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Swe HWW, Fujisawa M, Ohara T, Komatsubara Y, Yoshimura T, Shien T, Matsukawa A. The specific shapes of capillaries are associated with worse prognosis in patients with invasive breast cancer. Pathol Int 2024. [PMID: 38818885 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13442] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is considered essential for tumor progression; however, whether histological counting of blood vessel numbers, expressed as microvessel density (MVD), can be a prognostic factor in breast cancer remains controversial. It has been suggested that the specific morphology of blood vessels such as glomeruloid microvascular proliferation (GMP) is associated with clinical parameters. Here, we aimed to clarify the significance of MVD with revised immunohistochemistry and to identify new blood vessel shapes that predict prognosis in breast cancer. Four hundred and eleven primary breast cancer specimens were collected, and the sections were immunohistochemically stained with CD31 (single staining) and CD31 and Collagen IV (double staining). The prognosis of patients was examined based on the MVD value, and the presence of GMP and other blood vessels with other specific shapes. As a result, high MVD value and the presence of GMP were not associated with worse prognosis. By contrast, patients with deep-curved capillaries surrounding tumor cell nests (C-shaped) or excessively branched capillaries near tumor cell nests showed a significantly poor prognosis. The presence of these capillaries was also correlated with clinicopathological parameters such as Ki-67 index. Thus, the morphology of capillaries rather than MVD can be a better indicator of tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hnin-Wint-Wint Swe
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Fujisawa
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ohara
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yu Komatsubara
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Teizo Yoshimura
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tadahiko Shien
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Akihiro Matsukawa
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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Georgescu SR, Tocut SM, Matei C, Ene CD, Nicolae I, Tampa M. A Panel of Potential Serum Markers Related to Angiogenesis, Antioxidant Defense and Hypoxia for Differentiating Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas from Actinic Keratoses. J Pers Med 2024; 14:103. [PMID: 38248804 PMCID: PMC10820834 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010103] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) arising from the malignant proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes is the second most common skin cancer. Actinic keratosis (AK), which is considered cSCC in situ, may progress into invasive tumors. Currently, there are no serum markers that can differentiate cSCC from AK. The aim of our study was to assess angiogenesis and oxidative stress in patients with cSCC and patients with AK and find reliable serum markers useful in the diagnosis of cSCC. We have determined the serum levels of a group of proangiogenic factors (MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, FGF2), the total antioxidative status/capacity (TAS/TAC), ImAnOx, a marker of oxidative stress, and HIF-1 alpha, an indicator of hypoxia. We have identified higher serum levels of MMP-2. MMP-9, VEGF, FGF2 and HIF-1 alpha and lower levels of ImAnOx in cSCC patients compared to AK patients and controls. There were no statistically significant differences between AK patients and controls. We have found positive correlations between proangiogenic markers and HIF-1 alpha and negative correlations between proangiogenic markers and ImAnOx. Our results suggest that MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, FGF2, ImAnOx and HIF-1 may be promising markers for differentiating AK from cSCC, and there is a link between angiogenesis, oxidative stress and hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Roxana Georgescu
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (S.R.G.); (M.T.)
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Victor Babes’ Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Sandra Milena Tocut
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel;
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Wolfson Medical Center”, 61 Halochamim Street, 58100 Holon, Israel
| | - Clara Matei
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (S.R.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Corina Daniela Ene
- Department of Nephrology, ‘Carol Davila’ Nephrology Hospital, 010731 Bucharest, Romania
- Departments of Nephrology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilinca Nicolae
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Victor Babes’ Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mircea Tampa
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (S.R.G.); (M.T.)
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Victor Babes’ Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
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Lei X, Zhang Y, Mao L, Jiang P, Huang Y, Gu J, Tai N. Prognostic value of receptor tyrosine kinases in malignant melanoma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of immunohistochemistry. Front Oncol 2022; 12:819051. [PMID: 36212475 PMCID: PMC9538722 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.819051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Substantial evidence suggests that receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are overexpressed in tumors; however, few studies have focused on the prognostic value of RTKs in melanoma. Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between overexpression of RTKs and survival in melanoma patients based on immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Methods Our review is registered on PROSPERO (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO), registration number CRD42021261460. Seven databases were searched, and data were extracted. We used IHC to measure the association between overexpression of RTKs and overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and clinicopathology in melanoma patients. Pooled analysis was conducted to assess the differences between Hazard Ratios along with 95% confidence intervals. Results Of 5,508 publications examined following the database search, 23 publications were included in this study, which included data from a total of 2,072 patients. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) overexpression was associated with worse OS and DFS in melanoma. Furthermore, there was an association between OS and the expression of several RTKs, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGF-R1), and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). There were no significant correlations between EGFR overexpression and worse DFS or PFS. EGFR overexpression was associated with worse OS cutaneous and nasal melanoma, but not uveal melanoma. However, MET overexpression was related to worse OS in both cutaneous and uveal melanoma. Furthermore, EGFR overexpression was associated with a worse OS in Europe compared to other geographic areas. Moreover, EGFR and MET overexpression showed significant prognostic value in patients with the cut-off “≥10% staining”. Conclusions Our findings build concrete evidence that overexpression of RTKs is associated with poor prognosis and clinicopathology in melanoma, highlighting RTK expression has the potential to inform individualized combination therapies and accurate prognostic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Lei
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Lianghao Mao
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Pan Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yumeng Huang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jia Gu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ningzheng Tai
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Ningzheng Tai,
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Jain N, Pilmane M. Evaluating the Expression of Candidate Homeobox Genes and Their Role in Local-Site Inflammation in Mucosal Tissue Obtained from Children with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111135. [PMID: 34834487 PMCID: PMC8618679 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Craniofacial development including palatogenesis is a complex process which requires an orchestrated and spatiotemporal expression of various genes and factors for proper embryogenesis and organogenesis. One such group of genes essential for craniofacial development is the homeobox genes, transcriptional factors that are commonly associated with congenital abnormalities. Amongst these genes, DLX4, HOXB3, and MSX2 have been recently shown to be involved in the etiology of non-syndromic cleft lip and palate. Hence, we investigated the gene and protein expression of these genes in normal and cleft affected mucosal tissue obtained from 22 children, along with analyzing their role in promoting local-site inflammation using NF-κB. Additionally, we investigated the role of PTX3, which plays a critical role in tissue remodeling and wound repair. We found a residual gene and protein expression of DLX4 in cleft mucosa, although no differences in gene expression levels of HOXB3 and MSX2 were noted. However, a significant increase in protein expression for these genes was noted in the cleft mucosa (p < 0.05), indicating increased cellular proliferation. This was coupled with a significant increase in NF-κB protein expression in cleft mucosa (p < 0.05), highlighting the role of these genes in promotion of pro-inflammatory environment. Finally, no differences in gene expression of PTX3 were noted.
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The Clinical Impact of the EPH/Ephrin System in Cancer: Unwinding the Thread. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168412. [PMID: 34445116 PMCID: PMC8395090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular receptors (EPHs) compose the largest known subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). They bind and interact with the EPH family receptor interacting proteins (ephrins). EPHs/ephrins are implicated in a variety of physiological processes, as well as in cancer pathogenesis. With neoplastic disease remaining a leading cause of death world-wide, the development of novel biomarkers aiding in the field of diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring is of utmost importance. A multitude of studies have proven the association between the expression of members of the EPH/ephrin system and various clinicopathological parameters, including disease stage, tumor histologic grade, and patients' overall survival. Besides their utilization in timely disease detection and assessment of outcome, EPHs/ephrins could also represent possible novel therapeutic targets. The aim of the current review of the literature was to present the existing data regarding the association between EPH/ephrin system expression and the clinical characteristics of malignant tumors.
