Metastatic group 3 medulloblastoma is driven by PRUNE1 targeting NME1-TGF-β-OTX2-SNAIL via PTEN inhibition

Brain. 2018 May 1;141(5):1300-1319. doi: 10.1093/brain/awy039.

Abstract

Genetic modifications during development of paediatric groups 3 and 4 medulloblastoma are responsible for their highly metastatic properties and poor patient survival rates. PRUNE1 is highly expressed in metastatic medulloblastoma group 3, which is characterized by TGF-β signalling activation, c-MYC amplification, and OTX2 expression. We describe the process of activation of the PRUNE1 signalling pathway that includes its binding to NME1, TGF-β activation, OTX2 upregulation, SNAIL (SNAI1) upregulation, and PTEN inhibition. The newly identified small molecule pyrimido-pyrimidine derivative AA7.1 enhances PRUNE1 degradation, inhibits this activation network, and augments PTEN expression. Both AA7.1 and a competitive permeable peptide that impairs PRUNE1/NME1 complex formation, impair tumour growth and metastatic dissemination in orthotopic xenograft models with a metastatic medulloblastoma group 3 cell line (D425-Med cells). Using whole exome sequencing technology in metastatic medulloblastoma primary tumour cells, we also define 23 common 'non-synonymous homozygous' deleterious gene variants as part of the protein molecular network of relevance for metastatic processes. This PRUNE1/TGF-β/OTX2/PTEN axis, together with the medulloblastoma-driver mutations, is of relevance for future rational and targeted therapies for metastatic medulloblastoma group 3.10.1093/brain/awy039_video1awy039media15742053534001.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / physiology*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Medulloblastoma / metabolism*
  • Medulloblastoma / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Models, Molecular
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / physiopathology*
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / genetics
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / metabolism*
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
  • Pyrimidinones / chemistry
  • Pyrimidinones / pharmacology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Snail Family Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Pyrimidinones
  • Snail Family Transcription Factors
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • pyrimido(4,5-d)pyrimidine-2,4,5,7-(1H,3H,6H,8H)-tetraone
  • PRUNE1 protein, human
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • PTEN protein, human