1
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Shachaf A, Manbeck K, Yang G, Shachaf C. Molecular skin fluorescence imaging: A tool for evaluating early melanoma development. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:372-377. [PMID: 38178654 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13159] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
A novel approach to melanoma diagnosis-in vivo molecular skin fluorescence imaging (mSFI)-was developed to identify premalignant changes in the form of tissue remodeling related to melanoma development in humans by imaging the proximal microenvironment of lesions. The method was tested using a fluorescent peptide (ORL-1) which binds to αvβ3 integrin, a molecule associated with invasive melanoma development. A cut off score of 7 was established, differentiating melanomas from nonmelanoma nevi with 100% sensitivity, and 95.7% specificity, while identifying dysplastic nevi with the potential for melanoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guang Yang
- Orlucent Inc, Los Gatos, California, USA
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2
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Kaur K, Ai R, Perry AG, Riley B, Roberts EL, Montano EN, Han J, Roacho J, Lopez BG, Skelsey MK, Childs MV, Childs JN, Dobak J, Ibarra C, Jansen B, Clarke LE, Stone S, Whitaker JW. Skin Cancer Risk Is Increased by Somatic Mutations Detected Noninvasively in Healthy-Appearing Sun-Exposed Skin. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00176-3. [PMID: 38513819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Skin cancer risk is increased by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Because UVR exposure accumulates over time and lighter skin is more susceptible to UVR, age and skin tone are risk factors for skin cancer. However, measurements of somatic mutations in healthy-appearing skin have not been used to calculate skin cancer risk. In this study, we developed a noninvasive test that quantifies somatic mutations in healthy-appearing sun-exposed skin and applied it to a 1038-subject cohort. Somatic mutations were combined with other known skin cancer risk factors to train a model to calculate risk. The final model (DNA-Skin Cancer Assessment of Risk) was trained to predict personal history of skin cancer from age, family history, skin tone, and mutation count. The addition of mutation count significantly improved model performance (OR = 1.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.14-1.48; P = 5.3 × 10-6) and made a more significant contribution than skin tone. Calculations of skin cancer risk matched the known United States population prevalence, indicating that DNA-Skin Cancer Assessment of Risk was well-calibrated. In conclusion, somatic mutations in healthy-appearing sun-exposed skin increase skin cancer risk, and mutations capture risk information that is not accounted for by other risk factors. Clinical utility is supported by the noninvasive nature of skin sample collection through adhesive patches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rizi Ai
- DermTech, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Bae Riley
- DermTech, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maral K Skelsey
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Maria V Childs
- Department of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - James N Childs
- Department of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA
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3
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Wang S, Riedstra CP, Zhang Y, Anandh S, Dudley AC. PTEN-restoration abrogates brain colonisation and perivascular niche invasion by melanoma cells. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:555-567. [PMID: 38148377 PMCID: PMC10876963 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02530-5] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) continue to be a significant clinical problem with limited treatment options. Highly invasive melanoma cells migrate along the vasculature and perivascular cells may contribute to residual disease and recurrence. PTEN loss and hyperactivation of AKT occur in MBM; however, a role for PTEN/AKT in perivascular invasion has not been described. METHODS We used in vivo intracranial injections of murine melanoma and bulk RNA sequencing of melanoma cells co-cultured with brain endothelial cells (brECs) to investigate brain colonisation and perivascular invasion. RESULTS We found that PTEN-null melanoma cells were highly efficient at colonising the perivascular niche relative to PTEN-expressing counterparts. PTEN re-expression (PTEN-RE) in melanoma cells significantly reduced brain colonisation and migration along the vasculature. We hypothesised this phenotype was mediated through vascular-induced TGFβ secretion, which drives AKT phosphorylation. Disabling TGFβ signalling in melanoma cells reduced colonisation and perivascular invasion; however, the introduction of constitutively active myristolated-AKT (myrAKT) restored overall tumour size but not perivascular invasion. CONCLUSIONS PTEN loss facilitates perivascular brain colonisation and invasion of melanoma. TGFβ-AKT signalling partially contributes to this phenotype, but further studies are needed to determine the complementary mechanisms that enable melanoma cells to both survive and spread along the brain vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Caroline P Riedstra
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Swetha Anandh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- The University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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4
