Heterogeneity of radiation response in mesenchymal subtype glioblastoma: molecular profiling and reactive oxygen species generation

Background Radiotherapy-induced tumor death remains critical in the successful first-line management of glioblastoma, whereas resistance to radiation serves as a major factor in disease progression. Mesenchymal shift has been identified as a driver in GBM recurrence, with gene expression associated with enhanced repair of macromolecular damage caused by radiation. Methods Using distinct mesenchymal subtype GBM cells lines, radiation response was assessed by clonogenic assay and orthotopic mouse tumor model. RNA-sequencing was performed in the setting of increasing radiation dosing while real-time assessment of ROS generation was achieved by the measurement of hydroxyl spin trap adducts via electron paramagnetic resonance. Results Radiation-induced cell death determined by clonogenic assay was significantly different at low dose (4-8 Gy) between the resistant U3035 cells and the sensitive U3020 cells. Similar trends were present in the in vivo NSG mouse model following radiation dosing on post-implantation day 7-10, with the rate of reduction in tumor bioluminescence reversing between the U3020 and U3035 cells after the third dose of radiation. Changes in gene expression following radiation determined by RNA-sequencing indicate both U3035 and U3020 cells demonstrate a shift toward more mesenchymal profiles, with concurrent shift away from pro-neural subtype gene expression in the U3020 cells that appeared to develop resistance to radiation in vivo. Persistence of ROS generated following radiation was greater in U3020 cells shown to be more sensitive to radiation. Conclusions Despite the same molecular classification, distinct GBM cell lines can demonstrate differential response to radiation and potential for mesenchymal shift associated with radiation resistance.