Molecular changes during AT/RT progression associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix changes - Report - MDSpire

Molecular changes during AT/RT progression associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix changes

  • By

  • Lea Altendorf

  • Anton Althammer

  • Rajanya Roy

  • Karoline Hack

  • Flavia W. de Faria

  • Arend Koch

  • Vanessa Thaden

  • Melanie Schoof

  • Martin U. Schuhmann

  • Peter Hauser

  • Pascal D. Johann

  • Martin Hasselblatt

  • Michael C. Frühwald

  • Kornelius Kerl

  • Ulrich Schüller

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Molecular Alterations in AT/RT Progression Linked to Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition

Overview

This study investigates the transcriptomic differences between primary and recurrent atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) at a single-nucleus level, highlighting increased extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in therapy-resistant cells.

Background

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) are aggressive CNS tumors predominantly affecting young children, characterized by poor prognosis and high rates of recurrence. The study focuses on identifying therapy-resistant tumor cells and their associated molecular alterations.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data were provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • AT/RT are classified into four DNA methylation subtypes, with the majority associated with SMARCB1 mutations.
  • Therapy-resistant tumor cells were identified through transcriptomic analysis of paired primary and recurrent AT/RT tumors.
  • Increased ECM remodeling and pEMT were observed in therapy-resistant tumor cells.
  • Characterization of therapy-resistant cells may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
  • Current treatment strategies for AT/RT include surgery and chemotherapy, with limited options for targeted therapies.

Clinical Implications

The identification of molecular alterations associated with therapy resistance in AT/RT may guide future research.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the molecular landscape of AT/RT progression.

Related Resources & Content

  1. NCI, Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumors (AT/RT): Diagnosis and Treatment, 2023 -- https://www.cancer.gov/rare-brain-spine-tumor/tumors/atrt?utm_source=openai
  2. PMC, Efficacy of High-Dose Chemotherapy and Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation for Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor: A Report From the Children’s Oncology Group Trial ACNS0333, 2023 -- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7145589/?utm_source=openai
  3. The ASCO Post — Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Promotes Malignant Progression Via PTEN-Reducing Effect of Micro-RNA
  4. Archives of Toxicology — Overcoming Drug Resistance in Cancer through EMT: Innovative Treatment Approaches
  5. The ASCO Post — Role of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Ovarian Cancer
  6. Archives of Toxicology — Influence of microRNAs on the response to cadmium chloride in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
  7. Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumors (AT/RT): Diagnosis and Treatment - NCI
  8. Efficacy of High-Dose Chemotherapy and Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation for Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor: A Report From the Children’s Oncology Group Trial ACNS0333 - PMC
  9. Functional screening reveals genetic dependencies and diverging cell cycle control in atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors | Genome Biology | Springer Nature Link

Original Source(s)

Molecular changes during AT/RT progression associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix changes

  • by Lea Altendorf, Anton Althammer, Rajanya Roy, Karoline Hack, Flavia W. de Faria, Arend Koch, Vanessa Thaden, Melanie Schoof, Martin U. Schuhmann, Peter Hauser, Pascal D. Johann, Martin Hasselblatt, Michael C. Frühwald, Kornelius Kerl, Ulrich Schüller

  • July 1, 2026

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