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Cell May 2015Active neurons exert a mitogenic effect on normal neural precursor and oligodendroglial precursor cells, the putative cellular origins of high-grade glioma (HGG). By...
Active neurons exert a mitogenic effect on normal neural precursor and oligodendroglial precursor cells, the putative cellular origins of high-grade glioma (HGG). By using optogenetic control of cortical neuronal activity in a patient-derived pediatric glioblastoma xenograft model, we demonstrate that active neurons similarly promote HGG proliferation and growth in vivo. Conditioned medium from optogenetically stimulated cortical slices promoted proliferation of pediatric and adult patient-derived HGG cultures, indicating secretion of activity-regulated mitogen(s). The synaptic protein neuroligin-3 (NLGN3) was identified as the leading candidate mitogen, and soluble NLGN3 was sufficient and necessary to promote robust HGG cell proliferation. NLGN3 induced PI3K-mTOR pathway activity and feedforward expression of NLGN3 in glioma cells. NLGN3 expression levels in human HGG negatively correlated with patient overall survival. These findings indicate the important role of active neurons in the brain tumor microenvironment and identify secreted NLGN3 as an unexpected mechanism promoting neuronal activity-regulated cancer growth.
Topics: Adolescent; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Brain Neoplasms; Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; Cell Proliferation; Glioma; Heterografts; Humans; Male; Membrane Proteins; Mice; Molecular Sequence Data; Neoplasm Transplantation; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neurons
PubMed: 25913192
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.04.012 -
The Lancet. Oncology Jun 2017The European Association for Neuro-Oncology guideline provides recommendations for the clinical care of adult patients with astrocytic and oligodendroglial gliomas,... (Review)
Review
The European Association for Neuro-Oncology guideline provides recommendations for the clinical care of adult patients with astrocytic and oligodendroglial gliomas, including glioblastomas. The guideline is based on the 2016 WHO classification of tumours of the central nervous system and on scientific developments since the 2014 guideline. The recommendations focus on pathological and radiological diagnostics, and the main treatment modalities of surgery, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy. In this guideline we have also integrated the results from contemporary clinical trials that have changed clinical practice. The guideline aims to provide guidance for diagnostic and management decisions, while limiting unnecessary treatments and costs. The recommendations are a resource for professionals involved in the management of patients with glioma, for patients and caregivers, and for health-care providers in Europe. The implementation of this guideline requires multidisciplinary structures of care, and defined processes of diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Adult; Antineoplastic Agents; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Neuroimaging; Oligodendroglioma; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiotherapy
PubMed: 28483413
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(17)30194-8 -
The Lancet. Oncology Jun 2021The CATNON trial investigated the addition of concurrent, adjuvant, and both current and adjuvant temozolomide to radiotherapy in adults with newly diagnosed 1p/19q... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Adjuvant and concurrent temozolomide for 1p/19q non-co-deleted anaplastic glioma (CATNON; EORTC study 26053-22054): second interim analysis of a randomised, open-label, phase 3 study.
BACKGROUND
The CATNON trial investigated the addition of concurrent, adjuvant, and both current and adjuvant temozolomide to radiotherapy in adults with newly diagnosed 1p/19q non-co-deleted anaplastic gliomas. The benefit of concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy and relevance of mutations in the IDH1 and IDH2 genes remain unclear.
METHODS
This randomised, open-label, phase 3 study done in 137 institutions across Australia, Europe, and North America included patients aged 18 years or older with newly diagnosed 1p/19q non-co-deleted anaplastic gliomas and a WHO performance status of 0-2. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) centrally using a minimisation technique to radiotherapy alone (59·4 Gy in 33 fractions; three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy or intensity-modulated radiotherapy), radiotherapy with concurrent oral temozolomide (75 mg/m per day), radiotherapy with adjuvant oral temozolomide (12 4-week cycles of 150-200 mg/m temozolomide given on days 1-5), or radiotherapy with both concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide. Patients were stratified by institution, WHO performance status score, age, 1p loss of heterozygosity, the presence of oligodendroglial elements on microscopy, and MGMT promoter methylation status. The primary endpoint was overall survival adjusted by stratification factors at randomisation in the intention-to-treat population. A second interim analysis requested by the independent data monitoring committee was planned when two-thirds of total required events were observed to test superiority or futility of concurrent temozolomide. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00626990.
