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  • 1
    In: Neuro-Oncology, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 24, No. Supplement_1 ( 2022-06-03), p. i94-i94
    Abstract: Pilocytic astrocytomas (PA) are the most common pediatric brain tumors. They are characterized by driving alterations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, leading to its constitutive activation and modulating the balance between cell proliferation and oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) sustained by senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. This makes PA susceptible to MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) therapies, which show encouraging results in phase 1/2 clinical trials. However, little is known about the molecular implications of MAPK inhibition in PA. The DKFZ-BT66 cell line, derived from a primary KIAA:BRAF-fusion positive PA, was used as a model system. DKFZ-BT66 were treated with the MEKi trametinib for different durations in both proliferative and senescent states. Gene expression was analyzed by gene expression profiling and protein expression/phospho-regulation by data-dependent mass spectrometry followed by label-free quantitative analysis. A time course analysis based on differentially expressed genes and phosphorylated proteins was performed, followed by a single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and kinase substrate enrichment analysis, respectively. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that MEK inhibition led to the inhibition of the OIS/SASP gene programs in senescent DKFZ-BT66, with downregulation of key OIS/SASP partners such as IL1B on the protein level. This functionally translated into a de-sensitization of these cells towards the senolytic agent navitoclax. ssGSEA showed that most MAPK-related signatures were downregulated upon MEKi treatment, while pathways related to upstream MAPK activators (including FGFR, NTRK and TGFB pathways) were upregulated, in both proliferating and senescent DKFZ-BT66. This data indicates that MAPKi reverses OIS in senescent PA cells, while inducing the activation of MAPK upstream regulators in proliferating and senescent PA cells, identifying putative co-targets that could help increase treatment’s efficacy. Validation of these targets by post-translational modification enrichment analysis of the phospho-proteomics dataset is ongoing.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1522-8517 , 1523-5866
    Language: English
    Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2094060-9
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  • 2
    In: Neuro-Oncology, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 25, No. Supplement_1 ( 2023-06-12), p. i59-i59
    Abstract: The majority of pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs) harbor a MAPK/ERK pathway overactivating alteration, making them suitable for MAPK-targeted therapies such as MEK inhibition. However, MEK inhibitor treatment alone is in most cases not sufficient to induce complete response, and a rapid rebound of the tumor is the consequence after withdrawal of the therapy. METHODS To identify novel cytotoxic drug combinations, we screened 89 clinically relevant drugs in combination with the MEK inhibitors trametinib and binimetinib. We assessed the regression of cultured 3D microtumors of patient-derived BT40 and BT314 cells, both harboring a BRAFV600E mutation. Depending on the inducible expression of SV40 large T antigen, the BT314 model can reflect two states, proliferation and oncogene-induced senescence. The area of spheroids was measured both in brightfield and with the fluorescent dye TMRE (mitochondrial polarization) at the start and the end of the treatment (6 days). Moreover, metabolic activity was determined through bulk ATP measurement. Drug hit combinations were further analyzed for the successful induction of cell death using high-content microscopy (HCM) imaging and enzymatic caspase activity assays. The microscopic readouts included Hoechst 33342 for the detection of nuclear morphology, BODIPY for sensitizing lipid peroxidation and CM-H2DCFDA as a general oxidative stress indicator. The images were analyzed with the automated image analysis program CellProfiler and the machine learning application CellProfiler Analyst. RESULTS The screening identified the following drug hits: navitoclax (BCL-2 family inhibitor), BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib, mTOR inhibitor everolimus and selinexor, a selective inhibitor of nuclear export. All drugs increased apoptotic cell death and ROS levels at clinically achievable drug concentrations, except the mTOR inhibitors. These results are currently validated in vivo with BT40 zebrafish embryo xenograft models. CONCLUSION Combinations of MEK inhibitors with navitoclax, dabrafenib or selinexor resulted in sufficient apoptosis to induce regression of pLGG microtumors in vitro.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1522-8517 , 1523-5866
    Language: English
    Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2094060-9
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  • 3
    In: Nature Communications, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2021-01-21)
