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Van Leeuwen group

Our group combines in vitro with in vivo experimental approaches to model genomic abnormalities frequently observed in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to study the cell biological consequences of these genetic perturbations on leukemia development and drug responsiveness. For this purpose, we use ALL cell line models, bone-marrow or fetal liver-derived progenitors, primary leukemic cells as well as patient-derived xenografts. In addition, we apply reverse genetic screens to uncover mechanisms of acquired drug resistance and identify signaling intermediates that can be selectively targeted to overcome therapy resistance.

Group leader: Dr. Frank van Leeuwen
Phone -
Email F.N.vanleeuwen@prinsesmaximacentrum.nl


Modeling drug resistance in IKZF1 deleted ALL

In ALL, treatment response is to a large part determined by the (cyto)genetic context, which has led to the implementation of risk-adapted therapies based on specific genetic abnormalities. By focusing on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to therapy resistance in distinct high risk ALL subtypes, we can develop novel, more personalized treatment strategies aimed at preventing (or curing) relapse.

 

Research direction

Deletions and mutations affecting lymphoid transcription factor IKZF1 are associated with poor outcome in BCP-ALL. We have recently shown that loss of IKZF1 function promotes resistance to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis. In addition, we observed that deletion of IKZF1 affects the response to specific antimetabolites, both in cell line models and patient-derived xenografts. We are exploring how loss of IKZF1 affects metabolic handling of these drugs and we are using drug synergy studies to identify agents that overcome these resistance mechanisms.

Aims:

  1. To obtain detailed insight into how metabolic changes associated with loss of IKZF1 function affect response to therapy
  2. To identify small molecule inhibitors that can be used to overcome resistance to synthetic glucocorticoids or antimetabolites in IKZF1 deleted ALL

 

"The surest way to cure ALL is to prevent relapses." Dr. Frank van Leeuwen - Group leader

Breaking therapy resistance using CRISPR/CAS9 based lentiviral screens

Although we can now identify patients at risk of developing relapse, therapeutic options for relapsed patients are still limited. Currently, there is insufficient knowledge to selectively target therapy resistant cells with precision medicines. We expect that a detailed insight into the molecular mechanisms by which distinct genetic events render cells unresponsive to treatment, will allow the development of selective (adjuvant) targeted therapies for these high risk patients groups.

Research direction

We are using CRISPR/Cas9 based lentiviral screens to uncover pathways driving therapy resistance in BCP-ALL. For these screens we use well characterized ALL cell line models. Using this approach we successfully identified a number of kinases that, upon inhibition, strongly enhance responses to drugs commonly used in the treatment of ALL. For in vivo validation studies, we are building a large collection of representative patient-derived xenografts of relapsed/refractory ALL cases. This project is carried out in collaboration with the group of Roland Kuiper.

Aims:

  1. To expand these screens to include other cytotoxic drugs as well as use other (more complex) libraries to further define specific vulnerabilities in distinct high risk ALL subtypes
  2. Develop more tailored (subtype specific) therapies for high risk ALL

Improving Asparaginase therapy response

Asparaginase (ASNase) is a key component in the treatment of ALL. A poor response to ASNase is associated with increased relapse risk. This bacterially-derived enzyme acts primarily by depletion of asparagine (Asn) from the blood. As lymphocytes and leukemic blasts are selectively dependent on the exogenous supply of Asn, exposure to ASNase leads to a cessation of growth and the induction of cell death. The response of leukemic cells to ASNase (cellular quiescence or apoptosis) is dependent on the genetic makeup of the leukemia and the extent of Asn depletion in the cellular microenvironment. For instance, leukemic cells present in the bone marrow or the central nervous system (CNS) appear to be less responsive ASNase treatment, as a result of incomplete Asn depletion, enhancing the chance of relapse.

Research direction

Using a CRISPR/Cas9-based kinome screen in pre-B ALL cells, we found that targeted deletion of a number of distinct kinases can sensitize leukemic cells to ASNase induced apoptosis. Moreover, we observed that some specific kinase inhibitors show potent synergy with ASNase in a variety of ALL cell lines and patient-derived ALL xenografts. This project is carried out in collaboration with the group of Roland Kuiper.

Aims

  1. To obtain detailed molecular insights into how kinase signaling affects the cellular response to ASNase-induced nutrient starvation
  2. To identify and validate kinase inhibitors that synergize with ASNase to increase treatment efficacy and reduce the number of relapses

More information

Van Leeuwen group

Frank van Leeuwen Principal Investigator
Laurens van der Meer Research Associate
Dorette van Ingen Schenau Lab manager
Jessica Buijs-Gladdines Research technician
Maria Rodionova Research technician
Niels Groenen Facility scientist
Jeroen van Velzen Facility scientist
Eva Baum PhD student
Willem Cox PhD student
Kari Grünewald PhD student
Gawin Stoll PhD Student
Weiya Zhang PhD student
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