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Innocenti L, Scarpitta R, Corraro S, Ortenzi V, Bonadio AG, Loggini B, De Ieso K, Naccarato AG, Fanelli GN, Scatena C. Shedding light on PRAME expression in dysplastic nevi: a cohort study. Virchows Arch 2024; 485:97-104. [PMID: 38112793 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03720-5] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Dysplastic nevi represent one of the least agreed-upon entities in dermatopathology despite the existence of established criteria. This study explores preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) in dysplastic nevi, an uncharted area. We examined 22 common melanocytic nevi (CMN), 20 cutaneous melanomas (CM), 48 low-grade dysplastic nevi (LG-DN), and 40 high-grade dysplastic nevi (HG-DN). PRAME was immunohistochemically assessed using a five-tiered system (0 to 4 +). Among CMN, 59% scored 0, 32% scored 1 + , and 9% scored 2 + . CM had score 2 + and 4 + in 11% and 89% of cases, respectively. Among LG-DN, 38% presented score 0, 31% score 1 + , 17% score 2 + , 8% score 3 + , and 6% score 4 + . Thirty per cent of HG-DN demonstrated a score 0, 30% with score 1 + , 15% score 2 + , 10% score 3 + , and 15% score 4 + . Compared to CMN and CM, LG-DN and HG-DN showed heterogeneous expression profiles of PRAME. PRAME positivity effectively distinguished HG-DN from CM with 85% specificity and 80% sensitivity (p < 0.0001). Predictive values were 87% (negative) and 76% (positive). Furthermore, a trend of increased PRAME expression from LG-DN to HG-DN was observed. However, the applicability of PRAME in the differential diagnosis of dysplastic lesions remains unclear as can yield conflicting results with morphology, which remains the primary diagnostic tool for melanocytic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Innocenti
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosa Scarpitta
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Corraro
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Ortenzi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo G Bonadio
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Loggini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Katia De Ieso
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio G Naccarato
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe N Fanelli
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Cristian Scatena
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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2
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Zhang Y, Ostrowski SM, Fisher DE. Nevi and Melanoma. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2024:S0889-8588(24)00054-6. [PMID: 38880666 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer derived from skin melanocytes and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A significant fraction of melanomas are associated with precursor lesions, benign clonal proliferations of melanocytes called nevi. Nevi can be either congenital or acquired later in life. Identical oncogenic driver mutations are found in benign nevi and melanoma. While much progress has been made in our understanding of nevus formation and the molecular steps required for transformation of nevi into melanoma, the clinical diagnosis of benign versus malignant lesions remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Stephen M Ostrowski
- Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David E Fisher
- Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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3
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Al-Sadek T, Yusuf N. Ultraviolet Radiation Biological and Medical Implications. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1924-1942. [PMID: 38534742 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation plays a crucial role in the development of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. The types of UV radiation are differentiated by wavelength: UVA (315 to 400 nm), UVB (280 to 320 nm), and UVC (100 to 280 nm). UV radiation can cause direct DNA damage in the forms of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and 6-4 photoproducts (6-4PPs). In addition, UV radiation can also cause DNA damage indirectly through photosensitization reactions caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which manifest as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanine (8-OHdG). Both direct and indirect DNA damage can lead to mutations in genes that promote the development of skin cancers. The development of melanoma is largely influenced by the signaling of the melanocortin one receptor (MC1R), which plays an essential role in the synthesis of melanin in the skin. UV-induced mutations in the BRAF and NRAS genes are also significant risk factors in melanoma development. UV radiation plays a significant role in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) development by causing mutations in the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, which dysregulates cell proliferation and survival. UV radiation can also induce the development of squamous cell carcinoma via mutations in the TP53 gene and upregulation of MMPs in the stroma layer of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Al-Sadek
- Department of Dermatology, UAB Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Nabiha Yusuf
- Department of Dermatology, UAB Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Dobre EG, Nichita L, Popp C, Zurac S, Neagu M. Assessment of RAS-RAF-MAPK Pathway Mutation Status in Healthy Skin, Benign Nevi, and Cutaneous Melanomas: Pilot Study Using Droplet Digital PCR. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2308. [PMID: 38396984 PMCID: PMC10889428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we employed the ddPCR and IHC techniques to assess the prevalence and roles of RAS and RAF mutations in a small batch of melanoma (n = 22), benign moles (n = 15), and normal skin samples (n = 15). Mutational screening revealed the coexistence of BRAF and NRAS mutations in melanomas and nevi and the occurrence of NRAS G12/G13 variants in healthy skin. All investigated nevi had driver mutations in the BRAF or NRAS genes and elevated p16 protein expression, indicating cell cycle arrest despite an increased mutational burden. BRAF V600 mutations were identified in 54% of melanomas, and NRAS G12/G13 mutations in 50%. The BRAF mutations were associated with the Breslow index (BI) (p = 0.029) and TIL infiltration (p = 0.027), whereas the NRAS mutations correlated with the BI (p = 0.01) and the mitotic index (p = 0.04). Here, we demonstrate that the "young" ddPCR technology is as effective as a CE-IVD marked real-time PCR method for detecting BRAF V600 hotspot mutations in tumor biopsies and recommend it for extended use in clinical settings. Moreover, ddPCR was able to detect low-frequency hotspot mutations, such as NRAS G12/G13, in our tissue specimens, which makes it a promising tool for investigating the mutational landscape of sun-damaged skin, benign nevi, and melanomas in more extensive clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.Z.)
| | - Luciana Nichita
- “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.Z.)
- Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristiana Popp
- “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.Z.)
- Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sabina Zurac
- “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.Z.)
- Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.Z.)
- Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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Lorbeer FK, Rieser G, Goel A, Wang M, Oh A, Yeh I, Bastian BC, Hockemeyer D. Distinct senescence mechanisms restrain progression of dysplastic nevi. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae041. [PMID: 38371417 PMCID: PMC10873501 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations (TPMs) are frequently found in different cancer types, including ∼70% of sun-exposed skin melanomas. In melanoma, TPMs are among the earliest mutations and can be present during the transition from nevus to melanoma. However, the specific factors that contribute to the selection of TPMs in certain nevi subsets are not well understood. To investigate this, we analyzed a group of dysplastic nevi (DN) by sequencing genes commonly mutated in melanocytic neoplasms. We examined the relationship between the identified mutations, patient age, telomere length, histological features, and the expression of p16. Our findings reveal that TPMs are more prevalent in DN from older patients and are associated with shorter telomeres. Importantly, these TPMs were not found in nevi with BRAF V600E mutations. Conversely, DN with BRAF V600E mutations were observed in younger patients, had longer telomeres and a higher proportion of p16-positive cells. This suggests that these nevi arrest growth independently of telomere shortening through a mechanism known as oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). These characteristics extend to melanoma-sequencing datasets, where melanomas with BRAF V600E mutations were more likely to have a CDKN2A inactivation, overriding OIS. In contrast, melanomas without BRAF V600E mutations showed a higher frequency of TPMs. Our data imply that TPMs are selected to bypass replicative senescence (RS) in cells that were not arrested by OIS. Overall, our results indicate that a subset of melanocytic neoplasms face constraints from RS, while others encounter OIS and RS. The order in which these barriers are overcome during progression to melanoma depends on the mutational context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska K Lorbeer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Gabrielle Rieser
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Aditya Goel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Areum Oh
- Rebus Biosystems, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA
| | - Iwei Yeh
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Boris C Bastian
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Dirk Hockemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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6
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Al Hmada Y, Brodell RT, Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Mechanisms of Melanoma Progression and Treatment Resistance: Role of Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:470. [PMID: 38275910 PMCID: PMC10814963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020470] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity and propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor, composed of genetically divergent subpopulations, including a small fraction of melanoma-initiating cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and many non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs). CSCs are characterized by their unique surface proteins associated with aberrant signaling pathways with a causal or consequential relationship with tumor progression, drug resistance, and recurrence. Melanomas also harbor significant alterations in functional genes (BRAF, CDKN2A, NRAS, TP53, and NF1). Of these, the most common are the BRAF and NRAS oncogenes, with 50% of melanomas demonstrating the BRAF mutation (BRAFV600E). While the successful targeting of BRAFV600E does improve overall survival, the long-term efficacy of available therapeutic options is limited due to adverse side effects and reduced clinical efficacy. Additionally, drug resistance develops rapidly via mechanisms involving fast feedback re-activation of MAPK signaling pathways. This article updates information relevant to the mechanisms of melanoma progression and resistance and particularly the mechanistic role of CSCs in melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Abdulhadi A. Alamodi
- College of Health Sciences, Jackson State University, 310 W Woodrow Wilson Ave Ste 300, Jackson, MS 39213, USA;
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Medical Faculty, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Xiao H, Shiu J, Chen CF, Wu J, Zhou P, Telang SS, Ruiz-Vega R, Nie Q, Lander AD, Ganesan AK. Uncovering Minimal Pathways in Melanoma Initiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.08.570336. [PMID: 38106189 PMCID: PMC10723457 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.08.570336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanomas are clinically and histologically heterogeneous. Most display activating mutations in Braf or Nras and complete loss of function of one or more tumor suppressor genes. Mouse models that replicate such mutations produce fast-growing, pigmented tumors. However, mice that combine Braf activation with only heterozygous loss of Pten also produce tumors and, as we show here, in an Albino background this occurs even with Braf activation alone. Such tumors arise rarely, grow slowly, and express low levels of pigmentation genes. The timing of their appearance was consistent with a single step stochastic event, but no evidence could be found that it required de novo mutation, suggesting instead the involvement of an epigenetic transition. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed such tumors to be heterogeneous, including a minor cell type we term LNM ( L ow-pigment, N eural- and extracellular M atrix-signature) that displays gene expression resembling "neural crest"-like cell subsets detected in the fast-growing tumors of more heavily-mutated mice, as well as in human biopsy and xenograft samples. We provide evidence that LNM cells pre-exist in normal skin, are expanded by Braf activation, can transition into malignant cells, and persist with malignant cells through multiple rounds of transplantation. We discuss the possibility that LNM cells not only serve as a pre-malignant state in the production of some melanomas, but also as an important intermediate in the development of drug resistance.