FINDINGS
Between Dec 4, 2007, and Sept 11, 2015, 751 patients were randomly assigned (189 to radiotherapy alone, 188 to radiotherapy with concurrent temozolomide, 186 to radiotherapy and adjuvant temozolomide, and 188 to radiotherapy with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide). Median follow-up was 55·7 months (IQR 41·0-77·3). The second interim analysis declared futility of concurrent temozolomide (median overall survival was 66·9 months [95% CI 45·7-82·3] with concurrent temozolomide vs 60·4 months [45·7-71·5] without concurrent temozolomide; hazard ratio [HR] 0·97 [99·1% CI 0·73-1·28], p=0·76). By contrast, adjuvant temozolomide improved overall survival compared with no adjuvant temozolomide (median overall survival 82·3 months [95% CI 67·2-116·6] vs 46·9 months [37·9-56·9]; HR 0·64 [95% CI 0·52-0·79], p<0·0001). The most frequent grade 3 and 4 toxicities were haematological, occurring in no patients in the radiotherapy only group, 16 (9%) of 185 patients in the concurrent temozolomide group, and 55 (15%) of 368 patients in both groups with adjuvant temozolomide. No treatment-related deaths were reported.
INTERPRETATION
Adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy, but not concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy, was associated with a survival benefit in patients with 1p/19q non-co-deleted anaplastic glioma. Clinical benefit was dependent on IDH1 and IDH2 mutational status.
FUNDING
Merck Sharpe & Dohme.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Australia; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19; Combined Modality Therapy; Dacarbazine; Europe; Female; Glioma; Humans; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase; Loss of Heterozygosity; Male; Middle Aged; North America; Radiotherapy, Conformal; Temozolomide; Young Adult
PubMed: 34000245
DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00090-5 -
Cell Dec 2020Histone H3.3 glycine 34 to arginine/valine (G34R/V) mutations drive deadly gliomas and show exquisite regional and temporal specificity, suggesting a developmental...
Histone H3.3 glycine 34 to arginine/valine (G34R/V) mutations drive deadly gliomas and show exquisite regional and temporal specificity, suggesting a developmental context permissive to their effects. Here we show that 50% of G34R/V tumors (n = 95) bear activating PDGFRA mutations that display strong selection pressure at recurrence. Although considered gliomas, G34R/V tumors actually arise in GSX2/DLX-expressing interneuron progenitors, where G34R/V mutations impair neuronal differentiation. The lineage of origin may facilitate PDGFRA co-option through a chromatin loop connecting PDGFRA to GSX2 regulatory elements, promoting PDGFRA overexpression and mutation. At the single-cell level, G34R/V tumors harbor dual neuronal/astroglial identity and lack oligodendroglial programs, actively repressed by GSX2/DLX-mediated cell fate specification. G34R/V may become dispensable for tumor maintenance, whereas mutant-PDGFRA is potently oncogenic. Collectively, our results open novel research avenues in deadly tumors. G34R/V gliomas are neuronal malignancies where interneuron progenitors are stalled in differentiation by G34R/V mutations and malignant gliogenesis is promoted by co-option of a potentially targetable pathway, PDGFRA signaling.
Topics: Animals; Astrocytes; Brain Neoplasms; Carcinogenesis; Cell Lineage; Cellular Reprogramming; Chromatin; Embryo, Mammalian; Epigenesis, Genetic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Gene Silencing; Glioma; Histones; Interneurons; Lysine; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Models, Biological; Mutation; Neoplasm Grading; Neural Stem Cells; Oligodendroglia; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Prosencephalon; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha; Transcription, Genetic; Transcriptome
PubMed: 33259802
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.11.012 -
Neuro-oncology Apr 2022Microtubes (MTs), cytoplasmic extensions of glioma cells, are important cell communication structures promoting invasion and treatment resistance through network...
