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Epigenetic status of argininosuccinate synthetase and argininosuccinate lyase modulates autophagy and cell death in glioblastoma

‘Epigenetic status of argininosuccinate synthetase and argininosuccinate lyase modulates autophagy and cell death in glioblastoma’

Syed N, Langer J, Janczar K, Singh P, Lo Nigro C, Lattanzio L, Coley HM, Hatzimichael E, Bomalaski J, Szlosarek P, Awad M, O'Neil K, Roncaroli F, Crook T

Cell Death and Disease 2013  DOI: 10.1039/c3mt20238k

and colleagues from the John Fulcher Molecular Neuro-oncology laboratory at Charing Cross Hospital have published an article this month describing a novel therapy for de novo glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), ‘’ (Cell Death Dis. 2013 Jan)

We demonstrate that epigenetic silencing of genes involved in the biosynthesis of arginine confers arginine auxotrophy in primary GBM explants established from fresh tumour material and cell lines. Furthermore, we show that this silencing sensitises cells to killing by the arginine degrading enzyme ADI-PEG20.

Work is underway to identify if other central nervous system tumours would also be amenable to this targeted therapy.

 Research in the John Fulcher Molecular Neuro-oncology laboratory is funded by the Brain Tumour Research Campaign (). Recently, two senior post-doctoral scientists joined the group, and Dr .  Both bring new and exciting expertise to the laboratory and will help to expand our research capabilities for brain tumour research.