scholarly journals CBIO-18. G-QUADRUPLEX STABILIZATION TARGETS ATRX-DEFICIENT HIGH-GRADE GLIOMA VIA INDUCTION OF p53-INDEPENDENT APOPTOSIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii19-ii19
Author(s):  
Sharvari Dharmaiah ◽  
Ahsan Farooqi ◽  
Christian Alvarez ◽  
Vladislav Sharin ◽  
David Irvin ◽  
...  

Abstract Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults and mutational inactivation of histone chaperone ATRX is a critical molecular marker in the classification of high-grade glioma (HGG). ATRX loss occurs with concurrent mutations in TP53 and IDH1/2, altering genome-wide accessibility of chromatin and inducing replication stress and DNA damage via accumulations of abnormal G-quadruplex (G4) DNA secondary structures. While G4 stabilizers in particular hold strong therapeutic promise, the genomic consequences and efficacy of this treatment are poorly understood. We previously showed that chemical stabilization of G4s in ATRX-deficient normal human astrocytes (NHAs) results in lethality due to induction of replication stress, but it is unknown what drives this lethality in ATRX-deficient patient-derived preclinical models. We therefore sought to evaluate the mechanisms that underlie cell death in ATRX- and p53-deficient preclinical in vitro models following G4 stabilization. We found that ATRX-deficient glioma stem cells (GSCs) demonstrated dose-dependent enhanced sensitivity to G4 stabilization, compared to ATRX-intact controls. Evaluation of cell death mechanisms following G4 stabilization revealed a significant increase in cleaved caspase 3 expression and no p21 expression in ATRX-deficient GSCs, suggesting p53-independent apoptotic activation. Cell cycle flow analysis demonstrated G2/M checkpoint arrest in ATRX-deficient GSCs upon G4 stabilization, suggesting that p53 is nonfunctional at the G1/S checkpoint. Our preliminary findings now suggest that p73, a functional and structural homologue of p53, is activated and drives apoptosis in these ATRX-deficient GSCs. Furthermore, ATRX-deficient GSCs demonstrated upregulated expression of both pATR/pChk1 and pATM/pChk2, indicating enhanced replication stress and DNA damage via double-stranded breaks, respectively. These findings indicate that G4 stabilizers could potentially synergize with ionizing radiation, the current standard of care, as both therapies are DNA-damaging. Taken together, this study elucidates mechanisms of cytotoxicity and efficacy of a novel therapeutic strategy in ATRX-deficient preclinical models.


Author(s):  
Catalin Folcuti ◽  
Cristina Horescu ◽  
Edmond Barcan ◽  
Oana Alexandru ◽  
Cristian Tuta ◽  
...  


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi27-vi28
Author(s):  
Sharvari Dharmaiah ◽  
Vasudev Tadimeti ◽  
Prit Benny Malgulwar ◽  
Christian Alvarez ◽  
Ahsan Farooqi ◽  
...  

Abstract Loss of function mutations in α-thalassaemia/mental retardation X-linked (ATRX) are a critical molecular hallmark for invariably fatal high-grade glioma (HGG). Mutational inactivation of histone chaperone ATRX leads to accumulations of abnormal DNA secondary structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4s), thereby inducing replication stress and DNA damage. As G4s arise at GC-rich regions (i.e., pericentromeric and telomeric regions), ATRX-deficiency alters genome-wide accessibility of chromatin, leads to transcriptional dysregulation, and induces alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Our goal is to target ATRX deficiency through G4 stabilizers, which represent a class of novel small molecule compounds that selectively bind to and stabilize G4 structures. However, the genomic consequences and efficacy of this therapy for ATRX-deficient HGG are poorly understood. We therefore sought to evaluate the molecular mechanisms that drive selective lethality in patient-derived ATRX-deficient glioma stem cells (GSCs), following G4 stabilization. We found that ATRX-deficient GSCs demonstrate dose-dependent enhanced sensitivity to G4 stabilization, compared to ATRX-intact controls. Cell viability assays confirmed the specificity of our G4 stabilizer in comparison to other commonly used G4 stabilizers. Interestingly, G4 stabilization activated p53-independent apoptosis in ATRX-deficient GSCs. Furthermore, ATRX-deficient GSCs exhibit upregulated expression of both ATR and ATM pathways upon G4 stabilization, indicating enhanced replication stress and DNA damage via double-stranded breaks, respectively. Our preliminary findings suggest that ATR and ATM activation leads to the inhibition of transcription factor NF-κB, which in turn drives apoptosis. Lastly, our data indicate that G4 stabilization perturbs the ALT phenotype in ATRX-deficient GSCs, likely contributing to telomeric dysfunction. Taken together, these findings suggest that G4 stabilizers could synergize with ionizing radiation, the standard of care, as they are both DNA-damaging therapies. Our work defines mechanisms of action and efficacy of a novel therapeutic strategy for ATRX-deficient HGG, with strong implications for other ATRX-deficient cancers.



