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Paolino G, Pampena R, Di Ciaccio SM, Carugno A, Cantisani C, Di Nicola MR, Losco L, Bortone G, Mercuri SR, Costanzo A, Ardigò M, Valenti M. Thin Amelanotic and Hypomelanotic Melanoma: Clinicopathological and Dermoscopic Features. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1239. [PMID: 39202520 PMCID: PMC11356094 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60081239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanomas (AHMs) account for 2-8% of all cutaneous melanomas. Due to their clinical appearance and the lack of specific dermoscopic indicators, AHMs are challenging to diagnose, particularly in thinner cutaneous lesions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinicopathological and dermoscopic features of thin AHMs. Identifying the baseline clinical-pathological features and dermoscopic aspects of thin AHMs is crucial to better understand this entity. Materials and Methods: We divided the AHM cohort into two groups based on Breslow thickness: thin (≤1.00 mm) and thick (>1.00 mm). This stratification helped identify any significant clinicopathological differences between the groups. For dermoscopic analysis, we employed the "pattern analysis" approach, which involves a simultaneous and subjective assessment of different criteria. Results: Out of the 2.800 melanomas analyzed for Breslow thickness, 153 were identified as AHMs. Among these, 65 patients presented with thin AHMs and 88 with thick AHMs. Red hair color and phototype II were more prevalent in patients with thin AHMs. The trunk was the most common anatomic site for thin AHMs. Patients with thin AHMs showed a higher number of multiple melanomas. Dermoscopic analysis revealed no significant difference between thin AHMs and thick AHMs, except for a more frequent occurrence of residual reticulum in thin AHMs. Conclusions: Thin AHMs typically affect individuals with lower phototypes and red hair color. These aspects can be related to the higher presence of pheomelanin, which provides limited protection against sun damage. This also correlates with the fact that the trunk, a site commonly exposed to intermittent sun exposure, is the primary anatomical location for thin AHMs. Multiple primary melanomas are more common in patients with thin AHMs, likely due to an intrinsic predisposition as well as greater periodic dermatologic follow-ups in this class of patients. Apart from the presence of residual reticulum, no other significant dermoscopic differences were observed, complicating the differential diagnosis between thin and thick AHMs based on dermoscopy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Paolino
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Riccardo Pampena
- La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (S.M.D.C.)
| | | | - Andrea Carugno
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Carmen Cantisani
- Dermatologic Clinic, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Luigi Losco
- Plastic Surgery Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy;
| | - Giulio Bortone
- Dermatologic Clinic, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Santo Raffaele Mercuri
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (S.R.M.)
- UniSr Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Costanzo
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (A.C.); (M.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Marco Ardigò
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (A.C.); (M.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Mario Valenti
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (A.C.); (M.A.); (M.V.)
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Lorier Roy E, Gourhant JY, Derancourt C, Jouan N, Dupuy A, Séi JF. Clinicopathological, dermoscopic features and circumstances of diagnosis of amelanotic or hypomelanotic melanoma: A prospective multicentric study in the French private medical sector. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2024; 151:103249. [PMID: 38422599 DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2024.103249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amelanotic or hypomelanotic melanomas (AHM) are difficult to diagnose, and are often diagnosed late, with a high Breslow index and a poor prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 226 volunteer dermatologists consulting in private practice in France completed an online form for each new histologically proven case of melanoma diagnosed at their clinic in 2020. This anonymised survey collected data on the clinical, dermoscopic, and histological features of melanoma, as well as the circumstances of diagnosis and initial management. A group of 145 AHM was single out and compared to the 1503 pigmented melanomas (PM) from the same cohort. RESULTS 1503 pigmented melanomas (PM) and 145 AHM (8.8% of these melanomas) were identified and included. In the AHM group, the mean age at diagnosis was 65 ± 16 years, with no significant difference from the PM control group. AHM were not predominantly on the face and neck area, and there were no differences based on gender. Warning signs (local progression and bleeding) were significantly more frequent in the AHM group than in the PM group. AHM were more frequently ulcerated and nodular, with a higher median Breslow thickness than in the PM group (1.56 vs. 0.5 mm), and mitoses were more frequent. Dermoscopy was widely used and proved useful for distinguishing benign lesions, and for highlighting the vascular polymorphous pattern of malignant lesions. Patients noticed the suspicious lesion themselves in most cases of AHM (73.2%), as opposed to their general practitioner (17.2%) or entourage (9.5%). A total body skin examination enabled detection of 19.3% of AHM and 21.3% of PM where the patient consulted for another lesion, or for an unrelated reason. CONCLUSION AHM are difficult to diagnose for the clinician because of the paucity or absence of pigmentary criteria. Knowledge of dermoscopic vascular patterns is critical and could help reduce the median Breslow index of AHM at the time of detection. Self-examination of the skin should be encouraged, and simple algorithms for earlier detection of skin cancers should be promoted among health professionals and the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J-Y Gourhant
