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Montico B, Giurato G, Pecoraro G, Salvati A, Covre A, Colizzi F, Steffan A, Weisz A, Maio M, Sigalotti L, Fratta E. The pleiotropic roles of circular and long noncoding RNAs in cutaneous melanoma. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:565-593. [PMID: 34080276 PMCID: PMC8807361 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a very aggressive disease, often characterized by unresponsiveness to conventional therapies and high mortality rates worldwide. The identification of the activating BRAFV600 mutations in approximately 50% of CM patients has recently fueled the development of novel small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target BRAFV600 -mutant CM. In addition, a major progress in CM treatment has been made by monoclonal antibodies that regulate the immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, although target-based therapies and immunotherapeutic strategies have yielded promising results, CM treatment remains a major challenge. In the last decade, accumulating evidence points to the aberrant expression of different types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in CM. While studies on microRNAs have grown exponentially leading to significant insights on CM biology, the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this tumor is less understood, and much remains to be discovered. Here, we summarize and critically review the available evidence on the molecular functions of circRNAs and lncRNAs in BRAFV600 -mutant CM and CM immunogenicity, providing recent updates on their functional role in targeted therapy and immunotherapy resistance. In addition, we also include an evaluation of several algorithms and databases for prediction and validation of circRNA and lncRNA functional interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Montico
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGSUniversity of Salerno Campus of MedicineBaronissiItaly
| | - Giovanni Pecoraro
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGSUniversity of Salerno Campus of MedicineBaronissiItaly
| | - Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Alessia Covre
- Center for Immuno‐OncologyUniversity Hospital of SienaItaly
- University of SienaItaly
| | - Francesca Colizzi
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGSUniversity of Salerno Campus of MedicineBaronissiItaly
| | - Michele Maio
- Center for Immuno‐OncologyUniversity Hospital of SienaItaly
- University of SienaItaly
- NIBIT Foundation OnlusSienaItaly
| | - Luca Sigalotti
- Oncogenetics and Functional Oncogenomics UnitCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
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Borden ES, Adams AC, Buetow KH, Wilson MA, Bauman JE, Curiel-Lewandrowski C, Chow HHS, LaFleur BJ, Hastings KT. Shared Gene Expression and Immune Pathway Changes Associated with Progression from Nevi to Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010003. [PMID: 35008167 PMCID: PMC8749980 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer, and the incidence of melanoma is rising. Chemoprevention, using small molecule drugs to prevent the development of cancer, is a key strategy that could reduce the burden of melanoma on society. The long-term goal of our study is to develop a gene signature biomarker of progression from nevi to melanoma. We found that a small number of genes can distinguish nevi from melanoma and identified shared genes and immune-related pathways that are associated with progression from nevi to melanoma across independent datasets. This study demonstrates (1) a novel approach to aid melanoma chemoprevention trials by using a gene signature as a surrogate endpoint and (2) the feasibility of determining a gene signature biomarker of melanoma progression. Abstract There is a need to identify molecular biomarkers of melanoma progression to assist the development of chemoprevention strategies to lower melanoma incidence. Using datasets containing gene expression for dysplastic nevi and melanoma or melanoma arising in a nevus, we performed differential gene expression analysis and regularized regression models to identify genes and pathways that were associated with progression from nevi to melanoma. A small number of genes distinguished nevi from melanoma. Differential expression of seven genes was identified between nevi and melanoma in three independent datasets. C1QB, CXCL9, CXCL10, DFNA5 (GSDME), FCGR1B, and PRAME were increased in melanoma, and SCGB1D2 was decreased in melanoma, compared to dysplastic nevi or nevi that progressed to melanoma. Further supporting an association with melanomagenesis, these genes demonstrated a linear change in expression from benign nevi to dysplastic nevi to radial growth phase melanoma to vertical growth phase melanoma. The genes associated with melanoma progression showed significant enrichment of multiple pathways related to the immune system. This study demonstrates (1) a novel application of bioinformatic approaches to aid clinical trials of melanoma chemoprevention and (2) the feasibility of determining a gene signature biomarker of melanomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Borden
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.S.B.); (A.C.A.)
- Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
| | - Anngela C. Adams
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.S.B.); (A.C.A.)
- Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
| | - Kenneth H. Buetow
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (K.H.B.); (M.A.W.)
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Melissa A. Wilson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (K.H.B.); (M.A.W.)
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Julie E. Bauman
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (J.E.B.); (C.C.-L.); (H.-H.S.C.)
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (J.E.B.); (C.C.-L.); (H.-H.S.C.)
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - H.-H. Sherry Chow
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (J.E.B.); (C.C.-L.); (H.-H.S.C.)
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | | | - Karen Taraszka Hastings
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.S.B.); (A.C.A.)
- Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-602-827-2106
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Posttraumatic Vascular Anomalies in Hand Surgery-A Case-based Approach. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2021; 9:e3802. [PMID: 34548998 PMCID: PMC8440010 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The field of vascular anomalies (VA) has been subject to changes during the last few decades. The current classification of the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) offers a simple diagnostic structure. Hand surgeons commonly appear to have limited exposure to VA. Already recognized for more than 120 years, pyogenic granuloma (PG) is by far the most commonly described VA by different disciplines with accordingly diverse treatment strategies and theories behind it. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF), venous aneurysms (VAN), and venous malformations (VM) are, however, rare in hand surgery. With a compilation of four illustrative cases of posttraumatic entities such as AVF, VAN, VM, and PG, we would like to highlight possible daily exposure to VA in the general hand surgery practice. We discuss diagnostic and therapeutic options as well as the current literature with focus on posttraumatic VA.
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El Zaoui I, Bucher M, Rimoldi D, Nicolas M, Kaya G, Pescini Gobert R, Bedoni N, Schalenbourg A, Sakina E, Zografos L, Leyvraz S, Riggi N, Rivolta C, Moulin AP. Conjunctival Melanoma Targeted Therapy: MAPK and PI3K/mTOR Pathways Inhibition. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 60:2764-2772. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ikram El Zaoui
- Department of Computational Biology, Unit of Medical Genetics, Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maya Bucher
- Dermatology Unit, CHUV, Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Donata Rimoldi
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Michael Nicolas
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne University, FAA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gurkan Kaya
- Dermatology and Venerology Division, Dermatopathology Laboratory, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicola Bedoni
- Department of Computational Biology, Unit of Medical Genetics, Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ann Schalenbourg
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne University, FAA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ezziat Sakina
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne University, FAA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Leonidas Zografos
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne University, FAA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Serge Leyvraz
- Charité Cancer Comprehensive Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolo Riggi
- Experimental Pathology, Lausanne University Pathology Institute, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Department of Computational Biology, Unit of Medical Genetics, Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Tchernev G. One Step Melanoma Surgery for Patient with Thick Primary Melanomas: "To Break the Rules, You Must First Master Them!". Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2018. [PMID: 29531606 PMCID: PMC5839450 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We present to the attention of the medical, dermatological and oncosurgical community data that serves to indicate the indispensability of optimisation of the algorithm and recommendations for diagnosis and surgical treatment of cutaneous melanoma. These recommendations could be referred to different subgroups of patients in different clinical stages as well as to patients with different initial characterisation (histological morphology) of the primary tumours. One step surgery is not a myth, even more, it could prove to be one of the best solutions for some patient collectives with advanced stages of melanoma. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 74 - year old patient with a congenital medium sized melanocytic nevus, located directly above the lateral part of the elbow joint. In one month and a half, an achromatic nodular formation evolves with a diameter of 2.7 x 2.3 cm, prominent over the skin level, painful by palpation and spontaneously bleeding. By the anamnestic, clinical and dermoscopic findings the patient was diagnosed with nodular melanoma associated with a congenital medium sized melanocytic nevus. A primary excision with a field of safety 0.5 cm in all directions was performed. After confirmation of the primary diagnosis (tumour thickness 8 mm with no ultrasonographic detection of enlarged lymph nodes), seven days later are - excision was performed with an additional field of surgical safety of 1.5 cm in all directions. CONCLUSIONS: In this case remains unclear the following question: For what reason a preoperative high - frequent ultrasonography (HFUS) is not recommended to be used as it will allow only one surgical excision with the elimination of a tumour with a safety field of 2cm in all directions? The enigma about the obstacles preventing such a rational optimisation of the current diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm in patients with melanomas remains unresolved. One step surgery for cutaneous melanoma is widely used in many countries although it continues to be considered as a matter of dispute for some experts. Once again, by a clinical case and the following analysis, we would like to focus the attention of the dermatosurgical community on this crucial and highly significant problem. Innovations are very often resulting from the simplicity of logic, which unfortunately is not always accepted appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgi Tchernev
