1
|
Taylor J, Dubois F, Bergot E, Levallet G. Targeting the Hippo pathway to prevent radioresistance brain metastases from the lung (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 65:68. [PMID: 38785155 PMCID: PMC11155713 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5656] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for patients with non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a cancer type which represents 85% of all lung cancers, is poor with a 5‑year survival rate of 19%, mainly because NSCLC is diagnosed at an advanced and metastatic stage. Despite recent therapeutic advancements, ~50% of patients with NSCLC will develop brain metastases (BMs). Either surgical BM treatment alone for symptomatic patients and patients with single cerebral metastases, or in combination with stereotactic radiotherapy (RT) for patients who are not suitable for surgery or presenting with fewer than four cerebral lesions with a diameter range of 5‑30 mm, or whole‑brain RT for numerous or large BMs can be administered. However, radioresistance (RR) invariably prevents the action of RT. Several mechanisms of RR have been described including hypoxia, cellular stress, presence of cancer stem cells, dysregulation of apoptosis and/or autophagy, dysregulation of the cell cycle, changes in cellular metabolism, epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition, overexpression of programmed cell death‑ligand 1 and activation several signaling pathways; however, the role of the Hippo signaling pathway in RR is unclear. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway in NSCLC confers metastatic properties, and inhibitors targeting this pathway are currently in development. It is therefore essential to evaluate the effect of inhibiting the Hippo pathway, particularly the effector yes‑associated protein‑1, on cerebral metastases originating from lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Taylor
- University of Caen Normandy, National Center for Scientific Research, Normandy University, Unit of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies for Cancers and Cerebral Tissues (ISTCT)-UMR6030, GIP CYCERON, F-14074 Caen, France
| | - Fatéméh Dubois
- University of Caen Normandy, National Center for Scientific Research, Normandy University, Unit of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies for Cancers and Cerebral Tissues (ISTCT)-UMR6030, GIP CYCERON, F-14074 Caen, France
- Departments of Pathology, and Thoracic Oncology, Caen University Hospital, F-14033 Caen, France
| | - Emmanuel Bergot
- University of Caen Normandy, National Center for Scientific Research, Normandy University, Unit of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies for Cancers and Cerebral Tissues (ISTCT)-UMR6030, GIP CYCERON, F-14074 Caen, France
- Departments of Pneumology and Thoracic Oncology, Caen University Hospital, F-14033 Caen, France
| | - Guénaëlle Levallet
- University of Caen Normandy, National Center for Scientific Research, Normandy University, Unit of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies for Cancers and Cerebral Tissues (ISTCT)-UMR6030, GIP CYCERON, F-14074 Caen, France
- Departments of Pathology, and Thoracic Oncology, Caen University Hospital, F-14033 Caen, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kim G, Bhattarai PY, Lim SC, Lee KY, Choi HS. Sirtuin 5-mediated deacetylation of TAZ at K54 promotes melanoma development. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:967-985. [PMID: 38112979 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Nuclear accumulation of YAP/TAZ promotes tumorigenesis in several cancers, including melanoma. Although the mechanisms underlying the nuclear retention of YAP are known, those underlying the retention of TAZ remain unclear. Our study investigates a novel acetylation/deacetylation switch in TAZ, governing its subcellular localization in melanoma tumorigenesis. METHODS Immunoprecipitation/Western blot assessed TAZ protein interactions and acetylation. SIRT5 activity was quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunofluorescence indicated TAZ nuclear localization. TEAD transcriptional activity was measured through luciferase reporter assays. ChIP detected TAZ binding to the CTGF promoter. Transwell and wound healing assays quantified melanoma cell invasiveness and migration. Metastasis was evaluated using a mouse model via tail vein injections. Clinical relevance was explored via immunohistochemical staining of patient tumors. RESULTS CBP facilitated TAZ acetylation at K54 in response to epidermal growth factor stimulation, while SIRT5 mediated deacetylation. Acetylation correlated with phosphorylation, regulating TAZ's binding with LATS2 or TEAD. TAZ K54 acetylation enhanced its S89 phosphorylation, promoting cytosolic retention via LATS2 interaction. SIRT5-mediated deacetylation enhanced TAZ-TEAD interaction and nuclear retention. Chromatin IP showed SIRT5-deacetylated TAZ recruited to CTGF promoter, boosting transcriptional activity. In a mouse model, SIRT5 overexpression induced melanoma metastasis to lung tissue following the injection of B16F10 melanocytes via the tail vein, and this effect was prevented by verteporfin treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a novel mechanism of TAZ nuclear retention regulated by SIRT5-mediated K54 deacetylation and demonstrated the significance of TAZ deacetylation in CTGF expression. This study highlights the potential implications of the SIRT5/TAZ axis for treating metastatic melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Garam Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-759, Republic of Korea
| | - Poshan Yugal Bhattarai
- College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-759, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Chul Lim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Youl Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Seok Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-759, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Booth L, Roberts JL, Spasojevic I, Baker KC, Poklepovic A, West C, Kirkwood JM, Dent P. GZ17-6.02 kills PDX isolates of uveal melanoma. Oncotarget 2024; 15:328-344. [PMID: 38758815 PMCID: PMC11101052 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28586] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
GZ17-6.02 has undergone phase I evaluation in patients with solid tumors (NCT03775525). The RP2D is 375 mg PO BID, with an uveal melanoma patient exhibiting a 15% reduction in tumor mass for 5 months at this dose. Studies in this manuscript have defined the biology of GZ17-6.02 in PDX isolates of uveal melanoma cells. GZ17-6.02 killed uveal melanoma cells through multiple convergent signals including enhanced ATM-AMPK-mTORC1 activity, inactivation of YAP/TAZ and inactivation of eIF2α. GZ17-6.02 significantly enhanced the expression of BAP1, predictive to reduce metastasis, and reduced the levels of ERBB family RTKs, predicted to reduce growth. GZ17-6.02 interacted with doxorubicin or ERBB family inhibitors to significantly enhance tumor cell killing which was associated with greater levels of autophagosome formation and autophagic flux. Knock down of Beclin1, ATG5 or eIF2α were more protective than knock down of ATM, AMPKα, CD95 or FADD, however, over-expression of FLIP-s provided greater protection compared to knock down of CD95 or FADD. Expression of activated forms of mTOR and STAT3 significantly reduced tumor cell killing. GZ17-6.02 reduced the expression of PD-L1 in uveal melanoma cells to a similar extent as observed in cutaneous melanoma cells whereas it was less effective at enhancing the levels of MHCA. The components of GZ17-6.02 were detected in tumors using a syngeneic tumor model. Our data support future testing GZ17-6.02 in uveal melanoma as a single agent, in combination with ERBB family inhibitors, in combination with cytotoxic drugs, or with an anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Jane L Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Ivan Spasojevic
- Department of Medicine, and PK/PD Core Laboratory, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kaitlyn C Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Andrew Poklepovic
- Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Cameron West
- Genzada Pharmaceuticals, Hutchinson, KS 67502, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - John M Kirkwood
- Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program, Hillman Cancer Research Pavilion Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Păsărică MA, Curcă PF, Dragosloveanu CDM, Grigorescu AC, Nisipașu CI. Pathological and Molecular Diagnosis of Uveal Melanoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:958. [PMID: 38732371 PMCID: PMC11083017 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14090958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a common malignant intraocular tumor that presents with significant genetic differences to cutaneous melanoma and has a high genetic burden in terms of prognosis. (2) Methods: A systematic literature search of several repositories on uveal melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, molecular analysis, and treatment was conducted. (3) Results: Recent genetic understanding of oncogene-initiation mutations in GNAQ, GNA11, PLCB4, and CYSLTR2 and secondary progression drivers of BAP1 inactivation and SF3B1 and EIF1AX mutations offers an appealing explanation to the high prognostic impact of adding genetic profiling to clinical UM classification. Genetic information could help better explain peculiarities in uveal melanoma, such as the low long-term survival despite effective primary tumor treatment, the overwhelming propensity to metastasize to the liver, and possibly therapeutic behaviors. (4) Conclusions: Understanding of uveal melanoma has improved step-by-step from histopathology to clinical classification to more recent genetic understanding of oncogenic initiation and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Adrian Păsărică
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Paul Filip Curcă
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Christiana Diana Maria Dragosloveanu
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Cosmin Ionuț Nisipașu
- Department of Dental Medicine I, Implant-Prosthetic Therapy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ryu HJ, Kim C, Jang H, Kim SI, Shin SJ, Chung KY, Torres-Cabala C, Kim SK. Nuclear Localization of Yes-Associated Protein Is Associated With Tumor Progression in Cutaneous Melanoma. J Transl Med 2024; 104:102048. [PMID: 38490470 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2024.102048] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP), an effector molecule of the Hippo signaling pathway, is expressed at high levels in cutaneous melanoma. However, the role of YAP in melanoma progression according to cellular localization is poorly understood. Tissues from 140 patients with invasive melanoma were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry, western blotting, viability assays, wound healing assays, verteporfin treatment, and xenograft assays were conducted using melanoma cell lines B16F1 and B16F10 subjected to YapS127A transfection and siYap knockdown. Nuclear YAP localization was identified in 63 tumors (45.0%) and was more frequent than cytoplasmic YAP in acral lentiginous and nodular subtypes (P = .007). Compared with cytoplasmic YAP melanomas, melanomas with nuclear YAP had higher mitotic activity (P = .016), deeper invasion (P < .001), and more frequently metastasized to lymph nodes (P < .001) and distant organs (P < .001). Patients with nuclear YAP melanomas had poorer disease-free survival (P < .001) and overall survival (P < .001). Nuclear YAP was an independent risk factor for distant metastasis (hazard ratio: 3.206; 95% CI, 1.032-9.961; P = .044). Proliferative ability was decreased in siYapB16F1 (P < .001) and siYapB16F10 (P = .001) cells and increased in YapS127AB16F1 (P = .003) and YapS127AB16F10 (P = .002) cells. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated relative G1 retention in siYapB16F1 (P < .001) and siYapB16F10 (P < .001) cells and S retention in YapS127AB16F1 cells (P = .008). Wound healing assays showed that Yap knockdown inhibited cell invasion (siYapB16F1, P = .001; siYapB16F10, P < .001), whereas nuclear YAP promoted it (YapS127AB16F, P < .001; YapS127AB16F1, P = .017). Verteporfin, a direct YAP inhibitor, reduced cellular proliferation in B16F1 (P = .003) and B16F10 (P < .001) cells. Proliferative effects of nuclear YAP were confirmed in xenograft mice (P < .001). In conclusion, nuclear YAP in human melanomas showed subtype specificity and correlated with proliferative activity and proinvasiveness. It is expected that YAP becomes a useful prognostic marker, and its inhibition may be a potential therapy for melanoma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyang Joo Ryu