- Dermatologist, Private Practice, Nemours, France
| | - C Derancourt
- Dermatologist, Private Practice, Tallard, France
| | - N Jouan
- Dermatologist, Private Practice, Brest, France
| | - A Dupuy
- Université Rennes, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - J-F Séi
- Dermatologist, Private Practice, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
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Berns HM, Watkins-Chow DE, Lu S, Louphrasitthiphol P, Zhang T, Brown KM, Moura-Alves P, Goding CR, Pavan WJ. Single-cell profiling of MC1R-inhibited melanocytes. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:291-308. [PMID: 37972124 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13141] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The human red hair color (RHC) trait is caused by increased pheomelanin (red-yellow) and reduced eumelanin (black-brown) pigment in skin and hair due to diminished melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) function. In addition, individuals harboring the RHC trait are predisposed to melanoma development. While MC1R variants have been established as causative of RHC and are a well-defined risk factor for melanoma, it remains unclear mechanistically why decreased MC1R signaling alters pigmentation and increases melanoma susceptibility. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of melanocytes isolated from RHC mouse models to define a MC1R-inhibited Gene Signature (MiGS) comprising a large set of previously unidentified genes which may be implicated in melanogenesis and oncogenic transformation. We show that one of the candidate MiGS genes, TBX3, a well-known anti-senescence transcription factor implicated in melanoma progression, binds both E-box and T-box elements to regulate genes associated with melanogenesis and senescence bypass. Our results provide key insights into further mechanisms by which melanocytes with reduced MC1R signaling may regulate pigmentation and offer new candidates of study toward understanding how individuals with the RHC phenotype are predisposed to melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Matthew Berns
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dawn E Watkins-Chow
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sizhu Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tongwu Zhang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kevin M Brown
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, PT, Portugal
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, PT, Portugal
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William J Pavan
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Wallingford CK, Maas EJ, Howard A, DeBortoli E, Bhanja D, Lee K, Mothershaw A, Jagirdar K, Willett R, Betz-Stablein B, Sturm RA, Soyer HP, McInerney-Leo AM. MITF E318K: A rare homozygous case with multiple primary melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:68-73. [PMID: 37635363 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
MITF E318K moderates melanoma risk. Only five MITF E318K homozygous cases have been reported to date, one in association with melanoma. This novel report uses 3D total-body-photography (TBP) to describe the dermatological phenotype of a homozygous MITF E318K individual. The case, a 32-year-old male, was diagnosed with his first of six primary melanomas at 26 years of age. Five melanomas were located on the back and one in the groin. Two were superficial spreading. Three arose from pre-existing naevi and one was a rare naevoid melanoma. 3D-TBP revealed a high naevus count (n = 162) with pigmentation varying from light to dark. Most naevi generally (n = 90), and large (>5 mm diameter) and clinically atypical naevi specifically were located on the back where sun damage was mild. In contrast, naevi count was low (n = 25 total) on the head/neck and lower limbs where sun damage was severe. Thus, melanoma location correlated with naevi density, rather than degree of sun damage. In addition to the MITF E318K homozygosity, there was heterozygosity for four other moderate-risk variants, which may contribute to melanoma risk. Further research is warranted to explore whether melanomas in E318K heterozygous and other homozygotes coincide with regions of high naevi density as opposed to sun damage. This could inform future melanoma screening/surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney K Wallingford
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ellie J Maas
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Antonia Howard
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily DeBortoli
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Deboshmita Bhanja
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katie Lee
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam Mothershaw
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kasturee Jagirdar
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rod Willett
- Jimboomba Junction Family Practice and Skin Cancer Clinic, Jimboomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brigid Betz-Stablein
