Growth control of melanoma cells and melanocytes by cytokines

Mangiferin for the Management of Liver Diseases: A Review

The liver is a digestive and metabolic organ, and several factors can induce liver damage, which is a severe threat to human health. As a natural polyphenolic compound, mangiferin belongs to xanthone glucoside and mainly exists in many plants, such as mango. It is notorious that mangiferin has remarkable pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidative stress, antiviral and so on. Emerging evidence indicates the therapeutic benefits of mangiferin against liver disease, including liver injury, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review aims to summarize the possible underlying signaling mediated by mangiferin in liver disease treatment and the available findings of mangiferin, which can be used to treat different liver diseases and may contribute to mangiferin as a therapeutic agent for liver disease in humans.

Neuroendocrine signaling in the skin with a special focus on the epidermal neuropeptides

The skin, which is comprised of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, is the largest organ in the human body and it plays a crucial role in the regulation of the body's homeostasis. These functions are regulated by local neuroendocrine and immune systems with a plethora of signaling molecules produced by resident and immune cells. In addition, neurotransmitters, endocrine factors, neuropeptides, and cytokines released from nerve endings play a central role in the skin's responses to stress. These molecules act on the corresponding receptors in an intra-, juxta-, para-, or autocrine fashion. The epidermis as the outer most component of skin forms a barrier directly protecting against environmental stressors. This protection is assured by an intrinsic keratinocyte differentiation program, pigmentary system, and local nervous, immune, endocrine, and microbiome elements. These constituents communicate cross-functionally among themselves and with corresponding systems in the dermis and hypodermis to secure the basic epidermal functions to maintain local (skin) and global (systemic) homeostasis. The neurohormonal mediators and cytokines used in these communications regulate physiological skin functions separately or in concert. Disturbances in the functions in these systems lead to cutaneous pathology that includes inflammatory (i.e., psoriasis, allergic, or atopic dermatitis, etc.) and keratinocytic hyperproliferative disorders (i.e., seborrheic and solar keratoses), dysfunction of adnexal structure (i.e., hair follicles, eccrine, and sebaceous glands), hypersensitivity reactions, pigmentary disorders (vitiligo, melasma, and hypo- or hyperpigmentary responses), premature aging, and malignancies (melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers). These cellular, molecular, and neural components preserve skin integrity and protect against skin pathologies and can act as "messengers of the skin" to the central organs, all to preserve organismal survival.

The delicate relation between melanocytes and skin immunity: A game of hide and seek

Melanocytes exhibit a complex and intriguing relationship with the skin immune response, leading to several clinical conditions. In some disorders, inappropriate melanocyte destruction (e.g., vitiligo, halo naevi) is problematic, while in others, immune tolerance should be broken (melanoma). Important parts of the dysregulated pathways have been unraveled in pigment disorders, ranging from upregulated interferon (IFN)-γ signaling to memory T cells, regulatory T cells, and immune checkpoints. Although a network of many factors is involved, targeting key players such as IFN-γ or checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)] can shift the balance and lead to impressive outcomes. In this review, we focus on the immunological mechanisms of the most common inflammatory disorders where the interaction of the immune system with melanocytes plays a crucial role. This can provide new insights into the current state of melanocyte research.

Assessing the effect of human dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell secretome on human oral, breast, and melanoma cancer cell lines

Background

The secretome of the dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DPMSCS-S) have an array of regenerative potential and could aid in the rehabilitation of cancer patients post-therapeutic interventions, although caution is required as DPMSC-S have shown to augment prostate cancer cells. Thus, it is vital to assess if these pro-carcinogenic effects extend to other cancer types.

Objective

To assess if DPMSC-S has any pro-carcinogenic effect on oral cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma cell lines.

Materials and methods

Conditioned media obtained from the isolated and characterized DPMSC (DPMSC-CM) were profiled using bead-based multiplex assay. AW13515 (oral cancer), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), and A-375 (melanoma) cell lines were exposed to 20%, 50%, and 100% DPMSC-CM for 24, 48, and 72 h. DPMSC-CM effect on the cancer cell properties and secretome were assessed.

Results

DPMSC-CM augmented invasion, adhesion, multi-drug resistance, DNA repair, and mitochondrial repair in AW13516 through upregulation of growth factors Ang-2, EGF, M−CSF, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-2, downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. In MDA-MB-231, invasion, and multi-drug resistance were augmented through upregulation of growth factors EGF, EPO, G-CSF, HGF, M−CSF, PDGF-AA, and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, CXCL10, IL-12p70. EMT, invasion, migration, and adhesion were augmented in A-375 through upregulation of growth factors Ang-2, EGF, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, and IL-17A.

Conclusion

DPMSC-CM can augment the carcinogenic properties of oral cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma cells, further animal model studies are required to validate our in-vitro findings.

Immunological evaluation of a novel HLA-A2 restricted phosphopeptide of tumor associated Antigen, TRAP1, on cancer therapy

The tumor necrosis factor receptor associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is a mitochondria chaperon protein that has been previously implicated as a target for cancer therapy due to its expression level is linked to tumor progression. In this study, an immunodominant phosphopeptide of TRAP1 was identified from an HLA-A2 gene transfected mouse cancer cell line using mass spectrometry, and a synthetic phosphopeptide was generated to evaluate the potency on cancer immunotherapy. In the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) deficient cell, the conjugated phosphate group plays a critical role to enhance the binding affinity of phosphopeptide with HLA-A2 molecule. On the basis of immunological assay, immunization of synthetic phosphopeptide could induce a high frequency of IFN-γ-secreting CD8⁺ T cells in HLA-A2 transgenic mice, and the stimulated cytotoxic T lymphocytes showed a high target specificity to lysis the epitope-pulsed splenocytes in vivo and the human lung cancer cell in vitro. In a tumor challenge assay, vaccination of the HLA-A2 restricted phosphopeptide appeared to suppress the tumor growth and prolong the survival period of tumor-bearing mice. These results suggest that novel phosphopeptide is naturally presented as a HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitope and capable of being a potential candidate for the development of therapeutic vaccine against high TRAP1-expressing cancers.

The Chinese Herbal Mixture Tien-Hsien Liquid Augments the Anticancer Immunity in Tumor Cell-Vaccinated Mice

BACKGROUND

The Chinese herbal mixture, Tien-Hsien liquid (THL), has been used as an anticancer dietary supplement for more than 20 years. Our previous studies have shown that THL can modulate immune responseand inhibit tumor growth. In this study, we further evaluated the effect of THL on anticancer immune response in mice vaccinated with γ-ray-irradiated tumor cells.

METHODS

The antitumor effect of THL was determined in mice vaccinated with low-tumorigenic CT-26-low colon cancer cells or γ-ray-irradiated high-tumorigenic CT-26-high colon cancer cells. The number of natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocytes in the spleen was analyzed by flow cytometry. The tumor-killing activities of NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were analyzed by flow cytometry using YAC-1 and CT-26-high cells, respectively, as target cells. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

THL suppressed the growth of CT-26-high tumor in mice previously vaccinated with low-tumorigenic CT-26-low cells or γ-irradiated CT-26-high cells. THL increased the populations of NK cells and CD4+ T lymphocytes in the spleen and enhanced the tumor-killing activities of NK cells and CTL in mice vaccinated with γ-irradiated CT-26-high cells. THL increased the production of IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α in mice vaccinated with γ-irradiated CT-26-high cells.