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chayeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyenguk Jang
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun Il Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Joon Shin
- Department of Oncology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kee Yang Chung
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Carlos Torres-Cabala
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Sang Kyum Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu XL, Run-Hua Z, Pan JX, Li ZJ, Yu L, Li YL. Emerging therapeutic strategies for metastatic uveal melanoma: Targeting driver mutations. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:411-425. [PMID: 38411373 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor in adults. Although primary UM can be effectively controlled, a significant proportion of cases (40% or more) eventually develop distant metastases, commonly in the liver. Metastatic UM remains a lethal disease with limited treatment options. The initiation of UM is typically attributed to activating mutations in GNAQ or GNA11. The elucidation of the downstream pathways such as PKC/MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Hippo-YAP have provided potential therapeutic targets. Concurrent mutations in BRCA1 associated protein 1 (BAP1) or splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) are considered crucial for the acquisition of malignant potential. Furthermore, in preclinical studies, actionable targets associated with BAP1 loss or oncogenic mutant SF3B1 have been identified, offering promising avenues for UM treatment. This review aims to summarize the emerging targeted and epigenetic therapeutic strategies for metastatic UM carrying specific driver mutations and the potential of combining these approaches with immunotherapy, with particular focus on those in upcoming or ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lian Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Run-Hua
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Li
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Le Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Lei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Du Y. The Hippo signalling pathway and its impact on eye diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18300. [PMID: 38613348 PMCID: PMC11015399 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18300] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signalling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade, has been shown to be crucial for cell fate determination, homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Recent experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that the Hippo signalling pathway is involved in the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. This article provides the first systematic review of studies on the regulatory and functional roles of mammalian Hippo signalling systems in eye diseases. More comprehensive studies on this pathway are required for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of eye diseases and the development of effective therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Du
- Precision Medicine Laboratory for Chronic Non‐communicable Diseases of Shandong Province, Institute of Precision MedicineJining Medical UniversityJiningShandongPeople's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kadamb R, Anton ML, Purwin TJ, Chua V, Seeneevassen L, Teh J, Angela Nieto M, Sato T, Terai M, Roman SR, De Koning L, Zheng D, Aplin AE, Aguirre-Ghiso J. Lineage commitment pathways epigenetically oppose oncogenic Gαq/11-YAP signaling in dormant disseminated uveal melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.583565. [PMID: 38496663 PMCID: PMC10942354 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.583565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The mechanisms driving late relapse in uveal melanoma (UM) patients remains a medical mystery and major challenge. Clinically it is inferred that UM disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) persist asymptomatic for years-to-decades mainly in the liver before they manifest as symptomatic metastasis. Here we reveal using Gαq/11 mut /BAP wt human uveal melanoma models and human UM metastatic samples, that the neural crest lineage commitment nuclear receptor NR2F1 is a key regulator of spontaneous UM DCC dormancy in the liver. Using a quiescence reporter, RNA-seq and multiplex imaging we revealed that rare dormant UM DCCs upregulate NR2F1 expression and genes related to neural crest programs while repressing gene related to cell cycle progression. Gain and loss of function assays showed that NR2F1 silences YAP1/TEAD1 transcription downstream of Gαq/11 signaling and that NR2F1 expression can also be repressed by YAP1. YAP1 expression is repressed by NR2F1 binding to its promoter and changing the histone H3 tail activation marks to repress YAP1 transcription. In vivo CRISPR KO of NR2F1 led dormant UM DCCs to awaken and initiate relentless liver metastatic growth. Cut&Run and bulk RNA sequencing further confirmed that NR2F1 epigenetically stimulates neuron axon guidance and neural lineage programs, and it globally represses gene expression linked to G-protein signaling to drive dormancy. Pharmacological inhibition of Gαq/11 mut signaling resulted in NR2F1 upregulation and robust UM growth arrest, which was also achieved using a novel NR2F1 agonist. Our work sheds light on the molecular underpinnings of UM dormancy revealing that transcriptional programs driven by NR2F1 epigenetically short-circuit Gαq/11 signaling to its downstream target YAP1. Highlights Quiescent solitary uveal melanoma (UM) DCCs in the liver up- and down-regulate neural crest and cell cycle progression programs, respectively.NR2F1 drives solitary UM DCC dormancy by antagonizing the Gαq/11-YAP1 pathway; small molecule Gαq/11 inhibition restores NR2F1 expression and quiescence. NR2F1 short-circuits oncogenic YAP1 and G-protein signaling via a chromatin remodeling program. Loss of function of NR2F1 in dormant UM DCCs leads to aggressive liver metastasis. Graphical abstract
Collapse
|
9
|
van den Bosch QCC, de Klein A, Verdijk RM, Kiliç E, Brosens E. Uveal melanoma modeling in mice and zebrafish. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189055. [PMID: 38104908 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189055] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive research and refined therapeutic options, the survival for metastasized uveal melanoma (UM) patients has not improved significantly. UM, a malignant tumor originating from melanocytes in the uveal tract, can be asymptomatic and small tumors may be detected only during routine ophthalmic exams; making early detection and treatment difficult. UM is the result of a number of characteristic somatic alterations which are associated with prognosis. Although UM morphology and biology have been extensively studied, there are significant gaps in our understanding of the early stages of UM tumor evolution and effective treatment to prevent metastatic disease remain elusive. A better understanding of the mechanisms that enable UM cells to thrive and successfully metastasize is crucial to improve treatment efficacy and survival rates. For more than forty years, animal models have been used to investigate the biology of UM. This has led to a number of essential mechanisms and pathways involved in UM aetiology. These models have also been used to evaluate the effectiveness of various drugs and treatment protocols. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms and pharmacological studies using mouse and zebrafish UM models. Finally, we highlight promising therapeutics and discuss future considerations using UM models such as optimal inoculation sites, use of BAP1mut-cell lines and the rise of zebrafish models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quincy C C van den Bosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies de Klein
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M Verdijk
- Department of Pathology, Section of Ophthalmic Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Emine Kiliç
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Brosens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Driskill JH, Pan D. Control of stem cell renewal and fate by YAP and TAZ. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:895-911. [PMID: 37626124 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00644-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Complex physiological processes control whether stem cells self-renew, differentiate or remain quiescent. Two decades of research have placed the Hippo pathway, a highly conserved kinase signalling cascade, and its downstream molecular effectors YAP and TAZ at the nexus of this decision. YAP and TAZ translate complex biological cues acting on stem cells - from mechanical forces to cellular metabolism - into genome-wide effects to mediate stem cell functions. While aberrant YAP/TAZ activity drives stem cell dysfunction in ageing, tumorigenesis and disease, therapeutic targeting of Hippo signalling and YAP/TAZ can boost stem cell activity to enhance regeneration. In this Review, we discuss how YAP/TAZ control the self-renewal, fate and plasticity of stem cells in different contexts, how dysregulation of YAP/TAZ in stem cells leads to disease, and how therapeutic modalities targeting YAP/TAZ may benefit regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan H Driskill
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Duojia Pan
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Glinkina KA, Teunisse AF, Gelmi MC, de Vries J, Jager MJ, Jochemsen AG. Combined Mcl-1 and YAP1/TAZ inhibition for treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma. Melanoma Res 2023; 33:345-356. [PMID: 37467061 PMCID: PMC10470438 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000911] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular tumor in adults, representing approximately 5% of all melanoma cases. Up to 50% of uveal melanoma patients develop metastases that are resistant to most of the commonly used antineoplastic treatments. Virtually all uveal melanoma tumors harbor activating mutations in GNAQ or GNA11 , encoding Gαq and Gα11, respectively. Constant activity of these proteins causes deregulation of multiple downstream signaling pathways including PKC, MAPK and YAP1/TAZ. While the importance of YAP1 signaling for the proliferation of uveal melanoma has recently been demonstrated, much less is known about the paralog of YAP1 transcriptional coactivator, named TAZ; however, similar to YAP1, TAZ is expected to be a therapeutic target in uveal melanoma. We performed a small-scale drug screen to discover a compound synergistically inhibiting uveal melanoma proliferation/survival in combination with YAP1/TAZ inhibition. We found that the combination of genetic depletion of YAP1/TAZ together with Mcl-1 inhibition demonstrates a synergistic inhibitory effect on the viability of uveal melanoma cell lines. Similarly, indirect attenuation of the YAP1/TAZ signaling pathway with an inhibitor of the mevalonate pathway, that is, the geranyl-geranyl transferase inhibitor GGTI-298, synergizes with Mcl-1 inhibition. This combination could be potentially used as a treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Chiara Gelmi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martine J. Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang X, Shi X, Zhang D, Gong X, Wen Z, Demandel I, Zhang J, Rossello-Martinez A, Chan TJ, Mak M. Compression drives diverse transcriptomic and phenotypic adaptations in melanoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220062120. [PMID: 37722033 PMCID: PMC10523457 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220062120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical forces are prominent during tumor progression. However, it is still unclear how they impact and drive the diverse phenotypes found in cancer. Here, we apply an integrative approach to investigate the impact of compression on melanoma cells. We apply bioinformatics to screen for the most significant compression-induced transcriptomic changes and investigate phenotypic responses. We show that compression-induced transcriptomic changes are associated with both improvement and worsening of patient prognoses. Phenotypically, volumetric compression inhibits cell proliferation and cell migration. It also induces organelle stress and intracellular oxidative stress and increases pigmentation in malignant melanoma cells and normal human melanocytes. Finally, cells that have undergone compression become more resistant to cisplatin treatment. Our findings indicate that volumetric compression is a double-edged sword for melanoma progression and drives tumor evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingjian Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | - Xin Shi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin300350, China
