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Chen W, Geng D, Chen J, Han X, Xie Q, Guo G, Chen X, Zhang W, Tang S, Zhong X. Roles and mechanisms of aberrant alternative splicing in melanoma - implications for targeted therapy and immunotherapy resistance. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:101. [PMID: 38462618 PMCID: PMC10926661 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, resistance to immunotherapy and the off-target effects of targeted therapy have significantly weakened the benefits for patients with melanoma. MAIN BODY Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in transcriptional reprogramming during melanoma development. In particular, aberrant alternative splicing is involved in the efficacy of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and melanoma metastasis. Abnormal expression of splicing factors and variants may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma. Therefore, comprehensively integrating their roles and related mechanisms is essential. This review provides the first detailed summary of the splicing process in melanoma and the changes occurring in this pathway. CONCLUSION The focus of this review is to provide strategies for developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and summarize their potential to alter resistance to targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxian Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Deyi Geng
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jiasheng Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaosha Han
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Qihu Xie
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Genghong Guo
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xuefen Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wancong Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhong
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China.
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
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Romano F, Di Porzio A, Iaccarino N, Riccardi G, Di Lorenzo R, Laneri S, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A. G-quadruplexes in cancer-related gene promoters: from identification to therapeutic targeting. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:745-773. [PMID: 37855085 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2271168] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) which are widely distributed in functional regions of the human genome, such as telomeres and gene promoter regions. Compelling evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as gene expression and genome stability. Notably, the abundance of G4-forming sequences near transcription start sites suggests their potential involvement in regulating oncogenes. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of current knowledge on G4s in human oncogene promoters. The most representative G4-binding ligands have also been documented. The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of the most promising targets for the development of novel and highly specific anticancer drugs capable of selectively impacting the expression of individual or a limited number of genes. EXPERT OPINION Modulation of G4 formation by specific ligands has been proposed as a powerful new tool to treat cancer through the control of oncogene expression. Actually, most of G4-binding small molecules seem to simultaneously target a range of gene promoter G4s, potentially influencing several critical driver genes in cancer, thus producing significant therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Fernandez MF, Choi J, Sosman J. New Approaches to Targeted Therapy in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3224. [PMID: 37370834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123224] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It was just slightly more than a decade ago when metastatic melanoma carried a dismal prognosis with few, if any, effective therapies. Since then, the evolution of cancer immunotherapy has led to new and effective treatment approaches for melanoma. However, despite these advances, a sizable portion of patients with advanced melanoma have de novo or acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. At the same time, therapies (BRAF plus MEK inhibitors) targeting the BRAFV600 mutations found in 40-50% of cutaneous melanomas have also been critical for optimizing management and improving patient outcomes. Even though immunotherapy has been established as the initial therapy in most patients with cutaneous melanoma, subsequent effective therapy is limited to BRAFV600 melanoma. For all other melanoma patients, driver mutations have not been effectively targeted. Numerous efforts are underway to target melanomas with NRAS mutations, NF-1 LOF mutations, and other genetic alterations leading to activation of the MAP kinase pathway. In this era of personalized medicine, we will review the current genetic landscape, molecular classifications, emerging drug targets, and the potential for combination therapies for non-BRAFV600 melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Felipe Fernandez
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jacob Choi
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jeffrey Sosman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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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.
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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
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Cristofani R, Piccolella M, Montagnani Marelli M, Tedesco B, Poletti A, Moretti RM. HSPB8 counteracts tumor activity of BRAF- and NRAS-mutant melanoma cells by modulation of RAS-prenylation and autophagy. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:973. [PMID: 36400750 PMCID: PMC9674643 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05365-9] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of skin cancer. Some specific driver mutations have been described in multiple oncogenes including BRAF and NRAS that are mutated in 60-70% and 15-20% of melanoma, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Small Heat Shock Protein B8 (HSPB8) on cell growth and migration of both BLM (BRAFwt/NRASQ61R) and A375 (BRAFV600E/NRASwt) human melanoma cell lines. HSPB8 is a member of the HSPB family of chaperones involved in protein quality control (PQC) system and contributes to chaperone assisted selective autophagy (CASA) as well as in the regulation of mitotic spindle. In cancer, HSPB8 has anti- or pro-tumoral action depending on tumor type. In melanoma cell lines characterized by low HSPB8 levels, we demonstrated that the restoration of HSPB8 expression causes cell growth arrest, reversion of EMT (Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition)-like phenotype switching and antimigratory effect, independently from the cell mutational status. We demonstrated that HSPB8 regulates the levels of the active prenylated form of NRAS in NRAS-mutant and NRAS-wild-type melanoma cell lines. Consequently, the inhibition of NRAS impairs the activation of Akt/mTOR pathway inducing autophagy activation. Autophagy can play a dual role in regulating cell death and survival. We have therefore demonstrated that HSPB8-induced autophagy is a crucial event that counteracts cell growth in melanoma. Collectively, our results suggest that HSPB8 has an antitumoral action in melanoma cells characterized by BRAF and NRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Cristofani
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Margherita Piccolella
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Montagnani Marelli
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara Tedesco
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy ,grid.417894.70000 0001 0707 5492Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Poletti
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Manuela Moretti
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari (DiSFeB), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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Recent Advances and Challenges in Uveal Melanoma Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133094. [PMID: 35804863 PMCID: PMC9264803 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Although it can be controlled locally, half of the patients still develop metastases. To date, there have been no standard therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of metastases. Existing therapies, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapies, induce only minimal responses. This review focuses on newly published research on immunotherapy. We highlight expanding treatments and their clinical outcomes, as well as propose promising new treatments and feasible checkpoints. Based on these findings, we provide innovative insights into feasible strategies for the treatment of patients with uveal melanoma. Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Compared to cutaneous melanoma (CM), which mainly harbors BRAF or NRAS mutations, UM predominantly harbors GNAQ or GNA11 mutations. Although primary UM can be controlled locally, approximately 50% of patients still develop metastases. To date, there have been no standard therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of metastases. Unfortunately, chemotherapy and targeted therapies only induce minimal responses in patients with metastatic UM, with a median survival time of only 4–5 months after metastasis detection. Immunotherapy agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have achieved pioneering outcomes in CM but have shown limited effects in UM. Researchers have explored several feasible checkpoints to identify options for future therapies. Cancer vaccines have shown little in the way of therapeutic benefit in patients with UM, and there are few ongoing trials providing favorable evidence, but adoptive cell transfer-related therapies seem promising and deserve further investigation. More recently, the immune-mobilizing monoclonal T-cell receptor against the cancer molecule tebentafusp showed impressive antitumor effects. Meanwhile, oncolytic viruses and small molecule inhibitors have also gained ground. This review highlights recent progress in burgeoning treatments and provides innovative insights on feasible strategies for the treatment of UM.
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Novel treatment strategy for NRAS-mutated melanoma through a selective inhibitor of CD147/VEGFR-2 interaction. Oncogene 2022; 41:2254-2264. [PMID: 35217792 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
More than 70% of human NRASmut melanomas are resistant to MEK inhibitors highlighting the crucial need for efficient therapeutic strategies for these tumors. CD147, a membrane receptor, is overexpressed in most cancers including melanoma and is associated with poor prognosis. We show here that CD147i, a specific inhibitor of CD147/VEGFR-2 interaction represents a potential therapeutic strategy for NRASmut melanoma cells. It significantly inhibited the malignant properties of NRASmut melanomas ex vivo and in vivo. Importantly, NRASmut patient's-derived xenografts, which were resistant to MEKi, became sensitive when combined with CD147i leading to decreased proliferation ex vivo and tumor regression in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that CD147i effects were mediated through STAT3 pathway. These data bring a proof of concept on the impact of the inhibition of CD147/VEGFR-2 interaction on melanoma progression and represents a new therapeutic opportunity for NRASmut melanoma when combined with MEKi.