CONCLUSION

THL can enhance the antitumor immune responses in mice vaccinated with killed tumor cells. These results suggest that THL may be used as a complementary medicine for cancer patients previously treated with killed tumor cell vaccines, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

Adipose-derived stem cells inhibit epidermal melanocytes through an interleukin-6-mediated mechanism

BACKGROUND

Several investigators have postulated that human adipose-derived stem cells can be used for skin rejuvenation, but there have been few reports about their direct effects on human epidermal melanocytes. The authors studied the effects on melanocytes, and the causative agent of those effects was further investigated in this study.

METHODS

Human epidermal melanocytes were divided into three groups and cultured in adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium, human dermal fibroblast-conditioned medium, or control medium. Concentrations of melanogenic cytokines in these media were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. After 3 and 7 days of incubation, cell proliferation, melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and melanogenic gene expression were measured. Interleukin-6-neutralizing antibodies were mixed with adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium in which human epidermal melanocytes were cultured, and melanocyte growth and melanogenesis were measured again.

RESULTS

Interleukin-6 concentrations in adipose-derived stem cell- and human epidermal melanocyte-conditioned media were 1373 and 495 pg/ml, respectively. Both types of medium suppressed melanocyte proliferation and melanin synthesis (p < 0.05), but adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium was more effective than human dermal fibroblast-conditioned medium in inhibition of human epidermal melanocyte proliferation, melanin synthesis, and tyrosinase activity (p < 0.05). Interleukin-6-neutralizing antibody sufficiently reversed the antimelanogenic effects of adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium such that human epidermal melanocyte proliferation, melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and tyrosinase mRNA levels were restored (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium inhibited melanocyte proliferation and melanin synthesis by down-regulating melanogenic enzymes. Interleukin-6 plays a pivotal role in inhibition of melanocytes.

The Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)/Met Axis: A Neglected Target in the Treatment of Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms?

Met is the receptor of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a cytoprotective cytokine. Disturbing the equilibrium between Met and its ligand may lead to inappropriate cell survival, accumulation of genetic abnormalities and eventually, malignancy. Abnormal activation of the HGF/Met axis is established in solid tumours and in chronic haematological malignancies, including myeloma, acute myeloid leukaemia, chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The molecular mechanisms potentially responsible for the abnormal activation of HGF/Met pathways are described and discussed. Importantly, inCML and in MPNs, the production of HGF is independent of Bcr-Abl and JAK2V617F, the main molecular markers of these diseases. In vitro studies showed that blocking HGF/Met function with neutralizing antibodies or Met inhibitors significantly impairs the growth of JAK2V617F-mutated cells. With personalised medicine and curative treatment in view, blocking activation of HGF/Met could be a useful addition in the treatment of CML and MPNs for those patients with high HGF/MET expression not controlled by current treatments (Bcr-Abl inhibitors in CML; phlebotomy, hydroxurea, JAK inhibitors in MPNs).

Induction of pancreatic cancer cell migration by an autocrine epidermal growth factor receptor activation

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by aggressive local invasion and early metastasis formation. Active migration of the pancreatic cancer cells is essential for these processes. We have shown previously that the pancreatic cancer cells lines CFPAC1 and IMIM-PC2 show high migratory activity, and we have investigated herein the reason for this observation. Cell migration was assessed using a three-dimensional, collagen-based assay and computer-assisted cell tracking. The expression of receptor tyrosine kinases was determined by flow-cytometry and cytokine release was measured by an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Receptor function was blocked by antibodies or pharmacological enzyme inhibitors. Both cells lines express the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as well as its family-member ErbB2 and the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α, whereas only weak expression was detected for ErbB3 and no expression of PDGFRβ. Pharmacological inhibition of the EGFR or ErbB2 significantly reduced the migratory activity in both cell lines, as did an anti-EGFR antibody. Interestingly, combination of the latter with an anti-PDGFR antibody led to an even more pronounced reduction. Both cell lines release detectable amounts of EGF. Thus, the high migratory activity of the investigated pancreatic cancer cell lines is due to autocrine EGFR activation and possibly of other receptor tyrosine kinases.

Pigmentation and melanocyte supply to the epidermis depend on type XVII collagen

Genetic deficiency of type XVII collagen (C17), laminin-332 or type VII collagen causes epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Spontaneous correction of the deficiency, also known as revertant mosaicism, is caused by a second somatic mutation that restores protein expression resulting in clinically healthy (revertant) patches surrounded by fragile (mutant) skin. Interestingly, in some patients, patches of revertant skin show hyperpigmentation. To study the possible role of affected proteins in pigmentation and melanocyte distribution, we investigated clinical documentation and skin biopsy specimens of 13 revertant EB patients having correcting mutations in the COL17A1, LAMB3 or COL7A1 genes. Analysis revealed that lack of C17 led to decreased melanin intensity and melanocyte density in the epidermis when compared with the revertant patches. Reversions of LAMB3 and COL7A1 in keratinocytes did not influence clinical pigmentation or density of melanocytes. We conclude that in human skin, melanocyte supply to the epidermis depends on C17 expression in keratinocytes.

Id2, Id3 and Id4 overcome a Smad7-mediated block in tumorigenesis, generating TGF-β-independent melanoma

The role for the inhibitors of differentiation (Ids) proteins in melanomagenesis has been poorly explored. In other cell types, Ids have been shown to contribute to cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis and, along with a number of other genes, are direct downstream targets of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway. Expression of Smad7, which suppress TGF-β signaling, or synthetic TGF-β inhibitors, was shown to potently suppress melanomagenesis. We found that endogenous Id2, Id3 and Id4 expression was elevated in 1205Lu versus 1205Lu cells constitutively expressing Smad7, indicating Ids may play a role in melanomagenesis. Therefore, the effects of Tet-inducible expression of Id2, Id3 or Id4 along with Smad7 in TGF-β-dependent 1205Lu human melanoma cells were explored in vitro and in vivo. 1205Lu cells formed subcutaneous tumors in athymic mice, whereas cells expressing Smad7 failed to form tumors. However, 1205Lu cells expressing Smad7 along with doxycycline-induced Id2, Id3 or Id4 were able to overcome the potent tumorigenic block mediated by S7, to varying degrees. Conversely, Id small interfering RNA knockdown suppressed anchorage-independent growth of melanoma. Histology of tumors from 1205Lu cells expressing Smad7 + Id4 revealed an average of 31% necrosis, compared with 5.2% in tumors from 1205Lu with vector only. Downstream, Ids suppressed cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, and re-upregulated invasion and metastasis-related genes matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, CXCR4 and osteopontin, shown previously to be downregulated in response to Smad7. This study shows that Id2, Id3 and Id4 are each able to overcome TGF-β dependence, and establish a role for Ids as key mediators of TGF-β melanomagenesis.

Adoptive transfer of Tc1 or Tc17 cells elicits antitumor immunity against established melanoma through distinct mechanisms

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of ex vivo-activated autologous tumor-reactive T cells is currently one of the most promising approaches for cancer immunotherapy. Recent studies provided some evidence that IL-17-producing CD8(+) (Tc17) cells may exhibit potent antitumor activity, but the specific mechanisms have not been completely defined. In this study, we used a murine melanoma lung-metastasis model and tested the therapeutic effects of gp100-specific polarized type I CD8(+) cytotoxic T (Tc1) or Tc17 cells combined with autologous bone marrow transplantation after total body irradiation. Bone marrow transplantation combined with ACT of antitumor (gp100-specific) Tc17 cells significantly suppressed the growth of established melanoma, whereas Tc1 cells induced long-term tumor regression. After ACT, Tc1 cells maintained their phenotype to produce IFN-γ, but not IL-17. However, although Tc17 cells largely preserved their ability to produce IL-17, a subset secreted IFN-γ or both IFN-γ and IL-17, indicating the plasticity of Tc17 cells in vivo. Furthermore, after ACT, the Tc17 cells had a long-lived effector T cell phenotype (CD127(hi)/KLRG-1(low)) as compared with Tc1 cells. Mechanistically, Tc1 cells mediated antitumor immunity primarily through the direct effect of IFN-γ on tumor cells. In contrast, despite the fact that some Tc17 cells also secreted IFN-γ, Tc17-mediated antitumor immunity was independent of the direct effects of IFN-γ on the tumor. Nevertheless, IFN-γ played a critical role by creating a microenvironment that promoted Tc17-mediated antitumor activity. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that both Tc1 and Tc17 cells can mediate effective antitumor immunity through distinct effector mechanisms, but Tc1 cells are superior to Tc17 cells in mediating tumor regression.

