adherent or neurosphere) when interpreting data regarding physiological responses to experimental compounds.
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23
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Uribe D, Torres Á, Rocha JD, Niechi I, Oyarzún C, Sobrevia L, San Martín R, Quezada C. Multidrug resistance in glioblastoma stem-like cells: Role of the hypoxic microenvironment and adenosine signaling. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 55:140-151. [PMID: 28223127 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is considered the most common and aggressive tumour of the central nervous system and is characterized for being highly chemoresistant. This property is mainly due to the activation of Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR) mechanisms that protect cancer cells from structurally and morphologically different drugs. Overexpression and increased ABC transporters activity is one of the most important MDR mechanisms at the clinical level, and both its expression and activity are elevated in GBM cells. Within the tumour, there is a subpopulation called glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), which due to its high tumourigenic capacity and chemoresistance, have been postulated as the main responsible for tumour recurrence. The GSCs inhabit hypoxic tumour zones, niches that apart from maintaining and promoting stem phenotype have also been correlated with high chemoresistance. Of the signalling pathways activated during hypoxia, purinergic signalling has been highly associated to the induction of MDR mechanisms. Through its receptors, the nucleoside adenosine has been shown to promotes the chemoresistance mediated by ABC transporters. Therefore, targeting its components is a promising alternative for GBM treatment. In this review, we will discuss chemoresistance in GSCs and the effect of the hypoxic microenvironment and adenosine on MDR mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Uribe
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ángelo Torres
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - José Dellis Rocha
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ignacio Niechi
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carlos Oyarzún
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston QLD 4029, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rody San Martín
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Claudia Quezada
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science Faculty, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
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Finocchiaro G, Pellegatta S. Immunotherapy with dendritic cells loaded with glioblastoma stem cells: from preclinical to clinical studies. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:101-9. [PMID: 26377689 PMCID: PMC11029491 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1754-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Different approaches have been explored to raise effective antitumor responses against glioblastoma (GBM), the deadliest of primary brain tumors. In many clinical studies, cancer vaccines have been based on dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with peptides, representing one or more specific tumor antigens or whole lysates as a source of multiple antigens. Randomized clinical trials using DCs are ongoing, and results of efficacy are not yet available. Such strategies are feasible and safe; however, immune-suppressive microenvironment, absence of appropriate specific epitopes to target, and cancer immunoediting can limit their efficacy. The aim of this review is to describe how the definition of novel and more specific targets may increase considerably the possibility of successful DC immunotherapy. By proposing to target glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), the immune response will be pointed to eradicating factors and pathways highly relevant to GBM biology. Preclinical observations on efficacy, and preliminary results of immunotherapy trials, encourage exploring the clinical efficacy of DC immunotherapy in GBM patients using high-purity, GSC-loaded DC vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Finocchiaro
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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25
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Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most prevalent and malignant primary brain tumor, containing self-renewing, tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) that contribute to tumor initiation and therapeutic resistance. In this review, Lathia et al. discuss how the integration of genetics, epigenetics, and metabolism has shaped our understanding of how CSCs function to drive GBM growth. Tissues with defined cellular hierarchies in development and homeostasis give rise to tumors with cellular hierarchies, suggesting that tumors recapitulate specific tissues and mimic their origins. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and malignant primary brain tumor and contains self-renewing, tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) that contribute to tumor initiation and therapeutic resistance. As normal stem and progenitor cells participate in tissue development and repair, these developmental programs re-emerge in CSCs to support the development and progressive growth of tumors. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that govern CSCs has informed the development of novel targeted therapeutics for GBM and other brain cancers. CSCs are not self-autonomous units; rather, they function within an ecological system, both actively remodeling the microenvironment and receiving critical maintenance cues from their niches. To fulfill the future goal of developing novel therapies to collapse CSC dynamics, drawing parallels to other normal and pathological states that are highly interactive with their microenvironments and that use developmental signaling pathways will be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | - Stephen C Mack