| | - Dingyao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | - Xiangyu Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | - Zhang Wen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | - Israel Demandel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | - Junqi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | | | - Trevor J. Chan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tan Y, Lu Y, Chen S, Zou C, Qin B. Immunotherapy for ocular melanoma: a bibliometric and visualization analysis from 1991 to 2022. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1161759. [PMID: 37324010 PMCID: PMC10265996 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1161759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, new therapeutic options to overcome the mechanisms of tumor immune suppression be effective in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma. These approaches have also been applied in ocular melanoma. The aim of this study is to present the current status and research hotspots of immunotherapy for ocular melanoma from a bibliometric perspective and to explore the field of immunotherapy for malignant ocular melanoma research. Methods In this study, the Web of Science Core Collection database (WoSCC) and Pubmed were selected to search the literature related to immunotherapy of ocular melanoma. Using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, the R package "bibliometrix," and the bibliometric online platform through the construction and visualization of bibliometric networks, the country/region, institution, journal, author, and keywords were analyzed to predict the most recent trends in research pertaining to ocular melanoma and immunotherapy. Results A total of 401 papers and 144 reviews related to immunotherapy of ocular melanoma were included. The United States is the main driver of research in the field, ranking first in terms of the number of publications, total citations, and H-index. The UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM is the most active institution, contributing the most papers. Jager, Martine is the most prolific author, and Carvajal, Richard is the most frequently cited author. CANCERS is the most published journal in the field and J CLIN ONCOL is the most cited journal. In addition to ocular melanoma and immunotherapy, the most popular keywords were "uveal melanoma" and "targeted therapy". According to keyword co-occurrence and burst analysis, uveal melanoma, immunotherapy, melanoma, metastases, bap1, tebentafusp, bioinformatics, conjunctival melanoma, immune checkpoint inhibitors, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and other research topics appear to be at the forefront of this field's research and have the potential to remain a hot research topic in the future. Conclusion This is the first bibliometric study in the last 30 years to comprehensively map the knowledge structure and trends in the field of research related to ocular melanoma and immunotherapy. The results comprehensively summarize and identify research frontiers for scholars studying immunotherapy associated with ocular melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Tan
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijie Lu
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chang Zou
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Aier Ophthalmic Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Kong Hong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Qin
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Aier Ophthalmic Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Schrenk S, Bischoff LJ, Goines J, Cai Y, Vemaraju S, Odaka Y, Good SR, Palumbo JS, Szabo S, Reynaud D, Van Raamsdonk CD, Lang RA, Boscolo E. MEK inhibition reduced vascular tumor growth and coagulopathy in a mouse model with hyperactive GNAQ. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1929. [PMID: 37024491 PMCID: PMC10079932 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37516-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating non-inherited mutations in the guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(q) subunit alpha (GNAQ) gene family have been identified in childhood vascular tumors. Patients experience extensive disfigurement, chronic pain and severe complications including a potentially lethal coagulopathy termed Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. Animal models for this class of vascular tumors do not exist. This has severely hindered the discovery of the molecular consequences of GNAQ mutations in the vasculature and, in turn, the preclinical development of effective targeted therapies. Here we report a mouse model expressing hyperactive mutant GNAQ in endothelial cells. Mutant mice develop vascular and coagulopathy phenotypes similar to those seen in patients. Mechanistically, by transcriptomic analysis we demonstrate increased mitogen activated protein kinase signaling in the mutant endothelial cells. Targeting of this pathway with Trametinib suppresses the tumor growth by reducing vascular cell proliferation and permeability. Trametinib also prevents the development of coagulopathy and improves mouse survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Schrenk
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lindsay J Bischoff
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jillian Goines
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yuqi Cai
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shruti Vemaraju
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- The Visual Systems Group, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yoshinobu Odaka
- The Visual Systems Group, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College, Blue Ash, OH, USA
| | - Samantha R Good
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joseph S Palumbo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sara Szabo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Damien Reynaud
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Richard A Lang
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- The Visual Systems Group, Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elisa Boscolo
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nan X, Liu Y, Gao Y, Nan X. Multiple epigenetic modification profiles reveal the tumor immune microenvironment and clinical outcomes of uveal melanoma. Front Genet 2023; 14:1155199. [PMID: 37124608 PMCID: PMC10132731 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1155199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is an aggressive intraocular cancer that, in 50% of cases, spreads to the patient's other systems. The exact cause of the increased metastatic rate is still unknown. Methylation and immune response, metastasis, and the expansion of cancer cells are closely related. Additionally, proteins linked to RNA methylation have come to light as possible cancer treatment targets. However, the relationship between methylation-related genes (MRGs) and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is still not understood. The goal of this work was to discover important MRGs and create a signature for UM patients' prognosis prediction. Using two different data sets, we examined the MRG expression patterns in the transcriptional and genomic regions of 106 UM samples. We discovered a connection between the clinicopathological traits of the patients, their prognosis, the capability of TME cells to infiltrate, and various MRG changes. Following that, we developed an MRGs signature to forecast prognosis, and we evaluated the model's precision in patients with UM. We grouped the patients into multiple categories based on their clinical traits, looked at the survival rates for various groups within various groupings, and tested their accuracy. Additionally, to increase the practical usability of the MRGs model, we created a very accurate nomogram. TIDE scores were higher in the low-risk group. We go over how MGRs could impact UM's TME, immunotherapy responsiveness, prognosis, and clinically significant features. We looked for different chemotherapeutic drugs and cutting-edge targeted agents for patients in diverse subgroups in order to better understand MRGs in UM. This helped in the creation of customized therapy to open new doors. We could also further research the prognosis and develop more efficient immunotherapy regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinshuai Nan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Subei Peoples’ Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangzhou Aier New Vision Eye Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuzhen Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinshan Nan
- Department of ICU, Hua Xin Hospital, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Xinshan Nan,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sun Y, Hu L, Tao Z, Jarugumilli GK, Erb H, Singh A, Li Q, Cotton JL, Greninger P, Egan RK, Tony Ip Y, Benes CH, Che J, Mao J, Wu X. Pharmacological blockade of TEAD-YAP reveals its therapeutic limitation in cancer cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6744. [PMID: 36347861 PMCID: PMC9643419 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34559-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting TEAD autopalmitoylation has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for YAP-dependent cancers. Here we show that TEAD palmitoylation inhibitor MGH-CP1 and analogues block cancer cell "stemness", organ overgrowth and tumor initiation in vitro and in vivo. MGH-CP1 sensitivity correlates significantly with YAP-dependency in a large panel of cancer cell lines. However, TEAD inhibition or YAP/TAZ knockdown leads to transient inhibition of cell cycle progression without inducing cell death, undermining their potential therapeutic utilities. We further reveal that TEAD inhibition or YAP/TAZ silencing leads to VGLL3-mediated transcriptional activation of SOX4/PI3K/AKT signaling axis, which contributes to cancer cell survival and confers therapeutic resistance to TEAD inhibitors. Consistently, combination of TEAD and AKT inhibitors exhibits strong synergy in inducing cancer cell death. Our work characterizes the therapeutic opportunities and limitations of TEAD palmitoylation inhibitors in cancers, and uncovers an intrinsic molecular mechanism, which confers potential therapeutic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sun
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, MA, USA.
