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Kazimierczak U, Przybyla A, Smielowska M, Kolenda T, Mackiewicz A. Targeting the Hippo Pathway in Cutaneous Melanoma. Cells 2024; 13:1062. [PMID: 38920690 PMCID: PMC11201827 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. In the advanced stage of development, it is resistant to currently available therapeutic modalities. Increased invasiveness and metastatic potential depend on several proteins involved in various signal transduction pathways. Hippo signaling plays a vital role in malignant transformation. Dysfunctions of the Hippo pathway initiate the expression of tumor growth factors and are associated with tumor growth and metastasis formation. This review summarizes the recent achievements in studying the role of the Hippo pathway in melanoma pathogenesis and points to the potential specific targets for anti-melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Kazimierczak
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka Street 8, 61-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Przybyla
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka Street 8, 61-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marianna Smielowska
- Department of Genome Engineering, The Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Z. Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kolenda
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
- Research and Implementation Unit, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka Street 8, 61-806 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary Street 15, 61-866 Poznan, Poland
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2
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Cerdido S, Abrisqueta M, Sánchez-Beltrán J, Lambertos A, Castejón-Griñán M, Muñoz C, Olivares C, García-Borrón JC, Jiménez-Cervantes C, Herraiz C. MGRN1 depletion promotes intercellular adhesion in melanoma by upregulation of E-cadherin and inhibition of CDC42. Cancer Lett 2024; 581:216484. [PMID: 38008393 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Mahogunin Ring Finger 1 is an E3-ubiquitin ligase encoded by the color gene MGRN1. Our previous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that Mgrn1 deletion in mouse melanoma cells induced cell differentiation and adhesion, and decreased cell motility and invasion on collagen I, and lung colonization in an in vivo model. Here, we investigated the role of MGRN1 on human melanoma cell morphology, adhesion and expression of genes/proteins involved in an EMT-like transition. We demonstrated that wild-type BRAF human melanoma cells adopted a clustering-like morphology on collagen I, with permanent MGRN1 abrogation resulting in bigger cell clusters. Enhanced intercellular adhesion was mostly mediated by induction of E-cadherin and higher co-localization with β-catenin. Transcriptional upregulation of E-cadherin likely occurred through downregulation of the ZEB1 repressor. Finally, pulldown assays showed reduced activation of CDC42 in the absence of MGRN1, which was reverted after E-cadherin silencing. Overall, these findings highlight a new MGRN1-dependent pathway regulating melanoma cell shape, motility, and invasion potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cerdido
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Abrisqueta
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Sánchez-Beltrán
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Lambertos
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Castejón-Griñán
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Muñoz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Olivares
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - J C García-Borrón
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Jiménez-Cervantes
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Herraiz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain.
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3
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Pecora A, Laprise J, Dahmene M, Laurin M. Skin Cancers and the Contribution of Rho GTPase Signaling Networks to Their Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4362. [PMID: 34503171 PMCID: PMC8431333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers are the most common cancers worldwide. Among them, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma of the skin and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are the three major subtypes. These cancers are characterized by different genetic perturbations even though they are similarly caused by a lifelong exposure to the sun. The main oncogenic drivers of skin cancer initiation have been known for a while, yet it remains unclear what are the molecular events that mediate their oncogenic functions and that contribute to their progression. Moreover, patients with aggressive skin cancers have been known to develop resistance to currently available treatment, which is urging us to identify new therapeutic opportunities based on a better understanding of skin cancer biology. More recently, the contribution of cytoskeletal dynamics and Rho GTPase signaling networks to the progression of skin cancers has been highlighted by several studies. In this review, we underline the various perturbations in the activity and regulation of Rho GTPase network components that contribute to skin cancer development, and we explore the emerging therapeutic opportunities that are surfacing from these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pecora