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard A Sturm
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - H Peter Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aideen M McInerney-Leo
- Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Wallingford CK, Demeshko A, Krishnakripa AK, Smit D, Duffy DL, Betz-Stablein B, Pflugfelder A, Jagirdar K, Holland E, Mann GJ, Primiero CA, Yanes T, Malvehy J, Badenas C, Carrera C, Aguilera P, Olsen C, Ward SV, Haass NK, Sturm RA, Puig S, Whiteman D, Law MH, Cust AE, Potrony M, Soyer H P, McInerney-Leo AM. The MC1R r allele does not increase melanoma risk in MITF E318K carriers. Br J Dermatol 2023; 188:770-776. [PMID: 36879448 PMCID: PMC10230961 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population-wide screening for melanoma is not cost-effective, but genetic characterization could facilitate risk stratification and targeted screening. Common Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) red hair colour (RHC) variants and Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) E318K separately confer moderate melanoma susceptibility, but their interactive effects are relatively unexplored. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether MC1R genotypes differentially affect melanoma risk in MITF E318K+ vs. E318K- individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Melanoma status (affected or unaffected) and genotype data (MC1R and MITF E318K) were collated from research cohorts (five Australian and two European). In addition, RHC genotypes from E318K+ individuals with and without melanoma were extracted from databases (The Cancer Genome Atlas and Medical Genome Research Bank, respectively). χ2 and logistic regression were used to evaluate RHC allele and genotype frequencies within E318K+/- cohorts depending on melanoma status. Replication analysis was conducted on 200 000 general-population exomes (UK Biobank). RESULTS The cohort comprised 1165 MITF E318K- and 322 E318K+ individuals. In E318K- cases MC1R R and r alleles increased melanoma risk relative to wild type (wt), P < 0.001 for both. Similarly, each MC1R RHC genotype (R/R, R/r, R/wt, r/r and r/wt) increased melanoma risk relative to wt/wt (P < 0.001 for all). In E318K+ cases, R alleles increased melanoma risk relative to the wt allele [odds ratio (OR) 2.04 (95% confidence interval 1.67-2.49); P = 0.01], while the r allele risk was comparable with the wt allele [OR 0.78 (0.54-1.14) vs. 1.00, respectively]. E318K+ cases with the r/r genotype had a lower but not significant melanoma risk relative to wt/wt [OR 0.52 (0.20-1.38)]. Within the E318K+ cohort, R genotypes (R/R, R/r and R/wt) conferred a significantly higher risk compared with non-R genotypes (r/r, r/wt and wt/wt) (P < 0.001). UK Biobank data supported our findings that r did not increase melanoma risk in E318K+ individuals. CONCLUSIONS RHC alleles/genotypes modify melanoma risk differently in MITF E318K- and E318K+ individuals. Specifically, although all RHC alleles increase risk relative to wt in E318K- individuals, only MC1R R increases melanoma risk in E318K+ individuals. Importantly, in the E318K+ cohort the MC1R r allele risk is comparable with wt. These findings could inform counselling and management for MITF E318K+ individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney K Wallingford
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anastassia Demeshko
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Darren J Smit
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David L Duffy
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brigid Betz-Stablein
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Annette Pflugfelder
- Center of Dermato-Oncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kasturee Jagirdar
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Holland
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Graham J Mann
- The Melanoma Institute Australia, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Clare A Primiero
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tatiane Yanes
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Josep Malvehy
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cèlia Badenas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Carrera
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Aguilera
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catherine M Olsen
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah V Ward
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Richard A Sturm
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Susana Puig
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David C Whiteman
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew H Law
- Statistical Genetics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anne E Cust
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
- The Melanoma Institute Australia, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Miriam Potrony
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - H Peter Soyer
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- Dermatology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Aideen M McInerney-Leo
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