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | - Erin E Mulkearns-Hubert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | - Claudia L L Valentim
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | - Jeremy N Rich
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA; Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
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Kim SS, Pirollo KF, Chang EH. Isolation and Culturing of Glioma Cancer Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 67:23.10.1-23.10.10. [PMID: 26061242 DOI: 10.1002/0471143030.cb2310s67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In many human cancers including malignant glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis and resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapies. Therefore, a CSC-targeted drug delivery strategy to eliminate CSCs is a desirable approach for developing a more effective therapeutic. Moreover, isolated CSCs will provide an invaluable tool for studying the underlying cellular mechanisms of tumor development and provide insight into therapeutic options for successful eradication of CSCs. This unit describes a method for the isolation and culture of CSCs from human GBM tumor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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27
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Woo SR, Oh YT, An JY, Kang BG, Nam DH, Joo KM. Glioblastoma specific antigens, GD2 and CD90, are not involved in cancer stemness. Anat Cell Biol 2015; 48:44-53. [PMID: 25806121 PMCID: PMC4371180 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2015.48.1.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant World Health Organization grade IV brain tumor. GBM patients have a poor prognosis because of its resistance to standard therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Since stem-like cells have been associated with the treatment resistance of GBM, novel therapies targeting the cancer stem cell (CSC) population is critically required. However, GBM CSCs share molecular and functional characteristics with normal neural stem cells (NSCs). To elucidate differential therapeutic targets of GBM CSCs, we compared surface markers of GBM CSCs with adult human NSCs and found that GD2 and CD90 were specifically overexpressed in GBM CSCs. We further tested whether the GBM CSC specific markers are associated with the cancer stemness using primarily cultured patient-derived GBM cells. However, results consistently indicated that GBM cells with or without GD2 and CD90 had similar in vitro sphere formation capacity, a functional characteristics of CSCs. Therefore, GD2 and CD90, GBM specific surface markers, might not be used as specific therapeutic targets for GBM CSCs, although they could have other clinical utilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon Rang Woo
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Samsung Medical Center and Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ; Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Taek Oh
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Samsung Medical Center and Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ; Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Yeol An
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bong Gu Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do-Hyun Nam
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Samsung Medical Center and Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ; Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea. ; Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyeung Min Joo
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Samsung Medical Center and Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ; Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea. ; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Nonaka M, Yawata T, Takemura M, Higashi Y, Nakai E, Shimizu K, Ueba T. Elevated cell invasion in a tumor sphere culture of RSV-M mouse glioma cells. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2014; 55:60-70. [PMID: 25744351 PMCID: PMC4533394 DOI: 10.2176/nmc.oa.2014-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the sole population possessing high self-renewal activity in tumors, with their existence affecting tumor recurrence. However, the invasive activity of CSCs has yet to be fully understood. In this article, we established a tumor sphere culture of RSV-M mouse glioma cells (RSV-M-TS) and evaluated their migration and invasion activities. Histological analysis of a tumor formed by cranial injection of the RSV-M-TS cells showed highly invasive properties and similarities with human malignant glioma tissues. When the migration activity of both RSV-M and RSV-M-TS cells were compared by intracranial injection, rapid migration of RSV-M-TS cells was observed. To confirm the invasive capabilities of RSV-M-TS cells, a three-dimensional collagen invasion assay was performed in vitro using RSV-M, RSV-M-TS, and RSV-M-TS cells cultured with medium containing serum. RSV-M and RSV-M-TS cultured with medium containing serum for 8 days indicated low migration activity, while moderate invasion activity was observed in RSV-M-TS cells. This activity was further enhanced by incubation with medium containing serum overnight. To identify the genes involved in this invasion activity, we performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array analysis of RSV-M and RSV-M-TS cells. Of 84 cancer metastasis-related genes, up-regulation was observed in 24 genes, while 4 genes appeared to be down-regulated in RSV-M-TS cells. These results suggest that the enhanced invasive activity of glioma sphere cells correlates with a number of tumor metastasis-related genes and plays a role in the dissemination and invasion of glioma cells.