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Chen K, McInnis-Smith K, Tiwari N, Moser JC, Ramasubramanian A. BRAF Immunohistochemical Studies of Pediatric Conjunctival Lesions. Cornea 2023; 42:1404-1407. [PMID: 36729648 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of an activating mutation in the B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) V600E immunoreactivity in pediatric conjunctival lesions. METHODS This retrospective case-control study included 32 pediatric patients who underwent surgical excision of conjunctival lesions between Jan 2019 and May 2022. The collected data included demographic data, clinical features, and histopathologic characteristics of the lesion, including BRAF V600E positivity. The Student t test and the Fisher exact test were used to determine the significance of the associations between clinical variables and BRAF positivity. RESULTS BRAF immunoreactivity was positive in 11/32 lesions (34%). Age at diagnosis did not correlate with BRAF positivity, with a mean age at diagnosis of 131.7 months for patients with BRAF+ lesions and 134.7 months for those with BRAF- lesions ( P > 0.1). No clinical or pathological features were found to be significantly correlated with BRAF positivity, although there was a trend toward BRAF positivity in the presence of cysts ( P = 0.072). CONCLUSIONS BRAF reactivity was present in approximately one-third of pediatric conjunctival nevi but does not correlate significantly with unique clinical or histopathological features.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Justin C Moser
- HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute, Scottsdale, AZ
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Lorbeer FK, Rieser G, Goel A, Wang M, Oh A, Yeh I, Bastian BC, Hockemeyer D. Distinct senescence mechanisms restrain progression of dysplastic nevi. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.14.548818. [PMID: 37503286 PMCID: PMC10369942 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.14.548818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
TERT promoter mutations (TPMs) are frequently found in different cancer types, including approximately 70% of sun-exposed skin melanomas. In melanoma, TPMs are among the earliest mutations and can be present during the transition from nevus to melanoma. However, the specific factors that contribute to the selection of TPMs in certain nevi subsets are not well understood. To investigate this, we analyzed a group of dysplastic nevi (DN) by sequencing genes commonly mutated in melanocytic neoplasms. We examined the relationship between the identified mutations, patient age, telomere length, histological features, and the expression of p16. Our findings reveal that TPMs are more prevalent in DN from older patients and are associated with shorter telomeres. Importantly, these TPMs were not found in nevi with BRAF V600E mutations. Conversely, DN with BRAF V600E mutations were observed in younger patients, had longer telomeres, and a higher proportion of p16-positive cells. This suggests that these nevi arrest growth independently of telomere shortening through a mechanism known as oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). These characteristics extend to melanoma sequencing data sets, where melanomas with BRAF V600E mutations were more likely to have CDKN2A inactivation, overriding OIS. In contrast, melanomas without BRAF V600E mutations showed a higher frequency of TPMs. Our data imply that TPMs are selected to bypass replicative senescence (RS) in cells that were not arrested by OIS. Overall, our results indicate that a subset of melanocytic neoplasms face constraints from RS, while others encounter OIS and RS. The order in which these barriers are overcome during progression to melanoma depends on the mutational context.
