SOX2 regulates self-renewal and tumorigenicity of human melanoma-initiating cells

Cancer, metastasis, and the epigenome

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and disease burden is expected to increase globally throughout the next several decades, with the majority of cancer-related deaths occurring in metastatic disease. Cancers exhibit known hallmarks that endow them with increased survival and proliferative capacities, frequently as a result of de-stabilizing mutations. However, the genomic features that resolve metastatic clones from primary tumors are not yet well-characterized, as no mutational landscape has been identified as predictive of metastasis. Further, many cancers exhibit no known mutation signature. This suggests a larger role for non-mutational genome re-organization in promoting cancer evolution and dissemination. In this review, we highlight current critical needs for understanding cell state transitions and clonal selection advantages for metastatic cancer cells. We examine links between epigenetic states, genome structure, and misregulation of tumor suppressors and oncogenes, and discuss how recent technologies for understanding domain-scale regulation have been leveraged for a more complete picture of oncogenic and metastatic potential.

Latent-Transforming Growth Factor β-Binding Protein 1/Transforming Growth Factor β1 Complex Drives Antitumoral Effects upon ERK5 Targeting in Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. While available treatments have improved survival, long-term benefits are still unsatisfactory. The mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) promotes melanoma growth, and ERK5 inhibition determines cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Here, latent-transforming growth factor β-binding protein 1 (LTBP1) mRNA was found to be up-regulated in A375 and SK-Mel-5 BRAF V600E melanoma cells after ERK5 inhibition. In keeping with a key role of LTBP1 in regulating transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), TGF-β1 protein levels were increased in lysates and conditioned media of ERK5-knockdown (KD) cells, and were reduced upon LTBP1 KD. Both LTBP1 and TGF-β1 proteins were increased in melanoma xenografts in mice treated with the ERK5 inhibitor XMD8-92. Moreover, treatment with conditioned media from ERK5-KD melanoma cells reduced cell proliferation and invasiveness, and TGF-β1-neutralizing antibodies impaired these effects. In silico data sets revealed that higher expression levels of both LTBP1 and TGF-β1 mRNA were associated with better overall survival of melanoma patients. Increased LTBP1 or TGF-β1 expression played a beneficial role in patients treated with anti-PD1 immunotherapy, making a possible immunosuppressive role of LTBP1/TGF-β1 unlikely upon ERK5 inhibition. This study, therefore, identifies additional desirable effects of ERK5 targeting, providing evidence of an ERK5-dependent tumor-suppressive role of TGF-β in melanoma.

Dexamethasone-tamoxifen combination exerts synergistic therapeutic effects in tamoxifen-resistance breast cancer cells

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a key player in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC); however, ∼30% of patients experience relapse and a lower survival rate due to TAM resistance. TAM resistance was related to the over expression of SOX-2 gene, which is regulated by the E2F3 transcription factor in the Wnt signaling pathway. It was suggested that SOX-2 overexpression was suppressed by dexamethasone (DEX), a glucocorticoid commonly prescribed to BC patients. The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of combining DEX and TAM on the inhibition of TAM-resistant LCC-2 cells (TAMR-1) through modulating the E2F3/SOX-2-mediated Wnt signaling pathway. The effect of the combination therapy on MCF-7 and TAMR-1 cell viability was assessed. Drug interactions were analyzed using CompuSyn and SynergyFinder softwares. Cell cycle distribution, apoptotic protein expression, gene expression levels of SOX-2 and E2F3, and cell migration were also assessed. Combining DEX with TAM led to synergistic inhibition of TAMR-1 cell proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis, reduced SOX-2 and E2F3 expression and was also associated with S and G2-M phase arrest. Therefore, combining DEX with TAM may present an effective therapeutic option to overcome TAM resistance, by targeting the E2F3/SOX-2/Wnt signaling pathway, in addition to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Dissecting SOX2 expression and function reveals an association with multiple signaling pathways during embryonic development and in cancer progression

SRY (Sex Determining Region) box 2 (SOX2) is an essential transcription factor that plays crucial roles in activating genes involved in pre- and post-embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis, and lineage specifications. SOX2 maintains the self-renewal property of stem cells and is involved in the generation of induced pluripotency stem cells. SOX2 protein contains a particular high-mobility group domain that enables SOX2 to achieve the capacity to participate in a broad variety of functions. The information about the involvement of SOX2 with gene regulatory elements, signaling networks, and microRNA is gradually emerging, and the higher expression of SOX2 is functionally relevant to various cancer types. SOX2 facilitates the oncogenic phenotype via cellular proliferation and enhancement of invasive tumor properties. Evidence are accumulating in favor of three dimensional (higher order) folding of chromatin and epigenetic control of the SOX2 gene by chromatin modifications, which implies that the expression level of SOX2 can be modulated by epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, specifically, via DNA methylation and histone H3 modification. In view of this, and to focus further insights into the roles SOX2 plays in physiological functions, involvement of SOX2 during development, precisely, the advances of our knowledge in pre- and post-embryonic development, and interactions of SOX2 in this scenario with various signaling pathways in tumor development and cancer progression, its potential as a therapeutic target against many cancers are summarized and discussed in this article.

The occurrence and development of induced pluripotent stem cells

The ectopic expression of four transcription factors, Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM), known as "Yamanaka factors," can reprogram or stimulate the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Although OSKM is still the gold standard, there are multiple ways to reprogram cells into iPSCs. In recent years, significant progress has been made in improving the efficiency of this technology. Ten years after the first report was published, human pluripotent stem cells have gradually been applied in clinical settings, including disease modeling, cell therapy, new drug development, and cell derivation. Here, we provide a review of the discovery of iPSCs and their applications in disease and development.

SOX2 Expression Does Not Guarantee Cancer Stem Cell-like Characteristics in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Effectively targeting cancer stemness is essential for successful cancer therapy. Recent studies have revealed that SOX2, a pluripotent stem cell factor, significantly contributes to cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics closely associated with cancer malignancy. However, its contradictory impact on patient survival in specific cancer types, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), underscores the need for more comprehensive research to clarify its functional effect on cancer stemness. In this study, we demonstrate that SOX2 is not universally required for the regulation of CSC-like properties in LUAD. We generated SOX2 knockouts in A549, H358, and HCC827 LUAD cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Our results reveal unchanged CSC characteristics, including sustained proliferation, tumor sphere formation, invasion, migration, and therapy resistance, compared to normal cells. Conversely, SOX2 knockdown using conditional shRNA targeting SOX2, significantly reduced CSC traits. However, these loss-of-function effects were not rescued by SOX2 resistant to shRNA, underscoring the potential for SOX2 protein level-independent results in prior siRNA- or shRNA-based research. Ultimately, our findings demonstrate that SOX2 is not absolutely essential in LUAD cancer cells. This emphasizes the necessity of considering cancer subtype-dependent and context-dependent factors when targeting SOX2 overexpression as a potential therapeutic vulnerability in diverse cancers.