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Witusik-Perkowska M, Zakrzewska M, Szybka M, Papierz W, Jaskolski DJ, Liberski PP, Sikorska B. Astrocytoma-associated antigens - IL13Rα2, Fra-1, and EphA2 as potential markers to monitor the status of tumour-derived cell cultures in vitro. Cancer Cell Int 2014; 14:82. [PMID: 25788865 PMCID: PMC4364051 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-014-0082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The molecular heterogeneity of high-grade astrocytomas underlies the difficulties in the development of representative and valuable in vitro experimental models for their studies. The purpose of our study was to estimate the value of astrocytoma-associated antigens (AAAs) - IL13Rα2, Fra-1, EphA2 - and the most common molecular aberrations typical for astrocytomas as potential markers to screen the status of tumour-derived cell cultures in vitro. Methods The tumour-derived cell cultures were established from high-grade astrocytomas. The expression analyses of the tested genes were performed via semi-quantitative real-time PCR and subsequently verified by immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical technique. The analyses of molecular aberrations at DNA level included gene dosage status evaluation based on real-time PCR, sequencing analysis, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) assay. Results The expression analyses based on semi-quantitative real-time PCR showed that in the final stage of culture the expression level of all tested AAAs was significantly higher or at least comparable to that of primary tumours; however, two expression patterns were observed during cell culture establishment. Analysis at the single cell level via immunocytochemistry also demonstrated an increase of the level of tested proteins and/or selection of tumour cell populations strongly positive for AAAs vs. other cell types including admixed non-tumoural cells. Confrontation of AAA expression data with the results of molecular analyses at DNA level seems to support the latter, revealing that the expression pattern of astrocytoma-associated antigens in tumour-derived cells in subsequent stages of culture is convergent with changes in the molecular profile of examined cell populations. Conclusions The consistency of the obtained results seems to support the use of the selected AAAs, in particular IL13Rα2 and Fra-1, as tools facilitating the establishment of tumour-derived cultures. However, the intratumoural heterogeneity of high-grade astrocytomas may require further detailed characterisation of the molecular profile of a tumour in order to evaluate the value of the experimental model in relation to the individual context of particular studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Witusik-Perkowska
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Neuropathology, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 8/10 str, Lodz, 92-216, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zakrzewska
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Neuropathology, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 8/10 str, Lodz, 92-216, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Szybka
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Neuropathology, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 8/10 str, Lodz, 92-216, Poland
| | - Wielislaw Papierz
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 8/10 str, Lodz, 92-216, Poland
| | - Dariusz J Jaskolski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego 22 str, Lodz, 90-153, Poland
| | - Pawel P Liberski
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Neuropathology, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 8/10 str, Lodz, 92-216, Poland
| | - Beata Sikorska
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Neuropathology, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 8/10 str, Lodz, 92-216, Poland
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Frequency of NFKBIA deletions is low in glioblastomas and skewed in glioblastoma neurospheres. Mol Cancer 2013; 12:160. [PMID: 24330732 PMCID: PMC4029392 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-12-160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The NF-kB family of transcription factors is up-regulated in inflammation and different cancers. Recent data described heterozygous deletions of the NF-kB Inhibitor alpha gene (NFKBIA) in about 20% of glioblastomas (GBM): deletions were mutually exclusive with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification, a frequent event in GBM. We assessed the status of NFKBIA and EGFR in 69 primary GBMs and in corresponding neurospheres (NS). NFKBIA deletion was investigated by the copy number variation assay (CNV); EGFR amplification by CNV ratio with HGF; expression of EGFR and EGFRvIII by quantitative PCR or ReverseTranscriptase PCR. Heterozygous deletions of NFKBIA were present in 3 of 69 primary GBMs and, surprisingly, in 30 of 69 NS. EGFR amplification was detected in 36 GBMs: in corresponding NS, amplification was lost in 13 cases and reduced in 23 (10 vs 47 folds in NS vs primary tumors; p < 0.001). The CNV assay was validated investigating HPRT1 on chromosome X in females and males. Results of array-CGH performed on 3 primary GBMs and 1 NS line were compatible with the CNV assay. NS cells with NFKBIA deletion had increased nuclear activity of p65 (RelA) and increased expression of the NF-kB target IL-6. In absence of EGF in the medium, EGFR amplification was more conserved and NFKBIA deletion less frequent point to a low frequency of NFKBIA deletions in GBM and suggest that EGF in the culture medium of NS may affect frequency not only of EGFR amplifications but also of NFKBIA deletions.
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31
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De Rosa A, Pellegatta S, Rossi M, Tunici P, Magnoni L, Speranza MC, Malusa F, Miragliotta V, Mori E, Finocchiaro G, Bakker A. A radial glia gene marker, fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7), is involved in proliferation and invasion of glioblastoma cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52113. [PMID: 23284888 PMCID: PMC3528762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most deadly cancers. A number of studies suggest that a fraction of tumor cells with stem cell features (Glioma Stem-like Cells, GSC) might be responsible for GBM recurrence and aggressiveness. GSC similarly to normal neural stem cells, can form neurospheres (NS) in vitro, and seem to mirror the genetic features of the original tumor better than glioma cells growing adherently in the presence of serum. Using cDNA microarray analysis we identified a number of relevant genes for glioma biology that are differentially expressed in adherent cells and neurospheres derived from the same tumor. Fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7) was identified as one of the most highly expressed genes in NS compared to their adherent counterpart. We found that down-regulation of FABP7 expression in NS by small interfering RNAs significantly reduced cell proliferation and migration. We also evaluated the potential involvement of FABP7 in response to radiotherapy, as this treatment may cause increased tumor infiltration. Migration of irradiated NS was associated to increased expression of FABP7. In agreement with this, in vivo reduced tumorigenicity of GBM cells with down-regulated expression of FABP7 was associated to decreased expression of the migration marker doublecortin. Notably, we observed that PPAR antagonists affect FABP7 expression and decrease the migration capability of NS after irradiation. As a whole, the data emphasize the role of FABP7 expression in GBM migration and provide translational hints on the timing of treatment with anti-FABP7 agents like PPAR antagonists during GBM evolution.
