Inhibition of notch signaling in glioblastoma targets cancer stem cells via an endothelial cell intermediate Journal Article


Authors: Hovinga, K. E.; Shimizu, F.; Wang, R.; Panagiotakos, G.; Van Der Heijden, M.; Moayedpardazi, H.; Correia, A. S.; Soulet, D.; Major, T.; Menon, J.; Tabar, V.
Article Title: Inhibition of notch signaling in glioblastoma targets cancer stem cells via an endothelial cell intermediate
Abstract: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor. Recent data suggests the presence of a hierarchical organization within the GBM cell population that involves cancer cells with stem-like behavior, capable of repopulating the tumor and contributing to its resistance to therapy. Tumor stem cells are thought to reside within a vascular niche that provides structural and functional support. However, most GBM studies involve isolated tumor cells grown under various culture conditions. Here, we use a novel three-dimensional organotypic "explant" system of surgical GBM specimens that preserves cytoarchitecture and tumor stroma along with tumor cells. Notch inhibition in explants results in decreased proliferation and self-renewal of tumor cells but is also associated with a decrease in endothelial cells. When endothelial cells are selectively eliminated from the explants via a toxin conjugate, we also observed a decrease in self-renewal of tumor stem cells. These findings support a critical role for tumor endothelial cells in GBM stem cell maintenance, mediated at least in part by Notch signaling. The explant system further highlighted differences in the response to radiation between explants and isolated tumor neurospheres. Combination treatment with Notch blockade and radiation resulted in a substantial decrease in proliferation and in self-renewal in tumor explants while radiation alone was less effective. This data suggests that the Notch pathway plays a critical role in linking angiogenesis and cancer stem cell self-renewal and is thus a potential therapeutic target. Three-dimensional explant systems provide a novel approach for the study of tumor and microenvironment interactions.
Keywords: signal transduction; methodology; cell proliferation; cytology; metabolism; apoptosis; notch receptor; drug effect; pathology; vascularization; radiation exposure; endothelium cell; endothelial cells; drug antagonism; neoplastic stem cells; glioblastoma; receptors, notch; cancer stem cell; cell separation; tissue culture technique; tissue culture techniques
Journal Title: Stem Cells
Volume: 28
Issue: 6
ISSN: 1066-5099
Publisher: AlphaMed Press  
Date Published: 2010-06-01
Start Page: 1019
End Page: 1029
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/stem.429
PUBMED: 20506127
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC5532884
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 5" - "Export Date: 20 April 2011" - "Source: Scopus"
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