CD8+ T cells from vitiligo perilesional margins induce autologous melanocyte apoptosis

Cell-mediated autoimmunity has been suggested to be involved in the melanocyte apoptosis that occurs in vitiligo. We investigated the cytotoxicity to autologous melanocytes of CD8⁺ T cells from the perilesional margins and peripheral blood samples of vitiligo patients. CD8⁺ T cells isolated from skin biopsied from the edges of depigmented skin patches of vitiligo patients or from peripheral blood samples of the same donors were proliferated in culture medium. The primary cultures of CD8⁺ T cells and autologous melanocytes were mixed at ratios of 1:1, 1:2 or 1:5 and incubated for 3 days. The apoptosis of the melanocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. Secreted cytokines in selected samples were measured by cytokine arrays. The results show that the CD8⁺ T cells were successfully isolated from the vitiligo perilesional margins. This cell population showed a significantly higher percentage of CD69 expression (56.13±3.55 versus 29.93±2.35%, p<0.01) and CD137 expression (41.74±1.06 versus 25.97±1.63%, p<0.01) compared with CD8⁺ T cells in peripheral blood from the same donors. The co-culturing of CD8⁺ T cells from lesional skin with autologous melanocytes induced apoptosis in the melanocytes (16.63±1.21, 16.71±0.63 and 18.32±1.60% for CD8⁺ T cells and autologous melanocytes at ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:5, respectively). IL-6 levels were much higher in the co-culture (3.01-fold higher than in a melanocyte monoculture and 17.32-fold higher than in a CD8⁺ T-cell monoculture). The CD8⁺ T cells were also demonstrated to secrete more IL-13. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the infiltration of active CD8⁺ T cells takes place in the vitiligo perilesional margins. Those CD8⁺ T cells present significantly higher activation levels and higher cytotoxicity to autologous melanocytes than their counterparts from peripheral blood samples. These data suggest that CD8⁺ T cells are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Hyperactivation of constitutively dimerized oncogenic EGF receptors by autocrine loops

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) has a key role in normal embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis and many pathological processes, in particular tumour formation. Aberrant EGFR activation occurs in many cancer types, and inhibition of this receptor is a promising anti-tumour strategy. Besides overexpression of the wild-type receptor, mutated oncogenic EGFR variants are often associated with malignant transformation. In human non-small-cell lung cancers, kinase mutants of the EGFR are rather common. Human glioblastoma often express the truncated EGFRvIII version as well as other dimerized and permanently activated mutants of the receptor, which are considered as tumour drivers. Similarly, the mutated and dimerized EGFR variant Xiphophorus melanoma receptor kinase (Xmrk) is causative for the development of malignant pigment cell tumours in medaka and Xiphophorus melanoma models. It is generally believed that oncogenic receptors that are active due to dimerizing mutations are ligand independent. Here, we show that different EGFR variants from fish and human efficiently induce autocrine loops by inducing EGFR ligands such as amphiregulin and HB-EGF. Importantly, the pre-dimerized oncogenic EGFR versions Xmrk from Xiphophorus and human EGFR(C600F), though already active in absence of ligands, respond to ligand stimulation with enhanced oncogenic signalling. In summary, our data show that autocrine or paracrine loops are still acting on pre-dimerized oncogenic EGFRs and contribute to their pro-tumorigenic signalling.

Vitiligo-inducing phenols activate the unfolded protein response in melanocytes resulting in upregulation of IL6 and IL8

Vitiligo is characterized by depigmented skin patches due to loss of epidermal melanocytes. Oxidative stress may play a role in vitiligo onset, while autoimmunity contributes to disease progression. In this study we sought to identify mechanisms that link disease triggers and spreading of lesions. A hallmark of melanocytes at the periphery of vitiligo lesions is dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We hypothesized that oxidative stress results in redox disruptions that extend to the ER, causing accumulation of misfolded peptides, which activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). We used 4-tertiary butyl phenol (4-TBP) and monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH), known triggers of vitiligo. We show that expression of key UPR components, including the transcription factor X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), are increased following exposure of melanocytes to phenols. XBP1 activation increases production of immune mediators interleukin-6 (IL6) and IL8. Co-treatment with XBP1 inhibitors reduced IL6 and IL8 production induced by phenols, while over-expression of XBP1 alone increased their expression. Thus, melanocytes themselves produce cytokines associated with activation of an immune response following exposure to chemical triggers of vitiligo. These results expand our understanding of the mechanisms underlying melanocyte loss in vitiligo and pathways linking environmental stressors and autoimmunity.

Ultraviolet radiation and the slug transcription factor induce proinflammatory and immunomodulatory mediator expression in melanocytes

Despite extensive investigation, the precise contribution of the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) component of sunlight to melanoma etiology remains unclear. UVR induces keratinocytes to secrete proinflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators that promote inflammation and skin tumor development; expression of the slug transcription factor in keratinocytes is required for maximal production of these mediators. In the present studies we examined the possibility that UVR-exposed melanocytes also produce proinflammatory mediators and that Slug is important in this process. Microarray studies revealed that both UVR exposure and Slug overexpression altered transcription of a variety of proinflammatory mediators by normal human melanocytes; some of these mediators are also known to stimulate melanocyte growth and migration. There was little overlap in the spectra of cytokines produced by the two stimuli. However IL-20 was similarly induced by both stimuli and the NFκB pathway appeared to be important in both circumstances. Further exploration of UVR-induced and Slug-dependent pathways of cytokine induction in melanocytes may reveal novel targets for melanoma therapy.

Host-derived MCP-1 and MIP-1α regulate protective anti-tumor immunity to localized and metastatic B16 melanoma

Leukocytic infiltration into malignant melanoma lesions is tightly regulated by chemokines. To assess the role of the CC chemokines monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1/chemokine ligand 2) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α/chemokine ligand 3) in this process, s.c. primary and metastatic B16 F10 melanoma tumor growth levels were examined in mice lacking MCP-1 or MIP-1α. Primary s.c. B16 F10 melanoma growth was augmented by loss of MCP-1 or MIP-1α. Similarly, lung metastasis was enhanced by the deficiency of MCP-1 or MIP-1α. Enhanced tumor outgrowth was associated with decreased percentages of infiltrating CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cells, and natural killer cells. In the absence of MCP-1 or MIP-1α, melanoma outgrowth was correlated with reduced local expression of interferon-γ, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β. Among these cytokines, reduced expression levels of interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α on leukocytes from the spleen were associated with the development of lung metastasis in chemokine-deficient mice. The local s.c. administration of these four cytokines significantly augmented another chemokine's expression and suppressed primary melanoma growth in mice deficient for MCP-1 or MIP-1α. The s.c. injection of MCP-1 or MIP-1α significantly inhibited the primary tumor growth in wild-type mice. These results indicate that host-derived MCP-1 and MIP-1α regulate protective anti-tumor immunity to B16 F10 melanoma by promoting lymphocyte infiltration into the tumor and subsequent cytokine production.

