228 research outputs found
Investigating the role of Hedgehog/GLI1 signaling in glioblastoma cell response to temozolomide.
Resistance to chemotherapy substantially hinders successful glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, contributing to an almost 100% mortality rate. Resistance to the frontline chemotherapy, temozolomide (TMZ), arises from numerous signaling pathways that are deregulated in GBM, including Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Here, we investigate suppression of Hh signaling as an adjuvant to TMZ using U87-MG and T98G cell lines as in vitro models of GBM. We found that silencing GLI1 with siRNA reduces cell metabolic activity by up to 30% in combination with TMZ and reduces multidrug efflux activity by 2.5-fold. Additionally, pharmacological GLI inhibition modulates nuclear p53 levels and decreases MGMT expression in combination with TMZ. While we surprisingly found that silencing GLI1 does not induce apoptosis in the absence of TMZ co-treatment, we discovered silencing GLI1 without TMZ co-treatment induces senescence as evidenced by a significant 2.3-fold increase in senescence associated β-galactosidase staining, and this occurs in a loss of PTEN-dependent manner. Finally, we show that GLI inhibition increases apoptosis in glioma stem-like cells by up to 6.8-fold in combination with TMZ, and this reduces the size and number of neurospheres grown from glioma stem-like cells. In aggregate, our data warrant the continued investigation of Hh pathway inhibitors as adjuvants to TMZ chemotherapy and highlight the importance of identifying signaling pathways that determine whether co-treatment will be successful
Balancing repair and tolerance of DNA damage caused by alkylating agents
Alkylating agents constitute a major class of frontline chemotherapeutic drugs that inflict cytotoxic DNA damage as their main mode of action, in addition to collateral mutagenic damage. Numerous cellular pathways, including direct DNA damage reversal, base excision repair (BER) and mismatch repair (MMR), respond to alkylation damage to defend against alkylation-induced cell death or mutation. However, maintaining a proper balance of activity both within and between these pathways is crucial for a favourable response of an organism to alkylating agents. Furthermore, the response of an individual to alkylating agents can vary considerably from tissue to tissue and from person to person, pointing to genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that modulate alkylating agent toxicity
BMP signaling mediates glioma stem cell quiescence and confers treatment resistance in glioblastoma.
Despite advances in therapy, glioblastoma remains an incurable disease with a dismal prognosis. Recent studies have implicated cancer stem cells within glioblastoma (glioma stem cells, GSCs) as mediators of therapeutic resistance and tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the role of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, which has been found to play an integral role in the maintenance of stem cell homeostasis within multiple stem cell systems, as a mediator of stem-like cells in glioblastoma. We find that BMP and TGF-β signaling define divergent molecular and functional identities in glioblastoma, and mark relatively quiescent and proliferative GSCs, respectively. Treatment of GSCs with BMP inhibits cell proliferation, but does not abrogate their stem-ness, as measured by self-renewal and tumorigencity. Further, BMP pathway activation confers relative resistance to radiation and temozolomide chemotherapy. Our findings define a quiescent cancer stem cell population in glioblastoma that may be a cellular reservoir for tumor recurrence following cytotoxic therapy
KRAS is a molecular determinant of platinum responsiveness in glioblastoma
Background: KRAS is the undisputed champion of oncogenes, and despite its prominent role in oncogenesis as mutated gene, KRAS mutation appears infrequent in gliomas. Nevertheless, gliomas are considered KRAS-driven cancers due to its essential role in mouse malignant gliomagenesis. Glioblastoma is the most lethal primary brain tumor, often associated with disturbed RAS signaling. For newly diagnosed GBM, the current standard therapy is alkylating agent chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. Cisplatin is one of the most effective anticancer drugs and is used as a first-line treatment for a wide spectrum of solid tumors (including medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma) and many studies are currently focused on new delivery modalities of effective cisplatin