1
|
Khaliq M, Fallahi-Sichani M. Epigenetic Mechanisms of Escape from BRAF Oncogene Dependency. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101480. [PMID: 31581557 PMCID: PMC6826668 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
About eight percent of all human tumors (including 50% of melanomas) carry gain-of-function mutations in the BRAF oncogene. Mutated BRAF and subsequent hyperactivation of the MAPK signaling pathway has motivated the use of MAPK-targeted therapies for these tumors. Despite great promise, however, MAPK-targeted therapies in BRAF-mutant tumors are limited by the emergence of drug resistance. Mechanisms of resistance include genetic, non-genetic and epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic plasticity, often modulated by histone-modifying enzymes and gene regulation, can influence a tumor cell's BRAF dependency and therefore, response to therapy. In this review, focusing primarily on class 1 BRAF-mutant cells, we will highlight recent work on the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to inter- and intratumor cell heterogeneity in MAPK-targeted therapy response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish Khaliq
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Mohammad Fallahi-Sichani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Imperial R, Toor OM, Hussain A, Subramanian J, Masood A. Comprehensive pancancer genomic analysis reveals (RTK)-RAS-RAF-MEK as a key dysregulated pathway in cancer: Its clinical implications. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 54:14-28. [PMID: 29175106 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) have provided remarkable insights into the genomic characteristics of human cancers that have spurred a revolution in the field of oncology. The mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK) and its activating cell receptor, the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which together encompass the (RTK)-RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK axis, are central to oncogenesis. A pan-cancer genomics analysis presented in this review is made possible by large collaborative projects, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and others. Landmark studies contributing to these projects have revealed alterations in cell signaling cascades that vary between cancer types and within tumors themselves. We review several of these studies in major tumor types to highlight recent advances in our understanding of the role of (RTK)-RAS-RAF alterations in cancer. Further studies are needed to increase the statistical power to detect clinically relevant low-frequency mutations, in addition to the known (RTK)-RAS-RAF pathway alterations, and to refine the resolution of the genomic landscape that defines these cancer mutations. The (RTK)-RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK mutation status, and their prognostic value, are also examined and correlated with clinical phenotypes. Treatments targeting various components of this pathway are ongoing, and are often effective initially in defined subgroups of patients. However, resistance to these agents can develop through adaptive mechanisms. With our steady increase in understanding the molecular biology of cancer, ongoing evaluation and monitoring through genomic analysis will continue to provide important information to the clinician in the context of treatment selection, response, resistance and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Imperial
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Omer M Toor
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; Division of Oncology, Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA; Center for Precision Oncology, Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
| | - Arif Hussain
- Division of Oncology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Janakiraman Subramanian
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; Division of Oncology, Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA; Center for Precision Oncology, Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
| | - Ashiq Masood
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; Division of Oncology, Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA; Center for Precision Oncology, Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van der Hiel B, Haanen JB, Stokkel MP, Peeper DS, Jimenez CR, Beijnen JH, van de Wiel BA, Boellaard R, van den Eertwegh AJ. Vemurafenib plus cobimetinib in unresectable stage IIIc or stage IV melanoma: response monitoring and resistance prediction with positron emission tomography and tumor characteristics (REPOSIT): study protocol of a phase II, open-label, multicenter study. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:649. [PMID: 28915798 PMCID: PMC5603097 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3626-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with BRAFV600 mutated unresectable stage IIIc or metastatic melanoma, molecular targeted therapy with combined BRAF/MEK-inhibitor vemurafenib plus cobimetinib has shown a significantly improved progression-free survival and overall survival compared to treatment with vemurafenib alone. Nevertheless, the majority of BRAFV600 mutation-positive melanoma patients will eventually develop resistance to treatment. Molecular imaging with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET has been used to monitor response to vemurafenib in some BRAFV600 mutated metastatic melanoma patients, showing a rapid decline of 18F-FDG uptake within 2 weeks following treatment. Furthermore, preliminary results suggest that metabolic alterations might predict the development of resistance to treatment. 