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Justine Laprise
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Manel Dahmene
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Mélanie Laurin
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V OA6, Canada
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Granados K, Poelchen J, Novak D, Utikal J. Cellular Reprogramming-A Model for Melanoma Cellular Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218274. [PMID: 33167306 PMCID: PMC7663830 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity of cancer cells is often associated with phenotypic heterogeneity and drug resistance and thus remains a major challenge for the treatment of melanoma and other types of cancer. Melanoma cells have the capacity to switch their phenotype during tumor progression, from a proliferative and differentiated phenotype to a more invasive and dedifferentiated phenotype. However, the molecular mechanisms driving this phenotype switch are not yet fully understood. Considering that cellular heterogeneity within the tumor contributes to the high plasticity typically observed in melanoma, it is crucial to generate suitable models to investigate this phenomenon in detail. Here, we discuss the use of complete and partial reprogramming into induced pluripotent cancer (iPC) cells as a tool to obtain new insights into melanoma cellular plasticity. We consider this a relevant topic due to the high plasticity of melanoma cells and its association with a strong resistance to standard anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Granados
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.G.); (J.P.); (D.N.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, D-68135 Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica (UCR), Rodrigo Facio Campus, San Pedro Montes Oca, San Jose 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Juliane Poelchen
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.G.); (J.P.); (D.N.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, D-68135 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Daniel Novak
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.G.); (J.P.); (D.N.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, D-68135 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.G.); (J.P.); (D.N.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, D-68135 Mannheim, Germany
- Correspondence:
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5
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Silvestri S, Porcellato I, Mechelli L, Menchetti L, Iussich S, De Maria R, Sforna M, Bongiovanni L, Brachelente C. E-Cadherin Expression in Canine Melanocytic Tumors: Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Survival Analysis. Vet Pathol 2020; 57:608-619. [PMID: 32578507 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820934385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
E-cadherin, a glycoprotein involved in cell-cell adhesion, has a pivotal role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a process through which neoplastic epithelial cells develop an invasive phenotype. In human cutaneous melanomas, decreased E-cadherin expression is associated with shorter survival and increased Breslow thickness, whereas in the dog its role is poorly understood. Tumor thickness and modified Clark level were recently proposed as useful features to assess canine melanocytic tumors, but no studies investigated their association with E-cadherin expression. We performed immunohistochemistry on 77 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary canine melanocytic tumors. A 3-tier and a 2-tier classification system for assessing E-cadherin expression were tested, with the latter being more informative for the assessment of canine melanocytic tumors. E-cadherin expression was lower in cutaneous melanomas than melanocytomas, as well as in amelanotic tumors compared to pigmented tumors. In amelanotic melanomas, absent E-cadherin expression was associated with an unfavorable outcome, suggesting a potential use of this marker in defining the prognosis of amelanotic melanomas. E-cadherin expression was lower in tumors with greater tumor thickness and modified Clark level ≥IV, suggesting its possible utility in identifying the most invasive tumors. The expression of E-cadherin in oral melanomas was heterogeneous, but was associated with pigmentation and clinical outcome; thus, E-cadherin evaluation could be advantageous to detect the most aggressive neoplasms. However, cutaneous melanomas without E-cadherin expression frequently had a favorable clinical outcome. Hence, its importance as prognostic factor should be carefully considered depending on the tumor origin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Bongiovanni
