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Development of fluorizoline analogues as prohibitin ligands that modulate C-RAF signaling, p21 expression and melanogenesis. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 242:114635. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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2
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Harms PW, Harms KL, Moore PS, DeCaprio JA, Nghiem P, Wong MKK, Brownell I. The biology and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma: current understanding and research priorities. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 15:763-776. [PMID: 30287935 PMCID: PMC6319370 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-018-0103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer associated with advanced age and immunosuppression. Over the past decade, an association has been discovered between MCC and either integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus, which likely drives tumorigenesis, or somatic mutations owing to ultraviolet-induced DNA damage. Both virus-positive and virus-negative MCCs are immunogenic, and inhibition of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)–programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint has proved to be highly effective in treating patients with metastatic MCC; however, not all patients have a durable response to immunotherapy. Despite these rapid advances in the understanding and management of patients with MCC, many basic, translational and clinical research questions remain unanswered. In March 2018, an International Workshop on Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research was held at the US National Cancer Institute, at which academic, government and industry experts met to identify the highest-priority research questions. Here, we review the biology and treatment of MCC and report the consensus-based recommendations agreed upon during the workshop. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive form of nonmelanoma skin cancer. The availability of immune checkpoint inhibition has improved the outcomes of a subset of patients with MCC, although many unmet needs continue to exist. In this Consensus Statement, the authors summarize developments in our understanding of MCC while also providing consensus recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Harms
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly L Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patrick S Moore
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James A DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael K K Wong
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isaac Brownell
- Dermatology Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive skin cancer with neuroendocrine features. MCC pathogenesis is associated with either the presence of Merkel cell polyomavirus or chronic exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), which can cause a characteristic pattern of multiple DNA mutations. Notably, in the Northern hemisphere, the majority of MCC cases are of viral aetiology; by contrast, in areas with high UV exposure, UV-mediated carcinogenesis is predominant. The two aetiologies share similar clinical, histopathological and prognostic characteristics. MCC presents with a solitary cutaneous or subcutaneous nodule, most frequently in sun-exposed areas. In fact, UV exposure is probably involved in both viral-mediated and non-viral-mediated carcinogenesis, by contributing to immunosuppression or DNA damage, respectively. Confirmation of diagnosis relies on analyses of histological features and immunological marker expression profiles of the lesion. At primary diagnosis, loco-regional metastases are already present in ∼30% of patients. Excision of the tumour is the first-line therapy; if not feasible, radiotherapy can often effectively control the disease. Chemotherapy was the only alternative in advanced-stage or refractory MCC until several clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
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Houben R, Angermeyer S, Haferkamp S, Aue A, Goebeler M, Schrama D, Hesbacher S. Characterization of functional domains in the Merkel cell polyoma virus Large T antigen. Int J Cancer 2014; 136:E290-300. [PMID: 25208506 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)--positive Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) tumor cell growth is dependent on the expression of a viral Large T antigen (LT) with an intact retinoblastoma protein (RB)-binding site. This RB-binding domain in MCPyV-LT is--in contrast to other polyomavirus LTs (e.g., SV40)--embedded between two large MCPyV unique regions (MUR1 and MUR2). To identify elements of the MCPyV-LT necessary for tumor cell growth, we analyzed the rescue activity of LT variants following knockdown of the endogenous LT in MCC cells. These experiments demonstrate that nuclear localization is essential for LT function, but that a motif previously described to be a nuclear localization sequence is neither required for nuclear accumulation of truncated MCPyV-LT nor for promotion of MCC cell proliferation. Furthermore, large parts of the MURs distal to the RB binding domain as well as ALTO--a second protein encoded by an alternative reading frame in the MCPyV-LT mRNA--are completely dispensable for MCPyV-driven tumor cell proliferation. Notably, even MCPyV-LTs in which the entire MURs have been removed are still able to promote MCC cellular growth although rescue activity is reduced which may be due to MUR1 being required for stable LT expression in MCC cells. Finally, we provide evidence implying that--while binding to Vam6p is not essential--HSC-70 interaction is significantly involved in mediating MCPyV-LT function in MCC cells including growth promotion and induction of E2F target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
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5
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Chronic mTOR activation promotes cell survival in Merkel cell carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2013; 344:272-281. [PMID: 24262658 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer with rising incidence. In this study, we demonstrate that mTOR activation and suppressed autophagy is common in MCCs. mTOR inhibition in two primary human MCC cell lines induces autophagy and cell death that is independent of caspase activation but can be attenuated by autophagy inhibition. This is the first study to evaluate mTOR and autophagy in MCC. Our data suggests a potential role of autophagic cell death upon mTOR inhibition and thus uncovers a previously underappreciated role of mTOR signaling and cell survival, and merits further studies for potential therapeutic targets.