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Zhao H, Chen Y, Shen P, Gong L. Identification of Immune Cell Infiltration Landscape and Their Prognostic Significance in Uveal Melanoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:713569. [PMID: 34513843 PMCID: PMC8427429 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.713569] [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: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UVM) is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that immune cell infiltration (ICI) is crucial in predicting patient outcomes and therapeutic efficacy. Thus, describing the immune cell infiltrative landscape of UVM tumors may yield a novel prognostic marker and provide direction for immunotherapeutic selection. In this study, the gene expression data and clinical information of UVM patients were obtained from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and gene expression omnibus (GEO) databases. The ICI landscape of UVM was analyzed using the CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms. Two ICI phenotypes were defined, and the ICI scores were calculated by using principal component analysis algorithms. We found that a subtype with high ICI scores had poorer prognosis and increased expression levels of immune checkpoint-related genes. This study demonstrates that ICI scores are an independent prognostic biomarker and highlights their value in predicting immunotherapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Laboratory of Myopia, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese of Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peijun Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lan Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Laboratory of Myopia, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese of Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Qiu N, Abegg D, Guidi M, Gilmore K, Seeberger PH, Adibekian A. Artemisinin inhibits NRas palmitoylation by targeting the protein acyltransferase ZDHHC6. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 29:530-537.e7. [PMID: 34358442 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Protein S-palmitoylation is a post-translational modification that plays a crucial role in cancer cells by regulating the function and localization of oncoproteins and tumor suppressor proteins. Here, we identify artemisinin (ART), a clinically approved antimalarial endoperoxide natural product with promising anticancer activities, as an inhibitor of the ER-residing palmitoyl transferase ZDHHC6 in cancer cells using a chemoproteomic approach. We show that ART covalently binds and inhibits ZDHHC6 to reduce palmitoylation of the oncogenic protein NRas, disrupt NRas subcellular localization, and attenuate the downstream pro-proliferative signaling cascades. Our study identifies artemisinin as a non-lipid-based palmitoylation inhibitor targeting a specific palmitoyl acyltransferase and provides valuable mechanistic insights into the anticancer activity of artemisinins that are currently being studied in human clinical trials for different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Qiu
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Daniel Abegg
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Mara Guidi
- Department of Molecular Systems, Max-Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muhlenberg 1, 14424 Potsdam, Germany; Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerry Gilmore
- Department of Molecular Systems, Max-Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muhlenberg 1, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Peter H Seeberger
- Department of Molecular Systems, Max-Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muhlenberg 1, 14424 Potsdam, Germany; Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Adibekian
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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Cesinaro AM, Gallo G, Manfredini S, Maiorana A, Bettelli SR. ROS-1 Pattern Of Immunostaining In 11 Cases Of Spitzoid Tumours: Comparison With Histopathological, Fish And Ngs Analysis. Histopathology 2021; 79:966-974. [PMID: 34231248 DOI: 10.1111/his.14445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Spitzoid tumours have been shown to harbour exclusive kinase fusions. Few studies have analysed substantial numbers of ROS-1 rearranged lesions, particularly immunohistochemistry has been poorly investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Among a group of 35 spitzoid tumours, of which 34 consecutively diagnosed in a 3-year period, we found 11 cases ROS-1 positive at immunohistochemistry, belonging to 10 patients, 8 females and 2 males, aged 3 to 52 years (median 29); most lesions (8) were localized on the lower extremities. Four patterns of immunostaining were observed: cytoplasmic granular diffuse (6 cases), sparse cytoplasmic granules (3), paranuclear dots (1), and nuclear (1). All cases resulted rearranged at FISH analysis (cut-off >15%). NGS-RNA analysis featured specific fusions of ROS-1 in 4 cases: two with PWWP2A, one with PPFIBP1, and one with ZCCHC8. NGS-DNA analysis demonstrated in 5 cases specific mutations of AKT, EGFR, NRAS, MYC, ALK, and KIT genes. ROS-1 lesions belonged predominantly to the "Atypical Spitz Tumour" group and featured mainly a nested pattern at histology. Interestingly, one patient developed two lesions ROS-1 positive. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemistry showed a 100% of sensitivity and specificity compared to FISH results, corresponding to ROS-1 rearrangement in 31% of cases studied. These observations shed new light on the value of immunohistochemical evaluation of ROS-1 in spitzoid tumours. ROS-1 patterns of immunostaining probably reflect different subcellular localizations of ROS-1 fusions, although no specific correlations were found in cases studied. Immunohistochemistry and FISH resulted the most sensitive techniques in detecting ROS-1 rearrangement in this subset of neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graziana Gallo
- Struttura Complessa di Anatomia - Istologia e Citologia Patologica e Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Patologia Molecolare e Medicina Predittiva
| | | | - Antonino Maiorana
- Struttura Complessa di Anatomia - Istologia e Citologia Patologica e Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Patologia Molecolare e Medicina Predittiva
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Zhou L, Wang X, Chi Z, Sheng X, Kong Y, Mao L, Lian B, Tang B, Yan X, Bai X, Li S, Guo J, Cui C, Si L. Association of NRAS Mutation With Clinical Outcomes of Anti-PD-1 Monotherapy in Advanced Melanoma: A Pooled Analysis of Four Asian Clinical Trials. Front Immunol 2021; 12:691032. [PMID: 34290710 PMCID: PMC8289467 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.691032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-PD-1 monotherapy is the standard therapy for advanced melanoma patients, including those with NRAS mutations. The influence of NRAS mutation on immunotherapy, especially in noncutaneous melanoma, is largely uncharacterized. Materials and Methods We analyzed clinical data of four clinical trials for advanced melanoma patients treated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy between 2016 and 2019. The impact of NRAS mutation on efficacy and outcome of immunotherapy were analyzed in cutaneous and noncutaneous groups separately. Results A total of 206 patients were assessed, including 92 cutaneous melanoma patients with 12 NRAS mutations and 114 noncutaneous melanoma patients with 21 NRAS mutations. In cutaneous melanoma, the response rates of NRAS mutant patients were lower than patients without NRAS mutations (9.5% vs. 23.9%), the median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) were shorter for patients with NRAS mutations, although without significant difference for OS (P=0.081). In noncutaneous melanoma, the response rates were 0 and 13.7% for NRAS mutant and wild-type patients, the median PFS were 3.6 months (95% CI: 0.9-6.3) and 4.3 months (95%CI: 2.9-5.7) (P=0.015), and the median OS were 10.8 months (95% CI: 1.5-20.1) and 15.3 months (95% CI: 13.2-17.4) (P=0.025), respectively. In multivariate analysis, NRAS mutation, along with ECOG performance score and LDH level, was negatively associated with both PFS (HR 1.912, P=0.044) and OS (HR 2.210, P=0.025) in noncutaneous melanoma. Conclusion In advanced Asian melanoma treated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy, NRAS mutant patients had lower response rates and poorer prognoses compared to wild-type patients, especially in noncutaneous subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Chi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xinan Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Kong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Mao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Lian
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Bixia Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xieqiao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Siming Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanliang Cui
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Si
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
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12
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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: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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.
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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
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13
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Resistance to Molecularly Targeted Therapies in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051115. [PMID: 33807778 PMCID: PMC7961479 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer with invasive growth patterns. In 2021, 106,110 patients are projected to be diagnosed with melanoma, out of which 7180 are expected to die. Traditional methods like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are not effective in the treatment of metastatic and advanced melanoma. Recent approaches to treat melanoma have focused on biomarkers that play significant roles in cell growth, proliferation, migration, and survival. Several FDA-approved molecular targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed against genetic biomarkers whose overexpression is implicated in tumorigenesis. The use of targeted therapies as an alternative or supplement to immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of metastatic melanoma. Although this treatment strategy is more efficacious and less toxic in comparison to traditional therapies, targeted therapies are less effective after prolonged treatment due to acquired resistance caused by mutations and activation of alternative mechanisms in melanoma tumors. Recent studies focus on understanding the mechanisms of acquired resistance to these current therapies. Further research is needed for the development of better approaches to improve prognosis in melanoma patients. In this article, various melanoma biomarkers including BRAF, MEK, RAS, c-KIT, VEGFR, c-MET and PI3K are described, and their potential mechanisms for drug resistance are discussed.
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14
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Potu H, Kandarpa M, Peterson LF, Durham A, Donato NJ, Talpaz M. Downregulation of SOX2 by inhibition of Usp9X induces apoptosis in melanoma. Oncotarget 2021; 12:160-172. [PMID: 33613844 PMCID: PMC7869572 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27869] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma tumors driven by BRAF mutations often do not respond to BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway inhibitors currently used in treatment. One documented mechanism of resistance is upregulation of SOX2, a transcription factor that is essential for tumor growth and expansion, particularly in melanoma tumors with BRAF mutations. Targeting transcription factors pharmacologically has been elusive for drug developers, limiting treatment options. Here we show that ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9, X-linked (Usp9x), a deubiquitinase (DUB) enzyme controls SOX2 levels in melanoma. Usp9x knockdown in melanoma increased SOX2 ubiquitination, leading to its depletion, and enhanced apoptotic effects of BRAF inhibitor and MEK inhibitors. Primary metastatic melanoma samples demonstrated moderately elevated Usp9x and SOX2 protein expression compared to tumors without metastatic potential. Usp9x knockdown, as well as inhibition with DUB inhibitor, G9, blocked SOX2 expression, suppressed in vitro colony growth, and induced apoptosis of BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. Combined treatment with Usp9x and mutant BRAF inhibitors fully suppressed melanoma growth in vivo. Our data demonstrate a novel mechanism for targeting the transcription factor SOX2, leveraging Usp9x inhibition. Thus, development of DUB inhibitors may add to the limited repertoire of current melanoma treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Potu
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Malathi Kandarpa
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Luke F Peterson
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alison Durham
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nicholas J Donato
- Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,These authors jointly supervised this work
| | - Moshe Talpaz
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,These authors jointly supervised this work
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15
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Cancer Stem Cells-Key Players in Tumor Relapse. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030376. [PMID: 33498502 PMCID: PMC7864187 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor relapse and treatment failure are unfortunately common events for cancer patients, thus often rendering cancer an uncurable disease. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cancer cells endowed with tumor-initiating and self-renewal capacity, as well as with high adaptive abilities. Altogether, these features contribute to CSC survival after one or multiple therapeutic approaches, thus leading to treatment failure and tumor progression/relapse. Thus, elucidating the molecular mechanisms associated with stemness-driven resistance is crucial for the development of more effective drugs and durable responses. This review will highlight the mechanisms exploited by CSCs to overcome different therapeutic strategies, from chemo- and radiotherapies to targeted therapies and immunotherapies, shedding light on their plasticity as an insidious trait responsible for their adaptation/escape. Finally, novel CSC-specific approaches will be described, providing evidence of their preclinical and clinical applications.
