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Angeli C, Wroblewska JP, Klein E, Margue C, Kreis S. Protocol to generate scaffold-free, multicomponent 3D melanoma spheroid models for preclinical drug testing. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:103058. [PMID: 38748881 PMCID: PMC11109877 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) models play an increasingly important role in preclinical drug testing as they faithfully mimic interactions between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we present a protocol for generating scaffold-free 3D multicomponent human melanoma spheroids. We describe steps for characterizing models using live-cell imaging and histology, followed by drug testing and assessment of cell death through various techniques such as imaging, luminescence-based assays, and flow cytometry. Finally, we demonstrate the models' adaptability for co-cultures with immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Angeli
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
| | | | - Eliane Klein
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
| | - Christiane Margue
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Stephanie Kreis
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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2
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Nelson BE, Roszik J, Ahmed J, Barretto CMN, Nardo M, Campbell E, Johnson AM, Piha-Paul SA, Oliva ICG, Weathers SP, Cabanillas M, Javle M, Meric-Bernstam F, Subbiah V. RAF inhibitor re-challenge therapy in BRAF-aberrant pan-cancers: the RE-RAFFLE study. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:64. [PMID: 38532456 PMCID: PMC10964523 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01982-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown the clinical benefit of rechallenging the RAF pathway in melanoma patients previously treated with BRAF inhibitors. 44 patients with multiple tumors harboring RAF alterations were rechallenged with a second RAF inhibitor, either as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies, after prior therapy with a first RAF inhibitor. This retrospective observational study results showed that rechallenging with RAFi(s) led to an overall response rate of 18.1% [PR in thyroid (1 anaplastic; 3 papillary), 1 ovarian, 2 melanoma, 1 cholangiocarcinoma, and 1 anaplastic astrocytoma]. The clinical benefit rate was 54.5%; more than 30% of patients had durable responses with PR and SD lasting > 6 months. The median progression-free survival on therapy with second RAF inhibitor in the rechallenge setting either as monotherapy or combination was shorter at 2.7 months (0.9-30.1 m) compared to 8.6 months (6.5-11.5 m) with RAF-1i. However, the median PFS with RAF-2i responders (PFS-2) improved at 12.8 months compared to 11.4 months with RAF-1i responders. The median OS from retreatment with RAF-2i was 15.5 months (11.1-30.8 m). Further prospective studies are needed to validate these results and expand targeted therapy options for RAF-aberrant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blessie Elizabeth Nelson
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Jason Roszik
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jibran Ahmed
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carmelia Maria Noia Barretto
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mirella Nardo
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erick Campbell
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amber M Johnson
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isabella C Glitza Oliva
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shiao-Pei Weathers
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Cabanillas
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Milind Javle
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Early-Phase Drug Development, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.
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3
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Mechanistically Coupled PK (MCPK) Model to Describe Enzyme Induction and Occupancy Dependent DDI of Dabrafenib Metabolism. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020310. [PMID: 35214043 PMCID: PMC8875124 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Dabrafenib inhibits the cell proliferation of metastatic melanoma with the oncogenic BRAF(V600)-mutation. However, dabrafenib monotherapy is associated with pERK reactivation, drug resistance, and consequential relapse. A clinical drug-dose determination study shows increased pERK levels upon daily administration of more than 300 mg dabrafenib. To clarify whether such elevated drug concentrations could be reached by long-term drug accumulation, we mechanistically coupled the pharmacokinetics (MCPK) of dabrafenib and its metabolites. The MCPK model is qualitatively based on in vitro and quantitatively on clinical data to describe occupancy-dependent CYP3A4 enzyme induction, accumulation, and drug–drug interaction mechanisms. The prediction suggests an eight-fold increase in the steady-state concentration of potent desmethyl-dabrafenib and its inactive precursor carboxy-dabrafenib within four weeks upon 150 mg b.d. dabrafenib. While it is generally assumed that a higher dose is not critical, we found experimentally that a high physiological dabrafenib concentration fails to induce cell death in embedded 451LU melanoma spheroids.