    Abstract: Sarcomas are malignant soft tissue and bone tumours affecting adults, adolescents and children. They represent a morphologically heterogeneous class of tumours and some entities lack defining histopathological features. Therefore, the diagnosis of sarcomas is burdened with a high inter-observer variability and misclassification rate. Here, we demonstrate classification of soft tissue and bone tumours using a machine learning classifier algorithm based on array-generated DNA methylation data. This sarcoma classifier is trained using a dataset of 1077 methylation profiles from comprehensively pre-characterized cases comprising 62 tumour methylation classes constituting a broad range of soft tissue and bone sarcoma subtypes across the entire age spectrum. The performance is validated in a cohort of 428 sarcomatous tumours, of which 322 cases were classified by the sarcoma classifier. Our results demonstrate the potential of the DNA methylation-based sarcoma classification for research and future diagnostic applications.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2041-1723
    Language: English
    Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2553671-0
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  • 4
    In: Neuro-Oncology, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 23, No. Supplement_1 ( 2021-06-01), p. i5-i5
    Abstract: Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common malignant pediatric CNS tumors. Patients with Group 3 MBs harboring MYC amplification exhibit low survival rates. Surviving patients suffer from therapy-induced sequelae, which calls for new targeted therapy strategies. We and others have previously shown the sensitivity of MYC-amplified MB to class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition. After demonstrating that the MYC target gene PLK1 is significantly downregulated upon class I HDACi treatment, we hypothesized that inhibition of both HDACs and PLK1 could have synergistic effects. Methods Cell metabolic activity changes upon HDAC and PLK1 inhibitor treatment were measured in MYC-amplified and non-amplified MB cell lines, as well as in an additional MYC-inducible cell line. The interaction effect of both inhibitors was determined by computation of the combination index (CI) using the Chou-Talalay method. Results were validated assessing cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis induction. Transcription profile changes after combination treatment were evaluated. Results MYC-amplified MB cell lines were more sensitive than non-amplified cell lines to PLK1i treatment, showing IC50 in clinically achievable concentration ranges. Inhibition of class I HDACs and PLK1 synergistically reduced cell metabolic activity in lower concentrations in MYC-amplified compared to non-amplified MB cell lines. We also observed a significant loss of viability and cells in G1 phase, as well as induction of apoptosis after combination treatment in MYC-amplified cells. MYC target gene sets were significantly downregulated in the MYC-amplified cell line HD-MB03 after treatment with combination. We demonstrated reduction of MYC protein levels upon PLK1i treatment. In vivo evaluation of combination treatment using orthotopic Group 3 MYC-amplified MB PDX models is ongoing. Conclusion Our data suggest that MYC-amplification is a predictive marker for PLK1i treatment in MB. The combination of HDACi and PLKi could be a candidate therapy for future clinical trials for MYC-amplified group 3 MB.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1522-8517 , 1523-5866
    Language: English
    Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2094060-9
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  • 5
    In: Neuro-Oncology, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 24, No. Supplement_1 ( 2022-06-03), p. i91-i91
    Abstract: Pediatric low-grade gliomas, a diverse group of WHO grade 1 and 2 glial or glioneural tumors, comprise the most common category of primary brain tumors in children. The majority of these tumors are driven by alterations in the MAPK pathway, making them in principle susceptible to MAPKi therapy. While patients often benefit from MAPKi during treatment, tumor rebound may occur once treatment is stopped, constituting a significant clinical challenge. BT-40, patient-derived cells with molecular features of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (BRAFV600E, CDKN2Adel), were used to model the rebound growth in vitro, based on viable cell counts in response to treatment and withdrawal of the clinically relevant BRAFV600E specific inhibitor dabrafenib. Standard-of-care chemotherapy (vincristine and carboplatin) was used as a reference. MAPK pathway reactivation upon withdrawal was assessed by WB and qPCR analysis. Based on the observed cell-regrowth and MAPK-reactivation pattern, key-timepoints during withdrawal were identified, which are currently being further analyzed through RNAseq and phospho-/proteomics. BT-40 cells started to proliferate again two days after dabrafenib withdrawal, and earliest five days after chemotherapy withdrawal. MAPK pathway activity, based on Mek and Erk phosphorylation, reached baseline levels three hours after dabrafenib withdrawal, this was associated with 2.5-fold increased c-Fos gene expression two hours after withdrawal. The earlier cell regrowth after dabrafenib withdrawal compared to chemotherapy withdrawal matches clinical observations, making the model suitable to study the rebound. The observed MAPK overactivation suggests the growth rebound might not only be caused by a fast reactivation of the pathway but also by other mechanisms, e.g. accumulation of upstream activators due to loss of negative feedback or parallel pathways. To investigate this, key-timepoints during treatment withdrawal will be analyzed using a multi-omics approach. Based on these findings, possible rebound-driving mechanisms will be identified and further validated using BT-40 and additional PXA models in vitro and in vivo.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1522-8517 , 1523-5866