- 90051University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Present address: Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Bracalente C, Ibañez IL, Berenstein A, Notcovich C, Cerda MB, Klamt F, Chernomoretz A, Durán H. Reprogramming human A375 amelanotic melanoma cells by catalase overexpression: Upregulation of antioxidant genes correlates with regression of melanoma malignancy and with malignant progression when downregulated. Oncotarget 2018; 7:41154-41171. [PMID: 27206673 PMCID: PMC5173049 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in tumor transformation. The antioxidant system (AOS) protects cells from ROS damage. However, it is also hijacked by cancers cells to proliferate within the tumor. Thus, identifying proteins altered by redox imbalance in cancer cells is an attractive prognostic and therapeutic tool. Gene expression microarrays in A375 melanoma cells with different ROS levels after overexpressing catalase were performed. Dissimilar phenotypes by differential compensation to hydrogen peroxide scavenging were generated. The melanotic A375-A7 (A7) upregulated TYRP1, CNTN1 and UCHL1 promoting melanogenesis. The metastatic A375-G10 (G10) downregulated MTSS1 and TIAM1, proteins absent in metastasis. Moreover, differential coexpression of AOS genes (EPHX2, GSTM3, MGST1, MSRA, TXNRD3, MGST3 and GSR) was found in A7 and G10. Their increase in A7 improved its AOS ability and therefore, oxidative stress response, resembling less aggressive tumor cells. Meanwhile, their decrease in G10 revealed a disruption in the AOS and therefore, enhanced its metastatic capacity. These gene signatures, not only bring new insights into the physiopathology of melanoma, but also could be relevant in clinical prognostic to classify between non aggressive and metastatic melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candelaria Bracalente
- Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Irene L Ibañez
- Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariel Berenstein
- Fundación Instituto Leloir and Departamento de Física, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cintia Notcovich
- Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María B Cerda
- Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabio Klamt
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Ariel Chernomoretz
- Fundación Instituto Leloir and Departamento de Física, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hebe Durán
- Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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7
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Tiam1 promotes thyroid carcinoma metastasis by modulating EMT via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Exp Cell Res 2018; 362:532-540. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Ryan MB, Finn AJ, Pedone KH, Thomas NE, Der CJ, Cox AD. ERK/MAPK Signaling Drives Overexpression of the Rac-GEF, PREX1, in BRAF- and NRAS-Mutant Melanoma. Mol Cancer Res 2016; 14:1009-1018. [PMID: 27418645 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we identified that PREX1 overexpression is critical for metastatic but not tumorigenic growth in a mouse model of NRAS-driven melanoma. In addition, a PREX1 gene signature correlated with and was dependent on ERK MAPK activation in human melanoma cell lines. In the current study, the underlying mechanism of PREX1 overexpression in human melanoma was assessed. PREX1 protein levels were increased in melanoma tumor tissues and cell lines compared with benign nevi and normal melanocytes, respectively. Suppression of PREX1 by siRNA impaired invasion but not proliferation in vitro PREX1-dependent invasion was attributable to PREX1-mediated activation of the small GTPase RAC1 but not the related small GTPase CDC42. Pharmacologic inhibition of ERK signaling reduced PREX1 gene transcription and additionally regulated PREX1 protein stability. This ERK-dependent upregulation of PREX1 in melanoma, due to both increased gene transcription and protein stability, contrasts with the mechanisms identified in breast and prostate cancers, in which PREX1 overexpression was driven by gene amplification and HDAC-mediated gene transcription, respectively. Thus, although PREX1 expression is aberrantly upregulated and regulates RAC1 activity and invasion in these three different tumor types, the mechanisms of its upregulation are distinct and context dependent. IMPLICATIONS This study identifies an ERK-dependent mechanism that drives PREX1 upregulation and subsequent RAC1-dependent invasion in BRAF- and NRAS-mutant melanoma. Mol Cancer Res; 14(10); 1009-18. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan B Ryan
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alexander J Finn
- Department of Dermatology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Katherine H Pedone
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nancy E Thomas
- Department of Dermatology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Channing J Der