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10
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Chen J, Zhang G, Liu X, Tu P. The association of BRAF V600E gene mutation with proliferative activity and histopathological characteristics of congenital melanocytic nevi in children. An Bras Dermatol 2023:S0365-0596(23)00062-4. [PMID: 37156689 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2022.01.016] [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: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A lot of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) carry the somatic mutation in the oncogene BRAF V600E. But the detailed histopathologic characteristics and the proliferative activity of CMN with BRAF V600E gene mutation have not been systematically documented. OBJECTIVE To identify the proliferative activity and histopathological features correlating them with BRAF V600E gene mutation status in CMN. METHODS CMN were retrospectively identified from the laboratory reporting system. Mutations were determined by Sanger sequencing. The CMN were divided into a mutant group and control group according to whether there was BRAF gene mutation and were strictly matched according to gender, age, nevus size, and location. Histopathological analysis, analysis of Ki67 expression by immunohistochemistry and laser confocal fluorescence microscopy were performed. RESULTS The differences in Ki67 index, the depth of nevus cell involvement and the number of nevus cell nests between the mutant group and the control group was statistically significant, with p-values of 0.041, 0.002 and 0.007, respectively. Compared with BRAF V600E negative nevi, BRAF V600E positive nevi often exhibited predominantly nested intraepidermal melanocytes, and larger junctional nests, but the difference in this data sets were not statistically significant. The number of nests (p = 0.001) was positively correlated with the proportion of Ki67 positive cells. STUDY LIMITATIONS A small sample of patients were included and there was no follow-up. CONCLUSIONS BRAF V600E gene mutations were associated with high proliferative activity and distinct histopathological features in congenital melanocytic nevi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyou Chen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Gaolei Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Tu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Yeh I. Melanocytic naevi, melanocytomas and emerging concepts. Pathology 2023; 55:178-186. [PMID: 36642570 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.12.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
With the elucidation of the genetics of melanocytic tumours, new concepts have emerged. An important one is the identification of 'intermediate' melanocytic tumours, those with genetic progression events beyond those of melanocytic naevi but that are not fully malignant. Thus, melanocytic tumours exist on a genetic spectrum that likely corresponds to biological behaviour. There are multiple pathways to melanoma development with different initiating events and characteristic benign melanocytic neoplasms and the precise placement of tumours on these pathways remains to be established and the corresponding risks of progression quantified. In this review, I discuss the classification of melanocytic naevi based on clinical, histopathological and genetic features, as well as the concept of melanocytomas with discussion of specific recognisable subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwei Yeh
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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12
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Yakout NM, Abdallah DM, Abdelmonsif DA, Kholosy HM, Talaat IM, Elsakka O. BRAF V600E mutational status assessment in cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms in a group of the Egyptian population. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:17. [PMID: 36737739 PMCID: PMC9896695 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02858-1] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanocytic neoplasms range from banal nevi to malignant melanomas. The genetic background has been extensively studied in the Caucasian population. BRAF mutations were reported among the early driver mutations in nevogenesis. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis in the Egyptian population has not been elucidated. AIM AND METHODS The present study was carried out to assess the sensitivity and specificity of immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the RM-08 clone in reference to allele-specific real-time PCR (CAST-PCR) for the detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in 50 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of melanocytic neoplasms with prior bleaching using hydrogen peroxide in Tris-HCL and Bovine Serum Albumin respectively. RESULTS IHC staining was interpreted using staining reaction (positive versus negative) and staining pattern (negative and heterogeneous versus homogenous). Using the staining pattern, the specificity increased from 73.3 to 88.2%, the negative predictive value increased from 73.3 to 100%, the diagnostic accuracy increased from 71.4 to 90.48% and the overall accuracy increased from 69.9 to 77.3%. The sensitivity and positive predictive value remained unchanged. The K-agreement coefficient increased from 0.364 (fair agreement) to 0.741 (good agreement) and was statistically significant (p = 0.00). Next-generation sequencing was performed in 11 cases, 8 cases with IHC-positive and BRAF wild type in addition to 3 cases that failed PCR analysis and revealed no BRAF V600E. No statistically significant difference was found in the clinicopathological parameters between BRAF V600E and BRAF wild-type melanomas. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that IHC staining homogeneity may be more accurate in predicting BRAF V600E mutational status. However, IHC cannot replace molecular methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada M. Yakout
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Dina M. Abdallah
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Doaa A. Abdelmonsif
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Medical Biochemistry Department, Genomics Research Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hassan Mahmoud Kholosy
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Iman M. Talaat
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt ,grid.412789.10000 0004 4686 5317Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Omayma Elsakka
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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13