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Madheswaran S, Mungra N, Biteghe FAN, De la Croix Ndong J, Arowolo AT, Adeola HA, Ramamurthy D, Naran K, Khumalo NP, Barth S. Antibody-Based Targeted Interventions for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Cancers. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 21:162-186. [PMID: 32723261 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200728123006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous malignancies most commonly arise from skin epidermal cells. These cancers may rapidly progress from benign to a metastatic phase. Surgical resection represents the gold standard therapeutic treatment of non-metastatic skin cancer while chemo- and/or radiotherapy are often used against metastatic tumors. However, these therapeutic treatments are limited by the development of resistance and toxic side effects, resulting from the passive accumulation of cytotoxic drugs within healthy cells. OBJECTIVE This review aims to elucidate how the use of monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) targeting specific Tumor Associated Antigens (TAAs) is paving the way to improved treatment. These mAbs are used as therapeutic or diagnostic carriers that can specifically deliver cytotoxic molecules, fluorophores or radiolabels to cancer cells that overexpress specific target antigens. RESULTS mAbs raised against TAAs are widely in use for e.g. differential diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of skin cancers. Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) particularly show remarkable potential. The safest ADCs reported to date use non-toxic photo-activatable Photosensitizers (PSs), allowing targeted Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) resulting in targeted delivery of PS into cancer cells and selective killing after light activation without harming the normal cell population. The use of near-infrared-emitting PSs enables both diagnostic and therapeutic applications upon light activation at the specific wavelengths. CONCLUSION Antibody-based approaches are presenting an array of opportunities to complement and improve current methods employed for skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Madheswaran
- Medical Biotechnology & Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Neelakshi Mungra
- Medical Biotechnology & Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Fleury A N Biteghe
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jean De la Croix Ndong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 301 East 17th Street, New York, NY, United States
| | - Afolake T Arowolo
- The Hair and Skin Research Lab, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Henry A Adeola
- The Hair and Skin Research Lab, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dharanidharan Ramamurthy
- Medical Biotechnology & Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Krupa Naran
- Medical Biotechnology & Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nonhlanhla P Khumalo
- The Hair and Skin Research Lab, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan Barth
- Medical Biotechnology & Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Fane ME, Ecker BL, Kaur A, Marino GE, Alicea GM, Douglass SM, Chhabra Y, Webster MR, Marshall A, Colling R, Espinosa O, Coupe N, Maroo N, Campo L, Middleton MR, Corrie P, Xu X, Karakousis GC, Weeraratna AT. sFRP2 Supersedes VEGF as an Age-related Driver of Angiogenesis in Melanoma, Affecting Response to Anti-VEGF Therapy in Older Patients. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:5709-5719. [PMID: 33097493 PMCID: PMC7642114 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Angiogenesis is thought to be critical for tumor metastasis. However, inhibiting angiogenesis using antibodies such as bevacizumab (Avastin), has had little impact on melanoma patient survival. We have demonstrated that both angiogenesis and metastasis are increased in older individuals, and therefore sought to investigate whether there was an age-related difference in response to bevacizumab, and if so, what the underlying mechanism could be. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We analyzed data from the AVAST-M trial of 1,343 patients with melanoma treated with bevacizumab to determine whether there is an age-dependent response to bevacizumab. We also examined the age-dependent expression of VEGF and its cognate receptors in patients with melanoma, while using syngeneic melanoma animal models to target VEGF in young versus old mice. We also examined the age-related proangiogenic factor secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2) and whether it could modulate response to anti-VEGF therapy. RESULTS We show that older patients respond poorly to bevacizumab, whereas younger patients show improvement in both disease-free survival and overall survival. We find that targeting VEGF does not ablate angiogenesis in an aged mouse model, while sFRP2 promotes angiogenesis in vitro and in young mice. Targeting sFRP2 in aged mice successfully ablates angiogenesis, while the effects of targeting VEGF in young mice can be overcome by increasing sFRP2. CONCLUSIONS VEGF is decreased during aging, thereby reducing response to bevacizumab. Despite the decrease in VEGF, angiogenesis is increased because of an increase in sFRP2 in the aged tumor microenvironment. These results stress the importance of considering age as a factor for designing targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell E Fane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Brett L Ecker
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amanpreet Kaur
- Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gloria E Marino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gretchen M Alicea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephen M Douglass
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marie R Webster
- The Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrea Marshall
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Colling
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia Espinosa
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Coupe
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Neera Maroo
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Leticia Campo
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Middleton
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pippa Corrie
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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8
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Mabeta P. Paradigms of vascularization in melanoma: Clinical significance and potential for therapeutic targeting. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 127:110135. [PMID: 32334374 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma in particular has a poor prognosis and although treatment has improved, drug resistance continues to be a challenge. Angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels from existing microvessels, precedes the progression of melanoma from a radial growth phase to a malignant phenotype. In addition, melanoma cells can form networks of vessel-like fluid conducting channels through vasculogenic mimicry (VM). Both angiogenesis and VM have been postulated to contribute to the development of resistance to treatment and to enable metastasis. Also, the metastatic spread of melanoma is highly dependent on lymphangiogenesis, the formation of lymphatic vessels from pre-existing vessels. Interestingly, the design and clinical testing of drugs that target VM and lymphangiogenesis lag behind that of angiogenesis inhibitors. Despite this, antiangiogenic drugs have not significantly improved the overall survival of melanoma patients, thus necessitating the targeting of alternative mechanisms. In this article, I review the roles of the three paradigms of tissue perfusion, namely, angiogenesis, VM and lymphangiogenesis, in promoting melanoma progression and metastasis. This article also explores the latest development and potential opportunities in the therapeutic targeting of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peace Mabeta
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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9
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Effect of EphA2 knockdown on melanoma metastasis depends on intrinsic ephrinA1 level. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:655-667. [PMID: 32291572 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00511-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Upregulation of receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 has been found to be associated with a poor prognosis in many types of cancer and is considered an attractive therapeutic target. As yet, few efforts have been focused on its tumor suppressive activity triggered by its ligand, ephrinA1. Here, we aimed to determine the potential of ephrinA1 as an important player in melanoma metastasis. METHODS Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) were analyzed to explore the expression and prognostic implications of EphA2 and ephrinA1 in melanoma. Western blotting, shRNA, colony formation and immunofluorescence assays, as well as two in vivo xenograft models (subcutaneous and metastatic) were used to evaluate the role of EphA2 in melanoma progression. Akt inhibition and ephrinA1-Fc were used to confirm the influence of Akt activation and ephrinA1 levels on the EphA2 effects. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on xenograft and patient melanoma tissues. RESULTS We found that high levels of ephrinA1, but not EphA2, were negatively correlated with melanoma metastasis. The expression levels of EphA2 and ephrinA1 were not correlated. After EphA2 downregulation, colony forming abilities and lung metastatic growth were reduced in melanoma cell lines with a low ephrinA1 expression, but were increased in melanoma cell lines with a high ephrinA1 expression. EphA2-mediated colony formation in EphA2-high/ephrinA1-low cells was found to be Akt-dependent and to be inhibited by the addition of ephrinA1-Fc. IHC staining of primary melanoma specimens revealed that EphA2-high/ephrinA1-low patients exhibited poorer outcomes than EphA2-high/ephrinA1-high patients. CONCLUSIONS From our data we conclude that evaluation of ephrinA1 levels may be helpful for the application of EphA2-targeted therapies and for prognostic predictions in melanoma patients.
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10
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Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Skin Cancers. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060540. [PMID: 31167513 PMCID: PMC6628025 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling regulates various cellular processes during the embryonic development and in the adult organism. In the skin, fibroblasts and keratinocytes control proliferation and survival of melanocytes in a paracrine manner via several signaling molecules, including FGFs. FGF/FGFR signaling contributes to the skin surface expansion in childhood or during wound healing, and skin protection from UV light damage. Aberrant FGF/FGFR signaling has been implicated in many disorders, including cancer. In melanoma cells, the FGFR expression is low, probably because of the strong endogenous mutation-driven constitutive activation of the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK-ERK) signaling pathway. FGFR1 is exceptional as it is expressed in the majority of melanomas at a high level. Melanoma cells that acquired the capacity to synthesize FGFs can influence the neighboring cells in the tumor niche, such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, or other melanoma cells. In this way, FGF/FGFR signaling contributes to intratumoral angiogenesis, melanoma cell survival, and development of resistance to therapeutics. Therefore, inhibitors of aberrant FGF/FGFR signaling are considered as drugs in combination treatment. The ongoing LOGIC-2 phase II clinical trial aims to find out whether targeting the FGF/FGFR signaling pathway with BGJ398 may be a good therapeutic strategy in melanoma patients who develop resistance to v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF)/MEK inhibitors.
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SIRT2 Contributes to the Resistance of Melanoma Cells to the Multikinase Inhibitor Dasatinib. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050673. [PMID: 31091806 PMCID: PMC6562913 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer and can only be cured if detected early. Unfortunately, later stages of the disease do not guarantee success due to the rapid rate of melanoma cell metastasis and their high resistance to applied therapies. The search for new molecular targets and targeted therapy may represent the future in the development of effective methods for combating this cancer. SIRT2 is a promising target; thus, we downregulated SIRT2 expression in melanoma cells in vertical growth and metastatic phases and demonstrated that sirtuin acts as regulator of the basic functions of melanoma cells. A detailed transcriptomic analysis showed that SIRT2 regulates the expression of multiple genes encoding the tyrosine kinase pathways that are molecular targets of dasatinib. Indeed, cells with low SIRT2 expression were more susceptible to dasatinib, as demonstrated by multiple techniques, e.g., neutral red uptake, 3/7 caspase activity, colony formation assay, and in vitro scratch assay. Furthermore, these cells showed an altered phosphorylation profile for proteins playing roles in the response to dasatinib. Thus, our research indicates new, previously unknown SIRT2 functions in the regulation of gene expression, which is of key clinical significance.