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Mitchell B, Dhingra JK, Mahalingam M. BRAF and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: Lessons From Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Primary Cutaneous Melanoma. Adv Anat Pathol 2016; 23:244-71. [PMID: 27145091 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The increased prevalence of BRAF mutations in thyroid carcinoma and primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) hint that dysregulation of BRAF might contribute to the noted association between PCM and thyroid carcinoma. A recent study evaluating the rate of BRAFV600E mutations among patients who had been diagnosed with primary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and PCM showed that patients with either PCM or PTC were at an increased risk of developing the other as a second primary malignant neoplasm. Furthermore, the authors noted that samples from patients suffering from both malignancies exhibited a higher rate of incidence of the BRAFV600E mutation, compared with patients not suffering from both malignancies. These studies support the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of these 2 malignancies might share a conserved molecular pattern associated with dysregulation of the BRAF protein. One mechanism through which BRAF might contribute to PCM and thyroid carcinoma progression is through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Specifically, the Snail/E-cadherin axis has been demonstrated as a pathway dysregulated by BRAF, leading to EMT in both malignancies. Our analysis focuses on the results of these recent investigations, and through a review of select molecules relevant to EMT, looks to provide a context by which to better understand the relevance and role of stromal-parenchymal signaling and the BRAF mutation in the pathogenesis of PTC and PCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendon Mitchell
- *University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL †Department of Otolaryngology, Tufts Medical center, Boston, MA ‡Dermatopathology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, VA Consolidated Laboratories, West Roxbury, MA
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BRAF and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in primary cutaneous melanoma: a role for Snail and E-cadherin? Hum Pathol 2016; 52:19-27. [PMID: 26980024 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 12/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In vitro studies in melanoma indicate that up-regulation of the transcriptional repressor Snail occurs with a concomitant decrease of its target E-cadherin, both hallmarks of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-an association not established in vivo. We sought to elucidate the relationship between BRAF, Snail, E-cadherin, and established histopathologic prognosticators in primary cutaneous melanoma. Archived annotated samples with a diagnosis of primary cutaneous melanoma were retrieved (n = 68 cases; 34 BRAF mutant and 34 BRAF wild type) and immunohistochemically stained for Snail and E-cadherin protein expression. A semiquantitative scoring system was used. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to control confounders of BRAF. Snail expression was significantly associated only with ulceration (42% versus 13%; P = .02). E-cadherin expression was present in 26% of BRAF mutant and 71% of BRAF wild-type cases (P = .0003). Loss of E-cadherin expression was associated with female sex (60% versus 34%; P = .05), BRAF mutation (74% versus 29%; P = .0003), thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm (68% versus 32%; P = .004), mitosis (63% versus 25%; P = .007), and ulceration (75% versus 44%; P = .05). BRAF mutation was associated with male sex (60% versus 30%; P = .02), Breslow thickness (P = .007), thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm (68% versus 29%; P = .002), and ulceration (75% versus 42%; P = .02). Snail expression did not correlate with loss of E-cadherin expression (47% versus 53%; P = .79). After controlling for potential confounding, BRAF mutation was associated with loss of E-cadherin (adjusted odds ratio, 8.332; 95% confidence interval, 2.257-30.757; P = .0015) and Breslow thickness greater than 1 mm (adjusted odds ratio, 7.360; 95% confidence interval, 1.534-35.318; P = .0126). Our findings, indicating that mutant BRAF represses E-cadherin expression, implicating a catalytic role for BRAF in epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
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11
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Salvatierra E, Alvarez MJ, Leishman CC, Rivas Baquero E, Lutzky VP, Chuluyan HE, Podhajcer OL. SPARC Controls Melanoma Cell Plasticity through Rac1. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134714. [PMID: 26248315 PMCID: PMC4527691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell transition to a more aggressive mesenchymal-like phenotype is a hallmark of cancer progression that involves different steps and requires tightly regulated cell plasticity. SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine) is a matricellular protein that promotes this transition in various malignant cell types, including melanoma cells. We found that suppression of SPARC expression in human melanoma cells compromised cell migration, adhesion, cytoskeleton structure, and cell size. These changes involved the Akt/mTOR pathway. Re-expression of SPARC or protein addition restored all the cell features. Suppression of SPARC expression was associated with increased Rac1-GTP levels and its membrane localization. Expression of the dominant negative mutant of Rac1 counteracted almost all the changes observed in SPARC-deficient cells. Overall, these data suggest that most of the SPARC-mediated effects occurred mainly through the blockade of Rac1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo Salvatierra