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Speranza MC, Frattini V, Pisati F, Kapetis D, Porrati P, Eoli M, Pellegatta S, Finocchiaro G. NEDD9, a novel target of miR-145, increases the invasiveness of glioblastoma. Oncotarget 2012; 3:723-34. [PMID: 22869051 PMCID: PMC3443255 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
miR-145 is an important repressor of pluripotency in embryonic stem cells and a tumor suppressor in different cancers. Here, we found that miR-145 is strongly down-regulated in glioblastoma (GB) specimens and corresponding glioblastomaneurospheres (GB-NS, containing GB stem-like cells) compared to normal brain (NB) and to low-grade gliomas (LGG). We observed a direct correlation between miR-145 expression and the progression-free survival (PFS) in LGG patients and overall survival (OS) in GB patients. Using microarray analysis, we identified relevant differences in gene expression profiles between GB-NS over-expressing miR-145 (miRover-NS) and GB-NS Empty (Empty-NS). We focused our attention on HEF1/Cas-L/NEDD9, a scaffold protein involved in invasion in several types of cancer. We confirmed a significant down-regulation of NEDD9 in miRover-NS and we found a higher expression in GB and GB-NS compared to NB. Approximately 50% of LGG patients expressed higher levels of NEDD9 than NB, and the PFS of such patients was shorter than in patients expressing lower levels of NEDD9. We observed that intracranial injection of GB-NS over-expressing miR-145 delays significantly tumor development :deriving tumors showed a significant down-regulation of NEDD9. In addition, we demonstrated a significant inhibition of invasion in silencing experiments with GB-NS shNEDD9 (shNEDD9), and an up-regulation of miR-145 in shNEDD9, suggesting a doublenegative feedback loop between miR-145 and NEDD9. Our results demonstrate the critical role of miR-145 and NEDD9 in regulating glioblastoma invasion and suggest a potential role of NEDD9 as a biomarker for glioma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmela Speranza
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
- Dept Experimental Oncology, Campus IFOM-IEO, Milan, Italy
| | - Véronique Frattini
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
- Dept Experimental Oncology, Campus IFOM-IEO, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Pisati
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
- Dept Experimental Oncology, Campus IFOM-IEO, Milan, Italy
| | - Dimos Kapetis
- Bioinformatics, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Porrati
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Marica Eoli
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
- Dept Experimental Oncology, Campus IFOM-IEO, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Finocchiaro
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
- Dept Experimental Oncology, Campus IFOM-IEO, Milan, Italy
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Huszthy PC, Daphu I, Niclou SP, Stieber D, Nigro JM, Sakariassen PØ, Miletic H, Thorsen F, Bjerkvig R. In vivo models of primary brain tumors: pitfalls and perspectives. Neuro Oncol 2012; 14:979-93. [PMID: 22679124 PMCID: PMC3408261 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nos135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal modeling for primary brain tumors has undergone constant development over the last 60 years, and significant improvements have been made recently with the establishment of highly invasive glioblastoma models. In this review we discuss the advantages and pitfalls of model development, focusing on chemically induced models, various xenogeneic grafts of human cell lines, including stem cell–like cell lines and biopsy spheroids. We then discuss the development of numerous genetically engineered models available to study mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression. At present it is clear that none of the current animal models fully reflects human gliomas. Yet, the various model systems have provided important insight into specific mechanisms of tumor development. In particular, it is anticipated that a combined comprehensive knowledge of the various models currently available will provide important new knowledge on target identification and the validation and development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Huszthy
- NorLux, Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Knights MJ, Kyle S, Ismail A. Characteristic features of stem cells in glioblastomas: from cellular biology to genetics. Brain Pathol 2012; 22:592-606. [PMID: 22303870 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2012.00573.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common type of primary brain tumor in adults and is among the most lethal and least successfully treated solid tumors. Recently, research into the area of stem cells in brain tumors has gained momentum. However, due to the relatively new and novel hypothesis that a subpopulation of cancer cells in each malignancy has the potential for tumor initiation and repopulation, the data in this area of research are still in its infancy. This review article is aimed at attempting to bring together research carried out so far in order to build an understanding of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Initially, we consider GSCs at a morphological and cellular level, and then discuss important cell markers, signaling pathways and genetics. Furthermore, we highlight the difficulties associated with what some of the evidence indicates and what collectively the studies contribute to further defining the interpretation of GSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Knights
- Leeds School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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Methodology for Anti-Gene Anti-IGF-I Therapy of Malignant Tumours. CHEMOTHERAPY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2012; 2012:721873. [PMID: 22400112 PMCID: PMC3287029 DOI: 10.1155/2012/721873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish the criteria for methodology of cellular “anti-IGF-I” therapy of malignant tumours and particularly for glioblastoma multiforme. The treatment of primary glioblastoma patients using surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy was followed by subcutaneous injection of autologous cancer cells transfected by IGF-I antisense/triple helix expression vectors. The prepared cell “vaccines” should it be in the case of glioblastomas or other tumours, have shown a change of phenotype, the absence of IGF-I protein, and expression of MHC-I and B7. The peripheral blood lymphocytes, PBL cells, removed after each of two successive vaccinations, have demonstrated for all the types of tumour tested an increasing level of CD8+ and CD8+28+ molecules and a switch from CD8+11b+ to CD8+11. All cancer patients were supervised for up to 19 months, the period corresponding to minimum survival of glioblastoma patients. The obtained results have permitted to specify the common criteria for “anti-IGF-I” strategy: characteristics sine qua non of injected “vaccines” (cloned cells IGF-I(−) and MHC-I(+)) and of PBL cells (CD8+ increased level).