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12
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Hugdahl E, Bachmann IM, Schuster C, Ladstein RG, Akslen LA. Prognostic value of uPAR expression and angiogenesis in primary and metastatic melanoma. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210399. [PMID: 30640942 PMCID: PMC6331131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is important for the progression of cutaneous melanoma. Here, we analyzed the prognostic impact of the angiogenic factor urokinase plasminogen activator resecptor (uPAR), vascular proliferation index (VPI) and tumor necrosis as a measure of hypoxia in a patient series of nodular melanomas (n = 255) and matched loco-regional metastases (n = 78). Expression of uPAR was determined by immunohistochemistry and VPI was assessed by dual immunohistochemistry using Factor-VIII/Ki67 staining. Necrosis was recorded based on HE-slides. As novel findings, high uPAR expression and high VPI were associated with each other, and with increased tumor thickness, presence of tumor necrosis, tumor ulceration, increased mitotic count and reduced cancer specific survival in primary melanoma. In matched cases, VPI was decreased in metastases, whereas the frequency of necrosis was increased. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the impact on melanoma specific survival of uPAR expression and VPI in primary tumors, and of increased necrosis as an indicator of tumor hypoxia in loco-regional metastases. These findings support the importance of tumor angiogenesis in melanoma aggressiveness, and suggest uPAR as an indicator of vascular proliferation and a potential biomarker in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Hugdahl
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Dermatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingeborg M. Bachmann
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Dermatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Cornelia Schuster
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Oncology Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rita G. Ladstein
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Dermatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars A. Akslen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail:
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Microvessel Density in Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Skin Cancer 2017; 2017:2049140. [PMID: 29441208 PMCID: PMC5758941 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2049140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We conducted a meta-analysis, in order to appraise the effect of microvessel density (MVD) on the survival of patients with cutaneous melanoma. Methods This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. A systematic literature search in electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) was performed. Fixed Effects or Random Effects model was used, based on the Cochran Q test. Results In total 9 studies (903 patients) were included. Pooled HR for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 2.62 (95% CI: 0.71–9.60, p = 0.15) and 2.64 (95% CI: 0.82–8.47, p = 0.10), respectively. Odds ratios of overall survival between high and low MVD groups, at 12 (1.45, 95% CI: 0.16–13.24), 36 (2.93, 95% CI: 0.63–13.59), and 60 (4.09, 95% CI: 0.85–19.77) months did not reach statistical significance. Significant superiority of low MVD group, in terms of DFS, at all time intervals (OR: 4.69, p < 0.0001; OR: 2.18, p = 0.004; OR: 7.46, p = 0.01, resp.) was documented. Discussion MVD does not affect the HR of OS and DFS. A strong correlation with DFS rates at 12, 36, and 60 months was recorded.
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14
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Hugdahl E, Kalvenes MB, Mannelqvist M, Ladstein RG, Akslen LA. Prognostic impact and concordance of TERT promoter mutation and protein expression in matched primary and metastatic cutaneous melanoma. Br J Cancer 2017; 118:98-105. [PMID: 29123258 PMCID: PMC5765228 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: TERT promoter mutations are frequent in melanoma. Here we analysed the concordance and prognostic impact of TERT mutation and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) protein expression in a large melanoma series. Methods: In 194 primary nodular melanomas with 72 matched loco-regional metastases, TERT promoter mutation status was assessed by Sanger sequencing and TERT protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Results: TERT mutations were found in 68% of primary melanomas and 64% of metastases, and the mutation status was discordant between primary tumour and metastasis in 24% of the cases. 6 of the 10 cases with discordant and wild-type metastases were also TERT wild type when re-tested in other intra-tumour regions, whereas 4 cases were mutation positive. TERT-mutated tumours tended to be thicker, have a higher mitotic count and higher patient age than TERT wild-type cases, but there was no significant association with reduced survival. TERT protein expression did not correlate with mutation status, but showed a similar discordancy between the primary and first metastatic lesion, and was significantly associated with reduced survival. Conclusions: TERT promoter mutations showed inter- and intra-tumoural discordancy, whereas only expression of TERT protein was associated with reduced patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Hugdahl
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - May Britt Kalvenes
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Monica Mannelqvist
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Rita G Ladstein
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5021, Norway.,Department of Dermatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Lars A Akslen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5021, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen 5021, Norway
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15
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Liu M, Xing LQ. Basic fibroblast growth factor as a potential biomarker for diagnosing malignant tumor metastasis in women. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:1561-1567. [PMID: 28789380 PMCID: PMC5529833 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is associated with tumor genesis, growth and prognosis. The present study was conducted to detect the levels of bFGF expression in women with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colon cancer, breast cancer and melanoma, and analyze its association with the clinicopathological characteristics of malignant tumors. The tumor tissues were obtained from 508 female patients with malignant tumors between March 2008 and May 2015 (103 NSCLC, 147 colon cancer, 206 breast cancer and 52 melanoma). Histological examination was performed on paraffin-embedded tissues. The immunohistochemical peroxidase-conjugated streptavidin method was used to detect bFGF protein expression in the tissues. The level of bFGF protein expression was significantly increased in patients with NSCLC with poor differentiation and lymph node metastasis compared with patients with moderately/well differentiated NSCLC without lymph node metastasis. Increased levels of bFGF protein expression were observed in patients with colon cancer with lymph node metastasis compared with patients without lymph node metastasis, and in patients with breast cancer with tumor-node-metastasis stage III–IV and lymph node metastasis compared with patients in stage I–II and without lymph node metastasis. The rate of positive bFGF staining in patients with melanoma with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher compared with patients without lymph node metastasis. These results suggested that bFGF may be associated with the process of malignant tumor genesis and growth, and the expression of bFGF protein may be a potential and effective biomarker for diagnosing malignant tumor metastasis in females. The present study may also provide theoretical bases for the clinical application of bFGF monoclonal antibody in molecular targeted therapies in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, P.R. China
| | - Lu-Qi Xing
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, P.R. China
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16
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Hasegawa J, Sue M, Yamato M, Ichikawa J, Ishida S, Shibutani T, Kitamura M, Wada T, Agatsuma T. Novel anti-EPHA2 antibody, DS-8895a for cancer treatment. Cancer Biol Ther 2016; 17:1158-1167. [PMID: 27653549 PMCID: PMC5137487 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2016.1235663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of EPHA2 has been observed in multiple cancers and reported to be associated with poor prognosis. Here, we produced an afucosylated humanized anti-EPHA2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), DS-8895a for cancer treatment. The antibody recognizes the extracellular juxtamembrane region of EPHA2 and therefore can bind to both full-length and truncated forms of EPHA2, which are anchored to cell membranes and recently reported to be produced by post-translational cleavage in tumors. DS-8895a exhibited markedly increased antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro and also inhibited tumor growth in EPHA2-positive human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and human gastric cancer SNU-16 xenograft mouse models. Moreover, DS-8895a in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) showed better efficacy than each of the monotherapies did in the human gastric cancer model. These results suggest that a novel antibody, DS-8895a has therapeutic potential against EPHA2-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hasegawa
- a Biologics & Immuno-Oncology Laboratories , Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo , Japan
| | - Mayumi Sue
- a Biologics & Immuno-Oncology Laboratories , Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo , Japan
| | - Michiko Yamato
- a Biologics & Immuno-Oncology Laboratories , Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo , Japan
| | - Junya Ichikawa
- a Biologics & Immuno-Oncology Laboratories , Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo , Japan
| | - Saori Ishida
- a Biologics & Immuno-Oncology Laboratories , Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo , Japan
| | - Tomoko Shibutani
- b Translational Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology Department , Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa-ku , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Michiko Kitamura
- a Biologics & Immuno-Oncology Laboratories , Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo , Japan
| | - Teiji Wada
- a Biologics & Immuno-Oncology Laboratories , Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo , Japan
| | - Toshinori Agatsuma
- a Biologics & Immuno-Oncology Laboratories , Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo , Japan
