TRIM67 drives tumorigenesis in oligodendrogliomas through Rho GTPase-dependent membrane blebbing.

Background: IDH mutant gliomas are grouped into astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas depending on the codeletion of chromosome arms 1p and 19q. Although the genomic alterations of IDH mutant gliomas have been well described, transcriptional changes unique to either tumor type have not been fully understood. Here, we identify Tripartite Motif Containing 67 (TRIM67), an E3 ubiquitin ligase with essential roles during neuronal development, as an oncogene distinctly upregulated in oligodendrogliomas.

MEOX2 homeobox gene promotes growth of malignant gliomas.

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor that frequently exhibits gain of chromosome 7, loss of chromosome 10, and aberrantly activated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways. Previously, we identified Mesenchyme Homeobox 2 (MEOX2), a gene located on chromosome 7, as an upregulated transcription factor in GBM. Overexpressed transcription factors can be involved in driving GBM.

TERT and DNMT1 expression predict sensitivity to decitabine in gliomas.

Background: Decitabine (DAC) is an FDA-approved DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor that is used in the treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Previously, we showed that DAC marks antitumor activity against gliomas with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations. Based on promising preclinical results, a clinical trial has been launched to determine the effect of DAC in IDH-mutant gliomas.