Uncovering Minimal Pathways in Melanoma Initiation

Cutaneous melanomas are clinically and histologically heterogeneous. Most display activating mutations in Braf or Nras and complete loss of function of one or more tumor suppressor genes. Mouse models that replicate such mutations produce fast-growing, pigmented tumors. However, mice that combine Braf activation with only heterozygous loss of Pten also produce tumors and, as we show here, in an Albino background this occurs even with Braf activation alone. Such tumors arise rarely, grow slowly, and express low levels of pigmentation genes. The timing of their appearance was consistent with a single step stochastic event, but no evidence could be found that it required de novo mutation, suggesting instead the involvement of an epigenetic transition. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed such tumors to be heterogeneous, including a minor cell type we term LNM ( L ow-pigment, N eural- and extracellular M atrix-signature) that displays gene expression resembling "neural crest"-like cell subsets detected in the fast-growing tumors of more heavily-mutated mice, as well as in human biopsy and xenograft samples. We provide evidence that LNM cells pre-exist in normal skin, are expanded by Braf activation, can transition into malignant cells, and persist with malignant cells through multiple rounds of transplantation. We discuss the possibility that LNM cells not only serve as a pre-malignant state in the production of some melanomas, but also as an important intermediate in the development of drug resistance.

Cancer stem cells: a target for overcoming therapeutic resistance and relapse

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cells in cancers that are thought to initiate tumorous transformation and promote metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to treatment. Growing evidence has revealed the existence of CSCs in various types of cancers and suggested that CSCs differentiate into diverse lineage cells that contribute to tumor progression. We may be able to overcome the limitations of cancer treatment with a comprehensive understanding of the biological features and mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance in CSCs. This review provides an overview of the properties, biomarkers, and mechanisms of resistance shown by CSCs. Recent findings on metabolic features, especially fatty acid metabolism and ferroptosis in CSCs, are highlighted, along with promising targeting strategies. Targeting CSCs is a potential treatment plan to conquer cancer and prevent resistance and relapse in cancer treatment.

Targeting the SOX2/CDP protein complex with a peptide suppresses the malignant progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Emerging evidence indicates that SOX2 is an oncogene for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, direct targeting of SOX2 is not feasible given that this transcription factor plays important roles in the maintenance of tissues such as the brain. Here, we identified CDP (Homeobox protein cut-like 1 or CASP) as a unique SOX2 binding partner enriched in ESCC with Duolink proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFc) and immunoprecipitation. We then screened a peptide aptamer library using BiFc and immunoprecipitation and identified several peptide aptamers, including P58, that blocked the CDP/SOX2 interaction, leading to the inhibition of ESCC progress in vitro and in vivo. Upon administration, synthetic peptide P58, containing the YGRKKRRQRRR cell-penetrating peptide and the fluorophore TAMRA, also blocked the growth and metastasis of ESCC in both mice and zebrafish. Therefore, targeting the SOX2 binding partner CDP with peptide P58 offers an alternative avenue to treat ESCC with increased SOX2 levels.

The Hedgehog/GLI signaling pathway activates transcription of Slug (Snail2) in melanoma cells

In melanoma and other cancers, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis and cancer stem cell maintenance are regulated by transcription factors including the Snail family. Slug (Snail2) protein generally supports migration and apoptosis resistance. However, its role in melanoma is not completely understood. The present study investigated the transcriptional regulation of the SLUG gene in melanoma. It demonstrated that SLUG is under the control of the Hedgehog/GLI signaling pathway and is activated predominantly by the transcription factor GLI2. The SLUG gene promoter contains a high number of GLI-binding sites. Slug expression is activated by GLI factors in reporter assays and inhibited by GANT61 (GLI inhibitor) and cyclopamine (SMO inhibitor). SLUG mRNA levels are lowered by GANT61 as assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed abundant binding of factors GLI1-3 in the four subregions of the proximal SLUG promoter. Notably, melanoma-associated transcription factor (MITF) is an imperfect activator of the SLUG promoter in reporter assays, and downregulation of MITF had no effect on endogenous Slug protein levels. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the above findings and showed MITF-negative regions in metastatic melanoma that were positive for GLI2 and Slug. Taken together, the results demonstrated a previously unrecognized transcriptional activation mechanism of the SLUG gene, which may represent its main regulation of expression in melanoma cells.

SOX2-associated signaling pathways regulate biological phenotypes of cancers

SOX2 is a transcription factor involved in multiple stages of embryonic development. In related reports, SOX2 was found to be abnormally expressed in tumor tissues and correlated with clinical features such as TNM staging, tumor grade, and prognosis in patients with various cancer types. In most cancer types, SOX2 is a tumor-promoting factor that regulates tumor progression and metastasis primarily by maintaining the stemness of cancer cells. In addition, SOX2 also regulates the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, ferroptosis and drug resistance of cancer cells. However, SOX2 acts as a tumor suppressor in some cases in certain cancer types, such as gastric and lung cancer. These key regulatory functions of SOX2 involve complex regulatory networks, including protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions through signaling pathways and noncoding RNA interactions, modulating SOX2 expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy for clinical cancer patients. Therefore, we sorted out the phenotypes related to SOX2 in cancer, hoping to provide a basis for further clinical translation.

Methods for assessing the effect of microRNA on stemness genes

According to the latest concepts, for micrometastasis to develop into macrometastasis, differentiated cancer cells must revert to a dedifferentiated state. Activation of stemness genes plays a key role in this transition. Suppression of stemness gene expression using microRNAs can become the basis for the development of effective anti-metastatic drugs. This article provides an overview of the existing methods for assessing the effect of microRNAs on stemness genes and cancer cell dedifferentiation.

SOX2 Modulates the Nuclear Organization and Transcriptional Activity of the Glucocorticoid Receptor

Steroid receptors (SRs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors (TFs) relevant to key cellular processes in both physiology and pathology, including some types of cancer. SOX2 is a master TF of pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells, and its dysregulation is also associated with various types of human cancers. A potential crosstalk between these TFs could be relevant in malignant cells yet, to the best of our knowledge, no formal study has been performed thus far. Here we show, by quantitative live-cell imaging microscopy, that ectopic expression of SOX2 disrupts the formation of hormone-dependent intranuclear condensates of many steroid receptors (SRs), including those formed by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). SOX2 also reduces GR's binding to specific DNA targets and modulates its transcriptional activity. SOX2-driven effects on GR condensates do not require the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain of the receptor and, surprisingly, neither relies on GR/SOX2 interactions. SOX2 also alters the intranuclear dynamics and compartmentalization of the SR coactivator NCoA-2 and impairs GR/NCoA-2 interactions. These results suggest an indirect mechanism underlying SOX2-driven effects on SRs involving this coactivator. Together, these results highlight that the transcriptional program elicited by GR relies on its nuclear organization and is intimately linked to the distribution of other GR partners, such as the NCoA-2 coactivator. Abnormal expression of SOX2, commonly observed in many tumors, may alter the biological action of GR and, probably, other SRs as well. Understanding this crosstalk may help to improve steroid hormone-based therapies in cancers with elevated SOX2 expression.

Natural compounds as a potential modifier of stem cells renewal: Comparative analysis

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are indispensable for development, progression, drug resistance, and tumor metastasis. Current cancer-directed interventions target targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells and slow dividing CSCs, which are the root cause of cancer origin and recurrence. The most promising targets include several self-renewal pathways involved in the maintenance and renewal of CSCs, such as the Wnt/β-Catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, Notch, Hippo, Autophagy, and Ferroptosis. In view of safety, natural compounds are coming to the front line of treatment modalities for modifying various signaling pathways simultaneously involved in maintaining CSCs. Therefore, targeting CSCs with natural compounds is a promising approach to treating various types of cancers. In view of this, here we provide a comprehensive update on the current status of natural compounds that effectively tune key self-renewal pathways of CSCs. In addition, we highlighted surface expression markers in several types of cancer. We also emphasize how natural compounds target these self-renewal pathways to reduce therapy resistance and cancer recurrence properties of CSCs, hence providing valuable cancer therapeutic strategies. The inclusion of nutraceuticals is believed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of current cancer-directed interventions significantly.