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lu Hu
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Zhipeng Tao
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Gopala K Jarugumilli
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Hannah Erb
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Alka Singh
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Cotton
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Patricia Greninger
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Regina K Egan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Y Tony Ip
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Cyril H Benes
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Jianwei Che
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Junhao Mao
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, MA, USA.
| | - Xu Wu
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Caksa S, Baqai U, Aplin AE. The future of targeted kinase inhibitors in melanoma. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108200. [PMID: 35513054 PMCID: PMC10187889 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells of the body and its incidence is rising. Targeted inhibitors that act against kinases in the MAPK pathway are approved for BRAF-mutant metastatic cutaneous melanoma and increase patients' survival. Response to these therapies is limited by drug resistance and is less durable than with immune checkpoint inhibition. Conversely, rare melanoma subtypes have few therapeutic options for advanced disease and MAPK pathway targeting agents show minimal anti-tumor effects. Nevertheless, there is a future for targeted kinase inhibitors in melanoma: in new applications such as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy and in novel combinations with immunotherapies or other targeted therapies. Pre-clinical studies continue to identify tumor dependencies and their corresponding actionable drug targets, paving the way for rational targeted kinase inhibitor combinations as a personalized medicine approach for melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Signe Caksa
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Usman Baqai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vittoria MA, Kingston N, Kotynkova K, Xia E, Hong R, Huang L, McDonald S, Tilston-Lunel A, Darp R, Campbell JD, Lang D, Xu X, Ceol CJ, Varelas X, Ganem NJ. Inactivation of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway promotes melanoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3732. [PMID: 35768444 PMCID: PMC9243107 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31399-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is commonly driven by activating mutations in the MAP kinase BRAF; however, oncogenic BRAF alone is insufficient to promote melanomagenesis. Instead, its expression induces a transient proliferative burst that ultimately ceases with the development of benign nevi comprised of growth-arrested melanocytes. The tumor suppressive mechanisms that restrain nevus melanocyte proliferation remain poorly understood. Here we utilize cell and murine models to demonstrate that oncogenic BRAF leads to activation of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, both in melanocytes in vitro and nevus melanocytes in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that oncogenic BRAF promotes both ERK-dependent alterations in the actin cytoskeleton and whole-genome doubling events, which independently reduce RhoA activity to promote Hippo activation. We also demonstrate that functional impairment of the Hippo pathway enables oncogenic BRAF-expressing melanocytes to bypass nevus formation and rapidly form melanomas. Our data reveal that the Hippo pathway enforces the stable arrest of nevus melanocytes and represents a critical barrier to melanoma development. Activating mutations of BRAF alone are inadequate to drive melanoma formation. Here the authors show that activation of Hippo signalling by oncogenic BRAF represents an additional safeguard to limit BRAF-dependent human melanocyte growth and melanoma formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Vittoria
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Nathan Kingston
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Kristyna Kotynkova
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Eric Xia
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Rui Hong
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Lee Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Shayna McDonald
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Andrew Tilston-Lunel
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Revati Darp
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Joshua D Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Deborah Lang
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Craig J Ceol
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Neil J Ganem
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Silva-Rodríguez P, Fernández-Díaz D, Bande M, Pardo M, Loidi L, Blanco-Teijeiro MJ. GNAQ and GNA11 Genes: A Comprehensive Review on Oncogenesis, Prognosis and Therapeutic Opportunities in Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3066. [PMID: 35804836 PMCID: PMC9264989 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The GNAQ and GNA11 genes are mutated in almost 80-90% of uveal melanomas in a mutually exclusive pattern. These genes encode the alpha subunits of the heterotrimeric G proteins, Gq and G11; thus, mutations of these genes result in the activation of several important signaling pathways, including phospholipase C, and activation of the transcription factor YAP. It is well known that both of them act as driver genes in the oncogenic process and it has been assumed that they do not play a role in the prognosis of these tumours. However, it has been hypothesised that mutations in these genes could give rise to molecularly and clinically distinct types of uveal melanomas. It has also been questioned whether the type and location of mutation in the GNAQ and GNA11 genes may affect the progression of these tumours. All of these questions, except for their implications in carcinogenesis, remain controversial. Uveal melanoma has a distinctive genetic profile, and specific recurrent mutations, which make it a potential candidate for treatment with targeted therapy. Given that the most frequent mutations are those observed in the GNAQ and GNA11 genes, and that both genes are involved in oncogenesis, these molecules, as well as the downstream signalling pathways in which they are involved, have been proposed as promising potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, in this review, special attention is paid to the current data related to the possible prognostic implications of both genes from different perspectives, as well as the therapeutic options targeting them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Silva-Rodríguez
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, Clinical University Hospital, SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Tumores Intraoculares en el Adulto, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (D.F.-D.); (M.B.); (M.J.B.-T.)
| | - Daniel Fernández-Díaz
- Tumores Intraoculares en el Adulto, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (D.F.-D.); (M.B.); (M.J.B.-T.)
