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Staebler S, Rottensteiner-Brandl U, El Ahmad Z, Kappelmann-Fenzl M, Arkudas A, Kengelbach-Weigand A, Bosserhoff AK, Schmidt SK. Transcription factor activating enhancer-binding protein 2ε (AP2ε) modulates phenotypic plasticity and progression of malignant melanoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:351. [PMID: 38773108 PMCID: PMC11109141 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06733-3] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, is often incurable once metastatic dissemination of cancer cells to distant organs has occurred. We investigated the role of Transcription Factor Activating Enhancer-Binding Protein 2ε (AP2ε) in the progression of metastatic melanoma. Here, we observed that AP2ε is a potent activator of metastasis and newly revealed AP2ε to be an important player in melanoma plasticity. High levels of AP2ε lead to worsened prognosis of melanoma patients. Using a transgenic melanoma mouse model with a specific loss of AP2ε expression, we confirmed the impact of AP2ε to modulate the dynamic switch from a migratory to a proliferative phenotype. AP2ε deficient melanoma cells show a severely reduced migratory potential in vitro and reduced metastatic behavior in vivo. Consistently, we revealed increased activity of AP2ε in quiescent and migratory cells compared to heterogeneously proliferating cells in bioprinted 3D models. In conclusion, these findings disclose a yet-unknown role of AP2ε in maintaining plasticity and migration in malignant melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Staebler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Rottensteiner-Brandl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Zubeir El Ahmad
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Arkudas
- Laboratory for Tissue-Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen-Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annika Kengelbach-Weigand
- Laboratory for Tissue-Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen-Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja-Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- CCC Erlangen-EMN: Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- CCC WERA: Comprehensive Cancer Center Alliance WERA (CCC WERA), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- BZKF: Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Sonja K Schmidt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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Arasi MB, De Luca G, Chronopoulou L, Pedini F, Petrucci E, Flego M, Stringaro A, Colone M, Pasquini L, Spada M, Lulli V, Perrotta MC, Calin GA, Palocci C, Biffoni M, Felicetti F, Felli N. MiR126-targeted-nanoparticles combined with PI3K/AKT inhibitor as a new strategy to overcome melanoma resistance. Mol Ther 2024; 32:152-167. [PMID: 37990493 PMCID: PMC10787166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.11.021] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma poses significant challenges as a highly lethal disease. Despite the success of molecular targeting using BRAFV600E inhibitors (BRAFis) and immunotherapy, the emergence of early recurrence remains an issue and there is the need for novel therapeutic approaches. This study aimed at creating a targeted delivery system for the oncosuppressor microRNA 126 (miR126) and testing its effectiveness in combination with a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor for treating metastatic melanoma resistant to BRAFis. To achieve this, we synthesized chitosan nanoparticles containing a chemically modified miR126 sequence. These nanoparticles were further functionalized with an antibody specific to the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) melanoma marker. After evaluation in vitro, the efficacy of this treatment was evaluated through an in vivo experiment using mice bearing resistant human melanoma. The co-administration of miR126 and the PI3K/AKT inhibitor in these experiments significantly reduced tumor growth and inhibited the formation of liver and lung metastases. These results provide evidence for a strategy to target an oncosuppressive nucleic acid sequence to tumor cells while simultaneously protecting it from plasma degradation. The system described in this study exhibits encouraging potential for the effective treatment of therapy-resistant metastatic melanoma while also presenting a prospective approach for other forms of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Beatrice Arasi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele De Luca
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Chronopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Research Center for Applied Sciences to the safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC) Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pedini
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Petrucci
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Flego
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Annarita Stringaro
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Colone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pasquini
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Spada
