Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0017636 (glioblastoma)
18,345 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Astrocytes exhibit significant changes in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene expression during malignant progression. These changes include induction of FGFR1 and concomitant loss of FGFR2 expression. The induction of FGFR1 is believed to endow malignant astrocytes with a selective growth advantage. Glioblastoma (the most malignant form of astrocytoma) cell lines, which exhibit the same pattern of FGFR gene expression as glioblastoma biopsies, were used to evaluate the contribution of FGFR1 expression to glioblastoma cell growth. Addition of phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligonucleotides complementary to the initiation site or the alpha exon of the FGFR1 gene suppressed growth of human glioblastoma-derived cell lines. Reverse antisense controls or antisense oligonucleotide complementary to FGFR2 had no effect on proliferation. Consistent with its growth-suppressive effect, FGFR1 antisense oligonucleotides markedly reduced expression of both FGFR1 mRNA and high-affinity bFGF binding sites, whereas FGFR1 reverse antisense control oligonucleotide had no effect. Antisense oligonucleotide targeted to the alpha exon of the FGFR1 gene suppressed alpha and beta alternatively spliced FGFR1 mRNA isoforms but did not alter the expression of related FGFR family members. Fluorescein-labeled antisense and reverse control oligonucleotides demonstrated cellular uptake and nuclear accumulation. These results indicate that alterations in FGFR expression may contribute to malignant proliferation in human astrocytomas. These findings also illustrate the high degree of selectivity that can be obtained with antisense oligonucleotides, a property that is essential for employing these reagents therapeutically.
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PMID:Suppression of glioblastoma cell growth following antisense oligonucleotide-mediated inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptor expression. 1049 24

In Rat-1 fibroblasts epidermal growth factor (EGF), but not platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulates the activity of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, PDGF induced suppression of EGF-mediated JNK activation, apparently through protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Further analysis revealed that PKD was specifically activated by PDGF but not EGF in Rat-1 cells. In SF126 glioblastoma cells, however, EGF and PDGF synergistically activated JNK, while neither PDGF nor EGF stimulated PKD activity. In this cell line, overexpression of PKD blocked EGF- and PDGF-induced JNK activation. Mutational analysis further revealed that the EGFR mutant (T654/669E) was incapable of activating JNK and provided evidence that PKD-mediated dual phosphorylation of these critical threonine residues leads to suppression of EGF-induced JNK activation. Our results establish a novel crosstalk mechanism which allows signal integration and definition in cells with many different RTKs.
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PMID:Cell-type specific phosphorylation of threonines T654 and T669 by PKD defines the signal capacity of the EGF receptor. 1052 1

We used a genetic approach to characterize features of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation occurring as a consequence of expression of distinct erbB receptor combinations in transformed human cells. Kinase-deficient erbB proteins reduced epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous Shc proteins and also reduced immediate and sustained EGF-induced ERK MAPK activities in human glioblastoma cells, although basal ERK MAPK activities were unaffected. Basal and EGF-induced JNK and p38 MAPK kinase activities were equivalent in parental cancer cells and EGFR-inhibited subclones. When ectopically overexpressed in murine fibroblasts and human glioblastoma cells, a constitutively activated human EGF receptor oncoprotein (deltaEGFR) induced EGF-independent elevation of basal ERK MAPK activity. Basal JNK MAPK kinase activity was also specifically induced by deltaEGFR, which correlated with increased phosphorylation of a 54-kDa JNK2 protein observed in deltaEGFR-containing cells. The JNK activities in response to DNA damage were comparably increased in cells containing wildtype EGFR or deltaEGFR. Consistent with the notion that transforming erbB complexes induce sustained and unregulated MAPK activities, coexpression of p185(neu) and EGFR proteins to levels sufficient to transform murine fibroblasts also resulted in prolonged EGF-induced ERK in vitro kinase activation. Transforming erbB complexes, including EGFR homodimers, deltaEGFR homodimers, and p185(neu)/EGFR heterodimers, appear to induce sustained, unattenuated activation of MAPK activities that may contribute to increased transformation and resistance to apoptosis in primary human glioblastoma cells.
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PMID:Sustained mitogen-activated protein kinase activation is induced by transforming erbB receptor complexes. 1054 32

The genetic abnormality most frequently identified in glioblastomas is loss of alleles on chromosome 10. We have performed a comprehensive study of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene on 10q23, including loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis, multiplex PCR, mutation analysis, and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). In total, 151 glioblastomas, 41 anaplastic astrocytomas, 15 astrocytomas, and 13 glioma cell lines were analyzed as well as 23 xenografts derived from primary glioblastomas, which allows a comparison of the PTEN gene status in primary tumors versus xenografts. Homozygous deletions were found in 7% of the glioblastomas and 40% showed mutation of a single retained allele. This mutation frequency is higher than reported previously. The large number of mutations identified allows the presentation of a mutational profile along the coding sequence. The majority of mutations appear to affect conserved residues or structurally conserved regions. PTEN alterations were selected for in xenografts, and there is evidence that they may even facilitate establishment of xenografts. No alterations were found in astrocytomas and only 5% of anaplastic astrocytomas had mutations. Thus, loss of wild type PTEN represents one of the major abnormalities associated with astrocytic tumor progression to glioblastoma and provides a strong selective growth advantage when cultivating glioblastoma tissue in xenografts. No correlation with EGFR amplification was evident.
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PMID:Mutational profile of the PTEN gene in primary human astrocytic tumors and cultivated xenografts. 1056 Jun 60

