1
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Szallasi A. "ThermoTRP" Channel Expression in Cancers: Implications for Diagnosis and Prognosis (Practical Approach by a Pathologist). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9098. [PMID: 37240443 PMCID: PMC10219044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels (so-called "thermoTRPs") are multifunctional signaling molecules with important roles in cell growth and differentiation. Several "thermoTRP" channels show altered expression in cancers, though it is unclear if this is a cause or consequence of the disease. Regardless of the underlying pathology, this altered expression may potentially be used for cancer diagnosis and prognostication. "ThermoTRP" expression may distinguish between benign and malignant lesions. For example, TRPV1 is expressed in benign gastric mucosa, but is absent in gastric adenocarcinoma. TRPV1 is also expressed both in normal urothelia and non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, but no TRPV1 expression has been seen in invasive urothelial carcinoma. "ThermoTRP" expression can also be used to predict clinical outcomes. For instance, in prostate cancer, TRPM8 expression predicts aggressive behavior with early metastatic disease. Furthermore, TRPV1 expression can dissect a subset of pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients with bad prognosis and resistance to a number of commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. This review will explore the current state of this rapidly evolving field with special emphasis on immunostains that can already be added to the armoire of diagnostic pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpad Szallasi
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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2
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Non-coding RNA dysregulation in skin cancers. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:641-655. [PMID: 34414406 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Skin cancers are the most common cancers worldwide. They can be classified in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the latter includes squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In recent years, the crucial role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in skin cancer pathogenesis has become increasingly evident. NcRNAs are functional RNA molecules that lack any protein-coding activity. These ncRNAs are classified based on their length: small, medium-size, and long ncRNAs. Among the most studied ncRNAs there are microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNA (circRNAs). ncRNAs have the ability to regulate gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and are involved in skin cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Many ncRNAs exhibit tissue- or cell-specific expression while others have been correlated to tumor staging, drug resistance, and prognosis. For these reasons, ncRNAs have both a diagnostic and prognostic significance in skin cancers. Our review summarizes the functional role of ncRNAs in skin cancers and their potential clinical application as biomarkers.
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3
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Riefolo M, Porcellini E, Dika E, Broseghini E, Ferracin M. Interplay between small and long non-coding RNAs in cutaneous melanoma: a complex jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:74-98. [PMID: 30499222 PMCID: PMC6322194 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) has increased in the past few decades. The biology of melanoma is characterized by a complex interaction between genetic, environmental and phenotypic factors. A greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms that promote melanoma cell growth and dissemination is crucial to improve diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment of CM. Both small and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified to play a role in melanoma biology; microRNA and lncRNA expression is altered in transformed melanocytes and this in turn has functional effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and immune response. Moreover, specific dysregulated ncRNAs were shown to have a diagnostic or prognostic role in melanoma and to drive the establishment of drug resistance. Here, we review the current literature on small and lncRNAs with a role in melanoma, with the aim of putting into some order this complex jigsaw puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Riefolo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)University of BolognaItaly
| | - Elisa Porcellini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)University of BolognaItaly
| | - Emi Dika
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)University of BolognaItaly
| | - Elisabetta Broseghini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)University of BolognaItaly
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)University of BolognaItaly
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4