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Ng MF, Simmons JL, Boyle GM. Heterogeneity in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14123030. [PMID: 35740696 PMCID: PMC9221188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14123030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that tumour heterogeneity has an imperative role in cancer development, evolution and resistance to therapy. Continuing advancements in biomedical research enable tumour heterogeneity to be observed and studied more critically. As one of the most heterogeneous human cancers, melanoma displays a high level of biological complexity during disease progression. However, much is still unknown regarding melanoma tumour heterogeneity, as well as the role it plays in disease progression and treatment response. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the importance of tumour heterogeneity in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Fong Ng
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; (M.F.N.); (J.L.S.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Jacinta L. Simmons
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; (M.F.N.); (J.L.S.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Glen M. Boyle
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia; (M.F.N.); (J.L.S.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence:
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14
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Takabe P, Siiskonen H, Rönkä A, Kainulainen K, Pasonen-Seppänen S. The Impact of Hyaluronan on Tumor Progression in Cutaneous Melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 11:811434. [PMID: 35127523 PMCID: PMC8813769 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.811434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous melanoma is rapidly increasing worldwide. Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer, which originates from malignant transformation of pigment producing melanocytes. The main risk factor for melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and thus it often arises from highly sun-exposed skin areas and is characterized by a high mutational burden. In addition to melanoma-associated mutations such as BRAF, NRAS, PTEN and cell cycle regulators, the expansion of melanoma is affected by the extracellular matrix surrounding the tumor together with immune cells. In the early phases of the disease, hyaluronan is the major matrix component in cutaneous melanoma microenvironment. It is a high-molecular weight polysaccharide involved in several physiological and pathological processes. Hyaluronan is involved in the inflammatory reactions associated with UV radiation but its role in melanomagenesis is still unclear. Although abundant hyaluronan surrounds epidermal and dermal cells in normal skin and benign nevi, its content is further elevated in dysplastic lesions and local tumors. At this stage hyaluronan matrix may act as a protective barrier against melanoma progression, or alternatively against immune cell attack. While in advanced melanoma, the content of hyaluronan decreases due to altered synthesis and degradation, and this correlates with poor prognosis. This review focuses on hyaluronan matrix in cutaneous melanoma and how the changes in hyaluronan metabolism affect the progression of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piia Takabe
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Siiskonen
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aino Rönkä
- Department of Oncology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Kainulainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- *Correspondence: Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen,
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15
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Beleaua MA, Jung I, Braicu C, Milutin D, Gurzu S. Relevance of BRAF Subcellular Localization and Its Interaction with KRAS and KIT Mutations in Skin Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11918. [PMID: 34769348 PMCID: PMC8584522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although skin melanoma (SKM) represents only one-quarter of newly diagnosed skin malignant tumors, it presents a high mortality rate. Hence, new prognostic and therapeutic tools need to be developed. This study focused on investigating the prognostic value of the subcellular expression of BRAF, KRAS, and KIT in SKM in correlation with their gene-encoding interactions. In silico analysis of the abovementioned gene interactions, along with their mRNA expression, was conducted, and the results were validated at the protein level using immunohistochemical (IHC) stains. For IHC expression, the encoded protein expressions were checked on 96 consecutive SKMs and 30 nevi. The UALCAN database showed no prognostic value for the mRNA expression level of KRAS and BRAF and demonstrated a longer survival for patients with low mRNA expression of KIT in SKMs. IHC examinations of SKMs confirmed the UALCAN data and showed that KIT expression was inversely correlated with ulceration, Breslow index, mitotic rate, and pT stage. KRAS expression was also found to be inversely correlated with ulceration and perineural invasion. When the subcellular expression of BRAF protein was recorded (nuclear vs. cytoplasmatic vs. mixed nucleus + cytoplasm), a direct correlation was emphasized between nuclear positivity and lymphovascular or perineural invasion. The independent prognostic value was demonstrated for mixed expression of the BRAF protein in SKM. BRAF cytoplasmic predominance, in association with KIT's IHC positivity, was more frequently observed in early-stage nonulcerated SKMs, which displayed a low mitotic rate and a late death event. The present study firstly verified the possible prognostic value of BRAF subcellular localization in SKMs. A low mRNA expression or IHC cytoplasmic positivity for KIT and BRAF might be used as a positive prognostic parameter of SKM. SKM's BRAF nuclear positivity needs to be evaluated in further studies as a possible indicator of perineural and lymphovascular invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius-Alexandru Beleaua
- Department of Pathology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, Clinical County Emergency Hospital, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania; (I.J.); (D.M.)
| | - Ioan Jung
- Department of Pathology, Clinical County Emergency Hospital, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania; (I.J.); (D.M.)
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Research Center for Oncopathology and Translational Medicine (CCOMT), George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Doina Milutin
- Department of Pathology, Clinical County Emergency Hospital, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania; (I.J.); (D.M.)
| | - Simona Gurzu
- Department of Pathology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, Clinical County Emergency Hospital, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania; (I.J.); (D.M.)