Glioblastomas develop de novo (primary glioblastomas) or through progression from low-grade or anaplastic astrocytoma (secondary glioblastomas). There is increasing evidence that these glioblastoma subtypes develop through different genetic pathways. Primary glioblastomas are characterized by EGFR and MDM2 amplification/overexpression, PTEN mutations, and p16 deletions, whereas secondary glioblastomas frequently contain p53 mutations. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 10 (LOH#10) is the most frequent genetic alteration in glioblastomas; the involvement of tumor suppressor genes, other than PTEN, has been suggested. We carried out deletion mappings on chromosome 10, using PCR-based microsatellite analysis. LOH#10 was detected at similar frequencies in primary (8/17; 47%) and secondary glioblastomas (7/13; 54%). The majority (88%) of primary glioblastomas with LOH#10 showed LOH at all informative markers, suggesting loss of the entire chromosome 10. In contrast, secondary glioblastomas with LOH#10 showed partial or complete loss of chromosome 10q but no loss of 10p. These results are in accordance with the view that LOH on 10q is a major factor in the evolution of glioblastoma multiform as the common phenotypic end point of both genetic pathways, whereas LOH on 10p is largely restricted to the primary (de novo) glioblastoma.
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PMID:Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 10 is more extensive in primary (de novo) than in secondary glioblastomas. 1065 4

There are distinct genetic pathways leading to the glioblastoma, the most malignant astrocytic brain tumor. Primary (de novo) glioblastomas develop in older patients and are characterized by epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor amplification/overexpression, p16 deletion, and PTEN mutations, whereas secondary glioblastomas that progressed from low-grade or anaplastic astrocytoma develop in younger patients and frequently contain p53 mutations. In this study, we assessed the genetic profile of gliosarcoma, a rare glioblastoma variant characterized by a biphasic tissue pattern with alternating areas displaying glial and mesenchymal differentiation. Single-strand conformation polymorphism followed by direct DNA sequencing revealed p53 mutations in five of 19 gliosarcomas (26%) and PTEN mutations in seven cases (37%). Homozygous p16 deletion was detected by differential polymerase chain reaction in seven (37%) gliosarcomas. The overall incidence of alterations in the Rb pathway (p16 deletion, CDK4 amplification, or loss of pRb immunoreactivity) was 53%, and these changes were mutually exclusive. Coamplification of CDK4 and MDM2 was detected in one gliosarcoma. None of the gliosarcomas showed amplification or overexpression of the EGF receptor. Thus gliosarcomas exhibit a genetic profile similar to that of primary (de novo) glioblastomas, except for the absence of EGFR amplification/overexpression. Identical PTEN mutations in the gliomatous and sarcomatous tumor components were found in two cases. Other biopsies contained p16 deletions, an identical p53 mutation, or coamplification of MDM2 and CDK4 in both tumor areas. This strongly supports the concept of a monoclonal origin of gliosarcomas and an evolution of the sarcomatous component due to aberrant mesenchymal differentiation in a highly malignant astrocytic neoplasm.
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PMID:Genetic profile of gliosarcomas. 1066 71

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-Flk-1/KDR tyrosine kinase signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in tumor angiogenesis. Targeting this angiogenic signaling pathway presents a promising alternative for the treatment of neoplasms. However, recent experimental and clinical studies have suggested that VEGF-Flk-1/KDR activity is unevenly distributed throughout the tumor microvasculature. To further evaluate this phenomenon, the regional differences in VEGF-Flk-1/KDR signaling activities in vivo were studied using intravital fluorescence videomicroscopy in an experimental murine brain tumor model. Regional VEGF-Flk-1/KDR was assessed using the small molecule inhibitor SU5416, which selectively inhibits the tyrosine kinase receptor Flk-1. C(6) glioblastoma cells were implanted into the dorsal skinfold chamber preparation of nude mice. The process of tumor vascularization was repeatedly assessed over 22 days. SU5416 treatment resulted in a significant reduction in tumor vascular density (p<0.05). Regional microvascular evaluation indicated that the magnitude of this antiangiogenic effect was pronounced in the more angiogenic and better vascularized peritumoral areas than in the intratumoral areas of the tumor microvasculature. These results demonstrate regional differences in Flk-1 activity in vivo that may have significant impact on the susceptibility of tumors to compounds that target VEGF-Flk-1/KDR. This finding should be considered in upcoming clinical trials targeting individual signal transduction systems in cancer patients.
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PMID:Measuring VEGF-Flk-1 activity and consequences of VEGF-Flk-1 targeting in vivo using intravital microscopy: clinical applications. 1080 86