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Rowe CJ, Khosrotehrani K. Clinical and biological determinants of melanoma progression: Should all be considered for clinical management? Australas J Dermatol 2016; 57:175-81. [PMID: 26010424 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a heterogeneous disease affecting the regulation of multiple genes and proteins that contribute to melanoma progression. Survival for patients with locally invasive disease varies greatly, even within tumour stages based on current prognostic criteria. This has prompted investigations into the value of additional clinical or biological parameters predicting survival. In particular, the improved knowledge of tumour biology has fed the hope that the outcome may be predicted at the molecular level. The prognostic value of numerous potential biomarkers has therefore been evaluated in protein and gene expression studies, and genomic associations with melanoma prognosis are beginning to emerge. These potential biomarkers interrogate key tumour and host processes important for tumour development and progression, such as proliferation, invasion and migration through epithelial mesenchymal transition or the host immune or vascular responses. This research may allow more individualised information on prognosis if the challenges regarding the quality and validation of studies are overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J Rowe
- Translational Research Institute, UQ Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kiarash Khosrotehrani
- Translational Research Institute, UQ Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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18
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Hugdahl E, Kalvenes MB, Puntervoll HE, Ladstein RG, Akslen LA. BRAF-V600E expression in primary nodular melanoma is associated with aggressive tumour features and reduced survival. Br J Cancer 2016; 114:801-8. [PMID: 26924424 PMCID: PMC4984864 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Around 50% of primary melanomas harbour BRAF mutations, but their prognostic impact has not been clear. Recently, a BRAF-V600E mutation-specific antibody has become available for immunohistochemistry. Here, we investigated for the first time the prognostic impact of BRAF-V600E protein expression in primary melanoma. METHODS In a patient series of 248 nodular melanomas, BRAF-V600E and total BRAF expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarray sections of paraffin-embedded archival tissue. Mutation status was assessed by real-time PCR in cases with sufficient tumour tissue (n=191). RESULTS Positive BRAF-V600E expression was present in 86 (35%) of the cases, and was significantly associated with increased tumour thickness, presence of tumour ulceration and reduced survival. Further, BRAF-V600E expression was an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis, whereas BRAF mutation status was not significant. There was 88% concordance between BRAF-V600E expression and mutation status. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that BRAF-V600E expression is a novel prognostic marker in primary melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Hugdahl
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - May Britt Kalvenes
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Hanne E Puntervoll
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Rita G Ladstein
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Dermatology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars A Akslen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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19
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Zhang H, Guo Q, Wang X, Wang C, Zhao X, Li M. Aberrant expression of hSef and Sprouty4 in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2015; 11:45-50. [PMID: 26870165 PMCID: PMC4727078 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2-mediated signaling of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/RAS/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway is a critical modulator in angiogenesis and is therefore essential for the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma. Human similar expression to FGFs (hSef) and Sprouty4 have each been reported to be negative regulators of FGF signaling. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of hSef and Sprouty4 in human endometrial adenocarcinoma. Using immunohistochemistry analysis, the expression of hSef and Sprouty4 was detected in human endometrial adenocarcinomas. Increased hSef expression was found to be present in endometrial adenocarcinomas. In addition, decreased hSef expression was identified in the blood vessels of endometrial adenocarcinoma samples. However, the expression of Sprouty4 was downregulated in human endometrial adenocarcinoma. Aberrant expression of hSef and Sprouty4 are involved in the pathogenesis of human endometrial adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Qiufen Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Nursing, Shandong Rongjun General Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Rongjun General Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xingbo Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Mingjiang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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20
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Wang L, Hu H, Tian F, Zhou W, Zhou S, Wang J. Expression of EphA2 protein is positively associated with age, tumor size and Fuhrman nuclear grade in clear cell renal cell carcinomas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:13374-13380. [PMID: 26722543 PMCID: PMC4680488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase of EphA2 has been shown frequently overexpressed in various types of human carcinomas, which implicated that it plays important roles in carcinogenesis. Although EphA2 protein expression has been investigated in many types of human carcinomas, the relationship between the expression of EphA2 protein in clear cell renal cell carcinoma was not well documented. In the present study, using specific anit-EphA2 polyclonal antibody and immunohistochemistry, we evaluated EphA2 protein expression levels in clear cell RCC specimens surgically resected from 90 patients. Our results shows that EphA2 protein was positively expressed in all normal renal tubes of 90 samples (100%, 3+), which was expressed at low levels in renal cortex but high levels in the collecting ducts of the renal medulla and papilla. EphA2 was negatively or weakly expressed in 30 out of 90 samples (33.3%, 0/1+), moderately expressed in 24 samples (26.7%, 2+) and strongly expressed in 36 samples (40%, 3+). Expression of EphA2 was positively associated with age (P=0.029), tumor diameters (P<0.001) and Fuhrman nuclear grade (P<0.001). Our results indicate that EphA2 variably expressed in clear cell renal cell carcinomas. High expression of EphA2 was more often found in big size and high nuclear grade tumors, which indicated EphA2 protein may be used as a new marker for the prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of MedicineNanjing 210002, P. R. China
| | - Haibing Hu
- Department of Urology, 82 Hospital of PLAHuaian 213002, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Department of Urology, The 210th Hospital of PLADanian 116300, China
| | - Wenquan Zhou
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of MedicineNanjing 210002, P. R. China
| | - Shuigen Zhou
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of MedicineNanjing 210002, P. R. China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of MedicineNanjing 210002, P. R. China
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Flippot R, Kone M, Magné N, Vignot S. [FGF/FGFR signalling: Implication in oncogenesis and perspectives]. Bull Cancer 2015; 102:516-26. [PMID: 25986739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Deregulation of FGF (fibroblast growth factor)/FGFR (fibroblast growth factor receptor) signalling leads to the promotion of several oncogenic mechanisms: proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cytoskeleton modifications, migration and angiogenesis. Deregulation of this pathway is reported in various cancers at early stages, and can therefore be responsible for the emergence of the hallmarks of cancer. It is necessary to precise downstream pathways of FGFR signalling to understand its oncogenic potential. We will then describe its implications in different cancer types. Oncogenic mechanisms will be studied through the example of melanoma, in which deregulation of FGF/FGFR pathway is considered as a driver event and occurs in nearly 90% of cases. The FGF/FGFR signalling pathway is a putative therapeutic target. Numerous agents are in active development, operating through a selective or multi-targeted approach. Recent studies have shown rather disappointing results in non-selected patients, but promising results in patients with FGF/FGFR pathway alterations. A careful screening of patients is the key to a valuable evaluation of these new targeted molecular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Flippot
- Gustave-Roussy, département d'innovations thérapeutiques essais précoces, 94800 Villejuif-Grand Paris, France
| | - Moumini Kone
- Hôpital Louis-Pasteur, service d'oncologie-hématologie, 28630 Chartres-Le-Coudray, France
| | - Nicolas Magné
- Institut de cancérologie Lucien-Neuwirth, département de radiothérapie, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Stéphane Vignot
- Hôpital Louis-Pasteur, service d'oncologie-hématologie, 28630 Chartres-Le-Coudray, France.
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Aung PP, Leone D, Feller JK, Yang S, Hernandez M, Yaar R, Singh R, Helm T, Mahalingam M. Microvessel density, lymphovascular density, and lymphovascular invasion in primary cutaneous melanoma-correlation with histopathologic prognosticators and BRAF status. Hum Pathol 2015; 46:304-12. [PMID: 25537974 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between microvessel density (MVD), lymphovascular density (LVD), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) remains unclear. Given this, a total of 102 PCMs were assessed for MVD (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and Endocan), LVD (D2-40), and LVI (immunostaining with D2-40/S-100 and hematoxylin and eosin); tumoral S-100A13, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, and Endocan; and BRAF status. LVD was associated with MVD (P = .01). MVD was higher in PCMs with depth greater than or equal to 2 mm and ulceration (P = .04, .05), whereas LVD was higher in PCMs with depth greater than or equal to 2 mm and mitoses (P = .03, .02). After adjusting for MVD and LVD, only ulceration was associated with LVI (P < .02). A BRAF mutation was seen in 30.4% cases, and when present, both LVD and host response (P = .0008 and .04, respectively) were significantly associated with MVD. Immunostaining with S-100A13 was noted in 99% of cases and a significant association noted only with ulceration (P = .05). Immunostaining increased LVI positivity (46.5% versus 4.9% by hematoxylin and eosin, P < .0001). MVD and LVD are not associated with LVI, appear to be closely related with each other, and are associated with select markers of poor prognosticative value. The association between a host response and LVD and MVD in PCMs with a BRAF mutation suggests that they exhibit potential for strategizing immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyu Phyu Aung
- Dermatopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118.
| | - Dominick Leone
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118.
| | - John Kyle Feller
- Dermatopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118.
| | - Shi Yang
- Department of Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118.
| | - Marier Hernandez
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390.
| | - Ron Yaar
- Aurora Diagnostics, Greensboro, NC 27408.
| | - Rajendra Singh
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Mt Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029.
| | - Thomas Helm
- Department of Dermatology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203.
| | - Meera Mahalingam
- Dermatopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118.