- Center of Animal Research and Welfare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Lulli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Perrotta
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - George Adrian Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The RNA Interference and Non-coding RNA Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cleofe Palocci
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Research Center for Applied Sciences to the safeguard of Environment and Cultural Heritage (CIABC) Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Biffoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Felicetti
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Felli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Bozsodi A, Scholtz B, Papp G, Sapi Z, Biczo A, Varga PP, Lazary A. Potential molecular mechanism in self-renewal is associated with miRNA dysregulation in sacral chordoma - A next-generation RNA sequencing study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10227. [PMID: 36033338 PMCID: PMC9404356 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chordoma, the most frequent malignant primary spinal neoplasm, characterized by a high rate of recurrence, is an orphan disease where the clarification of the molecular oncogenesis would be crucial to developing new, effective therapies. Dysregulated expression of non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNA) has a significant role in cancer development. Methods Next-generation RNA sequencing (NGS) was used for the combinatorial analysis of mRNA-miRNA gene expression profiles in sacral chordoma and nucleus pulposus samples. Advanced bioinformatics workflow was applied to the data to predict miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks with altered activity in chordoma. Results A large set of significantly dysregulated miRNAs in chordoma and their differentially expressed target genes have been identified. Several molecular pathways related to tumorigenesis and the modulation of the immune system are predicted to be dysregulated due to aberrant miRNA expression in chordoma. We identified a gene set including key regulators of the Hippo pathway, which is targeted by differently expressed miRNAs, and validated their altered expression by RT-qPCR. These newly identified miRNA/RNA interactions are predicted to have a role in the self-renewal process of chordoma stem cells, which might sustain the high rate of recurrence for this tumor. Conclusions Our results can significantly contribute to the designation of possible targets for the development of anti-chordoma therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpad Bozsodi
- National Center for Spinal Disorders, Buda Health Center, Királyhágó u. 1-3, Budapest, H-1126, Hungary
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Beata Scholtz
- Genomic Medicine and Bioinformatic Core Facility, Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Gergo Papp
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Sapi
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, Budapest, H-1085, Hungary
| | - Adam Biczo
- National Center for Spinal Disorders, Buda Health Center, Királyhágó u. 1-3, Budapest, H-1126, Hungary
| | - Peter Pal Varga
- National Center for Spinal Disorders, Buda Health Center, Királyhágó u. 1-3, Budapest, H-1126, Hungary
| | - Aron Lazary
- National Center for Spinal Disorders, Buda Health Center, Királyhágó u. 1-3, Budapest, H-1126, Hungary
- Department of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Semmelweis University, Királyhágó u. 1-3, Budapest, H-1126, Hungary
- Corresponding author.
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Arasi MB, Pedini F, Valentini S, Felli N, Felicetti F. Advances in Natural or Synthetic Nanoparticles for Metastatic Melanoma Therapy and Diagnosis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102893. [PMID: 33050185 PMCID: PMC7601614 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced melanoma is still a major challenge in oncology. In the early stages, melanoma can be treated successfully with surgery and the survival rate is high, nevertheless the survival rate drops drastically after metastasis dissemination. The identification of parameters predictive of the prognosis to support clinical decisions and of new efficacious therapies are important to ensure patients the best possible prognosis. Recent progress in nanotechnology allowed the development of nanoparticles able to protect drugs from degradation and to deliver the drug to the tumor. Modification of the nanoparticle surface by specific molecules improves retention and accumulation in the target tissue. In this review, we describe the potential role of nanoparticles in advanced melanoma treatment and discuss the current efforts of designing polymeric nanoparticles for controlled drug release at the site upon injection. In addition, we highlight the advances as well as the challenges of exosome-based nanocarriers as drug vehicles. We place special focus on the advantages of these natural nanocarriers in delivering various cargoes in advanced melanoma treatment. We also describe the current advances in knowledge of melanoma-related exosomes, including their biogenesis, molecular contents and biological functions, focusing our attention on their utilization for early diagnosis and prognosis in melanoma disease.