| | - Manuel Bande
- Tumores Intraoculares en el Adulto, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (D.F.-D.); (M.B.); (M.J.B.-T.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Ramon Baltar S/N, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María Pardo
- Grupo Obesidómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), CIBEROBN, ISCIII, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Lourdes Loidi
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, Clinical University Hospital, SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - María José Blanco-Teijeiro
- Tumores Intraoculares en el Adulto, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (D.F.-D.); (M.B.); (M.J.B.-T.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Ramon Baltar S/N, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li H, Gong L, Cheng H, Wang H, Zhang X, Rao C, Song Z, Wang D, Lou H, Lou F, Cao S, Pan H, Fang Y. Comprehensive Molecular Profiling of Colorectal Cancer With Situs Inversus Totalis by Next-Generation Sequencing. Front Oncol 2022; 12:813253. [PMID: 35530355 PMCID: PMC9067615 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.813253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignances worldwide. However, CRC with situs inversus totalis (SCRC) is extremely rare, and molecular characterization of this disease has never been investigated. Methods Tumor tissue samples from 8 patients with SCRC and 33 CRC patients without situs inversus totalis (NSCRC) were subjected to multigene next-generation sequencing. Results The most frequently mutated genes in SCRC were APC, TP53, CHEK2, MDC1, GNAQ, KRAS, and SMAD4. A high frequency of SCRC tumors had mutations in DNA damage repair genes. Single amino acid substitutions in the DNA damage repair genes caused by continuous double base substitution was identified in the majority of this population. Furthermore, mutational profiles showed notable differences between the SCRC and NSCRC groups. In particular, CHEK2, MDC1, GNAQ, SMAD4, BRCA1, HLA-B, LATS2, and NLRC5 mutations were more frequently observed in SCRC patients. The mutation loci distributions of KRAS in the SCRC cohort differed from that of the NSCRC cohort. Additionally, differences in the targeted genomic profiles and base substitution patterns were observed between the two groups. Conclusions These findings comprehensively revealed a molecular characterization of SCRC, which will contribute to the development of personalized therapy and improved clinical management of SCRC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongsen Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liu Gong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huanqing Cheng
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Huina Wang
- Acornmed Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuangzhou Rao
- Department of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Hwamei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhangfa Song
- Department of Anorectal Surgical, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Anorectal Surgical, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haizhou Lou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Lou
- Acornmed Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Shanbo Cao
- Acornmed Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Phelps GB, Hagen HR, Amsterdam A, Lees JA. MITF deficiency accelerates GNAQ-driven uveal melanoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2107006119. [PMID: 35512098 PMCID: PMC9172632 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107006119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM) both originate from the melanocytic lineage but are primarily driven by distinct oncogenic drivers, BRAF/NRAS or GNAQ/GNA11, respectively. The melanocytic master transcriptional regulator, MITF, is essential for both CM development and maintenance, but its role in UM is largely unexplored. Here, we use zebrafish models to dissect the key UM oncogenic signaling events and establish the role of MITF in UM tumors. Using a melanocytic lineage expression system, we showed that patient-derived mutations of GNAQ (GNAQQ209L) or its upstream CYSLTR2 receptor (CYSLTR2L129Q) both drive UM when combined with a cooperating mutation, tp53M214K/M214K. The tumor-initiating potential of the major GNAQ/11 effector pathways, YAP, and phospholipase C-β (PLCβ)–ERK was also investigated in this system and thus showed that while activated YAP (YAPAA) induced UM with high potency, the patient-derived PLCβ4 mutation (PLCB4D630Y) very rarely yielded UM tumors in the tp53M214K/M214K context. Remarkably, mitfa deficiency was profoundly UM promoting, dramatically accelerating the onset and progression of tumors induced by Tg(mitfa:GNAQQ209L);tp53M214K/M214K or Tg(mitfa:CYSLTR2L129Q);tp53M214K/M214K. Moreover, mitfa loss was sufficient to cooperate with GNAQQ209L to drive tp53–wild type UM development and allowed Tg(mitfa:PLCB4D630Y);tp53M214K/M214K melanocyte lineage cells to readily form tumors. Notably, all of the mitfa−/− UM tumors, including those arising in Tg(mitfa:PLCB4D630Y);tp53M214K/M214K;mitfa−/− zebrafish, displayed nuclear YAP while lacking hyperactive ERK indicative of PLCβ signaling. Collectively, these data show that YAP signaling is the major mediator of UM and that MITF acts as a bona fide tumor suppressor in UM in direct opposition to its essential role in CM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace B. Phelps
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Hannah R. Hagen
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Adam Amsterdam
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Jacqueline A. Lees
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Regulator of G protein signaling 2 inhibits Gα q-dependent uveal melanoma cell growth. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101955. [PMID: 35452684 PMCID: PMC9120238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in Gαq/11 are a major driver of uveal melanoma (UM), the most common intraocular cancer in adults. While progress has recently been made in targeting Gαq/11 for UM therapy, the crucial role for these proteins in normal physiology and their high structural similarity with many other important GTPase proteins renders this approach challenging. The aim of the current study was to validate whether a key regulator of Gq signaling, regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2), can inhibit Gαq-mediated UM cell growth. We used two UM cell lines, 92.1 and Mel-202, which both contain the most common activating mutation GαqQ209L and developed stable cell lines with doxycycline-inducible RGS2 protein expression. Using cell viability assays, we showed that RGS2 could inhibit cell growth in both of these UM cell lines. We also found that this effect was independent of the canonical GTPase-activating protein activity of RGS2 but was dependent on the association between RGS2 and Gαq. Furthermore, RGS2 induction resulted in only partial reduction in cell growth as compared to siRNA-mediated Gαq knockdown, perhaps because RGS2 was only able to reduce mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling downstream of phospholipase Cβ, while leaving activation of the Hippo signaling mediators yes-associated protein 1/TAZ, the other major pathway downstream of Gαq, unaffected. Taken together, our data indicate that RGS2 can inhibit UM cancer cell growth by associating with GαqQ209L as a partial effector antagonist.
Collapse
|
23
|
Urtatiz O, Haage A, Tanentzapf G, Van Raamsdonk CD. Crosstalk with keratinocytes causes GNAQ oncogene specificity in melanoma. eLife 2021; 10:71825. [PMID: 34939927 PMCID: PMC8747508 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Different melanoma subtypes exhibit specific and non-overlapping sets of oncogene and tumor suppressor mutations, despite a common cell of origin in melanocytes. For example, activation of the Gαq/11 signaling pathway is a characteristic initiating event in primary melanomas that arise in the dermis, uveal tract, or central nervous system. It is rare in melanomas arising in the epidermis. The mechanism for this specificity is unknown. Here, we present evidence that in the mouse, crosstalk with the epidermal microenvironment actively impairs the survival of melanocytes expressing the GNAQQ209L oncogene. We found that GNAQQ209L, in combination with signaling from the interfollicular epidermis (IFE), stimulates dendrite extension, leads to actin cytoskeleton disorganization, inhibits proliferation, and promotes apoptosis in melanocytes. The effect was reversible and paracrine. In contrast, the epidermal environment increased the survival of wildtype and BrafV600E expressing melanocytes. Hence, our studies reveal the flip side of Gαq/11 signaling, which was hitherto unsuspected. In the future, the identification of the epidermal signals that restrain the GNAQQ209L oncogene could suggest novel therapies for GNAQ and GNA11 mutant melanomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Urtatiz
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Amanda Haage
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Guy Tanentzapf
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rossi E, Croce M, Reggiani F, Schinzari G, Ambrosio M, Gangemi R, Tortora G, Pfeffer U, Amaro A. Uveal Melanoma Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5684. [PMID: 34830841 PMCID: PMC8616038 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is characterized by relatively few, highly incident molecular alterations and their association with metastatic risk is deeply understood. Nevertheless, this knowledge has so far not led to innovative therapies for the successful treatment of UM metastases or for adjuvant therapy, leaving survival after diagnosis of metastatic UM almost unaltered in decades. The driver mutations of UM, mainly in the G-protein genes GNAQ and GNA11, activate the MAP-kinase pathway as well as the YAP/TAZ pathway. At present, there are no drugs that target the latter and this likely explains the failure of mitogen activated kinase kinase inhibitors. Immune checkpoint blockers, despite the game changing effect in cutaneous melanoma (CM), show only limited effects in UM probably because of the low mutational burden of 0.5 per megabase and the unavailability of antibodies targeting the main immune checkpoint active in UM. The highly pro-tumorigenic microenvironment of UM also contributes to therapy resistance. However, T-cell redirection by a soluble T-cell receptor that is fused to an anti-CD3 single-chain variable fragment, local, liver specific therapy, new immune checkpoint blockers, and YAP/TAZ specific drugs give new hope to repeating the success of innovative therapy obtained for CM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Rossi
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.R.); (G.S.); (G.T.)
| | - Michela Croce
- Laboratory of Biotherapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.C.); (R.G.)
| | - Francesco Reggiani
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.R.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Giovanni Schinzari
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.R.); (G.S.); (G.T.)
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Ambrosio
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.R.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Rosaria Gangemi
- Laboratory of Biotherapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.C.); (R.G.)
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.R.); (G.S.); (G.T.)