Glioblastomas develop rapidly de novo (primary glioblastomas) or slowly through progression from low-grade or anaplastic astrocytoma (secondary glioblastomas). Recent studies have shown that these glioblastoma subtypes develop through different genetic pathways. Primary glioblastomas are characterized by EGFR amplification/overexpression, PTEN mutation, homozygous p16 deletion, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on entire chromosome 10, whereas secondary glioblastomas frequently contain p53 mutations and show LOH on chromosome 10q. In this study, we analyzed LOH on chromosomes 19q, 1p, and 13q, using polymorphic microsatellite markers in 17 primary glioblastomas and in 13 secondary glioblastomas that progressed from low-grade astrocytomas. LOH on chromosome 19q was frequently found in secondary glioblastomas (7 of 13, 54%) but rarely detected in primary glioblastomas (1 of 17, 6%, p = 0.0094). The common deletion was 19q13.3 (between D19S219 and D19S902). These results suggest that tumor suppressor gene(s) located on chromosome 19q are frequently involved in the progression from low-grade astrocytoma to secondary glioblastoma, but do not play a major role in the evolution of primary glioblastomas. LOH on chromosome 1p was detected in 12% of primary and 15% of secondary glioblastomas. LOH on 13q was detected in 12% of primary and in 38% of secondary glioblastomas and typically included the RB locus. Except for 1 case, LOH 13q and 19q were mutually exclusive.
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PMID:Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 19 in secondary glioblastomas. 1085 Aug 66

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a fundamental role in mediating tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. Here we investigate the direct effect of a novel small molecule inhibitor of the Flk-1-mediated signal transduction pathway of VEGF, SU5416, on tumor angiogenesis and microhemodynamics of an experimental glioblastoma by using intravital multifluorescence videomicroscopy. SU5416 treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth. In parallel, SU5416 demonstrated a potent antiangiogenic activity, resulting in a significant reduction of both the total and functional vascular density of the tumor microvasculature, which indicates an impaired vascularization as well as significant perfusion failure in treated tumors. This malperfusion was not compensated for by changes in vessel diameter or recruitment of nonperfused vessels. Analyses of the tumor microcirculation revealed significant microhemodynamic changes after angiogenesis blockage such as a higher red blood cell velocity and blood flow in remnant tumor vessels when compared with controls. Our results demonstrate that the novel antiangiogenic concept of targeting the tyrosine kinase of Flk-1/KDR by means of a small molecule inhibitor represents an efficient strategy to control growth and progression of angiogenesis-dependent tumors. This study provides insight into microvascular consequences of Flk-1/KDR targeting in vivo and may have important implications for the future treatment of angiogenesis-dependent neoplasms.
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PMID:Inhibition of tumor growth, angiogenesis, and microcirculation by the novel Flk-1 inhibitor SU5416 as assessed by intravital multi-fluorescence videomicroscopy. 1093 68

Several growth factors and cytokines, including EGF, are known to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of Signal Regulatory Proteins (SIRPs). Consistent with the idea that increased phosphorylation activates SIRP function, we overexpressed human SIRPalpha1 in U87MG glioblastoma cells in order to examine how SIRPalpha1 modulates EGFR signaling pathways. Endogenous EGFR proteins are overexpressed in U87MG cells and these cells exhibit survival and motility phenotypes that are influenced by EGFR kinase activity. Overexpression of the SIRPalpha1 cDNA diminished EGF-induced phosphoinositide-3-OH kinase (PI3-K) activation in U87MG cells. Reduced EGF-stimulated activation of PI3-K was mediated by interactions between carboxyl terminus of SIRPalpha1 and the Src homology-2 (SH2)-containing phosphotyrosine phosphatase, SHP2. SIRPalpha1 overexpression also reduced the EGF-induced association between SHP2 and the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3-K. Inhibition of transformation and enhanced apoptosis following gamma-irradiation were observed in SIRPalpha1-overexpressing U87MG cells, and enhanced apoptosis was associated with reduced levels of bcl-xL protein. Furthermore, SIRPalpha1-overexpressing U87MG cells displayed reduced cell migration and cell spreading that was mediated by association between SIRPalpha1 and SHP2. However, SIRPalpha1-overexpressing U87MG clonal derivatives exhibited no differences in cell growth or levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. These data reveal a pathway that negatively regulates EGFR-induced PI3-K activation in glioblastoma cells and involves interactions between SHP2 and tyrosine phosphorylated SIRPalpha1. These results also suggest that negative regulation of PI3-K pathway activation by the SIRP family of transmembrane receptors may diminish EGFR-mediated motility and survival phenotypes that contribute to transformation of glioblastoma cells. Oncogene (2000) 19, 3999 - 4010.
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PMID:Inhibition of EGFR-mediated phosphoinositide-3-OH kinase (PI3-K) signaling and glioblastoma phenotype by signal-regulatory proteins (SIRPs). 1096 56


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