Neuropeptidergic regulation of Compulsive Ethanol Seeking in C. elegans

An improved understanding of the molecular basis of alcohol seeking despite the catastrophic consequences of alcohol abuse is likely to enrich our treatments for Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) and comorbidities. The compulsive seeking is characterized by an imbalance between the superior drive to substance and disruption in control of substance use. To model the development of compulsive engagement of alcohol seeking, we exploit two distinct behavioral programs of C. elegans in conflict, ethanol preference and avoidance of aversive stimulus, simultaneously. We demonstrate that C. elegans exhibited the recapitulation of the pivotal features of compulsive alcohol seeking in mammals, which are repeated attempts, endurance, and finally aversion-resistant ethanol seeking. We find that the neuropeptide signaling via SEB-3, CRF receptor-like GPCR, facilitates the development of ethanol preference and compels animals to seek ethanol compulsively. Furthermore, our functional genomic approach and behavioral elucidation suggest the interaction between neuropeptidergic signaling, SEB-3 and TKR-1, Neurokinin receptor orthologue, to progress compulsive ethanol seeking behavior.

Characterisation of the metabolomes of epigenetically distinct subgroups of paediatric ependymoma

Paediatric ependymoma relapses in up to half of patients, with a five-year survival rate of only 25%. Comprehensive characterisation of the genetic/epigenetic mutation and transcriptome landscape has not yet translated to improved treatments. Metabolomics is a functional genomic approach, offering an opportunity to elucidate aberrant metabolic pathways and new therapeutic avenues. Metabolomics thus far has concentrated on 1H High-resolution Magic Angle Spinning, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy, where low numbers of metabolites were identified compared to that feasible by Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Here we present broader metabolome coverage using LC-MS/MS to separately analyse ependymoma polar and non-polar metabolites, comparing two subgroups from distinct neuro-anatomical compartments with different genetic and epigenetic drivers. We homogenised surgically resected ependymoma tissue from two epigenetic subgroups, posterior fossa A (n=10) and supratentorial RELA fusion (n=5), and extracted polar metabolites and lipids using methanol/water/chloroform 1:1:3. LC-MS/MS using a quadrupole-Orbitrap revealed 167 putative metabolites and 400 putative lipids significantly altered in relative abundance between the two subgroups. The metabolites predominantly mapped onto the taurine and hypotaurine pathway. Grade II and III PF-A tumours could be distinguished by the abundances of 53 metabolites, with three metabolites in the protein-lysine degradation pathway increased in abundance. The study presents a first-in-kind description of the paediatric ependymoma metabolome revealing PF-A and ST-RELA subgroups are metabolically distinct brain tumours and therefore warrant consideration of distinct anti-metabolite therapies. Paediatric ependymoma intra-tumour regions have been collected from 6 surgical resections and ongoing intra-tumour metabolomics/lipidomics integrated with transcriptomics will be discussed.

Molecularly targeted drug combinations demonstrate selective effectiveness for myeloid- and lymphoid-derived hematologic malignancies

Translating the genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity underlying human cancers into therapeutic strategies is an ongoing challenge. Large-scale sequencing efforts have uncovered a spectrum of mutations in many hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), suggesting that combinations of agents will be required to treat these diseases effectively. Combinatorial approaches will also be critical for combating the emergence of genetically heterogeneous subclones, rescue signals in the microenvironment, and tumor-intrinsic feedback pathways that all contribute to disease relapse. To identify novel and effective drug combinations, we performed ex vivo sensitivity profiling of 122 primary patient samples from a variety of hematologic malignancies against a panel of 48 drug combinations. The combinations were designed as drug pairs that target nonoverlapping biological pathways and comprise drugs from different classes, preferably with Food and Drug Administration approval. A combination ratio (CR) was derived for each drug pair, and CRs were evaluated with respect to diagnostic categories as well as against genetic, cytogenetic, and cellular phenotypes of specimens from the two largest disease categories: AML and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Nearly all tested combinations involving a BCL2 inhibitor showed additional benefit in patients with myeloid malignancies, whereas select combinations involving PI3K, CSF1R, or bromodomain inhibitors showed preferential benefit in lymphoid malignancies. Expanded analyses of patients with AML and CLL revealed specific patterns of ex vivo drug combination efficacy that were associated with select genetic, cytogenetic, and phenotypic disease subsets, warranting further evaluation. These findings highlight the heuristic value of an integrated functional genomic approach to the identification of novel treatment strategies for hematologic malignancies.