Signaling pathways and targeted therapies in lung squamous cell carcinoma: mechanisms and clinical trials

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death across the world. Unlike lung adenocarcinoma, patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) have not benefitted from targeted therapies. Although immunotherapy has significantly improved cancer patients' outcomes, the relatively low response rate and severe adverse events hinder the clinical application of this promising treatment in LSCC. Therefore, it is of vital importance to have a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of LSCC as well as the inner connection among different signaling pathways, which will surely provide opportunities for more effective therapeutic interventions for LSCC. In this review, new insights were given about classical signaling pathways which have been proved in other cancer types but not in LSCC, including PI3K signaling pathway, VEGF/VEGFR signaling, and CDK4/6 pathway. Other signaling pathways which may have therapeutic potentials in LSCC were also discussed, including the FGFR1 pathway, EGFR pathway, and KEAP1/NRF2 pathway. Next, chromosome 3q, which harbors two key squamous differentiation markers SOX2 and TP63 is discussed as well as its related potential therapeutic targets. We also provided some progress of LSCC in epigenetic therapies and immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) therapies. Subsequently, we outlined some combination strategies of ICB therapies and other targeted therapies. Finally, prospects and challenges were given related to the exploration and application of novel therapeutic strategies for LSCC.

Ornidazole suppresses CD133+ melanoma stem cells via inhibiting hedgehog signaling pathway and inducing multiple death pathways in a mouse model

AIM

To evaluate the inhibitory effects of ornidazole on the proliferation and migration of metastatic melanoma cell line (B16F10) in vitro and its anti-cancer effects in vivo using a melanoma mouse model.

METHODS

We investigated the effects of ornidazole on cell viability (Crystal Violet and MTT assay) and migration ability (wound-healing assay) of B16F10 melanoma cells, and its ability to trigger DNA damage (Comet assay) in vitro. We also sorted CD133+ and CD133- cells from B16F10 melanoma cell line and injected them subcutaneously into Swiss albino mice to induce tumor formation. Tumor-bearing mice were divided into control and treatment groups. Treatment group received intraperitoneal ornidazole injections. Tumors were resected. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of genes involved into Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, stemness, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ER stress-mediated apoptosis, and autophagy. Shh signaling pathway-related proteins and CD133 protein were analyzed by ELISA.

RESULTS

Ornidazole effectively induced DNA damage in CD133+ melanoma cells and reduced their viability and migration ability in vitro. Moreover, it significantly suppressed tumor growth in melanoma mouse model seemingly by inhibiting the Shh signaling pathway and ER-stress mediated autophagy, as well as by activating multiple apoptosis pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preclinical findings suggest the therapeutic potential of ornidazole in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, larger and more comprehensive studies are required to validate our results and to further explore the safety and clinical effectiveness of ornidazole.

Regulation of Tumor and Metastasis Initiation by Chemokine Receptors

Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are a rare sub-population of cells within the bulk of a tumor that are major contributors to tumor initiation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. TICs have a stem-cell-like phenotype that is dictated by the expression of master regulator transcription factors, including OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2. These transcription factors are expressed via activation of multiple signaling pathways that drive cancer initiation and progression. Importantly, these same signaling pathways can be activated by select chemokine receptors. Chemokine receptors are increasingly being revealed as major drivers of the TIC phenotype, as their signaling can lead to activation of stemness-controlling transcription factors. Additionally, the cell surface expression of chemokine receptors provides a unique therapeutic target to disrupt signaling pathways that control the expression of master regulator transcription factors and the TIC phenotype. This review summarizes the master regulator transcription factors known to dictate the TIC phenotype, along with the complex signaling pathways that can mediate their expression and the chemokine receptors that are most upstream of this phenotype.

Drug-Tolerant Persister Cells in Cancer Therapy Resistance

One of the current stumbling blocks in our fight against cancer is the development of acquired resistance to therapy, which is attributable to approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths. Undercutting this process during treatment could significantly improve cancer management. In many cases, drug resistance is mediated by a drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cell subpopulation present in tumors, often referred to as persister cells. This review provides a summary of currently known persister cell subpopulations and approaches to target them. A specific DTP cell subpopulation with elevated levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity has stem cell-like characteristics and a high level of plasticity, enabling them to switch rapidly between high and low ALDH activity. Further studies are required to fully elucidate the functions of ALDH-high DTP cells, how they withstand drug concentrations that kill other cells, and how they rapidly adapt under levels of high cellular stress and eventually lead to more aggressive, recurrent, and drug-resistant cancer. Furthermore, this review addresses the processes used by the ALDH-high persister cell subpopulation to enable cancer progression, the ALDH isoforms important in these processes, interactions of ALDH-high DTPs with the tumor microenvironment, and approaches to therapeutically modulate this subpopulation in order to more effectively manage cancer.

Dexamethasone Promotes a Stem-Like Phenotype in Human Melanoma Cells via Tryptophan 2,3 Dioxygenase

In addition to its well-established immunosuppressive actions, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) appears to elicit direct effects on tumor cell function. Although TDO has been associated with cancer stemness, its involvement in melanoma stem cell biology remains largely unknown. Since we showed that by upregulating TDO, dexamethasone (dex) promotes proliferation and migration of SK-Mel-28 human melanoma cells, we sought to investigate dex effects on melanoma spherogenesis and stemness, and whether these events are mediated by TDO. We demonstrate here that dex significantly upregulates TDO in A375, a more aggressive melanoma cell line, confirming that dex effects are not limited to SK-Mel-28 cells. Moreover, dex stimulates spherogenesis of both cell lines, which is mediated by TDO, evident by its suppression with 680C91, a TDO inhibitor. The formed melanospheres appear to be enriched with embryonic stem cell marker mRNAs, the expression of which is potentiated by dex. Expression of cancer stem cell markers (CD133, CD44, ganglioside GD2) was significantly increased in A375 spheres, as detected by flow cytometry. Taken together, our results suggest that TDO could represent a promising target in the management of melanoma and that dex, routinely used as a co-medication also in advanced melanoma, may stimulate melanoma cell function/tumor-supporting properties, a rather debilitating and undesired side effect.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Pharmacological Ascorbate on Braf Inhibitor Resistant Melanoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

High-dose ascorbate paradoxically acts as a pro-oxidant causing the formation of hydrogen peroxide in an oxygen dependent manner. Tumor cells (in particular melanoma cells) show an increased vulnerability to ascorbate induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, high-dose ascorbate is a promising pharmacological approach to treating refractory melanomas, e.g., with secondary resistance to targeted BRAF inhibitor therapy. BRAF mutated melanoma cells were treated with ascorbate alone or in combination with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. Viability, cell cycle, ROS production, and the protein levels of phospho-ERK1/2, GLUT-1 and HIF-1α were analyzed. To investigate the treatment in vivo, C57BL/6NCrl mice were subcutaneously injected with D4M.3A (Braf^V600E) melanoma cells and treated with intraperitoneal injections of ascorbate with or without vemurafenib. BRAF mutated melanoma cell lines either sensitive or resistant to vemurafenib were susceptible to the induction of cell death by pharmacological ascorbate. Treatment of Braf^V600E melanoma bearing mice with ascorbate resulted in plasma levels in the pharmacologically active range and significantly improved the therapeutic effect of vemurafenib. We conclude that intravenous high-dose ascorbate will be beneficial for melanoma patients by interfering with the tumor’s energy metabolism and can be safely combined with standard melanoma therapies such as BRAF inhibitors without pharmacological interference.