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Instituto Leloir-CONICET, Buenos Aires, C1405, Argentina
| | - Mariano J. Alvarez
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Instituto Leloir-CONICET, Buenos Aires, C1405, Argentina
| | - Claudia C. Leishman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Instituto Leloir-CONICET, Buenos Aires, C1405, Argentina
| | - Elvia Rivas Baquero
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Instituto Leloir-CONICET, Buenos Aires, C1405, Argentina
| | - Viviana P. Lutzky
- Laboratory of Immunomodulators, School of Medicine, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - H. Eduardo Chuluyan
- Laboratory of Immunomodulators, School of Medicine, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Osvaldo L. Podhajcer
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Instituto Leloir-CONICET, Buenos Aires, C1405, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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12
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IRGM1 enhances B16 melanoma cell metastasis through PI3K-Rac1 mediated epithelial mesenchymal transition. Sci Rep 2015. [PMID: 26202910 PMCID: PMC4512008 DOI: 10.1038/srep12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers and is well known for its high metastatic rate. Studies have shown that epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is essential for melanoma cell metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying EMT are still not fully understood. We have shown that IRGM1, a member of immunity-related GTPase family that regulates immune cell motility, is highly expressed by melanoma cells. The current study aimed to explore whether and how IRGM1 may regulate melanoma cell metastasis. To test this, we modified IRGM1 expression in B16 melanoma cells. We found that over-expression of IRGM1 substantially enhanced pulmonary metastasis in vivo. In keeping with that, knocking-in IRGM1 strongly enhanced while knocking-down IRGM1 impaired B16 cell migration and invasion ability in vitro. Interestingly, we observed that IRGM1 enhanced F-actin polymerization and triggers epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) through a mechanism involved in PIK3CA mediated Rac1 activation. Together, these data reveals a novel molecular mechanism that involved in melanoma metastasis.
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Frangione ML, Lockhart JH, Morton DT, Pava LM, Blanck G. Anticipating designer drug-resistant cancer cells. Drug Discov Today 2015; 20:790-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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van Kempen LC, Redpath M, Robert C, Spatz A. Molecular pathology of cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma Manag 2014; 1:151-164. [PMID: 30190820 DOI: 10.2217/mmt.14.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is associated with strong prognostic phenotypic features, such as gender, Breslow's thickness and ulceration, although the biological significance of these variables is largely unknown. It is likely that these features are surrogates of important biological events rather than directly promoting cutaneous melanoma progression. In this article, we address the molecular mechanisms that drive these phenotypic changes. Furthermore, we present a comprehensive overview of recurrent genetic abnormalities, both germline and somatic, in relation to cutaneous melanoma subtypes, ultraviolet exposure and anatomical localization, as well as pre-existing and targeted therapy-induced mutations that may contribute to resistance. The increasing knowledge of critically important oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes is promoting a transition in melanoma diagnosis, in which single-gene testing will be replaced by multiplex and multidimensional analyses that combine classical histopathological characteristics with the molecular profile for the prognostication and selection of melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léon C van Kempen
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Margaret Redpath
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Robert
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute, Villejuif, Paris, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute, Villejuif, Paris, France
| | - Alan Spatz
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.,McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
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15
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Parray A, Siddique HR, Kuriger JK, Mishra SK, Rhim JS, Nelson HH, Aburatani H, Konety BR, Koochekpour S, Saleem M. ROBO1, a tumor suppressor and critical molecular barrier for localized tumor cells to acquire invasive phenotype: study in African-American and Caucasian prostate cancer models. Int J Cancer 2014; 135:2493-506. [PMID: 24752651 PMCID: PMC4610361 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
