Overexpression of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant proteins renders glioma cells more sensitive to radiation

S Li, AP Chou, W Chen, R Chen, Y Deng… - Neuro …, 2013 - academic.oup.com
S Li, AP Chou, W Chen, R Chen, Y Deng, HS Phillips, J Selfridge, M Zurayk, JJ Lou
Neuro-oncology, 2013academic.oup.com
Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) or 2 (IDH2) are found in a subset of gliomas.
Among the many phenotypic differences between mutant and wild-type IDH1/2 gliomas, the
most salient is that IDH1/2 mutant glioma patients demonstrate markedly improved survival
compared with IDH1/2 wild-type glioma patients. To address the mechanism underlying the
superior clinical outcome of IDH1/2 mutant glioma patients, we investigated whether
overexpression of the IDH1 R132H protein could affect response to therapy in the context of …
Abstract
Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) or 2 (IDH2) are found in a subset of gliomas. Among the many phenotypic differences between mutant and wild-type IDH1/2 gliomas, the most salient is that IDH1/2 mutant glioma patients demonstrate markedly improved survival compared with IDH1/2 wild-type glioma patients. To address the mechanism underlying the superior clinical outcome of IDH1/2 mutant glioma patients, we investigated whether overexpression of the IDH1R132H protein could affect response to therapy in the context of an isogenic glioma cell background. Stable clonal U87MG and U373MG cell lines overexpressing IDH1WT and IDH1R132H were generated, as well as U87MG cell lines overexpressing IDH2WT and IDH2R172K. In vitro experiments were conducted to characterize baseline growth and migration and response to radiation and temozolomide. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured under various conditions. U87MG-IDH1R132H cells, U373MG-IDH1R132H cells, and U87MG-IDH2R172K cells demonstrated increased sensitivity to radiation but not to temozolomide. Radiosensitization of U87MG-IDH1R132H cells was accompanied by increased apoptosis and accentuated ROS generation, and this effect was abrogated by the presence of the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine. Interestingly, U87MG-IDH1R132H cells also displayed decreased growth at higher cell density and in soft agar, as well as decreased migration. Overexpression of IDH1R132H and IDH2R172K mutant protein in glioblastoma cells resulted in increased radiation sensitivity and altered ROS metabolism and suppression of growth and migration in vitro. These findings provide insight into possible mechanisms contributing to the improved outcomes observed in patients with IDH1/2 mutant gliomas.
Oxford University Press