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Vitiello M, Tuccoli A, D'Aurizio R, Sarti S, Giannecchini L, Lubrano S, Marranci A, Evangelista M, Peppicelli S, Ippolito C, Barravecchia I, Guzzolino E, Montagnani V, Gowen M, Mercoledi E, Mercatanti A, Comelli L, Gurrieri S, Wu LW, Ope O, Flaherty K, Boland GM, Hammond MR, Kwong L, Chiariello M, Stecca B, Zhang G, Salvetti A, Angeloni D, Pitto L, Calorini L, Chiorino G, Pellegrini M, Herlyn M, Osman I, Poliseno L. Context-dependent miR-204 and miR-211 affect the biological properties of amelanotic and melanotic melanoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:25395-25417. [PMID: 28445987 PMCID: PMC5421939 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing amounts of experimental evidence depicting the involvement of non-coding RNAs in cancer, the study of BRAFV600E-regulated genes has thus far focused mainly on protein-coding ones. Here, we identify and study the microRNAs that BRAFV600E regulates through the ERK pathway. By performing small RNA sequencing on A375 melanoma cells and a vemurafenib-resistant clone that was taken as negative control, we discover miR-204 and miR-211 as the miRNAs most induced by vemurafenib. We also demonstrate that, although belonging to the same family, these two miRNAs have distinctive features. miR-204 is under the control of STAT3 and its expression is induced in amelanotic melanoma cells, where it acts as an effector of vemurafenib's anti-motility activity by targeting AP1S2. Conversely, miR-211, a known transcriptional target of MITF, is induced in melanotic melanoma cells, where it targets EDEM1 and consequently impairs the degradation of TYROSINASE (TYR) through the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. In doing so, miR-211 serves as an effector of vemurafenib's pro-pigmentation activity. We also show that such an increase in pigmentation in turn represents an adaptive response that needs to be overcome using appropriate inhibitors in order to increase the efficacy of vemurafenib. In summary, we unveil the distinct and context-dependent activities exerted by miR-204 family members in melanoma cells. Our work challenges the widely accepted “same miRNA family = same function” rule and provides a rationale for a novel treatment strategy for melanotic melanomas that is based on the combination of ERK pathway inhibitors with pigmentation inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Vitiello
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Tuccoli
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy
| | - Romina D'Aurizio
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Medicine (LISM), Institute of Informatics and Telematics (IIT), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Samanta Sarti
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy.,University of Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Giannecchini
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Lubrano
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy.,University of Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Marranci
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy.,University of Siena, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Peppicelli
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Unit of Histology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Valentina Montagnani
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUC, Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Mercoledi
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Laura Comelli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gurrieri
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Chiariello
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy.,Signal Transduction Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUS, Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUC, Firenze, Italy
| | - Gao Zhang
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Unit of Experimental Biology and Genetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Pitto
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Marco Pellegrini
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Medicine (LISM), Institute of Informatics and Telematics (IIT), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Poliseno
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy
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5
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Brożyna AA, Guo H, Yang S, Cornelius L, Linette G, Murphy M, Sheehan C, Ross J, Slominski A, Carlson JA. TRPM1
(melastatin) expression is an independent predictor of overall survival in clinical
AJCC
stage I and
II
melanoma patients. J Cutan Pathol 2017; 44:328-337. [DOI: 10.1111/cup.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Brożyna
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre—Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Faculty of Health SciencesNicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Huazhang Guo
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center, UPMC Cancer Pavilion Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - Sun‐Eun Yang
- Department of PathologyAlbany Medical College MC‐81 Albany New York
| | - Lynn Cornelius
- Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis Missouri
| | - Gerald Linette
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis Missouri
| | - Michael Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, MC‐6230University of Connecticut Health Center Farmington Connecticut
| | | | - Jeffrey Ross
- Department of PathologyAlbany Medical College MC‐81 Albany New York
| | - Andrzej Slominski
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham Alabama
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6
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Abbas O, Miller DD, Bhawan J. Cutaneous malignant melanoma: update on diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Am J Dermatopathol 2014; 36:363-79. [PMID: 24803061 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0b013e31828a2ec5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma has rapidly increased in recent years in all parts of the world, and melanoma is a leading cause of cancer death. As even relatively small melanomas may have metastatic potential, accurate assessment of progression is critical. Although diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma is usually based on histopathologic criteria, these criteria may at times be inadequate in differentiating melanoma from certain types of benign nevi. As for prognosis, tumor (Breslow) thickness, mitotic rate, and ulceration have been considered the most important prognostic indicators among histopathologic criteria. However, there are cases of thin primary melanomas that have ultimately developed metastases despite complete excision. Given this, an accurate assessment of melanoma progression is critical, and development of molecular biomarkers that identify high-risk melanoma in its early phase is urgently needed. Large-scale genomic profiling has identified considerable heterogeneity in melanoma and suggests subgrouping of tumors by patterns of gene expression and mutation will ultimately be essential to accurate staging. This subgrouping in turn may allow for more targeted therapy. In this review, we aim to provide an update on the most promising new biomarkers that may help in the identification and prognostication of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ossama Abbas