- Research Center for Oncopathology and Translational Medicine (CCOMT), George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
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16
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Massone C, Hofman-Wellenhof R, Chiodi S, Sola S. Dermoscopic Criteria, Histopathological Correlates and Genetic Findings of Thin Melanoma on Non-Volar Skin. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1288. [PMID: 34440462 PMCID: PMC8391530 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive, in vivo technique that allows the visualization of subsurface skin structures in the epidermis, at the dermoepidermal junction, and in the upper dermis. Dermoscopy brought a new dimension in evaluating melanocytic skin neoplasms (MSN) also representing a link between clinical and pathologic examination of any MSN. However, histopathology remains the gold standard in diagnosing MSN. Dermoscopic-pathologic correlation enhances the level of quality of MSN diagnosis and increases the level of confidence of pathologists. Melanoma is one of the most genetically predisposed among all cancers in humans. The genetic landscape of melanoma has been described in the last years but is still a field in continuous evolution. Melanoma genetic markers play a role not only in melanoma susceptibility, initiation, and progression but also in prognosis and therapeutic decisions. Several studies described the dermoscopic specific criteria and predictors for melanoma and their histopathologic correlates, but only a few studies investigated the correlation among dermoscopy, pathology, and genetic of MSN. The aim of this work is to review the published data about dermoscopic features of melanoma, their histopathological correlates with regards also to genetic alterations. Particularly, this review will focus on low-CSD (cumulative sun damage) melanoma or superficial spreading melanoma, high-CSD melanoma, and nevus-associated melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simona Sola
- Surgical Pathology, Galliera Hospital, 16128 Genoa, Italy;
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17
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Schneckenreither G, Tschandl P, Rippinger C, Sinz C, Brunmeir D, Popper N, Kittler H. Reproduction of patterns in melanocytic proliferations by agent-based simulation and geometric modeling. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008660. [PMID: 33539342 PMCID: PMC7888658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatio-temporal patterns of melanocytic proliferations observed in vivo are important for diagnosis but the mechanisms that produce them are poorly understood. Here we present an agent-based model for simulating the emergence of the main biologic patterns found in melanocytic proliferations. Our model portrays the extracellular matrix of the dermo-epidermal junction as a two-dimensional manifold and we simulate cellular migration in terms of geometric translations driven by adhesive, repulsive and random forces. Abstracted cellular functions and melanocyte-matrix interactions are modeled as stochastic events. For identification and validation we use visual renderings of simulated cell populations in a horizontal perspective that reproduce growth patterns observed in vivo by sequential dermatoscopy and corresponding vertical views that reproduce the arrangement of melanocytes observed in histopathologic sections. Our results show that a balanced interplay of proliferation and migration produces the typical reticular pattern of nevi, whereas the globular pattern involves additional cellular mechanisms. We further demonstrate that slight variations in the three basic cellular properties proliferation, migration, and adhesion are sufficient to produce a large variety of morphological appearances of nevi. We anticipate our model to be a starting point for the reproduction of more complex scenarios that will help to establish functional connections between abstracted microscopic behavior and macroscopic patterns in all types of melanocytic proliferations including melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter Schneckenreither
- Institute of Information Systems Engineering, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Analysis and Scientific Computing, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.,dwh simulation service, dwh GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Tschandl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Christoph Sinz
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Nikolas Popper
- Institute of Information Systems Engineering, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.,dwh simulation service, dwh GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Kittler
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Gutiérrez-Castañeda LD, Gamboa M, Nova JA, Pulido L, Tovar-Parra JD. Mutations in the BRAF, NRAS, and C-KIT Genes of Patients Diagnosed with Melanoma in Colombia Population. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:2046947. [PMID: 32775409 PMCID: PMC7396105 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2046947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mutations in the BRAF, NRAS, and C-KIT genes have been associated with the histopathological characteristics of melanoma. Likewise, the incidence of each of these subtypes changes according to the geographical origin of the population analyzed. OBJECTIVE To determine the mutation frequency in exons 11 and 15 of the BRAF gene, exons 1 and 2 of the NRAS gene, and exons 11, 13, and 17 of the C-KIT gene and to relate it with histological subtypes in patients from a region with high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Methodology. The clinicopathological characteristics of 54 cutaneous melanoma samples were analyzed. Mutation analysis was performed via qPCR on paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples using probes specific for the V600E mutation. Amplification of exons 11 and 15 of the BRAF gene, exons 1 and 2 of the NRAS gene, and exons 11, 13, and 17 of the C-KIT gene was performed for subsequent sequencing using the Sanger method. RESULT The most frequent histological subtype in the analyzed sample was lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma (52%) followed by acral lentiginous melanoma (20%). The BRAF-V600 variant was the most frequent (63.6%). The most frequent (54%) mutation in NRAS was p.Lys5∗. In the C-KIT gene, only the Val560Ala mutation was found. CONCLUSION Differences in histological subtypes and mutations in the BRAF, NRAS, and C-KIT genes were found in the analyzed population. This indicates that environmental and genetic factors significantly influence the introduction of the disease in this geographic region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauricio Gamboa
