Association between altered metabolism and genetic mutations in human glioma

Molecular markers for classification of gliomas include isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations and codeletion of chromosomal arms 1p and 19q (1p/19q). While mutations in IDH enzymes result in the well-characterized production of oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate, dysregulation of other metabolites in IDH tumors is less characterized. Similarly, the effects of 1p/19q codeletion on cellular metabolism are also unclear.

This study aimed to quantify changes in tumor metabolites in human glioma tissue as a function of both IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion.

Deidentified human glioma tissue and associated clinical data were obtained from the Emory University Winship Cancer Institute tissue biobank from 14 patients (WHO grades II, III, and IV; seven female and seven male). Proton (¹ H) high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy data were acquired using a 600 MHz Bruker AVANCE III NMR spectrometer. Metabolite concentrations were calculated using LCModel. Differences in metabolite concentrations as a function of IDH mutation, 1p/19q codeletion, and survival status were determined using Mann-Whitney U tests. Concentrations of alanine, glutamine, and glutamate were significantly lower in glioma tissue with IDH mutations compared to tissue with IDH wildtype. Additionally, glutamate concentration was significantly lower in glioma tissue with 1p/19q codeletion compared to intact 1p/19q. Exploratory analysis revealed alanine concentration varied significantly as a function of survival status.

Given the emerging landscape of glioma treatments that target metabolic dysregulation, an improved understanding of altered metabolism in molecular sub-types of gliomas, including those with IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion, is an important consideration for treatment stratification and personalized medicine.