scholarly journals The Role of ER Stress-Related Phenomena in the Biology of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9405
Author(s):  
Anna Walczak ◽  
Maciej Radek ◽  
Ireneusz Majsterek

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare but one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Currently, there are no effective chemotherapy strategies for these malignancies. The inactivation of the neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) gene, followed by loss of TP53, is an early stage in MPNST carcinogenesis. NF1 is a negative regulator of the Ras proteins family, which are key factors in regulating cell growth, homeostasis and survival. Cell cycle dysregulation induces a stress phenotype, such as proteotoxic stress, metabolic stress, and oxidative stress, which should result in cell death. However, in the case of neoplastic cells, we observe not only the avoidance of apoptosis, but also the impact of stress factors on the treatment effectiveness. This review focuses on the pathomechanisms underlying MPNST cells physiology, and discusses the possible ways to develop a successful treatment based on the molecular background of the disease.

Medicine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (13) ◽  
pp. e15017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Zhang ◽  
Fangfang Sun ◽  
Hongyu Li ◽  
Jie Du ◽  
Lirong Zhao

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 8620
Author(s):  
Teddy Mohamad ◽  
Camille Plante ◽  
Jean-Philippe Brosseau

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) originate from the neural crest lineage and are associated with the neurofibromatosis type I syndrome. MPNST is an unmet clinical need. In this review article, we summarize the knowledge and discuss research perspectives related to (1) the natural history of MPNST development; (2) the mouse models recapitulating the progression from precursor lesions to MPNST; (3) the role of the tumor microenvironment in MPNST development, and (4) the signaling pathways linked to MPNST development.


Genes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle B. Williams ◽  
David A. Largaespada

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic disorder and cancer predisposition syndrome (1:3000 births) caused by mutations in the tumor suppressor gene NF1. NF1 encodes neurofibromin, a negative regulator of the Ras signaling pathway. Individuals with NF1 often develop benign tumors of the peripheral nervous system (neurofibromas), originating from the Schwann cell linage, some of which progress further to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Treatment options for neurofibromas and MPNSTs are extremely limited, relying largely on surgical resection and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Identification of novel therapeutic targets in both benign neurofibromas and MPNSTs is critical for improved patient outcomes and quality of life. Recent clinical trials conducted in patients with NF1 for the treatment of symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas using inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) have shown very promising results. However, MEK inhibitors do not work in all patients and have significant side effects. In addition, preliminary evidence suggests single agent use of MEK inhibitors for MPNST treatment will fail. Here, we describe the preclinical efforts that led to the identification of MEK inhibitors as promising therapeutics for the treatment of NF1-related neoplasia and possible reasons they lack single agent efficacy in the treatment of MPNSTs. In addition, we describe work to find targets other than MEK for treatment of MPNST. These have come from studies of RAS biochemistry, in vitro drug screening, forward genetic screens for Schwann cell tumors, and synthetic lethal screens in cells with oncogenic RAS gene mutations. Lastly, we discuss new approaches to exploit drug screening and synthetic lethality with NF1 loss of function mutations in human Schwann cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.


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