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16
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Alicea GM, Rebecca VW. Emerging strategies to treat rare and intractable subtypes of melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:44-58. [PMID: 32274887 PMCID: PMC7544642 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, possessing a diverse landscape of subtypes with distinct molecular signatures and levels of aggressiveness. Although immense progress has been achieved therapeutically for patients with the most common forms of this disease, little is known of how to effectively treat patients with rarer subtypes of melanoma. These subtypes include acral lentiginous (the rarest form of cutaneous melanoma; AL), uveal, and mucosal melanomas, which display variations in distribution across (a) the world, (b) patient age-groups, and (c) anatomic sites. Unfortunately, patients with these relatively rare subtypes of melanoma typically respond worse to therapies approved for the more common, non-AL cutaneous melanoma and do not have effective alternatives, and thus consequently have worse overall survival rates. Achieving durable therapeutic responses in these high-risk melanoma subtypes represents one of the greatest challenges of the field. This review aims to collate and highlight effective preclinical and/or clinical strategies against these rare forms of melanoma.
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17
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Khaddour K, Dowling J, Huang J, Council M, Chen D, Cornelius L, Johanns T, Dahiya S, Ansstas G. Successful administration of sequential TVEC and pembrolizumab followed by Temozolomide in immunotherapy refractory intracranial metastatic melanoma with acquired B2M mutation. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4836-4844. [PMID: 33447351 PMCID: PMC7779252 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the substantial advances in the management of metastatic melanoma with the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), many patients develop disease progression during treatment with immunotherapy. This has been suggested to be mediated by several mechanisms that contribute to acquired resistance to ICI, one of which is acquired beta-2 microgloubulin (B2M) mutation. Talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC) is a genetically modified oncolytic virus that can enhance antitumor immunity. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an oral alkylating agent that has been suggested to augment anti-tumor immune response. The clinical significance of TVEC and TMZ in metastatic melanoma patients who are refractory to immunotherapy is unknown. We report a case of a patient with immunotherapy refractory intracranial metastatic melanoma after initial response to ICI who had acquired B2M mutation. The patient received TVEC and pembrolizumab followed by TMZ. The patient maintained durable response of her visceral and intracranial disease for 19 months and ongoing. More research is essential to delineate whether TVEC or TMZ has efficacy in immunotherapy refractory metastatic melanoma with acquired B2M mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karam Khaddour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Joshua Dowling
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jiayi Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Martha Council
- Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David Chen
- Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lynn Cornelius
- Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tanner Johanns
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sonika Dahiya
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - George Ansstas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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18
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Zhang X, Zhang J, Gao F, Fan S, Dai L, Zhang J. KPNA2-Associated Immune Analyses Highlight the Dysregulation and Prognostic Effects of GRB2, NRAS, and Their RNA-Binding Proteins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2020; 11:593273. [PMID: 33193737 PMCID: PMC7649362 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.593273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Karyopherin α2 (KPNA2) was reported to be overexpressed and have unfavorable prognostic effects in many malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although its contributions to inflammatory response were reported in many studies, its specific associations with immune infiltrations and immune pathways during cancer progression were unclear. Here, we aimed to identify new markers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis through KPNA2-associated immune analyses. RNA-seq expression data of HCC datasets were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and International Cancer Genome Consortium. The gene expressions were counts per million normalized. The infiltrations of 24 kinds of immune cells in the samples were evaluated with ImmuCellAI (Immune Cell Abundance Identifier). The Spearman correlations of the immune infiltrations with KPNA2 expression were investigated, and the specific positive correlation of B-cell infiltration with KPNA2 expression in HCC tumors was identified. Fifteen genes in KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) B-cell receptor signaling pathway presented significant correlations with KPNA2 expression in HCC. Among them, GRB2 and NRAS were indicated to be independent unfavorable prognostic factors for HCC overall survival. Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium HCC dataset was investigated to validate the results at protein level. The upregulation and unfavorable prognostic effects of KPNA2 and GRB2 were confirmed, whereas, unlike its mRNA form, NRAS protein was presented to be downregulated and have favorable prognostic effects. Through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the diagnostic potential of the three proteins was shown. The RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) of KPNA2, NRAS, and GRB2, downloaded via The Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes, were investigated for their clinical significance in HCC at protein level. An eight-RBP signature with independent prognostic value and dysregulations in HCC was identified. All the RBPs were significantly correlated with MKI67 expression and at least one of KPNA2, GRB2, and NRAS at protein level in HCC, indicating their roles in HCC progression and the regulation of the three proteins. We concluded that KPNA2, GRB2, NRAS, and their RBPs might have coordinating roles in HCC immunoregulation and progression. They might be new markers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis predication and new targets for HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhi Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jialing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fenglan Gao
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shasha Fan
- Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Liping Dai
- Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinzhong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
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19
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De Martino E, Brunetti D, Canzonieri V, Conforti C, Eisendle K, Mazzoleni G, Nobile C, Rao F, Zschocke J, Jukic E, Jaschke W, Weinlich G, Zelger B, Schmuth M, Stanta G, Zanconati F, Zalaudek I, Bonin S. The Association of Residential Altitude on the Molecular Profile and Survival of Melanoma: Results of an Interreg Study. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2796. [PMID: 33003444 PMCID: PMC7599639 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) incidence is rising worldwide and is the primary cause of death from skin disease in the Western world. Personal risk factors linked to environmental ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are well-known etiological factors contributing to its development. Nevertheless, UVR can contribute to the development of CM in different patterns and to varying degrees. The present study aimed at investigating whether altitude of residence can contribute to the development of specific types of CM and/or influence its progression. To this aim, 306 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from primary CM diagnosed in different geographical areas were submitted to B-RAF proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) and N-RAS proto-oncogene GTPase (NRAS) mutational status detection and mRNA and miRNA profiling by qPCR. Genes were chosen for their functions in specific processes, such as immune response (CD2, PDL1, or CD274) and pigmentation (MITF, TYRP1, and TRPM1). Furthermore, four microRNAs, namely miR-150-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-204-5p, and miR-211-5p, were included in the profiling. Our results highlight differences in the gene expression profile of primary CM with respect to the geographical area and the altitude of residence. Melanoma-specific survival was influenced by the gene expression of mRNA and miRNAs and varied with the altitude of patients' residence. In detail, TYRP1 and miR-204-5p were highly expressed in patients living at higher altitudes, unlike miR-150-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-211-5p. Since miRNAs are highly regulated by reactive oxygen species, it is possible that different regulatory mechanisms characterize CMs at different altitudes due to the different environment and UVR intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora De Martino
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.D.M.); (D.B.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (G.S.); (F.Z.); (I.Z.)
| | - Davide Brunetti
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.D.M.); (D.B.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (G.S.); (F.Z.); (I.Z.)
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.D.M.); (D.B.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (G.S.); (F.Z.); (I.Z.)
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy;
| | - Claudio Conforti
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.D.M.); (D.B.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (G.S.); (F.Z.); (I.Z.)
- ASU GI-Azienda sanitaria universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Klaus Eisendle
- Azienda Sanitaria dell’Alto Adige, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (K.E.); (G.M.); (C.N.)
| | - Guido Mazzoleni
- Azienda Sanitaria dell’Alto Adige, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (K.E.); (G.M.); (C.N.)
| | - Carla Nobile
- Azienda Sanitaria dell’Alto Adige, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (K.E.); (G.M.); (C.N.)
| | - Federica Rao
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy;
| | - Johannes Zschocke
- Institute for Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.Z.); (E.J.)
| | - Emina Jukic
- Institute for Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.Z.); (E.J.)
| | - Wolfram Jaschke
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (W.J.); (G.W.); (B.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Georg Weinlich
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (W.J.); (G.W.); (B.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Bernhard Zelger
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (W.J.); (G.W.); (B.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Matthias Schmuth
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (W.J.); (G.W.); (B.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Giorgio Stanta
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.D.M.); (D.B.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (G.S.); (F.Z.); (I.Z.)
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.D.M.); (D.B.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (G.S.); (F.Z.); (I.Z.)
- ASU GI-Azienda sanitaria universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Iris Zalaudek
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.D.M.); (D.B.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (G.S.); (F.Z.); (I.Z.)
- ASU GI-Azienda sanitaria universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Bonin
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.D.M.); (D.B.); (V.C.); (C.C.); (G.S.); (F.Z.); (I.Z.)