- Hospital Universitario-Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta-CDFLLA, Bogota 111511, Colombia
| | - John A. Nova
- Hospital Universitario-Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta-CDFLLA, Bogota 111511, Colombia
| | - Leonardo Pulido
- Hospital Universitario-Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta-CDFLLA, Bogota 111511, Colombia
| | - Jose D. Tovar-Parra
- Hospital Universitario-Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta-CDFLLA, Bogota 111511, Colombia
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19
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Brückmann NH, Bennedsen SN, Duijf PHG, Terp MG, Thomassen M, Larsen M, Pedersen CB, Kruse T, Alcaraz N, Ditzel HJ, Gjerstorff MF. A functional genetic screen identifies the Mediator complex as essential for SSX2-induced senescence. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:841. [PMID: 31695025 PMCID: PMC6834653 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2068-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The senescence response to oncogenes is believed to be a barrier to oncogenic transformation in premalignant lesions, and describing the mechanisms by which tumor cells evade this response is important for early diagnosis and treatment. The male germ cell-associated protein SSX2 is ectopically expressed in many types of cancer and is functionally involved in regulating chromatin structure and supporting cell proliferation. Similar to many well-characterized oncogenes, SSX2 has the ability to induce senescence in cells. In this study, we performed a functional genetic screen to identify proteins implicated in SSX2-induced senescence and identified several subunits of the Mediator complex, which is central in regulating RNA polymerase-mediated transcription. Further experiments showed that reduced levels of MED1, MED4, and MED14 perturbed the development of senescence in SSX2-expressing cells. In contrast, knockdown of MED1 did not prevent development of B-Raf- and Epirubicin-induced senescence, suggesting that Mediator may be specifically linked to the cellular functions of SSX2 that may lead to development of senescence or be central in a SSX2-specific senescence response. Indeed, immunostaining of melanoma tumors, which often express SSX proteins, exhibited altered levels of MED1 compared to benign nevi. Similarly, RNA-seq analysis suggested that MED1, MED4, and MED14 were downregulated in some tumors, while upregulated in others. In conclusion, our study reveals the Mediator complex as essential for SSX2-induced senescence and suggests that changes in Mediator activity could be instrumental for tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine H Brückmann
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sofie N Bennedsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Pascal H G Duijf
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Mikkel G Terp
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mads Thomassen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Martin Larsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christina B Pedersen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Torben Kruse
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Nicolas Alcaraz
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik J Ditzel
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten F Gjerstorff
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. .,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. .,Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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20
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Polubothu S, McGuire N, Al-Olabi L, Baird W, Bulstrode N, Chalker J, Josifova D, Lomas D, O'Hara J, Ong J, Rampling D, Stadnik P, Thomas A, Wedgeworth E, Sebire NJ, Kinsler VA. Does the gene matter? Genotype-phenotype and genotype-outcome associations in congenital melanocytic naevi. Br J Dermatol 2019; 182:434-443. [PMID: 31111470 PMCID: PMC7028140 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.18106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Genotype–phenotype studies can identify subgroups of patients with specific clinical features or differing outcomes, which can help shape management. Objectives To characterize the frequency of different causative genotypes in congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN), and to investigate genotype–phenotype and genotype–outcome associations. Methods We conducted a large cohort study in which we undertook MC1R genotyping from blood, and high‐sensitivity genotyping of NRAS and BRAF hotspots in 156 naevus biopsies from 134 patients with CMN [male 40%; multiple CMN 76%; projected adult size (PAS) > 20 cm, 59%]. Results Mosaic NRAS mutations were detected in 68%, mutually exclusive with BRAF mutations in 7%, with double wild‐type in 25%. Two separate naevi were sequenced in five of seven patients with BRAF mutations, confirming clonality. Five of seven patients with BRAF mutations had a dramatic multinodular phenotype, with characteristic histology distinct from classical proliferative nodules. NRAS mutation was the commonest in all sizes of CMN, but was particularly common in naevi with PAS > 60 cm, implying more tolerance to that mutation early in embryogenesis. Facial features were less common in double wild‐type patients. Importantly, the incidence of congenital neurological disease, and apparently of melanoma, was not altered by genotype; no cases of melanoma were seen in BRAF‐mutant multiple CMN, however, this genotype is rare. Conclusions CMN of all sizes are most commonly caused by mutations in NRAS. BRAF is confirmed as a much rarer cause of multiple CMN, and appears to be commonly associated with a multinodular phenotype. Genotype in this cohort was not associated with differences in incidence of neurological disease in childhood. However, genotyping should be undertaken in suspected melanoma, for guidance of treatment. What's already known about this topic? Multiple congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) have been shown to be caused by NRAS mosaic mutations in 70–80% of cases, by BRAF mosaicism in one case report and by inference in some previous cases. There has been debate about genotypic association with different sizes of CMN, and no data on genotype–outcome.
What does this study add? NRAS mosaicism was found in 68%, BRAF in 7% and double wild‐type in 25% of cases of CMN. NRAS was the commonest mutation in all sizes of CMN, but was nearly universal in projected adult size > 60 cm. BRAF is often associated with a distinct multinodular clinical/histological phenotype. Adverse outcomes did not differ between genotypes on current numbers.