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Cherepakhin OS, Argenyi ZB, Moshiri AS. Genomic and Transcriptomic Underpinnings of Melanoma Genesis, Progression, and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:123. [PMID: 35008286 PMCID: PMC8750021 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer with rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. The discovery of the genetic drivers of melanomagenesis in the last decade has led the World Health Organization to reclassify melanoma subtypes by their molecular pathways rather than traditional clinical and histopathologic features. Despite this significant advance, the genomic and transcriptomic drivers of metastatic progression are less well characterized. This review describes the known molecular pathways of cutaneous and uveal melanoma progression, highlights recently identified pathways and mediators of metastasis, and touches on the influence of the tumor microenvironment on metastatic progression and treatment resistance. While targeted therapies and immune checkpoint blockade have significantly aided in the treatment of advanced disease, acquired drug resistance remains an unfortunately common problem, and there is still a great need to identify potential prognostic markers and novel therapeutic targets to aid in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zsolt B. Argenyi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Ata S. Moshiri
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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5
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Saltari A, Dzung A, Quadri M, Tiso N, Facchinello N, Hernández-Barranco A, Garcia-Silva S, Nogués L, Stoffel CI, Cheng PF, Turko P, Eichhoff OM, Truzzi F, Marconi A, Pincelli C, Peinado H, Dummer R, Levesque MP. Specific Activation of the CD271 Intracellular Domain in Combination with Chemotherapy or Targeted Therapy Inhibits Melanoma Progression. Cancer Res 2021; 81:6044-6057. [PMID: 34645608 PMCID: PMC9397645 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CD271 (NGFR) is a neurotrophin receptor that belongs to the tumor necrosis receptor (TNFR) family. Upon ligand binding, CD271 can mediate either survival or cell death. Although the role of CD271 as a marker of tumor-initiating cells is still a matter of debate, its role in melanoma progression has been well documented. Moreover, CD271 has been shown to be upregulated after exposure to both chemotherapy and targeted therapy. In this study, we demonstrate that activation of CD271 by a short β-amyloid-derived peptide (Aβ(25-35)) in combination with either chemotherapy or MAPK inhibitors induces apoptosis in 2D and 3D cultures of eight melanoma cell lines. This combinatorial treatment significantly reduced metastasis in a zebrafish xenograft model and led to significantly decreased tumor volume in mice. Administration of Aβ(25-35) in ex vivo tumors from immunotherapy- and targeted therapy-resistant patients significantly reduced proliferation of melanoma cells, showing that activation of CD271 can overcome drug resistance. Aβ(25-35) was specific to CD271-expressing cells and induced CD271 cleavage and phosphorylation of JNK (pJNK). The direct protein-protein interaction of pJNK with CD271 led to PARP1 cleavage, p53 and caspase activation, and pJNK-dependent cell death. Aβ(25-35) also mediated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) accumulation, which induced CD271 overexpression. Finally, CD271 upregulation inhibited mROS production, revealing the presence of a negative feedback loop in mROS regulation. These results indicate that targeting CD271 can activate cell death pathways to inhibit melanoma progression and potentially overcome resistance to targeted therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: The discovery of a means to specifically activate the CD271 death domain reveals unknown pathways mediated by the receptor and highlights new treatment possibilities for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Saltari
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Dzung
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marika Quadri
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Biology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Hernández-Barranco
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Garcia-Silva
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Nogués
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Corinne Isabelle Stoffel
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Phil F. Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Turko
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ossia M. Eichhoff
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Truzzi
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Biology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Agricultural and Food Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marconi
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Biology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Pincelli
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Biology, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Héctor Peinado
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mitchell P. Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Corresponding Author: Mitchell P. Levesque, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Wagistrasse 18, Zurich 8952, Switzerland. E-mail:
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6
