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Eddy K, Chen S. Glutamatergic Signaling a Therapeutic Vulnerability in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3874. [PMID: 34359771 PMCID: PMC8345431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Like other cancers, melanomas are associated with the hyperactivation of two major cell signaling cascades, the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Both pathways are activated by numerous genes implicated in the development and progression of melanomas such as mutated BRAF, RAS, and NF1. Our lab was the first to identify yet another driver of melanoma, Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 1 (protein: mGluR1, mouse gene: Grm1, human gene: GRM1), upstream of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Binding of glutamate, the natural ligand of mGluR1, activates MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways and sets in motion the deregulated cellular responses in cell growth, cell survival, and cell metastasis. In this review, we will assess the proposed modes of action that mediate the oncogenic properties of mGluR1 in melanoma and possible application of anti-glutamatergic signaling modulator(s) as therapeutic strategy for the treatment of melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevinn Eddy
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Suzie Chen
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Saellstrom S, Sadeghi A, Eriksson E, Segall T, Dimopoulou M, Korsgren O, Loskog AS, Tötterman TH, Hemminki A, Ronnberg H. Adenoviral CD40 Ligand Immunotherapy in 32 Canine Malignant Melanomas-Long-Term Follow Up. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:695222. [PMID: 34368282 PMCID: PMC8342889 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.695222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a serious disease in both humans and dogs, and the high metastatic potential results in poor prognosis for many patients. Its similarities with human melanoma make spontaneous canine melanoma an excellent model for comparative studies of novel therapies and tumor biology. Gene therapy using adenoviruses encoding the immunostimulatory gene CD40L (AdCD40L) has shown promise in initial clinical trials enrolling human patients with various malignancies including melanoma. We report a study of local AdCD40L treatment in 32 cases of canine melanoma (23 oral, 5 cutaneous, 3 ungual and 1 conjunctival). Eight patients were World Health Organization (WHO) stage I, 9 were stage II, 12 stage III, and 3 stage IV. One to six intratumoral injections of AdCD40L were given every seven days, combined with cytoreductive surgery in 20 cases and only immunotherapy in 12 cases. Tumor tissue was infiltrated with T and B lymphocytes after treatment, suggesting immune stimulation. The best overall response based on result of immunotherapy included 7 complete responses, 5 partial responses, 5 stable and 2 progressive disease statuses according to the World Health Organization response criteria. Median survival was 285 days (range 20–3435 d). Our results suggest that local AdCD40L therapy is safe and could have beneficial effects in dogs, supporting further treatment development. Clinical translation to human patients is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Saellstrom
- University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Arian Sadeghi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Eriksson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thomas Segall
- National Veterinary Institute, Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Dimopoulou
- University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olle Korsgren
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Angelica Si Loskog
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thomas H Tötterman
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Akseli Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henrik Ronnberg
- Center of Clinical Comparative Oncology (C3O), Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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Pefani-Antimisiari K, Athanasopoulos DK, Marazioti A, Sklias K, Rodi M, de Lastic AL, Mouzaki A, Svarnas P, Antimisiaris SG. Synergistic effect of cold atmospheric pressure plasma and free or liposomal doxorubicin on melanoma cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14788. [PMID: 34285268 PMCID: PMC8292331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate combined effects of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) on murine and human melanoma cells, and normal cells. In addition to free drug, the combination of CAP with a liposomal drug (DOX-LIP) was also studied for the first time. Thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Trypan Blue exclusion assays were used to evaluate cell viability; the mechanism of cell death was evaluated by flow cytometry. Combined treatment effects on the clonogenic capability of melanoma cells, was also tested with soft agar colony formation assay. Furthermore the effect of CAP on the cellular uptake of DOX or DOX-LIP was examined. Results showed a strong synergistic effect of CAP and DOX or DOX-LIP on selectively decreasing cell viability of melanoma cells. CAP accelerated the apoptotic effect of DOX (or DOX-LIP) and dramatically reduced the aggressiveness of melanoma cells, as the combination treatment significantly decreased their anchorage independent growth. Moreover, CAP did not result in increased cellular uptake of DOX under the present experimental conditions. In conclusion, CAP facilitates DOX cytotoxic effects on melanoma cells, and affects their metastatic potential by reducing their clonogenicity, as shown for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitrios K Athanasopoulos
- High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Patras, 26504, Rion, Greece
| | - Antonia Marazioti
- Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504, Rion, Greece.
- FORTH/ICE-ΗΤ, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, 26504, Rion, Greece.
| | - Kyriakos Sklias
- High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Patras, 26504, Rion, Greece
| | - Maria Rodi
- Laboratory of Immunohematology, Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26500, Patras, Greece
| | - Anne-Lise de Lastic
- Laboratory of Immunohematology, Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26500, Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasia Mouzaki
- Laboratory of Immunohematology, Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26500, Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Svarnas
- High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Patras, 26504, Rion, Greece.
| | - Sophia G Antimisiaris
- Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504, Rion, Greece
- FORTH/ICE-ΗΤ, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, 26504, Rion, Greece
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Zhou S, Sikorski D, Xu H, Zubarev A, Chergui M, Lagacé F, Miller WH, Redpath M, Ghazal S, Butler MO, Petrella TM, Claveau J, Nessim C, Salopek TG, Gniadecki R, Litvinov IV. Defining the Criteria for Reflex Testing for BRAF Mutations in Cutaneous Melanoma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2282. [PMID: 34068774 PMCID: PMC8126223 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy has been developed through an in-depth understanding of molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma. Approximately ~50% of patients with melanoma have tumors that harbor a mutation of the BRAF oncogene. Certain clinical features have been identified in BRAF-mutated melanomas (primary lesions located on the trunk, diagnosed in patients <50, visibly pigmented tumors and, at times, with ulceration or specific dermatoscopic features). While BRAF mutation testing is recommended for stage III-IV melanoma, guidelines differ in recommending mutation testing in stage II melanoma patients. To fully benefit from these treatment options and avoid delays in therapy initiation, advanced melanoma patients harboring a BRAF mutation must be identified accurately and quickly. To achieve this, clear definition and implementation of BRAF reflex testing criteria/methods in melanoma should be established so that patients with advanced melanoma can arrive to their first medical oncology appointment with a known biomarker status. Reflex testing has proven effective for a variety of cancers in selecting therapies and driving other medical decisions. We overview the pathophysiology, clinical presentation of BRAF-mutated melanoma, current guidelines, and present recommendations on BRAF mutation testing. We propose that reflex BRAF testing should be performed for every melanoma patient with stages ≥IIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Zhou
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Daniel Sikorski
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Honghao Xu
- Division of Dermatology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Andrei Zubarev
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - May Chergui
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - François Lagacé
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Wilson H Miller
- Departments of Medicine and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Margaret Redpath
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Stephanie Ghazal
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Marcus O Butler
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Teresa M Petrella
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Joël Claveau
- Division of Dermatology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Carolyn Nessim
- Division of General Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Thomas G Salopek
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Robert Gniadecki
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Ivan V Litvinov
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
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