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20
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Liu N, Liu Z, Liu X, Duan X, Huang Y, Jin Z, Niu Y, Zhang L, Chen H. Identification of an Immune-Related Prognostic Signature Associated With Immune Infiltration in Melanoma. Front Genet 2020; 11:1002. [PMID: 33005180 PMCID: PMC7484056 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer-related death among skin tumors, with an increasing incidence worldwide. Few studies have effectively investigated the significance of an immune-related gene (IRG) signature for melanoma prognosis. Here, we constructed an IRGs prognostic signature using bioinformatics methods and evaluated and validated its predictive capability. Then, immune cell infiltration and tumor mutation burden (TMB) landscapes associated with this signature in melanoma were analyzed comprehensively. With the 10-IRG prognostic signature, melanoma patients in the low-risk group showed better survival with distinct features of high immune cell infiltration and TMB. Importantly, melanoma patients in this subgroup were significantly responsive to MAGE-A3 in the validation cohort. This immune-related prognostic signature is thus a reliable tool to predict melanoma prognosis; as the underlying mechanism of this signature is associated with immune infiltration and mutation burden, it might reflect the benefit of immunotherapy to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zijian Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoru Duan
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqiong Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zilin Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Niu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liling Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongxiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The 6th Affifiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Dermatology, Union Shenzhen Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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21
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Vanni I, Tanda ET, Dalmasso B, Pastorino L, Andreotti V, Bruno W, Boutros A, Spagnolo F, Ghiorzo P. Non-BRAF Mutant Melanoma: Molecular Features and Therapeutical Implications. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:172. [PMID: 32850962 PMCID: PMC7396525 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive tumors of the skin, and its incidence is growing worldwide. Historically considered a drug resistant disease, since 2011 the therapeutic landscape of melanoma has radically changed. Indeed, the improved knowledge of the immune system and its interactions with the tumor, and the ever more thorough molecular characterization of the disease, has allowed the development of immunotherapy on the one hand, and molecular target therapies on the other. The increased availability of more performing technologies like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and the availability of increasingly large genetic panels, allows the identification of several potential therapeutic targets. In light of this, numerous clinical and preclinical trials are ongoing, to identify new molecular targets. Here, we review the landscape of mutated non-BRAF skin melanoma, in light of recent data deriving from Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) or Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) studies on melanoma cohorts for which information on the mutation rate of each gene was available, for a total of 10 NGS studies and 992 samples, focusing on available, or in experimentation, targeted therapies beyond those targeting mutated BRAF. Namely, we describe 33 established and candidate driver genes altered with frequency greater than 1.5%, and the current status of targeted therapy for each gene. Only 1.1% of the samples showed no coding mutations, whereas 30% showed at least one mutation in the RAS genes (mostly NRAS) and 70% showed mutations outside of the RAS genes, suggesting potential new roads for targeted therapy. Ongoing clinical trials are available for 33.3% of the most frequently altered genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Vanni
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Bruna Dalmasso
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenza Pastorino
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Virginia Andreotti
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - William Bruno
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Boutros
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Paola Ghiorzo
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
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22
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Neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog mRNA is differentially spliced to give five distinct isoforms: implications for melanoma therapy. Melanoma Res 2020; 29:491-500. [PMID: 31116161 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog is a commonly mutated oncogene in melanoma, and therapeutic targeting of neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog has proven difficult. We characterized the expression and phenotypic functions of five recently discovered splice isoforms of neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog in melanoma. Canonical neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (isoform-1) was expressed to the highest degree and its expression was significantly increased in melanoma metastases compared to primary lesions. Isoform-5 expression in metastases showed a significant, positive correlation with survival and tumours over-expressing isoform-5 had significantly decreased growth in a xenograft model. In contrast, over-expression of any isoform resulted in enhanced proliferation, and invasiveness was increased with over-expression of isoform-1 or isoform-2. Downstream signalling analysis indicated that the isoforms signalled differentially through the mitogen-activated protein kinase and PI3K pathways and A375 cells over-expressing isoform-2 or isoform-5 showed resistance to vemurafenib treatment in vitro. The neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog isoforms appear to play varying roles in melanoma phenotype and could potentially serve as biomarkers for therapeutic response and disease prognosis.
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23
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Kim J, Novak D, Sachpekidis C, Utikal J, Larribère L. STAT3 Relays a Differential Response to Melanoma-Associated NRAS Mutations. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E119. [PMID: 31906480 PMCID: PMC7016650 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma patients carrying an oncogenic NRAS mutation represent 20% of all cases and present worse survival, relapse rate and therapy response than patients with wild type NRAS or with BRAF mutations. Nevertheless, no efficient targeted therapy has emerged so far for this group of patients in comparison with the classical combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors for the patient group carrying a BRAF mutation. NRAS key downstream actors should therefore be identified for drug targeting, possibly in combination with MEK inhibitors. Here, we investigated the influence of different melanoma-associated NRAS mutations (codon 12, 13 or 61) on several parameters such as oncogene-induced senescence, cell proliferation, migration or colony formation in immortalized melanocytes and in melanoma cell lines. We identified AXL/STAT3 axis as a main regulator of NRASQ61-induced oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) and observed that NRASQ61 mutations are not only more tumorigenic than NRASG12/13 mutations but also associated to STAT3 activation. In conclusion, these data bring new evidence of the potential tumorigenic role of STAT3 in NRAS-mutant melanomas and will help improving current therapy strategies for this particular patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Kim
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (J.K.); (D.N.); (J.U.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Daniel Novak
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (J.K.); (D.N.); (J.U.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christos Sachpekidis
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (J.K.); (D.N.); (J.U.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lionel Larribère
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (J.K.); (D.N.); (J.U.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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24
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Sun G, Su G, Liu F, Han W. NRAS Contributes to Retinoblastoma Progression Through SNHG16/miR-183-5p/NRAS Regulatory Network. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:10703-10715. [PMID: 31827328 PMCID: PMC6902855 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s232470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The oncogene of wild type neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) has been found to involve in the tumorigenesis of cancers. However, the role of NRAS in retinoblastoma (RB) progression remains largely unknown. Methods The expression levels of NRAS, miR-183-5p and small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay or Western blot assay, respectively. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay or flow cytometry, respectively. Transwell assay was used to determine cell migration and invasion abilities. The interaction between miR-183-5p and NRAS or SNHG16 was analyzed using bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results NRAS was elevated in RB tissues and cell lines, knockdown of NRAS could inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion but induced apoptosis in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. NRAS was confirmed to be a target of miR-183-5p and was negatively regulated by miR-183-5p in RB cells. Moreover, overexpressed NRAS reversed miR-183-5p mediated inhibition on RB cell progression. Besides that, SNHG16 directly interacted with miR-183-5p and reduced miR-183-5p expression in RB cells. The suppression of RB cell progression induced by SNHG16 silencing could be partially attenuated by the inhibition of miR-183-5p. Besides that, SNHG16 could regulate NRAS expression through competitively binding to miR-183-5p in RB cells. Conclusion NRAS functioned as an oncogene to contribute to RB progression by SNHG16/miR-183-5p/NRAS regulatory network, indicating a novel and promising therapeutic target for RB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangli Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Su
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, People's Republic of China
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25
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Rittler D, Baranyi M, Molnár E, Garay T, Jalsovszky I, Varga IK, Hegedűs L, Aigner C, Tóvári J, Tímár J, Hegedűs B. The Antitumor Effect of Lipophilic Bisphosphonate BPH1222 in Melanoma Models: The Role of the PI3K/Akt Pathway and the Small G Protein Rheb. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194917. [PMID: 31623406 PMCID: PMC6801414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most metastatic cancer types, and despite recent success with novel treatment strategies, there is still a group of patients who do not respond to any therapies. Earlier, the prenylation inhibitor hydrophilic bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) was found to inhibit melanoma growth in vitro, but only a weaker effect was observed in vivo due to its hydrophilic properties. Recently, lipophilic bisphosphonates (such as BPH1222) were developed. Accordingly, for the first time, we compared the effect of BPH1222 to ZA in eight melanoma lines using viability, cell-cycle, clonogenic and spheroid assays, videomicroscopy, immunoblot, and xenograft experiments. Based on 2D and spheroid assays, the majority of cell lines were more sensitive to BPH. The activation of Akt and S6 proteins, but not Erk, was inhibited by BPH. Additionally, BPH had a stronger apoptotic effect than ZA, and the changes of Rheb showed a correlation with apoptosis. In vitro, only M24met cells were more sensitive to ZA than to BPH; however, in vivo growth of M24met was inhibited more strongly by BPH. Here, we present that lipophilic BPH is more effective on melanoma cells than ZA and identify the PI3K pathway, particularly Rheb as an important mediator of growth inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Rittler
- Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Marcell Baranyi
- Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Eszter Molnár
- Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Tamás Garay
- Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary.
- Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary.
- Oncology Center, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - István Jalsovszky
- Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry; H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Imre Károly Varga
- Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry; H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Luca Hegedűs
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45239 Essen, Germany.
| | - Clemens Aigner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45239 Essen, Germany.
| | - József Tóvári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - József Tímár
- Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Balázs Hegedűs
- Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, H-1091 Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45239 Essen, Germany.
