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CD133 in brain tumor: the prognostic factor.
Bin Li1, Cian M McCrudden2, Hiu Fung Yuen3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
Oncotarget
|January 6, 2017
Summary
CD133 and HOX genes are key prognostic markers in glioma. Their interaction influences glioma progression, and vincristine may reverse this signature, offering potential therapeutic strategies for high CD133-expressing tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Stem Cell Biology
- Molecular Oncology
Background:
- CD133 is implicated in glioma progression, but its precise role and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
- Understanding the molecular drivers of glioma is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
- Identifying novel prognostic markers and therapeutic targets is a priority in neuro-oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic significance of CD133 and its relationship with HOX gene expression in glioma.
- To explore the potential therapeutic implications of the CD133/HOX gene axis in glioma.
- To identify potential drug candidates that can modulate the identified molecular signature.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CD133 mRNA expression in three independent glioma patient cohorts.
- Correlation analysis between CD133 and HOX gene (HOXA5, HOXA7, HOXA10, HOXC4, HOXC6) expression.
- Prognostic significance assessment using survival analysis.
- In vitro validation in glioma cell lines using vincristine treatment.
- Connectivity mapping to identify potential therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- CD133 mRNA expression is a significant prognostic marker in glioma.
- CD133 expression strongly correlates with HOX gene expression, and both are associated with patient survival.
- CD133 and HOXA7 are independent prognostic markers in combined glioma cohorts.
- Low LIM2 expression in CD133-high glioma correlates with poorer survival, suggesting LIM2 as a therapeutic target.
- Vinblastine and vincristine were identified as agents capable of reversing the CD133/HOX/LIM2 signature, with vincristine confirmed to downregulate CD133 and HOX gene expression in vitro.
Conclusions:
- CD133 and HOX genes are important prognostic indicators in glioma.
- The interplay between CD133 and HOX genes influences glioma progression and patient outcomes.
- LIM2 may represent a therapeutic target in CD133-high glioma.
- Vincristine demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for glioma by targeting the CD133/HOX gene axis.