The roles of P- and E-selectins and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 in primary and metastatic mouse melanomas

BACKGROUND

Malignant melanoma is often accompanied by a host response of inflammatory cell infiltration that is highly regulated by multiple adhesion molecules.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of adhesion molecules, including P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), P-selectin, and E-selectin.

METHODS

Subcutaneous primary growth and metastasis to the lung of B16 melanoma cells were examined in mice lacking PSGL-1, P-selectin, or E-selectin.

RESULTS

Primary subcutaneous growth of B16 melanoma was augmented by loss of PSGL-1, P-selectin, or E-selectin, while pulmonary metastasis was reduced by the loss of E-selectin. The enhancement of subcutaneous tumor growth was associated with a reduced accumulation of natural killer cells, CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) T cells, while the attenuation of pulmonary metastasis was related to the numbers of CD8(+) T cells. The expressions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interleukin (IL)-6 were correlated with primary subcutaneous growth; TGF-β, IL-6, and interferon-γ were related to number of metastatic lung nodules. Cytotoxicity against melanoma cells in splenocytes and in tumor-draining lymph node cells were not defective by the absence of adhesion molecules, suggesting that the enhancement of tumor growth and metastasis caused by the loss of selectins results from an impaired migration of effector cells into the tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate the complexity of anti-tumor responses mediated by adhesion molecules in primary subcutaneous tumors and pulmonary metastasis of murine experimental melanoma.

Role of SOCS-1 Gene on Melanoma Cell Growth and Tumor Development

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and its incidence has increased dramatically over the years. The murine B16F10 melanoma in syngeneic C57Bl/6 mice has been used as a highly aggressive model to investigate tumor development. Presently, we demonstrate in the B16F10-Nex2 subclone that silencing of SOCS-1, a negative regulator of Jak/Stat pathway, leads to reversal of the tumorigenic phenotype and inhibition of melanoma cell metastasis. SOCS-1 silencing with short hairpin RNA affected tumor growth and cell cycle regulation with arrest at the S phase with large-sized nuclei, reduced cell motility, and decreased melanoma cell invasion through Matrigel. A clonogenic assay showed that SOCS-1 acted as a modulator of resistance to anoikis. In addition, downregulation of SOCS-1 decreased the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (mainly the phosphorylated-R), Ins-Rα, and fibroblast growth factor receptor. In vivo, silencing of SOCS-1 inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth and metastatic development in the lungs. Because SOCS-1 is expressed in most melanoma cell lines and bears a relation with tumor invasion, thickness, and stage of disease, the present results on the effects of SOCS-1 silencing in melanoma suggest that this regulating protein can be a target of cancer therapy.

MicroRNA miR-196a is a central regulator of HOX-B7 and BMP4 expression in malignant melanoma

Since bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play an important role in melanoma progression, we aimed to determine the molecular mechanisms leading to overexpression of BMP4 in melanoma cells compared to normal melanocytes. With our experimental approach we revealed that loss of expression of a microRNA represents the starting point for a signaling cascade finally resulting in overexpression of BMP4 in melanoma cells. In detail, strongly reduced expression of the microRNA miR-196a in melanoma cells compared to healthy melanocytes leads to enhanced HOX-B7 mRNA and protein levels, which subsequently raise Ets-1 activity by inducing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Ets-1 finally accounts for induction of BMP4 expression. We were furthermore able to demonstrate that bFGF-mediated induction of migration is achieved via activation of BMP4, thus determining BMP4 as major modulator of migration in melanoma. In summary, our study provides insights into the early steps of melanoma progression and might thereby harbor therapeutic relevance.

Smad7 restricts melanoma invasion by restoring N-cadherin expression and establishing heterotypic cell-cell interactions in vivo

The list of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-related proteins in non-canonical TGF-β signaling is growing. Examples include receptor-Smads directing micro-RNA processing and inhibitory-Smads, e.g. Smad7, directing cell adhesion. Human skin grafts with fluorescently tagged melanoma cells revealed Smad7-expressing cells positioned themselves proximal to the dermal-epidermal junction and failed to form tumors, while control cells readily invaded and formed tumors within the dermis. Smad7 significantly inhibited β-catenin T41/S45 phosphorylation associated with degradation and induced a 4.5-fold increase in full-length N-cadherin. Cell adhesion assays confirmed a strong interaction between Smad7-expressing cells and primary dermal fibroblasts mediated via N-cadherin, while control cells were incapable of such interaction. Immunofluorescent analysis of skin grafts indicated N-cadherin homotypic interaction at the surface of both Smad7 cells and primary dermal fibroblasts, in contrast to control melanoma cells. We propose that Smad7 suppresses β-catenin degradation and promotes interaction with N-cadherin, stabilizing association with neighboring dermal fibroblasts, thus mitigating invasion.

SKI knockdown inhibits human melanoma tumor growth in vivo

The SKI protein represses the TGF-beta tumor suppressor pathway by associating with the Smad transcription factors. SKI is upregulated in human malignant melanoma tumors in a disease-progression manner and its overexpression promotes proliferation and migration of melanoma cells in vitro. The mechanisms by which SKI antagonizes TGF-beta signaling in vivo have not been fully elucidated. Here we show that human melanoma cells in which endogenous SKI expression was knocked down by RNAi produced minimal orthotopic tumor xenograft nodules that displayed low mitotic rate and prominent apoptosis. These minute tumors exhibited critical signatures of active TGF-beta signaling including high levels of nuclear Smad3 and p21(Waf-1), which are not found in the parental melanomas. To understand how SKI promotes tumor growth we used gain- and loss-of-function approaches and found that simultaneously to blocking the TGF-beta-growth inhibitory pathway, SKI promotes the switch of Smad3 from tumor suppression to oncogenesis by favoring phosphorylations of the Smad3 linker region in melanoma cells but not in normal human melanocytes. In this context, SKI is required for preventing TGF-beta-mediated downregulation of the oncogenic protein c-MYC, and for inducing the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, a mediator of tumor growth and angiogenesis. Together, the results indicate that SKI exploits multiple regulatory levels of the TGF-beta pathway and its deficiency restores TGF-beta tumor suppressor and apoptotic activities in spite of the likely presence of oncogenic mutations in melanoma tumors.

IFN-alpha enhances peptide vaccine-induced CD8+ T cell numbers, effector function, and antitumor activity

Type I IFNs, including IFN-alpha, enhance Ag presentation and promote the expansion, survival, and effector function of CD8(+) CTL during viral infection. Because these are ideal characteristics for a vaccine adjuvant, we examined the efficacy and mechanism of exogenous IFN-alpha as an adjuvant for antimelanoma peptide vaccination. We studied the expansion of pmel-1 transgenic CD8(+) T cells specific for the gp100 melanocyte differentiation Ag after vaccination of mice with gp100(25-33) peptide in IFA. IFN-alpha synergized with peptide vaccination in a dose-dependent manner by boosting relative and absolute numbers of gp100-specific T cells that suppressed B16 melanoma growth. IFN-alpha dramatically increased the accumulation of gp100-specific, IFN-gamma-secreting, CD8(+) T cells in the tumor through reduced apoptosis and enhanced proliferation of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells. IFN-alpha treatment also greatly increased the long-term maintenance of pmel-1 CD8(+) T cells with an effector memory phenotype, a process that required expression of IFN-alpha receptor on the T cells and IL-15 in the host. These results demonstrate the efficacy of IFN-alpha as an adjuvant for peptide vaccination, give insight into its mechanism of action, and provide a rationale for clinical trials in which vaccination is combined with standard-of-care IFN-alpha therapy for melanoma.