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Snuderl M, Fazlollahi L, Le LP, Nitta M, Zhelyazkova BH, Davidson CJ, Akhavanfard S, Cahill DP, Aldape KD, Betensky RA, Louis DN, Iafrate AJ. Mosaic amplification of multiple receptor tyrosine kinase genes in glioblastoma. Cancer Cell 2011; 20:810-7. [PMID: 22137795 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity has been implicated in tumor growth and progression as well as resistance to therapy. We present an example of genetic heterogeneity in human malignant brain tumors in which multiple closely related driver genes are amplified and activated simultaneously in adjacent intermingled cells. We have observed up to three different receptor tyrosine kinases (EGFR, MET, PDGFRA) amplified in single tumors in different cells in a mutually exclusive fashion. Each subpopulation was actively dividing, and the genetic changes resulted in protein production, and coexisting subpopulations shared common early genetic mutations indicating their derivation from a single precursor cell. The stable coexistence of different clones within the same tumor will have important clinical implications for tumor resistance to targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matija Snuderl
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Orzan F, Pellegatta S, Poliani PL, Pisati F, Caldera V, Menghi F, Kapetis D, Marras C, Schiffer D, Finocchiaro G. Enhancer of Zeste 2 (EZH2) is up-regulated in malignant gliomas and in glioma stem-like cells. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2011; 37:381-94. [PMID: 20946108 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2010.01132.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Proteins of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) are epigenetic gene silencers and are involved in tumour development. Their oncogenic function might be associated with their role in stem cell maintenance. The histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste 2 (EZH2) is a key member of PRC2 function: we have investigated its expression and function in gliomas. METHODS EZH2 expression was studied in grade II-IV gliomas and in glioma stem-like cells (GSC) by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Effects of EZH2 down-regulation were analysed by treating GSC with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor suberoylanide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and by shRNA. RESULTS DNA microarray analysis showed that EZH2 is highly expressed in murine and human GSC. Real-time PCR on gliomas of different grade (n = 66) indicated that EZH2 is more expressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) than in low-grade gliomas (P = 0.0013). This was confirmed by immunohistochemistry on an independent set of 106 gliomas. Treatment with SAHA caused significant up-regulation of PRC2 predicted target genes, GSC disruption and decreased expression of EZH2 and of the stem cell marker CD133. Inhibition of EZH2 expression by shRNA was associated with a significant decrease of glioma proliferation. CONCLUSION The data suggest that EZH2 plays a role in glioma progression and encourage the therapeutic targeting of these malignancies by HDAC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Orzan
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
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Ma Y, Hao X, Zhang S, Zhang J. The in vitro and in vivo effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on the growth of breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2011; 133:473-85. [PMID: 21947651 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-011-1774-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to detect the effect and possible mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) on the in vitro and in vivo growth of stem cells isolated from primary human breast cancer cells and cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Primary human breast cancer cells and MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were sorted in vitro using flow cytometry, and the ESA+, CD44+, CD24-/low cells were isolated as breast cancer stem cells (CSCs). The inhibitory effect of hUCMSCs on CSCs was examined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 cell proliferation and soft agar colony formation assay. In vivo tumor inhibition was studied using a severe combined immunodeficient xenograft mouse model transplanted with MDA-MB-231 breast CSCs. The expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT was examined in the xenograft tumors using immunohistochemistry. The number of colonies formed by breast CSCs co-cultured with hUCMSCs at the bottom of soft agar was significantly lower than those formed by the