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Lim SY, Rizos H. Single-cell RNA sequencing in melanoma: what have we learned so far? EBioMedicine 2024; 100:104969. [PMID: 38241976 PMCID: PMC10831183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104969] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, there have been remarkable improvements in the treatment and survival rates of melanoma patients. Treatment resistance remains a persistent challenge, however, and is partly attributable to intratumoural heterogeneity. Melanoma cells can transition through a series of phenotypic and transcriptional cell states that vary in invasiveness and treatment responsiveness. The diverse stromal and immune contexture of the tumour microenvironment also contributes to intratumoural heterogeneity and disparities in treatment response in melanoma patients. Recent advances in single-cell sequencing technologies have enabled a more detailed understanding of melanoma heterogeneity and the underlying transcriptional programs that regulate melanoma cell diversity and behaviour. In this review, we examine the concept of intratumoural heterogeneity and the challenges it poses to achieving long-lasting treatment responses. We focus on the significance of next generation single-cell sequencing in advancing our understanding of melanoma diversity and the unique insights gained from single-cell studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Yin Lim
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Helen Rizos
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, Australia
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5
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Xu X, Bok I, Jasani N, Wang K, Chadourne M, Mecozzi N, Deng O, Welsh EA, Kinose F, Rix U, Karreth FA. PTEN Lipid Phosphatase Activity Suppresses Melanoma Formation by Opposing an AKT/mTOR/FRA1 Signaling Axis. Cancer Res 2024; 84:388-404. [PMID: 38193852 PMCID: PMC10842853 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1730] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Inactivating mutations in PTEN are prevalent in melanoma and are thought to support tumor development by hyperactivating the AKT/mTOR pathway. Conversely, activating mutations in AKT are relatively rare in melanoma, and therapies targeting AKT or mTOR have shown disappointing outcomes in preclinical models and clinical trials of melanoma. This has led to the speculation that PTEN suppresses melanoma by opposing AKT-independent pathways, potentially through noncanonical functions beyond its lipid phosphatase activity. In this study, we examined the mechanisms of PTEN-mediated suppression of melanoma formation through the restoration of various PTEN functions in PTEN-deficient cells or mouse models. PTEN lipid phosphatase activity predominantly inhibited melanoma cell proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth, with minimal contribution from its protein phosphatase and scaffold functions. A drug screen underscored the exquisite dependence of PTEN-deficient melanoma cells on the AKT/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, activation of AKT alone was sufficient to counteract several aspects of PTEN-mediated melanoma suppression, particularly invasion and the growth of allograft tumors. Phosphoproteomics analysis of the lipid phosphatase activity of PTEN validated its potent inhibition of AKT and many of its known targets, while also identifying the AP-1 transcription factor FRA1 as a downstream effector. The restoration of PTEN dampened FRA1 translation by inhibiting AKT/mTOR signaling, and FRA1 overexpression negated aspects of PTEN-mediated melanoma suppression akin to AKT. This study supports AKT as the key mediator of PTEN inactivation in melanoma and identifies an AKT/mTOR/FRA1 axis as a driver of melanomagenesis. SIGNIFICANCE PTEN suppresses melanoma predominantly through its lipid phosphatase function, which when lost, elevates FRA1 levels through AKT/mTOR signaling to promote several aspects of melanomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Xu
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Ilah Bok
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology PhD program, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Neel Jasani
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology PhD program, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kaizhen Wang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology PhD program, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Manon Chadourne
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Nicol Mecozzi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Cancer Biology PhD program, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Ou Deng
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Eric A. Welsh
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Fumi Kinose
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Uwe Rix
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Florian A. Karreth
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
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6
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Zhang J, Zhang F, Porter KI, Dakup PP, Wang S, Robertson GP, Gaddameedhi S, Zhu J. Telomere dysfunction in Tert knockout mice delays Braf V600E -induced melanoma development. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:548-560. [PMID: 37727982 PMCID: PMC10840707 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34713] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase activation is a crucial step in melanomagenesis, often occurring because of ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced mutations at the telomerase gene (TERT) promoter and rendering TERT transcription in response to the activated Raf-MAP kinase pathway by BRAFV600E mutation. Due to the excessively long telomeres in mice, this process does not occur during melanomagenesis in mouse models. To investigate the impact of telomere dysfunction on melanomagenesis, BrafV600E was induced in generations 1 and 4 (G1 and G4) of Tert-/- mice. Our findings revealed that, regardless of UVR exposure, melanoma development was delayed in G4 mice, which had shorter telomeres compared to G1 and wild-type C57BL/6J (G0) mice. Moreover, many G4 tumors displayed an accumulation of excessive DNA damage, as evidenced by increased γH2A.X staining. Tumors from UVR-exposed mice exhibited elevated p53 protein expression. Cultured tumor cells isolated from G4 mice displayed abundant chromosomal fusions and rearrangements, indicative of telomere dysfunction in these cells. Additionally, tumor cells derived from UVB-exposed mice exhibited constitutively elevated expression of mutant p53 proteins, suggesting that p53 was a target of UVB-induced mutagenesis. Taken together, our findings suggest that telomere dysfunction hampers melanomagenesis, and targeting telomere crisis-mediated genomic instability may hold promise for the prevention and treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglong Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