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26
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Bertoli E, Giavarra M, Vitale MG, Minisini AM. Neuroblastoma rat sarcoma mutated melanoma: That's what we got so far. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2019; 32:744-752. [PMID: 31403745 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma rat sarcoma (NRAS) mutation, occurring in about 20%-30% of cutaneous melanomas, leads to activation of RAS-RAF-MAPK cascade and represents a clear distinct clinicopathological entity in melanoma. In contrast with BRAF mutant melanoma, no specific target therapies are available outside the setting of clinical trials. In the field of immunoncology, the predictive role of NRAS mutation with respect to checkpoint inhibitors treatment has not clearly established and deserves further investigation. At present, the standard treatment is the same as for BRAF wild type melanoma. Ongoing trials are exploring novel combination strategies among patients with advanced NRAS mutant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bertoli
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,Department of Oncology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Giavarra
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,Department of Oncology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Vitale
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,Department of Oncology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine, Udine, Italy
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27
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Bernardi RE, Olevska A, Morella I, Fasano S, Santos E, Brambilla R, Spanagel R. The Inhibition of RasGRF2, But Not RasGRF1, Alters Cocaine Reward in Mice. J Neurosci 2019; 39:6325-6338. [PMID: 31182637 PMCID: PMC6687905 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1120-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK (Ras-ERK) signaling has been implicated in the effects of drugs of abuse. Inhibitors of MEK1/2, the kinases upstream of ERK1/2, have been critical in defining the role of the Ras-ERK cascade in drug-dependent alterations in behavioral plasticity, but the Ras family of small GTPases has not been extensively examined in drug-related behaviors. We examined the role of Ras Guanine Nucleotide Releasing Factor 1 (RasGRF1) and 2 (RasGRF2), upstream regulators of the Ras-ERK signaling cascade, on cocaine self-administration (SA) in male mice. We first established a role for Ras-ERK signaling in cocaine SA, demonstrating that pERK1/2 is upregulated following SA in C57BL/6N mice in striatum. We then compared RasGRF1 and RasGRF2 KO mouse lines, demonstrating that cocaine SA in RasGRF2 KO mice was increased relative to WT controls, whereas RasGRF1 KO and WT mice did not differ. This effect in RasGRF2 mice is likely mediated by the Ras-ERK signaling pathway, as pERK1/2 upregulation following cocaine SA was absent in RasGRF2 KO mice. Interestingly, the lentiviral knockdown of RasGRF2 in the NAc had the opposite effect to that in RasGRF2 KO mice, reducing cocaine SA. We subsequently demonstrated that the MEK inhibitor PD325901 administered peripherally prior to cocaine SA increased cocaine intake, replicating the increase seen in RasGRF2 KO mice, whereas PD325901 administered into the NAc decreased cocaine intake, similar to the effect seen following lentiviral knockdown of RasGRF2. These data indicate a role for RasGRF2 in cocaine SA in mice that is ERK-dependent, and suggest a differential effect of global versus site-specific RasGRF2 inhibition.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Exposure to drugs of abuse activates a variety of intracellular pathways, and following repeated exposure, persistent changes in these pathways contribute to drug dependence. Downstream components of the Ras-ERK signaling cascade are involved in the acute and chronic effects of drugs of abuse, but their upstream mediators have not been extensively characterized. Here we show, using a combination of molecular, pharmacological, and lentiviral techniques, that the guanine nucleotide exchange factor RasGRF2 mediates cocaine self-administration via an ERK-dependent mechanism, whereas RasGRF1 has no effect on responding for cocaine. These data indicate dissociative effects of mediators of Ras activity on cocaine reward and expand the understanding of the contribution of Ras-ERK signaling to drug-taking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick E Bernardi
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany,
| | - Anastasia Olevska
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Division of Neuroscience, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom, and
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Division of Neuroscience, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom, and
| | - Eugenio Santos
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca) and CIBERONC, Salamanca, Spain, 37007
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Division of Neuroscience, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom, and
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany
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28
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Modelling of Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways in Melanoma and Other Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040465. [PMID: 30987166 PMCID: PMC6520749 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly aggressive tumor with a strong dependence on intracellular signaling pathways. Almost half of all melanomas are driven by mutations in the v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) with BRAFV600E being the most prevalent mutation. Recently developed targeted treatment directed against mutant BRAF and downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) MAP2K1 (also termed MEK1) have improved overall survival of melanoma patients. However, the MAPK signaling pathway is far more complex than a single chain of consecutively activated MAPK enzymes and it contains nested-, inherent feedback mechanisms, crosstalk with other signaling pathways, epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, and interacting small non-coding RNAs. A more complete understanding of this pathway is needed to better understand melanoma development and mechanisms of treatment resistance. Network reconstruction, analysis, and modelling under the systems biology paradigm have been used recently in different malignant tumors including melanoma to analyze and integrate 'omics' data, formulate mechanistic hypotheses on tumorigenesis, assess and personalize anticancer therapy, and propose new drug targets. Here we review the current knowledge of network modelling approaches in cancer with a special emphasis on melanoma.
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29
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Barclay SF, Inman KW, Luks VL, McIntyre JB, Al-Ibraheemi A, Church AJ, Perez-Atayde AR, Mangray S, Jeng M, Kreimer SR, Walker L, Fishman SJ, Alomari AI, Chaudry G, Trenor Iii CC, Adams D, Kozakewich HPW, Kurek KC. A somatic activating NRAS variant associated with kaposiform lymphangiomatosis. Genet Med 2018; 21:1517-1524. [PMID: 30542204 PMCID: PMC6565516 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-018-0390-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA) is a rare, frequently aggressive, systemic disorder of the lymphatic vasculature, occurring primarily in children. Even with multimodal treatments, KLA has a poor prognosis and high mortality rate secondary to coagulopathy, effusions and systemic involvement. We hypothesized that, as has recently been found for other vascular anomalies, KLA may be caused by somatic mosaic variants affecting vascular development. Methods: We performed exome sequencing of tumor samples from five individuals with KLA, along with samples from uninvolved control tissue in three of the five. We used digital PCR (dPCR) to validate the exome findings and to screen KLA samples from six other individuals. Results: We identified a somatic activating NRAS variant (c.182A>G, p.Q61R) in lesional tissue from 10/11 individuals, at levels ranging from 1–28%, that was absent from the tested control tissues. Conclusion: The activating NRAS p.Q61R variant is a known ‘hotspot’ variant, frequently identified in several types of human cancer, especially melanoma. KLA, therefore, joins a growing group of vascular malformations and tumors caused by somatic activating variants in the RAS/PI3K/mTOR signalling pathways. This discovery will expand treatment options for these high risk patients as there is potential for use of targeted RAS pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah F Barclay
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Medical Genetics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Kyle W Inman
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valerie L Luks
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John B McIntyre
- Translational Laboratory, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alyaa Al-Ibraheemi
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Vascular Anomalies Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alanna J Church
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Shamlal Mangray
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael Jeng
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sara R Kreimer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Lori Walker
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Steven J Fishman
- Vascular Anomalies Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmad I Alomari
- Vascular Anomalies Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Interventional Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gulraiz Chaudry
- Vascular Anomalies Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Interventional Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cameron C Trenor Iii
- Vascular Anomalies Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Denise Adams
- Vascular Anomalies Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harry P W Kozakewich
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Vascular Anomalies Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle C Kurek
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Medical Genetics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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30
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Hu Y, Tao SY, Deng JM, Hou ZK, Liang JQ, Huang QG, Li LH, Li HB, Chen YM, Yi H, Chen XL, Liu H. Prognostic Value of NRAS Gene for Survival of Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018; 19:3001-3008. [PMID: 30484984 PMCID: PMC6318417 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2018.19.11.3001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: NRAS gene is associated with malignant proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). But its prognostic value on CRC is still unknown. The objective of this study is to perform a meta-analysis to obtain its prognostic value on survival of CRC patients. Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis was designed, undertaken and reported using items from the PRISMA statement. Relevant articles were identified through PubMed (containing Medline), Embase, Web of Science databases and Google scholar search engines from their inception up to October 3, 2016. The articles about NRAS on prognosis of CRC patients were enrolled. The association between NRAS and CRC survival time (including overall survival [OS], progression-free survival [PFS], and disease-free survival [DFS]) was evaluated using hazard ratio (HR) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A total of fifteen articles were included. High-expression of NRAS was significantly associated with poor OS (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.15–1.61), and poor PFS (HR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.04–2.94). The combined HR of NRAS on DFS was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.37–2.03). Subgroup analysis showed that NRAS was significantly associated with poor OS for patients from Western countries (HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.09–1.73), but not for those from Asian countries. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrate that NRAS gene could predict the poor prognosis for the CRC patients. More large-sample cohort studies are needed to further confirm this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang-You Tao
- Spleen and Stomach Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie-Min Deng
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng-Kun Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Qi Liang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiu-Gu Huang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang-Hui Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Biao Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ming Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Yi
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Lin Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Liu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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31
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Rožanc J, Sakellaropoulos T, Antoranz A, Guttà C, Podder B, Vetma V, Rufo N, Agostinis P, Pliaka V, Sauter T, Kulms D, Rehm M, Alexopoulos LG. Phosphoprotein patterns predict trametinib responsiveness and optimal trametinib sensitisation strategies in melanoma. Cell Death Differ 2018; 26:1365-1378. [PMID: 30323272 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0210-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Recent insight into the heterogeneous nature of melanoma suggests more personalised treatments may be necessary to overcome drug resistance and improve patient care. To this end, reliable molecular signatures that can accurately predict treatment responsiveness need to be identified. In this study, we applied multiplex phosphoproteomic profiling across a panel of 24 melanoma cell lines with different disease-relevant mutations, to predict responsiveness to MEK inhibitor trametinib. Supported by multivariate statistical analysis and multidimensional pattern recognition algorithms, the responsiveness of individual cell lines to trametinib could be predicted with high accuracy (83% correct predictions), independent of mutation status. We also successfully employed this approach to case specifically predict whether individual melanoma cell lines could be sensitised to trametinib. Our predictions identified that combining MEK inhibition with selective targeting of c-JUN and/or FAK, using siRNA-based depletion or pharmacological inhibitors, sensitised resistant cell lines and significantly enhanced treatment efficacy. Our study indicates that multiplex proteomic analyses coupled with pattern recognition approaches could assist in personalising trametinib-based treatment decisions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Rožanc