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ulrich Pfeffer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.R.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Adriana Amaro
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.R.); (M.A.); (A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yeh CF, Chou C, Yang KC. Mechanotransduction in fibrosis: Mechanisms and treatment targets. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 87:279-314. [PMID: 34696888 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
To perceive and integrate the environmental cues, cells and tissues sense and interpret various physical forces like shear, tensile, and compression stress. Mechanotransduction involves the sensing and translation of mechanical forces into biochemical and mechanical signals to guide cell fate and achieve tissue homeostasis. Disruption of this mechanical homeostasis by tissue injury elicits multiple cellular responses leading to pathological matrix deposition and tissue stiffening, and consequent evolution toward pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic phenotypes, leading to tissue/organ fibrosis. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms linking mechanotransduction to fibrosis and uncovers the potential therapeutic targets to halt or resolve fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Fan Yeh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Caroline Chou
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kai-Chien Yang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Huang F, Santinon F, Flores González RE, del Rincón SV. Melanoma Plasticity: Promoter of Metastasis and Resistance to Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:756001. [PMID: 34604096 PMCID: PMC8481945 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.756001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Although targeted therapies and immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma, most patients are not cured. Therapy resistance remains a significant clinical challenge. Melanoma comprises phenotypically distinct subpopulations of cells, exhibiting distinct gene signatures leading to tumor heterogeneity and favoring therapeutic resistance. Cellular plasticity in melanoma is referred to as phenotype switching. Regardless of their genomic classification, melanomas switch from a proliferative and differentiated phenotype to an invasive, dedifferentiated and often therapy-resistant state. In this review we discuss potential mechanisms underpinning melanoma phenotype switching, how this cellular plasticity contributes to resistance to both targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Finally, we highlight novel strategies to target plasticity and their potential clinical impact in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Huang
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - François Santinon
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Raúl Ernesto Flores González
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia V. del Rincón
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lopez-Hernandez A, Sberna S, Campaner S. Emerging Principles in the Transcriptional Control by YAP and TAZ. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164242. [PMID: 34439395 PMCID: PMC8391352 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary YAP and TAZ are transcriptional cofactors that integrate several upstream signals to generate context-dependent transcriptional responses. This requires extensive integration with epigenetic regulators and other transcription factors. The molecular and genomic characterization of YAP and TAZ nuclear function has broad implications both in physiological and pathological settings. Abstract Yes-associated protein (YAP) and TAZ are transcriptional cofactors that sit at the crossroad of several signaling pathways involved in cell growth and differentiation. As such, they play essential functions during embryonic development, regeneration, and, once deregulated, in cancer progression. In this review, we will revise the current literature and provide an overview of how YAP/TAZ control transcription. We will focus on data concerning the modulation of the basal transcriptional machinery, their ability to epigenetically remodel the enhancer–promoter landscape, and the mechanisms used to integrate transcriptional cues from multiple pathways. This reveals how YAP/TAZ activation in cancer cells leads to extensive transcriptional control that spans several hallmarks of cancer. The definition of the molecular mechanism of transcriptional control and the identification of the pathways regulated by YAP/TAZ may provide therapeutic opportunities for the effective treatment of YAP/TAZ-driven tumors.
Collapse
|
28
|
Liu-Smith F, Chiu CY, Johnson DL, Miller PW, Glazer ES, Wu Z, Wilson MW. The Sex Differences in Uveal Melanoma: Potential Roles of EIF1AX, Immune Response and Redox Regulation. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:2801-2811. [PMID: 34436011 PMCID: PMC8395455 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28040245] [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: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveal melanoma (UVM) is a rare cancer that shows sex difference in incidence and survival, with little previous report for the underlying mechanism. METHODS This study used the SEER data (1974-2016) for an age-dependent analysis on sex difference in UVM, and further used the TCGA-UVM genomics dataset for analyzing the differential gene expression profiles in tumors from men and women. RESULTS Our results demonstrate a sex difference in older age (≥40 years) but not in younger patients, with men exhibiting a higher incidence rate than women. However, younger women have shown a continuous increasing trend since 1974. Examining the 11 major oncogenes and tumor suppressors in UVM revealed that EIF1AX showed a significant sex difference in mRNA accumulation and copy number variation, with female tumors expressing higher levels of EIF1AX and exhibiting more variations in copy numbers. EIF1AX mRNA levels were significantly inversely correlated with EIF1AX copy numbers in female tumors only, but not in male tumors. Differential gene expression analysis at the whole genomic level identified a set of 92 protein-coding and 16 RNA-coding genes which exhibited differential expression in men and women (fold of change cutoff at 1.7, adjusted p value < 0.05, FDR < 0.05). Network analysis showed significant difference in immune response and in disulfide bond formation, with EGR1/EGR2 and PDIA2 genes as regulators for immune response and disulfide bond formation, respectively. The melanocortin pathway which is linked to both melanin synthesis and obesity seems to be altered with unclear significance, as the sex difference in POMC, DCT/TYRP2, and MRAP2 was observed but with no clear direction. CONCLUSION This study reveals possible mechanisms for the sex difference in tumorigenesis of UVM which has potentials for better understanding and prevention of UVM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu-Smith
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
- Department of Dermatology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Chi-Yang Chiu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| | - Daniel L. Johnson
- Molecular Bioinformatics Core, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (D.L.J.); (P.W.M.)
| | - Phillip Winston Miller
- Molecular Bioinformatics Core, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (D.L.J.); (P.W.M.)
| | - Evan S. Glazer
- Department of Surgery, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| | - Zhaohui Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Matthew W. Wilson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ghura H, Keimer M, von Au A, Hackl N, Klemis V, Nakchbandi IA. Inhibition of fibronectin accumulation suppresses tumor growth. Neoplasia 2021; 23:837-850. [PMID: 34298233 PMCID: PMC8322122 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how the extracellular matrix affects cancer development constitutes an emerging research field. Fibronectin and collagen are two intriguing matrix components found in cancer. Large concentrations of fibronectin or collagen type I have been implicated in poor prognosis in patients. In a mouse model, we had shown that genetically decreasing circulating fibronectin resulted in smaller tumors. We therefore aimed to manipulate fibronectin pharmacologically and determine how cancer development is affected. Deletion of fibronectin in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) using shRNA (knockdown: Kd) improved survival and diminished tumor burden in a model of metastatic lesions and in a model of local growth. Based on these findings, it seemed reasonable to attempt to prevent fibronectin accumulation using a bacterial derived peptide called pUR4. Treatment with this peptide for 10 days in the breast cancer local growth model or for 5 days in a melanoma skin cancer model (B16) was associated with a significant suppression of cancer growth. Treatment aimed at inhibiting collagen type I accumulation without interfering with fibronectin could not affect any changes in vivo. In the absence of fibronectin, diminished cancer progression was due to inhibition of proliferation, even though changes in blood vessels were also detected. Decreased proliferation could be attributed to decreased ERK phosphorylation and diminished YAP expression. In summary, manipulating fibronectin diminishes cancer progression, mostly by suppressing cell proliferation. This suggests that matrix modulation could be used as an adjuvant to conventional therapy as long as a decrease in fibronectin is obtained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Ghura
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marin Keimer
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja von Au
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Norman Hackl
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Verena Klemis
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Inaam A Nakchbandi
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Max-Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany; Max-Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jiu X, Liu Y, Wen J. Artesunate combined with verteporfin inhibits uveal melanoma by regulation of the MALAT1/yes-associated protein signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:597. [PMID: 34188699 PMCID: PMC8228376 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common ocular malignancy and has no effective clinical treatment. Therefore, novel drugs to suppress UM tumor progression are urgently required. The present study aimed to clarify the underlying mechanism of the inhibitory effects of artesunate on UM. By using plasmid transfection and detecting apoptotic level, the present study identified artesunate as a potential candidate for UM treatment. Compared with those in the vehicle (DMSO)-treated control cells, artesunate enhanced the apoptotic rate and increased lactate dehydrogenase release, reactive oxygen species and IL1b and IL18 levels in C918 cells. Overexpression of yes-associated protein (YAP) or metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in C918 cells reversed the effects of artesunate and reduced the apoptotic rate compared with those observed in cells transfected with the negative control plasmid. Notably, verteporfin enhanced the effects of artesunate on C918 cells by increasing the apoptotic rate, indicating that combined therapy was more effective compared with treatment with artesunate alone. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that artesunate elevated the apoptotic rate and suppressed C918 cell viability by regulating the MALAT1/YAP signaling pathway, and these effects were enhanced by supplementation with verteporfin. These results suggested that artesunate may exert an inhibitory effect on C918 cells and that the MALAT1/YAP signaling may serve important role in mediating these effects, providing evidence of its potential for treating UM in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Jiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730020, P.R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730020, P.R. China
| | - Jin Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yes-Associated Protein (Yap) Is Up-Regulated in Heart Failure and Promotes Cardiac Fibroblast Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116164. [PMID: 34200497 PMCID: PMC8201133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Left ventricular (LV) heart failure (HF) is a significant and increasing cause of death worldwide. HF is characterized by myocardial remodeling and excessive fibrosis. Transcriptional co-activator Yes-associated protein (Yap), the downstream effector of HIPPO signaling pathway, is an essential factor in cardiomyocyte survival; however, its status in human LV HF is not entirely elucidated. Here, we report that Yap is elevated in LV tissue of patients with HF, and is associated with down-regulation of its upstream inhibitor HIPPO component large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1) activation as well as upregulation of the fibrosis marker connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Applying the established profibrotic combined stress of TGFβ and hypoxia to human ventricular cardiac fibroblasts in vitro increased Yap protein levels, down-regulated LATS1 activation, increased cell proliferation and collagen I production, and decreased ribosomal protein S6 and S6 kinase phosphorylation, a hallmark of mTOR activation, without any significant effect on mTOR and raptor protein expression or phosphorylation of mTOR or 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1), a downstream effector of mTOR pathway. As previously reported in various cell types, TGFβ/hypoxia also enhanced cardiac fibroblast Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was similar to our observation in LV tissues from HF patients. Further, depletion of Yap reduced TGFβ/hypoxia-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation and Akt phosphorylation at Ser 473 and Thr308, without any significant effect on TGFβ/hypoxia-induced ERK1/2 activation or reduction in S6 and S6 kinase activities. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Yap is a mediator that promotes human cardiac fibroblast proliferation and suggest its possible contribution to remodeling of the LV, opening the door to further studies to decipher the cell-specific roles of Yap signaling in human HF.