| | - Kenneth I. Porter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
| | - Panshak P. Dakup
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Shuwen Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
| | - Gavin P. Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Shobhan Gaddameedhi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Jiyue Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210, USA
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7
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Dunsche L, Ivanisenko N, Riemann S, Schindler S, Beissert S, Angeli C, Kreis S, Tavassoli M, Lavrik I, Kulms D. A cytosolic mutp53(E285K) variant confers chemoresistance of malignant melanoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:831. [PMID: 38097548 PMCID: PMC10721616 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06360-4] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma (MM) is known to be intrinsically chemoresistant, even though only ~20% of MM carry mutations of the tumor suppressor p53. Despite improvement of systemic therapy the mortality rate of patients suffering from metastatic MM is still ~70%, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options or for the re-establishment of conventional therapeutic approaches, including chemotherapy. Screening the p53 mutation status in a cohort of 19 patient-derived melanoma samples, we identified one rarely described missense mutation of p53 leading to E285K amino acid exchange (mutp53(E285K)). Employing structural and computational analysis we revealed a major role of E285 residue in maintaining stable conformation of wild-type p53 (wtp53). E285K mutation was predicted to cause interruption of a salt-bridge network affecting the conformation of the C-terminal helix of the DNA-binding domain (DBD) thereby preventing DNA interaction. In this context, a cluster of frequently mutated amino acid residues in cancer was identified to putatively lead to similar structural effects as E285K substitution (E285 cluster). Functional analysis, including knockdown of endogenous p53 and reconstitution with diverse p53 missense mutants confirmed mutp53(E285K) to have lost transcriptional activity, to be localized in the cytosol of cancer cells, by both means conferring chemoresistance. Re-sensitization to cisplatin-induced cell death was achieved using clinically approved compounds aiming to restore p53 wild-type function (PRIMA1-Met), or inhibition of AKT-driven MAPK survival pathways (afuresertib), in both cases being partially due to ferroptosis induction. Consequently, active ferroptosis induction using the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 proved superior in tumorselectively fighting MM cells. Due to high prevalence of the E285-cluster mutations in MM as well as in a variety of other tumor types, we conclude this cluster to serve an important function in tumor development and therapy and suggest new implications for ferroptosis induction in therapeutic applications fighting MM in particular and cancer in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Dunsche
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nikita Ivanisenko
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Center of Dynamic Systems, Otto von Guericke University, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Shamala Riemann
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schindler
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Beissert
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cristian Angeli
- Department of Life Science and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, 4367, Luxembourg
| | - Stephanie Kreis
- Department of Life Science and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, 4367, Luxembourg
| | - Mahvash Tavassoli
- Molecular Oncology, Guy's Hospital, Kings College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Inna Lavrik
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Center of Dynamic Systems, Otto von Guericke University, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dagmar Kulms
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, TU-Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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8
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Kerkour T, Zhou C, Hollestein L, Mooyaart A. Genetic Concordance in Primary Cutaneous Melanoma and Matched Metastasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16281. [PMID: 38003476 PMCID: PMC10671327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216281] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Studying primary melanoma and its corresponding metastasis has twofold benefits. Firstly, to better understand tumor biology, and secondly, to determine which sample should be examined in assessing drug targets. This study systematically analyzed all the literature on primary melanoma and its matched metastasis. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched multiple medical databases for relevant publications from January 2000 to December 2022, assessed the quality of the primary-level studies using the QUIPS tool, and summarized the concordance rate of the most reported genes using the random-effects model. Finally, we evaluated the inter-study heterogeneity using the subgroup analysis. Thirty-one studies investigated the concordance of BRAF and NRAS in 1220 and 629 patients, respectively. The pooled concordance rate was 89.4% [95% CI: 84.5; 93.5] for BRAF and 97.8% [95% CI: 95.8; 99.4] for NRAS. When high-quality studies were considered, only BRAF mutation status consistency increased. Five studies reported the concordance status of c-KIT (93%, 44 patients) and TERT promoter (64%, 53 patients). Lastly, three studies analyzed the concordance of cancer genes involved in the signaling pathways, apoptosis, and proliferation, such as CDKN2A (25%, four patients), TP53 (44%, nine patients), and PIK3CA (20%, five patients). Our study found that the concordance of known drug targets (mainly BRAF) during melanoma progression is higher than in previous meta-analyses, likely due to advances in molecular techniques. Furthermore, significant heterogeneity exists in the genes involved in the melanoma genetic makeup; although our results are based on small patient samples, more research is necessary for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamila Kerkour
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (T.K.); (C.Z.); (L.H.)