in glioblastoma. Its mechanism of action is mainly based on DNA damage, inducing the formation of DNA adducts, triggering a series of signal-transduction pathways, leading to cell-cycle arrest, DNA repair and apoptosis. Methods: Long-term cultures of human glioblastoma, U87MG and U251MG, were either treated with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin, CDDP) and/or MEK-inhibitor PD98059. Cytotoxic responses were assessed by cell viability (MTT), protein expression (Western Blot), cell cycle (PI staining) and apoptosis (TUNEL) assays. Further, gain-of-function experiments were performed with cells over-expressing mutated hypervariable region (HVR) KRASG12V plasmids. Results: Here, we studied platinum-based chemosensitivity of long-term cultures of human glioblastoma from the perspective of KRAS expression, by using CDDP and MEK-inhibitor. Endogenous high KRAS expression was assessed at transcriptional (qPCR) and translational levels (WB) in a panel of primary and long-term glioblastoma cultures. Firstly, we measured immediate cellular adjustment through direct regulation of protein concentration of K-Ras4B in response to cisplatin treatment. We found increased endogenous protein abundance and involvement of the effector pathway RAF/MEK/ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. Moreover, as many MEK inhibitors are currently being clinically evaluated for the treatment of high-grade glioma, so we concomitantly tested the effect of the potent and selective non-ATP-competitive MEK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059) on cisplatin-induced chemosensitivity in these cells. Cell-cycle phase distribution was examined using flow cytometry showing a significant cell-cycle arrest in both cultures at different percentage, which is modulated by MEK inhibition. Cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity increased sub-G1 percentage and modulates G2/M checkpoint regulators cyclins D1 and A. Moreover, ectopic expression of a constitutively active KRASG12V rescued CDDP-induced apoptosis and different HVR point mutations (particularly Ala 185) reverted this phenotype. Conclusion: These findings warrant further studies of clinical applications of MEK1/2 inhibitors and KRAS as 'actionable target' of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for glioblastoma
Glioblastoma Therapy: Past, Present and Future
Glioblastoma (GB) stands out as the most prevalent and lethal form of brain cancer. Although great efforts have been made by clinicians and researchers, no significant improvement in survival has been achieved since the Stupp protocol became the standard of care (SOC) in 2005. Despite multimodality treatments, recurrence is almost universal with survival rates under 2 years after diagnosis. Here, we discuss the recent progress in our understanding of GB pathophysiology, in particular, the importance of glioma stem cells (GSCs), the tumor microenvironment conditions, and epigenetic mechanisms involved in GB growth, aggressiveness and recurrence. The discussion on therapeutic strategies first covers the SOC treatment and targeted therapies that have been shown to interfere with different signaling pathways (pRB/CDK4/RB1/P16ink4, TP53/MDM2/P14arf, PI3k/Akt-PTEN, RAS/RAF/MEK, PARP) involved in GB tumorigenesis, pathophysiology, and treatment resistance acquisition. Below, we analyze several immunotherapeutic approaches (i.e., checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, CAR-modified NK or T cells, oncolytic virotherapy) that have been used in an attempt to enhance the immune response against GB, and thereby avoid recidivism or increase survival of GB patients. Finally, we present treatment attempts made using nanotherapies (nanometric structures having active anti-GB agents such as antibodies, chemotherapeutic/anti-angiogenic drugs or sensitizers, radionuclides, and molecules that target GB cellular receptors or open the blood–brain barrier) and non-ionizing energies (laser interstitial thermal therapy, high/low intensity focused ultrasounds, photodynamic/sonodynamic therapies and electroporation). The aim of this review is to discuss the advances and limitations of the current therapies and to present novel approaches that are under development or following clinical trials