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Rossi M, Tuck J, Kim OJ, Panova I, Symanowski JT, Mahalingam M, Riker AI, Alani RM, Ryu B. Neuropilin-2 gene expression correlates with malignant progression in cutaneous melanoma. Br J Dermatol 2014; 171:403-8. [PMID: 24359286 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.12801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is currently not possible to predict the metastatic potential of early-stage melanoma lesions by histological examination alone; however, a significant number of thin melanomas will progress over time to advanced disease. Molecular biomarkers that could identify patients with melanoma at high risk at the time of original diagnosis would contribute significantly to improved patient outcomes and increased survival. Neuropilin-2 (NRP2), a cell surface receptor involved in tumour-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, has recently been shown to be expressed in melanoma. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the potential value of NRP2 gene transcript levels as biomarkers for malignant melanoma progression. METHODS We measured NRP2 gene expression in a panel of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens consisting of naevi, primary melanomas and metastatic melanomas using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique. RESULTS NRP2 levels are clearly segregated among the groups of naevi, primary and metastatic melanoma samples with a statistical trend towards increasing NRP2 gene expression correlating with disease progression. Logistic regression analysis reveals that the probability of malignant progression increases with elevated levels of NRP2 (odds ratio of 2·60 with confidence interval 1·29-5·21). Within the group of primary melanomas, there is a positive correlation (r = 0·823) between NRP2 expression and Breslow depth. This correlation was validated in an independent sample set of patients with melanoma. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study strongly supports the significance of NRP2 as a useful biomarker for malignant progression of melanoma, which may be useful for early identification of patients with melanoma at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rossi
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, U.S.A
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Mittal K, Koon H, Elson P, Triozzi P, Dowlati A, Chen H, Borden EC, Rini BI. Dual VEGF/VEGFR inhibition in advanced solid malignancies: clinical effects and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:975-81. [PMID: 24842548 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.29187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our prior phase I study of the combination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody, bevacizumab, and VEGF receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor, sunitinib, in advanced solid tumors identified an encouraging response evaluation. An expansion phase of this study was thus undertaken to obtain further safety data, response assessment and characterization of pharmacodynamic biomarkers in melanoma, renal, and adrenal carcinoma patients. Patients with metastatic solid tumors received sunitinib (37.5 mg/d, 4 wk on/2 wk off) and bevacizumab (5 mg/kg intravenously every 2 wk). Responses were assessed every 2 cycles. Serum levels of angiogenic molecules were measured using ELISA assays. Twenty-two patients were enrolled, including 11 melanoma, 5 renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 5 adrenal cancer, and 1 angiosarcoma. Grade 3 or higher adverse events were observed in 15 patients, including hypertension (41%), thrombocytopenia (23%), and fatigue (14%). Three RCC patients, and 1 melanoma patient developed thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Partial response (PR) occurred in 21% patients, including melanoma (2), adrenal (1), and renal (1) carcinomas. Overall, 6 patients demonstrated some reduction in their tumor burden. Serum VEGF and several other proangiogenic proteins declined over the first 4 wk of treatment whereas the putative VEGF-resistant protein, prokineticin-2, increased over 10-fold. Occurrence of TMA related to dual VEGF/VEGFR inhibition can result from systemic or nephron specific injury even in non-renal malignancies. While the combination of sunitinib and bevacizumab was clinically efficacious in renal cell carcinoma and melanoma, the observance of microangiopathy, even in non-RCC patients, is a significant toxicity that precludes further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Mittal
- Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute; Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Henry Koon
- Case Western University; Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Paul Elson
- Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute; Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Pierre Triozzi
- Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute; Cleveland, OH USA
| | | | - Helen Chen
- National Cancer Institute; Rockville, MD USA
| | - Ernest C Borden
- Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute; Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Brian I Rini
- Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute; Cleveland, OH USA
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Abbas O, Miller DD, Bhawan J. Cutaneous malignant melanoma: update on diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Am J Dermatopathol 2014; 36:363-79. [PMID: 24803061 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0b013e31828a2ec5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma has rapidly increased in recent years in all parts of the world, and melanoma is a leading cause of cancer death. As even relatively small melanomas may have metastatic potential, accurate assessment of progression is critical. Although diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma is usually based on histopathologic criteria, these criteria may at times be inadequate in differentiating melanoma from certain types of benign nevi. As for prognosis, tumor (Breslow) thickness, mitotic rate, and ulceration have been considered the most important prognostic indicators among histopathologic criteria. However, there are cases of thin primary melanomas that have ultimately developed metastases despite complete excision. Given this, an accurate assessment of melanoma progression is critical, and development of molecular biomarkers that identify high-risk melanoma in its early phase is urgently needed. Large-scale genomic profiling has identified considerable heterogeneity in melanoma and suggests subgrouping of tumors by patterns of gene expression and mutation will ultimately be essential to accurate staging. This subgrouping in turn may allow for more targeted therapy. In this review, we aim to provide an update on the most promising new biomarkers that may help in the identification and prognostication of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ossama Abbas
- *Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Dermatology Department, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; and †Assistant Professor of Dermatology (D.D.M.), Professor of Dermatology and Pathology (J.B.), Dermatopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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Eustace AJ, Kennedy S, Larkin AM, Mahgoub T, Tryfonopoulos D, O'Driscoll L, Clynes M, Crown J, O'Donovan N. Predictive biomarkers for dasatinib treatment in melanoma. Oncoscience 2014; 1:158-66. [PMID: 25594008 PMCID: PMC4278284 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dasatinib has anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects in melanoma cell lines. However clinical trials have shown modest activity for dasatinib in metastatic melanoma. Although dasatinib targets SRC kinase, neither expression nor phosphorylation of SRC appears to predict response to dasatinib. Identification of predictive biomarkers for dasatinib may facilitate selection of melanoma patients who are more likely to respond to dasatinib. We correlated the anti-proliferative effects of dasatinib in 8 melanoma cell lines with expression of a previously identified 6-gene biomarker panel. We examined the relationship between response to dasatinib and expression of each gene at both the mRNA and protein level. Dasatinib inhibited growth in 3 of the 8 cell lines tested. mRNA expression of the panel of 6 biomarkers did not correlate with response, whilst elevated protein expression of ANXA1, CAV-1 and EphA2 correlated significantly with response to dasatinib in the panel of cell lines. Expression of ANXA1, CAV-1 and EphA2 were analysed in 124 melanoma samples by immunohistochemistry. ANXA1 protein was detected in 81 % (97/120) of tumours, CAV-1 in 44 % (54/122) of tumours and EphA2 in 74 % (90/121) of tumours. Thirty one % (35/113) of tumours tested expressed all three markers and 19 % (21/112) had moderate or strong expression of ANXA1, CAV-1 and EphA2. Seventeen percent (19/112) of melanoma samples were positive for SRC kinase expression, combined with high expression of ANXA1, CAV-1 and EphA2. This subgroup may represent a population of melanoma patients who would be more likely to derive clinical benefit from dasatinib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Eustace
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Susan Kennedy
- Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital
| | - Anne-Marie Larkin
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Thamir Mahgoub
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland ; Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios Tryfonopoulos
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland ; Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Lorraine O'Driscoll
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Martin Clynes
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - John Crown
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland ; Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Norma O'Donovan
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
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Nestin expression is associated with aggressive cutaneous melanoma of the nodular type. Mod Pathol 2014; 27:396-401. [PMID: 24030749 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2013.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The intermediate filament nestin, a neural stem-cell marker, is reported to be expressed more strongly in melanomas compared with benign melanocytic lesions, and increasingly expressed in advanced melanoma stages. However, the prognostic impact of nestin on melanoma has not been well elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic influence of nestin expression in cutaneous melanoma in comparison with standard clinico-pathologic variables. In a large series of nodular cutaneous melanoma (n=348), nestin expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarray (TMA) sections. For comparison, nestin staining in corresponding metastases as well as in superficial spreading melanomas and benign nevi was also examined. Nestin was expressed to varying degrees in a majority of nodular melanomas (92%), and was significantly associated with increased tumor thickness, high mitotic count, and the presence of ulceration and tumor necrosis. Also, expression was stronger in the nodular type than in superficial spreading melanomas and benign nevi, but without significant difference when compared with matched metastases from the former. Importantly, strong expression of nestin was significantly associated with reduced survival in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, increased nestin expression was associated with aggressive melanoma features, with independent prognostic impact on multivariate survival analysis when compared with clinico-pathologic factors.
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Experimental hypoxia does not influence gene expression and protein synthesis of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands in human melanoma cells in vitro. Melanoma Res 2014; 23:85-95. [PMID: 23358429 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0b013e32835e58f3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands are considered to play important roles in melanoma progression and metastasis. Moreover, hypoxia is known to contribute to melanoma metastasis. In this study, the influence of experimental hypoxia on the expression and synthesis of EphA2 and EphB4, and their corresponding ligands ephrinA1, ephrinA5, and ephrinB2 was studied systematically in four human melanoma cell lines in vitro. Melanoma cell monolayer and spheroid cultures were used as both extrinsic and intrinsic hypoxia models. Hypoxic conditions were confirmed by analyzing hypoxia-inducible factors 1α or 2α expression, vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and cellular uptake of [F]fluoromisonidazole. In normoxia, EphA2, EphB4, ephrinA1, ephrinA5, and ephrinB2 expression was detectable in all cell lines to varying extents. Considerable protein synthesis of EphA2 was detected in all cell lines. However, no effect of experimental hypoxia on both Eph/ephrin expression and protein synthesis was observed. This contributes critically to the debate on the hypothesis that hypoxia regulates the Eph/ephrin system in melanoma.