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Berns HM, Watkins-Chow DE, Lu S, Louphrasitthiphol P, Zhang T, Brown KM, Moura-Alves P, Goding CR, Pavan WJ. Loss of MC1R signaling implicates TBX3 in pheomelanogenesis and melanoma predisposition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.10.532018. [PMID: 37090624 PMCID: PMC10120706 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.10.532018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The human Red Hair Color (RHC) trait is caused by increased pheomelanin (red-yellow) and reduced eumelanin (black-brown) pigment in skin and hair due to diminished melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) function. In addition, individuals harboring the RHC trait are predisposed to melanoma development. While MC1R variants have been established as causative of RHC and are a well-defined risk factor for melanoma, it remains unclear mechanistically why decreased MC1R signaling alters pigmentation and increases melanoma susceptibility. Here, we use single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of melanocytes isolated from RHC mouse models to reveal a Pheomelanin Gene Signature (PGS) comprising genes implicated in melanogenesis and oncogenic transformation. We show that TBX3, a well-known anti-senescence transcription factor implicated in melanoma progression, is part of the PGS and binds both E-box and T-box elements to regulate genes associated with melanogenesis and senescence bypass. Our results provide key insights into mechanisms by which MC1R signaling regulates pigmentation and how individuals with the RHC phenotype are predisposed to melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Matthew Berns
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Dawn E. Watkins-Chow
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sizhu Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tongwu Zhang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, 13 USA
| | - Kevin M. Brown
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, 13 USA
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, PT
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, PT
| | - Colin R. Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - William J. Pavan
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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Shawa HJ, Kazak M, Dahle S, Schulman JM. Acral Amelanotic Melanoma Mimicking a Foot Ulcer. Cureus 2022; 14:e26615. [PMID: 35936139 PMCID: PMC9355838 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acral amelanotic melanoma can be difficult to diagnose and is often clinically aggressive. The present report describes a case of an acral amelanotic melanoma presenting as a non-healing wound after mimicking a plantar wart for two years. The decision to biopsy a borderline-suspicious lesion on the lower extremity in an elderly individual must be weighed carefully, as lower extremity biopsy carries a risk of poor wound healing and other complications. We discuss clinical and epidemiologic features that can assist in deciding when to perform a biopsy in this setting and can improve the early detection of acral amelanotic melanoma.
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Wang Y. Association of pigmentation related-genes polymorphisms and geographic environmental variables in the Chinese population. Hereditas 2021; 158:24. [PMID: 34238381 PMCID: PMC8268332 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-021-00189-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human skin color is highly heritable and one of the most variable phenotypic traits. However, the genetic causes and environmental selective pressures underlying this phenotypic variation have remained largely unknown. To investigate whether the pigmentation related-genes polymorphisms are associated with the geographic environmental variables. We selected randomly 795 healthy individuals from eight ethnic groups in nine provinces in China. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SLC45A2 and TYR were genotyped using Agena MassARRAY. The Chi-square test and Spearman correlation analysis were used to compare the frequency distribution of genotypes among different ethnic groups and evaluate the relationship between SNP genetic diversity and environmental variables, respectively. Results The results indicated that rs28777 and rs183671 (SLC45A2) and rs1042602 (TYR) genotype frequency distributions were significantly different between the Xinjiang-Uighur and other ethnic groups (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis found that rs28777-A (r = − 0.090, P = 0.011), rs183671-G (r = − 0.105, P = 0.003), rs1042602-A (r = − 0.108, P = 0.002), rs1126809-A (r = − 0.151, P < 0.001) allele frequencies were negatively correlated with the longitude; rs183671-G (r = 0.151), rs1042602-A (r = 0.157) and rs1126809-A (r = 0.138) allele frequencies were positively associated with the latitude (P < 0.001); rs183671-G (r = 0.116, P = 0.001), rs1042602-A (r = 0.105, P = 0.003) and rs1126809-A (r = 0.070, P = 0.048) allele frequencies were positively correlated with the sunshine hours; rs183671-G (r = − 0.076, P = 0.033), rs1042602-A (r = − 0.079, P = 0.027) and rs1126809-A (r = − 0.076, P = 0.031) were negatively correlated with the annual average temperature. Conclusions Our results confirmed the idea that environmental factors have been an important selective pressure upon pigmentation related gene polymorphisms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41065-021-00189-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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9