Targeted editing of DNA methylation : Downregulation of MGMT expression by targeted editing of DNA methylation enhances temozolomide sensitivity in glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary tumor of the central nervous system with poor outcome. Current gold standard treatment is surgical resection followed by a combination of radio- and chemotherapy. Efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ), the primary chemotherapeutic agent, depends on the DNA methylation status of the O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), which has been identified as a prognostic biomarker in glioblastoma patients. Clinical studies revealed that glioblastoma patients with hypermethylated MGMT promoter have a better response to TMZ treatment and a significantly improved overall survival. In this study, we thus used the CRISPRoff genome editing tool to mediate targeted DNA methylation within the MGMT promoter region. The system carrying a CRISPR-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) fused with a methyltransferase (Dnmt3A/3L) domain downregulated MGMT expression in TMZ-resistant human glioblastoma cell lines through targeted DNA methylation. The reduction of MGMT expression levels reversed TMZ resistance in TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cell lines resulting in TMZ induced dose-dependent cell death rates. In conclusion, we demonstrate targeted RNA-guided methylation of the MGMT promoter as a promising tool to overcome chemoresistance and improve the cytotoxic effect of TMZ in glioblastoma
The role of mitotic slippage, USP1-regulated apoptosis, and multiple treatments in the action of temozolomide in glioblastoma multiforme
Background. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a methylating drug that is commonly used in the treatment of glioma. Although many features are still unclear, its general mechanism of action is well described. TMZ induces O6-methylguanine (O6MeG) lesions in DNA, which, in the absence of repair by O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT), mispair with thymine and start a futile cycle of repair-resynthesis events. The resultant DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) activate the components of G2 checkpoint, and cells with a 4N DNA content accumulate and remain arrested at the G2/M boundary for several days. Cell death subsequently occurs by senescence, necrosis, or mitotic catastrophe, while apoptosis has been ruled out in many studies. Moreover, the effect of multiple TMZ treatments on G2 arrest and apoptosis induction is not clear. Repair of methylating drug-induced DNA lesions requires monoubiquitination of PCNA and FANCD2. Loss of either protein or inhibition of their monoubiquitination increases drug toxicity. USP1 is a hydrolase that removes monoubiquitin from PCNA and FANCD2, and can potentially play a role in TMZ mechanism of action.
Materials and methods. U87, U251 (TMZ-sensitive, low MGMT), and GBM8 (TMZ-resistant, high MGMT) cell lines were used for experiments. The treatment was scheduled with 100ÎĽM TMZ for 3 hours for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days. Cell cycle progression was studied with both FACS-based analysis and a novel time-lapse microscopic real-time analysis using FUCCI (Fluorescent Ubiquitination-based Cell Cycle Indicator), and apoptosis was measured with FACS-based Annexin V-PI analysis. To address the possible role of USP1 in TMZ action, we examined expression of USP1 at the mRNA levels in expression microarray databases derived from primary GBM. We also used siRNA targeting USP1 to modulate USP1 expression, and studied the effect of USP1 downregulation on TMZ-induced G2 arrest, cell death, and clonogenicity.
Results. Compared to single treatment, multiple TMZ treatments cause a significant reduction of clonogenicity in TMZ-sensitive cells and induce a significant increase of apoptosis, particularly in a late stage. However, multiple treatments don’t have any major effect on cell cycle profile. Time-lapse microscopic analysis with FUCCI system showed that TMZ-sensitive glioma cells arrest at the G2 checkpoint for less than 48 hours and, in the presence of an activated G2 checkpoint, they replicate their DNA without cellular division, re-enter the cell cycle at the next G1 phase, and repeat the cycle, ultimately giving rise to polyploid cells. siRNA-mediated suppression of USP1 had no effect on cell cycle progression or the extent of temozolomide-induced G2 arrest. However, while USP1 knockdown alone had minimal effect on cell death, it increased temozolomide-induced loss of clonagenicity both in TMZ-sensitive and TMZ-resistant cells. Further examination of the mechanism of cell death suggested that while control cells, control cells exposed to TMZ, or USP1-suppressed cells rarely underwent apoptotic cell death, temozolomide-treated cells in which USP1 levels were suppressed underwent high rates of apoptosis.
