LGG-05. GENERATION OF NOVEL MOUSE MODELS FOR BRAF V600E MUTANT GLIOMAGENESIS TO GAIN MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS INTO TUMOR FORMATION AND PROGRESSION

Abstract Background The BRAF V600E mutation occurs in ~ twenty percent of histologically diverse pediatric gliomas and is the second most common mutation in pediatric low-grade gliomas (LGG). BRAF V600E expression in LGG with balanced CDKN2A is associated with a higher rate for progression than for BRAF V600E wildtype tumors, and despite adjuvant therapy, consisting of resection, radiation and chemotherapy. Progression invariably occurs in BRAF V600E mutant CDKN2A deleted gliomas, marking a high-risk group. Here, we aim to overcome the lack BRAF V600E mutant glioma models that allow for studies of stem and progenitor cells and the immune system ability to understand progression. Methods We develop novel immunocompetent, stem and progenitor cell-based mouse models for BRAF mutant gliomas, including genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), orthotopic glioma models derived from gliomas in GEMMs as well as in vitro models of those tumors. BRAF mutant mouse brains and cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, mass cytometry and RNA sequencing. Results Ongoing model development studies indicate that BRAF V600E mutant gliomas in murine brain exhibit very similar neuroanatomical preferences to human gliomas. The BRAF V600E mutation exacerbates the heterogenous cell cycling pattern of normal neural stem and progenitors and expands a symmetrically dividing progenitor population. Cellular plasticity rather than cellular lineage hierarchy drives the generation of a therapy resistant stem cell pool. Transcriptomic analyses of neuroglial stem cells with induced BRAF V600E expression provide insights into mechanisms for neoplastic transformation and progression. Conclusion Analyses of two independent BRAF V600E mutant mouse models provide novel insights into the role for tumor intrinsic factors, such as plasticity and stemness, and the tumor microenvironment in progression.

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LGG-23. EXCELLENT CLINICAL / RADIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO BRAF INHIBITION IN A YOUNG CHILD WITH IN-OPERABLE SUPRA-SELLAR PILOCYTIC ASTROCYTOMA

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa222.405 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. iii370-iii371

Author(s):

Stacy Chapman ◽

Demitre Serletis ◽

Colin Kazina ◽

Mubeen Rafay ◽

Sherry Krawitz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Targeted Therapy ◽

Pilocytic Astrocytoma ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Obstructive Hydrocephalus ◽

Braf V600e Mutation ◽

Braf V600e ◽

Low Grade ◽

Dramatic Improvement ◽

Chemotherapeutic Regimen ◽

Response To Chemotherapy

Abstract In-operable low grade gliomas (LGG) in the pediatric population continue to present a treatment dilemma. Due to the low-grade nature of these tumors, and variable response to chemotherapy / radiation, the choice of adjuvant treatment is difficult. Overall survival is directly related to the degree of surgical resection, adding complexity to these inoperable tumors. Current chemotherapeutic regimen for these inoperable tumors includes vincristine (VCR) and carboplatin (Carbo). With advancements in the molecular characterization of gliomas, the role of targeted therapy has come into question. We present a 2-year-old female with biopsy proven Pilocytic Astrocytoma (positive BRAF-V600E mutation) involving the hypothalamic/optic chiasm region. She presented with ataxic gait, bi-temporal hemianopia, obstructive hydrocephalus and central hypothyroidism, which progressed to altered consciousness, and right hemiparesis due to location/mass effect of the tumor. She was initially treated with chemotherapy (VCR/Carbo) but her tumor progressed at 6 weeks of treatment. As her tumor was positive for BRAF-V600E mutation, she was started on Dabrafenib monotherapy, resulting in dramatic improvement in her clinical symptoms (able to stand, improved vision), and a 60% reduction in tumor size at 3-months. At 6-months, follow up MRI showed slight increase in the solid portion of the tumor, with no clinical symptoms. We plan to add MEK inhibitor (Trametinib) and continue with Dabrafenib. Our experience and literature review suggests that LGG with BRAF-V600E mutations may benefit from upfront targeted therapy. Prospective clinical trials comparing the efficacy of BRAF inhibitors versus standard chemotherapy in LGG with BRAF mutations are urgently needed.

