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Cellular origin, tumour progression and pathogenic mechanisms of cutaneous neurofibromas revealed by mice with Nf1 knockout in boundary cap cells

ABSTRACT: Patients carrying an inactive NF1 allele develop tumours of Schwann cell origin called neurofibromas (NFs). Genetically engineered mouse models have significantly enriched our understanding of plexiform forms of NFs (pNFs). However, this has not been the case for cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs), observed in all NF1 patients, as no previous model recapitulates their development. Here, we show that conditional Nf1 inactivation in Prss56-positive boundary cap cells leads to bona fide pNFs and cNFs. This work identifies subepidermal glia as a likely candidate for the cellular origin of cNFs, and provides insights on disease mechanisms, revealing a long, multistep pathological process in which inflammation play pivotal role. This new mouse model is an important asset for future clinical and therapeutic investigations of NF1-associated neurofibromas.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE117781 | GEO | 2020/03/10

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are aggressive cancers that occur spontaneously (sporadic MPNST) or from pre-existing, benign plexiform neurofibromas in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. MPNSTs metastasize easily, are resistant to therapeutic intervention and are frequently fatal. The molecular changes underlying the transition to malignancy in the NF1 setting are incompletely understood. Here we investigate the involvement of microRNAs in this process. Using an RT-PCR platform microRNA expression profiles were determined from a unique series of archival paired samples of plexiform neurofibroma and MPNST. At least 90 differentially expressed microRNAs (p<0.025; FDR<10%) were identified between the paired samples. Most microRNAs (91%) were found downregulated and 9% of the microRNAs were upregulated in MPNST. Based on the fold changes and statistical significance three downregulated microRNAs (let-7b-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p) and two upregulated microRNAs (miR135b-5p and miR-889-3p) were selected for further functional characterization. Their expression levels were validated in a relevant cell line panel and a series of unpaired fresh frozen tumor samples containing plexiform neurofibromas, atypical neurofibromas and MPNSTs. As part of the validation process we also determined and analyzed microRNA expression profiles of sporadic MPNSTs observing that microRNA expression discriminates NF1-associated and sporadic MPNSTs emphasizing their different etiologies. The involvement of microRNAs in tumorigenesis and cancer progression was examined in NF1-derived MPNST cell lines through modulating microRNA levels by transient transfection of microRNA mimics or inhibitors. The effects of microRNAs on cellular proliferation, migration, invasion and Wnt/ẞ-catenin signaling were determined. Our findings indicate that, some of the selected microRNAs affect migratory and invasive capabilities and Wnt signaling activity. It was observed that the functional effects upon microRNA modulation are distinct in different cell lines. From our study we conclude that miRNAs play essential regulatory roles in MPNST facilitating tumor progression.

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Cellular origin, tumour progression and pathogenic mechanisms of cutaneous neurofibromas revealed by mice with Nf1 knockout in boundary cap cells

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