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Afsar S, Syed RU, Khojali WMA, Masood N, Osman ME, Jyothi JS, Hadi MA, Khalifa AAS, Aboshouk NAM, Alsaikhan HA, Alafnan AS, Alrashidi BA. Non-coding RNAs in BRAF-mutant melanoma: targets, indicators, and therapeutic potential. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03366-3. [PMID: 39167168 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03366-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma, a highly aggressive skin cancer, is often driven by BRAF mutations, such as the V600E mutation, which promotes cancer growth through the MAPK pathway and contributes to treatment resistance. Understanding the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in these processes is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate the relationship between ncRNAs and BRAF mutations in melanoma, focusing on their regulatory roles and impact on treatment resistance. We comprehensively reviewed current literature to synthesize evidence on ncRNA-mediated regulation of BRAF-mutant melanoma and their influence on therapeutic responses. Key ncRNAs, including microRNAs and long ncRNAs, were identified as significant regulators of melanoma development and therapy resistance. MicroRNAs such as miR-15/16 and miR-200 families modulate critical pathways like Wnt signaling and melanogenesis. Long ncRNAs like ANRIL and SAMMSON play roles in cell growth, invasion, and drug susceptibility. Specific ncRNAs, such as BANCR and RMEL3, intersect with the MAPK pathway, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets or biomarkers in BRAF-mutant melanoma. Additionally, ncRNAs involved in drug resistance, such as miR-579-3p and miR-1246, target processes like autophagy and immune checkpoint regulation. This review highlights the pivotal roles of ncRNAs in regulating BRAF-mutant melanoma and their contribution to drug resistance. These findings underscore the potential of ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, paving the way for innovative treatments to improve outcomes for melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Afsar
- Department of Virology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, 517502, India.
| | - Rahamat Unissa Syed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, 81442, Hail, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Weam M A Khojali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, 81442, Hail, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, 14415, Sudan
| | - Najat Masood
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Ha'il, P.O. Box 2440, 81451, Ha'il,, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mhdia Elhadi Osman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - J Siva Jyothi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Hindu College of Pharmacy, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Mohd Abdul Hadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Bhaskar Pharmacy College, Moinabad, R.R.District, Hyderabad, 500075, Telangana, India
| | - Amna Abakar Suleiman Khalifa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, 81442, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nayla Ahmed Mohammed Aboshouk
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, 81442, Hail, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Yuan M, Mahmud I, Katsushima K, Joshi K, Saulnier O, Pokhrel R, Lee B, Liyanage W, Kunhiraman H, Stapleton S, Gonzalez-Gomez I, Kannan RM, Eisemann T, Kolanthai E, Seal S, Garrett TJ, Abbasi S, Bockley K, Hanes J, Chapagain P, Jallo G, Wechsler-Reya RJ, Taylor MD, Eberhart CG, Ray A, Perera RJ. miRNA-211 maintains metabolic homeostasis in medulloblastoma through its target gene long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:203. [PMID: 38115140 PMCID: PMC10729563 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01684-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of childhood medulloblastoma (MB) is often poor, and it usually requires aggressive therapy that adversely affects quality of life. microRNA-211 (miR-211) was previously identified as an important regulator of cells that descend from neural cells. Since medulloblastomas primarily affect cells with similar ontogeny, we investigated the role and mechanism of miR-211 in MB. Here we showed that miR-211 expression was highly downregulated in cell lines, PDXs, and clinical samples of different MB subgroups (SHH, Group 3, and Group 4) compared to normal cerebellum. miR-211 gene was ectopically expressed in transgenic cells from MB subgroups, and they were subjected to molecular and phenotypic investigations. Monoclonal cells stably expressing miR-211 were injected into the mouse cerebellum. miR-211 forced expression acts as a tumor suppressor in MB both in vitro and in vivo, attenuating growth, promoting apoptosis, and inhibiting invasion. In support of emerging regulatory roles of metabolism in various forms of cancer, we identified the acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member (ACSL4) as a direct miR-211 target. Furthermore, lipid nanoparticle-coated, dendrimer-coated, and cerium oxide-coated miR-211 nanoparticles were applied to deliver synthetic miR-211 into MB cell lines and cellular responses were assayed. Synthesizing nanoparticle-miR-211 conjugates can suppress MB cell viability and invasion in vitro. Our findings reveal miR-211 as a tumor suppressor and a potential therapeutic agent in MB. This proof-of-concept paves the way for further pre-clinical and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglang Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Iqbal Mahmud
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Keisuke Katsushima
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Kandarp Joshi
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Olivier Saulnier
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre and the Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rudramani Pokhrel
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Bongyong Lee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Wathsala Liyanage