GLI-1 polymorphisms of Hedgehog pathway as novel risk and prognostic biomarkers in melanoma patients

In adult organisms, deregulation of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is significantly correlated with different malignancies. Currently, data associating genetic polymorphisms in the SHH pathway with melanoma are scarce and largely unknown. The objective of our study was to elucidate an association between gene polymorphisms in the SHH pathway and prognosis of melanoma skin cancer patients. The current study investigated the association of PTCH1 (rs357564), SMO (rs2228617) and GLI1 (rs2228224, rs2228226), polymorphisms with melanoma predisposition and prognosis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms were assessed by TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. The study involved 93 melanoma patients and 97 individuals in the control group. Melanoma patients with the variant mutant genotype GG of GLI1 rs2228226 polymorphism had poorer overall survival and recurrence-free survival (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.037, respectively). The multivariate analysis revealed that disease progression [hazard ratio (HR) = 14.434, P = 0.0001] and the GLI1 rs2228226 polymorphism (HR = 4.161, P = 0.006) persisted as independent prognostic factors. Mutated allele carriers (combined heterozygous and mutated genotypes) for GLI1 rs2228224 G and GLI1 rs2228226 G allele significantly increased melanoma risk [odds ratio (OR) = 2.261, P = 0.007; OR = 2.176, P = 0.010]. Our study demonstrated that genetic variants in GLI1, downstream member of the HH signaling pathway, are the risk factors for melanoma susceptibility and it can be a novel marker for melanoma prognosis. As a crucial SHH signaling member, GLI1 can also be regarded as a novel drug target for anti-cancer treatment in melanoma.

Targeting CDK7 reverses tamoxifen resistance through regulating stemness in ER+ breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Although tamoxifen is the mainstay endocrine therapy for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients, the emergence of tamoxifen resistance is still the major challenge that results in treatment failure. Tamoxifen is very effective in halting breast cancer cell proliferation; nonetheless, the ability of tamoxifen to target cancer stem and progenitor cell populations (CSCs), a major key player for the emergence of tamoxifen resistance, has not been adequately investigated yet. Thus, we explored whether targeting CDK7 modulates CSCs subpopulation and tamoxifen resistance in ER+ breast cancer cells.

METHODS

Mammosphere-formation assay, stem cell biomarkers and tamoxifen sensitivity were analyzed in MCF7 tamoxifen-sensitive cell line and its resistant counterpart, LCC2, following CDK7 targeting by THZ1 or siRNA.

RESULTS

Analysis of clinically relevant data indicated that expression of stemness factor, SOX2, was positively correlated with CDK7 expression in tamoxifen-treated patients. Moreover, overexpression of the stemness gene, SOX2, was associated with shorter overall survival in those patients. Importantly, the number of CSC populations and the expression of CDK7, P-Ser118-ER-α and c-MYC were significantly higher in LCC2 cells compared with parental MCF-7 cells. Moreover, targeting CDK7 inhibited mammosphere formation, CSC-regulating genes, and CSC biomarkers expression in MCF-7 and LCC2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate, for the first time, that CDK7-targeted therapy in ER+ breast cancer ameliorates tamoxifen resistance, at least in part, by inhibiting cancer stemness. Thus, targeting CDK7 might represent a potential approach for relieving tamoxifen resistance in ER+ breast cancer.

In Vivo Melanoma Cell Morphology Reflects Molecular Signature and Tumor Aggressiveness

Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, characterized by high cellular heterogeneity which contributes to therapy resistance and unpredictable disease outcome. Recently, by correlating Reflectance-Confocal-Microscopy (RCM) morphology with histopathological type, we identified four distinct melanoma-subtypes: dendritic-cell (DC), round-cell (RC), dermal-nest (DN), and combined-type (CT) melanomas. In the present study, each RCM-melanoma subtype expressed a specific biomolecular profile and biological behavior in vitro. Markers of tumor aggressiveness, including Ki67, MERTK, nestin and stemness markers, were highest in the most invasive CT and DN melanomas, as compared to DC and RC. This was also confirmed in multicellular tumor spheroids. Transcriptomic analysis showed a modulation of cancer progression-associated genes from DC to CT melanomas. The switch from E- to N-cadherin expression proved the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition from DC to CT subtypes. The DN melanoma was predominantly located in the dermis, as also shown in skin reconstructs. It displayed a unique behavior and a molecular profile associated with a high degree of aggressiveness. Altogether, our results demonstrate that each RCM-melanoma subtype has a distinct biological and gene expression profile, related to tumor aggressiveness, confirming that RCM can be a dependable tool for in vivo detecting different types of melanoma and for early diagnostic screening.

Mitochondrial Metabolism in Melanoma

Melanoma and its associated alterations in cellular pathways have been growing areas of interest in research, especially as specific biological pathways are being elucidated. Some of these alterations include changes in the mitochondrial metabolism in melanoma. Many mitochondrial metabolic changes lead to differences in the survivability of cancer cells and confer resistance to targeted therapies. While extensive work has gone into characterizing mechanisms of resistance, the role of mitochondrial adaptation as a mode of resistance is not completely understood. In this review, we wish to explore mitochondrial metabolism in melanoma and how it impacts modes of resistance. There are several genes that play a major role in melanoma mitochondrial metabolism which require a full understanding to optimally target melanoma. These include BRAF, CRAF, SOX2, MCL1, TRAP1, RHOA, SRF, SIRT3, PTEN, and AKT1. We will be discussing the role of these genes in melanoma in greater detail. An enhanced understanding of mitochondrial metabolism and these modes of resistance may result in novel combinatorial and sequential therapies that may lead to greater therapeutic benefit.

Downregulation of inhibitor of apoptosis protein induces apoptosis and suppresses stemness maintenance in testicular teratoma

Inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) are a family of cell death inhibitors found in viruses and metazoans that physically interact with a variety of pro-apoptotic proteins and inhibit apoptosis induced by diverse stimuli. Melanoma IAP (ML-IAP) is a potent anti-apoptotic protein that is strongly upregulated in melanoma and confers protection against a variety of pro-apoptotic stimuli. In the present study, it was revealed that ML-IAP was expressed at high levels in testicular teratoma. Deletion and mutational analysis demonstrated that ML-IAP silencing significantly decreased P19 cell proliferation while inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. ML-IAP knockdown significantly induced caspase-3/8/9-mediated apoptosis in P19 cells. In addition, metabolism and stemness maintenance in P19 cells were suppressed by ML-IAP knockdown. These results indicated that ML-IAP silencing is a powerful inducer of apoptosis mediated by cell death receptors and may function as a direct activator of downstream effector caspases.