    Language: English
    Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2094060-9
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  • 6
    In: Neuro-Oncology, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 25, No. 4 ( 2023-04-06), p. 735-747
    Abstract: Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common pediatric brain tumor and a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-driven disease. Oncogenic MAPK-signaling drives the majority of cells into oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). While OIS induces resistance to antiproliferative therapies, it represents a potential vulnerability exploitable by senolytic agents. Methods We established new patient-derived PA cell lines that preserve molecular features of the primary tumors and can be studied in OIS and proliferation depending on expression or repression of the SV40 large T antigen. We determined expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 members in these models and primary PA. Dependence of senescent PA cells on anti-apoptotic BCL-2 members was investigated using a comprehensive set of BH3 mimetics. Results Senescent PA cells upregulate BCL-XL upon senescence induction and show dependency on BCL-XL for survival. BH3 mimetics with high affinity for BCL-XL (BCL-XLi) reduce metabolic activity and induce mitochondrial apoptosis in senescent PA cells at nano-molar concentrations. In contrast, BH3 mimetics without BCL-XLi activity, conventional chemotherapy, and MEK inhibitors show no effect. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that BCL-XL is critical for survival of senescent PA tumor cells and provides proof-of-principle for the use of clinically available BCL-XL-dependent senolytics.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1522-8517 , 1523-5866
    Language: English
    Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2094060-9
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  • 7
    In: Journal of Neuro-Oncology, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 149, No. 3 ( 2020-09), p. 499-510
    Abstract: A hallmark of pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG) is aberrant signaling of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Hence, inhibition of MAPK signaling using small molecule inhibitors such as MEK inhibitors (MEKi) may be a promising strategy. Methods In this multi-center retrospective centrally reviewed study, we analyzed 18 patients treated with the MEKi trametinib for progressive pLGG as an individual treatment decision between 2015 and 2019. We have investigated radiological response as per central radiology review, molecular classification and investigator observed toxicity. Results We observed 6 partial responses (PR), 2 minor responses (MR), and 10 stable diseases (SD) as best overall responses. Disease control rate (DCR) was 100% under therapy. Responses were observed in KIAA1549:BRAF- as well as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-driven tumors. Median treatment time was 12.5 months (range: 2 to 27 months). Progressive disease was observed in three patients after cessation of trametinib treatment within a median time of 3 (2–4) months. Therapy related adverse events occurred in 16/18 patients (89%). Eight of 18 patients (44%) experienced severe adverse events (CTCAE III and/or IV; most commonly skin rash and paronychia) requiring dose reduction in 6/18 patients (33%), and discontinuation of treatment in 2/18 patients (11%). Conclusions Trametinib was an active and feasible treatment for progressive pLGG leading to disease control in all patients. However, treatment related toxicity interfered with treatment in individual patients, and disease control after MEKi withdrawal was not sustained in a fraction of patients. Our data support in-class efficacy of MEKi in pLGGs and necessity for upfront randomized testing of trametinib against current standard chemotherapy regimens.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0167-594X , 1573-7373
    Language: English
    Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Publication Date: 2020
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2007293-4
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  • 8
    In: Journal of Neuro-Oncology, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 163, No. 1 ( 2023-05), p. 143-158