control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the CSCs co-cultured with hUCMSCs showed a higher number of cells in the G2-M phase (P < 0.05) and an increased number of apoptotic cells (P < 0.01). The mice in the medium- and high-concentration hUCMSC treatment groups exhibited clearly reduced tumor volume and tumor weight, compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the saline group, the xenograft tumor tissues from the mice treated with different concentrations of hUCMSCs showed significantly reduced levels of PI3K and AKT proteins (P < 0.001). In conclusion, hUCMSC significantly inhibited the growth of breast CSCs in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism is likely related to cell cycle arrest, induction of tumor cell apoptosis, and suppressed activities of PI3K and AKT protein kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ma
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Hägerstrand D, He X, Bradic Lindh M, Hoefs S, Hesselager G, Ostman A, Nistér M. Identification of a SOX2-dependent subset of tumor- and sphere-forming glioblastoma cells with a distinct tyrosine kinase inhibitor sensitivity profile. Neuro Oncol 2011; 13:1178-91. [PMID: 21940738 PMCID: PMC3199157 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nor113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Putative cancer stem cells have been identified in glioblastomas and are associated with radio- and chemo-resistance. Further knowledge about these cells is thus highly warranted for the development of better glioblastoma therapies. Gene expression analyses of 11 high-grade glioma cultures identified 2 subsets, designated type A and type B cultures. The type A cultures displayed high expression of CXCR4, SOX2, EAAT1, and GFAP and low expression of CNP, PDGFRB, CXCL12, and extracellular matrix proteins. Clinical significance of the 2 types was indicated by the expression of type A– and type B–defining genes in different clinical glioblastoma samples. Classification of glioblastomas with type A– and type B–defining genes generated 2 groups of tumors composed predominantly of the classical, neural, and/or proneural subsets and the mesenchymal subset, respectively. Furthermore, tumors with EGFR mutations were enriched in the group of type A samples. Type A cultures possessed a higher capacity to form xenograft tumors and neurospheres and displayed low or no sensitivity to monotreatment with PDGF- and IGF-1–receptor inhibitors but were efficiently growth inhibited by combination treatment with low doses of these 2 inhibitors. Furthermore, siRNA-induced downregulation of SOX2 reduced sphere formation of type A cultures, decreased expression of type A–defining genes, and conferred sensitivity to monotreatment with PDGF- and IGF-1–receptor inhibitors. The present study thus describes a tumor- and neurosphere-forming SOX2-dependent subset of glioblastoma cultures characterized by a gene expression signature similar to that of the recently described classical, proneural, and/or neural subsets of glioblastoma. The findings that resistance to PDGF- and IGF-1–receptor inhibitors is related to SOX2 expression and can be overcome by combination treatment should be considered in ongoing efforts to develop novel stem cell–targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hägerstrand
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital in Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
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Antigenic and Genotypic Similarity between Primary Glioblastomas and Their Derived Neurospheres. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2011; 2011:314962. [PMID: 21869887 PMCID: PMC3159011 DOI: 10.1155/2011/314962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Revised: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Formation of neurospheres (NS) in cultures of glioblastomas (GBMs), with self-renewal, clonogenic capacities, and tumorigenicity following transplantation into immunodeficient mice, may denounce the existence of brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) in vivo. In sixteen cell lines from resected primary glioblastomas, NS showed the same genetic alterations as primary tumors and the expression of stemness antigens. Adherent cells (AC), after adding 10% of fetal bovine serum (FBS) to the culture, were genetically different from NS and prevailingly expressed differentiation antigens. NS developed from a highly malignant tumor phenotype with proliferation, circumscribed necrosis, and high vessel density. Beside originating from transformed neural stem cells (NSCs), BTSCs may be contained within or correspond to dedifferentiated cells after mutation accumulation, which reacquire the expression of stemness antigens.