The Hedgehog-GLI Pathway Regulates MEK5-ERK5 Expression and Activation in Melanoma Cells

Malignant melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. We recently showed that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), encoded by the MAPK7 gene, plays a pivotal role in melanoma by regulating cell functions necessary for tumour development, such as proliferation. Hedgehog-GLI signalling is constitutively active in melanoma and is required for proliferation. However, no data are available in literature about a possible interplay between Hedgehog-GLI and ERK5 pathways. Here, we show that hyperactivation of the Hedgehog-GLI pathway by genetic inhibition of the negative regulator Patched 1 increases the amount of ERK5 mRNA and protein. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that GLI1, the major downstream effector of Hedgehog-GLI signalling, binds to a functional non-canonical GLI consensus sequence at the MAPK7 promoter. Furthermore, we found that ERK5 is required for Hedgehog-GLI-dependent melanoma cell proliferation, and that the combination of GLI and ERK5 inhibitors is more effective than single treatments in reducing cell viability and colony formation ability in melanoma cells. Together, these findings led to the identification of a novel Hedgehog-GLI-ERK5 axis that regulates melanoma cell growth, and shed light on new functions of ERK5, paving the way for new therapeutic options in melanoma and other neoplasms with active Hedgehog-GLI and ERK5 pathways.

Expression of cathepsins B and D by cancer stem cells in head and neck metastatic malignant melanoma

We have previously demonstrated cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations in head and neck metastatic malignant melanoma (HNmMM), and the expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by these CSCs. Cathepsins B, D and G are involved in carcinogenesis and constitute bypass loops of the RAS. This study investigated the expression and localization of cathepsins B, D and G, in relation to these CSCs. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of cathepsins B, D and G in HNmMM sections from all 20 patients. Western blotting confirmed the presence of cathepsins B and D proteins in all six HNmMM tissue samples and four HNmMM-derived primary cell lines. RT-qPCR showed transcript expression of cathepsins B, D and G in all six HNmMM tissue samples, and cathepsins B and D but not cathepsin G in all four HNmMM-derived primary cell lines. Enzymatic activity assays demonstrated cathepsins B and D were active in all six HNmMM tissue samples. Immunofluorescence staining performed on two of the HNmMM tissue samples demonstrated expression of cathepsins B and D by the CSCs, and cathepsin G by cells within the peritumoral stroma. Our novel findings suggest the possibility of targeting these CSCs by modulation of paracrine RAS signaling.

Reporter gene systems for the identification and characterization of cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor cells that share functional characteristics with normal and embryonic stem cells. CSCs have increased tumor-initiating capacity and metastatic potential and lower sensitivity to chemo- and radiotherapy, with important roles in tumor progression and the response to therapy. Thus, a current goal of cancer research is to eliminate CSCs, necessitating an adequate phenotypic and functional characterization of CSCs. Strategies have been developed to identify, enrich, and track CSCs, many of which distinguish CSCs by evaluating the expression of surface markers, the initiation of specific signaling pathways, and the activation of master transcription factors that control stemness in normal cells. We review and discuss the use of reporter gene systems for identifying CSCs. Reporters that are under the control of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1, CD133, Notch, Nanog homeobox, Sex-determining region Y-box 2, and POU class 5 homeobox can be used to identify CSCs in many tumor types, track cells in real time, and screen for drugs. Thus, reporter gene systems, in combination with in vitro and in vivo functional assays, can assess changes in the CSCs pool. We present relevant examples of these systems in the evaluation of experimental CSCs-targeting therapeutics, demonstrating their value in CSCs research.

Inhibiting DNA-PK induces glioma stem cell differentiation and sensitizes glioblastoma to radiation in mice

Glioblastoma (GBM), a lethal primary brain tumor, contains glioma stem cells (GSCs) that promote malignant progression and therapeutic resistance. SOX2 is a core transcription factor that maintains the properties of stem cells, including GSCs, but mechanisms associated with posttranslational SOX2 regulation in GSCs remain elusive. Here, we report that DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) governs SOX2 stability through phosphorylation, resulting in GSC maintenance. Mass spectrometric analyses of SOX2-binding proteins showed that DNA-PK interacted with SOX2 in GSCs. The DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) was preferentially expressed in GSCs compared to matched non-stem cell tumor cells (NSTCs) isolated from patient-derived GBM xenografts. DNA-PKcs phosphorylated human SOX2 at S251, which stabilized SOX2 by preventing WWP2-mediated ubiquitination, thus promoting GSC maintenance. We then demonstrated that when the nuclear DNA of GSCs either in vitro or in GBM xenografts in mice was damaged by irradiation or treatment with etoposide, the DNA-PK complex dissociated from SOX2, which then interacted with WWP2, leading to SOX2 degradation and GSC differentiation. These results suggest that DNA-PKcs-mediated phosphorylation of S251 was critical for SOX2 stabilization and GSC maintenance. Pharmacological inhibition of DNA-PKcs with the DNA-PKcs inhibitor NU7441 reduced GSC tumorsphere formation in vitro and impaired growth of intracranial human GBM xenografts in mice as well as sensitized the GBM xenografts to radiotherapy. Our findings suggest that DNA-PK maintains GSCs in a stem cell state and that DNA damage triggers GSC differentiation through precise regulation of SOX2 stability, highlighting that DNA-PKcs has potential as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma.

Therapeutic Attributes of Endocannabinoid System against Neuro-Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders

In humans, various sites like cannabinoid receptors (CBR) having a binding affinity with cannabinoids are distributed on the surface of different cell types, where endocannabinoids (ECs) and derivatives of fatty acid can bind. The binding of these substance(s) triggers the activation of specific receptors required for various physiological functions, including pain sensation, memory, and appetite. The ECs and CBR perform multiple functions via the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1); cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), having a key effect in restraining neurotransmitters and the arrangement of cytokines. The role of cannabinoids in the immune system is illustrated because of their immunosuppressive characteristics. These characteristics include inhibition of leucocyte proliferation, T cells apoptosis, and induction of macrophages along with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The review seeks to discuss the functional relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and anti-tumor characteristics of cannabinoids in various cancers. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for cancer-both in vivo and in vitro clinical trials-has also been highlighted and reported to be effective in mice models in arthritis for the inflammation reduction, neuropathic pain, positive effect in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus, and found beneficial for treating in various cancers. In human models, such studies are limited; thereby, further research is indispensable in this field to get a conclusive outcome. Therefore, in autoimmune disorders, therapeutic cannabinoids can serve as promising immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic agents.

SOX2 in cancer stemness: tumor malignancy and therapeutic potentials

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a minor subpopulation of tumor bulks with self-renewal and seeding capacity to generate new tumors, posit a significant challenge to develop effective and long-lasting anti-cancer therapies. The emergence of drug resistance appears upon failure of chemo-/radiation therapy to eradicate the CSCs, thereby leading to CSC-mediated clinical relapse. Accumulating evidence suggests that transcription factor SOX2, a master regulator of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, drives cancer stemness, fuels tumor initiation, and contributes to tumor aggressiveness through major drug resistance mechanisms like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, ATP-binding cassette drug transporters, anti-apoptotic and/or pro-survival signaling, lineage plasticity, and evasion of immune surveillance. Gaining a better insight and comprehensive interrogation into the mechanistic basis of SOX2-mediated generation of CSCs and treatment failure might therefore lead to new therapeutic targets involving CSC-specific anti-cancer strategies.