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Haritha Kunhiraman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Stacie Stapleton
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Ignacio Gonzalez-Gomez
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Rangaramanujam M Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Tanja Eisemann
- National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Elayaraja Kolanthai
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Centre, Nanoscience Technology Center, Materials Science and Engineering, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - Sudipta Seal
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Centre, Nanoscience Technology Center, Materials Science and Engineering, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
| | - Timothy J Garrett
- Department Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Saed Abbasi
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Kimberly Bockley
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Justin Hanes
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Prem Chapagain
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - George Jallo
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Robert J Wechsler-Reya
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Michael D Taylor
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre and the Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Hematology-Oncology Section, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics-Hematology/Oncology and Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Animesh Ray
- Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Ranjan J Perera
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 600 5th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA.
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Pan P, Geng T, Li Z, Ding X, Shi M, Li Y, Wang Y, Shi Y, Wu J, Zhong L, Ji D, Li Z, Meng X. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras as Highly Selective and Efficient Degraders of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13568-13586. [PMID: 37751283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is recognized as a key member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family and is involved in tumor growth, migration, and angiogenesis. However, the results of ERK5 inhibition in multiple studies are controversial, and a highly specific ERK5-targeting agent is required to confirm physiological functions. Using proteolysis-targeting chimera technology, we designed the selective ERK5 degrader PPM-3 and examined its biological effect on cancer cells. Interestingly, the selective degradation of ERK5 with PPM-3 did not influence tumor cell growth directly. Based on proteomics analysis, the ERK5 deletion may be associated with tumor immunity. PPM-3 influences tumor development by affecting the differentiation of macrophages. Therefore, PPM-3 is an effective small-molecule tool for studying ERK5 and a promising immunotherapy drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengming Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tongtong Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhongtang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuyang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengyuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yang Li
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yashuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dengbo Ji
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhongjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiangbao Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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Gureghian V, Herbst H, Kozar I, Mihajlovic K, Malod-Dognin N, Ceddia G, Angeli C, Margue C, Randic T, Philippidou D, Nomigni MT, Hemedan A, Tranchevent LC, Longworth J, Bauer M, Badkas A, Gaigneaux A, Muller A, Ostaszewski M, Tolle F, Pržulj N, Kreis S. A multi-omics integrative approach unravels novel genes and pathways associated with senescence escape after targeted therapy in NRAS mutant melanoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1330-1345. [PMID: 37420093 PMCID: PMC10581906 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00640-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Therapy Induced Senescence (TIS) leads to sustained growth arrest of cancer cells. The associated cytostasis has been shown to be reversible and cells escaping senescence further enhance the aggressiveness of cancers. Chemicals specifically targeting senescent cells, so-called senolytics, constitute a promising avenue for improved cancer treatment in combination with targeted therapies. Understanding how cancer cells evade senescence is needed to optimise the clinical benefits of this therapeutic approach. Here we characterised the response of three different NRAS mutant melanoma cell lines to a combination of CDK4/6 and MEK inhibitors over 33 days. Transcriptomic data show that all cell lines trigger a senescence programme coupled with strong induction of interferons. Kinome profiling revealed the activation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) and enriched downstream signaling of neurotrophin, ErbB and insulin pathways. Characterisation of the miRNA interactome associates miR-211-5p with resistant phenotypes. Finally, iCell-based integration of bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data identifies biological processes perturbed during senescence and predicts 90 new genes involved in its escape. Overall, our data associate insulin signaling with persistence of a senescent phenotype and suggest a new role for interferon gamma in senescence escape through the induction of EMT and the activation of ERK5 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gureghian
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Hailee Herbst
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Ines Kozar
- Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | | | | | - Gaia Ceddia
