GSE128807
Generation of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma mouse models by brainstem targeted in utero electroporation
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are highly lethal childhood brain tumors. Their unique genetic makeup, pathological heterogeneity, and brainstem location all present challenges to treatment. Developing mouse models that accurately reflect each of these distinct features will be critical to advance our understanding of DIPG development, progression, and therapeutic resistance. The aim of this study was to generate new mouse models of DIPG, and characterize the role of specific oncogenic combinations in DIPG pathogenesis. We used in utero electroporation (IUE) to transfect neural stem cells in the developing brainstem with PiggyBac DNA transposon plasmids. Combinations of PDGFB or PdgfraD842V, dominant negative Trp53 (DNp53), and H3.3K27M expression induced fully penetrant brainstem gliomas.   IUE enabled the targeted transfection of brainstem neural stem cells. PDGFB + DNp53 induced the rapid development of grade-IV gliomas. PdgfraD842V + DNp53 produced slower forming grade-III gliomas. Addition of H3.3K27M only significantly accelerated PdgfraD842V DIPG development. Glioma subgroup molecular signatures were associated with differences in bulk PDGFB and PdgfraD842V tumor composition. H3.3K27M induced both overlapping and unique gene expression changes in PDGFB and PdgfraD842V tumors. Paracrine effects of PDGFB promote disruption of pericyte-endothelial interactions and angiogenesis in PDGFB DIPG mouse models.  Brainstem targeted in utero electroporation provides a rapid and flexible system to generate diverse DIPG mouse models. Using IUE to investigate mutation and pathohistological heterogeneity of DIPG will provide a valuable tool for future genetic and preclinical studies. Overall design: Two to three biological replicates were analyzed for each of 6 conditions (six genotypes; two-three samples per genotype)