| | - Catherine Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (T.K.); (C.Z.); (L.H.)
| | - Loes Hollestein
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (T.K.); (C.Z.); (L.H.)
| | - Antien Mooyaart
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Wang Z, Luo M, Liang Q, Zhao K, Hu Y, Wang W, Feng X, Hu B, Teng J, You T, Li R, Bao Z, Pan W, Yang T, Zhang C, Li T, Dong X, Yi X, Liu B, Zhao L, Li M, Chen K, Song W, Yang J, Li MJ. Landscape of enhancer disruption and functional screen in melanoma cells. Genome Biol 2023; 24:248. [PMID: 37904237 PMCID: PMC10614365 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03087-5] [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: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high mutation rate throughout the entire melanoma genome presents a major challenge in stratifying true driver events from the background mutations. Numerous recurrent non-coding alterations, such as those in enhancers, can shape tumor evolution, thereby emphasizing the importance in systematically deciphering enhancer disruptions in melanoma. RESULTS Here, we leveraged 297 melanoma whole-genome sequencing samples to prioritize highly recurrent regions. By performing a genome-scale CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screen on highly recurrent region-associated enhancers in melanoma cells, we identified 66 significant hits which could have tumor-suppressive roles. These functional enhancers show unique mutational patterns independent of classical significantly mutated genes in melanoma. Target gene analysis for the essential enhancers reveal many known and hidden mechanisms underlying melanoma growth. Utilizing extensive functional validation experiments, we demonstrate that a super enhancer element could modulate melanoma cell proliferation by targeting MEF2A, and another distal enhancer is able to sustain PTEN tumor-suppressive potential via long-range interactions. CONCLUSIONS Our study establishes a catalogue of crucial enhancers and their target genes in melanoma growth and progression, and illuminates the identification of novel mechanisms of dysregulation for melanoma driver genes and new therapeutic targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Menghan Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Liang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Scientific Research Center, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuelin Hu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangling Feng
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bolang Hu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianjin Teng
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianyi You
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ran Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhengkai Bao
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenhao Pan
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tielong Yang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaobao Dong
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianfu Yi
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ben Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Miaoxin Li
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weihong Song
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Jilong Yang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Mulin Jun Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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10
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Tian Y, Zhou J, Chai X, Ping Z, Zhao Y, Xu X, Luo C, Sheng J. TCF12 Activates TGFB2 Expression to Promote the Malignant Progression of Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4505. [PMID: 37760480 PMCID: PMC10527220 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the most common malignant tumors, melanoma is a serious threat to human health. More than half of melanoma patients have a BRAF mutation, and 90% of them have a BRAF(V600E) mutation. There is a targeted therapy for patients using a BRAF(V600E) inhibitor. However, no response to treatment is generally inevitable due to the heterogeneity of melanoma. Coupled with its high metastatic character, melanoma ultimately leads to poor overall survival. This study aimed to explore the possible mechanisms of melanoma metastasis and identify a more effective method for the treatment of melanoma. In this paper, we report that TCF12 expression is higher in melanoma, especially in metastatic tumors, through analyzing data from TCGA. Then, cell proliferation, colony formation, and transwell assays show that the upregulated expression of TCF12 can promote proliferation and metastasis of melanoma cells in vitro. The same result is confirmed in the subcutaneous tumor formation assay. Moreover, TGFB2 is identified as a direct downstream target of TCF12 by RNA-seq, qPCR, immunoblotting, ChIP, and a dual luciferase reporting assay. Interestingly, depletion of TCF12 can sensitize melanoma to BRAF inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our results demonstrate that TCF12 promotes melanoma progression and can be a potential tumor therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjia Tian
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; (Y.T.); (X.C.); (Z.P.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.)