- *Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Dermatology Department, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; and †Assistant Professor of Dermatology (D.D.M.), Professor of Dermatology and Pathology (J.B.), Dermatopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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7
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Abstract
Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel superfamily plays important roles in variety cellular processes including polymodal cellular sensing, cell adhesion, cell polarity, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. One of its subfamilies are TRPM channels. mRNA expression of its founding member, TRPM1 (melastatin), correlates with terminal melanocytic differentiation and loss of its expression has been identified as an important diagnostic and prognostic marker for primary cutaneous melanoma. Because TRPM1 gene codes two transcripts: TRPM1 channel protein in its exons and miR-211 in one of its introns, we propose a dual role for TRPM1 gene where the loss of TRPM1 channel protein is an excellent marker of melanoma aggressiveness, while the expression of miR-211 is linked to the tumor suppressor function of TRPM1. In addition, three other members of this subfamily, TRPM 2, 7 and 8 are implicated in the regulation of melanocytic behaviour. TRPM2 is capable of inducing melanoma apoptosis and necrosis. TRPM7 can be a protector and detoxifier in both melanocytes and melanoma cells. TRPM8 can mediate agonist-induced melanoma cell death. Therefore, we propose that TRPM1, TRPM2, TRPM7 and TRPM8 play crucial roles in melanocyte physiology and melanoma oncology and are excellent diagnostic markers and theraputic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huazhang Guo
- Department of Pathology, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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8
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9
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TRPA1 is functionally expressed in melanoma cells but is not critical for impaired proliferation caused by allyl isothiocyanate or cinnamaldehyde. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2012; 385:555-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-012-0747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Linos K, Slominski A, Ross JS, Carlson JA. Melanoma update: diagnostic and prognostic factors that can effectively shape and personalize management. Biomark Med 2011; 5:333-60. [PMID: 21657842 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.11.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Routine light microscopy remains a powerful tool to diagnose, stage and prognose melanoma. Although it is very economical and efficient, it requires a significant level of expertise and, in difficult cases the final diagnosis is affected by subjective interpretation. Fortunately, new insights into the genomic aberrations characteristic of melanoma, coupled with ancillary studies, are further refining evaluation and management allowing for more confident diagnosis, more accurate staging and the selection of targeted therapy. In this article, we review the standard of care and new updates including four probe FISH, the 2009 American Joint Commission on Cancer staging of melanoma and mutant testing of melanoma, which will be crucial for targeted therapy of metastatic melanoma.
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11
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Abstract
CONTEXT In the current "molecular" era, the advent of technology, such as array-based platforms, systems biology, and genome-wide approaches, has made it possible to examine human cancers, including melanoma, for genetic mutations, deletions, amplification, differentially regulated genes, and epigenetic changes. Advancement in current technologies is such that one can now examine ribonucleic acid (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and protein directly from the patient's own tumor. OBJECTIVE To apply these new technologies in advancing molecular diagnostics in melanoma has historically suffered from a major obstacle, namely, the scarcity of fresh frozen, morphologically defined tumor banks, annotated with clinical information. Recently, some of the new platforms have advanced to permit utilization of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor specimens as starting material. DATA SOURCES This article reviews the latest technologies applied to FFPE melanoma sections, narrowing its focus on the utility of transcriptional profiling, especially for melastatin; comparative genomic hybridization; BRAF and NRAS mutational analysis; and micro ribonucleic acid profiling. CONCLUSION New molecular approaches are emerging and are likely to improve the classification of melanocytic neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil S Dadras
- Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06302, USA.
