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Published on: May 6, 2016
Notch3 signaling initiates choroid plexus tumor formation
1Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Abstract:
Notch3 has been studied in the context of brain development, but whether it plays a role in the formation of brain tumors is unclear. We demonstrate that the introduction of constitutively active Notch3 into periventricular cells of embryonic day 9.5 mice causes the formation of choroid plexus tumors (CPTs). Tumors arose in the fourth ventricles in 83% of animals and were associated with hydrocephalus. They were microscopically highly similar to choroid plexus papillomas in humans, with an ongoing proliferation rate of 4-6%. Signs of Notch pathway activity were also present in human choroid plexus lesions, and receptor mRNA levels in papillomas were elevated over those in non-neoplastic choroid plexus. Notch2 was overexpressed approximately 500-fold in one case, suggesting that the role of this pathway in CPTs may not be specific to Notch3. Our findings indicate that activated Notch3 can function as an oncogene in the developing brain, and link the Notch pathway to human CPT pathogenesis.
Insights
Activated Notch3 acts as an oncogene, causing choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) in mice. This research links the Notch pathway to human CPT development, highlighting its role in brain tumor formation.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The role of Notch3 in brain tumor formation is not well understood.
- Previous studies focused on Notch3's role in brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential oncogenic role of Notch3 in brain tumorigenesis.
- To determine if the Notch pathway is involved in human choroid plexus tumor (CPT) pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Constitutively active Notch3 was introduced into periventricular cells of embryonic mice.
- Tumor formation, characteristics, and proliferation rates were analyzed.
- Notch pathway activity and receptor mRNA levels were assessed in mouse and human CPTs.
Main Results:
- Constitutively active Notch3 induced CPTs in 83% of mice, often with hydrocephalus.
- Mouse CPTs were histologically similar to human choroid plexus papillomas, with 4-6% proliferation.
- Elevated Notch pathway activity and receptor mRNA levels were observed in human CPTs.
Conclusions:
- Activated Notch3 can function as an oncogene in the developing brain.
- The Notch pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of human choroid plexus tumors.
- Notch2 overexpression suggests pathway involvement beyond Notch3 in CPTs.
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