Metabolic Reprogramming and Cell Adhesion in Acute Leukemia Adaptation to the CNS Niche.

Nitesh D Sharma,Esra’A Keewan,Ksenia Matlawska-Wasowska

doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.767510

Abstract

Involvement of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in acute leukemia confers poor prognosis and lower overall survival. Existing CNS-directed therapies are associated with a significant risk of short- or long-term toxicities. Leukemic cells can metabolically adapt and survive in the microenvironment of the CNS. The supporting role of the CNS microenvironment in leukemia progression and dissemination has not received sufficient attention. Understanding the mechanism by which leukemic cells survive in the nutrient-poor and oxygen-deprived CNS microenvironment will lead to the development of more specific and less toxic therapies. Here, we review the current literature regarding the roles of metabolic reprogramming in leukemic cell adhesion and survival in the CNS.

Highlights

Acute leukemia is characterized by neoplastic proliferation of immature white blood cells, called blasts, in the bone marrow (BM), which later rapidly disseminate to the blood and other tissues (Colmone et al, 2008; Vardiman et al, 2009; Glait-Santar et al, 2015)
In this mini review we focus on recent advances toward our understanding of the roles played by metabolic reprogramming and cell adhesion in acute leukemia (ALL, acute myeloid leukemia (AML)) colonization into the central nervous system (CNS)
We recently reported that Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) was upregulated in children, adolescents, and young adults with high-risk T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its increased expression was associated with leukemic cell migration and dissemination of T-ALL to extramedullary sites including the meninges (Matthijssens et al, 2021)

Summary

Introduction

Acute leukemia is characterized by neoplastic proliferation of immature white blood cells, called blasts, in the bone marrow (BM), which later rapidly disseminate to the blood and other tissues (Colmone et al, 2008; Vardiman et al, 2009; Glait-Santar et al, 2015). Metabolic Reprogramming and Cell Adhesion in Acute Leukemia Adaptation to the CNS Niche Leukemic cells can metabolically adapt and survive in the microenvironment of the CNS.

Results

Conclusion