- Medical Institute of Ministry of Interior (MVR-Sofia), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatologic Surgery, General Skobelev 79, 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria.,Onkoderma-Policlinic for Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatologic Surgery, General Skobelev 26, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Roh MR, Eliades P, Gupta S, Tsao H. Genetics of melanocytic nevi. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2016; 28:661-72. [PMID: 26300491 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Melanocytic nevi are a benign clonal proliferation of cells expressing the melanocytic phenotype, with heterogeneous clinical and molecular characteristics. In this review, we discuss the genetics of nevi by salient nevi subtypes: congenital melanocytic nevi, acquired melanocytic nevi, blue nevi, and Spitz nevi. While the molecular etiology of nevi has been less thoroughly studied than melanoma, it is clear that nevi and melanoma share common driver mutations. Acquired melanocytic nevi harbor oncogenic mutations in BRAF, which is the predominant oncogene associated with melanoma. Congenital melanocytic nevi and blue nevi frequently harbor NRAS mutations and GNAQ mutations, respectively, while Spitz and atypical Spitz tumors often exhibit HRAS and kinase rearrangements. These initial 'driver' mutations are thought to trigger the establishment of benign nevi. After this initial phase of the cell proliferation, a senescence program is executed, causing termination of nevi growth. Only upon the emergence of additional tumorigenic alterations, which may provide an escape from oncogene-induced senescence, can malignant progression occur. Here, we review the current literature on the pathobiology and genetics of nevi in the hope that additional studies of nevi promise to inform our understanding of the transition from benign neoplasm to malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ryung Roh
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Philip Eliades
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sameer Gupta
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hensin Tsao
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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7
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Kato S, Lippman SM, Flaherty KT, Kurzrock R. The Conundrum of Genetic "Drivers" in Benign Conditions. J Natl Cancer Inst 2016; 108:djw036. [PMID: 27059373 PMCID: PMC5017937 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djw036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in deep genomic sequencing have identified a spectrum of cancer-specific passenger and driver aberrations. Clones with driver anomalies are believed to be positively selected during carcinogenesis. Accumulating evidence, however, shows that genomic alterations, such as those in BRAF, RAS, EGFR, HER2, FGFR3, PIK3CA, TP53, CDKN2A, and NF1/2, all of which are considered hallmark drivers of specific cancers, can also be identified in benign and premalignant conditions, occasionally at frequencies higher than in their malignant counterparts. Targeting these genomic drivers can produce dramatic responses in advanced cancer, but the effects on their benign counterparts are less clear. This benign-malignant phenomenon is well illustrated in studies of BRAF V600E mutations, which are paradoxically more frequent in benign nevi (∼80%) than in dysplastic nevi (∼60%) or melanoma (∼40%-45%). Similarly, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 is more commonly overexpressed in ductal carcinoma in situ (∼27%-56%) when compared with invasive breast cancer (∼11%-20%). FGFR3 mutations in bladder cancer also decrease with tumor grade (low-grade tumors, ∼61%; high-grade, ∼11%). “Driver” mutations also occur in nonmalignant settings: TP53 mutations in synovial tissue from rheumatoid arthritis and FGFR3 mutations in seborrheic keratosis. The latter observations suggest that the oncogenicity of these alterations may be tissue context–dependent. The conversion of benign conditions to premalignant disease may involve other genetic events and/or epigenetic reprogramming. Putative driver mutations can also be germline and associated with increased cancer risk (eg, germline RAS or TP53 alterations), but germline FGFR3 or NF2 abnormalities do not predispose to malignancy. We discuss the enigma of genetic “drivers” in benign and premalignant conditions and the implications for prevention strategies and theories of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Kato
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (SK); Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA (SML, RK); Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA (KTF)
| | - Scott M Lippman
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (SK); Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA (SML, RK); Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA (KTF)
| | - Keith T Flaherty