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Angeli
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Christiane Margue
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Tijana Randic
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Demetra Philippidou
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Milène Tetsi Nomigni
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Ahmed Hemedan
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Leon-Charles Tranchevent
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Joseph Longworth
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Mark Bauer
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Apurva Badkas
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Anthoula Gaigneaux
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Arnaud Muller
- LuxGen, TMOH and Bioinformatics platform, Data Integration and Analysis unit, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Marek Ostaszewski
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Fabrice Tolle
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Nataša Pržulj
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stephanie Kreis
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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Florent L, Saby C, Slimano F, Morjani H. BRAF V600-Mutated Metastatic Melanoma and Targeted Therapy Resistance: An Update of the Current Knowledge. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092607. [PMID: 37174072 PMCID: PMC10177463 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most common cause of death in skin cancer due to its high metastatic potential. While targeted therapies have improved the care of patients with metastatic melanoma harboring the BRAFV600E mutation, these treatments are associated with a high frequency of resistance. Resistance factors are related to cellular adaptation as well as to changes in the tumor microenvironment. At the cellular level, resistance involves mutations, overexpression, activation, or inhibition of effectors involved in cell signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/AKT, MITF, and epigenetic factors (miRNAs). In addition, several components of the melanoma microenvironment, such as soluble factors, collagen, and stromal cells also play a crucial role in this resistance. In fact, extracellular matrix remodeling impacts the physical and chemical properties with changes in the stiffness and acidity, respectively of the microenvironment. The cellular and immune components of the stroma are also affected, including immune cells and CAF. The aim of this manuscript is to review the mechanisms responsible for resistance to targeted therapies in BRAFV600E-mutated metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Florent
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UFR de Pharmacie, BioSpecT EA 7506, 51097 Reims, France
| | - Charles Saby
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UFR de Pharmacie, BioSpecT EA 7506, 51097 Reims, France
| | - Florian Slimano
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UFR de Pharmacie, BioSpecT EA 7506, 51097 Reims, France
- CHU Reims, Department of Pharmacy, 51097 Reims, France
| | - Hamid Morjani
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UFR de Pharmacie, BioSpecT EA 7506, 51097 Reims, France
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Vand-Rajabpour F, Savage M, Belote RL, Judson-Torres RL. Critical Considerations for Investigating MicroRNAs during Tumorigenesis: A Case Study in Conceptual and Contextual Nuances of miR-211-5p in Melanoma. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:9. [PMID: 37218870 PMCID: PMC10204420 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7020009] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs fundamental to metazoan development and disease. Although the aberrant regulation of microRNAs during mammalian tumorigenesis is well established, investigations into the contributions of individual microRNAs are wrought with conflicting observations. The underlying cause of these inconsistencies is often attributed to context-specific functions of microRNAs. We propose that consideration of both context-specific factors, as well as underappreciated fundamental concepts of microRNA biology, will permit a more harmonious interpretation of ostensibly diverging data. We discuss the theory that the biological function of microRNAs is to confer robustness to specific cell states. Through this lens, we then consider the role of miR-211-5p in melanoma progression. Using literature review and meta-analyses, we demonstrate how a deep understating of domain-specific contexts is critical for moving toward a concordant understanding of miR-211-5p and other microRNAs in cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Vand-Rajabpour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 14155-6447, Tehran 14176-13151, Iran
| | - Meghan Savage
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rachel L. Belote
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Robert L. Judson-Torres
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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A Network of MicroRNAs and mRNAs Involved in Melanosome Maturation and Trafficking Defines the Lower Response of Pigmentable Melanoma Cells to Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030894. [PMID: 36765859 PMCID: PMC9913661 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030894] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to increase their degree of pigmentation is an adaptive response that confers pigmentable melanoma cells higher resistance to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) compared to non-pigmentable melanoma cells. METHODS Here, we compared the miRNome and the transcriptome profile of pigmentable 501Mel and SK-Mel-5 melanoma cells vs. non-pigmentable A375 melanoma cells, following treatment with the BRAFi vemurafenib (vem). In depth bioinformatic analyses (clusterProfiler, WGCNA and SWIMmeR) allowed us to identify the miRNAs, mRNAs and biological processes (BPs) that specifically characterize the response of pigmentable melanoma cells to the drug. Such BPs were studied using appropriate assays in vitro and in vivo (xenograft in zebrafish embryos). RESULTS Upon vem treatment, miR-192-5p, miR-211-5p, miR-374a-5p, miR-486-5p, miR-582-5p, miR-1260a and miR-7977, as well as GPR143, OCA2, RAB27A, RAB32 and TYRP1 mRNAs, are differentially expressed only in pigmentable cells. These miRNAs and mRNAs belong to BPs related to pigmentation, specifically melanosome maturation and trafficking. In fact, an increase in the number of intracellular melanosomes-due to increased maturation and/or trafficking-confers resistance to vem. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the ability of pigmentable cells to increase the number of intracellular melanosomes fully accounts for their higher resistance to vem compared to non-pigmentable cells. In addition, we identified a network of miRNAs and mRNAs that are involved in melanosome maturation and/or trafficking. Finally, we provide the rationale for testing BRAFi in combination with inhibitors of these biological processes, so that pigmentable melanoma cells can be turned into more sensitive non-pigmentable cells.
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Anestopoulos I, Kyriakou S, Tragkola V, Paraskevaidis I, Tzika E, Mitsiogianni M, Deligiorgi MV, Petrakis G, Trafalis DT, Botaitis S, Giatromanolaki A, Koukourakis MI, Franco R, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. Targeting the epigenome in malignant melanoma: Facts, challenges and therapeutic promises. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108301. [PMID: 36283453 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108301] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer with high rates of mortality. Although current treatment options provide a short-clinical benefit, acquired-drug resistance highlights the low 5-year survival rate among patients with advanced stage of the disease. In parallel, the involvement of an aberrant epigenetic landscape, (e.g., alterations in DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications marks and expression of non-coding RNAs), in addition to the genetic background, has been also associated with the onset and progression of melanoma. In this review article, we report on current therapeutic options in melanoma treatment with a focus on distinct epigenetic alterations and how their reversal, by specific drug compounds, can restore a normal phenotype. In particular, we concentrate on how single and/or combinatorial therapeutic approaches have utilized epigenetic drug compounds in being effective against malignant melanoma. Finally, the role of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms in promoting drug resistance to targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors is presented leading to the development of newly synthesized and/or improved drug compounds capable of targeting the epigenome of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Anestopoulos
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - S Kyriakou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - V Tragkola
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - I Paraskevaidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - E Tzika
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - M V Deligiorgi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G Petrakis
- Saint George Hospital, Chania, Crete, Greece
| | - D T Trafalis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Botaitis
- Department of Surgery, Alexandroupolis University Hospital, Democritus University of Thrace School of Medicine, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - A Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Koukourakis
- Radiotherapy / Oncology, Radiobiology & Radiopathology Unit, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - R Franco
- Redox Biology Centre, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - A Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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9
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Pharmacological inhibition of Ref-1 enhances the therapeutic sensitivity of papillary thyroid carcinoma to vemurafenib. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:124. [PMID: 35136031 PMCID: PMC8825860 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04550-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The use of the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib exhibits drug resistance in the treatment of thyroid cancer (TC), and finding more effective multitarget combination therapies may be an important solution. In the present study, we found strong correlations between Ref-1 high expression and BRAF mutation, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. The oxidative stress environment induced by structural activation of BRAF upregulates the expression of Ref-1, which caused intrinsic resistance of PTC to vemurafenib. Combination inhibition of the Ref-1 redox function and BRAF could enhance the antitumor effects of vemurafenib, which was achieved by blocking the action of Ref-1 on BRAF proteins. Furthermore, combination treatment could cause an overload of autophagic flux via excessive AMPK protein activation, causing cell senescence and cell death in vitro. And combined administration of Ref-1 and vemurafenib in vivo suppressed PTC cell growth and metastasis in a cell-based lung metastatic tumor model and xenogeneic subcutaneous tumor model. Collectively, our study provides evidence that Ref-1 upregulation via constitutive activation of BRAF in PTC contributes to intrinsic resistance to vemurafenib. Combined treatment with a Ref-1 redox inhibitor and a BRAF inhibitor could make PTC more sensitive to vemurafenib and enhance the antitumor effects of vemurafenib by further inhibiting the MAPK pathway and activating the excessive autophagy and related senescence process.