https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.18747 available online
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Affiliation(s)
- S Polubothu
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, U.K.,Paediatric Dermatology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K
| | - N McGuire
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, U.K
| | - L Al-Olabi
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, U.K
| | - W Baird
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, U.K
| | - N Bulstrode
- Paediatric Plastic Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K
| | - J Chalker
- Paediatric Malignancy Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K
| | - D Josifova
- Clinical Genetics, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, U.K
| | - D Lomas
- Paediatric Dermatology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K
| | - J O'Hara
- Paediatric Plastic Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K
| | - J Ong
- Paediatric Plastic Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K
| | - D Rampling
- Paediatric Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K
| | - P Stadnik
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, U.K
| | - A Thomas
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, U.K
| | - E Wedgeworth
- Department of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, U.K
| | - N J Sebire
- Paediatric Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K
| | - V A Kinsler
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, U.K.,Paediatric Dermatology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K
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21
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Savoia P, Fava P, Casoni F, Cremona O. Targeting the ERK Signaling Pathway in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061483. [PMID: 30934534 PMCID: PMC6472057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the role of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway in melanomagenesis and its progression have opened a new era in the treatment of this tumor. Vemurafenib was the first specific kinase inhibitor approved for therapy of advanced melanomas harboring BRAF-activating mutations, followed by dabrafenib and encorafenib. However, despite the excellent results of first-generation kinase inhibitors in terms of response rate, the average duration of the response was short, due to the onset of genetic and epigenetic resistance mechanisms. The combination therapy with MEK inhibitors is an excellent strategy to circumvent drug resistance, with the additional advantage of reducing side effects due to the paradoxical reactivation of the MAPK pathway. The recent development of RAS and extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK) inhibitors promises to add new players for the ultimate suppression of this signaling pathway and the control of pathway-related drug resistance. In this review, we analyze the pharmacological, preclinical, and clinical trial data of the various MAPK pathway inhibitors, with a keen interest for their clinical applicability in the management of advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Savoia
- Department of Health Science, University of Eastern Piedmont, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Paolo Fava
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy.
| | - Filippo Casoni
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
- Università Vita Salute San Raffaele, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
| | - Ottavio Cremona
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
- Università Vita Salute San Raffaele, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
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Saida T. Histogenesis of cutaneous malignant melanoma: The vast majority do not develop from melanocytic nevus but arise de novo as melanoma in situ. J Dermatol 2019; 46:80-94. [PMID: 30632197 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.14737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It has been considered that most cutaneous malignant melanomas arise from pre-existing melanocytic nevus. Many clinical and histopathological studies seem to support this concept. Dysplastic nevus originally proposed by Clark's group is a key entity of the intermediate lesion between benign nevus and melanoma. The latest edition of the WHO Classification of Skin Tumours (2018) has excluded Clark nevus (dysplastic nevus of mild atypia) from dysplastic nevus, the latter being now classified into the low- and high-grade by the degrees of nuclear atypia. The World Health Organization classification regards dysplastic nevus of both grades as the intermediate lesion between common acquired nevus and the radial growth-phase melanoma. An extensive genetic study recently performed by Bastian's group indicated the existence of intermediate lesions between nevus and melanoma. In spite of these findings, some investigators doubt the concept of the intermediate lesions including dysplastic nevus and insist that the majority of melanomas arise de novo as melanoma in situ, not in association with a preceding nevus. The concept of de novo genesis of melanoma may be supported by a recent meta-analysis study revealing that 71% of melanomas likely arose de novo and 29% from pre-existing nevus. In this review article, from the viewpoint of de novo genesis of melanoma, the author critically discusses the relevant findings of melanoma genesis and proposes a new framework to interpret the morphological and genetic data alternatively. Clarification of the oncogenic process of melanoma has great impact not only on clinical dermatology but also on basic oncology.
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Cai J, Huang X, Yin M, Pan C, Song L, Zhan Z, Chen J, Gao Y, Tang J, Li Y, Shen S. A novel fusion gene PLEKHA6-NTRK3 in langerhans cell histiocytosis. Int J Cancer 2018; 144:117-124. [PMID: 30098202 PMCID: PMC6587734 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is the most common histiocytosis with constitutive activation of the RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK (MAPKinase) cell signaling pathway. We analyzed 89 cases of BRAF and MAP2K1 mutations by Sanger sequencing, of which 18 cases showed that these two gene mutations are negative. Whole genome sequencing of suitable specimens in these negative cases revealed a translocation from the 3 intron of PLEKHA6 to the 13 intron of NTRK3 in one case. We identified that this translocation could cause a novel fusion mutation, PLEKHA6‐NTRK3. Overexpression of the PLEKHA6‐NTRK3 mutant in NIH 3T3 cells enhanced MAPKinase pathway activation, promote cell growth. Our result suggested that a new mutation need be included in LCH molecular screening panel to better define its prevalence in LCH. What's new? Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare immune and neoplastic disorder. While it is known as the most common histiocytosis with constitutive activation of the RAS‐RAF‐MEK‐ERK (MAPKinase) cell signaling pathway, its pathogenesis remains obscure. Here, whole‐genome sequencing of BRAF V600E‐negative and MAP2K1‐negative LCH cases revealed a translocation from the intron 3 of PLEKHA6 to the intron 13 of NTRK3 in one patient, identifying a novel fusion mutation. Overexpression of PLEKHA6‐NTRK3 in vitro enhanced MAPKinase pathway activation, promoting cell growth. The results support the inclusion of the fusion mutation in LCH molecular screening panel to better define its prevalence in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyang Cai
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xia Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Minzhi Yin
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ci Pan
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lili Song
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhiyan Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yijin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jingyan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yanxin Li
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Shuhong Shen
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Department of Hematology & Oncology, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
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