18F-Fluoro-3'-deoxy-3'L-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT), a PET-tracer visualizing proliferation, might be more suitable to predict response or resistance to therapy than 18F-FDG. METHODS This phase II, open-label, multicenter study evaluates whether metabolic response to treatment with vemurafenib plus cobimetinib in the first 7 weeks as assessed by 18F-FDG/18F-FLT PET can predict progression-free survival and whether early changes in 18F-FDG/18F-FLT can be used for early detection of treatment response compared to standard response assessment with RECISTv1.1 ceCT at 7 weeks. Ninety patients with BRAFV600E/K mutated unresectable stage IIIc/IV melanoma will be included. Prior to and during treatment all patients will undergo 18F-FDG PET/CT and in 25 patients additional 18F-FLT PET/CT is performed. Histopathological tumor characterization is assessed in a subset of 40 patients to unravel mechanisms of resistance. Furthermore, in all patients, blood samples are taken for pharmacokinetic analysis of vemurafenib/cobimetinib. Outcomes are correlated with PET/CT-imaging and therapy response. DISCUSSION The results of this study will help in linking PET measured metabolic alterations induced by targeted therapy of BRAFV600 mutated melanoma to molecular changes within the tumor. We will be able to correlate both 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT PET to outcome and decide on the best modality to predict long-term remissions to combined BRAF/MEK-inhibitors. Results coming from this study may help in identifying responders from non-responders early after the initiation of therapy and reveal early development of resistance to vemurafenib/cobimetinib. Furthermore, we believe that the results can be fundamental for further optimizing individual patient treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02414750. Registered 10 April 2015, retrospectively registered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernies van der Hiel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, PO Box 90203, 1006 BE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John B.A.G. Haanen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel P.M. Stokkel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, PO Box 90203, 1006 BE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel S. Peeper
- Department of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Connie R. Jimenez
- Oncoproteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jos H. Beijnen
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart A. van de Wiel
- Department of Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald Boellaard
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - REPOSIT study group
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, PO Box 90203, 1006 BE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncoproteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Labots M, van der Mijn JC, Beekhof R, Piersma SR, de Goeij-de Haas RR, Pham TV, Knol JC, Dekker H, van Grieken NC, Verheul HM, Jiménez CR. Phosphotyrosine-based-phosphoproteomics scaled-down to biopsy level for analysis of individual tumor biology and treatment selection. J Proteomics 2017; 162:99-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
5
|
Boespflug A, Caramel J, Dalle S, Thomas L. Treatment of NRAS-mutated advanced or metastatic melanoma: rationale, current trials and evidence to date. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2017; 9:481-492. [PMID: 28717400 PMCID: PMC5502949 DOI: 10.1177/1758834017708160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The disease course of BRAF (v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1)-mutant melanoma has been drastically improved by the arrival of targeted therapies. NRAS (neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog)-mutated melanoma represents 15–25% of all metastatic melanoma patients. It currently does not have an approved targeted therapy. Metastatic patients receive immune-based therapies as first-line treatments, then cytotoxic chemotherapy like carboplatin/paclitaxel (C/P), dacarbazine (DTIC) or temozolomide (TMZ) as a second-line treatment. We will review current preclinical and clinical developments in NRAS-mutated melanoma, and analyze ongoing clinical trials that are evaluating the benefit of different targeted and immune-based therapies, either tested as single agents or in combination, in NRAS-mutant melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Caramel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon-1 University, INSERM1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | | | - Luc Thomas
- Service de Dermatologie, CH Lyon Sud, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre Bénite, Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Posch C, Sanlorenzo M, Vujic I, Oses-Prieto JA, Cholewa BD, Kim ST, Ma J, Lai K, Zekhtser M, Esteve-Puig R, Green G, Chand S, Burlingame AL, Panzer-Grümayer R, Rappersberger K, Ortiz-Urda S. Phosphoproteomic Analyses of NRAS(G12) and NRAS(Q61) Mutant Melanocytes Reveal Increased CK2α Kinase Levels in NRAS(Q61) Mutant Cells. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 136:2041-2048. [PMID: 27251789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.05.