High-risk populations exhibit early transformation of localized prostate cancer (CaP) disease to metastasis which results in the mortality of such patients. The paucity of knowledge about the molecular mechanism involved in acquiring of metastatic behavior by primary tumor cells and non-availability of reliable phenotype-discriminating biomarkers are stumbling blocks in the management of CaP disease. Here, we determine the role and translational relevance of ROBO1 (an organogenesis-associated gene) in human CaP. Employing CaP-progression models and prostatic tissues of Caucasian and African-American patients, we show that ROBO1 expression is localized to cell-membrane and significantly lost in primary and metastatic tumors. While Caucasians exhibited similar ROBO1 levels in primary and metastatic phenotype, a significant difference was observed between tumor phenotypes in African-Americans. Epigenetic assays identified promoter methylation of ROBO1 specific to African-American metastatic CaP cells. Using African-American CaP models for further studies, we show that ROBO1 negatively regulates motility and invasiveness of primary CaP cells, and its loss causes these cells to acquire invasive trait. To understand the underlying mechanism, we employed ROBO1-expressing/ROBO1-C2C3-mutant constructs, immunoprecipitation, confocal-microscopy and luciferase-reporter techniques. We show that ROBO1 through its interaction with DOCK1 (at SH3-SH2-domain) controls the Rac-activation. However, loss of ROBO1 results in Rac1-activation which in turn causes E-Cadherin/β-catenin cytoskeleton destabilization and induction of cell migration. We suggest that ROBO1 is a predictive biomarker that has potential to discriminate among CaP types, and could be exploited as a molecular target to inhibit the progression of disease as well as treat metastasis in high-risk populations such as African-Americans.
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MESH Headings
- Black or African American/statistics & numerical data
- Blotting, Western
- Cadherins/genetics
- Cadherins/metabolism
- Cell Movement
- Cell Proliferation
- Cohort Studies
- Disease Progression
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genes, Tumor Suppressor
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Male
- Neoplasm Metastasis
- Neoplasm Staging
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms/ethnology
- Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Receptors, Immunologic/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- White People/statistics & numerical data
- Wound Healing
- beta Catenin/genetics
- beta Catenin/metabolism
- rac GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics
- rac GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- rac1 GTP-Binding Protein/genetics
- rac1 GTP-Binding Protein/metabolism
- Roundabout Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijaz Parray
- Section of Molecular Chemoprevention and Therapeutics, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN
| | - Hifzur R. Siddique
- Section of Molecular Chemoprevention and Therapeutics, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN
| | - Jacquelyn K. Kuriger
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Shrawan K. Mishra
- Section of Molecular Chemoprevention and Therapeutics, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN
| | - Johng S. Rhim
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Heather H. Nelson
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Hiroyuki Aburatani
- Genome Science Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Badrinath R. Konety
- Department of Urology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Shahriar Koochekpour
- Center for Genetics and Pharmacology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY
| | - Mohammad Saleem
- Section of Molecular Chemoprevention and Therapeutics, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN
- Department of Urology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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16
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Abstract
Recent efforts in genomic research have enabled the characterization of molecular mechanisms underlying many types of cancers, ushering novel approaches for diagnosis and therapeutics. Melanoma is a molecularly heterogeneous disease, as many genetic alterations have been identified and the clinical features can vary. Although discoveries of frequent mutations including BRAF have already made clinically significant impact on patient care, there is a growing body of literature suggesting a role for additional mutations, driver and passenger types, in disease pathophysiology. Although some mutations have been strongly associated with clinical phenotypes of melanomas (such as physical distribution or morphologic subtype), the function or implications of many of the recently identified mutations remains less clear. The phenotypic and clinical impact of genomic mutations in melanoma remains a promising opportunity for progress in the care of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Hawryluk
- Dermatology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Hensin Tsao
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
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17