Conclusions. The present studies show that TMZ can induce apoptosis in TMZ-sensitive glioma cells, which is visible after 3 days but significant after 7 days. Multiple TMZ treatments don’t affect cell cycle profile, but significantly increase apoptosis. Moreover, time-lapse studies suggest a novel mechanism of action for TMZ, alternative to the one commonly accepted. These results have significant implications for the development of TMZ resistance. Furthermore, rather than sensitizing cells to DNA damaging agents, USP1 appears to suppress latent apoptotic pathways and to protect cells from temozolomide-induced apoptosis. These results identify a new function for USP1 and suggest that suppression of USP1 and/or USP1 controlled pathway may be a means to enhance the cytotoxic potential of temozolomide and to sensitize TMZ-resistant GBM cell
The Delivery of Poly(lactic acid) Poly(ethylene glycol) Nanoparticles Loaded with Non-Toxic Drug to Overcome Drug Resistance for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. A neuroblastoma tumor develops in the nerve tissue and is diagnosed in infants and children.1 Approximately 10.2 per million children under the age of 15 are affected in the United States and is slightly more common in boys.1,2 Neuroblastoma constitutes 6% of all childhood cancers and has a long-term survival rate of only 15%.2-4 There are approximately 700 new cases of neuroblastoma each year in the United States. With such a low rate of survival, the development of more effective treatment methods is necessary. A number of therapies are available for the treatment of these tumors; however, clinicians and their patients face the challenges of systemic side effects and drug resistance of the tumor cells. The application of nanoparticles has the potential to provide a safer and more effective method of delivery drugs to tumors.5 The advantage of using nanoparticles for drug delivery is the ability to specifically or passively target tumors while reducing the harmful side effects of chemotherapeutics. Drug delivery via nanoparticles can also allow for lower dosage requirements with controlled release of the drugs, which can further reduce systemic toxicity. The aim of this research was to develop a polymeric nanoparticle drug delivery system for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma. Nanoparticles composed of a poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer were formulated to deliver a non-toxic drug in combination with Temozolomide, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of neuroblastoma. The non-toxic drug acts as an inhibitor to the DNA-repair protein present in neuroblastoma cells that is responsible for inducing drug resistance in the cells, which would potentially allow for enhanced temozolomide activity. A variety of studies were completed to prove the nanoparticles\u27 low toxicity, loading abilities, and uptake into cells. Additionally, studies were performed to determine the individual effect on cell toxicity of each drug and in combination. Finally, nanoparticles were loaded with the non-toxic drug and delivered with free temozolomide to determine the overall efficacy of the drugs in reducing neuroblastoma cell viability
Biosensor-Enhanced Organ-on-a-Chip Models for Investigating Glioblastoma Tumor Microenvironment Dynamics
Glioblastoma, an aggressive primary brain tumor, poses a significant challenge owing to its dynamic and intricate tumor microenvironment. This review investigates the innovative integration of biosensor-enhanced organ-on-a-chip (OOC) models as a novel strategy for an in-depth exploration of glioblastoma tumor microenvironment dynamics. In recent years, the transformative approach of incorporating biosensors into OOC platforms has enabled real-time monitoring and analysis of cellular behaviors within a controlled microenvironment. Conventional in vitro and in vivo models exhibit inherent limitations in accurately replicating the complex nature of glioblastoma progression. This review addresses the existing research gap by pioneering the integration of biosensor-enhanced OOC models, providing a comprehensive platform for investigating glioblastoma tumor microenvironment dynamics. The applications of this combined approach in studying glioblastoma dynamics are critically scrutinized, emphasizing its potential to bridge the gap between simplistic models and the intricate in vivo conditions. Furthermore, the article discusses the implications of biosensor-enhanced OOC models in elucidating the dynamic features of the tumor microenvironment, encompassing cell migration, proliferation, and interactions. By furnishing real-time insights, these models significantly contribute to unraveling the complex biology of glioblastoma, thereby influencing the development of more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies
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