Gpnmb is a melanosome-associated glycoprotein that contributes to melanocyte/keratinocyte adhesion in a RGD-dependent fashion

Gpnmb is a glycosylated transmembrane protein implicated in the development of glaucoma in mice and melanoma in humans. It shares significant amino acid sequence homology with the melanosome protein Pmel-17. Its extracellular domain contains a RGD motif for binding to integrin and its intracellular domain has a putative endosomal and/or melanosomal-sorting motif. These features led us to posit that Gpnmb is associated with melanosomes and involved in cell adhesion. We showed that human Gpnmb is expressed constitutively by melanoma cell lines, primary-cultured melanocytes and epidermal melanocytes in situ, with most of it found intracellularly within melanosomes and to a lesser degree in lysosomes. Our newly developed monoclonal antibody revealed surface expression of Gpnmb on these pigment cells, albeit to a lesser degree than the intracellular fraction. Gpnmb expression was upregulated by UVA (but not UVB) irradiation and by alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) (but not beta-MSH); its cell surface expression on melanocytes (but not on melanoma cells) was increased markedly by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. PAM212 keratinocytes adhered to immobilized Gpnmb in a RGD-dependent manner. These results indicate that Gpnmb is a melanosome-associated glycoprotein that contributes to the adhesion of melanocytes with keratinocytes.

Vitiligo after hematopoietic cell transplantation: six cases and review of the literature

AIM

To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of vitiligo after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT).

METHODS

The development of vitiligo was analyzed among 421 patients who underwent AHCT in Ibni Sina Hospital (University of Ankara) between 1988 and 2004.

RESULTS

Among 421 patients, we describe 6 with generalized vitiligo occurring after AHCT for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Five of them had severe chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Vitiligo was accompanied by alopecia areata and acquired ichthyosis in 2 patients with GVHD.

CONCLUSION

Melanocyte destruction caused by the autoimmune reactions triggered by chronic GVHD as well as a genetic predisposition might have played a role in the development of vitiligo in our patients. These data support the hypothesis that vitiligo is an autoimmune entity.

Recombinant interferon alpha-2b and coenzyme Q10 as a postsurgical adjuvant therapy for melanoma: a 3-year trial with recombinant interferon-alpha and 5-year follow-up

Early surgical intervention remains the most successful therapy for melanoma. Despite better outcomes observed in soft tissue and lymph node metastases, the results of pharmacological therapies are still disappointing. Currently, there is no standard adjuvant therapy for melanoma. Low concentrations of coenzyme Q10 have been demonstrated in melanoma cell lines and in sera of melanoma patients. These data and the results of clinical trials of patients with other advanced cancers prompted this study of the long-term administration of an optimized dose of recombinant interferon alpha-2b and coenzyme Q10 to patients with stage I and II melanoma. A 3-year trial envisaging uninterrupted treatment with low-dose recombinant interferon alpha-2b (9 000 000 000 IU weekly) administered twice daily and coenzyme Q10 (400 mg/day) was conducted in patients with stage I and II melanoma (American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria 2002) and surgically removed lesions. Treatment efficacy was evaluated as incidence of recurrences at 5 years. All patients completed the treatment and the follow-up. Significantly different rates of disease progression were observed in the interferon+coenzyme Q10 and the interferon group for both stages. No patient withdrew from the study owing to side effects. Long-term administration of an optimized dose of recombinant interferon alpha-2b in combination with coenzyme Q10 seemed to induce significantly decreased rates of recurrence and had negligible adverse effects. A survival study could not be undertaken owing to the small patient sample and the short duration of follow-up.

RaLP, a New Member of the Src Homology and Collagen Family, Regulates Cell Migration and Tumor Growth of Metastatic Melanomas

The Src homology and collagen (Src) family of adaptor proteins comprises six Shc-like proteins encoded by three loci in mammals (Shc, Rai, and Sli). Shc-like proteins are tyrosine kinase substrates, which regulate diverse signaling pathways and cellular functions, including Ras and proliferation (p52/p46Shc), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and survival (p54Rai), and mitochondrial permeability transition and apoptosis (p66Shc). Here, we report the identification, cloning, and sequence characterization of a new member of the Shc family that we termed RaLP. RaLP encodes a 69-kDa protein characterized by the CH2-PTB-CH1-SH2 modularity, typical of the Shc protein family, and expressed, among adult tissues, only in melanomas. Analysis of RaLP expression during the melanoma progression revealed low expression in normal melanocytes and benign nevi, whereas high levels of RaLP protein were found at the transition from radial growth phase to vertical growth phase and metastatic melanomas, when tumor cells acquire migratory competence and invasive potential. Notably, silencing of RaLP expression in metastatic melanomas by RNA interference reduced tumorigenesis in vivo. Analysis of RaLP in melanoma signal transduction pathways revealed that (a) when ectopically expressed in RaLP-negative melanocytes and nonmetastatic melanoma cells, it functions as a substrate of activated insulin-like growth factor-1 and epidermal growth factor receptors and increases Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and cell migration, whereas (b) its silencing in RaLP-positive melanoma cells abrogates cell migration in vitro, without affecting MAPK signaling, suggesting that RaLP activates both Ras-dependent and Ras-independent migratory pathways in melanomas. These findings indicate that RaLP is a specific marker of metastatic melanomas, a critical determinant in the acquisition of the migratory phenotype by melanoma cells, and a potential target for novel anti-melanoma therapeutic strategies.

Stable Overexpression of Smad7 in Human Melanoma Cells Impairs Bone Metastasis

Melanoma has a propensity to metastasize to bone, where it is exposed to high concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Because TGF-beta promotes bone metastases from other solid tumors, such as breast cancer, we tested the role of TGF-beta in melanoma metastases to bone. 1205Lu melanoma cells, stably transfected to overexpress the natural TGF-beta/Smad signaling inhibitor Smad7, were studied in an experimental model of bone metastasis whereby tumor cells are inoculated into the left cardiac ventricle of nude mice. All mice bearing parental and mock-transfected 1205Lu cells developed osteolytic bone metastases 5 weeks post-tumor inoculation. Mice bearing 1205Lu-Smad7 tumors had significantly less osteolysis on radiographs and longer survival compared with parental and mock-transfected 1205Lu mice. To determine if the reduced bone metastases observed in mice bearing 1205Lu-Smad7 clones was due to reduced expression of TGF-beta target genes known to enhance metastases to bone from breast cancer cells, we analyzed gene expression of osteolytic factors, parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and interleukin-11 (IL-11), the chemotactic receptor CXCR4, and osteopontin in 1205Lu cells. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis indicated that PTHrP, IL-11, CXCR4, and osteopontin mRNA steady-state levels were robustly increased in response to TGF-beta and that Smad7 and the TbetaRI small-molecule inhibitor, SB431542, prevented such induction. In addition, 1205Lu-Smad7 bone metastases expressed significantly lower levels of IL-11, connective tissue growth factor, and PTHrP. These data suggest that TGF-beta promotes osteolytic bone metastases due to melanoma by stimulating the expression of prometastatic factors via the Smad pathway. Blockade of TGF-beta signaling may be an effective treatment for melanoma metastasis to bone.