PLoS Genetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. e1009868
Author(s):  
Irena Bočkaj ◽  
Tosca E. I. Martini ◽  
Eduardo S. de Camargo Magalhães ◽  
Petra L. Bakker ◽  
Tiny G. J. Meeuwsen-de Boer ◽  
...  

While comprehensive molecular profiling of histone H3.3 mutant pediatric high-grade glioma has revealed extensive dysregulation of the chromatin landscape, the exact mechanisms driving tumor formation remain poorly understood. Since H3.3 mutant gliomas also exhibit high levels of copy number alterations, we set out to address if the H3.3K27M oncohistone leads to destabilization of the genome. Hereto, we established a cell culture model allowing inducible H3.3K27M expression and observed an increase in mitotic abnormalities. We also found enhanced interaction of DNA replication factors with H3.3K27M during mitosis, indicating replication defects. Further functional analyses revealed increased genomic instability upon replication stress, as represented by mitotic bulky and ultrafine DNA bridges. This co-occurred with suboptimal 53BP1 nuclear body formation after mitosis in vitro, and in human glioma. Finally, we observed a decrease in ultrafine DNA bridges following deletion of the K27M mutant H3F3A allele in primary high-grade glioma cells. Together, our data uncover a role for H3.3 in DNA replication under stress conditions that is altered by the K27M mutation, promoting genomic instability and potentially glioma development.



2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5782
Author(s):  
Ashwini Makhale ◽  
Devathri Nanayakkara ◽  
Prahlad Raninga ◽  
Kum Kum Khanna ◽  
Murugan Kalimutho

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer lacking targeted therapy. Here, we evaluated the anti-cancer activity of APR-246, a P53 activator, and CX-5461, a RNA polymerase I inhibitor, in the treatment of TNBC cells. We tested the efficacy of individual and combination therapy of CX-5461 and APR-246 in vitro, using a panel of breast cancer cell lines. Using publicly available breast cancer datasets, we found that components of RNA Pol I are predominately upregulated in basal-like breast cancer, compared to other subtypes, and this upregulation is associated with poor overall and relapse-free survival. Notably, we found that the treatment of breast cancer cells lines with CX-5461 significantly hampered cell proliferation and synergistically enhanced the efficacy of APR-246. The combination treatment significantly induced apoptosis that is associated with cleaved PARP and Caspase 3 along with Annexin V positivity. Likewise, we also found that combination treatment significantly induced DNA damage and replication stress in these cells. Our data provide a novel combination strategy by utilizing APR-246 in combination CX-5461 in killing TNBC cells that can be further developed into more effective therapy in TNBC therapeutic armamentarium.



2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 2962
Author(s):  
Louise Orcheston-Findlay ◽  
Samuel Bax ◽  
Robert Utama ◽  
Martin Engel ◽  
Dinisha Govender ◽  
...  

The life expectancy of patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) has not improved in decades. One of the crucial tools to enable future improvement is advanced models that faithfully recapitulate the tumour microenvironment; they can be used for high-throughput screening that in future may enable accurate personalised drug screens. Currently, advanced models are crucial for identifying and understanding potential new targets, assessing new chemotherapeutic compounds or other treatment modalities. Recently, various methodologies have come into use that have allowed the validation of complex models—namely, spheroids, tumouroids, hydrogel-embedded cultures (matrix-supported) and advanced bioengineered cultures assembled with bioprinting and microfluidics. This review is designed to present the state of advanced models of HGG, whilst focusing as much as is possible on the paediatric form of the disease. The reality remains, however, that paediatric HGG (pHGG) models are years behind those of adult HGG. Our goal is to bring this to light in the hope that pGBM models can be improved upon.



2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuxiang Wang ◽  
Jie Yang ◽  
Wei Wu ◽  
Rachna Shah ◽  
Carla Danussi ◽  
...  

AbstractMutational inactivation of ATRX (α-thalassemia mental retardation X-linked) represents a defining molecular alteration in large subsets of malignant glioma. Yet the pathogenic consequences of ATRX deficiency remain unclear, as do tractable mechanisms for its therapeutic targeting. Here we report that ATRX loss in isogenic glioma model systems induces replication stress and DNA damage by way of G-quadruplex (G4) DNA secondary structure. Moreover, these effects are associated with the acquisition of disease-relevant copy number alterations over time. We then demonstrate, both in vitro and in vivo, that ATRX deficiency selectively enhances DNA damage and cell death following chemical G4 stabilization. Finally, we show that G4 stabilization synergizes with other DNA-damaging therapies, including ionizing radiation, in the ATRX-deficient context. Our findings reveal novel pathogenic mechanisms driven by ATRX deficiency in glioma, while also pointing to tangible strategies for drug development.