Collapse
|
32
|
Dawson JC, Serrels A, Stupack DG, Schlaepfer DD, Frame MC. Targeting FAK in anticancer combination therapies. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:313-324. [PMID: 33731845 PMCID: PMC8276817 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is both a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and an adaptor protein that primarily regulates adhesion signalling and cell migration, but FAK can also promote cell survival in response to stress. FAK is commonly overexpressed in cancer and is considered a high-value druggable target, with multiple FAK inhibitors currently in development. Evidence suggests that in the clinical setting, FAK targeting will be most effective in combination with other agents so as to reverse failure of chemotherapies or targeted therapies and enhance efficacy of immune-based treatments of solid tumours. Here, we discuss the recent preclinical evidence that implicates FAK in anticancer therapeutic resistance, leading to the view that FAK inhibitors will have their greatest utility as combination therapies in selected patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John C Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Alan Serrels
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dwayne G Stupack
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David D Schlaepfer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Margaret C Frame
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Miao Y, Zhang W, Liu S, Leng X, Hu C, Sun H. HOXC10 promotes growth and migration of melanoma by regulating Slug to activate the YAP/TAZ signaling pathway. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:12. [PMID: 35201457 PMCID: PMC8777539 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00408-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox C10 (HOXC10) has been reported to participate in various cancers. However, the involvement of HOXC10 in melanoma is still unknown. Here, we attempted to determine whether HOXC10 can affect the development of melanoma. We separated melanoma tissues and the matched tumor-adjacent normal tissues from melanoma patients, and examined HOXC10 expression in the melanoma cells and tissues. Comparing with the tumor-adjacent normal tissues, HOXC10 was up-regulated in melanoma tissues. Melanoma cells also displayed an up-regulation of HOXC10. Moreover, HOXC10 inhibition suppressed cell proliferation, clone formation and promoted apoptosis of melanoma cells. Knockdown of HOXC10 also retarded migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in melanoma cells. Additionally, HOXC10 accelerated Slug expression by interacting with Slug, and activating the promoter of Slug. Slug activated the YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, which was reversed by HOXC10 silencing. The in vitro assays demonstrated that inhibition of HOXC10 significantly repressed tumor growth and lung metastasis of melanoma in mice by inhibiting Slug and YAP/TAZ signaling pathway. In conclusion, this work demonstrated that HOXC10 promoted growth and migration of melanoma by regulating Slug to activate the YAP/TAZ signaling pathway. Therefore, this study suggests that inhibition of HOXC10 has therapeutic potential in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxin Miao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 260003, Shandong, China
| | - Weina Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 260003, Shandong, China
| | - Su Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 260003, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangfeng Leng
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 260003, Shandong, China
| | - Chunnan Hu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 260003, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Environmental Art Design, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, No. 99 Songling Road, Qingdao, 260061, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang JZ, Lin V, Toumi E, Wang K, Zhu H, Conway RM, Madigan MC, Murray M, Cherepanoff S, Zhou F, Shu W. Development of new therapeutic options for the treatment of uveal melanoma. FEBS J 2021; 288:6226-6249. [PMID: 33838075 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Important cytogenetic and genetic risk factors for the development of UM include chromosome 3 monosomy, mutations in the guanine nucleotide-binding proteins GNAQ/GNA11, and loss of the BRACA1-associated protein 1 (BAP 1). Most primary UMs are treated conservatively with radiotherapy, but enucleation is necessary for large tumours. Despite the effectiveness of local control, up to 50% of UM patients develop metastasis for which there are no effective therapies. Attempts to utilise the targeted therapies that have been developed for the treatment of other cancers, including a range of signal transduction pathway inhibitors, have rarely produced significant outcomes in UM. Similarly, the application of immunotherapies that are effective in cutaneous melanoma to treat UM have also been disappointing. Other approaches that have been initiated involve proteasomal inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors which are approved for the treatment of other cancers. Nevertheless, there have been occasional positive outcomes from these treatments in UM. Moreover, combination approaches in UM have also yielded some positive developments. It would be valuable to identify how to apply such therapies efficiently in UM, potentially via individualised tumour profiling. It would also be important to characterise UM tumours to differentiate the potential drivers of progression from those in other types of cancers. The recent identification of novel kinases and metastatic genes in UM tumours makes the development of new UM-specific treatments feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janney Z Wang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivian Lin
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elsa Toumi
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - R Max Conway
- Ocular Oncology Unit, Sydney Eye Hospital and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, NSW, Australia.,Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michele C Madigan
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Murray
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Svetlana Cherepanoff
- SydPath, Department of Anatomical Pathology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Fanfan Zhou
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wenying Shu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ma Y, Wang L, He F, Yang J, Ding Y, Ge S, Fan X, Zhou Y, Xu X, Jia R. LACTB suppresses melanoma progression by attenuating PP1A and YAP interaction. Cancer Lett 2021; 506:67-82. [PMID: 33675985 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Very limited progress has been made in the management of advanced melanoma, especially melanoma of uveal origin. Lactamase β (LACTB) is a novel tumor suppressor; however, its biological function in melanoma remains unknown. Herein we demonstrated markedly lower LACTB expression levels in melanoma tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of LACTB suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of melanoma cells in vitro. Mechanistically, LACTB inhibited the activity of yes-associated protein (YAP). We showed that the level of phospho-YAP (Serine 127) was increased upon LACTB overexpression, which prevented the translocation of YAP to the nucleus. Further, LACTB could directly bind to PP1A and attenuate the interaction between PP1A and YAP, resulting in decreased YAP dephosphorylation and inactivation in a LATS1-independent manner. Additionally, transfection of phosphorylation-defective YAP mutants reversed LACTB-induced tumor suppression. Upstream, we demonstrated that SOX10 binds to the LACTB promoter and negatively regulates its transcription. Overexpression of LACTB also suppressed the tumorigenicity and lung metastasis of MUM2B uveal melanoma cells in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicate a novel SOX10/LACTB/PP1A signaling cascade that renders YAP inactive and modulates melanoma progression, offering a new therapeutic target for melanoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fanglin He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yixiong Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Driskill JH, Pan D. The Hippo Pathway in Liver Homeostasis and Pathophysiology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2020; 16:299-322. [PMID: 33234023 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-030420-105050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Studies of the regenerative capacity of the liver have converged on the Hippo pathway, a serine/threonine kinase cascade discovered in Drosophila and conserved from unicellular organisms to mammals. Genetic studies of mouse and rat livers have revealed that the Hippo pathway is a key regulator of liver size, regeneration, development, metabolism, and homeostasis and that perturbations in the Hippo pathway can lead to the development of common liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease and liver cancer. In turn, pharmacological targeting of the Hippo pathway may be utilized to boost regeneration and to prevent the development and progression of liver diseases. We review current insights provided by the Hippo pathway into liver pathophysiology. Furthermore, we present a path forward for future studies to understand how newly identified components of the Hippo pathway may control liver physiology and how the Hippo pathway is regulated in the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan H Driskill
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA; , .,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Duojia Pan
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Truong A, Yoo JH, Scherzer MT, Sanchez JMS, Dale KJ, Kinsey CG, Richards JR, Shin D, Ghazi PC, Onken MD, Blumer KJ, Odelberg SJ, McMahon M. Chloroquine Sensitizes GNAQ/11-mutated Melanoma to MEK1/2 Inhibition. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:6374-6386. [PMID: 32933997 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-1675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutational activation of GNAQ or GNA11 (GNAQ/11), detected in >90% of uveal melanomas, leads to constitutive activation of oncogenic pathways, including MAPK and YAP. To date, chemo- or pathway-targeted therapies, either alone or in combination, have proven ineffective in the treatment of patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We tested the efficacy of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, in combination with MAPK pathway inhibition in GNAQ/11-mutated cells in vitro and in vivo and identified mechanisms of MEK1/2 inhibitor plus chloroquine-induced cytotoxicity. RESULTS Inhibition of GNAQ/11-mediated activation of MAPK signaling resulted in the induction of autophagy. Combined inhibition of Gα and autophagy or lysosome function resulted in enhanced cell death. Moreover, the combination of MEK1/2 inhibition, using trametinib, with the lysosome inhibitor, chloroquine, also increased cytotoxicity. Treatment of mice bearing GNAQ/11-driven melanomas with trametinib plus hydroxychloroquine resulted in inhibition of tumor growth and significantly prolonged survival. Interestingly, lysosomal- and autophagy-specific inhibition with bafilomycin A1 was not sufficient to promote cytotoxicity in combination with trametinib. However, the addition of YAP inhibition with trametinib plus bafilomycin A1 resulted in cell death at comparable levels to trametinib plus chloroquine (T/CQ) treatment. Furthermore, T/CQ-treated cells displayed decreased YAP nuclear localization and decreased YAP transcriptional activity. Expression of a constitutively active YAP5SA mutant conferred resistance to T/CQ-induced cell death. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that YAP, MEK1/2, and lysosome function are necessary and critical targets for the therapy of GNAQ/11-driven melanoma, and identify trametinib plus hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment strategy for metastatic uveal melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Truong
