Diffuse glioma: targeting gene defects and their consequences

Gliomas are among the primary tumors of the central nervous system. Mutations in the metabolic enzyme IDH1 are molecular alterations that play an important role in the diagnosis of nervous system tumors. The IDH1 protein performs an important task in the energy metabolism of cells. In some tumor cells, however, IDH1 is altered by a so-called point mutation, resulting in a new metabolic product called 2-HG, which alters many processes in the tumor cell. Scientists call this an oncometabolite. For example, it upsets cellular metabolism and promotes cell division - the basis for cancer is laid.

Recent clinical trials in diffuse gliomas have identified the IDH1 mutation as a target for therapies. The therapeutic efficacy of these therapeutic approaches could perhaps be improved by understanding the metabolic changes that occur in association with IDH1 mutations. The present study used innovative methods to investigate the impact of the IDH1 mutation on the metabolic profile of tumor tissues in a large clinical cohort. In addition, the researchers found tissue metabolites that could be candidate biomarkers, perhaps predicting clinical courses in the future. These candidate metabolites now need to be validated in prospective studies.

Prof. Tabatabai, Dr. Trautwein and Dr. Skardelly present their research findings in the following video. Click here for the study: https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/153526#B1