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Bellenghi M, Puglisi R, Pontecorvi G, De Feo A, Carè A, Mattia G. Sex and Gender Disparities in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1819. [PMID: 32645881 PMCID: PMC7408637 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, the total incidence of cutaneous melanoma is higher in men than in women, with some differences related to ethnicity and age and, above all, sex and gender. Differences exist in respect to the anatomic localization of melanoma, in that it is more frequent on the trunk in men and on the lower limbs in women. A debated issue is if-and to what extent-melanoma development can be attributed to gender-specific behaviors or to biologically intrinsic differences. In the search for factors responsible for the divergences, a pivotal role of sex hormones has been observed, although conflicting results indicate the involvement of other mechanisms. The presence on the X chromosome of numerous miRNAs and coding genes playing immunological roles represents another important factor, whose relevance can be even increased by the incomplete X chromosome random inactivation. Considering the known advantages of the female immune system, a different cancer immune surveillance efficacy was suggested to explain some sex disparities. Indeed, the complexity of this picture emerged when the recently developed immunotherapies unexpectedly showed better improvements in men than in women. Altogether, these data support the necessity of further studies, which consider enrolling a balanced number of men and women in clinical trials to better understand the differences and obtain actual gender-equitable healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bellenghi
- Center for Gender-specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (R.P.); (G.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Rossella Puglisi
- Center for Gender-specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (R.P.); (G.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Giada Pontecorvi
- Center for Gender-specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (R.P.); (G.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Alessandra De Feo
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Carè
- Center for Gender-specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (R.P.); (G.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Gianfranco Mattia
- Center for Gender-specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (R.P.); (G.P.); (G.M.)
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6
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Linck-Paulus L, Hellerbrand C, Bosserhoff AK, Dietrich P. Dissimilar Appearances Are Deceptive-Common microRNAs and Therapeutic Strategies in Liver Cancer and Melanoma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010114. [PMID: 31906510 PMCID: PMC7017070 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on miRNAs as therapeutic targets in two cancer types that were frequently described to be driven by miRNAs—melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By focusing on common microRNAs and associated pathways in these—at first sight—dissimilar cancer types, we aim at revealing similar molecular mechanisms that are evolved in microRNA-biology to drive cancer progression. Thereby, we also want to outlay potential novel therapeutic strategies. After providing a brief introduction to general miRNA biology and basic information about HCC and melanoma, this review depicts prominent examples of potent oncomiRs and tumor-suppressor miRNAs, which have been proven to drive diverse cancer types including melanoma and HCC. To develop and apply miRNA-based therapeutics for cancer treatment in the future, it is essential to understand how miRNA dysregulation evolves during malignant transformation. Therefore, we highlight important aspects such as genetic alterations, miRNA editing and transcriptional regulation based on concrete examples. Furthermore, we expand our illustration by focusing on miRNA-associated proteins as well as other regulators of miRNAs which could also provide therapeutic targets. Finally, design and delivery strategies of miRNA-associated therapeutic agents as well as potential drawbacks are discussed to address the question of how miRNAs might contribute to cancer therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Linck-Paulus
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja K. Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.K.B.); (P.D.); Tel.: +49-9131-85-24190 (A.K.B.); +49-9131-85-29384 (P.D.)
| | - Peter Dietrich
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.L.-P.); (C.H.)
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.K.B.); (P.D.); Tel.: +49-9131-85-24190 (A.K.B.); +49-9131-85-29384 (P.D.)
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7
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Role of miR-221/222 in Tumor Development and the Underlying Mechanism. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:7252013. [PMID: 31929798 PMCID: PMC6942871 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7252013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA-221/222 (miRNA-221/222, miR-221/222) is a noncoding microRNA which is widely distributed in eukaryotic organisms and deeply involved in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expressions. According to recent studies, abnormal expressions of miR-221/222 are closely related to the occurrence and development of various kinds of malignant tumors. The role of miR-221/222 in tumor development and their potential molecular mechanism in various cancers, including liver cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial carcinoma, are summarized and reviewed in this paper. Moreover, the potential translational biomarker role of abnormal miR-221/222 level in tumor or blood circulation for tumor diagnosis is also discussed.