CD8(+) T cells armed with retrovirally transduced IFN-gamma

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is considered a key cytokine involved in the preventive and defensive responses of T cells against infectious pathogens and tumors. Therefore, the transgenic expression of IFN-gamma in specific T cells appears to be an obvious therapeutic possibility. To directly examine whether IFN-gamma production can be increased in T cells, we introduced an IFN-gamma encoding cDNA into IFN-gamma(-/-) and IFN-gamma(+/+) CD8(+) effector populations by retroviral transduction. Here, we show that CD8 T cells can be equipped with IFN-gamma that increases their capacity to secrete the cytokine. Despite constitutive retroviral IFN-gamma mRNA transcription, translation and secretion of IFN-gamma protein was tightly regulated and only observed in activated T cells. Neither proliferation nor cytolytic activity of CTL was affected by IFN-gamma transduction. Importantly, CD8(+) T cells retrovirally transduced with IFN-gamma exhibit augmented tumor suppressive capacity upon adoptive transfer into IFN-gamma(-/-) mice. Thus, T cells can be readily armed with IFN-gamma without risking immunopathology by dysregulated production of this highly potent proinflammatory cytokine.

FGFR4 Arg388 allele correlates with tumour thickness and FGFR4 protein expression with survival of melanoma patients

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene for FGFR4 (−Arg388) has been associated with progression in various types of human cancer. Although fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) belong to the most important growth factors in melanoma, expression of FGF receptor subtype 4 has not been investigated yet. In this study, the protein expression of this receptor was analysed in 137 melanoma tissues of different progression stages by immunohistochemistry. FGFR4 protein was expressed in 45% of the specimens and correlated with pTNM tumour stages (UICC, P=0.023 and AJCC, P=0.046), presence of microulceration (P=0.009), tumour vascularity (P=0.001), metastases (P=0.025), number of primary tumours (P=0.022), overall survival (P=0.047) and disease-free survival (P=0.024). Furthermore, FGFR4 Arg388 polymorphism was analysed in 185 melanoma patients by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The Arg388 allele was detected in 45% of the melanoma patients and was significantly associated with tumour thickness (by Clark's level of invasion (P=0.004) and by Breslow in mm (P=0.02)) and the tumour subtype nodular melanoma (P=0.002). However, there was no correlation of the FGFR4 Arg388 allele with overall and disease-free survival. In conclusion, the Arg388 genotype and the protein expression of FGFR4 may be potential markers for progression of melanoma.

Regulation of local and metastatic host-mediated anti-tumour mechanisms by L-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1

Malignant melanoma is often accompanied by a host response of inflammatory cell infiltration that is highly regulated by multiple adhesion molecules. To assess the role of adhesion molecules, including L-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), in this process, subcutaneous primary growth and metastasis to the lung of B16 melanoma cells not expressing L-selectin, ICAM-1 or their ligands were examined in mice lacking L-selectin, ICAM-1 or both. Primary subcutaneous growth of B16 melanoma was augmented by loss of L-selectin, ICAM-1 or both, while pulmonary metastasis was enhanced by the loss of L-selectin or combined loss of L-selectin and ICAM-1. In both situations, the combined loss of L-selectin and ICAM-1 exhibited the greatest effect. This enhancement was associated generally with a reduced accumulation of natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells and also with a diminished release of interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha but not interleukin (IL)-6. Cytotoxicity against melanoma was not defective by the absence of ICAM-1, L-selectin or both, suggesting that the enhancement of tumour growth and metastasis caused by the loss of adhesion molecules results from an impaired migration of effector cells into the tissue rather than from a suppression of the cytotoxic response. The results indicate that L-selectin and ICAM-1 contribute co-operatively to the anti-tumour reaction by regulating lymphocyte infiltration to the tumour.

The CXCR3 targeting chemokine CXCL11 has potent antitumor activity in vivo involving attraction of CD8+ T lymphocytes but not inhibition of angiogenesis

The IFN-gamma-inducible and CXCR3-targeting human CXC chemokines CXCL9 (Mig) and CXCL10 (IP10) have potent antitumor activity through attraction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and inhibition of angiogenesis. The more recently identified CXCR3-targeting chemokine CXCL11 (I-TAC/IP9) proved to be a more potent chemokine than CXCL9 and CXCL10 in vitro, both in chemotaxis assays with CXCR3+ T lymphocytes and in calcium mobilization experiments. However, its antitumor activity in vivo has not been shown so far. To investigate this, mice were challenged with EL4 T-cell lymphoma cells, genetically modified to produce murine CXCL11. Tumor growth curves showed complete rejection of CXCL11-producing tumors but not of control tumors. Tumor infiltrate analysis by flow cytometry showed a clear correlation between rejection of CXCL11-producing tumors and an increase of tumor-infiltrating CD8+CXCR3+ as well as CD8+CXCR3- T lymphocytes. In vivo CD8 T-cell depletion completely abrogated the antitumor effect. No difference in angiogenesis between control and CXCL11-producing tumors was observed. In survivors, rechallenge experiments with wild-type tumor cells suggested development of protective antitumor immunity involving tumor-specific IFN-gamma production by CD8+ T lymphocytes. These experiments show, for the first time, antitumor activity of CXCL11 in vivo, which warrants exploration for its potential role in anticancer immunotherapy.

A study of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser irradiation and paracrine function in human skin cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This preliminary laboratory-based study looks at the paracrine release from human skin cells subject to sublethal Q-switched Nd:YAG 532 nm laser irradiation.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human dermal fibroblast and keratinocyte cultures were exposed to sublethal energy using the Nd:YAG 532 nm laser. Altered gene expression was then screened using RT-PCR for a range of paracrine factors known to affect melanogenesis, basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), stem cell factor (SCF), melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), endothelin-1 (ET-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to confirm protein production. Conditioned medium was used to assess altered melanogenesis in a melanoma cell line.

RESULTS

Fibroblasts exposed to sublethal radiation showed upregulation of b-FGF, HGF and SCF. This contrasts with keratinocytes which showed upregulation of IL-6. Elevated protein levels of b-FGF and SCF were confirmed by ELISA assay. Conditioned fibroblast medium was shown to stimulate melanogenesis in a melanoma cell line.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary laboratory study reports, for the first time, specific gene upregulation using the Q-switched Nd:YAG 532 nm laser.

Prevention of the ultraviolet B-mediated skin photoaging by a nuclear factor kappaB inhibitor, parthenolide

The skin photoaging is characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and degradation of collagen fibers, causing skin wrinkling and laxity and melanocyte proliferation that leads to pigmentation. UV is considered to be a major cause of such skin changes. It is well established that nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is activated upon UV irradiation and induces various genes including interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), and matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1). It is also known that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) production is induced by UV and promotes the proliferation of skin keratinocytes and melanocytes. We found that UVB, IL-1, and TNFalpha induced NF-kappaB activation and then produced MMP-1 and bFGF in HaCaT keratinocytes and skin fibroblasts. In this experiment, we examined if parthenolide, an NF-kappaB inhibitor, could block the UVB-mediated skin changes. We found that parthenolide could effectively inhibit the gene expression mediated by NF-kappaB and the production of bFGF and MMP-1 from cells overexpressing p65, a major subunit of NF-kappaB. We also found that parthenolide could inhibit the UVB-induced proliferation of keratinocytes and melanocytes in the mouse skin. These findings suggest that NF-kappaB inhibitors should be useful for the prevention of skin photoaging.