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In melanoma, mutant and thereby constantly active neuroblastoma rat sarcoma (NRAS) affects 15-20% of tumors, contributing to tumor initiation, growth, invasion, and metastasis. Recent therapeutic approaches aim to mimic RAS extinction by interfering with critical signaling pathways downstream of the mutant protein. This study investigates the phosphoproteome of primary human melanocytes bearing mutations in the two hot spots of NRAS, NRAS(G12) and NRAS(Q61). Stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture followed by mass spectrometry identified 14,155 spectra of 3,371 unique phosphopeptides mapping to 1,159 proteins (false discovery rate < 2%). Data revealed pronounced PI3K/AKT signaling in NRAS(G12V) mutant cells and pronounced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in NRAS(Q61L) variants. Computer-based prediction models for kinases involved, revealed that CK2α is significantly overrepresented in primary human melanocytes bearing NRAS(Q61L) mutations. Similar differences were found in human NRAS(Q61) mutant melanoma cell lines that were also more sensitive to pharmacologic CK2α inhibition compared with NRAS(G12) mutant cells. Furthermore, CK2α levels were pronounced in patient samples of NRAS(Q61) mutant melanoma at the mRNA and protein level. The preclinical findings of this study reveal that codon 12 and 61 mutant NRAS cells have distinct signaling characteristics that could allow for the development of more effective, mutation-specific treatment modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Posch
- Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Dermatology, The Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Academic Teaching Hospital, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Leukemia Biology Group, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria; School of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martina Sanlorenzo
- Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Igor Vujic
- Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Dermatology, The Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Academic Teaching Hospital, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria; School of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juan A Oses-Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Brian D Cholewa
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarasa T Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kevin Lai
- Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mitchell Zekhtser
- Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rosaura Esteve-Puig
- Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gary Green
- Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shreya Chand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alma L Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Klemens Rappersberger
- Department of Dermatology, The Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Academic Teaching Hospital, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susana Ortiz-Urda
- Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vu HL, Aplin AE. Targeting mutant NRAS signaling pathways in melanoma. Pharmacol Res 2016; 107:111-116. [PMID: 26987942 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a devastating form of skin cancer and its incidence is increasing faster than any other preventable cancer in the United States. The mutant NRAS subset of melanoma is more aggressive and associated with poorer outcomes compared to non-NRAS mutant melanoma. The aggressive nature and complex molecular signaling conferred by this transformation has evaded clinically effective treatment options. This review examines the major downstream effectors of NRAS relevant in melanoma and the associated advances made in targeted therapies that focus on these effector pathways. We outline the history of MEK inhibition in mutant NRAS melanoma and recent advances with newer MEK inhibitors. Since MEK inhibitors will likely be optimized when combined with other targeted therapies, we focus on recently identified targets that can be used in combination with MEK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ha Linh Vu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Roller DG, Capaldo B, Bekiranov S, Mackey AJ, Conaway MR, Petricoin EF, Gioeli D, Weber MJ. Combinatorial drug screening and molecular profiling reveal diverse mechanisms of intrinsic and adaptive resistance to BRAF inhibition in V600E BRAF mutant melanomas. Oncotarget 2016; 7:2734-53. [PMID: 26673621 PMCID: PMC4823068 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Over half of BRAFV600E melanomas display intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibitors, in part due to adaptive signaling responses. In this communication we ask whether BRAFV600E melanomas share common adaptive responses to BRAF inhibition that can provide clinically relevant targets for drug combinations. We screened a panel of 12 treatment-naïve BRAFV600E melanoma cell lines with MAP Kinase pathway inhibitors in pairwise combination with 58 signaling inhibitors, assaying for synergistic cytotoxicity. We found enormous diversity in the drug combinations that showed synergy, with no two cell lines having an identical profile. Although the 6 lines most resistant to BRAF inhibition showed synergistic benefit from combination with lapatinib, the signaling mechanisms by which this combination generated synergistic cytotoxicity differed between the cell lines. We conclude that adaptive responses to inhibition of the primary oncogenic driver (BRAFV600E) are determined not only by the primary oncogenic driver but also by diverse secondary genetic and epigenetic changes ("back-seat drivers") and hence optimal drug combinations will be variable. Because upregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases is a major source of drug resistance arising from diverse adaptive responses, we propose that inhibitors of these receptors may have substantial clinical utility in combination with inhibitors of the MAP Kinase pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin G. Roller