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12
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Autoantibodies in melanoma-associated retinopathy target TRPM1 cation channels of retinal ON bipolar cells. J Neurosci 2011; 31:3962-7. [PMID: 21411639 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6007-10.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is characterized by night blindness, photopsias, and a selective reduction of the electroretinogram b-wave. In certain cases, the serum contains autoantibodies that react with ON bipolar cells, but the target of these autoantibodies has not been identified. Here we show that the primary target of autoantibodies produced in MAR patients with reduced b-wave is the TRPM1 cation channel, the newly identified transduction channel in ON bipolar cells. Sera from two well characterized MAR patients, but not from a control subject, stained human embryonic kidney cells transfected with the TRPM1 gene, and Western blots probed with these MAR sera showed the expected band size (∼180 kDa). Staining of mouse and primate retina with MAR sera revealed immunoreactivity in all types of ON bipolar cells. Similar to staining for TRPM1, staining with the MAR sera was strong in dendritic tips and somas and was weak or absent in axon terminals. This staining colocalized with GFP in Grm6-GFP transgenic mice, where GFP is expressed in all and only ON bipolar cells, and also colocalized with Gα(o), a marker for all types of ON bipolar cells. The staining in ON bipolar cells was confirmed to be specific to TRPM1 because MAR serum did not stain these cells in a Trpm1(-/-) mouse. Evidence suggests that the recognized epitope is likely intracellular, and the sera can be internalized by retinal cells. We conclude that the vision of at least some patients with MAR is compromised due to autoantibody-mediated inactivation of the TRPM1 channel.
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13
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Oancea E, Wicks NL. TRPM1: new trends for an old TRP. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 704:135-45. [PMID: 21290293 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-0265-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
TRPM1, initially named Melastatin, is the founding member of the TRPM subfamily of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels. Despite sustained efforts, the molecular properties and physiological functions of TRPM1 remained elusive until recently. New evidence has uncovered novel TRPM1 splice variants and revealed that TRPM1 is critical for a non-selective cation conductance in melanocytes and retinal bipolar cells. Functionally, TRPM1 has been shown to mediate retinal ON bipolar cell transduction and suggested to regulate melanocyte pigmentation. Notably, TRPM1 mutations have also been associated with congenital stationary night blindness in humans. This review will summarize and discuss our present knowledge of TRPM1: its discovery, expression, regulation, and proposed functions in skin and eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Oancea
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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14
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Lu S, Slominski A, Yang SE, Sheehan C, Ross J, Carlson JA. The correlation of TRPM1 (Melastatin) mRNA expression with microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and other melanogenesis-related proteins in normal and pathological skin, hair follicles and melanocytic nevi. J Cutan Pathol 2010; 37 Suppl 1:26-40. [PMID: 20482673 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2010.01504.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melastatin (TRPM1), a.k.a. transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 1 (TRPM-1) regulates melanocyte differentiation and proliferation. TRPM1 is transcriptionally regulated by the essential melanocyte transcription factor MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor). For the most part, MITF expression is preserved during melanoma progression, while TRPM1 mRNA expression decreases or is completely lost. The loss of TRPM1 is associated with melanomas that are more aggressive. OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between TRPM1 mRNA expression and the expression of MITF and nine other markers of melanocytes and melanin-related proteins by immunohistochemistry in normal skin, scars, hair follicles and ordinary melanocytic nevi. METHODS Samples of normal skin (n = 102; from tumor excisions and plastic procedures), scars (n = 5; from re-excision specimens) and compound melanocytic nevi (n = 4) were evaluated for the presence of TRPM1 mRNA transcripts as detected by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). Immunohistochemical techniques were used to detect melanin-related proteins including: MITF, S100 protein, Mart-1, tyrosinase, Mel5, HMB45, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP1), TRP2 and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alphaMSH). The labeling index (LI) was