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Verykiou S, Ellis RA, Lovat PE. Established and Emerging Biomarkers in Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma. Healthcare (Basel) 2014; 2:60-73. [PMID: 27429260 PMCID: PMC4934494 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare2010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In an era of personalized medicine, disease specific biomarkers play an increasing role in the stratification of high-risk patient groups. Cutaneous malignant melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer with an ever-increasing global incidence, especially in patients under 35-years of age. Despite the excellent prognosis for patients diagnosed with early stage disease, metastatic disease still carries significant overall mortality. Biomarkers aim not only to identify high-risk patients, but also to provide potential therapeutic targets for differing patient subgroups. Furthermore, accessibility to tissue samples from a range of disease stages in malignant melanoma, unlike most other solid tissue tumours, provides the unique opportunity to explore the biology of tumour progression that may be relevant in the biology of cancer as a whole. Over the past decade, there have been major advances in targeted therapies, providing new avenues and hope to patients with this devastating disease. This review will focus on most up to date histological, serological and molecular biomarkers in malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stamatina Verykiou
- Dermatological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Robert A Ellis
- Dermatological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
- The James Cook University Hospital, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW, UK.
| | - Penny E Lovat
- Dermatological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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Ronca R, Di Salle E, Giacomini A, Leali D, Alessi P, Coltrini D, Ravelli C, Matarazzo S, Ribatti D, Vermi W, Presta M. Long Pentraxin-3 Inhibits Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Melanoma Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:2760-71. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Prognostic Value of Microvessel Density and p53 Expression on the Locoregional Metastasis and Survival of the Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2013; 21:444-51. [DOI: 10.1097/pai.0b013e3182773125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Soda Y, Myskiw C, Rommel A, Verma IM. Mechanisms of neovascularization and resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies in glioblastoma multiforme. J Mol Med (Berl) 2013; 91:439-48. [PMID: 23512266 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-013-1019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor and highly resistant to intensive combination therapies. GBM is one of the most vascularized tumors and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) produced by tumor cells is a major factor regulating angiogenesis. Successful results of preclinical studies of anti-angiogenic therapies using xenograft mouse models of human GBM cell lines encouraged clinical studies of anti-angiogenic drugs, such as bevacizumab (Avastin), an anti-VEGF antibody. However, these clinical studies have shown that most patients become resistant to anti-VEGF therapy after an initial response. Recent studies have revealed some resistance mechanisms against anti-VEGF therapies involved in several types of cancer. In this review, we address mechanisms of angiogenesis, including unique features in GBMs, and resistance to anti-VEGF therapies frequently observed in GBM. Enhanced invasiveness is one such resistance mechanism and recent works report the contribution of activated MET signaling induced by inhibition of VEGF signaling. On the other hand, tumor cell-originated neovascularization including tumor-derived endothelial cell-induced angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry has been suggested to be involved in the resistance to anti-VEGF therapy. Therefore, these mechanisms should be targeted in addition to anti-angiogenic therapies to achieve better results for patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Soda
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Eph receptors and their ligands: promising molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets in prostate cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2013; 1835:243-57. [PMID: 23396052 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Although at present, there is a high incidence of prostate cancer, particularly in the Western world, mortality from this disease is declining and occurs primarily only from clinically significant late stage tumors with a poor prognosis. A major current focus of this field is the identification of new biomarkers which can detect earlier, and more effectively, clinically significant tumors from those deemed "low risk", as well as predict the prognostic course of a particular cancer. This strategy can in turn offer novel avenues for targeted therapies. The large family of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases, the Ephs, and their binding partners, the ephrins, has been implicated in many cancers of epithelial origin through stimulation of oncogenic transformation, tumor angiogenesis, and promotion of increased cell survival, invasion and migration. They also show promise as both biomarkers of diagnostic and prognostic value and as targeted therapies in cancer. This review will briefly discuss the complex roles and biological mechanisms of action of these receptors and ligands and, with regard to prostate cancer, highlight their potential as biomarkers for both diagnosis and prognosis, their application as imaging agents, and current approaches to assessing them as therapeutic targets. This review demonstrates the need for future studies into those particular family members that will prove helpful in understanding the biology and potential as targets for treatment of prostate cancer.
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Abstract
Cancer cells rely on intercellular communication throughout the different stages of their transformation and progression into metastasis. They do so by co-opting different processes such as cell-cell junctions, growth factors, receptors, and vesicular release. Initially characterized in neuronal and vascular tissues, Ephs and Ephrins, the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases, comprised of two classes (i.e., A and B types), is increasingly scrutinized by cancer researchers. These proteins possess the particular features of both the receptors and ligands being membrane-bound which, via mandatory direct cell-cell interactions, undergo a bidirectional signal transduction initiated from both the receptor and the ligand. Following cell-cell interactions, Ephs/Ephrins behave as guidance molecules which trigger both repulsive and attractive signals, so as to direct the movement of cells through their immediate microenvironment. They also direct processes which include sorting and positioning and cytoskeleton rearrangements, thus making them perfect candidates for the control of the metastatic process. In fact, the role of Ephs and Ephrins in cancer progression has been demonstrated for many of the family members and they, surprisingly, have both tumor promoter and suppressor functions in different cellular contexts. They are also able to coordinate between multiple processes including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and invasion. This review is an attempt to summarize the data available on these Ephs/Ephrins' biological functions which contribute to the onset of aggressive cancers. I will also provide an overview of the factors which could explain the functional differences demonstrated by Ephs and Ephrins at different stages of tumor progression and whose elucidation is warranted for any future therapeutic targeting of this signaling pathway in cancer metastasis.
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Abstract
The past decade has revealed that melanoma is comprised of multiple subclasses that can be categorized on the basis of key features, including the clinical stage of disease, the oncogenic molecular 'drivers', the anatomical location or the behaviour of the primary lesion and the expression of specific biomarkers. Although exercises in subclassification are not new in oncology, progress in this area has produced both conceptual and clinical breakthroughs, which, for melanoma, are unprecedented in the modern history of the disease. This Review focuses on these recent striking advances in the strategy of molecularly targeted approaches to the therapy of melanoma in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith T Flaherty
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Mosch B, Pietzsch D, Pietzsch J. Irradiation affects cellular properties and Eph receptor expression in human melanoma cells. Cell Adh Migr 2012; 6:113-25. [PMID: 22568947 DOI: 10.4161/cam.20655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
X-ray irradiation influences metastatic properties of tumor cells and, moreover, metastasis and cellular motility can be modified by members of the Eph receptor/ephrin family of receptor tyrosine kinases. We hypothesized that irradiation-induced changes in cellular properties relevant for metastasis in melanoma cells could be mediated by Eph receptor/ephrin signaling. In this pilot study, we analyzed one pre-metastatic (Mel-Juso) and three metastatic human melanoma (Mel-Juso-L3, A375, and A2058) cells lines and predominantly found anti-metastatic effects of X-ray irradiation with impaired cell growth, clonal growth and motility. Additionally, we observed an irradiation-induced increase in adhesion paralleled by a decrease in migration in Mel-Juso and Mel-Juso-L3 cells and, in part, also in A375 cells. We further demonstrate a decrease of EphA2 both in expression and activity at 7 d after irradiation paralleled by an upregulation of EphA3. Analyzing downstream signaling after irradiation, we detected decreased Src kinase phosphorylation, but unchanged focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation, indicating, in part, irradiation-induced downregulation of signaling via the EphA2-Src-FAK axis in melanoma cells. However, to which extent this finding contributes to the modification of metastasis-relevant cellular properties remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Mosch
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmacy, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany.