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908 USA
| | - Brian Capaldo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908 USA
| | - Stefan Bekiranov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908 USA
| | - Aaron J. Mackey
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908 USA
| | - Mark R. Conaway
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908 USA
| | - Emanuel F. Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Daniel Gioeli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908 USA
| | - Michael J. Weber
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908 USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vu HL, Rosenbaum S, Capparelli C, Purwin TJ, Davies MA, Berger AC, Aplin AE. MIG6 Is MEK Regulated and Affects EGF-Induced Migration in Mutant NRAS Melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 136:453-463. [PMID: 26967478 PMCID: PMC4789776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Activating mutations in NRAS are frequent driver events in cutaneous melanoma. NRAS is a GTP-binding protein, whose most well-characterized downstream effector is RAF leading to activation of MEK-ERK1/2 signaling. While there are no FDA-approved targeted therapies for melanoma patients with a primary mutation in NRAS, one form of targeted therapy that has been explored is MEK inhibition. In clinical trials, MEK inhibitors have shown disappointing efficacy in mutant NRAS patients, the reasons for which are unclear. To explore the effects of MEK inhibitors in mutant NRAS melanoma, we utilized a high-throughput reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) platform to identify signaling alterations. RPPA analysis of phospho-proteomic changes in mutant NRAS melanoma in response to trametinib indicated a compensatory increase in AKT signaling and decreased expression of mitogen-inducible gene 6 (MIG6), a negative regulator of EGFR/ERBB receptors. MIG6 expression did not alter the growth or survival properties of mutant NRAS melanoma cells. Rather, we identified a role for MIG6 as a negative regulator of EGF-induced signaling and cell migration and invasion. In MEK inhibited cells, further depletion of MIG6 increased migration and invasion, whereas MIG6 expression decreased these properties. Therefore, a decrease in MIG6 may promote the migration and invasiveness of MEK-inhibited mutant NRAS melanoma especially in response to EGF stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ha Linh Vu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sheera Rosenbaum
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claudia Capparelli
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Timothy J Purwin
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Adam C Berger
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cho K, Clementi E, Levi-Schaffer F, Smalley KSM, Radice S, Watts SW. Pharmacological research and precision cancer medicine: A call for manuscripts. Pharmacol Res 2015; 102:308-9. [PMID: 26542638 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kei Cho
- Translational Neuroscience Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3N, UK
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, National Research Council-Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University Hospital "Luigi Sacco", Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Levi-Schaffer
- Unit of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 12065, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Keiran S M Smalley
- The Comprehensive Melanoma Research Center, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Sonia Radice
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital "Luigi Sacco", 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Stephanie W Watts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Melnik BC. MiR-21: an environmental driver of malignant melanoma? J Transl Med 2015; 13:202. [PMID: 26116372 PMCID: PMC4482047 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0570-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the mid-1950’s, melanoma incidence has been rising steadily in industrialized Caucasian populations, thereby pointing to the pivotal involvement of environmental factors in melanomagenesis. Recent evidence underlines the crucial role of microRNA (miR) signaling in cancer initiation and progression. Increased miR-21 expression has been observed during the transition from a benign melanocytic lesion to malignant melanoma, exhibiting highest expression of miR-21. Notably, common BRAF and NRAS mutations in cutaneous melanoma are associated with increased miR-21 expression. MiR-21 is an oncomiR that affects critical target genes of malignant melanoma, resulting in sustained proliferation (PTEN, PI3K, Sprouty, PDCD4, FOXO1, TIPE2, p53, cyclin D1), evasion from apoptosis (FOXO1, FBXO11, APAF1, TIMP3, TIPE2), genetic instability (MSH2, FBXO11, hTERT), increased oxidative stress (FOXO1), angiogenesis (PTEN, HIF1α, TIMP3), invasion and metastasis (APAF1, PTEN, PDCD4, TIMP3). The purpose of this review is to provide translational evidence for major environmental and individual factors that increase the risk of melanoma, such as UV irradiation, chemical noxes, air pollution, smoking, chronic inflammation, Western nutrition, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and higher age, which are associated with increased miR-21 signaling. Exosomal miR-21 induced by extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli may be superimposed on mutation-induced miR-21 pathways of melanoma cells. Thus, oncogenic miR-21 signaling may be the converging point of intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli driving melanomagenesis. Future strategies of melanoma treatment and prevention should thus aim at reducing the burden of miR-21 signal transduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bodo C Melnik