Dermal papilla-induced hair differentiation of adult epithelial stem cells from human skin

The epithelial-mesenchymal interactions between keratinocyte stem cells and dermal papilla (DP) cells are crucial for normal development of the hair follicle as well as during hair cycling. During the cyclical regrowth of a new lower follicle, the multipotent hair follicle stem cells are stimulated to proliferate and differentiate through interactions with the underlying mesenchymal DP cells. To characterize the events occurring during the process of epithelial stem cell fate determination, we utilized a coculture system by incubating human hair follicle keratinocyte stem cells with DP cells. Using GeneChip microarrays, we analyzed changes in gene expression within the stem cells upon coculture with the DP over a 5-day time course. A number of important signaling pathways and growth factors were regulated. The hair-specific keratin 6hf (K6hf) gene proved a particularly good marker of hair differentiation, with a 7.9-fold increase in mRNA and resulting increased protein levels. The high expression of K6hf was unique to DP-induced keratinocyte differentiation, since expression of K6hf was not induced by high calcium. Since the beta-catenin signaling pathway has been implicated in hair follicle development, we examined the role of beta-catenin in our system and demonstrated that beta-catenin/lef-1 signaling is required for DP-induced hair differentiation.

Malignant germ cell tumours of the testis express interferon-gamma, but are resistant to endogenous interferon-gamma

Cytokines possess discrepant effects on tumour cells varying from anti- to proapoptotic activities. We recently reported that testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) express a functional form of the proinflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNgamma). The present study asked whether TGCT-derived IFNgamma influences survival or death of neoplastic germ cells. Analysis of TGCT cell lines demonstrated that they expressed and secreted IFNgamma, but were resistant to the endogenous IFNgamma since neutralisation of IFNgamma by a specific blocking antibody had no influence on the proliferation and/or the degree of apoptosis of tumour cells. To study mechanisms providing tumour resistance to endogenous IFNgamma, we analysed primary TGCT and two human TGCT cell lines (NTERA and NCCIT) for the expression of IFNgamma receptor and for the level of phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1. In situ hybridisation, immunocytochemistry, Western blot analysis and flow cytometry indicated that primary TGCT as well as NCCIT and NTERA cell lines expressed the heterodimeric cell surface IFNgamma receptor which consists of both 90-kDa alpha- and the 85-kDa beta-chains. However, the downstream transcription factor STAT-1 was not phosphorylated constitutively, indicating that STAT-1 is not activated by the endogenous IFNgamma. Upon application of recombinant human IFNgamma in excess, however, STAT-1 was phosphorylated and the interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) was induced, suggesting that both IFNgammaR and STAT-1 are functionally intact in TGCT. Altogether our results suggest that despite secreting biologically active IFNgamma, the concentration of the endogenous IFNgamma is too low to stimulate the IFNgammaR/STAT signalling pathway in TGCT in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner.

TNF plays an essential role in tumor regression after adoptive transfer of perforin/IFN-gamma double knockout effector T cells

We have recently shown that effector T cells (T(E)) lacking either perforin or IFN-gamma are highly effective mediators of tumor regression. To rule out compensation by either mechanism, T(E) deficient in both perforin and IFN-gamma (perforin knockout (PKO)/IFN-gamma knockout (GKO)) were generated. The adoptive transfer of PKO/GKO T(E) mediated complete tumor regression and cured wild-type animals with established pulmonary metastases of the B16BL6-D5 (D5) melanoma cell line. PKO/GKO T(E) also mediated tumor regression in D5 tumor-bearing PKO, GKO, or PKO/GKO recipients, although in PKO/GKO recipients efficacy was reduced. PKO/GKO T(E) exhibited tumor-specific TNF-alpha production and cytotoxicity in a 24-h assay, which was blocked by the soluble TNFRII-human IgG fusion protein (TNFRII:Fc). Blocking TNF in vivo by administering soluble TNFR II fusion protein (TNFRII:Fc) significantly reduced the therapeutic efficacy of PKO/GKO, but not wild-type T(E). This study identifies perforin, IFN-gamma, and TNF as a critical triad of effector molecules that characterize therapeutic antitumor T cells. These insights could be used to monitor and potentially tune the immune response to cancer vaccines.

Increased interleukin-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor levels in the sera of patients with non-segmental vitiligo

BACKGROUND

Although the cause of vitiligo is unknown, an autoimmune theory has been proposed, and there is now convincing evidence that cytokines have an important role in pathogenesis of autoimmunity.

OBJECTIVE

To study the possible role of interleukin-1, beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

METHODS

The authors measured the serum levels of the above-mentioned cytokines from 50 patients with the vitiligo compared with 20 healthy volunteers, employing the method of radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

The results showed that the serum levels of both IL-6 and GM-CSF of the patients with both focal type and generalized type of vitiligo, and the serum level of IL-1 beta of the generalized type,were significantly, higher than those of normal controls in the patients with segmental vitiligo, the serum levels of all the cytokines tested were not significantly different from those of the normal controls. The GM-CSF levels of both focal type and generalized type, and the IL-6 level of the generalized type in progressive stage were significantly higher than those in stable state.

CONCLUSION

It is speculated that IL-6 and GM-CSF may be involved in the autoimmune mechanism of non-segmental vitiligo. However, more evidence is required before a definite conclusion can be drawn.

Molecular aspects of melanocytic dysplastic nevi

Melanocytic dysplastic nevi were first described in both patients and their relatives who had one or several cutaneous malignant melanomas. Most of these dysplastic lesions are biologically stable, but some of them have severe histological atypia and can progress further to melanomas. Although several studies have suggested the etiological importance of dysplastic nevi in the development of melanomas, comprehensive reviews of the molecular changes in these dysplastic lesions are still scarce. To remedy this issue, this article analyzes the available molecular information about dysplastic nevi and provides the current state of knowledge regarding the karyotypic abnormalities of the melanoma/dysplastic nevus trait and the involvement of allelic loss, tumor suppressor genes, mismatch repair proteins, microsatellite instability, oncogenes, extracellular matrix proteins, and growth factors in the genesis of these lesions. These studies suggest that although some of these lesions represent "genetic dead-ends," others represent intermediate lesional steps in the melanoma tumorigenesis pathway.

Influence of TNFalpha and LTalpha single nucleotide polymorphisms on susceptibility to and prognosis in cutaneous malignant melanoma in the British population

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is a potentially fatal malignancy in which exposure to UV light is the most important risk factor. Several lines of evidence suggest that increased expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, upregulated by UV exposure, may contribute to tumour escape from the immune response. In this study, we addressed whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNFalpha promoter and lymphotoxin (LT) alpha gene are associated with susceptibility to or known prognostic indicators (e.g. initial tumour growth phase, Breslow thickness, mitotic count in vertical growth phase tumours, and tumour regression) in CMM. One hundred and forty-six British Caucasian CMM patients and 220 controls were typed for TNFalpha-376, -308 and -238 and LTalpha+252 SNPs by ARMS-PCR. Only the TNFalpha -238 GG (P = 0.05) and GA (P = 0.03) genotypes showed slight, but significant, associations with CMM, while LTalpha+252 AA was associated with a higher mitotic count in vertical growth phase tumours (P = 0.02). Both TNFalpha-238 and LTalpha+252 SNPs showed linkage disequilibrium with HLA-DQB1*0303 and *0301 alleles, variably implicated in CMM susceptibility/prognosis. In addition, TNFalpha-238, -308, LTalpha+252 haplotypes were assigned and compared. The GGA haplotype showed a modest association with CMM (P = 0.04) and with stage of disease (P = 0.03) and initial growth phase in CMM (P = 0.02), but these associations were only significant when P-values were uncorrected. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, these preliminary findings suggest that genetic variation associated with differential TNFalpha and LTalpha production is unlikely to play a major, independent role in susceptibility to, and perhaps prognosis in, CMM.