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Patra CR, Kim JH, Pramanik K, d’Uscio LV, Patra S, Pal K, Ramchandran R, Strano MS, Mukhopadhyay D. Reactive oxygen species driven angiogenesis by inorganic nanorods. NANO LETTERS 2011; 11:4932-8. [PMID: 21967244 PMCID: PMC3212653 DOI: 10.1021/nl2028766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The exact mechanism of angiogenesis by europium hydroxide nanorods was unclear. In this study we have showed that formation of reactive oxygen species (H(2)O(2) and O(2)·-) is involved in redox signaling pathways during angiogenesis, important for cardiovascular and ischemic diseases. Here we used single-walled carbon nanotube sensor array to measure the single-molecule efflux of H(2)O(2) and a HPLC method for the determination of O(2)·- from endothelial cells in response to proangiogenic factors. Additionally, reactive oxygen species-mediated angiogenesis using inorganic nanorods was observed in transgenic (fli1a:EGFP) zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitta Ranjan Patra
- Department of Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad - 500607, AP, INDIA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 200 First Street S.W., Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jong Ho Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Kallal Pramanik
- Developmental Biology Division, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Livius V. d’Uscio
- Department of Anesthesiology and Molecular Pharmacology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sujata Patra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 200 First Street S.W., Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Krishnendu Pal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 200 First Street S.W., Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ramani Ramchandran
- Developmental Biology Division, Developmental Vascular Biology Program, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Michael S Strano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 200 First Street S.W., Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 200 First Street S.W., Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Abstract
EphA2 is a member of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and is highly expressed in many aggressive cancer types, including melanoma. We recently showed that EphA2 is also upregulated by ultraviolet radiation and is able to induce apoptosis. These findings suggest that EphA2 may have different, even paradoxical, effects on viability depending on the cellular context and that EphA2 mediates a delicate balance between life and death of the cell. To functionally clarify EphA2’s role in melanoma, we analyzed a panel of melanoma cell lines and found that EphA2 levels are elevated in a significant fraction of the samples. Specific depletion of EphA2 in high-expressing melanoma cells using shRNA led to profound reductions in cellular viability, colony formation and migration in vitro and a dramatic loss of tumorigenic potential in vivo. Stable introduction of EphA2 into low-expressing lines enhanced proliferation, colony formation and migration further supporting its pro-malignant phenotype. Interestingly, transient expression of EphA2 and/or BrafV600E in non-transformed melanocytes led to significant and additive apoptosis. These results verify that EphA2 is an important oncogene and potentially a common source of “addiction” for many melanoma cells. Moreover, acute induction of EphA2 may purge genetically-susceptible cells thereby uncovering a more aggressive population that is in fact dependent on the oncogene.
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Zhang H, Zhao X, Yan L, Li M. Similar expression to FGF (Sef) reduces endometrial adenocarcinoma cells proliferation via inhibiting fibroblast growth factor 2-mediated MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Gynecol Oncol 2011; 122:669-74. [PMID: 21663947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) axis, and in particular FGF2 axis, is an important mitogenic stimulus in endometrial carcinogenesis. hSef is a key inhibitory regulator of FGF signaling and aberrant hSef expression is reported to be present in various human carcinomas. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of hSef in the growth and proliferation of endometrial adenocarcinoma cells and to explore the mechanism that may be involved. METHODS Using western blot analysis, we determined the expression of hSef in Ishikawa cells under different conditions. Using luciferase reporter assays and western blot analysis, we detected the effect of hSef on MAPK/ERK-mediated FGF2 signaling. Using MTT, cell counting and colony formation assays, we analyzed the growth and proliferation of Ishikawa cells under different conditions. RESULTS We found that the hSef expression was positively regulated by FGF2-induced MAPK/ERK signaling and inversely, hSef expression efficiently inhibited the activity of FGF2-induced MAPK/ERK signaling, indicating the presence of hSef-mediated negative feedback mechanism for FGF signaling in endometrial cancer cells. In addition, we found that MAPK/ERK signaling was essential for the growth and proliferation of endometrial cancer cells in vitro, and hSef expression significantly reduced the cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS hSef expression can inhibit the growth and proliferation of endometrial cancer cells via acting on the FGF2/MAPK/ERK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong 250021, People's Republic of China
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Tandon M, Vemula SV, Mittal SK. Emerging strategies for EphA2 receptor targeting for cancer therapeutics. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2011; 15:31-51. [PMID: 21142802 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.538682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD High mortality rates with cancers warrant further development of earlier diagnostics and better treatment strategies. Membrane-bound erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor tyrosine kinase class A2 (EphA2) is overexpressed in breast, prostate, urinary bladder, skin, lung, ovary and brain cancers. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW EphA2 overexpression in cancers, its signaling mechanisms and strategies to target its deregulation. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN High EphA2 expression in cancer cells is correlated with a poor prognosis associated with recurrence due to enhanced metastasis. Interaction of the EphA2 receptor with its ligand (e.g., ephrinA1) triggers events that are deregulated and implicated in carcinogenesis. EphrinA1-independent oncogenic activity and ephrinA1-dependent tumor suppressor roles for EphA2 are described. Molecular interactions of EphA2 with signaling proteins are associated with the modulation of cytoskeleton dynamics, cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and metastasis. The deregulated signaling by EphA2 and its involvement in oncogenesis provide multiple avenues for the rational design of intervention approaches. TAKE HOME MESSAGE EphA2 has been tested as a drug target using multiple approaches such as agonist antibodies, RNA interference, immunotherapy, virus vector-mediated gene transfer, small-molecule inhibitors and nanoparticles. With over a decade of research, encouraging results with targeting of EphA2 expression in various pre-clinical cancer models necessitate further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Tandon
- Purdue University, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Bindley Bioscience Center, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Easty DJ, Gray SG, O'Byrne KJ, O'Donnell D, Bennett DC. Receptor tyrosine kinases and their activation in melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2011; 24:446-61. [PMID: 21320293 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-148x.2011.00836.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and their downstream signalling pathways have long been hypothesized to play key roles in melanoma development. A decade ago, evidence was derived largely from animal models, RTK expression studies and detection of activated RAS isoforms in a small fraction of melanomas. Predictions that overexpression of specific RTKs implied increased kinase activity and that some RTKs would show activating mutations in melanoma were largely untested. However, technological advances including rapid gene sequencing, siRNA methods and phospho-RTK arrays now give a more complete picture. Mutated forms of RTK genes including KIT, ERBB4, the EPH and FGFR families and others are known in melanoma. Additional over- or underexpressed RTKs and also protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) have been reported, and activities measured. Complex interactions between RTKs and PTPs are implicated in the abnormal signalling driving aberrant growth and survival in malignant melanocytes, and indeed in normal melanocytic signalling including the response to ultraviolet radiation. Kinases are considered druggable targets, so characterization of global RTK activity in melanoma should assist the rational development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Easty
- Department of Oncology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland Division of Biomedical Sciences, St George's, University of London, London, UK.
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Ko JM, Fisher DE. A new era: melanoma genetics and therapeutics. J Pathol 2010; 223:241-50. [PMID: 21125678 DOI: 10.1002/path.2804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Revised: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We have recently witnessed an explosion in our understanding of melanoma. Knowledge of the molecular basis of melanoma and the successes of targeted therapies have pushed melanoma care to the precipice of a new era. Identification of significant pathways and oncogenes has translated to the development of targeted therapies, some of which have produced major clinical responses. In this review, we provide an overview of selected key pathways and melanoma oncogenes as well as the targeted agents and therapeutic approaches whose successes suggest the promise of a new era in melanoma and cancer therapy. Despite these advances, the conversion of transient remissions to stable cures remains a vital challenge. Continued progress towards a better understanding about the complexity and redundancy responsible for melanoma progression may provide direction for anti-cancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Ko
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Clinical significance of EphA2 expression in squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2010; 137:761-9. [PMID: 20614133 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-010-0936-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase is frequently overexpressed and functionally altered in a variety of human cancers. The study aimed to assess EphA2 expression and to explore its roles in squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). METHODS EphA2 expression in 98 primary SCCHN tissue specimens was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Additionally, 13 paired SCCHN tissues and 6 SCCHN cell lines were evaluated for EphA2 expression by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. RESULTS EphA2 overexpressed in SCCHN tissues and SCCHN cell lines. More importantly, high EphA2 expression was significantly associated with tumor site, T classification, clinical stage, recurrence, and lymph node metastasis, respectively. Patients with high EphA2 expression had both poorer disease-free survival and overall survival than patients with low EphA2 expression. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that EphA2 overexpression was an independent prognostic factor for patients with SCCHN. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested that EphA2 may contribute to SCCHN progression and represent a novel prognostic indicator for patients with SCCHN.
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Biomarkers: the useful and the not so useful--an assessment of molecular prognostic markers for cutaneous melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2010; 130:1971-87. [PMID: 20555347 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2010.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Among individuals with localized (Stage I-II) melanoma, stratifying patients by a number of phenotypic variables (e.g., depth of invasion, ulceration) yields a wide range of 10-year melanoma-specific survival rates. With the possible exception of Ki-67, no molecular assessment is routinely used. However, there have been a tremendous number of studies assessing protein expression by immunohistochemistry toward the goal of better prediction of recurrence. In a previous systematic review, which required publication of multivariable prognostic models as a strict inclusion criterion, we identified 37 manuscripts that collectively reported on 62 proteins. Data for 324 proteins extracted from 418 manuscripts did not meet our inclusion criteria for that study, but are revisited here, emphasizing trends of protein expression across either melanocytic lesion progression or gradations of tumor thickness. These identified 101 additional proteins that stratify melanoma, organized according to the Hanahan and Weinberg functional capabilities of cancer.