    Abstract: We and others have demonstrated that MYC -amplified medulloblastoma (MB) cells are susceptible to class I histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) treatment. However, single drug treatment with HDACi has shown limited clinical efficacy. We hypothesized that addition of a second compound acting synergistically with HDACi may enhance efficacy. Methods We used a gene expression dataset to identify PLK1 as a second target in MB cells and validated the relevance of PLK1 in MB. We measured cell metabolic activity, viability, and cycle progression in MB cells after treatment with PLK1-specific inhibitors (PLK1i). Chou–Talalay synergy calculations were used to determine the nature of class I HDACi entinostat and PLK1i interaction which was validated. Finally, the clinical potential of the combination was assessed in the in vivo experiment. Results MYC -amplified tumor cells are highly sensitive towards treatment with ATP-competitive PLK1i as a monotherapy. Entinostat and PLK1i in combination act synergistically in MYC-driven MB cells, exerting cytotoxic effects at clinically relevant concentrations. The downstream effect is exerted via MYC-related pathways, pointing out the potential of MYC amplification as a clinically feasible predictive biomarker for patient selection. While entinostat significantly extended survival of mice implanted with orthotopic MYC -amplified MB PDX, there was no evidence of the improvement of survival when treating the animals with the combination. Conclusion The combination of entinostat and PLK1i showed synergistic interaction in vitro, but not in vivo. Therefore, further screening of blood–brain barrier penetrating PLK1i is warranted to determine the true potential of the combination as no on-target activity was observed after PLK1i volasertib treatment in vivo.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0167-594X , 1573-7373
    Language: English
    Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2007293-4
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  • 9
    In: Acta Neuropathologica, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 145, No. 5 ( 2023-05), p. 667-680
    Abstract: Glioneuronal tumors are a heterogenous group of CNS neoplasms that can be challenging to accurately diagnose. Molecular methods are highly useful in classifying these tumors—distinguishing precise classes from their histological mimics and identifying previously unrecognized types of tumors. Using an unsupervised visualization approach of DNA methylation data, we identified a novel group of tumors ( n  = 20) that formed a cluster separate from all established CNS tumor types. Molecular analyses revealed ATRX alterations (in 16/16 cases by DNA sequencing and/or immunohistochemistry) as well as potentially targetable gene fusions involving receptor tyrosine-kinases (RTK; mostly NTRK1-3 ) in all of these tumors (16/16; 100%). In addition, copy number profiling showed homozygous deletions of CDKN2A/B in 55% of cases. Histological and immunohistochemical investigations revealed glioneuronal tumors with isomorphic, round and often condensed nuclei, perinuclear clearing, high mitotic activity and microvascular proliferation. Tumors were mainly located supratentorially (84%) and occurred in patients with a median age of 19 years. Survival data were limited ( n  = 18) but point towards a more aggressive biology as compared to other glioneuronal tumors (median progression-free survival 12.5 months). Given their molecular characteristics in addition to anaplastic features, we suggest the term glioneuronal tumor with ATRX alteration, kinase fusion and anaplastic features (GTAKA) to describe these tumors. In summary, our findings highlight a novel type of glioneuronal tumor driven by different RTK fusions accompanied by recurrent alterations in ATRX and homozygous deletions of CDKN2A/B . Targeted approaches such as NTRK inhibition might represent a therapeutic option for patients suffering from these tumors.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0001-6322 , 1432-0533
    RVK:
    Language: English
    Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1458410-4
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  • 10
    In: Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology, Wiley, Vol. 47, No. 3 ( 2021-04), p. 406-414
    Abstract: KIAA1549 ‐ BRAF fusions occur in certain brain tumours and provide druggable targets due to a constitutive activation of the MAP‐kinase pathway. We introduce workflows for calling the KIAA1549 ‐ BRAF fusion from DNA methylation array‐derived copy number as well as DNA panel sequencing data. Methods Copy number profiles were analysed by automated screening and visual verification of a tandem duplication on chromosome 7q34, indicative of the KIAA1549 ‐ BRAF fusion. Pilocytic astrocytomas of the ICGC cohort with known fusion status were used for validation. KIAA1549 ‐ BRAF fusions were called from DNA panel sequencing data using the fusion callers Manta, Arriba with modified filtering criteria and deFuse. We screened DNA methylation and panel sequencing data of 7790 specimens from brain tumour and sarcoma entities. Results We identified the fusion in 337 brain tumours with both DNA methylation and panel sequencing data. Among these, we detected the fusion from copy number data in 84% and from DNA panel sequencing data in more than 90% using Arriba with modified filters. While in 74% the KIAA1549 ‐ BRAF fusion was detected from both methylation array‐derived copy number and panel sequencing data, in 9% it was detected from copy number data only and in 16% from panel data only. The fusion was almost exclusively found in pilocytic astrocytomas, diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumours and high‐grade astrocytomas with piloid features. Conclusions The KIAA1549 ‐ BRAF fusion can be reliably detected from either DNA methylation array or DNA panel data. The use of both methods is recommended for the most sensitive detection of this diagnostically and therapeutically important marker.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 0305-1846 , 1365-2990
    URL: Issue
    Language: English
    Publisher: Wiley
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2008293-9
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