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Closing the Gap: Mouse Models to Study Adhesion in Secondary Palatogenesis

Journal of Dental Research ◽

10.1177/0022034517726284 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 96 (11) ◽

pp. 1210-1220 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

K.J. Lough ◽

K.M. Byrd ◽

D.C. Spitzer ◽

S.E Williams

Keyword(s):

Mouse Models ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Cleft Lip ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Genetically Engineered ◽

Orofacial Clefts ◽

Orofacial Clefting ◽

Palatal Fusion ◽

Closing The Gap

Secondary palatogenesis occurs when the bilateral palatal shelves (PS), arising from maxillary prominences, fuse at the midline, forming the hard and soft palate. This embryonic phenomenon involves a complex array of morphogenetic events that require coordinated proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and adhesion in the PS epithelia and underlying mesenchyme. When the delicate process of craniofacial morphogenesis is disrupted, the result is orofacial clefting, including cleft lip and cleft palate (CL/P). Through human genetic and animal studies, there are now hundreds of known genetic alternations associated with orofacial clefts; so, it is not surprising that CL/P is among the most common of all birth defects. In recent years, in vitro cell-based assays, ex vivo palate cultures, and genetically engineered animal models have advanced our understanding of the developmental and cell biological pathways that contribute to palate closure. This is particularly true for the areas of PS patterning and growth as well as medial epithelial seam dissolution during palatal fusion. Here, we focus on epithelial cell-cell adhesion, a critical but understudied process in secondary palatogenesis, and provide a review of the available tools and mouse models to better understand this phenomenon.

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Mouse models for BRAF-induced cancers

Biochemical Society Transactions ◽

10.1042/bst0351329 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 35 (5) ◽

pp. 1329-1333 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

C. Pritchard ◽

L. Carragher ◽

V. Aldridge ◽

S. Giblett ◽

H. Jin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Proliferation ◽

Mouse Models ◽

Human Cancer ◽

Cre Recombinase ◽

Genetically Engineered ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Braf Mutations ◽

Single Nucleotide Change

Oncogenic mutations in the BRAF gene are detected in ∼7% of human cancer samples with a particularly high frequency of mutation in malignant melanomas. Over 40 different missense BRAF mutations have been found, but the vast majority (>90%) represent a single nucleotide change resulting in a valine→glutamate mutation at residue 600 (V600EBRAF). In cells cultured in vitro, V600EBRAF is able to stimulate endogenous MEK [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase] and ERK phosphorylation leading to an increase in cell proliferation, cell survival, transformation, tumorigenicity, invasion and vascular development. Many of these hallmarks of cancer can be reversed by treatment of cells with siRNA (small interfering RNA) to BRAF or by inhibiting MEK, indicating that BRAF and MEK are attractive therapeutic targets in cancer samples with BRAF mutations. In order to fully understand the role of oncogenic BRAF in cancer development in vivo as well as to test the in vivo efficacy of anti-BRAF or anti-MEK therapies, GEMMs (genetically engineered mouse models) have been generated in which expression of oncogenic BRaf is conditionally dependent on the Cre recombinase. The delivery/activation of the Cre recombinase can be regulated in both a temporal and spatial manner and therefore these mouse models can be used to recapitulate the somatic mutation of BRAF that occurs in different tissues in the development of human cancer. The data so far obtained following Cre-mediated activation in haemopoietic tissue and the lung indicate that V600EBRAF mutation can drive tumour initiation and that its primary effect is to induce high levels of cyclin D1-mediated cell proliferation. However, hallmarks of OIS (oncogene-induced senescence) are evident that restrain further development of the tumour.