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Ki-67 expression is superior to mitotic count and novel proliferation markers PHH3, MCM4 and mitosin as a prognostic factor in thick cutaneous melanoma. BMC Cancer 2010; 10:140. [PMID: 20398247 PMCID: PMC2868809 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor cell proliferation is a predictor of survival in cutaneous melanoma. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of mitotic count, Ki-67 expression and novel proliferation markers phosphohistone H3 (PHH3), minichromosome maintenance protein 4 (MCM4) and mitosin, and to compare the results with histopathological variables. METHODS 202 consecutive cases of nodular cutaneous melanoma were initially included. Mitotic count (mitosis per mm2) was assessed on H&E sections, and Ki-67 expression was estimated by immunohistochemistry on standard sections. PHH3, MCM4 and mitosin were examined by staining of tissue microarrays (TMA) sections. RESULTS Increased mitotic count and elevated Ki-67 expression were strongly associated with increased tumor thickness, presence of ulceration and tumor necrosis. Furthermore, high mitotic count and elevated Ki-67 expression were also associated with Clark's level of invasion and presence of vascular invasion. High expression of PHH3 and MCM4 was correlated with high mitotic count, elevated Ki-67 expression and tumor ulceration, and increased PHH3 frequencies were associated with tumor thickness and presence of tumor necrosis. Univariate analyses showed a worse outcome in cases with elevated Ki-67 expression and high mitotic count, whereas PHH3, MCM4 and mitosin were not significant. Tumor cell proliferation by Ki-67 had significant prognostic impact by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Ki-67 was a stronger and more robust prognostic indicator than mitotic count in this series of nodular melanoma. PHH3, MCM4 and mitosin did not predict patient survival.
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McCarron JK, Stringer BW, Day BW, Boyd AW. Ephrin expression and function in cancer. Future Oncol 2010; 6:165-76. [PMID: 20021216 DOI: 10.2217/fon.09.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ephrins are cell membrane-associated signaling proteins bound by transmembrane Eph receptors on juxtaposed cells. Eph-ephrin interactions result in bidirectional signaling within both receptor- and ligand-bearing cells, with diverse consequences for cell morphology and behavior. Such interactions are especially important during early vertebrate development, and growing evidence has revealed equally important roles in adult-tissue homeostasis. As for the Eph receptors, abnormal expression of ephrins is associated with disease, especially cancer. The ephrins have received less attention than the Ephs in the literature, owing, in part, to their later discovery and that they are fewer in number. Here, we attempt to redress this imbalance and provide an 'ephrin-centric' discussion of the expression and function of ephrins in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K McCarron
- Leukaemia Foundation Research Unit, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland, 4029, Brisbane, Australia.
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Abstract
Recent progress in the analysis of genetic alterations in melanoma has identified recurrent mutations that result in the activation of critical signaling pathways promoting growth and survival of tumors cells. Alterations in the RAS-RAF-MAP kinase and PI3-kinase signaling pathways are commonly altered in melanoma. Mutations in BRAF, NRAS, KIT, and GNAQ occur in a mutually exclusive pattern and lead to MAP-kinase activation. Loss of PTEN function, primarily by deletion, is the most common known genetic alteration in the PI3-kinase cascade, and is commonly associated with BRAF mutations (Curtin et al., N Engl J Med 353:2135-2147, 2005; Tsao et al., Cancer Res 60:1800-1804, 2000, J Investig Dermatol 122:337-341, 2004). The growth advantage conveyed by the constitutive activation of these pathways leads to positive selection of cells that have acquired the mutations and in many instances leads to critical dependency of the cancer cells on their activation. This creates opportunities for therapeutic interventions targeted at signaling components within these pathways that are amenable for pharmacological inhibition. This concept follows the paradigm established by the landmark discovery that inhibition of the fusion kinase BCR-ABL can be used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (Druker et al., N Engl J Med 344:1031-037, 2001). The review will focus primarily on kinases involved in signaling that are currently being evaluated for therapeutic intervention in melanoma.
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Gould Rothberg BE, Bracken MB, Rimm DL. Tissue biomarkers for prognosis in cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst 2009; 101:452-74. [PMID: 19318635 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djp038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the clinical management of early-stage cutaneous melanoma, it is critical to determine which patients are cured by surgery alone and which should be treated with adjuvant therapy. To assist in this decision, many groups have made an effort to use molecular information. However, although there are hundreds of studies that have sought to assess the potential prognostic value of molecular markers in predicting the course of cutaneous melanoma, at this time, no molecular method to improve risk stratification is part of recommended clinical practice. To help understand this disconnect, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature that reported immunohistochemistry-based protein biomarkers of melanoma outcome. Three parallel search strategies were applied to the PubMed database through January 15, 2008, to identify cohort studies that reported associations between immunohistochemical expression and survival outcomes in melanoma that conformed to the REMARK criteria. Of the 102 cohort studies, we identified only 37 manuscripts, collectively describing 87 assays on 62 distinct proteins, which met all inclusion criteria. Promising markers that emerged included melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM)/MUC18 (all-cause mortality [ACM] hazard ratio [HR] = 16.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.80 to 70.28), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (melanoma-specific mortality [MSM] HR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.32 to 5.07), Ki-67 (combined ACM HR = 2.66; 95% CI = 1.41 to 5.01), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (ACM HR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.56 to 3.31), and p16/INK4A (ACM HR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.83, MSM HR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.67). We further noted incomplete adherence to the REMARK guidelines: 14 of 27 cohort studies that failed to adequately report their methods and nine studies that failed to either perform multivariable analyses or report their risk estimates were published since 2005.
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Margaryan NV, Strizzi L, Abbott DE, Seftor EA, Rao MS, Hendrix MJC, Hess AR. EphA2 as a promoter of melanoma tumorigenicity. Cancer Biol Ther 2009; 8:279-88. [PMID: 19223760 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.8.3.7485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The greatest health threat from malignant melanoma is death due to metastatic disease. Consequently, the identification of markers predictive of metastatic disease is essential for identifying new therapeutic targets. EphA2, a protein tyrosine kinase receptor commonly expressed in epithelial cells, has been found to be overexpressed and constitutively active in melanoma tumor cells having a metastatic phenotype as characterized by increased invasion, proliferation and vasculogenic mimicry (VM). Based on this observation, we hypothesized that increased expression of EphA2 by melanoma tumor cells could promote these characteristics of a metastatic phenotype in addition to promoting tumorigenicity as a whole. We analyzed a panel of human melanoma tumor cell lines derived from patient tissues classified as primary (either radial growth phase or vertical growth phase) and/or metastatic for the expression of EphA2 and found a correlation between increased EphA2 expression and metastatic potential. Experiments using the most metastatic of the human melanoma cell lines demonstrated that downregulation of EphA2 results in a significant decrease in invasion, proliferation, clonogenicity and VM in vitro, in addition to suppressed tumorigenicity in an orthotopic mouse model. Lastly, utilization of a human phospho-kinase array revealed increased phosphorylation of several different protein kinases involved in mediating various aspects of cellular proliferation. To the best of our knowledge these results provide the first direct in vivo evidence demonstrating a role for EphA2 in promoting melanoma tumorigenicity and suggest EphA2 as a significant molecular target for the therapeutic intervention of malignant melanoma.
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Larson AR, Konat E, Alani RM. Melanoma biomarkers: current status and vision for the future. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 6:105-17. [PMID: 19107110 DOI: 10.1038/ncponc1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2007] [Accepted: 09/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the leading cause of death from skin cancer in industrialized countries. Clinical and histological variables such as primary tumor invasion, ulceration, and lymph node status might fail to identify early-stage disease that will eventually progress. Tumor biomarkers might help to identify patients with early-stage melanoma who are likely to develop advanced disease and would benefit from additional therapies. These biomarkers offer the possibility of improved tumor staging through the molecular detection of microscopic lymph node metastases that are not visible on routine histological examination. We focus on biomarkers localized to the tumor tissue and those of prognostic value. We give an overview of the melanoma biomarkers that are most helpful for prediction of patients' outcomes, and discuss the primary melanoma biomarkers that have been shown to be of prognostic significance independent of primary tumor thickness and other common clinical prognostic indicators. Although such tumor-associated biomarkers are thought to have the greatest potential, a lack of reliable data makes their true clinical utility difficult to determine. We conclude that several biomarkers show promise in early studies; however, additional large-scale studies are warranted. We suggest cautious optimism for the field of melanoma biomarkers, which we expect to be translated into clinical practice over the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R Larson
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231-1000, USA
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