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Lee KJ, Janda M, Stark MS, Sturm RA, Soyer HP. On Naevi and Melanomas: Two Sides of the Same Coin? Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:635316. [PMID: 33681261 PMCID: PMC7933521 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.635316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign naevi are closely linked to melanoma, as risk factors, simulators, or sites of melanoma formation. There is a heavy genetic overlap between the two lesions, a shared environmental influence of ultraviolet radiation, and many similar cellular features, yet naevi remain locally situated while melanomas spread from their primary site and may progress systemically to distal organs. Untangling the overlapping contributors and predictors of naevi and melanoma is an ongoing area of research and should eventually lead to more personalized prevention and treatment strategies, through the development of melanoma risk stratification tools and early detection of evolving melanomas. This will be achieved through a range of complementary strategies: risk-adjusted primary prevention counseling; the use of lesion imaging technologies such as sequential 3D total body photography and consumer-performed lesion imaging; artificial intelligence deep phenotyping and clinical assistance; a better understanding of genetic drivers of malignancy, risk variants, clinical genetics, and polygenic effects; and the interplay between genetics, phenotype and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie J Lee
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Monika Janda
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mitchell S Stark
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard A Sturm
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - H Peter Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Dermatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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10
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Rayner JE, Duffy DL, Smit DJ, Jagirdar K, Lee KJ, De’Ambrosis B, Smithers BM, McMeniman EK, McInerney-Leo AM, Schaider H, Stark MS, Soyer HP, Sturm RA. Germline and somatic albinism variants in amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma: Increased carriage of TYR and OCA2 variants. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238529. [PMID: 32966289 PMCID: PMC7510969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma is a clinicopathologic subtype with absent or minimal melanin. This study assessed previously reported coding variants in albinism genes (TYR, OCA2, TYRP1, SLC45A2, SLC24A5, LRMDA) and common intronic, regulatory variants of OCA2 in individuals with amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma, pigmented melanoma cases and controls. Exome sequencing was available for 28 individuals with amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma and 303 individuals with pigmented melanoma, which were compared to whole exome data from 1144 Australian controls. Microarray genotyping was available for a further 17 amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma, 86 pigmented melanoma, 147 melanoma cases (pigmentation unknown) and 652 unaffected controls. Rare deleterious variants in TYR/OCA1 were more common in amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma cases than pigmented melanoma cases (set mixed model association tests P = 0.0088). The OCA2 hypomorphic allele p.V443I was more common in melanoma cases (1.8%) than controls (1.0%, X2 P = 0.02), and more so in amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma (4.4%, X2 P = 0.007). No amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma cases carried an eye and skin darkening haplotype of OCA2 (including rs7174027), present in 7.1% of pigmented melanoma cases (P = 0.0005) and 9.4% controls. Variants in TYR and OCA2 may play a role in amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma susceptibility. We suggest that somatic loss of function at these loci could contribute to the loss of tumor pigmentation, consistent with this we found a higher rate of somatic mutation in TYR/OCA2 in amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma vs pigmented melanoma samples (28.6% vs 3.0%; P = 0.021) from The Cancer Genome Atlas Skin Cutaneous Melanoma collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna E. Rayner
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - David L. Duffy
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Darren J. Smit
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Kasturee Jagirdar
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Katie J. Lee
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Brian De’Ambrosis
- Dermatology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- South East Dermatology, Annerley, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - B. Mark Smithers
- Queensland Melanoma Project, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Erin K. McMeniman
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- Dermatology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Aideen M. McInerney-Leo
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Helmut Schaider
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Mitchell S. Stark
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - H. Peter Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- Dermatology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Richard A. Sturm
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- * E-mail:
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11