Downregulation of SOX2 by inhibition of Usp9X induces apoptosis in melanoma

Melanoma tumors driven by BRAF mutations often do not respond to BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway inhibitors currently used in treatment. One documented mechanism of resistance is upregulation of SOX2, a transcription factor that is essential for tumor growth and expansion, particularly in melanoma tumors with BRAF mutations. Targeting transcription factors pharmacologically has been elusive for drug developers, limiting treatment options. Here we show that ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9, X-linked (Usp9x), a deubiquitinase (DUB) enzyme controls SOX2 levels in melanoma. Usp9x knockdown in melanoma increased SOX2 ubiquitination, leading to its depletion, and enhanced apoptotic effects of BRAF inhibitor and MEK inhibitors. Primary metastatic melanoma samples demonstrated moderately elevated Usp9x and SOX2 protein expression compared to tumors without metastatic potential. Usp9x knockdown, as well as inhibition with DUB inhibitor, G9, blocked SOX2 expression, suppressed in vitro colony growth, and induced apoptosis of BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. Combined treatment with Usp9x and mutant BRAF inhibitors fully suppressed melanoma growth in vivo. Our data demonstrate a novel mechanism for targeting the transcription factor SOX2, leveraging Usp9x inhibition. Thus, development of DUB inhibitors may add to the limited repertoire of current melanoma treatments.

Targeting the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway to Suppress the Expression of the Cancer Stem Cell (CSC)-Related Transcription Factors and CSC-Driven Thyroid Tumor Growth

Simple Summary

Poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers respond poorly to surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy. Cancer stem cells play an important role in tumor growth, drug resistance, and recurrence. This study focuses on how the sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway maintains thyroid cancer stem cell self-renewal and whether it can be targeted for anticancer therapy. The authors report that the Shh pathway regulates the expression of BMI1 and SOX2, two genes involved in stem cell self-renewal, and that targeting the Shh pathway has little effect on thyroid tumor xenografts but can inhibit the growth of tumor xenografts derived from thyroid cancer stem cells. This study advances the knowledge on how thyroid cancer stem cells regenerate and highlights the potential therapeutic values of targeting the Shh pathway.

Abstract

The sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway plays important roles in tumorigenesis, tumor growth, drug resistance, and metastasis. We and others have reported earlier that this pathway is highly activated in thyroid cancer. However, its role in thyroid cancer stem cell (CSC) self-renewal and tumor development remains incompletely understood. B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (BMI1) and SRY-Box Transcription Factor 2 (SOX2) are two CSC-related transcription factors that have been implicated in promoting CSC self-renewal. The objective of our current investigation was to determine the role of the Shh pathway in regulating BMI1 and SOX2 expression in thyroid cancer and promoting thyroid tumor growth and development. Here we report that inhibition of the Shh pathway by Gli1 siRNA or by cyclopamine and GANT61 reduced BMI1 and SOX2 expression in SW1736 and KAT-18 cells, two anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines. The opposite results were obtained in cells overexpressing Gli1 or its downstream transcription factor Snail. The Shh pathway regulated SOX2 and BMI1 expression at a transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, respectively. GANT61 treatment suppressed the growth of SW1736 CSC-derived tumor xenografts but did not significantly inhibit the growth of tumors grown from bulk tumor cells. Clinicopathological analyses of thyroid tumor specimens by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining revealed that BMI1 and SOX2 were highly expressed in thyroid cancer and correlated with Gli1 expression. Our study provides evidence that activation of the Shh pathway leads to increased BMI1 and SOX2 expression in thyroid cancer and promotes thyroid CSC-driven tumor initiation. Targeting the Shh pathway may have therapeutic value for treating thyroid cancer and preventing recurrence.

Insight into the molecular pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions

BACKGROUND

Odontogenic tumors, derived from epithelial, ectomesenchymal, and/or mesenchymal elements of the tooth-forming apparatus, constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions, including hamartomas, benign and malignant neoplasms with metastatic capabilities.

HIGHLIGHT

This review provides a comprehensive overviewof the pathogenesis of odontogenic tumors and explains the associated molecular events in the context of hallmarks of cancer established by Hanahan D and Weinberg RA. Diagrammatic representations depicted in the article would facilitate easier understanding.

CONCLUSION

A better understanding of the pathogenesis of the lesions may assist in determining patient's prognosis and devising better targeted therapeutic treatment, thus, reducing the morbidity and mortalityof patients.

MITF reprograms the extracellular matrix and focal adhesion in melanoma

The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a critical regulator of melanocyte development and differentiation. It also plays an important role in melanoma where it has been described as a molecular rheostat that, depending on activity levels, allows reversible switching between different cellular states. Here, we show that MITF directly represses the expression of genes associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and focal adhesion pathways in human melanoma cells as well as of regulators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) such as CDH2, thus affecting cell morphology and cell-matrix interactions. Importantly, we show that these effects of MITF are reversible, as expected from the rheostat model. The number of focal adhesion points increased upon MITF knockdown, a feature observed in drug-resistant melanomas. Cells lacking MITF are similar to the cells of minimal residual disease observed in both human and zebrafish melanomas. Our results suggest that MITF plays a critical role as a repressor of gene expression and is actively involved in shaping the microenvironment of melanoma cells in a cell-autonomous manner.

Targeting non-canonical activation of GLI1 by the SOX2-BRD4 transcriptional complex improves the efficacy of HEDGEHOG pathway inhibition in melanoma

Despite the development of new targeted and immune therapies, the prognosis of metastatic melanoma remains bleak. Therefore, it is critical to better understand the mechanisms controlling advanced melanoma to develop more effective treatment regimens. Hedgehog/GLI (HH/GLI) signaling inhibitors targeting the central pathway transducer Smoothened (SMO) have shown to be clinical efficacious in skin cancer; however, several mechanisms of non-canonical HH/GLI pathway activation limit their efficacy. Here, we identify a novel SOX2-BRD4 transcriptional complex driving the expression of GLI1, the final effector of the HH/GLI pathway, providing a novel mechanism of non-canonical SMO-independent activation of HH/GLI signaling in melanoma. Consistently, we find a positive correlation between the expression of GLI1 and SOX2 in human melanoma samples and cell lines. Further, we show that combined targeting of canonical HH/GLI pathway with the SMO inhibitor MRT-92 and of the SOX2-BRD4 complex using a potent Proteolysis Targeted Chimeras (PROTACs)-derived BRD4 degrader (MZ1), yields a synergistic anti-proliferative effect in melanoma cells independently of their BRAF, NRAS, and NF1 mutational status, with complete abrogation of GLI1 expression. Combination of MRT-92 and MZ1 strongly potentiates the antitumor effect of either drug as single agents in an orthotopic melanoma model. Together, our data provide evidence of a novel mechanism of non-canonical activation of GLI1 by the SOX2-BRD4 transcriptional complex, and describe the efficacy of a new combinatorial treatment for a subset of melanomas with an active SOX2-BRD4-GLI1 axis.