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Matias M, Pinho JO, Penetra MJ, Campos G, Reis CP, Gaspar MM. The Challenging Melanoma Landscape: From Early Drug Discovery to Clinical Approval. Cells 2021; 10:3088. [PMID: 34831311 PMCID: PMC8621991 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is recognized as the most dangerous type of skin cancer, with high mortality and resistance to currently used treatments. To overcome the limitations of the available therapeutic options, the discovery and development of new, more effective, and safer therapies is required. In this review, the different research steps involved in the process of antimelanoma drug evaluation and selection are explored, including information regarding in silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments, as well as clinical trial phases. Details are given about the most used cell lines and assays to perform both two- and three-dimensional in vitro screening of drug candidates towards melanoma. For in vivo studies, murine models are, undoubtedly, the most widely used for assessing the therapeutic potential of new compounds and to study the underlying mechanisms of action. Here, the main melanoma murine models are described as well as other animal species. A section is dedicated to ongoing clinical studies, demonstrating the wide interest and successful efforts devoted to melanoma therapy, in particular at advanced stages of the disease, and a final section includes some considerations regarding approval for marketing by regulatory agencies. Overall, considerable commitment is being directed to the continuous development of optimized experimental models, important for the understanding of melanoma biology and for the evaluation and validation of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Matias
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta O Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Penetra
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Campos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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7
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Gebhardt C, Ascierto P, Atkinson V, Corrie P, Dummer R, Schadendorf D. The concepts of rechallenge and retreatment in melanoma: A proposal for consensus definitions. Eur J Cancer 2020; 138:68-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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8
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Massi D, Mihic-Probst D, Schadendorf D, Dummer R, Mandalà M. Dedifferentiated melanomas: Morpho-phenotypic profile, genetic reprogramming and clinical implications. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 88:102060. [PMID: 32619863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity of malignant melanoma is a well-known phenomenon. Several translational studies and small case series have reported this clinical and biological entity, particularly in metastatic melanoma, showing frequent aberrant expression of non-melanocytic differentiation markers of different lineages, posing remarkable challenges due to several alternative differential diagnoses including undifferentiated carcinoma and sarcomas. When melanoma loses its typical morpho-phenotype by routinely used diagnostic immunohistochemical markers, it is defined as "dedifferentiated melanoma". Historically, this process was closely related to diagnostic interpretative difficulties. In recent years, however, dedifferentiation has been increasingly recognized as an important biological phenomenon that demonstrates the phenotypic and genetic plasticity of melanoma, and specifically the non-irreversibility of the multistep cancerogenesis. Furthermore, dedifferentiation emerged as a general hallmark of cancer evolution and a common denominator of cross-resistance to both targeted and immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the histopathological features, the genetic and epigenetic bases underlying the dedifferentiated phenotype in melanomas and provide additional support that dedifferentiation is a mechanism of resistance to immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Massi
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Mihic-Probst
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology ,University Hospital Essen, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- University Hospital Zürich Skin Cancer Center, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mario Mandalà
- Unit of Melanoma, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology and Haematology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Cancer Center Hospital, Bergamo, Italy.
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Albrecht M, Lucarelli P, Kulms D, Sauter T. Computational models of melanoma. Theor Biol Med Model 2020; 17:8. [PMID: 32410672 PMCID: PMC7222475 DOI: 10.1186/s12976-020-00126-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genes, proteins, or cells influence each other and consequently create patterns, which can be increasingly better observed by experimental biology and medicine. Thereby, descriptive methods of statistics and bioinformatics sharpen and structure our perception. However, additionally considering the interconnectivity between biological elements promises a deeper and more coherent understanding of melanoma. For instance, integrative network-based tools and well-grounded inductive in silico research reveal disease mechanisms, stratify patients, and support treatment individualization. This review gives an overview of different modeling techniques beyond statistics, shows how different strategies align with the respective medical biology, and identifies possible areas of new computational melanoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Albrecht
- Systems Biology Group, Life Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, avenue du Swing, Belval, 4367 Luxembourg
