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Published on: January 9, 2019
Molecular signalling pathways in canine gliomas
C E Boudreau1, D York2, R J Higgins3
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M, College Station, TX, USA.
Abstract:
In this study, we determined the expression of key signalling pathway proteins TP53, MDM2, P21, AKT, PTEN, RB1, P16, MTOR and MAPK in canine gliomas using western blotting. Protein expression was defined in three canine astrocytic glioma cell lines treated with CCNU, temozolamide or CPT-11 and was further evaluated in 22 spontaneous gliomas including high and low grade astrocytomas, high grade oligodendrogliomas and mixed oligoastrocytomas. Response to chemotherapeutic agents and cell survival were similar to that reported in human glioma cell lines. Alterations in expression of key human gliomagenesis pathway proteins were common in canine glioma tumour samples and segregated between oligodendroglial and astrocytic tumour types for some pathways. Both similarities and differences in protein expression were defined for canine gliomas compared to those reported in human tumour counterparts. The findings may inform more defined assessment of specific signalling pathways for targeted therapy of canine gliomas.
Insights
Canine gliomas show similar protein pathway alterations to human gliomas, offering insights into targeted therapies. This study analyzed key proteins in canine glioma cell lines and tumors, revealing commonalities and differences with human counterparts.
Area of Science:
- Comparative oncology
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
Background:
- Gliomas are common brain tumors in dogs and humans.
- Understanding molecular pathways is crucial for targeted cancer therapies.
- Canine gliomas serve as a valuable model for human glioma research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the expression of key signaling pathway proteins in canine gliomas.
- To compare protein expression patterns between canine and human gliomas.
- To evaluate the potential for targeted therapy in canine gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Western blotting was used to analyze protein expression.
- Three canine astrocytic glioma cell lines were treated with chemotherapeutic agents (CCNU, temozolamide, CPT-11).
- Protein expression was evaluated in 22 spontaneous canine gliomas of various types.
Main Results:
- Alterations in key gliomagenesis pathway proteins (TP53, MDM2, P21, AKT, PTEN, RB1, P16, MTOR, MAPK) were common in canine gliomas.
- Protein expression patterns differed between oligodendroglial and astrocytic canine tumors.
- Canine glioma cell line responses to chemotherapy and survival mirrored human glioma cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Canine gliomas exhibit molecular similarities and differences to human gliomas.
- Specific signaling pathways are commonly altered in canine gliomas.
- Findings support the use of canine gliomas as a model for human glioma research and may guide targeted therapy development.
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