defined as the number of intraepidermal cells expressing mRNA or protein per one hundred basal keratinocytes. RESULTS A wide range of LI was found for all markers (0-33 positive cells/100 keratinocytes). When these LI were compared, no significant differences in the expression of MITF, S100, Mart1, tyrosinase proteins and TRPM1 mRNA were identified. The LI for TRPM1 mRNA expression ranged from 74% of that for MITF to 86% for tyrosinase. The LI for TRP-1, TRP-2 and Mel5 was similar to that of TRPM1, while HMB-45 had a significantly lower LI than all other markers. TRPM1 mRNA correlated most tightly with MITF and tyrosinase expression (r = 0.81 and 0.68, respectively, both p = 0.0001). Likewise, the strongest correlation among all the melanin-related proteins existed between tyrosinase and MITF (r = 0.79, p = 0.0001). There was variable expression of melanin-related proteins when LI were analyzed by anatomic site, patient age, extent of sun-damage and proximity to a melanocytic tumor. Anogenital skin showed the highest and acral skin the lowest LI for TRPM1, MITF, S100 protein, Tyrosinase, Mel5 and HMB45. Advanced age (> 60 years) was associated with decreased TRPM1 expression. Sun-damaged skin exhibited significantly increased LI as measured by MITF, S100 protein, Mart1, tyrosinase and HMB-45, but no differences for TRPM1. However, the MITF-TRPM1 differential (i.e. MITF LI-TRPM1 LI = MITF+TRPM1--melanocytes) was significantly increased in site-matched skin (4.6 +/- 4.4 vs. 1.5 +/- 2.5, p = 0.01). There was a suggestion of reduced LI in normal skin in the proximity of melanoma (from melanoma re-excision specimens) for S100, HMB45 and TRPM1 mRNA. TRPM1 LI was significantly decreased in scars compared to normal skin (5.6 +/- 1.4 vs. 9.7 +/- 4.3, p = 0.02), this was reflected in an increase in the MITF-TRPM1 differential (9.6 +/- 7.5 vs. 3.2 +/- 3.1, p = 0.0001). MITF LI were consistently higher than MSLN LI at all levels of the hair follicle; notably, MITF was expressed by isthmic-bulge cells. In ordinary melanocytic nevi, MITF and TRPM1 expression decreased with melanocyte descent: there was more signal for both markers in superficial epithelioid type A melanocytes than deeper type C melanocytes. CONCLUSIONS By CISH, TRPM1 mRNA expression is specific for melanocytes and strongly associated with MITF and tyrosinase expression, the latter implicating a mature melanocyte phenotype. However, in normal skin, TRPM1 mRNA expression appears to be dynamic, labeling most but not all melanocytes, with variable expression ostensibly related to local environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Lu
- Division of Dermatology, Albany Medical College MC-81, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA
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15
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Abstract
Melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of human cancer, has undergone an alarming increase in incidence in recent years. Early detection is a prerequisite for proper diagnosis and therapy orientation. Soluble biomarkers are an important tool for early diagnosis. Markers that are associated with melanocyte functions imply the enzymes involved in melanin synthesis and the melanin-related metabolites. Proteins such as autocrine melanocyte cell growth factor and melanoma metastasis suppressor have gained attention in the biomarkers domain. The antimelanoma immune response elicited in patients can not only provide new biomarkers but important therapeutic approaches in specific treatments. All the molecules generated during the metastasis process, invasion of neighboring tissue, angiogenesis, invading lymphatic/blood vessels and establishing new tumors at a distant site, are targets for biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Neagu
- 'Victor Babes' National Institute of Pathology, Immunology Department, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania.
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16
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Maddodi N, Setaluri V. Prognostic significance of melanoma differentiation and trans-differentiation. Cancers (Basel) 2010; 2:989-99. [PMID: 22545195 PMCID: PMC3336875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers2020989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous malignant melanomas share a number of molecular attributes such as limitless replicative potential that define capabilities acquired by most malignancies. Accordingly, much effort has been focused on evaluating and validating protein markers related to these capabilities to function as melanoma prognostic markers. However, a few studies have also highlighted the prognostic value of markers that define melanocytic differentiation and the plasticity of melanoma cells to trans-differentiate along several other cellular pathways. Here, we provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of the prognostic significance of melanocyte-lineage markers such as MITF and melanogenic proteins, as well as markers of vascular epithelial and neuronal differentiation.