SOX2 Is a Potential Novel Marker of Undifferentiated Thyroid Carcinomas

Background Thyroid cancer is a very common endocrine malignancy. Cancer stem cells are attributable to initiation, progression, and treatment failure in thyroid carcinoma. In the current study, immunostaining of SRY-box 2 (SOX2) in thyroid carcinoma is investigated. Material and methods Tissue microarrays were generated from 219 thyroid carcinomas distributed as follows: papillary thyroid carcinoma (175), follicular thyroid carcinoma (11), medullary thyroid carcinoma (11), Hurthle cell carcinoma (three), poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PTDC; nine), and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC; 10). Immunohistochemistry for SOX2 was done and examined for nuclear staining. The results were analysed.  Results SOX2 immunostaining was positive in one PDTC (out of nine; 11.1%) and in three ATC (out of 10; 30%). The rest of the thyroid cancers showed no immunostaining for SOX2. Conclusion The study represents for the first time SOX2 immunostaining on a large number of thyroid carcinomas. We discovered that SOX2 immunostaining is found in PDTC and ATC while SOX2 immunostaining is lacking in other thyroid cancer. SOX2 may be a marker of loss of differentiation in thyroid carcinoma. In vitro as well as in vivo molecular studies are required to explore the possible role of SOX2 in thyroid carcinoma.

Research Progress of Cancer Stem Cells in Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma is the most common malignant tumor in adult eyes, mostly in the choroid, but also in the iris and ciliary body. Distant metastasis is found in nearly half of the patients. Cancer stem cells are a kind of cells with the ability of self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation, which are related to tumor invasion and metastasis. Although the concept of cancer stem cells is relatively mature in other tumors, its existence and verification methods in uveal melanoma are still uncertain. A more in-depth understanding of cancer stem cells and their mechanism may reveal new strategies to treat uveal melanoma. This article reviews the concept of cancer stem cells and their research progress in uveal melanoma, including identification, probable markers, cancer stem cell targeted drug therapy and the controversies and prospects in this field.

Reemergence of neural crest stem cell-like states in melanoma during disease progression and treatment

Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers due to its high metastatic potential. In recent years, advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have contributed to a remarkable progress in the treatment of metastatic disease. However, intrinsic or acquired resistance to such therapies remains a major obstacle in melanoma treatment. Melanoma disease progression, beginning from tumor initiation and growth to acquisition of invasive phenotypes and metastatic spread and acquisition of treatment resistance, has been associated with cellular dedifferentiation and the hijacking of gene regulatory networks reminiscent of the neural crest (NC)—the developmental structure which gives rise to melanocytes and hence melanoma. This review summarizes the experimental evidence for the involvement of NC stem cell (NCSC)‐like cell states during melanoma progression and addresses novel approaches to combat the emergence of stemness characteristics that have shown to be linked with aggressive disease outcome and drug resistance.

ST3GAL1 is a target of the SOX2-GLI1 transcriptional complex and promotes melanoma metastasis through AXL

Understanding the molecular events controlling melanoma progression is of paramount importance for the development of alternative treatment options for this devastating disease. Here we report a mechanism regulated by the oncogenic SOX2-GLI1 transcriptional complex driving melanoma invasion through the induction of the sialyltransferase ST3GAL1. Using in vitro and in vivo studies, we demonstrate that ST3GAL1 drives melanoma metastasis. Silencing of this enzyme suppresses melanoma invasion and significantly reduces the ability of aggressive melanoma cells to enter the blood stream, colonize distal organs, seed and survive in the metastatic environment. Analysis of glycosylated proteins reveals that the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is a major effector of ST3GAL1 pro-invasive function. ST3GAL1 induces AXL dimerization and activation that, in turn, promotes melanoma invasion. Our data support a key role of the ST3GAL1-AXL axis as driver of melanoma metastasis, and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis to treat metastatic melanoma.

Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Metastatic Malignant Melanoma Express Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System

Components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are expressed by cancer stem cells (CSCs) in many cancer types. We here investigated expression of the RAS by the CSC subpopulations in human head and neck metastatic malignant melanoma (HNmMM) tissue samples and HNmMM-derived primary cell lines. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of pro-renin receptor (PRR), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II receptor 2 (AT₂R) in all; renin in one; and ACE2 in none of the 20 HNmMM tissue samples. PRR was localized to cells within the tumor nests (TNs), while AT₂R was expressed by cells within the TNs and the peritumoral stroma (PTS). ACE was localized to the endothelium of the tumor microvessels within the PTS. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) detected transcripts for PRR, ACE, ACE2, and AT₁R, in all the five HNmMM tissue samples and four HNmMM-derived primary cell lines; renin in one tissue sample and one cell line, and AT₂R in none of the five HNmMM tissue samples and cell lines. Western blotting showed variable expression of ACE, PRR, and AT₂R, but not ACE2, in six HNmMM tissue samples and two HNmMM-derived primary cell lines. Immunofluorescence staining of two HNmMM tissue samples demonstrated expression of PRR and AT₂R by the SOX2+ CSCs within the TNs and the OCT4+ CSCs within the PTS, with ACE localized to the endothelium of the tumor microvessels within the PTS.

Mechanistic Analysis of an Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 2-Interacting Compound that Inhibits Mutant BRAF-Expressing Melanoma Cells by Inducing Oxidative Stress

Constitutively active extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling promotes cancer cell proliferation and survival. We previously described a class of compounds containing a 1,1-dioxido-2,5-dihydrothiophen-3-yl 4-benzenesulfonate scaffold that targeted ERK2 substrate docking sites and selectively inhibited ERK1/2-dependent functions, including activator protein-1–mediated transcription and growth of cancer cells containing active ERK1/2 due to mutations in Ras G-proteins or BRAF, Proto-oncogene B-RAF (Rapidly Acclerated Fibrosarcoma) kinase. The current study identified chemical features required for biologic activity and global effects on gene and protein levels in A375 melanoma cells containing mutant BRAF (V600E). Saturation transfer difference-NMR and mass spectrometry analyses revealed interactions between a lead compound (SF-3-030) and ERK2, including the formation of a covalent adduct on cysteine 252 that is located near the docking site for ERK/FXF (DEF) motif for substrate recruitment. Cells treated with SF-3-030 showed rapid changes in immediate early gene levels, including DEF motif–containing ERK1/2 substrates in the Fos family. Analysis of transcriptome and proteome changes showed that the SF-3-030 effects overlapped with ATP-competitive or catalytic site inhibitors of MAPK/ERK Kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) or ERK1/2. Like other ERK1/2 pathway inhibitors, SF-3-030 induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and genes associated with oxidative stress, including nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2). Whereas the addition of the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl cysteine reversed SF-3-030–induced ROS and inhibition of A375 cell proliferation, the addition of NRF2 inhibitors has little effect on cell proliferation. These studies provide mechanistic information on a novel chemical scaffold that selectively regulates ERK1/2-targeted transcription factors and inhibits the proliferation of A375 melanoma cells through a ROS-dependent mechanism.

Cancer Plasticity: The Role of mRNA Translation

Tumor progression is associated with dedifferentiated histopathologies concomitant with cancer cell survival within a changing, and often hostile, tumor microenvironment. These processes are enabled by cellular plasticity, whereby intracellular cues and extracellular signals are integrated to enable rapid shifts in cancer cell phenotypes. Cancer cell plasticity, at least in part, fuels tumor heterogeneity and facilitates metastasis and drug resistance. Protein synthesis is frequently dysregulated in cancer, and emerging data suggest that translational reprograming collaborates with epigenetic and metabolic programs to effectuate phenotypic plasticity of neoplasia. Herein, we discuss the potential role of mRNA translation in cancer cell plasticity, highlight emerging histopathological correlates, and deliberate on how this is related to efforts to improve understanding of the complex tumor ecology.