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.,ProtATonce Ltd, Science Park Demokritos, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Asier Antoranz
- ProtATonce Ltd, Science Park Demokritos, Athens, Greece.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Cristiano Guttà
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Biswajit Podder
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Vesna Vetma
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nicole Rufo
- Laboratory for Cell Death Research and Therapy, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrizia Agostinis
- Laboratory for Cell Death Research and Therapy, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vaia Pliaka
- ProtATonce Ltd, Science Park Demokritos, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Sauter
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Dagmar Kulms
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus Rehm
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leonidas G Alexopoulos
- ProtATonce Ltd, Science Park Demokritos, Athens, Greece. .,Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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32
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Peng W, Sun ZY, Zhang Q, Cheng SQ, Wang SK, Wang XN, Kuang GT, Su XX, Tan JH, Huang ZS, Ou TM. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel p-(Methylthio)styryl Substituted Quindoline Derivatives as Neuroblastoma RAS (NRAS) Repressors via Specific Stabilizing the RNA G-Quadruplex. J Med Chem 2018; 61:6629-6646. [PMID: 29799749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The human proto-oncogene neuroblastoma RAS ( NRAS) contains a guanine-rich sequence in the 5'-untranslated regions (5'-UTR) of the mRNA that could form an RNA G-quadruplex structure. This structure acts as a repressor for NRAS translation and could be a potential target for anticancer drugs. Our previous studies found an effective scaffold, the quindoline scaffold, for binding and stabilizing the DNA G-quadruplex structures. Here, on the basis of the previous studies and reported RNA-specific probes, a series of novel p-(methylthio)styryl substituted quindoline (MSQ) derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as NRAS RNA G-quadruplex ligands. Panels of experiments turned out that the introduction of p-(methylthio)styryl side chain could enhance the specific binding to the NRAS RNA G-quadruplex. One of the hits, 4a-10, showed strong stabilizing activity on the G-quadruplex and subsequently repressed NRAS's translation and inhibited tumor cells proliferation. Our finding provided a novel strategy to discover novel NRAS repressors by specifically binding to the RNA G-quadruplex in the 5'-UTR of mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Yin Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Sui-Qi Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Shi-Ke Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Na Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Guo-Tao Kuang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
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Abstract
The treatment landscape in advanced melanoma is changing dramatically with the approval of new drugs. Vemurafenib was the first approved targeted agent for the treatment of BRAF-mutant advanced melanoma. However, treatment with a BRAF inhibitor is linked with acquired resistance occurring in half of the patients after approximately six months. Combination of MEK and BRAF inhibitor therapy results in extension of the time to resistance, translating into longer overall survival of treated patients. Similar clinical benefits are observed with therapy using antibodies against immune-checkpoint inhibitors in the same patient population. Due to the fact that results of randomised studies comparing these two treatment strategies back to back have not been presented yet, the best first and second line treatment option in patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma is unknown. Currently, phase 3 studies are also evaluating the efficacy of targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy in patients with BRAF-mutant and BRAF wild-type advanced melanoma. Identifying a biomarker for the selection of patients benefiting most from the treatment will be crucial for further survival improvement in patients with advanced melanoma.
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34
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Manevitz-Mendelson E, Leichner GS, Barel O, Davidi-Avrahami I, Ziv-Strasser L, Eyal E, Pessach I, Rimon U, Barzilai A, Hirshberg A, Chechekes K, Amariglio N, Rechavi G, Yaniv K, Greenberger S. Somatic NRAS mutation in patient with generalized lymphatic anomaly. Angiogenesis 2018; 21:287-298. [PMID: 29397482 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-018-9595-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA or lymphangiomatosis) is a rare disease characterized by a diffuse proliferation of lymphatic vessels in skin and internal organs. It often leads to progressive respiratory failure and death, but its etiology is unknown. Here, we isolated lymphangiomatosis endothelial cells from GLA tissue. These cells were characterized by high proliferation and survival rates, but displayed impaired capacities for migration and tube formation. We employed whole exome sequencing to search for disease-causing genes and identified a somatic mutation in NRAS. We used mouse and zebrafish model systems to initially evaluate the role of this mutation in the development of the lymphatic system, and we studied the effect of drugs blocking the downstream effectors, mTOR and ERK, on this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gil S Leichner
- Department of Dermatology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ortal Barel
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Limor Ziv-Strasser
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eran Eyal
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Itai Pessach
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Uri Rimon
- Department of Radiology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Aviv Barzilai
- Department of Dermatology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Abraham Hirshberg
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Chechekes
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ninette Amariglio
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Gideon Rechavi
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Karina Yaniv
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shoshana Greenberger
- Department of Dermatology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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35
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Giannou AD, Marazioti A, Kanellakis NI, Giopanou I, Lilis I, Zazara DE, Ntaliarda G, Kati D, Armenis V, Giotopoulou GA, Krontira AC, Lianou M, Agalioti T, Vreka M, Papageorgopoulou M, Fouzas S, Kardamakis D, Psallidas I, Spella M, Stathopoulos GT. NRAS destines tumor cells to the lungs. EMBO Mol Med 2017; 9:672-686. [PMID: 28341702 PMCID: PMC5697015 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201606978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The lungs are frequently affected by cancer metastasis. Although NRAS mutations have been associated with metastatic potential, their exact role in lung homing is incompletely understood. We cross-examined the genotype of various tumor cells with their ability for automatic pulmonary dissemination, modulated NRAS expression using RNA interference and NRAS overexpression, identified NRAS signaling partners by microarray, and validated them using Cxcr1- and Cxcr2-deficient mice. Mouse models of spontaneous lung metastasis revealed that mutant or overexpressed NRAS promotes lung colonization by regulating interleukin-8-related chemokine expression, thereby initiating interactions between tumor cells, the pulmonary vasculature, and myeloid cells. Our results support a model where NRAS-mutant, chemokine-expressing circulating tumor cells target the CXCR1-expressing lung vasculature and recruit CXCR2-expressing myeloid cells to initiate metastasis. We further describe a clinically relevant approach to prevent NRAS-driven pulmonary metastasis by inhibiting chemokine signaling. In conclusion, NRAS promotes the colonization of the lungs by various tumor types in mouse models. IL-8-related chemokines, NRAS signaling partners in this process, may constitute an important therapeutic target against pulmonary involvement by cancers of other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios D Giannou
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Antonia Marazioti
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Nikolaos I Kanellakis
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Ioanna Giopanou
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Ioannis Lilis
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Dimitra E Zazara
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Giannoula Ntaliarda
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Danai Kati
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Vasileios Armenis
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Georgia A Giotopoulou
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Anthi C Krontira
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Marina Lianou
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Theodora Agalioti
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Malamati Vreka
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece.,Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) and Institute for Lung Biology and Disease (iLBD), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Papageorgopoulou
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Sotirios Fouzas
- Pneumology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kardamakis
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Stereotactic Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Ioannis Psallidas
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece.,Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Magda Spella
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Georgios T Stathopoulos
- Laboratory for Molecular Respiratory Carcinogenesis, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece .,Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) and Institute for Lung Biology and Disease (iLBD), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
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36
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activating NRAS mutations occur in approximately 15-20% of melanomas and are the second most common oncogenic driver mutation in this disease, after BRAF mutations. There is an unmet medical need for new targeted therapy opportunities in metastatic patients whose tumors harbor an NRAS mutation. Binimetinib, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor, has shown clinical activity in this group of patients. Areas covered: The purpose of this paper was to review the safety, activity and efficacy of the MEK inhibitor binimetinib for the treatment of NRAS-mutant melanoma, as well as to discuss future therapeutic perspectives such as multiple pathways, targeted therapy, and combinations with immunotherapy. Expert commentary: Only a modest progression-free survival (PFS) benefit was observed in NRAS-mutated patients who received binimetinib compared with dacarbazine in a randomized phase 3 clinical trial, with no improvement in overall survival. Nevertheless, binimetinib represents another promising treatment option for advanced melanoma and the first molecularly targeted therapy for the NRAS-mutant population. Binimetinib may also have a role in treating NRAS-mutated melanoma patients after failure of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Queirolo
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Ospedale Policlinico San Martino , Genova , Italy
| | - Francesco Spagnolo
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Ospedale Policlinico San Martino , Genova , Italy
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37
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Clinicopathological significance of intratumoral and peritumoral lymphocytes and lymphocyte score based on the histologic subtypes of cutaneous melanoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:14759-14769. [PMID: 28107203 PMCID: PMC5362441 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes is a favorable prognostic factor in cutaneous melanoma, but their clinicopathological significance in the intratumoral compartment compared to the peritumoral compartment is unclear. We investigated the clinicopathologic significance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and lymphocyte score in intra- and peritumoral compartments in 177 Korean patients who had undergone surgical excision of cutaneous melanoma. No significant correlation was observed between various clinicopathologic factors and the presence of intratumoral lymphocytes. However, high peritumoral lymphocyte scores were associated with lower Clark levels (P = 0.001), shallower Breslow thicknesses (P = 0.006), and fewer mitotic counts (P = 0.01) than tumors with lower scores. There was a trend for longer disease-free survival in cases with peritumoral lymphocytes (P = 0.07) than those without peritumoral lymphocytes. In patients with acral lentiginous melanoma, a strong association between a high peritumoral lymphocyte score and shallow Clark level was apparent (P = 0.03), and the presence of peritumoral lymphocytes (P = 0.02) and a high intratumoral lymphocyte score (P = 0.04) was also associated with longer disease-free survival. Particularly, low intratumoral lymphocyte score remarkably affected tumor recurrence and distant metastasis in a multivariate analysis using Cox regression test (H.R. = 0.304, 95% C.I. = 0.078–1.185, P = 0.09). Thus, the presence of lymphocytes and high lymphocyte scores in the intratumoral and peritumoral compartments are valid prognostic factors in cutaneous melanoma.