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Hussein D, Punjaruk W, Storer LCD, Shaw L, Othman R, Ottoman R, Peet A, Miller S, Bandopadhyay G, Heath R, Kumari R, Bowman KJ, Braker P, Rahman R, Jones GDD, Watson S, Lowe J, Kerr ID, Grundy RG, Coyle B. Pediatric brain tumor cancer stem cells: cell cycle dynamics, DNA repair, and etoposide extrusion. Neuro Oncol 2010; 13:70-83. [PMID: 20978004 PMCID: PMC3018909 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noq144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable model systems are needed to elucidate the role cancer stem cells (CSCs) play in pediatric brain tumor drug resistance. The majority of studies to date have focused on clinically distinct adult tumors and restricted tumor types. Here, the CSC component of 7 newly established primary pediatric cell lines (2 ependymomas, 2 medulloblastomas, 2 gliomas, and a CNS primitive neuroectodermal tumor) was thoroughly characterized. Comparison of DNA copy number with the original corresponding tumor demonstrated that genomic changes present in the original tumor, typical of that particular tumor type, were retained in culture. In each case, the CSC component was approximately 3–4-fold enriched in neurosphere culture compared with monolayer culture, and a higher capacity for multilineage differentiation was observed for neurosphere-derived cells. DNA content profiles of neurosphere-derived cells expressing the CSC marker nestin demonstrated the presence of cells in all phases of the cell cycle, indicating that not all CSCs are quiescent. Furthermore, neurosphere-derived cells demonstrated an increased resistance to etoposide compared with monolayer-derived cells, having lower initial DNA damage, potentially due to a combination of increased drug extrusion by ATP-binding cassette multidrug transporters and enhanced rates of DNA repair. Finally, orthotopic xenograft models reflecting the tumor of origin were established from these cell lines. In summary, these cell lines and the approach taken provide a robust model system that can be used to develop our understanding of the biology of CSCs in pediatric brain tumors and other cancer types and to preclinically test therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deema Hussein
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, CBTRC, D32 Medical School, QMC, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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Shay JW, Wright WE. Telomeres and telomerase in normal and cancer stem cells. FEBS Lett 2010; 584:3819-25. [PMID: 20493857 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 05/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Differences between normal adult tissue stem cells and cancer stem/initiating cells remain poorly defined. For example, it is controversial if cancer stem cells can become fully quiescent, require a stem cell niche, are better at repairing DNA damage than the bulk of the cancer cells, and if and how they regulate symmetric versus asymmetric cell divisions. This minireview will not only provide our personal views to address some of these outstanding questions, but also present evidence that an understanding of telomere dynamics and telomerase activity in normal and cancer stem cells may provide additional insights into how tumors are initiated, and how they should be monitored and treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry W Shay
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Marian CO, Cho SK, McEllin BM, Maher EA, Hatanpaa KJ, Madden CJ, Mickey BE, Wright WE, Shay JW, Bachoo RM. The telomerase antagonist, imetelstat, efficiently targets glioblastoma tumor-initiating cells leading to decreased proliferation and tumor growth. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:154-63. [PMID: 20048334 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-2850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Telomerase activity is one of the hallmarks of cancer and is a highly relevant therapeutic target. The effects of a novel human telomerase antagonist, imetelstat, on primary human glioblastoma (GBM) tumor-initiating cells were investigated in vitro and in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Tumor-initiating cells were isolated from primary GBM tumors and expanded as neurospheres in vitro. The GBM tumor-initiating cells were treated with imetelstat and examined for the effects on telomerase activity levels, telomere length, proliferation, clonogenicity, and differentiation. Subsequently, mouse orthotopic and subcutaneous xenografts were used to assess the in vivo efficacy of imetelstat. RESULTS Imetelstat treatment produced a dose-dependent inhibition of telomerase (IC(50) 0.45 micromol/L). Long-term imetelstat treatment led to progressive telomere shortening, reduced rates of proliferation, and eventually cell death in GBM tumor-initiating cells. Imetelstat in combination with radiation and temozolomide had a dramatic effect on cell survival and activated the DNA damage response pathway. Imetelstat is able to cross the blood-brain barrier in orthotopic GBM xenograft tumors. Fluorescently labeled GBM tumor cells isolated from orthotopic tumors, following systemic administration of imetelstat (30 mg/kg every day for three days), showed approximately 70% inhibition of telomerase activity. Chronic systemic treatment produced a marked decrease in the rate of xenograft subcutaneous tumor growth. CONCLUSION This preclinical study supports the feasibility of testing imetelstat in the treatment of GBM patients, alone or in combination with standard therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calin O Marian
- Department of Cell Biology, Annette G Strauss Center for Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9039, USA
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Cheshier SH, Kalani MYS, Lim M, Ailles L, Huhn SL, Weissman IL. A NEUROSURGEON'S GUIDE TO STEM CELLS, CANCER STEM CELLS, AND BRAIN TUMOR STEM CELLS. Neurosurgery 2009; 65:237-49; discussion 249-50; quiz N6. [DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000349921.14519.2a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H. Cheshier
- Stanford Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Departments of Neurosurgery and Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - M. Yashar S. Kalani
- Stanford Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Departments of Neurosurgery and Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Laurie Ailles