SOX2 and squamous cancers

SOX2 is a pleiotropic nuclear transcription factor with major roles in stem cell biology and in development. Over the last 10 years SOX2 has also been implicated as a lineage-specific oncogene, notably in squamous carcinomas but also neurological tumours, particularly glioblastoma. Squamous carcinomas (SQCs) comprise a common group of malignancies for which there are no targeted therapeutic interventions. In this article we review the molecular epidemiological and laboratory evidence linking SOX2 with squamous carcinogenesis, explore in detail the multifaceted impact of SOX2 in SQC, describe areas of uncertainty and highlight areas for potential future research.

Insights into Differentiation of Melanocytes from Human Stem Cells and Their Relevance for Melanoma Treatment

Simple Summary

The reactivation of embryonic developmental programs is crucial for melanoma cells to grow and to metastasize. In order to understand this process better, we first summarize the melanocytic differentiation process both in vivo and in vitro. Secondly, we compare and highlight important similarities between neural crest cell fate during differentiation and tumor cell characteristics during melanoma mestastasis. Finally, we suggest possible therapeutic targets, which could be used to inhibit phenotype switching by developmental cues and hence also suppress the metastatic melanoma spread.

Abstract

Malignant melanoma represents a highly aggressive form of skin cancer. The metastatic process itself is mostly governed by the so-called epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), which confers cancer cells migrative, invasive and resistance abilities. Since EMT represents a conserved developmental process, it is worthwhile further examining the nature of early developmental steps fundamental for melanocyte differentiation. This can be done either in vivo by analyzing the physiologic embryo development in different species or by in vitro studies of melanocytic differentiation originating from embryonic human stem cells. Most importantly, external cues drive progenitor cell differentiation, which can be divided in stages favoring neural crest specification or melanocytic differentiation and proliferation. In this review, we describe ectopic factors which drive human pluripotent stem cell differentiation to melanocytes in 2D, as well as in organoid models. Furthermore, we compare developmental mechanisms with processes described to occur during melanoma development. Finally, we suggest differentiation factors as potential co-treatment options for metastatic melanoma patients.

Cancer and SOX proteins: New insight into their role in ovarian cancer progression/inhibition

Transcription factors are potential targets in disease therapy, particularly in cancer. This is due to the fact that transcription factors regulate a variety of cellular events, and their modulation has opened a new window in cancer therapy. Sex-determining region Y (SRY)-related high-mobility group (HMG) box (SOX) proteins are potential transcription factors that are involved in developmental processes such as embryogenesis. It has been reported that abnormal expression of SOX proteins is associated with development of different cancers, particularly ovarian cancer (OC). In the present review, our aim is to provide a mechanistic review of involvement of SOX members in OC. SOX members may suppress and/or promote aggressiveness and proliferation of OC cells. Clinical studies have also confirmed the potential of transcription factors as diagnostic and prognostic factors in OC. Notably, studies have demonstrated the relationship between SOX members and other molecular pathways such as ST6Ga1-I, PI3K, ERK and so on, leading to more complexity. Furthermore, SOX members can be affected by upstream mediators such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and so on. It is worth mentioning that the expression of each member of SOX proteins is corelated with different stages of OC. Furthermore, their expression determines the response of OC cells to chemotherapy. These topics are discussed in this review to shed some light on role of SOX transcription factors in OC.

Simultaneously Inhibiting BCL2 and MCL1 Is a Therapeutic Option for Patients with Advanced Melanoma

There is an urgent need to develop treatments for patients with melanoma who are refractory to or ineligible for immune checkpoint blockade, including patients who lack BRAF-V600E/K mutations. This is often the case in patients diagnosed with rare melanoma subtypes such as mucosal and acral melanoma. Here, we analyzed data from the cutaneous melanoma The Cancer Genome Atlas Network (TCGA) transcriptomic and proteomic databases for differential expression of apoptosis molecules between melanomas with or without BRAF hotspot mutations. Our data indicated higher B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) expression in melanoma without BRAF hotspot mutations, suggesting that BH3 mimetics, such as ABT-199 (venetoclax, a small molecule against BCL2), may be a potential therapeutic option for these patients. We explored the efficacy of combining two BH3 mimetics, ABT-199 and a myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (MCL1) inhibitor (S63845 or S64315/MIK665) in cutaneous, mucosal and acral melanomas, in vitro and in vivo. Our data indicate this combination induced cell death in a broad range of melanoma cell lines, including melanoma initiating cell populations, and was more potent in melanoma cells without BRAF-V600E/K mutations. Our knockdown/knockout experiments suggest that several pro-apoptotic BCL2 family members, BCL2-like 11 (apoptosis facilitator) (BIM), phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1 (NOXA) or BID, play a role in the combination-induced effects. Overall, our study supports the rationale for combining an MCL1 inhibitor with a BCL2 inhibitor as a therapeutic option in patients with advanced melanoma.

Arsenic trioxide inhibits the growth of cancer stem cells derived from small cell lung cancer by downregulating stem cell-maintenance factors and inducing apoptosis via the Hedgehog signaling blockade

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most deadly and aggressive type of primary lung cancer, with the 5-year survival rate lower than 5%. The FDA has approved arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treatment. However, its role in SCLC-derived cancer stem cells (CSCs) remains largely unknown.

Methods

CSCs were enriched from SCLC cell lines by culturing them as spheres in conditioned serum-free medium. Then, qPCR, western blot, serial passage, limiting dilution, Transwell, and tumorigenesis assay were performed to verify the cells' stem phenotypic characteristics. Anticancer efficiency of As₂O₃ was assessed in these cells using CCK8, colony formation, sphere formation, flow cytometry, qPCR, western blot analysis in vitro, and tumor growth curve, immunofluorescence, and TUNEL staining analyses in vivo.

Results

The fifth-passage SCLC spheres showed a potent self-renewal capacity, higher clonal formation efficiency (CFE), SOX2, c-Myc, NANOG, and OCT4 levels, and invasion ability, and stronger tumorigenesis capacity than the parental SCLC cells, indicating that the SCLC sphere cells displayed CSC features. As₂O₃ inhibited the proliferation, clonality and sphere forming ability of SCLC-derived CSCs and suppressed the tumor growth of CSCs-derived xenograft tumors. As₂O₃ induced apoptosis and downregulation of SOX2 and c-Myc in vitro and in xenografts. Besides, SOX2 knockdown suppressed SCLC-derived CSCs to self-renew and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, expression of GLI1 (a key transcription factor of Hedgehog pathway) and its downstream genes increased in SCLC-derived CSCs, compared to the parental cells. As₂O₃ dramatically downregulated GLI1 and its downstream genes in vitro and in vivo. The GLI inhibitor (GANT-61) recapitulated and enhanced the effects of As₂O₃ on SCLC-derived CSCs, including growth suppression, apoptosis induction, and GLI1, SOX2 and c-Myc downregulation.

Conclusions

Altogether, As₂O₃ effectively suppressed SCLC-derived CSCs growth by downregulating stem cell-maintenance factors and inducing apoptosis. These effects are mediated at least partly via the Hedgehog signaling blockade.