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Polymorphous Low-Grade Neuroepithelial Tumor of the Young (PLNTY): Molecular Profiling Confirms Frequent MAPK Pathway Activation

Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology ◽

10.1093/jnen/nlab075 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Cristiane M Ida ◽

Derek R Johnson ◽

Asha A Nair ◽

Jaime Davila ◽

Thomas M Kollmeyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Copy Number ◽

Mapk Pathway ◽

Braf V600e Mutation ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Braf V600e ◽

Low Grade ◽

Pathway Activation ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein ◽

Copy Number Changes ◽

Cd34 Expression

Abstract Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY) is a recently described epileptogenic tumor characterized by oligodendroglioma-like components, aberrant CD34 expression, and frequent mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation. We molecularly profiled 13 cases with diagnostic histopathological features of PLNTY (10 female; median age, 16 years; range, 5–52). Patients frequently presented with seizures (9 of 12 with available history) and temporal lobe tumors (9 of 13). MAPK pathway activating alterations were identified in all 13 cases. Fusions were present in the 7 youngest patients: FGFR2-CTNNA3 (n = 2), FGFR2-KIAA1598 (FGFR2-SHTN1) (n = 1), FGFR2-INA (n = 1), FGFR2-MPRIP (n = 1), QKI-NTRK2 (n = 1), and KIAA1549-BRAF (n = 1). BRAF V600E mutation was present in 6 patients (17 years or older). Two fusion-positive cases additionally harbored TP53/RB1 abnormalities suggesting biallelic inactivation. Copy number changes predominantly involving whole chromosomes were observed in all 10 evaluated cases, with losses of chromosome 10q occurring with FGFR2-KIAA1598 (SHTN1)/CTNNA3 fusions. The KIAA1549-BRAF and QKI-NTRK2 fusions were associated respectively with a 7q34 deletion and 9q21 duplication. This study shows that despite its name, PLNTY also occurs in older adults, who frequently show BRAF V600E mutation. It also expands the spectrum of the MAPK pathway activating alterations associated with PLNTY and demonstrates recurrent chromosomal copy number changes consistent with chromosomal instability.

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Abstract 2856: Preclinical therapeutics in genetically engineered mouse models of inducible NRAS and BRAF mutant melanoma

10.1158/1538-7445.am2011-2856 ◽

2011 ◽

Author(s):

Lawrence N. Kwong ◽

Shan Jiang ◽

Huiyun Liu ◽

Lynda Chin

Keyword(s):

Mouse Models ◽

Genetically Engineered ◽

Genetically Engineered Mouse Models ◽

Braf Mutant

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A phase II prospective study of selumetinib in children with recurrent or refractory low-grade glioma (LGG): A Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC) study.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.10504 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 10504-10504 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Jason R. Fangusaro ◽

Arzu Onar-Thomas ◽

Tina Young-Poussaint ◽

Shengjie Wu ◽

Azra H Ligon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phase Ii ◽

Pediatric Brain Tumor ◽

Braf V600e Mutation ◽

Low Grade Glioma ◽

Braf V600e ◽

Low Grade ◽

Optic Pathway ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Molecular Aberrations