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8
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Pedini F, De Luca G, Felicetti F, Puglisi R, Boe A, Arasi MB, Fratini F, Mattia G, Spada M, Caporali S, Biffoni M, Giuliani A, Carè A, Felli N. Joint action of miR-126 and MAPK/PI3K inhibitors against metastatic melanoma. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:1836-1854. [PMID: 31115969 PMCID: PMC6717748 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data support the rationale of combined therapies in advanced melanoma. Specifically, the combined use of drugs with different mechanisms of action can reduce the probability of selecting resistant clones. To identify agents active against melanoma cells, we screened a library of 349 anti‐cancer compounds, currently in clinical use or trials, and selected PIK‐75, an inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway, as the ‘top active’ drug. PIK‐75 was then used alone or in combination with vemurafenib, the first BRAF inhibitor approved for patients with melanoma harboring BRAF mutations. We identified a combined dose of PIK‐75 and vemurafenib that inhibited both the PI3K/AKT and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways, thereby overcoming any compensatory activation. In view of the important tumor suppressor function induced by restoring expression of microRNA (miR)‐126 in metastatic melanoma cells, we examined whether miR‐126 has a synergistic role when included in a triple combination alongside PIK‐75 and vemurafenib. We found that enforced expression of miR‐126 (which alone can reduce tumorigenicity) significantly increased PIK‐75 activity when used as either a single agent or in combination with vemurafenib. Interestingly, PIK‐75 proved to be effective against early passage cell lines derived from patients’ biopsies and on melanoma cell lines resistant to either vemurafenib or dabrafenib, thus suggesting that it potentially has the capability to overcome drug resistance. Finally, the synergistic role played by miR‐126 in combination with vemurafenib and/or PIK‐75 was demonstrated in vivo in mouse xenograft models, in which tumor growth inhibition was associated with increased apoptosis. These results not only show the efficacy of PIK‐75 and vemurafenib co‐treatment but also indicate that restoration of miR‐126 expression in advanced melanoma can enhance their antitumor activity, which may possibly allow dose reduction to decrease adverse events without reducing the therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pedini
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele De Luca
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Felicetti
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Puglisi
- Center for Gender Medicine, Oncology Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boe
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Arasi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gianfranco Mattia
- Center for Gender Medicine, Oncology Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Spada
- Center of Animal Research and Welfare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Caporali
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Biffoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carè
- Center for Gender Medicine, Oncology Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Felli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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9
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Polini B, Carpi S, Romanini A, Breschi MC, Nieri P, Podestà A. Circulating cell-free microRNAs in cutaneous melanoma staging and recurrence or survival prognosis. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2019; 32:486-499. [PMID: 30481404 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a skin cancer with increasing incidence. Identification of novel clinical biomarkers able to detect the stage of disease and suggest prognosis could improve treatment and outcome for melanoma patients. Cell-free microRNAs (cf-miRNAs) are the circulating copies of short non-coding RNAs involved in gene expression regulation. They are released into the interstitial fluid, are detectable in blood and other body fluids and have interesting features of ideal biomarker candidates. They are stable outside the cell, tissue specific, vary along with cancer development and are sensitive to change in the disease course such as progression or therapeutic response. Moreover, they are accessible by non-invasive methods or venipuncture. Some articles have reported different cf-miRNAs with the potential of diagnostic tools for melanoma staging, recurrence and survival prediction. Although some concordance of results is already emerging, differences in analytical methods, normalization strategies and tumour staging still will require further research and standardization prior to clinical usage of cf-miRNA analysis. This article reviews this literature with the aim of contributing to a shared focusing on these new promising tools for melanoma treatment and care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Carpi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Nieri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Adriano Podestà
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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10
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Thyagarajan A, Tsai KY, Sahu RP. MicroRNA heterogeneity in melanoma progression. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 59:208-220. [PMID: 31163254 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The altered expression of miRNAs has been linked with neocarcinogenesis or the development of human malignancies including melanoma. Of significance, multiple clinical studies have documented that distinct sets of microRNAs (miRNAs) could be utilized as prognostic biomarkers for cancer development or predict the outcomes of treatment responses. To that end, an in-depth validation of such differentially expressed miRNAs is necessary in diverse settings of cancer patients in order to devise novel approaches to control tumor growth and/or enhance the efficacy of clinically-relevant therapeutic options. Moreover, considering the heterogeneity and sophisticated regulation of miRNAs, the precise delineation of their cellular targets could also be explored to design personalized medicine. Given the significance of miRNAs in regulating several key cellular processes of tumor cells including cell cycle progression and apoptosis, we review the findings of such miRNAs implicated in melanoma tumorigenesis. Understanding the novel mechanistic insights of such miRNAs will be useful for developing diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers or devising future therapeutic intervention for malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Thyagarajan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Kenneth Y Tsai
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology & Tumor Biology at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ravi P Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA.