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jae Hyuk Yoo
- Molecular Medicine Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Michael T Scherzer
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Kali J Dale
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Conan G Kinsey
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jackson R Richards
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Molecular Medicine Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Donghan Shin
- Molecular Medicine Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Phaedra C Ghazi
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Michael D Onken
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kendall J Blumer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Shannon J Odelberg
- Molecular Medicine Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Martin McMahon
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Franklin JM, Ghosh RP, Shi Q, Reddick MP, Liphardt JT. Concerted localization-resets precede YAP-dependent transcription. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4581. [PMID: 32917893 PMCID: PMC7486942 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18368-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) is a transcriptional regulator with critical roles in mechanotransduction, organ size control, and regeneration. Here, using advanced tools for real-time visualization of native YAP and target gene transcription dynamics, we show that a cycle of fast exodus of nuclear YAP to the cytoplasm followed by fast reentry to the nucleus ("localization-resets") activates YAP target genes. These "resets" are induced by calcium signaling, modulation of actomyosin contractility, or mitosis. Using nascent-transcription reporter knock-ins of YAP target genes, we show a strict association between these resets and downstream transcription. Oncogenically-transformed cell lines lack localization-resets and instead show dramatically elevated rates of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of YAP, suggesting an escape from compartmentalization-based control. The single-cell localization and transcription traces suggest that YAP activity is not a simple linear function of nuclear enrichment and point to a model of transcriptional activation based on nucleocytoplasmic exchange properties of YAP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Matthew Franklin
- Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- BioX Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Cell Biology Division, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Rajarshi P Ghosh
- Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- BioX Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Cell Biology Division, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Quanming Shi
- Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- BioX Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Cell Biology Division, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Michael P Reddick
- Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- BioX Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Cell Biology Division, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jan T Liphardt
- Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- BioX Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Cell Biology Division, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
MicroRNA-21-Enriched Exosomes as Epigenetic Regulators in Melanomagenesis and Melanoma Progression: The Impact of Western Lifestyle Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082111. [PMID: 32751207 PMCID: PMC7464294 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA mutation-induced activation of RAS-BRAF-MEK-ERK signaling associated with intermittent or chronic ultraviolet (UV) irradiation cannot exclusively explain the excessive increase of malignant melanoma (MM) incidence since the 1950s. Malignant conversion of a melanocyte to an MM cell and metastatic MM is associated with a steady increase in microRNA-21 (miR-21). At the epigenetic level, miR-21 inhibits key tumor suppressors of the RAS-BRAF signaling pathway enhancing proliferation and MM progression. Increased MM cell levels of miR-21 either result from endogenous upregulation of melanocytic miR-21 expression or by uptake of miR-21-enriched exogenous exosomes. Based on epidemiological data and translational evidence, this review provides deeper insights into environmentally and metabolically induced exosomal miR-21 trafficking beyond UV-irradiation in melanomagenesis and MM progression. Sources of miR-21-enriched exosomes include UV-irradiated keratinocytes, adipocyte-derived exosomes in obesity, airway epithelium-derived exosomes generated by smoking and pollution, diet-related exosomes and inflammation-induced exosomes, which may synergistically increase the exosomal miR-21 burden of the melanocyte, the transformed MM cell and its tumor environment. Several therapeutic agents that suppress MM cell growth and proliferation attenuate miR-21 expression. These include miR-21 antagonists, metformin, kinase inhibitors, beta-blockers, vitamin D, and plant-derived bioactive compounds, which may represent new options for the prevention and treatment of MM.
Collapse
|
40
|
Bustamante P, Piquet L, Landreville S, Burnier JV. Uveal melanoma pathobiology: Metastasis to the liver. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 71:65-85. [PMID: 32450140 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a type of intraocular tumor with a propensity to disseminate to the liver. Despite the identification of the early driver mutations during the development of the pathology, the process of UM metastasis is still not fully comprehended. A better understanding of the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors participating to its spread and metastatic outgrowth could provide additional approaches for UM treatment. In this review, we will discuss the advances made towards the understanding of the pathogenesis of metastatic UM, summarize the current and prospective treatments, and introduce some of the ongoing research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prisca Bustamante
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada; Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Léo Piquet
- Département d'ophtalmologie et d'ORL-CCF, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; CUO-Recherche and Axe médecine régénératrice, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Solange Landreville
- Département d'ophtalmologie et d'ORL-CCF, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; CUO-Recherche and Axe médecine régénératrice, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Julia V Burnier
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada; Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department Of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
The Hippo Pathway as a Driver of Select Human Cancers. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:781-796. [PMID: 32446746 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway regulates myriad biological processes in diverse species and is a key cancer signaling network in humans. Although Hippo has been linked to multiple aspects of cancer, its role in this disease is incompletely understood. Large-scale pan-cancer analyses of core Hippo pathway genes reveal that the pathway is mutated at a high frequency only in select human cancers, including malignant mesothelioma and meningioma. Hippo pathway deregulation is also enriched in squamous epithelial cancers. We discuss cancer-related functions of the Hippo pathway and potential explanations for the cancer-restricted mutation profile of core Hippo pathway genes. Greater understanding of Hippo pathway deregulation in cancers will be essential to guide the imminent use of Hippo-targeted therapies.
Collapse
|
42
|
Vališ K, Novák P. Targeting ERK-Hippo Interplay in Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093236. [PMID: 32375238 PMCID: PMC7247570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a part of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway which allows the transduction of various cellular signals to final effectors and regulation of elementary cellular processes. Deregulation of the MAPK signaling occurs under many pathological conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes and cancers. Targeted inhibition of individual kinases of the MAPK signaling pathway using synthetic compounds represents a promising way to effective anti-cancer therapy. Cross-talk of the MAPK signaling pathway with other proteins and signaling pathways have a crucial impact on clinical outcomes of targeted therapies and plays important role during development of drug resistance in cancers. We discuss cross-talk of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway with other signaling pathways, in particular interplay with the Hippo/MST pathway. We demonstrate the mechanism of cell death induction shared between MAPK/ERK and Hippo/MST signaling pathways and discuss the potential of combination targeting of these pathways in the development of more effective anti-cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karel Vališ
- Correspondence: (K.V.); (P.N.); Tel.: +420-325873610 (P.N.)
| | - Petr Novák
- Correspondence: (K.V.); (P.N.); Tel.: +420-325873610 (P.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Richards JR, Yoo JH, Shin D, Odelberg SJ. Mouse models of uveal melanoma: Strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 33:264-278. [PMID: 31880399 PMCID: PMC7065156 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common primary malignancy of the eye, and a number of discoveries in the last decade have led to a more thorough molecular characterization of this cancer. However, the prognosis remains dismal for patients with metastases, and there is an urgent need to identify treatments that are effective for this stage of disease. Animal models are important tools for preclinical studies of uveal melanoma. A variety of models exist, and they have specific advantages, disadvantages, and applications. In this review article, these differences are explored in detail, and ideas for new models that might overcome current challenges are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson R. Richards
- Department of Oncological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Jae Hyuk Yoo
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Donghan Shin
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Shannon J. Odelberg
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Neurobiology and AnatomyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| |
Collapse
|