| | - Philippe Lucarelli
- Systems Biology Group, Life Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, avenue du Swing, Belval, 4367 Luxembourg
| | - Dagmar Kulms
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 105, Dresden, 01307 Germany
| | - Thomas Sauter
- Systems Biology Group, Life Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, avenue du Swing, Belval, 4367 Luxembourg
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Madorsky Rowdo FP, Barón A, Gallagher SJ, Hersey P, Emran AA, Von Euw EM, Barrio MM, Mordoh J. Epigenetic inhibitors eliminate senescent melanoma BRAFV600E cells that survive long‑term BRAF inhibition. Int J Oncol 2020; 56:1429-1441. [PMID: 32236593 PMCID: PMC7170042 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that ~50% of patients with melanoma harbour B‑Raf (BRAF)V600 driver mutations, with the most common of these being BRAFV600E, which leads to the activation of mitogen‑activated protein kinase proliferative and survival pathways. BRAF inhibitors are used extensively to treat BRAF‑mutated metastatic melanoma; however, acquired resistance occurs in the majority of patients. The effects of long‑term treatment with PLX4032 (BRAFV600 inhibitor) were studied in vitro on sensitive V600E BRAF‑mutated melanoma cell lines. After several weeks of treatment with PLX4032, the majority of the melanoma cells died; however, a proportion of cells remained viable and quiescent, presenting senescent cancer stem cell‑like characteristics. This surviving population was termed SUR cells, as discontinuing treatment allowed the population to regrow while retaining equal drug sensitivity to that of parental cells. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that SUR cells exhibit changes in the expression of 1,415 genes (P<0.05) compared with parental cells. Changes in the expression levels of a number of epigenetic regulators were also observed. These changes and the reversible nature of the senescence state were consistent with epigenetic regulation; thus, it was investigated as to whether the senescent state could be reversed by epigenetic inhibitors. It was found that both parental and SUR cells were sensitive to different histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, such as SAHA and MGCD0103, and to the cyclin‑dependent kinase (CDK)9 inhibitor, CDKI‑73, which induced apoptosis and reduced proliferation both in the parental and SUR populations. The results suggested that the combination of PLX4032 with HDAC and CDK9 inhibitors may achieve complete elimination of SUR cells that persist after BRAF inhibitor treatment, and reduce the development of resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Paula Madorsky Rowdo
- Cancerology Laboratory, Leloir Institute‑Biochemical Research Institute of Buenos Aires (IIBBA), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1405BWE, Argentina
| | - Antonela Barón
- Cancerology Laboratory, Leloir Institute‑Biochemical Research Institute of Buenos Aires (IIBBA), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1405BWE, Argentina
| | - Stuart John Gallagher
- Melanoma Oncology and Immunology Group, Centenary Institute, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Peter Hersey
- Melanoma Oncology and Immunology Group, Centenary Institute, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Abdullah Al Emran
- Melanoma Oncology and Immunology Group, Centenary Institute, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Erika M Von Euw
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology‑Oncology, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - María Marcela Barrio
- Oncology Research Center‑Cancer Foundation (FUCA), Buenos Aires C1426 ANZ, Argentina
| | - José Mordoh
- Cancerology Laboratory, Leloir Institute‑Biochemical Research Institute of Buenos Aires (IIBBA), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1405BWE, Argentina
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11
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Rossi A, Roberto M, Panebianco M, Botticelli A, Mazzuca F, Marchetti P. Drug resistance of BRAF-mutant melanoma: Review of up-to-date mechanisms of action and promising targeted agents. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 862:172621. [PMID: 31446019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma onset and progression are associated with a high variety of activating mutations in the MAPK-pathway, most frequently involving BRAF (35-45%) and NRAS (15-25%) genes, but also c-KIT and PTEN. Targeted therapies with BRAF and MEK inhibitors showed promising results over the past years, but it is known that most responses are temporary, and almost all of patients develop a tumor relapse within one year. Different drug-resistance mechanisms underlie the progression of disease and activation of both MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Therefore, in this article we reviewed the main studies about clinical effects of several target inhibitors, describing properly the most prominent mechanisms of both intrinsic and acquired resistance. Furthermore, suggestive strategies for overcoming drug resistance and the most recent alternative combination therapies to optimize the use of MAPK pathway inhibitors were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Oncology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Roberto
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Oncology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy; Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translation Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
| | - Martina Panebianco
