Mutant IDH1 Promotes Glioma Formation In Vivo

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is the most commonly mutated gene in grade II–III glioma and secondary glioblastoma (GBM). A causal role for IDH1(R132H) in gliomagenesis has been proposed, but functional validation in vivo has not been demonstrated. In this study, we assessed the role of IDH1(R132H) in glioma development in the context of clinically relevant cooperating genetic alterations in vitro and in vivo. Immortal astrocytes expressing IDH1(R132H) exhibited elevated (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate levels, reduced NADPH, increased proliferation, and anchorage-independent growth. Although not sufficient on its own, IDH1(R132H) cooperated with PDGFA and loss of Cdkn2a, Atrx, and Pten to promote glioma development in vivo. These tumors resembled pro-neural human mutant IDH1 GBM genetically, histologically, and functionally. Our findings support the hypothesis that IDH1(R132H) promotes glioma development. This model enhances our understanding of the biology of IDH1(R132H)-driven gliomas and facilitates testing of therapeutic strategies designed to combat this deadly disease.