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Sedanstrasse 115, 49090, Osnabrück, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fallahi-Sichani M, Moerke NJ, Niepel M, Zhang T, Gray NS, Sorger PK. Systematic analysis of BRAF(V600E) melanomas reveals a role for JNK/c-Jun pathway in adaptive resistance to drug-induced apoptosis. Mol Syst Biol 2015; 11:797. [PMID: 25814555 PMCID: PMC4380931 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20145877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs that inhibit RAF/MEK signaling, such as vemurafenib, elicit profound but often temporary anti-tumor responses in patients with BRAFV600E melanoma. Adaptive responses to RAF/MEK inhibition occur on a timescale of hours to days, involve homeostatic responses that reactivate MAP kinase signaling and compensatory mitogenic pathways, and attenuate the anti-tumor effects of RAF/MEK inhibitors. We profile adaptive responses across a panel of melanoma cell lines using multiplex biochemical measurement, single-cell assays, and statistical modeling and show that adaptation involves at least six signaling cascades that act to reduce drug potency (IC50) and maximal effect (i.e., Emax ≪ 1). Among these cascades, we identify a role for JNK/c-Jun signaling in vemurafenib adaptation and show that RAF and JNK inhibitors synergize in cell killing. This arises because JNK inhibition prevents a subset of cells in a cycling population from becoming quiescent upon vemurafenib treatment, thereby reducing drug Emax. Our findings demonstrate the breadth and diversity of adaptive responses to RAF/MEK inhibition and a means to identify which steps in a signaling cascade are most predictive of phenotypic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan J Moerke
- HMS LINCS Center, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mario Niepel
- HMS LINCS Center, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter K Sorger
- HMS LINCS Center, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Paraiso KHT, Das Thakur M, Fang B, Koomen JM, Fedorenko IV, John JK, Tsao H, Flaherty KT, Sondak VK, Messina JL, Pasquale EB, Villagra A, Rao UN, Kirkwood JM, Meier F, Sloot S, Gibney GT, Stuart D, Tawbi H, Smalley KSM. Ligand-independent EPHA2 signaling drives the adoption of a targeted therapy-mediated metastatic melanoma phenotype. Cancer Discov 2014; 5:264-73. [PMID: 25542447 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-14-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Many patients with BRAF inhibitor resistance can develop disease at new sites, suggesting that drug-induced selection pressure drives metastasis. Here, we used mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomic screening to uncover ligand-independent EPHA2 signaling as an adaptation to BRAF inhibitor therapy that led to the adoption of a metastatic phenotype. The EPHA2-mediated invasion was AKT-dependent and readily reversible upon removal of the drug as well as through PI3K and AKT inhibition. In xenograft models, BRAF inhibition led to the development of EPHA2-positive metastases. A retrospective analysis of patients with melanoma on BRAF inhibitor therapy showed that 68% of those failing therapy develop metastases at new disease sites, compared with 35% of patients on dacarbazine. Further IHC staining of melanoma specimens taken from patients on BRAF inhibitor therapy as well as metastatic samples taken from patients failing therapy showed increased EPHA2 staining. We suggest that inhibition of ligand-independent EPHA2 signaling may limit metastases associated with BRAF inhibitor therapy. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides evidence that BRAF inhibition promotes the adoption of a reversible, therapy-driven metastatic phenotype in melanoma. The cotargeting of ligand-independent EPHA2 signaling and BRAF may be one strategy to prevent the development of therapy-mediated disease at new sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim H T Paraiso
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Bin Fang
- The Proteomics Core, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - John M Koomen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Inna V Fedorenko
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jobin K John
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Hensin Tsao
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Keith T Flaherty
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vernon K Sondak
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jane L Messina
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida. Department of Anatomic Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Elena B Pasquale
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Alejandro Villagra
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Uma N Rao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John M Kirkwood
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermato-Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Sloot
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Geoffrey T Gibney
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Darrin Stuart
- Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California
| | - Hussein Tawbi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Keiran S M Smalley
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida. Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.
| |
Collapse
|