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38
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Boespflug A, Caramel J, Dalle S, Thomas L. Treatment of NRAS-mutated advanced or metastatic melanoma: rationale, current trials and evidence to date. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2017; 9:481-492. [PMID: 28717400 PMCID: PMC5502949 DOI: 10.1177/1758834017708160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The disease course of BRAF (v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1)-mutant melanoma has been drastically improved by the arrival of targeted therapies. NRAS (neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog)-mutated melanoma represents 15–25% of all metastatic melanoma patients. It currently does not have an approved targeted therapy. Metastatic patients receive immune-based therapies as first-line treatments, then cytotoxic chemotherapy like carboplatin/paclitaxel (C/P), dacarbazine (DTIC) or temozolomide (TMZ) as a second-line treatment. We will review current preclinical and clinical developments in NRAS-mutated melanoma, and analyze ongoing clinical trials that are evaluating the benefit of different targeted and immune-based therapies, either tested as single agents or in combination, in NRAS-mutant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Caramel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon-1 University, INSERM1052, CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | | | - Luc Thomas
- Service de Dermatologie, CH Lyon Sud, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre Bénite, Cedex, France
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39
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Amann V, Ramelyte E, Thurneysen S, Pitocco R, Bentele-Jaberg N, Goldinger S, Dummer R, Mangana J. Developments in targeted therapy in melanoma. Eur J Surg Oncol 2017; 43:581-593. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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40
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Ko HM, Saieg MA, da Cunha Santos G, Kamel-Reid S, Boerner SL, Geddie WR. Use of cytological samples of metastatic melanoma for ancillary studies. Cytopathology 2017; 28:221-227. [DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H. M. Ko
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program; University Health Network; Toronto ON Canada
| | - M. A. Saieg
- Department of Pathology; Santa Casa Medical School; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - G. da Cunha Santos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program; University Health Network; Toronto ON Canada
| | - S. Kamel-Reid
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program; University Health Network; Toronto ON Canada
| | - S. L. Boerner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program; University Health Network; Toronto ON Canada
| | - W. R. Geddie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program; University Health Network; Toronto ON Canada
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41
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Potu H, Peterson LF, Kandarpa M, Pal A, Sun H, Durham A, Harms PW, Hollenhorst PC, Eskiocak U, Talpaz M, Donato NJ. Usp9x regulates Ets-1 ubiquitination and stability to control NRAS expression and tumorigenicity in melanoma. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14449. [PMID: 28198367 PMCID: PMC5316860 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
ETS transcription factors are commonly deregulated in cancer by chromosomal translocation, overexpression or post-translational modification to induce gene expression programs essential in tumorigenicity. Targeted destruction of these proteins may have therapeutic impact. Here we report that Ets-1 destruction is regulated by the deubiquitinating enzyme, Usp9x, and has major impact on the tumorigenic program of metastatic melanoma. Ets-1 deubiquitination blocks its proteasomal destruction and enhances tumorigenicity, which could be reversed by Usp9x knockdown or inhibition. Usp9x and Ets-1 levels are coincidently elevated in melanoma with highest levels detected in metastatic tumours versus normal skin or benign skin lesions. Notably, Ets-1 is induced by BRAF or MEK kinase inhibition, resulting in increased NRAS expression, which could be blocked by inactivation of Usp9x and therapeutic combination of Usp9x and MEK inhibitor fully suppressed melanoma growth. Thus, Usp9x modulates the Ets-1/NRAS regulatory network and may have biologic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Potu
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Luke F. Peterson
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Malathi Kandarpa
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Anupama Pal
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Hanshi Sun
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Alison Durham
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Paul W. Harms
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Peter C. Hollenhorst
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University Bloomington, 1001 Third St, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Ugur Eskiocak
- Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Moshe Talpaz
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Donato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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42
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Orue A, Chavez V, Strasberg-Rieber M, Rieber M. Hypoxic resistance of KRAS mutant tumor cells to 3-Bromopyruvate is counteracted by Prima-1 and reversed by N-acetylcysteine. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:902. [PMID: 27863474 PMCID: PMC5116131 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2930-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The metabolic inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) is a promising anti-cancer alkylating agent, shown to inhibit growth of some colorectal carcinoma with KRAS mutation. Recently, we demonstrated increased resistance to 3-BrPA in wt p53 tumor cells compared to those with p53 silencing or mutation. Since hypoxic microenvironments select for tumor cells with diminished therapeutic response, we investigated whether hypoxia unequally increases resistance to 3-BrPA in wt p53 MelJuso melanoma harbouring (Q61L)-mutant NRAS and wt BRAF, C8161 melanoma with (G12D)-mutant KRAS (G464E)-mutant BRAF, and A549 lung carcinoma with a KRAS (G12S)-mutation. Since hypoxia increases the toxicity of the p53 activator, Prima-1 against breast cancer cells irrespective of their p53 status, we also investigated whether Prima-1 reversed hypoxic resistance to 3-BrPA. Results In contrast to the high susceptibility of hypoxic mutant NRAS MelJuso cells to 3-BrPA or Prima-1, KRAS mutant C8161 and A549 cells revealed hypoxic resistance to 3-BrPA counteracted by Prima-1. In A549 cells, Prima-1 increased p21CDKN1mRNA, and reciprocally inhibited mRNA expression of the SLC2A1-GLUT1 glucose transporter-1 and ALDH1A1, gene linked to detoxification and stem cell properties. 3-BrPA lowered CAIX and VEGF mRNA expression. Death from joint Prima-1 and 3-BrPA treatment in KRAS mutant A549 and C8161 cells seemed mediated by potentiating oxidative stress, since it was antagonized by the anti-oxidant and glutathione precursor N-acetylcysteine. Conclusions This report is the first to show that Prima-1 kills hypoxic wt p53 KRAS-mutant cells resistant to 3-BrPA, partly by decreasing GLUT-1 expression and exacerbating pro-oxidant stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Orue
- IVIC, Tumor Cell Biology Laboratory, Apartado 21827, Caracas, 1020A, Venezuela
| | - Valery Chavez
- IVIC, Tumor Cell Biology Laboratory, Apartado 21827, Caracas, 1020A, Venezuela
| | | | - Manuel Rieber
- IVIC, Tumor Cell Biology Laboratory, Apartado 21827, Caracas, 1020A, Venezuela.