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Oncology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Botticelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Oncology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Mazzuca
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Oncology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Oncology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy; Oncology Unit, IDI-IRCCS of Rome, Italy
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12
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Klicks J, Maßlo C, Kluth A, Rudolf R, Hafner M. A novel spheroid-based co-culture model mimics loss of keratinocyte differentiation, melanoma cell invasion, and drug-induced selection of ABCB5-expressing cells. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:402. [PMID: 31035967 PMCID: PMC6489189 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Different 3D-cell culture approaches with varying degrees of complexity have been developed to serve as melanoma models for drug testing or mechanistic studies. While these 3D-culture initiatives are already often superior to classical 2D approaches, they are either composed of only melanoma cells or they are so complex that the behavior of individual cell types is hard to understand, and often they are difficult to establish and expensive. Methods This study used low-attachment based generation of spheroids composed of up to three cell types. Characterization of cells and spheroids involved cryosectioning, immunofluorescence, FACS, and quantitative analyses. Statistical evaluation used one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey test or Student’s t-test. Results The tri-culture model allowed to track cellular behavior in a cell-type specific manner and recapitulated different characteristics of early melanoma stages. Cells arranged into a collagen-IV rich fibroblast core, a ring of keratinocytes, and groups of highly proliferating melanoma cells on the outside. Regularly, some melanoma cells were also found to invade the fibroblast core. In the absence of melanoma cells, the keratinocyte ring stratified into central basal-like and peripheral, more differentiated cells. Conversely, keratinocyte differentiation was clearly reduced upon addition of melanoma cells. Treatment with the cytostatic drug, docetaxel, restored keratinocyte differentiation and induced apoptosis of external melanoma cells. Remaining intact external melanoma cells showed a significantly increased amount of ABCB5-immunoreactivity. Conclusions In the present work, a novel, simple spheroid-based melanoma tri-culture model composed of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and melanoma cells was described. This model mimicked features observed in early melanoma stages, including loss of keratinocyte differentiation, melanoma cell invasion, and drug-induced increase of ABCB5 expression in external melanoma cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5606-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Klicks
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Paul-Wittsack-Straße 10, 68163, Mannheim, Germany.,Institute of Medical Technology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christoph Maßlo
- RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG, Im Neuenheimer Feld 517, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Kluth
- TICEBA GmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 517, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Paul-Wittsack-Straße 10, 68163, Mannheim, Germany. .,Institute of Medical Technology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Mathias Hafner
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Paul-Wittsack-Straße 10, 68163, Mannheim, Germany.,Institute of Medical Technology, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences and Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
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Induced cross-resistance of BRAF V600E melanoma cells to standard chemotherapeutic dacarbazine after chronic PLX4032 treatment. Sci Rep 2019; 9:30. [PMID: 30631106 PMCID: PMC6328535 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37188-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The maximum response and 10-year survival rate for metastatic melanoma patients treated with standardised chemotherapy is still less than 15% and 10%, respectively. In contrast, oncogene targeting was found a promising tool for killing of BRAFV600 mutated melanoma cells. Nevertheless, despite improved response and survival rates, resistance acquisition remains an ongoing problem. In this context, the impact of chronic BRAF inhibition on the efficacy of commonly applied cytostatics is still unknown. In our study, human melanoma cells with BRAFV600E mutation were treated with chemotherapeutics and a BRAF inhibitor. Resistance patterns were analysed by microelectrode array-based impedance spectroscopy, XTT and flow cytometric apoptosis/proliferation assay. BRAFV600E melanoma cells acquired a time- and concentration-dependent desensitisation up to 100-fold towards oncogene-specific PLX4032 and chemotherapeutic dacarbazine after twelve months treatment. The impact of multiple drug insensitivity on molecular melanoma characteristics was elaborated via mRNA and protein quantification. Following BRAFV600E targeting, melanoma cells developed an increasingly aggressive, dacarbazine-insensitive phenotype. Thereby, hyperactivated canonical alternative MAPK and bypass PI3K/AKT signalling caused cross-resistance of differently acting drugs. With these results, we are the first to show that long-term melanoma therapy with BRAF inhibitors can prevent further therapeutic success with dacarbazine due to acquisition of cross-resistance.