- Stanford Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Steven L. Huhn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, Stem Cells, Inc., Palo Alto, California
| | - Irving L. Weissman
- Stanford Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Neural Stem Cell Targeting of Glioma Is Dependent on Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Signaling. Stem Cells 2008; 26:1575-86. [DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2007-0887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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47
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Widera D, Kaus A, Kaltschmidt C, Kaltschmidt B. Neural stem cells, inflammation and NF-kappaB: basic principle of maintenance and repair or origin of brain tumours? J Cell Mol Med 2007; 12:459-70. [PMID: 18182066 PMCID: PMC3822535 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2007.00208.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several recent reports suggest that inflammatory signals play a decisive role in the self-renewal, migration and differentiation of multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs are believed to be able to ameliorate the symptoms of several brain pathologies through proliferation, migration into the area of the lesion and either differentiation into the appropriate cell type or secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Although NSCs have beneficial roles, current evidence indicates that brain tumours, such as astrogliomas or ependymomas are also caused by tumour-initiating cells with stem-like properties. However, little is known about the cellular and molecular processes potentially generating tumours from NSCs. Most pro-inflammatory conditions are considered to activate the transcription factor NF-kappaB in various cell types. Strong inductive effects of NF-kappaB on proliferation and migration of NSCs have been described. Moreover, NF-kappaB is constitutively active in most tumour cells described so far. Chronic inflammation is also known to initiate cancer. Thus, NF-kappaB might provide a novel mechanistic link between chronic inflammation, stem cells and cancer. This review discusses the apparently ambivalent role of NF-kappaB: physiological maintenance and repair of the brain via NSCs, and a potential role in tumour initiation. Furthermore, it reveals a possible mechanism of brain tumour formation based on inflammation and NF-kappaB activity in NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Widera
- Institut für Zellbiologie der Tiere, Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
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Glioblastoma-derived stem cell-enriched cultures form distinct subgroups according to molecular and phenotypic criteria. Oncogene 2007; 27:2897-909. [PMID: 18037961 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 326] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells with stem cell-like properties can be cultured from human glioblastomas by using conditions that select for the expansion of neural stem cells. We generated cell lines from glioblastoma specimens with the goal to obtain model systems for glioma stem cell biology. Unsupervised analysis of the expression profiles of nine cell lines established under neural stem cell conditions yielded two distinct clusters. Four cell lines were characterized by the expression of neurodevelopmental genes. They showed a multipotent differentiation profile along neuronal, astroglial and oligodendroglial lineages, grew spherically in vitro, expressed CD133 and formed highly invasive tumors in vivo. The other five cell lines shared expression signatures enriched for extracellular matrix-related genes, had a more restricted differentiation capacity, contained no or fewer CD133+ cells, grew semiadherent or adherent in vitro and displayed reduced tumorigenicity and invasion in vivo. Our findings show that stable, multipotent glioblastoma cell lines with a full stem-like phenotype express neurodevelopmental genes as a distinctive feature, which may offer therapeutic targeting opportunities. The generation of another distinct cluster of cell lines showing similarly homogeneous profiling but restricted stem cell properties suggests that different phenotypes exist, each of which may lead to the typical appearance of glioblastoma.
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Yi L, Zhou ZH, Ping YF, Chen JH, Yao XH, Feng H, Lu JY, Wang JM, Bian XW. Isolation and characterization of stem cell-like precursor cells from primary human anaplastic oligoastrocytoma. Mod Pathol 2007; 20:1061-8. [PMID: 17660801 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.3800942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A small population of stem cell-like precursors in solid tumors are linked to histological composition, progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance of a variety of malignant tumors. Oligoastrocytoma is the most common brain mixed glioma composed of mixed cells of oligodendroglial and astrocytic phenotypes. Identification and characterization of stem cell-like precursors in oligoastrocytoma may shed light on the oncogenesis of this unique type of tumor and assist in the design of novel therapeutic strategy. Here, tumor stem cell-like precursors were identified from primary human anaplastic oligoastrocytomas by labeling of the tumor sections with nestin and CD133. Tumor cells were cultured in vitro in stem cell medium with growth factors and the capacity of the surviving stem cell-like precursors to form tumor spheres was tested. The tumor spheres were further injected subcutaneously into nude mice to observe the contribution of stem cell-like precursors to histological composition and tumor progression. We found that primary human oligoastrocytoma tissues contained nestin+/CD133+ stem cell-like precursors. These cells differentiated into tumor cells with both oligodendroglial and astrocytic characteristics and formed tumor spheres in vitro, which upon implantation in nude mice, grew into tumor nodules containing nestin+/CD133+ cells at levels higher than in the primary tumor tissues. This study revealed for the first time that anaplastic human oligoastrocytomas contained stem cell-like precursors, which exhibit neural stem cell properties with tumorigenicity. These stem cell-like precursors may be responsible for the oligodendroglial and astrocytic components of human oligoastrocytoma and should be considered as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yi
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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