10504 Background: A greater understanding of the Ras-MAP kinase-signaling pathway in pediatric low-grade glioma (LGG) paired with the availability of potent selective inhibitors has enhanced the ability to target this pathway with therapeutic intent. Methods: The PBTC conducted a multi-institutional phase II study (NCT01089101) evaluating selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRY-142886), a MEK I/II inhibitor, in children with recurrent/refractory LGG assigned to 6 strata and treated at 25 mg/m2/dose PO BID for up to two years. Here we present the data from three of these strata. The remaining strata are still accruing patients. Results: Stratum I included children with non-NF-1 and non-optic pathway recurrent/refractory pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) harboring BRAF aberrations (BRAF V600e mutation or the BRAF-KIAA 1549 fusion). Eight of 25 (32%) patients achieved a partial response (PR) with 2-year PFS of 66+/-11%. Two of 7 (29%) patient tumors with a BRAF V600e mutation and 6/18 (33%) with a BRAF KIAA-1549 fusion had a PR. Stratum 3 enrolled NF-1-associated LGG. Tissue for tumor BRAF evaluation was not required for eligibility. Ten of 25 (40%) achieved PR with a 2-year PFS of 96+/-4%. Only one patient progressed while on treatment. Stratum 4 included children with non-NF-1 optic pathway/hypothalamic LGG. Tissue for tumor BRAF evaluation was not required for eligibility. Two of 16 (12.5%) had a PR with a 2-year PFS of 65+/-13%. The BRAF aberration status of the responders in strata 3 and 4 is mostly unknown. All responses were confirmed centrally and seven patients remain on treatment. The most common toxicities were grade 1/2 CPK elevation, diarrhea, hypoalbuminemia, elevated AST and rash. Rare grade 3/4 toxicities included elevated CPK, rash, neutropenia, emesis and paronychia. Conclusions: Selumetinib was effective in treating children with recurrent/refractory LGG, including those with NF-1 associated LGG and PA harboring BRAF V600e mutation or BRAF-KIAA 1549 fusion. Larger prospective studies are necessary to determine the future, specific role of this agent in treating children with LGG harboring specific molecular aberrations. Clinical trial information: NCT01089101.

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Postnatal Expression of BRAFV600E Does Not Induce Thyroid Cancer in Mouse Models of Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma

Endocrinology ◽

10.1210/en.2013-1174 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 154 (11) ◽

pp. 4423-4430 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Mika Shimamura ◽

Mami Nakahara ◽

Florence Orim ◽

Tomomi Kurashige ◽

Norisato Mitsutake ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Green Fluorescent Protein ◽

Transgenic Mice ◽

Mouse Models ◽

Fluorescent Protein ◽

Tumor Formation ◽

Genetically Engineered ◽

Thyroid Peroxidase ◽

Entry Site ◽

Thyroid Cells ◽

Green Fluorescent

The mutant BRAF (BRAFV600E) is the most common genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). The oncogenicity of this mutation has been shown by some genetically engineered mouse models. However, in these mice, BRAFV600E is expressed in all the thyroid cells from the fetal periods, and suppresses thyroid function, thereby leading to TSH elevation, which by itself promotes thyroid tumorigenesis. To overcome these problems, we exploited 2 different approaches, both of which allowed temporally and spatially restricted expression of BRAFV600E in the thyroid glands. First, we generated conditional transgenic mice harboring the loxP-neoR-loxP-BRAFV600E-internal ribosome entry site-green fluorescent protein sequence [Tg(LNL-BRAFV600E)]. The double transgenic mice (LNL-BRAFV600E;TPO-Cre) were derived from a high expressor line of Tg(LNL-BRAFV600E) mice and TPO-Cre mice; the latter expresses Cre DNA recombinase under the control of thyroid-specific thyroid peroxidase (TPO) promoter and developed PTC-like lesions in early life under normal serum TSH levels due to mosaic recombination. In contrast, injection of adenovirus expressing Cre under the control of another thyroid-specific thyroglobulin (Tg) promoter (Ad-TgP-Cre) into the thyroids of LNL-BRAFV600E mice did not induce tumor formation despite detection of BRAFV600E and pERK in a small fraction of thyroid cells. Second, postnatal expression of BRAFV600E in a small number of thyroid cells was also achieved by injecting the lentivirus expressing loxP-green fluorescent protein-loxP-BRAFV600E into the thyroids of TPO-Cre mice; however, no tumor development was again observed. These results suggest that BRAFV600E does not appear to induce PTC-like lesions when expressed in a fraction of thyroid cells postnatally under normal TSH concentrations.

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