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Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma requires viral small T-antigen for cell proliferation. J Invest Dermatol 2013; 134:1479-1481. [PMID: 24217011 PMCID: PMC3989379 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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7
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Mechanisms of p53 restriction in Merkel cell carcinoma cells are independent of the Merkel cell polyoma virus T antigens. J Invest Dermatol 2013; 133:2453-2460. [PMID: 23563200 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and very aggressive skin cancer with viral etiology. The tumor-associated Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCV) belongs to a group of viruses encoding T antigens (TAs) that can induce tumorigenesis by interfering with cellular tumor-suppressor proteins like p53. To explore possible modes of p53 inactivation in MCC p53 sequencing, expression analysis and reporter gene assays for functional analyses were performed in a set of MCC lines. In one MCV-negative and one MCV-positive cell line, p53 inactivating mutations were found. In the majority of MCC lines, however, wild-type p53 is expressed and displays some transcriptional activity, which is yet not sufficient to effectively restrict cellular survival or growth in these cell cultures. Interestingly, the MCV TAs are not responsible for this critical lack in p53 activity, as TA knockdown in MCV-positive MCC cells does not induce p53 activity. In contrast, inhibition of the ubiquitin ligase HDM-2 (human double minute 2) by Nutlin-3a leads to p53 activation and p53-dependent apoptosis or cell cycle arrest in five out of seven p53 wild-type MCC lines, highlighting p53 as a potential target for future therapies of this aggressive tumor.
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Shao Q, Byrum SD, Moreland LE, Mackintosh SG, Kannan A, Lin Z, Morgan M, Stack BC, Cornelius LA, Tackett AJ, Gao L. A Proteomic Study of Human Merkel Cell Carcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 6:275-282. [PMID: 25284964 PMCID: PMC4181674 DOI: 10.4172/jpb.1000291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine cancer of the skin. The incidence has been quadrupled with a 5-year mortality rate of 46%, presently there is no cure for metastatic disease. Despite the contribution of Merkel cell polyomavirus, the molecular events of MCC carcinogenesis are poorly defined. To better understand MCC carcinogensis, we have performed the first quantitative proteomic comparison of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) MCC tissues using another neuroendocrine tumor (carcinoid tumor of the lung) as controls. Bioinformatic analysis of the proteomic data has revealed that MCCs carry distinct protein expression patterns. Further analysis of significantly over-expressed proteins suggested the involvement of MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, wnt, and apoptosis signaling pathways. Our previous study and that from others have shown mTOR activation in MCCs. Therefore, we have focused on two downstream molecules of the mTOR pathway, lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) and heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein F (hnRNPF). We confirm over-expression of LDHB and hnRNPF in two primary human MCC cell lines, 16 fresh tumors, and in the majority of 80 tissue microarray samples. Moreover, mTOR inhibition suppresses LDHB and hnRNPF expression in MCC cells. The results of the current study provide insight into MCC carcinogenesis and provide rationale for mTOR inhibition in pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Shao
- Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA ; Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Linley E Moreland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Samuel G Mackintosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Aarthi Kannan
- Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Zhenyu Lin
- Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA ; Cancer Center Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Michael Morgan
- University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Brendan C Stack
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Lynn A Cornelius
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 63110, USA
| | - Alan J Tackett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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Krasagakis K, Fragiadaki I, Metaxari M, Krüger-Krasagakis S, Tzanakakis GN, Stathopoulos EN, Eberle J, Tavernarakis N, Tosca AD. KIT receptor activation by autocrine and paracrine stem cell factor stimulates growth of merkel cell carcinoma in vitro. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:1099-109. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Carnahan J, Beltran PJ, Babij C, Le Q, Rose MJ, Vonderfecht S, Kim JL, Smith AL, Nagapudi K, Broome MA, Fernando M, Kha H, Belmontes B, Radinsky R, Kendall R, Burgess TL. Selective and potent Raf inhibitors paradoxically stimulate normal cell proliferation and tumor growth. Mol Cancer Ther 2010; 9:2399-410. [PMID: 20663930 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-10-0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Raf inhibitors are under clinical investigation, specifically in patients with tumor types harboring frequent activating mutations in B-Raf. Here, we show that cell lines and tumors harboring mutant B-Raf were sensitive to a novel series of Raf inhibitors (e.g., (V600E)B-Raf A375, IC(50) on cells = 2 nmol/L; ED(50) on tumor xenografts = 1.3 mg/kg). However, in cells and tumors with wild-type B-Raf, exposure to Raf inhibitors resulted in a dose-dependent and sustained activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. In some of these cell lines, Raf inhibition led to entry into the cell cycle, enhanced proliferation, and significantly stimulated tumor growth in vivo. Inhibition with structurally distinct Raf inhibitors or isoform-specific small interfering RNA knockdown of Raf showed that these effects were mediated directly through Raf. Either A-Raf or C-Raf mediated the Raf inhibitor-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation in an inhibitor-specific manner. These paradoxical effects of Raf inhibition were seen in malignant and normal cells in vitro and in vivo. Hyperplasia of normal epithelial cells in the esophagus and the stomach was evident in mice with all efficacious Raf inhibitors (n = 8) tested. An implication of these results is that Raf inhibitors may induce unexpected normal cell and tumor tissue proliferation in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josette Carnahan
- Department of Hematology, Amgen, Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
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Expression of MMP-10, MMP-21, MMP-26, and MMP-28 in Merkel cell carcinoma. Virchows Arch 2009; 455:495-503. [DOI: 10.1007/s00428-009-0856-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2009] [Revised: 10/14/2009] [Accepted: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Becker JC, Kauczok CS, Ugurel S, Eib S, Bröcker EB, Houben R. Merkel cell carcinoma: molecular pathogenesis, clinical features and therapy. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2009; 6:709-19. [PMID: 19000060 DOI: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2008.06830.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. The incidence of this rare tumor is increasing rapidly; the American Cancer Society estimates for 2008 almost 1500 new cases in the U.S. Thus, the incidence of MCC will exceed the incidence of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Moreover, the mortality rate of MCC with 33% is considerably higher than that of cutaneous melanoma. These clinical observations are especially disturbing as we are only recently beginning to understand the pathogenesis of MCC. For the same reason, the therapeutic approach is often unclear; reliable data are only available for the therapy of locoregional disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, University of Würzburg, Germany.