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Calcitriol and Calcidiol Can Sensitize Melanoma Cells to Low⁻LET Proton Beam Irradiation. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082236. [PMID: 30065179 PMCID: PMC6122082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Proton beam irradiation promises therapeutic utility in the management of uveal melanoma. Calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D3)—the biologically active metabolite of vitamin D3—and its precursor, calcidiol (25(OH)D3), exert pleiotropic effects on melanoma cells. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of both calcitriol and calcidiol on melanoma cell proliferation and their response to proton beam irradiation. Three melanoma cell lines (human SKMEL-188 and hamster BHM Ma and BHM Ab), pre-treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 or 25(OH)D3 at graded concentrations (0, 10, 100 nM), were irradiated with 0–5 Gy and then cultured in vitro. Growth curves were determined by counting the cell number every 24 h up to 120 h, which was used to calculate surviving fractions. The obtained survival curves were analysed using two standard models: linear-quadratic and multi-target single hit. Calcitriol inhibited human melanoma proliferation at 10 nM, while only calcidiol inhibited proliferation of hamster lines at 10 and 100 nM doses. Treatment with either 1,25(OH)2D3 or 25(OH)D3 radio sensitized melanoma cells to low doses of proton beam radiation. The strength of the effect increased with the concentration of vitamin D3. Our data suggest that vitamin D3 may be an adjuvant that modifies proton beam efficiency during melanoma therapy.
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Slominski AT, Brożyna AA, Skobowiat C, Zmijewski MA, Kim TK, Janjetovic Z, Oak AS, Jozwicki W, Jetten AM, Mason RS, Elmets C, Li W, Hoffman RM, Tuckey RC. On the role of classical and novel forms of vitamin D in melanoma progression and management. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 177:159-170. [PMID: 28676457 PMCID: PMC5748362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma represents a significant clinical problem affecting a large segment of the population with a relatively high incidence and mortality rate. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an important etiological factor in malignant transformation of melanocytes and melanoma development. UVB, while being a full carcinogen in melanomagenesis, is also necessary for the cutaneous production of vitamin D3 (D3). Calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D3) and novel CYP11A1-derived hydroxyderivatives of D3 show anti-melanoma activities and protective properties against damage induced by UVB. The former activities include inhibitory effects on proliferation, plating efficiency and anchorage-independent growth of cultured human and rodent melanomas in vitro, as well as the in vivo inhibition of tumor growth by 20(OH)D3 after injection of human melanoma cells into immunodeficient mice. The literature indicates that low levels of 25(OH)D3 are associated with more advanced melanomas and reduced patient survivals, while single nucleotide polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor or the D3 binding protein gene affect development or progression of melanoma, or disease outcome. An inverse correlation of VDR and CYP27B1 expression with melanoma progression has been found, with low or undetectable levels of these proteins being associated with poor disease outcomes. Unexpectedly, increased expression of CYP24A1 was associated with better melanoma prognosis. In addition, decreased expression of retinoic acid orphan receptors α and γ, which can also bind vitamin D3 hydroxyderivatives, showed positive association with melanoma progression and shorter disease-free and overall survival. Thus, inadequate levels of biologically active forms of D3 and disturbances in expression of the target receptors, or D3 activating or inactivating enzymes, can affect melanomagenesis and disease progression. We therefore propose that inclusion of vitamin D into melanoma management should be beneficial for patients, at least as an adjuvant approach. The presence of multiple hydroxyderivatives of D3 in skin that show anti-melanoma activity in experimental models and which may act on alternative receptors, will be a future consideration when planning which forms of vitamin D to use for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej T Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Chemoprevention Program, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA; Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA; VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA; Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Anna A Brożyna
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland; Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | | | | | - Tae-Kang Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | | | - Allen S Oak
- Department of Dermatology, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Wojciech Jozwicki
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland; Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anton M Jetten
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health,Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Rebecca S Mason
- Bosch Institute & School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Craig Elmets
- Department of Dermatology, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - We Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee HSC, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Robert M Hoffman
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Robert C Tuckey
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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