BACKGROUND
Microtubes (MTs), cytoplasmic extensions of glioma cells, are important cell communication structures promoting invasion and treatment resistance through network formation. MTs are abundant in chemoresistant gliomas, in particular, glioblastomas (GBMs), while they are uncommon in chemosensitive IDH-mutant and 1p/19q co-deleted oligodendrogliomas. The aim of this study was to identify potential signaling pathways involved in MT formation.
METHODS
Bioinformatics analysis of TCGA was performed to analyze differences between GBM and oligodendroglioma. Patient-derived GBM stem cell lines were used to investigate MT formation under transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) stimulation and inhibition in vitro and in vivo in an orthotopic xenograft model. RNA sequencing and proteomics were performed to detect commonalities and differences between GBM cell lines stimulated with TGF-β.
RESULTS
Analysis of TCGA data showed that the TGF-β pathway is highly activated in GBMs compared to oligodendroglial tumors. We demonstrated that TGF-β1 stimulation of GBM cell lines promotes enhanced MT formation and communication via calcium signaling. Inhibition of the TGF-β pathway significantly reduced MT formation and its associated invasion in vitro and in vivo. Downstream of TGF-β, we identified thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) as a potential mediator of MT formation in GBM through SMAD activation. TSP1 was upregulated upon TGF-β stimulation and enhanced MT formation, which was inhibited by TSP1 shRNAs in vitro and in vivo.
CONCLUSION
TGF-β and its downstream mediator TSP1 are important mediators of the MT network in GBM and blocking this pathway could potentially help to break the complex MT-driven invasion/resistance network.
Topics: Glioblastoma; Glioma; Humans; Oligodendroglioma; Thrombospondin 1; Transforming Growth Factor beta
PubMed: 34543427
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab212 -
Nature Genetics Dec 2022Histone 3 lysine27-to-methionine (H3-K27M) mutations most frequently occur in diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) of the childhood pons but are also increasingly recognized...
Histone 3 lysine27-to-methionine (H3-K27M) mutations most frequently occur in diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) of the childhood pons but are also increasingly recognized in adults. Their potential heterogeneity at different ages and midline locations is vastly understudied. Here, through dissecting the single-cell transcriptomic, epigenomic and spatial architectures of a comprehensive cohort of patient H3-K27M DMGs, we delineate how age and anatomical location shape glioma cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic features in light of the shared driver mutation. We show that stem-like oligodendroglial precursor-like cells, present across all clinico-anatomical groups, display varying levels of maturation dependent on location. We reveal a previously underappreciated relationship between mesenchymal cancer cell states and age, linked to age-dependent differences in the immune microenvironment. Further, we resolve the spatial organization of H3-K27M DMG cell populations and identify a mitotic oligodendroglial-lineage niche. Collectively, our study provides a powerful framework for rational modeling and therapeutic interventions.
Topics: Humans; Child; Glioma; Histones; Methionine; Mutation; Racemethionine; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 36471067
DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01236-3 -
Cell Stem Cell May 2019The identity and degree of heterogeneity of glial progenitors and their contributions to brain tumor malignancy remain elusive. By applying lineage-targeted single-cell...
The identity and degree of heterogeneity of glial progenitors and their contributions to brain tumor malignancy remain elusive. By applying lineage-targeted single-cell transcriptomics, we uncover an unanticipated diversity of glial progenitor pools with unique molecular identities in developing brain. Our analysis identifies distinct transitional intermediate states and their divergent developmental trajectories in astroglial and oligodendroglial lineages. Moreover, intersectional analysis uncovers analogous intermediate progenitors during brain tumorigenesis, wherein oligodendrocyte-progenitor intermediates are abundant, hyper-proliferative, and progressively reprogrammed toward a stem-like state susceptible to further malignant transformation. Similar actively cycling intermediate progenitors are prominent components in human gliomas with distinct driver mutations. We further unveil lineage-driving networks underlying glial fate specification and identify Zfp36l1 as necessary for oligodendrocyte-astrocyte lineage transition and glioma growth. Together, our results resolve the dynamic repertoire of common and divergent glial progenitors during development and tumorigenesis and highlight Zfp36l1 as a molecular nexus for balancing glial cell-fate decision and controlling gliomagenesis.