Gene expression patterns in melanocytic cells: candidate markers for early stage and malignant transformation

Different stages of differentiation of human melanocytic cells, such as normal melanocytes, naevus and melanoma cells, reflect distinct gene expression patterns. A PCR-based subtractive hybridization and display method was applied to identify genes that are differentially expressed in melanocytic cells in relation to early stage and malignant transformation. This resulted in the identification of a number of candidate cDNAs differentially expressed among melanocytes, naevus cells, and (non)-metastatic melanoma cells. Out of this collection of cDNAs, 16 clones were screened that comprised 12 novel genes, one previously identified expressed sequence tag related to vesicular trafficking (Ras-related protein Rab5b). The other three were also known genes that were either related to cell motility (beta-tubulin), pre-mRNA splicing (small nuclear protein U1A), or of unknown function (the human TI227-H gene). The differential expression patterns of Rab5b and two novel gene fragments (pCMa1, pCMn2) were further assessed in melanocytic cells. pCMa1 was expressed more in metastatic melanoma than in primary melanoma cells. In contrast, pCMn2 was expressed in both non-metastatic and metastatic melanoma cells, but was not detectable in either normal melanocytes or naevus cells. The Ras-related protein Rab5b showed lower levels of expression in highly metastatic than in other melanoma cells. These three cDNAs may therefore be involved in the early stage and malignant transformation of melanocytes.

Endogenous accumulation of IFN-gamma in IFN-gamma-R(-/-) mice increases resistance to B16F10-Nex2 murine melanoma: a model for direct IFN-gamma anti-tumor cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo

Syngeneic IFN-gamma(-/-) and IRF-1(-/-) mice are very sensitive to B16F10-Nex2 murine melanoma cells implanted subcutaneously. In contrast, IFN-gamma-R(-/-) (GRKO) mice are remarkably resistant to tumor development. Only 0-30% of these animals, challenged with a high dose of melanoma cells (5 x 10(5)), developed tumors at a late stage. The hypothesis of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) accumulation and consequent cytotoxicity to implanted tumor cells was confirmed in vitro and ex vivo. IFN-gamma reduced tumor-cell growth in vitro in 60-81%, added alone or with LPS. Splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages from naïve GRKO mice activated with anti-CD3 and interleukin-12 (IL-12), respectively, accumulated IFN-gamma at levels 10-fold those of the wild-type. Supernatants of IL-12-activated macrophages from GRKO mice were toxic to B16F10-Nex2 cells, an effect reversible by anti-IFN-gamma antibody treatment. IL-12-activated macrophages from iNOS(-/-) mice were still highly cytotoxic to B16F10-Nex2 cells, but IL-12-activated macrophages from IFN-gamma-deficient mice were not inhibitory. In vivo, a single injection of anti-IFN-gamma antibody 18 h after tumor-cell challenge in GRKO mice rendered all animals susceptible to B16F10-Nex2 melanoma development. No tumors developed in the untreated GRKO mice during up to 45 days of observation. This model can be useful in understanding immune responses that involve IFN-gamma as a direct cytotoxic factor.

Levels of neuropeptide-Y in the plasma and skin tissue fluids of patients with vitiligo

In order to study the possible role of neuropeptide-Y (NPY) in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, the authors measured the levels of NPY in the plasma from 47 patients with vitiligo compared with 25 healthy volunteers, and the tissue fluids of skin lesions and uninvolved skin from 32 patients, employing a NPY 125I RIA Kit. The results showed that the levels of NPY in the patients with vitiligo of all of the generalized, local and segmental types were significantly higher than the normal controls. In both local and segmental type, the levels in progressive stage were significantly higher than those in stable stage, while in generalized type, there was no significant difference between those in progressive stage and stable stage. The levels of NPY in the tissue fluids from skin lesions were significantly higher than those from uninvolved skin in both the local type and segmental type, while in the generalized type, there was no significant difference between the NPY level in the tissue fluid from skin lesion and that from uninvolved skin. It is speculated that NPY may play certain roles in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, via neuro-immunity mechanism or neuronal affection on the melanocytes.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces stress fiber formation through ceramide production: role of sphingosine kinase

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine that activates several signaling cascades. We determined the extent to which ceramide is a second messenger for TNF-alpha-induced signaling leading to cytoskeletal rearrangement in Rat2 fibroblasts. TNF-alpha, sphingomyelinase, or C(2)-ceramide induced tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin, and stress fiber formation. Ly 294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) inhibitor, or expression of dominant/negative Ras (N17) completely blocked C(2)-ceramide- and sphingomyelinase-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin and severely decreased stress fiber formation. The TNF-alpha effects were only partially inhibited. Dimethylsphingosine, a sphingosine kinase (SK) inhibitor, blocked stress fiber formation by TNF-alpha and C(2)-ceramide. TNF-alpha, sphingomyelinase, and C(2)-ceramide translocated Cdc42, Rac, and RhoA to membranes, and stimulated p21-activated protein kinase downstream of Ras-GTP, PI 3-K, and SK. Transfection with inactive RhoA inhibited the TNF-alpha- and C(2)-ceramide-induced stress fiber formation. Our results demonstrate that stimulation by TNF-alpha, which increases sphingomyelinase activity and ceramide formation, activates sphingosine kinase, Rho family GTPases, focal adhesion kinase, and paxillin. This novel pathway of ceramide signaling can account for approximately 70% of TNF-alpha-induced stress fiber formation and cytoskeletal reorganization.

Different levels of TGFbeta, IL-10, IFNgamma and gelatinase A occur in experimental white and black metastases induced by bryostatin 1 or by phorbol ester-treated BL6T murine melanoma cells

Bryostatin 1 and phorbol esters reduce the intracellular melanin level in high metastatic overexpressing nPKCdelta BL6 (BL6T) cells, thereby inducing white experimental metastasis in syngeneic mice. We evaluate here the possible differences between white and black metastases induced by both treatments on the proliferative and metastatic potential as well as on the expression of some cytokines involved in the metastatic process such as TGFbeta, IL-10 and IFNgamma. The level of expression of gelatinase A is also considered. White and black metastases induced after the injection of bryostatin 1- or phorbol ester-treated cells into the tail vein of syngenic mice were isolated and analysed for the levels of LDH usually used as markers of cytotoxicity, for the levels of cytokines and gelatinase A or dissociated and cultured in vitro for a few passages. The cultured cells were analysed in vitro for the proliferative capacity and the melanin synthesis. The same cells were also re-injected into syngeneic mice and the number of experimental metastases were counted after 17 days or injected with matrigel in order to quantify the proliferative capacity in vivo. The results show only one significant difference between bryostatin I and phorbol ester, namely the cells obtained from white bryostatin 1-treated cells return to a black phenotype after a few passages in culture. This suggests that PKC mediates many of the biological effects of bryostatin 1 but that its effect is lost in vitro. On the other hand, white and black metastases (at least for metastases induced by BL6T cells treated with phorbol ester) do appear significantly different. In vivo white metastases show lower levels of LDH, lower levels of proliferative capacity into matrigel, higher levels of TGFbeta and IFNgamma and, when re-injected into syngeneic mice, give big black metastases. Therefore, in murine melanoma cells, the treatment with bryostatin I induces the appearance of a white population expressing different levels of TGFbeta, IFNgamma, IL-10 and gelatinase A. Such a white population is more difficult to diagnose and is capable of turning into a more aggressive phenotype under suitable environmental conditions.