Two cardinal features of the tumor cell phenotype are a bioenergetic shift toward glycolytic respiration and apoptotic resistance under high stress conditions. A key regulatory node common to each of these pathways is the hypoxia inducible factor-1? (HIF-1?). Regional hypoxia within the microenvironment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and related somatic mutations converge to stimulate HIF-1? activity further enhancing tumor progression. In both immortalized GBM lines and primary resected tumor lysates we find that reduced expression of the MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP-1) correlates with the induction of the HIF-1? target mono- carboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), a lactate transporter critical to homeostasis of glycolytic tumors. By genetically manipulating levels of p53 and MKP-1 in the U87 and U251 tumor lines, we seek to establish a role for MKP-1 and MCT4 in GBM. The effects of MKP-1 on glycolytic metabolism will be assessed using transcriptional analyses to identify effects on HIF-1? targets involved in metabolism and survival. Consequently, metabolite analyses will establish the functional role of this signaling pathway. We then establish the relevance of this pathway through the combined Western and immunohistochemical analysis of MKP-1 and MCT4 in clinical GBM samples. In aggregate these studies seek to implicate MKP-1 and MCT4 as clinically relevant markers tumor grade, and to investigate their potential role therapeutic targets for this devastating disease.

Public Health Relevance

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain malignancy, known for its aggressive growth and recurrence. Dysfunction in oxygen-dependent signal pathways plays an important role in promoting cell immortality, invasiveness and therapeutic resistance. This project investigates whether loss of the phosphatase MKP-1 promotes the malignant features of glial tumors through effects on the master oxygen-sensing transcription factor HIF-1?. Potential findings may offer novel therapeutic targets for GBM and related tumors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
4F31CA180358-04
Application #
9066597
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Mcguirl, Michele
Project Start
2013-07-01
Project End
2017-06-30
Budget Start
2016-07-01
Budget End
2017-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Rochester
Department
Neurology
Type
School of Medicine & Dentistry
DUNS #
041294109
City
Rochester
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14627