MYCN, mTOR and translation control in medulloblastoma

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Aggressive molecular subgroups have poorly understood biology and few targeted therapies. A high risk subgroup of SHH driven-tumors also shows amplification of the MYCN proto-oncogene, while 4 tumors demonstrate increased levels or amplification of MYCN. How can we target MYCN in medulloblastoma? We hypothesize that MYCN cooperates with the translational apparatus to drive transformation in medulloblastoma, and that inhibition of the mTOR kinase represents a critical therapeutic strategy for both MYCN/SHH co-driven, and Group 4 medulloblastoma. In both prostate and hematopoietic tumors, MYC drives tumorigenesis through interacting with the translational apparatus downstream of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) a master regulator of translation. The mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signals through Ribosomal Protein S6 kinase (S6K) and the translation initiation factor eIF4E. A new class of mTOR kinase inhibitors disrupts signaling through both mTORC1 effectors, whereas clinical allosteric binders (rapamycin and analogues) disrupt only S6K. These mechanistically distinct activities have enormous therapeutic implications, as in our Group 4 medulloblastoma model, mTOR kinase inhibitors, but not rapamycin, show efficacy. Importantly, we found cross-talk between MYCN and mTOR during medulloblastoma development. Our preliminary data point to a critical role for eIF4E in tumorigenesis at this nexus between MYCN and mTOR. These observations suggest that S6K is dispensable, whereas eIF4E is required for MYC/MYCN-driven medulloblastoma. In this proposal, we will determine how MYCN hijacks the translational apparatus for its oncogenic activity (A1). We recently developed distinct genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models for high-risk Group 4 and MYCN driven SHH-dependent medulloblastoma, in which mis-expression of MYCN drives oncogenesis. Using unique genetic approaches, we will separately evaluate the importance of S6K and eIF4E in our MYCN/SHH and Group 4 GEM models (A2). Finally, we will use clinical inhibitors of mTOR to evaluate S6K (allosteric inhibitors of mTOR) and eIF4E (mTOR kinase inhibitors) as therapeutic targets, analyzing cell lines, GEM models, and patient derived xenografts (PDX--A3). Successful completion elucidates fundamental targetable mechanisms in MYCN-driven medulloblastoma.