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17
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MicroRNA expression profiles associated with mutational status and survival in malignant melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2010; 130:2062-70. [PMID: 20357817 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2010.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant cutaneous melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer. Despite improvements in early melanoma diagnosis, the 5-year survival rate remains low in advanced disease. Therefore, novel biomarkers are urgently needed to devise new means of detection and treatment. In this study, we aimed to improve our understanding of microRNA (miRNA) deregulation in melanoma development and their impact on patient survival. Global miRNA expression profiles of a set of melanoma lymph node metastases, melanoma cell lines, and melanocyte cultures were determined using Agilent array. Deregulated miRNAs were evaluated in relation with clinical characteristics, patient survival, and mutational status for BRAF and NRAS. Several miRNAs were differentially expressed between melanocytes and melanomas as well as melanoma cell lines. In melanomas, miR-193a, miR-338, and miR-565 were underexpressed in cases with a BRAF mutation. Furthermore, low expression of miR-191 and high expression of miR-193b were associated with poor melanoma-specific survival. In conclusion, our findings show miRNA dysregulation in malignant melanoma and its relation to established molecular backgrounds of BRAF and NRAS oncogenic mutations. The identification of an miRNA classifier for poor survival may lead to the development of miRNA detection as a complementary prognostic tool in clinical practice.
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Erickson LA, Letts GA, Shah SM, Shackelton JB, Duncan LM. TRPM1 (Melastatin-1/MLSN1) mRNA expression in Spitz nevi and nodular melanomas. Mod Pathol 2009; 22:969-76. [PMID: 19396153 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2009.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 1 (TRPM1/Melastatin-1/MLSN-1) expression has been shown to have prognostic utility in the evaluation of primary cutaneous melanoma. We analyzed a series of spindled and epithelioid cell nevi (Spitz) and primary cutaneous nodular melanomas to determine whether the expression of TRPM1 mRNA may be useful in distinguishing between Spitz nevi and nodular melanomas and to further examine the patterns of TRPM1 mRNA expression in cutaneous melanocytic proliferations. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 95 Spitz nevi and 33 nodular melanomas were analyzed for the expression of TRPM1 mRNA by in situ hybridization using (35)S-labeled riboprobes. Ubiquitous melanocytic expression of TRPM1 mRNA was observed in 56 of 95 (59%) Spitz nevi and 4 of 33 (12%) nodular melanomas. Diffusely scattered loss of TRPM1 mRNA was identified in 38 of 95 (40%) Spitz nevi and 2 of 33 (6%) nodular melanomas. Regional loss of the TRPM1 mRNA expression by a significant subset of dermal tumor cells or a complete absence of TRPM1 expression by the dermal tumor was identified in 27 of 33 (82%) nodular melanomas, but only 1 of 95 (1%) Spitz nevi. These findings suggest that the pattern of TRPM1 mRNA expression may be helpful in the differentiation of Spitz nevi and nodular melanomas. Of the 16 patients who experienced metastasis, 15 (94%) had primary tumors that displayed reduced MLSN mRNA expression by all or a part of the dermal tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori A Erickson
- Dermatopathology Unit, Pathology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 2114, USA
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Oancea E, Vriens J, Brauchi S, Jun J, Splawski I, Clapham DE. TRPM1 forms ion channels associated with melanin content in melanocytes. Sci Signal 2009; 2:ra21. [PMID: 19436059 PMCID: PMC4086358 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2000146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
TRPM1 (melastatin), which encodes the founding member of the TRPM family of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, was first identified by its reduced expression in a highly metastatic mouse melanoma cell line. Clinically, TRPM1 is used as a predictor of melanoma progression in humans because of its reduced abundance in more aggressive forms of melanoma. Although TRPM1 is found primarily in melanin-producing cells and has the molecular architecture of an ion channel, its function is unknown. Here we describe an endogenous current in primary human neonatal epidermal melanocytes and mouse melanoma cells that was abrogated by expression of microRNA directed against TRPM1. Messenger RNA analysis showed that at least five human ion channel-forming isoforms of TRPM1 could be present in melanocytes, melanoma, brain, and retina. Two of these isoforms are encoded by highly conserved splice variants that are generated by previously uncharacterized exons. Expression of these two splice variants in human melanoma cells generated an ionic current similar to endogenous TRPM1 current. In melanoma cells, TRPM1 is prevalent in highly dynamic intracellular vesicular structures. Plasma membrane TRPM1 currents are small, raising the possibility that their primary function is intracellular, or restricted to specific regions of the plasma membrane. In neonatal human epidermal melanocytes, TRPM1 expression correlates with melanin content. We propose that TRPM1 is an ion channel whose function is critical to normal melanocyte pigmentation and is thus a potential target for pigmentation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Oancea