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10
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Montico B, Giurato G, Pecoraro G, Salvati A, Covre A, Colizzi F, Steffan A, Weisz A, Maio M, Sigalotti L, Fratta E. The pleiotropic roles of circular and long noncoding RNAs in cutaneous melanoma. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:565-593. [PMID: 34080276 PMCID: PMC8807361 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a very aggressive disease, often characterized by unresponsiveness to conventional therapies and high mortality rates worldwide. The identification of the activating BRAFV600 mutations in approximately 50% of CM patients has recently fueled the development of novel small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target BRAFV600 -mutant CM. In addition, a major progress in CM treatment has been made by monoclonal antibodies that regulate the immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, although target-based therapies and immunotherapeutic strategies have yielded promising results, CM treatment remains a major challenge. In the last decade, accumulating evidence points to the aberrant expression of different types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in CM. While studies on microRNAs have grown exponentially leading to significant insights on CM biology, the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this tumor is less understood, and much remains to be discovered. Here, we summarize and critically review the available evidence on the molecular functions of circRNAs and lncRNAs in BRAFV600 -mutant CM and CM immunogenicity, providing recent updates on their functional role in targeted therapy and immunotherapy resistance. In addition, we also include an evaluation of several algorithms and databases for prediction and validation of circRNA and lncRNA functional interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Montico
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGSUniversity of Salerno Campus of MedicineBaronissiItaly
| | - Giovanni Pecoraro
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGSUniversity of Salerno Campus of MedicineBaronissiItaly
| | - Annamaria Salvati
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Alessia Covre
- Center for Immuno‐OncologyUniversity Hospital of SienaItaly
- University of SienaItaly
| | - Francesca Colizzi
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and GenomicsDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana'University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
- Genome Research Center for Health – CRGSUniversity of Salerno Campus of MedicineBaronissiItaly
| | - Michele Maio
- Center for Immuno‐OncologyUniversity Hospital of SienaItaly
- University of SienaItaly
- NIBIT Foundation OnlusSienaItaly
| | - Luca Sigalotti
- Oncogenetics and Functional Oncogenomics UnitCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Immunopathology and Cancer BiomarkersCentro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)IRCCSAvianoItaly
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11
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Clinical Significance and Regulation of ERK5 Expression and Function in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020348. [PMID: 35053510 PMCID: PMC8773716 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is a unique kinase among MAPKs family members, given its large structure characterized by the presence of a unique C-terminal domain. Despite increasing data demonstrating the relevance of the ERK5 pathway in the growth, survival, and differentiation of normal cells, ERK5 has recently attracted the attention of several research groups given its relevance in inflammatory disorders and cancer. Accumulating evidence reported its role in tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we explore the gene expression profile of ERK5 among cancers correlated with its clinical impact, as well as the prognostic value of ERK5 and pERK5 expression levels in tumors. We also summarize the importance of ERK5 in the maintenance of a cancer stem-like phenotype and explore the major known contributions of ERK5 in the tumor-associated microenvironment. Moreover, although several questions are still open concerning ERK5 molecular regulation, different ERK5 isoforms derived from the alternative splicing process are also described, highlighting the potential clinical relevance of targeting ERK5 pathways.