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Rok J, Rzepka Z, Beberok A, Pawlik J, Wrześniok D. Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Anti-Melanoma Effect of Minocycline-A Study of Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis on Human Melanotic Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6917. [PMID: 32967177 PMCID: PMC7555712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Minocycline is a tetracycline compound with pleiotropic pharmacological properties. In addition to its antibacterial action, it shows many non-antimicrobial effects, including an anti-cancer activity. The anti-cancer action was confirmed in studies on ovarian carcinoma cells, hepatocellular carcinoma cells, glioma cells, or acute myeloid leukemia cells. Malignant melanoma remains a serious medical problem despite the extensive knowledge of the disease. The low effectiveness of the standard treatment, as well as the resistance to therapy, result in high mortality rates. This work aimed to investigate the potential and mechanisms of anti-melanoma action of minocycline. Human skin melanotic melanoma cell line COLO 829 was used in the study. The obtained results showed that minocycline decreased cell viability and inhibited the growth of melanoma cells, proportional to the drug concentration as well as to the time of incubation. The EC50 values were calculated to be 78.6 µM, 31.7 µM, and 13.9 µM for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, respectively. It was observed that treated cells had a disturbed cell cycle and significantly changed morphology. Moreover, minocycline caused a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in cells with a low level of reduced thiols. Finally, it was found that the anti-melanoma effect of minocycline was related to the induction of apoptosis. The drug activated caspases 8, 9, and 3/7 as well as increased the number of annexin V-positive cells. The presented results show that minocycline possesses anti-melanoma potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Rok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (Z.R.); (A.B.); (J.P.); (D.W.)
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12
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Paolino G, Bearzi P, Pampena R, Longo C, Frascione P, Rizzo N, Raucci M, Carbone A, Cantisani C, Ricci F, Didona D, Frattini F, Bulotta A, Gregorc V, Mercuri SR. Clinicopathological and dermoscopic features of amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma: a retrospective multicentric study. Int J Dermatol 2020; 59:1371-1380. [PMID: 32726478 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma (AHM) has a higher risk of delayed diagnosis and a significant lower 5-year melanoma-specific survival compared to pigmented melanoma. Our aim was the evaluation of the clinicopathological/dermoscopic features of amelanotic melanoma (AM) and hypomelanotic melanoma (HM). METHODS All participants had a personal history of AHM. We defined HM as showing clinical/dermoscopic pigmentation in < 25% of the lesion's surface and histopathological focal pigmentation, while AM as melanomas with clinical/dermoscopic and histopathological absence of pigmentation. RESULTS The most common phenotypic traits among the 145 AHM patients were as follows: phototype II, blue-grey eyes, and dark brown hair. Red hair was present in 23.8% AHM cases (AM = 22.60%; HM = 25.80%). The most affected area was the back (29.5%). A total of 67.1% were classified as AM and 32.9% as HM. The most represented hair colors in AM and HM were, respectively, blonde and dark brown hair. Median Breslow thickness was 1.7 mm, superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) and nodular melanoma (NM) were the most represented histotypes, and mitotic rate > 1 × mm2 was reported in 73.3% cases, and regression was significantly more present in HM. Dermoscopy showed high prevalence of white structureless zones (63.4%), linear looped vessels (58.8%), linear irregular vessels (50.0%), and arborizing vessels (47.2%). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed the association between the presence of pigmentation and the following: histological regression, dermoscopic globules, and arborizing vessels. CONCLUSIONS Predominance of red hair in AHM patients was not confirmed. AHM affects mostly intermittent sun-exposed body areas. The deeper median Breslow thickness (versus pigmented melanoma), the association of AM with the nodular histotype, and the high mitotic rate highlight the AHM's aggressiveness. HM's higher levels of regression can be explained by the presence of pigmentation, driving the underlying immune response. AHM showed a polymorphous vascular pattern and significant presence of arborizing vessels (especially HM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Paolino
- Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Dermatologic Clinic, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Bearzi
- Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Università Vita Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pampena
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Caterina Longo
- Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Frascione
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nathalie Rizzo
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Anna Carbone
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen Cantisani
- Dermatologic Clinic, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Melanoma Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI), Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Didona
- Melanoma Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Bulotta
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Vanesa Gregorc
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Santo R Mercuri
- Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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13
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Inherited Melanoma Risk Variants Associated with Histopathologically Amelanotic Melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 140:918-922.e7. [PMID: 31568773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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