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Katona É, Juhász T, Somogyi CS, Hajdú T, Szász C, Rácz K, Kókai E, Gergely P, Zákány R. PP2B and ERK1/2 regulate hyaluronan synthesis of HT168 and WM35 human melanoma cell lines. Int J Oncol 2015; 48:983-97. [PMID: 26717964 PMCID: PMC4750541 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) is the major glycosaminoglycan component of the extracellular matrix in either normal or malignant tissues and it may affect proliferation, motility and differentiation of various cell types. Three isoforms of plasma membrane-bound hyaluronan synthases (HAS 1, 2 and 3) secrete and simultaneously bind pericellular HA. HAS enzymes are subjects of post-translational protein phosphorylation which is believed to regulate their enzymatic activity. In this study, we investigated the HA homeostasis of normal human epidermal melanocytes, HT168 and WM35 human melanoma cell lines and melanoma metastases. HAS2 and HAS3 were detected in all the samples, while the expression of HAS1 was not detectable in any case. Malignant tissue samples and melanoma cell lines contained extra- and intracellular HA abundantly but not normal melanocytes. Applying HA as a chemoattractant facilitated the migration of melanoma cells in Boyden chamber. The amount of HA was reduced upon the inhibition of calcineurin with cyclosporine A (CsA), while the inhibition of ERK1/2 with PD098059 elevated it in both cell lines. The signals of Ser/Thr phosphoproteins at 57 kD were stronger after CsA treatment, while a markedly weaker signal was detected upon inhibition of the MAPK pathway. Our results suggest opposing effects of the two investigated enzymes on the HA homeostasis of melanoma cells. We propose that the dephosphorylation of HAS enzymes targeted by PP2B augments HA production, while their phosphorylation by the activity of MAPK pathway reduces HA synthesis. As the expression of the HA receptor RHAMM was also significantly enhanced by PD098059, the MAPK pathway exerted a complex attenuating effect on HA signalling in the investigated melanoma cells. This observation suggests that the application of MAPK-ERK pathway inhibitors requires a careful therapeutic design in melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Katona
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Juhász
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csilla Szűcs Somogyi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tibor Hajdú
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Szász
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Rácz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Endre Kókai
- Department of Cell Biology and Signalling Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Department of Medical Chemistry, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Pál Gergely
- Department of Cell Biology and Signalling Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Department of Medical Chemistry, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Róza Zákány
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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Doddapaneni BS, Kyryachenko S, Chagani SE, Alany RG, Rao DA, Indra AK, Alani AW. A three-drug nanoscale drug delivery system designed for preferential lymphatic uptake for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. J Control Release 2015; 220:503-514. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Carlino MS, Long GV, Kefford RF, Rizos H. Targeting oncogenic BRAF and aberrant MAPK activation in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2015; 96:385-98. [PMID: 26358420 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF and MEK inhibitors, alone or in combination, are highly active in the 40% of patients with BRAF mutant metastatic melanoma. Despite this activity resistance often develops in patients treated with these agents. This review summarises the biology of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, with particular reference to the effects of BRAF and MEK inhibitors in BRAF mutant melanoma. The clinical and molecular predictors of response and mechanisms of resistance are discussed in detail along with the biological rationale and evidence for future treatment strategies in both MAPK inhibitor naïve and resistant BRAF mutant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo S Carlino
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Georgina V Long
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The Mater Hospital, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard F Kefford
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Rizos
- Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
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Dual NRASQ61R and BRAFV600E mutation-specific immunohistochemistry completes molecular screening in melanoma samples in a routine practice. Hum Pathol 2015; 46:1582-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Thomas NE, Edmiston SN, Alexander A, Groben PA, Parrish E, Kricker A, Armstrong BK, Anton-Culver H, Gruber SB, From L, Busam KJ, Hao H, Orlow I, Kanetsky PA, Luo L, Reiner AS, Paine S, Frank JS, Bramson JI, Marrett LD, Gallagher RP, Zanetti R, Rosso S, Dwyer T, Cust AE, Ollila DW, Begg CB, Berwick M, Conway K. Association Between NRAS and BRAF Mutational Status and Melanoma-Specific Survival Among Patients With Higher-Risk Primary Melanoma. JAMA Oncol 2015; 1:359-68. [PMID: 26146664 PMCID: PMC4486299 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE NRAS and BRAF mutations in melanoma inform current treatment paradigms, but their role in survival from primary melanoma has not been established. Identification of patients at high risk of melanoma-related death based on their primary melanoma characteristics before evidence of recurrence could inform recommendations for patient follow-up and eligibility for adjuvant trials. OBJECTIVE To determine tumor characteristics and survival from primary melanoma by somatic NRAS and BRAF status. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A population-based study with a median follow-up of 7.6 years (through 2007), including 912 patients from the United States and Australia in the Genes, Environment, and Melanoma (GEM) Study, with first primary cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in the year 2000 and analyzed for NRAS and BRAF mutations. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Tumor characteristics and melanoma-specific survival of primary melanoma by NRAS and BRAF mutational status. RESULTS The melanomas were 13% NRAS+, 30% BRAF+, and 57% with neither NRAS nor BRAF mutation (wildtype [WT]). In a multivariable model including clinicopathologic characteristics, relative to WT melanoma (with results reported as odds ratios [95% CIs]), NRAS+ melanoma was associated with presence of mitoses (1.8 [1.0-3.3]), lower tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) grade (nonbrisk, 0.5 [0.3-0.8]; and brisk, 0.3 [0.5-0.7] [vs absent TILs]), and anatomic site other than scalp/neck (0.1 [0.01-0.6] for scalp/neck vs trunk/pelvis), and BRAF+ melanoma was associated with younger age (ages 50-69 years, 0.7 [0.5-1.0]; and ages >70 years, 0.5 [0.3-0.8] [vs <50 years]), superficial spreading subtype (nodular, 0.5 [0.2-1.0]; lentigo maligna, 0.4 [0.2-0.7]; and unclassified/other, 0.2 [0.1-0.5] [vs superficial spreading]), and presence of mitoses (1.7 [1.1-2.6]) (P < .05 for all). There was no significant difference in melanoma-specific survival (reported as hazard ratios [95% CIs]) for melanoma harboring mutations in NRAS (1.7 [0.8-3.4]) or BRAF (1.5 [0.8-2.9]) compared with WT melanoma, as adjusted for age, sex, site, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor stage, TIL grade, and study center. However, melanoma-specific survival was significantly poorer for higher-risk (T2b or higher stage) tumors with NRAS (2.9 [1.1-7.7]) or BRAF (3.1 [1.2-8.5]) mutations (P = .04) but not for lower-risk (T2a or lower) tumors with NRAS (0.9 [0.3-3.0]) or BRAF (0.6 [0.2-1.7]) (P = .65), as adjusted for age, sex, site, AJCC tumor stage, TIL grade, and study center. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Lower TIL grade for NRAS+ melanoma suggests it has a more immunosuppressed microenvironment, which may affect its response to immunotherapies. The approximate 3-fold increased risk of death for higher-risk tumors harboring NRAS or BRAF mutations after adjusting for other prognostic factors compared with WT melanomas indicates that the prognostic implication of these mutations deserves further investigation, particularly in higher–AJCC stage primary melanomas.
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Ilie M, Long-Mira E, Funck-Brentano E, Lassalle S, Butori C, Lespinet-Fabre V, Bordone O, Gay A, Zahaf K, Poissonnet G, Lacour JP, Bahadoran P, Ballotti R, Gros A, Dutriaux C, Saiag P, Merlio JP, Vergier B, Emile JF, Hofman V, Hofman P. Immunohistochemistry as a potential tool for routine detection of the NRAS Q61R mutation in patients with metastatic melanoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015; 72:786-93. [PMID: 25659223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It can be useful to assess the NRAS mutation status in patients with metastatic melanoma because NRAS-activating mutations confer resistance to RAF inhibitors, and NRAS-mutated patients appear to be sensitive to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of an immunohistochemistry (IHC) approach using a novel anti-NRAS (Q61R) monoclonal antibody on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from patients with metastatic melanoma. METHODS We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study on 170 patients with metastatic melanoma. The automated IHC assay was performed using the SP174 clone, and compared with results of the molecular testing. RESULTS Evaluation of a test cohort with knowledge of the mutation status established a specific IHC pattern for the mutation. In the independent blinded analysis of the remaining cases, the anti-NRAS (Q61R) antibody accurately identified all NRAS Q61R-mutated tumors, and demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity. LIMITATIONS Limitations include retrospective design and lack of multicenter interobserver reproducibility. CONCLUSION The NRAS (Q61R) IHC assay is reliable and specific for the evaluation of the Q61R mutation status in metastatic melanoma and may be an alternative to molecular biology in evaluation of metastatic melanoma in routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Ilie
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France; Human Biobank BB-0033-00025, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Elodie Long-Mira
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Elisa Funck-Brentano
- EA4340-Biomarqueurs en Cancérologie et Onco-Hématologie (BCOH), University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), Boulogne, France; Department of General and Oncologic Dermatology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Boulogne, France
| | - Sandra Lassalle
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Catherine Butori
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | | | | | - Alexandre Gay
- Human Biobank BB-0033-00025, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Katia Zahaf
- Human Biobank BB-0033-00025, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Gilles Poissonnet
- Surgery Department, Comprehensive Cancer Center Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | | | - Philippe Bahadoran
- Dermatology Department, Archet II Hospital, Nice, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1065, Team 1, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Robert Ballotti
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1065, Team 1, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Audrey Gros
- Pathology and Molecular Biology Departments, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) and EA2406 University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Philippe Saiag
- EA4340-Biomarqueurs en Cancérologie et Onco-Hématologie (BCOH), University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), Boulogne, France; Department of General and Oncologic Dermatology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Boulogne, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Merlio
- Pathology and Molecular Biology Departments, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) and EA2406 University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Béatrice Vergier
- Pathology and Molecular Biology Departments, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) and EA2406 University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean François Emile
- EA4340-Biomarqueurs en Cancérologie et Onco-Hématologie (BCOH), University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), Boulogne, France; Department of Pathology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Boulogne, France
| | - Véronique Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France; Human Biobank BB-0033-00025, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Paul Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France; Human Biobank BB-0033-00025, Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France.
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Massi D, Mandalà M. Immunohistochemistry for an improved clinical workflow in the era of personalized melanoma therapy? Melanoma Manag 2015; 2:5-8. [PMID: 30190824 PMCID: PMC6094605 DOI: 10.2217/mmt.14.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Massi
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology & Hematology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Mario Mandalà
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology & Hematology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
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