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11
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Gajos-Michniewicz A, Czyz M. Role of miRNAs in Melanoma Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E326. [PMID: 30866509 PMCID: PMC6468614 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour metastasis is a multistep process. Melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer and metastasis accounts for the majority of patient deaths. microRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that affect the expression of their target genes. When aberrantly expressed they contribute to the development of melanoma. While miRNAs can act locally in the cell where they are synthesized, they can also influence the phenotype of neighboring melanoma cells or execute their function in the direct tumour microenvironment by modulating ECM (extracellular matrix) and the activity of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells. miRNAs are involved in all stages of melanoma metastasis, including intravasation into the lumina of vessels, survival during circulation in cardiovascular or lymphatic systems, extravasation, and formation of the pre-metastatic niche in distant organs. miRNAs contribute to metabolic alterations that provide a selective advantage during melanoma progression. They play an important role in the development of drug resistance, including resistance to targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Distinct profiles of miRNA expression are detected at each step of melanoma development. Since miRNAs can be detected in liquid biopsies, they are considered biomarkers of early disease stages or response to treatment. This review summarizes recent findings regarding the role of miRNAs in melanoma metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gajos-Michniewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215 Lodz, Poland.
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Chai L, Kang XJ, Sun ZZ, Zeng MF, Yu SR, Ding Y, Liang JQ, Li TT, Zhao J. MiR-497-5p, miR-195-5p and miR-455-3p function as tumor suppressors by targeting hTERT in melanoma A375 cells. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:989-1003. [PMID: 29760567 PMCID: PMC5937487 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s163335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background hTERT gene plays an important role in melanoma, although the specific mechanism involved is unclear. The aim of this study was to screen and identify the relative miRNAs with the regulation of hTERT in melanoma. Materials and methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect hTERT mRNA and protein expression in 36 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded melanoma tissues and 36 age- and sex-matched pigmented nevi cases, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis and custom miRNA polymerase chain reaction array were determined for predicting, screening and verifying miRNAs with the regulation of the hTERT gene. To investigate the biological functions, miRNAs mimics or inhibitors were transfected into melanoma A375 cells. The relative expression of miR-497-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-455-3p and hTERT mRNA was determined by q-PCR. The protein expression of hTERT was detected by Western blot. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazolyl-2-yl)-2,5-biphenyl tetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry were employed to detect cell proliferation ability, cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to observe cell invasion and migration abilities. A direct target gene of miRNAs was analyzed by a dual luciferase reporter activity assay. Results MiR-497-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-455-3p were significantly downregulated, while hTERT was upregulated in melanoma tissues. hTERT expression level was inversely correlated with miR-497-5p, miR-195-5p and miR-455-3p. Overexpression of miR-497-5p, miR-195-5p and miR-455-3p inhibited A375 cell proliferation, migration and invasion, arrested the cell cycle, induced cell apoptosis and decreased hTERT expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Suppression of miR-497-5p, miR-195-5p and miR-455-3p partially reversed the inhibitory effects. Finally, hTERT was identified as a direct target of miR-497-5p, miR-195-5p and miR-455-3p. Conclusions MiR-497-5p, miR-195-5p and miR-455-3p act as tumor suppressors by targeting hTERT in melanoma A375 cells. Therefore, miR-497-5p, miR-195-5p and miR-455-3p could be potential targeted therapeutic choice for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chai
- Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Kang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhen-Zhu Sun
- Department of Pathology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Ming-Feng Zeng
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Shi-Rong Yu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun-Qin Liang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