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12
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Paudel R, Fusi L, Schmidt M. The MEK5/ERK5 Pathway in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147594. [PMID: 34299213 PMCID: PMC8303459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The MEK5/ERK5 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) cascade is a unique signaling module activated by both mitogens and stress stimuli, including cytokines, fluid shear stress, high osmolarity, and oxidative stress. Physiologically, it is mainly known as a mechanoreceptive pathway in the endothelium, where it transduces the various vasoprotective effects of laminar blood flow. However, it also maintains integrity in other tissues exposed to mechanical stress, including bone, cartilage, and muscle, where it exerts a key function as a survival and differentiation pathway. Beyond its diverse physiological roles, the MEK5/ERK5 pathway has also been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, where it has recently emerged as a major escape route, sustaining tumor cell survival and proliferation under drug stress. In addition, MEK5/ERK5 dysfunction may foster cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Here, we highlight the importance of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in health and disease, focusing on its role as a protective cascade in mechanical stress-exposed healthy tissues and its function as a therapy resistance pathway in cancers. We discuss the perspective of targeting this cascade for cancer treatment and weigh its chances and potential risks when considering its emerging role as a protective stress response pathway.
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13
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Gebhardt K, Edemir B, Groß E, Nemetschke L, Kewitz-Hempel S, Moritz RKC, Sunderkötter C, Gerloff D. BRAF/EZH2 Signaling Represses miR-129-5p Inhibition of SOX4 Thereby Modulating BRAFi Resistance in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102393. [PMID: 34063443 PMCID: PMC8155874 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Approximately 60% of all melanomas are associated with a constitutive activating BRAF mutation. Inhibition of BRAF downstream signaling by targeted therapies significantly improved patient outcomes. However, most patients eventually develop resistance. Here we identified miR-129-5p as a novel tumor suppressor in BRAF mutated melanoma, which expression is increased during response to BRAF inhibition, but repressed in an EZH2 dependent manner during activated BRAF signaling. Overexpression of miR-129-5p decreases melanoma cell proliferation and improves response to BRAF inhibition by targeting SOX4. Taken together our results emphasize SOX4 as a potential therapeutic target in BRAF driven melanoma which could be attacked by pharmaceutically. Abstract Many melanomas are associated with activating BRAF mutation. Targeted therapies by inhibitors of BRAF and MEK (BRAFi, MEKi) show marked antitumor response, but become limited by drug resistance. The mechanisms for this are not fully revealed, but include miRNA. Wishing to improve efficacy of BRAFi and knowing that certain miRNAs are linked to resistance to BRAFi, we wanted to focus on miRNAs exclusively associated with response to BRAFi. We found increased expression of miR-129-5p during BRAFi treatment of BRAF- mutant melanoma cells. Parallel to emergence of resistance we observed mir-129-5p expression to become suppressed by BRAF/EZH2 signaling. In functional analyses we revealed that miR-129-5p acts as a tumor suppressor as its overexpression decreased cell proliferation, improved treatment response and reduced viability of BRAFi resistant melanoma cells. By protein expression analyses and luciferase reporter assays we confirmed SOX4 as a direct target of mir-129-5p. Thus, modulation of the miR-129-5p-SOX4 axis could serve as a promising novel strategy to improve response to BRAFi in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Gebhardt
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (K.G.); (L.N.); (S.K.-H.); (R.K.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Bayram Edemir
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Hematology and Oncology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (B.E.); (E.G.)
| | - Elisabeth Groß
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Hematology and Oncology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (B.E.); (E.G.)