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (SK); Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA (SML, RK); Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA (KTF)
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (SK); Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA (SML, RK); Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA (KTF)
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8
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Zhang D, Zhu R, Zhang H, Zheng CH, Xia J. MGDB: a comprehensive database of genes involved in melanoma. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2015; 2015:bav097. [PMID: 26424083 PMCID: PMC4589692 DOI: 10.1093/database/bav097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Melanoma Gene Database (MGDB) is a manually curated catalog of molecular genetic data relating to genes involved in melanoma. The main purpose of this database is to establish a network of melanoma related genes and to facilitate the mechanistic study of melanoma tumorigenesis. The entries describing the relationships between melanoma and genes in the current release were manually extracted from PubMed abstracts, which contains cumulative to date 527 human melanoma genes (422 protein-coding and 105 non-coding genes). Each melanoma gene was annotated in seven different aspects (General Information, Expression, Methylation, Mutation, Interaction, Pathway and Drug). In addition, manually curated literature references have also been provided to support the inclusion of the gene in MGDB and establish its association with melanoma. MGDB has a user-friendly web interface with multiple browse and search functions. We hoped MGDB will enrich our knowledge about melanoma genetics and serve as a useful complement to the existing public resources. Database URL:http://bioinfo.ahu.edu.cn:8080/Melanoma/index.jsp
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- Institute of Health Sciences, School of Computer Science and Technology
| | - Rongrong Zhu
- Institute of Health Sciences, School of Computer Science and Technology
| | - Hanqian Zhang
- Institute of Health Sciences, School of Computer Science and Technology
| | - Chun-Hou Zheng
- College of Electrical Engineering and Automation and Center of Information Support and Assurance Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Junfeng Xia
- Institute of Health Sciences, School of Computer Science and Technology, Center of Information Support and Assurance Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
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Kumar SM, Dai J, Li S, Yang R, Yu H, Nathanson KL, Liu S, Zhou H, Guo J, Xu X. Human skin neural crest progenitor cells are susceptible to BRAF(V600E)-induced transformation. Oncogene 2013; 33:832-41. [PMID: 23334329 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adult stem cells are multipotent and persist in small numbers in adult tissues throughout the lifespan of an organism. Unlike differentiated cells, adult stem cells are intrinsically resistant to senescence. It is unclear how adult stem cells in solid organs respond to oncogenic stimulation and whether these cells have a role in tumor initiation. We report here that expression of BRAF(V600E) in human neural crest progenitor cells (hNCPCs) did not induce growth arrest as seen in human melanocytes, but instead, increased their cell proliferation capacity. These cells (hNCPCs(V600E)) acquired anchorage-independent growth ability and were weakly tumorigenic in vivo. Unlike in human melanocytes, BRAF(V600E) expression in hNCPCs did not induce p16(INK4a) expression. BRAF(V600E) induced elevated expression of CDK2, CDK4, MITF and EST1/2 protein in hNCPCs, and also induced melanocytic differentiation of these cells. Furthermore, overexpression of MITF in hNCPCs(V600E) dramatically increased their tumorigenicity and resulted in fully transformed tumor cells. These findings indicate that hNCPCs are susceptible to BRAF(V600E)-induced transformation, and MITF potentiates the oncogenic effect of BRAF(V600E) in these progenitor cells. These results suggest that the hNCPCs are potential targets for BRAF(V600E)-induced melanocytic tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Kumar
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J Dai
- 1] Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA [2] Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - S Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - R Yang
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - H Yu
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K L Nathanson
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Liu
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - H Zhou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - X Xu
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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10
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Somasundaram R, Villanueva J, Herlyn M. Intratumoral heterogeneity as a therapy resistance mechanism: role of melanoma subpopulations. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2012; 65:335-59. [PMID: 22959031 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-397927-8.00011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer whose incidence continues to increase worldwide. Increased exposure to sun, ultraviolet radiation, and the use of tanning beds can increase the risk of melanoma. Early detection of melanomas is the key to successful treatment mainly through surgical excision of the primary tumor lesion. But in advanced stage melanomas, once the disease has spread beyond the primary site to distant organs, the tumors are difficult to treat and quickly develop resistance to most available forms of therapy. The advent of molecular and cellular techniques has led to a better characterization of tumor cells revealing the presence of heterogeneous melanoma subpopulations. The discovery of gene mutations and alterations of cell-signaling pathways in melanomas has led to the development of new targeted drugs that show dramatic response rates in patients. Single-agent therapies generally target one subpopulation of tumor cells while leaving others unharmed. The surviving subpopulations will have the ability to repopulate the original tumors that can continue to progress. Thus, a rational approach to target multiple subpopulations of tumor cells with a combination of drugs instead of single-agent therapy will be necessary for long-lasting inhibition of melanoma lesions. In this context, the recent development of immune checkpoint reagents provides an additional armor that can be used in combination with targeted drugs to expand the presence of melanoma reactive T cells in circulation to prevent tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajasekharan Somasundaram
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, Melanoma Research Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, USA
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11
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Abstract
Despite recent advances, the biology underlying nevogenesis remains unclear. Activating mutations in NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, and GNAQ have been identified in benign nevi. Their presence roughly correlates with congenital, Spitz, acquired, and blue nevi, respectively. These mutations are likely to play a critical role in driving nevogenesis. While each mutation is able to activate the MAP kinase pathway, they also interact with a host of different proteins in other pathways. The different melanocytic developmental pathways activated by each mutation cause the cells to migrate, proliferate, and differentiate to different extents within the skin. This causes each mutation to give rise to a characteristic growth pattern. The exact location and differentiation state of the cell of origin for benign moles remains to be discovered. Further research is necessary to fully understand nevus development given that most of the same developmental pathways are also present in melanoma.
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12
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Primot A, Mogha A, Corre S, Roberts K, Debbache J, Adamski H, Dreno B, Khammari A, Lesimple T, Mereau A, Goding CR, Galibert MD. ERK-regulated differential expression of the Mitf 6a/b splicing isoforms in melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2009; 23:93-102. [PMID: 19895547 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-148x.2009.00652.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The master regulator of the melanocyte lineage Mitf is intimately involved in development as well as melanoma, controlling cell survival, differentiation, proliferation and metastasis/migration. Consistent with its central role, Mitf expression and Mitf post-translational modifications are tightly regulated. An additional potential level of regulation is afforded by differential splicing of Mitf exon-6 leading to the generation of two isoforms that differ by the presence of six amino-acids in the Mitf (+) isoform and which have differential effects on cell cycle progression. However, whether the ratio of the two isoforms is regulated and whether their expression correlates with melanoma progression is not known. Here, we show that the differential expression of the Mitf 6a/b isoforms is dependent on the MAPKinase signalling, being linked to the activation of MEK1-ERK2, but not to N-RAS/B-RAF mutation status. In addition, quantification of Mitf 6a/b splicing forms in 86 melanoma samples revealed substantially increased levels of the Mitf (-) form in a subset of metastatic melanomas. The results suggest that differential expression of the Mitf 6a/b isoforms may represent an additional mechanism for regulating Mitf function and melanoma biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Primot
- CNRS-UMR6061, RTO-Team/Rennes-1 University, Rennes, France
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Packer LM, East P, Reis-Filho JS, Marais R. Identification of direct transcriptional targets of (V600E)BRAF/MEK signalling in melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2009; 22:785-98. [PMID: 19682280 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-148x.2009.00618.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in BRAF are common in melanoma and drive constitutive activation of the MEK/ERK pathway. To elucidate the transcriptional events downstream of (V600E)BRAF/MEK signalling we performed gene expression profiling of A375 melanoma cells treated with potent and selective inhibitors of (V600E)BRAF and MEK (PLX4720 and PD184352 respectively). Using a stringent Bayesian approach, we identified 69 transcripts that appear to be direct transcriptional targets of this pathway and whose expression changed after 6 h of pathway inhibition. We also identified several additional genes whose expression changed after 24 h of pathway inhibition and which are likely to be indirect transcriptional targets of the pathway. Several of these were confirmed by demonstrating their expression to be similarly regulated when BRAF was depleted using RNA interference, and by using qRT-PCR in other BRAF mutated melanoma lines. Many of these genes are transcription factors and feedback inhibitors of the ERK pathway and are also regulated by MEK signalling in NRAS mutant cells. This study provides a basis for understanding the molecular processes that are regulated by (V600E)BRAF/MEK signalling in melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisl M Packer
- Signal Transduction Team, Section of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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