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Mar VJ, Wong SQ, Logan A, Nguyen T, Cebon J, Kelly JW, Wolfe R, Dobrovic A, McLean C, McArthur GA. Clinical and pathological associations of the activating RAC1 P29S mutation in primary cutaneous melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 27:1117-25. [PMID: 25043693 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Activating mutations in the GTPase RAC1 are a recurrent event in cutaneous melanoma. We investigated the clinical and pathological associations of RAC1(P29S) in a cohort of 814 primary cutaneous melanomas with known BRAF and NRAS mutation status. The RAC1(P29S) mutation had a prevalence of 3.3% and was associated with increased thickness (OR=1.6 P = 0.001), increased mitotic rate (OR=1.3 P = 0.03), ulceration (OR=2.4 P = 0.04), nodular subtype (OR=3.4 P = 0.004), and nodal disease at diagnosis (OR=3.3 P = 0.006). BRAF mutant tumors were also associated with nodal metastases (OR=1.9 P = 0.004), despite being thinner at diagnosis than BRAF WT (median 1.2 mm versus 1.6 mm, P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis of 51 melanomas revealed that 47% were immunoreactive for RAC1. Melanomas were more likely to show RAC1 immunoreactivity if they were BRAF mutant (OR=5.2 P = 0.01). RAC1 may therefore be important in regulating the early migration of BRAF mutant tumors. RAC1 mutations are infrequent in primary melanomas but may accelerate disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J Mar
- Victorian Melanoma Service, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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Abstract
Dormant carcinoma cancer cells showing epithelial characteristics can be activated to dissipate into the surrounding tissue or organs through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the molecular details underlying the activation of dormant cancer cells have been less explored. In this study, we examined the molecular pathway to activate dormant breast cancer cells. Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibition disrupted cell junction, promoted cell proliferation and migration / invasion in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional substrates. The disintegration of cell junction upon ROCK inhibition, coupled with the loss of E-cadherin and b-catenin from the cell membrane, was associated with the activation of Rac1 upon ROCK inhibition. Migration / invasion also increased upon ROCK inhibition. However, the activation of MCF-7 cells upon ROCK inhibition was not associated with the up-regulation of typical EMT markers, such as snail and slug. Based on these results, we suggest the potential risk for dormant cancer cells to dissipate through non-typical EMT when ROCK activity is down-regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungwon Yang
- Laboratory for the Study of Molecular Biointerfaces, Department of Oral Histology and Developmental Biology, Program of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Man Kim
- Laboratory for the Study of Molecular Biointerfaces, Department of Oral Histology and Developmental Biology, Program of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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19
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Kim JE, Finlay GJ, Baguley BC. The role of the hippo pathway in melanocytes and melanoma. Front Oncol 2013; 3:123. [PMID: 23720711 PMCID: PMC3655322 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway comprises a series of cytoplasmic tumor suppressor proteins including Merlin and the Lats1/2 and MST1/2 kinases, and is thought to play a critical role in determining the sizes of organs and tissues. The Hippo pathway is regulated upstream by extracellular mechanosensory signaling arising from cell shape and polarity, as well as by a variety of extracellular signaling molecules. When active, the pathway maintains the transcriptional activators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and TAZ in phosphorylated forms in the cytoplasm, preventing cell proliferation. When the Hippo pathway is inactivated, YAP and TAZ are translocated to the nucleus and induce the expression of a variety of proteins concerned with entry into the cell division cycle, such as cyclin D1 and Fox M1, as well as the inhibition of apoptosis. The failure of the Hippo pathway has been implicated in the development of many different types of cancer but there is limited information available as to its involvement in melanoma. We hypothesize here firstly that the Hippo pathway is involved in maintaining density of cutaneous melanocytes on the basement membrane at the junction of the epidermis and the dermis, and secondly, that its function is disturbed in melanoma. We have analyzed a series of 23 low passage human melanoma lines as well as cultured normal melanoma, and find that melanocytes, as well as all melanoma cell lines examined express TAZ. Melanocytes and most melanoma lines also express YAP. E-cadherin, an upstream regulator of the Hippo pathway, and Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase regulated by the Hippo pathway, are expressed in melanocytes and in several melanoma cell lines. These observations, together with published evidence for the presence of Merlin, Lats1/2, and MST1/2 in melanocytes and melanoma cells, support the hypothesis that the Hippo pathway is an important component of melanocyte and melanoma behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Eun Kim
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand
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