| | - Linda Nemetschke
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (K.G.); (L.N.); (S.K.-H.); (R.K.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Stefanie Kewitz-Hempel
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (K.G.); (L.N.); (S.K.-H.); (R.K.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Rose K. C. Moritz
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (K.G.); (L.N.); (S.K.-H.); (R.K.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Cord Sunderkötter
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (K.G.); (L.N.); (S.K.-H.); (R.K.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Dennis Gerloff
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (K.G.); (L.N.); (S.K.-H.); (R.K.C.M.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-0345-557-5255
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14
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Tubita A, Tusa I, Rovida E. Playing the Whack-A-Mole Game: ERK5 Activation Emerges Among the Resistance Mechanisms to RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2- Targeted Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:647311. [PMID: 33777953 PMCID: PMC7991100 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.647311] [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: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecularly tailored therapies have opened a new era, chronic myeloid leukemia being the ideal example, in the treatment of cancer. However, available therapeutic options are still unsatisfactory in many types of cancer, and often fail due to the occurrence of resistance mechanisms. With regard to small-molecule compounds targeting the components of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) cascade RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2, these drugs may result ineffective as a consequence of the activation of compensatory pro-survival/proliferative signals, including receptor tyrosine kinases, PI3K, as well as other components of the MAPK family such as TPL2/COT. The MAPK ERK5 has been identified as a key signaling molecule in the biology of several types of cancer. In this review, we report pieces of evidence regarding the activation of the MEK5-ERK5 pathway as a resistance mechanism to RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 inhibitors. We also highlight the known and possible mechanisms underlying the cross-talks between the ERK1/2 and the ERK5 pathways, the characterization of which is of great importance to maximize, in the future, the impact of RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 targeting. Finally, we emphasize the need of developing additional therapeutically relevant MEK5-ERK5 inhibitors to be used for combined treatments, thus preventing the onset of resistance to cancer therapies relying on RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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15
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Ray A, Kunhiraman H, Perera RJ. The Paradoxical Behavior of microRNA-211 in Melanomas and Other Human Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 10:628367. [PMID: 33628737 PMCID: PMC7897698 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.628367] [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: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis leverage many regulatory agents, such as signaling molecules, transcription factors, and regulatory RNA molecules. Among these, regulatory non-coding RNAs have emerged as molecules that control multiple cancer types and their pathologic properties. The human microRNA-211 (MIR211) is one such molecule, which affects several cancer types, including melanoma, glioblastoma, lung adenocarcinomas, breast, ovarian, prostate, and colorectal carcinoma. Previous studies suggested that in certain tumors MIR211 acts as a tumor suppressor while in others it behaves as an oncogenic regulator. Here we summarize the known molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate MIR211 gene expression and molecular pathways that are in turn controlled by MIR211 itself. We discuss how cellular and epigenetic contexts modulate the biological effects of MIR211, which exhibit pleiotropic effects. For example, up-regulation of MIR211 expression down-regulates Warburg effect in melanoma tumor cells associated with an inhibition of the growth of human melanoma cells in vitro, and yet these conditions robustly increase tumor growth in xenografted mice. Signaling through the DUSP6-ERK5 pathway is modulated by MIR211 in BRAFV600E driven melanoma tumors, and this function is involved in the resistance of tumor cells to the BRAF inhibitor, Vemurafenib. We discuss several alternate but testable models, involving stochastic cell-to-cell expression heterogeneity due to multiple equilibria involving feedback circuits, intracellular communication, and genetic variation at miRNA target sties, to reconcile the paradoxical effects of MIR211 on tumorigenesis. Understanding the precise role of this miRNA is crucial to understanding the genetic basis of melanoma as well as the other cancer types where this regulatory molecule has important influences. We hope this review will inspire novel directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Animesh Ray
- Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, United States
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Haritha Kunhiraman
- Cancer & Blood Disorder Institute, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, South, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
| | - Ranjan J. Perera
- Cancer & Blood Disorder Institute, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, South, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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16
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Ostrowski SM, Fisher DE. The Melanocyte Lineage Factor miR-211 Promotes BRAF V600E Inhibitor Resistance. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:250-252. [PMID: 33504438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy remains a major obstacle in improving care for patients with advanced melanoma. MicroRNAs play important roles in regulating gene networks involved in disease progression and resistance to therapy in cancers such as melanoma. MicroRNA miR-211 contributes to melanocyte and melanoma biology and has been implicated in targeted therapy resistance. Lee et al. (2020) report a novel mechanism by which miR-211 promotes resistance to BRAFV600E inhibitor therapy via the upregulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Ostrowski
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David E Fisher
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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