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Carè A, Bellenghi M, Matarrese P, Gabriele L, Salvioli S, Malorni W. Sex disparity in cancer: roles of microRNAs and related functional players. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:477-485. [PMID: 29352271 PMCID: PMC5864217 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-017-0051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A sexual dimorphism at the cellular level has been suggested to play a role in cancer onset and progression. In particular, very recent studies have unraveled striking differences between cells carrying XX or XY chromosomes in terms of response to stressful stimuli, indicating the presence of genetic and epigenetic differences determining sex-specific metabolic or phenotypic traits. Although this field of investigation is still in its infancy, available data suggest a key role of sexual chromosomes in determining cell life or death. In particular, cells carrying XX chromosomes exhibit a higher adaptive potential and survival behavior in response to microenvironmental variations with respect to XY cells. Cells from females also appear to be equipped with more efficient epigenetic machinery than the male counterpart. In particular, the X chromosome contains an unexpected high number of microRNAs (miRs), at present 118, in comparison with only two miRs localized on chromosome Y, and an average of 40-50 on the autosomes. The regulatory power of these small non-coding RNAs is well recognized, as 30-50% of all protein-coding genes are targeted by miRs and their role in cell fate has been well demonstrated. In addition, several further insights, including DNA methylation patterns that are different in males and females, claim for a significant gender disparity in cancer and in the immune system activity against tumors. In this brief paper, we analyze the state of the art of our knowledge on the implication of miRs encoded on sex chromosomes, and their related functional paths, in the regulation of cell homeostasis and depict possible perspectives for the epigenetic research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Carè
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Bellenghi
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Matarrese
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Gabriele
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Oncology Unit, Center for Gender-specific Medicine Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena, 299 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Felicetti F, De Feo A, Coscia C, Puglisi R, Pedini F, Pasquini L, Bellenghi M, Errico MC, Pagani E, Carè A. Exosome-mediated transfer of miR-222 is sufficient to increase tumor malignancy in melanoma. J Transl Med 2016; 14:56. [PMID: 26912358 PMCID: PMC4765208 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-0811-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Growing evidence is showing that metastatic cell populations are able to transfer their characteristics to less malignant cells. Exosomes (EXOs) are membrane vesicles of endocytic origin able to convey their cargo of mRNAs, microRNAs (miRs), proteins and lipids from donors to proximal as well as distant acceptor cells. Our previous results indicated that miR-221&222 are key factors for melanoma development and dissemination. The aim of this study was to verify whether the tumorigenic properties associated with miR-222 overexpression can be also propagated by miR-222-containing EXOs. Methods EXOs were isolated by UltraCentrifugation or Exoquick-TC® methods. Preparations of melanoma-derived vesicles were characterized by using the Nanosight™ technology and the expression of exosome markers analyzed by western blot. The expression levels of endogenous and exosomal miRNAs were examined by real time PCR. Confocal microscopy was used to evaluate transfer and uptake of microvesicles from donor to recipient cells. The functional significance of exosomal miR-222 was estimated by analyzing the vessel-like process formation, as well as cell cycle rates, invasive and chemotactic capabilities. Results Besides microvesicle marker characterization, we evidenced that miR-222 exosomal expression mostly reflected its abundance in the cells of origin, correctly paralleled by repression of its target genes, such as p27Kip1, and induction of the PI3K/AKT pathway, thus confirming its functional implication in cancer. The possible differential significance of PI3K/AKT blockade was assessed by using the BKM120 inhibitor in miR-222-transduced cell lines. In addition, in vitro cultures showed that vesicles released by miR-222-overexpressing cells were able to transfer miR-222-dependent malignancy when taken-up by recipient primary melanomas. Results were confirmed by antagomiR-221&222 treatments and by functional observations after internalization of EXOs devoid of these miRs. Conclusion All together these data, besides generally confirming the role of miR-222 in melanoma tumorigenesis, supported its responsibility in the exosome-associated melanoma properties, thus further indicating this miR as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and its abrogation as a future therapeutic option. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-016-0811-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Felicetti
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra De Feo
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carolina Coscia
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rossella Puglisi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Pedini
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Pasquini
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Bellenghi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina Errico
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elena Pagani
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico DELL'IMMACOLATA-IRCCS, 00167, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Carè
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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