Topics: Animals; Biodiversity; Butyrate Response Factor 1; Carcinogenesis; Cell Differentiation; Cellular Reprogramming; Fetal Development; Gene Expression Regulation; Glioma; Humans; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Neuroglia; Sequence Analysis, RNA; Single-Cell Analysis; Stem Cells; Transcriptome
PubMed: 30982771
DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.03.006 -
Journal of Neuro-oncology Sep 2014Medical therapies are an important part of adjunctive therapy for gliomas. In this chapter we will review the chemotherapeutic and targeted agents that have been... (Review)
Review
Medical therapies are an important part of adjunctive therapy for gliomas. In this chapter we will review the chemotherapeutic and targeted agents that have been evaluated in clinical trials in grade II-IV gliomas in the last decade. A number of randomized phase III trials were completed and reported. There has been a clear success in oligodendroglial tumors and low grade glioma. Although some progress has been made in glioblastoma, considerable work involving the multidisciplinary collaboration of basic science, translational and clinical investigators needs to be done to improve the outcome of patients with anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma. In addition, tailoring treatment based on molecular cytogenetic characteristics is a major focus of research into precision based medicine for glioma.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Glioma; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 24986089
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-014-1495-1 -
CNS Oncology 2015Epilepsy develops in more than 70-90% of oligodendroglial tumors and represents a favorable indicator for long-term survival if present as the first clinical sign.... (Review)
Review
Epilepsy develops in more than 70-90% of oligodendroglial tumors and represents a favorable indicator for long-term survival if present as the first clinical sign. Presence of IDH1 mutation is frequently associated with seizures in oligodendrogliomas, next to alterations of glutamate and GABA metabolism in the origin of glioma-associated epilepsy. Treatment by surgery or radiotherapy results in seizure freedom in about two-thirds of patients, and chemotherapy to a seizure reduction in about 50%. Symptomatic anticonvulsive therapy with levetiracetam and valproic acid as monotherapy are both evidence-based drugs for the partial epilepsies, and their effective use in brain tumors is supported by a large amount of additional data. Pharmacoresistance against anticonvulsants is more prevalent among oligodendrogliomas, occurring in about 40% despite polytherapy with two anticonvulsants or more. Toxic signs of anticonvulsants in brain tumors involve cognition, bone marrow and skin. Previous neurosurgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy add to the risks of cognitive dysfunction.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Glioma; Humans; Seizures
PubMed: 26478444
DOI: 10.2217/cns.15.29 -
Hematology/oncology Clinics of North... Feb 2022Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 or IDH2 occur in most of the adult low-grade gliomas and, less commonly, in cholangiocarcinoma, chondrosarcoma, acute... (Review)
Review
Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 or IDH2 occur in most of the adult low-grade gliomas and, less commonly, in cholangiocarcinoma, chondrosarcoma, acute myeloid leukemia, and other human malignancies. Cancer-associated mutations alter the function of the enzyme, resulting in production of R(-)-2-hydroxyglutarate and broad epigenetic dysregulation. Small molecule IDH inhibitors have received regulatory approval for the treatment of IDH mutant (mIDH) leukemia and are under development for the treatment of mIDH solid tumors. This article provides a current view of mIDH adult astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors, including their clinical presentation and treatment, and discusses novel approaches and challenges toward improving the treatment of these tumors.
Topics: Adult; Brain Neoplasms; Glioma; Humans; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Mutation
PubMed: 34711457
DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2021.08.008