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Activated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in melanoma is associated with decreased proliferation in patient tumors and a murine melanoma model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:1193-8. [PMID: 19144919 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0811902106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study demonstrates that in malignant melanoma, elevated levels of nuclear beta-catenin in both primary tumors and metastases correlate with reduced expression of a marker of proliferation and with improved survival, in contrast to colorectal cancer. The reduction in proliferation observed in vivo is recapitulated in B16 murine melanoma cells and in human melanoma cell lines cultured in vitro with either WNT3A or small-molecule activators of beta-catenin signaling. Consistent with these results, B16 melanoma cells expressing WNT3A also exhibit decreased tumor size and decreased metastasis when implanted into mice. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling reveals that WNT3A up-regulates genes implicated in melanocyte differentiation, several of which are down-regulated with melanoma progression. These findings suggest that WNT3A can mediate transcriptional changes in melanoma cells in a manner reminiscent of the known role of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in normal melanocyte development, thereby altering melanoma cell fate to one that may be less proliferative and potentially less aggressive. Our results may explain the observed loss of nuclear beta-catenin with melanoma progression in human tumors, which could reflect a dysregulation of cellular differentiation through a loss of homeostatic Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
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Carlson JA, Ross JS, Slominski AJ. New techniques in dermatopathology that help to diagnose and prognosticate melanoma. Clin Dermatol 2009; 27:75-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2008.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Braun-Falco M, Schempp W, Weyers W. Molecular diagnosis in dermatopathology: What makes sense, and what doesn’t. Exp Dermatol 2009; 18:12-23. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00805.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Larson AR, Konat E, Alani RM. Melanoma biomarkers: current status and vision for the future. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 6:105-17. [PMID: 19107110 DOI: 10.1038/ncponc1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2007] [Accepted: 09/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the leading cause of death from skin cancer in industrialized countries. Clinical and histological variables such as primary tumor invasion, ulceration, and lymph node status might fail to identify early-stage disease that will eventually progress. Tumor biomarkers might help to identify patients with early-stage melanoma who are likely to develop advanced disease and would benefit from additional therapies. These biomarkers offer the possibility of improved tumor staging through the molecular detection of microscopic lymph node metastases that are not visible on routine histological examination. We focus on biomarkers localized to the tumor tissue and those of prognostic value. We give an overview of the melanoma biomarkers that are most helpful for prediction of patients' outcomes, and discuss the primary melanoma biomarkers that have been shown to be of prognostic significance independent of primary tumor thickness and other common clinical prognostic indicators. Although such tumor-associated biomarkers are thought to have the greatest potential, a lack of reliable data makes their true clinical utility difficult to determine. We conclude that several biomarkers show promise in early studies; however, additional large-scale studies are warranted. We suggest cautious optimism for the field of melanoma biomarkers, which we expect to be translated into clinical practice over the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R Larson
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231-1000, USA
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Abstract
Ca2+ is a ubiquitous cellular signal. Altered expression of specific Ca2+ channels and pumps are characterizing features of some cancers. The ability of Ca2+ to regulate both cell death and proliferation, combined with the potential for pharmacological modulation, offers the opportunity for a set of new drug targets in cancer. However, the ubiquity of the Ca2+ signal is often mistakenly presumed to thwart the specific therapeutic targeting of proteins that transport Ca2+. This Review presents evidence to the contrary and addresses the question: which Ca2+ channels and pumps should be targeted?
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Monteith
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 4072.
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