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Discovering how atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours (ATRTs) are different

Research, funded by us as part of the INSTINCT programme, has found differences between aggressive atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours (ATRTs) and other brain

Research, funded by us as part of the INSTINCT programme, has found differences between aggressive atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours (ATRTs) and other brain tumours.

ATRTs are rare and aggressive tumours of the central nervous system, occurring mostly in the cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls movement and balance) or the brain stem (the part of the brain that controls basic body functions).

ATRTs are mainly seen in children aged three years or younger, and are the most frequent high-grade brain tumours seen in babies less than six months old.

Previous research has shown that in about 95% of rhabdoid tumours, like ATRTs, there is a decrease in a tumour suppressor gene called SMARCB1.

Tumour suppressor genes decrease cell division, slow down DNA repair, and tell cells when to die. When a tumour suppressor gene doesn’t work properly, cells can grow and divide out of control, which can lead to cancer.

A better understanding of exactly how a decrease in SMARCB1 leads to tumour growth is urgently needed to help scientists develop more effective treatments for patients with ATRTs, who still face very poor outcomes.

This research, led by scientists at Newcastle University (pictured) along with colleagues at Hopp-Children’s Cancer Center, German Cancer Research Center, and St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, has shed new light on the manner in which changes to SMARCB1 result in the development of ATRTs.

The SMARCB1 gene provides the instructions to make part of the machinery that controls how cells ‘read’ genes.

Genes are tightly wrapped around proteins called histones. Changes to these histones can either switch genes on or off by making them easier or harder to read by the cell.

In general, a histone change known as H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) makes genes easier to read and so switches them on, whereas a change known as H3K27 tri-menthylation (H3K27me3) makes genes harder to read and so switches them off.

The switching on and off of genes in this way is essential for normal cell function, and is tightly regulated.

Our researchers found that when SMARCB1 is not present in the cell, these changes to histones do not occur as they should, causing several genes to be switched off when they should be switched on and vice versa.

In essence, this research provides a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this tumour and will help drive future research to develop new treatment strategies for people affected with an ATRT.

Until a few years ago we knew very little about the tumorigenic mechanism of these tumours,” explained Dr Martina Finetti (pictured above in the lab at Newcastle University).

This collaborative study leads to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of ATRT and will be beneficial to develop effective treatment strategies for ATRT patients.

Q&A with Dr Martina Finetti

Find our more about atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours (ATRTs) in our Q&A with Dr Martina Finetti.