2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi29-vi29
Author(s):  
Charles Day ◽  
Florina Grigore ◽  
Alyssa Langfald ◽  
Edward Hinchcliffe ◽  
James Robinson

Abstract H3.3 G34R/V mutations are drivers of high-grade pediatric glioma (pHGG). H3.3 G34R/V mutations are linked to altered H3.3 K36 trimethylation (H3K36me3); implicating epigenetic gene regulation as a possible contributor to pHGG formation. Here we show that H3.3 G34R/V also induces chromosomal instability (CIN); a hallmark of pHGG. If CIN promotes pHGG formation is unknown. We observed that H3.3 G34 mutant pHGG cells have reduced mitotic H3.3 S31 phosphorylation compare to WT H3.3 cell lines. And, H3.3 G34R reduced Chk1 phosphorylation at S31 by >90% in an in vitro kinase assay. Chk1 regulates chromosome segregation through phosphorylation of pericentromeric H3.3 S31 during early mitosis. Overexpression of H3.3 G34R or non-phosphorylatable S31A in H3.3 WT, diploid cells caused a significant increase in CIN. Likewise, H3.3 G34 mutant pHGG cells have significantly elevated rates of CIN as compare to H3.3 WT pHGG cells. During normal cell division, phospho-S31 is lost in anaphase. However, following chromosome missegregation, phospho-S31 spreads and stimulates p53-induced cell cycle arrest. Here we show that WT p53 cells expressing mutant G34 fail to arrest following chromosome mis-segregation. These studies demonstrate that H3.3 G34R/V mutations are sufficient to transform normal, diploid cells into proliferating CIN cells. To determine if this process contributes to tumorigenesis, we used RCAS Nestin-TVA mice to overexpress H3.3 WT, G34R, or S31A – P2A-linked to PDGFB expression in glial precursor cells of newborn mice. Over 100 days, S31A and G34R mice had drastically reduced survival (averaging 77, 81, and 100 days for S31A, G34R, and WT). Furthermore, most G34R and S31A mice developed HGG, while H3.3 WT mice remained tumor-free. Our work implicates CIN as a driver of H3.3 G34 mutant pHGG formation. Our ongoing studies utilize K36M and double mutants to further define the contributions of S31 phosphorylation (CIN) and H3K36me3 (epigenetic gene regulation) to tumorigenesis.



2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi27-vi27
Author(s):  
Lawrence Recht ◽  
Reena Thomas ◽  
Sophie Bertrand ◽  
Priya Yerballa ◽  
Gordon Li ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND High-grade gliomas (HGG) are characterized by dysregulated metabolism, utilizing glycolysis for energy production to support unrestricted growth. BPM 31510, an ubidecarenone (coenzyme Q10) containing lipid nanodispersion, causes a switch in cancer energy sourcing from glycolysis towards mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in vitro, reversing the Warburg effect and suggesting potential as an anti-tumor agent. The current study is a phase I study of BPM31510 + vitamin K in GB with tumor growth after bevacizumab (BEV). METHODS This is an open-label phase I study of BPM31510 continuous infusion with weekly vitamin K (10mg IM) in HGG patients using an mTPI design, starting at 110mg/kg, allowing for a single dose de-escalation and 2 dose-escalations. Patients had received first-line ChemoRadiation and were in recurrence following a BEV containing regimen. RESULTS 9 eligible and evaluable patients completed the 28 day DLT period. 8 patients had primary GB, 1 had anaplastic astrocytoma with confirmed pathologic transformation to GB. Median age was 55 years (27–67) and median KPS 70 (60–90) at enrollment. 4 patients were treated at the highest dose 171mg/kg, where there was a single DLT: Grade 3 AST & ALT. The most common grade 1–2 AEs possibly, probably or definitely related to drug were elevated AST, rash, and fatigue, each occurring in 3 patients. Median OS for 9 eligible/evaluable patients was 128 days (95% CI: 48–209) while PFS was 34 days (CI of mean 8.9). 3 patients are currently alive; 2 patients have survived >1 year. PK/PD data are being processed and will be presented. CONCLUSION This study confirms that BPM 31510 + vitamin K is safe and feasible in treatment-refractory HGG patients. Though this study demonstrates safety at 171mg/kg, the proposed dose for future studies in GB, based on additional pre-clinical and non-GB clinical data is 88mg/kg.



Author(s):  
Meenakshi Tiwari ◽  
Lokendra K. Sharma ◽  
Madan M. Godbole


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusha Y. Sun ◽  
Cavan P. Bailey ◽  
Trever R. Carter ◽  
Christopher E. Whitehead ◽  
Judith S. Sebolt-Leopold ◽  
...  


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