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Houben R, Ortmann S, Drasche A, Troppmair J, Herold MJ, Becker JC. Proliferation Arrest in B-Raf Mutant Melanoma Cell Lines upon MAPK Pathway Activation. J Invest Dermatol 2009; 129:406-14. [DOI: 10.1038/jid.2008.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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14
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Schlauder SM, Calder KB, Khalil FK, Passmore L, Mathew RA, Morgan MB. Bif-1 and Bax expression in cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma. J Cutan Pathol 2009; 36:21-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2007.00945.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Grange F. [Skin cancer: what's new in clinical research?]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2008; 134 Suppl 1:8S53-63. [PMID: 18675141 DOI: 10.1016/s0151-9638(07)80560-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Every year skin cancer is the subject of many publications. In this review of the recent literature, we selected epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data published between October 2006 and September 2007. Some of the studies presented in conferences in 2007 are also mentioned. New epidemiological data have been provided regarding the incidence of different types of skin cancers, the effect of certain risk factors or drug or food protective factors, the overall improvement of survival in melanoma, the epidemiological, clinical, and/or therapeutic particularities of rapidely growing melanomas and thick melanomas, and the relations between sun exposure, skin cancers, and other solid tumors. New prognostic studies in melanoma have improved the evaluation of prognosis in specific situations such as thin melanoma, acrolentiginous melanoma, and melanoma with positive sentinel lymph nodes (depending on the type of positivity) or negative sentinel lymph nodes. Important results on adjuvant interferon in melanoma have been presented. Clinical trials evaluating new therapeutic approaches in stage III and IV melanoma are going on. Several studies confirmed the clinical benefit of adjuvant irradiation on the tumor site in Merkel cell carcinoma. New treatments are being studied or have been approved in refractory forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and in inoperable forms of squamous cell carcinoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Grange
- Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Robert-Debré, avenue du Général-Koenig, 51092 Reims cedex, France.
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008; 16:175-82. [DOI: 10.1097/moo.0b013e3282fd9415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Over the past 5 years, the Raf kinase family has emerged as a promising target for protein-directed cancer therapy development. The goal of this review is to first provide a concise summary of the data validating Raf proteins as high-interest therapeutic targets. The authors then outline the mode of action of Raf kinases, emphasizing how Raf activities and protein interactions suggest specific approaches to inhibiting Raf. The authors then summarize the set of drugs, antisense reagents and antibodies available or in development for therapeutically targeting Raf or Raf-related proteins, as well as existing strategies combining these and other therapeutic agents. Finally, the authors discuss recent results from systems biology analyses that have the potential to increasingly guide the intelligent selection of combination therapies involving Raf-targeting agents and other therapeutics.
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Houben R, Ortmann S, Becker JC. RKIP does not contribute to MAP kinase pathway silencing in the Merkel Cell Carcinoma cell line UISO. J Carcinog 2007; 6:16. [PMID: 17958888 PMCID: PMC2140056 DOI: 10.1186/1477-3163-6-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2007] [Accepted: 10/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) has been shown to block MAP kinase pathway as well as NFκB signalling. By means of immunohistochemistry, we previously demonstrated that the MAP kinase pathway is virtually inactive in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Similarly to MCC in situ high RKIP expression accompanies absence of ERK phosphorylation in the MCC cell line UISO suggesting that RKIP might be causative for MAP kinase pathway silencing. Methods Applying an siRNA approach RKIP expression was knocked down in UISO cells and a possible influence on MAP kinase pathway activity was assessed by Western blot analysis using phospho-specific antibodies. Moreover, a possible effect of RKIP knock down in UISO cells on proliferation as well as chemosensitivity to cisplatin were examined applying the MTS assay. Results Surprisingly the absence of phosphorylation of the MAP kinases ERK1 and ERK 2 even following growth factor stimulation was not affected by the RKIP knock down indicating that RKIP is not essential for blocking the MAP kinase pathway in the MCC cell line UISO. Moreover, proliferation as well as chemosensitivity towards cisplatin were not altered upon knock down of RKIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Houben
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Ortmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Juergen C Becker
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Lemos B, Nghiem P. Merkel cell carcinoma: more deaths but still no pathway to blame. J Invest Dermatol 2007; 127:2100-3. [PMID: 17700621 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine skin cancer with a rising incidence (1500 U.S. cases per year) that now exceeds that of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and a mortality (33%) exceeding that of melanoma. Despite this impact, little is known about its biology. Recent studies have shown that Ras/MAP kinase activity is absent and possibly detrimental to this cancer. This makes MCC distinct from other UV--induced skin cancers and highlights the question of what drives this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Lemos
- University of Washington Dermatology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
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