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Jiang Zhou
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Xinxin Chai
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; (Y.T.); (X.C.); (Z.P.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.)
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Zejun Ping
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; (Y.T.); (X.C.); (Z.P.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.)
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Yurong Zhao
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; (Y.T.); (X.C.); (Z.P.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.)
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; (Y.T.); (X.C.); (Z.P.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.)
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Chi Luo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinghao Sheng
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China; (Y.T.); (X.C.); (Z.P.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.)
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
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11
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Castellani G, Buccarelli M, Arasi MB, Rossi S, Pisanu ME, Bellenghi M, Lintas C, Tabolacci C. BRAF Mutations in Melanoma: Biological Aspects, Therapeutic Implications, and Circulating Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4026. [PMID: 37627054 PMCID: PMC10452867 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer resulting from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Recent therapeutic approaches, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have improved the prognosis and outcome of melanoma patients. BRAF is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes recognised in melanoma. The most frequent oncogenic BRAF mutations consist of a single point mutation at codon 600 (mostly V600E) that leads to constitutive activation of the BRAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signalling pathway. Therefore, mutated BRAF has become a useful target for molecular therapy and the use of BRAF kinase inhibitors has shown promising results. However, several resistance mechanisms invariably develop leading to therapeutic failure. The aim of this manuscript is to review the role of BRAF mutational status in the pathogenesis of melanoma and its impact on differentiation and inflammation. Moreover, this review focuses on the mechanisms responsible for resistance to targeted therapies in BRAF-mutated melanoma and provides an overview of circulating biomarkers including circulating tumour cells, circulating tumour DNA, and non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Castellani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Mariachiara Buccarelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Maria Beatrice Arasi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Stefania Rossi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Maria Elena Pisanu
- High Resolution NMR Unit, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Bellenghi
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carla Lintas
- Research Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Operative Research Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Tabolacci
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
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12
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Shamloo S, Kloetgen A, Petroulia S, Hockemeyer K, Sievers S, Tsirigos A, Aifantis I, Imig J. Integrative CRISPR Activation and Small Molecule Inhibitor Screening for lncRNA Mediating BRAF Inhibitor Resistance in Melanoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2054. [PMID: 37509693 PMCID: PMC10377043 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of melanoma, being one of the most commonly occurring cancers, has been rising since the past decade. Patients at advanced stages of the disease have very poor prognoses, as opposed to at the earlier stages. The conventional targeted therapy is well defined and effective for advanced-stage melanomas for patients not responding to the standard-of-care immunotherapy. However, targeted therapies do not prove to be as effective as patients inevitably develop V-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF)-inhibitor resistance to the respective drugs. Factors which are driving melanoma drug resistance mainly involve mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, e.g., BRAF splice variants, neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) amplification or parallel survival pathways. However, those mechanisms do not explain all cases of occurring resistances. Therefore, other factors accounting for BRAFi resistance must be better understood. Among them there are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), but these remain functionally poorly understood. Here, we conduct a comprehensive, unbiased, and integrative study of lncRNA expression, coupled with a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas9-mediated activation (CRISPRa) and small molecule inhibitor screening for BRAF inhibitor resistance to expand the knowledge of potentially druggable lncRNAs, their function, and pave the way for eventual combinatorial treatment approaches targeting diverse pathways in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sama Shamloo
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Andreas Kloetgen
- Department of Pathology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Stavroula Petroulia
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Kathryn Hockemeyer
- Department of Pathology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sonja Sievers
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Compound Management and Screening Center, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Aristotelis Tsirigos
- Department of Pathology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, Office of Science and Research, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ioannis Aifantis
- Department of Pathology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jochen Imig
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Pathology, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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13
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Kim D, An L, Moon J, Maymi VI, McGurk AI, Rudd BD, Fowell DJ, White AC. Ccr2+ Monocyte-Derived Macrophages Influence Trajectories of Acquired Therapy Resistance in Braf-Mutant Melanoma. Cancer Res 2023; 83:2328-2344. [PMID: 37195124 PMCID: PMC10478295 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Therapies targeting oncogene addiction have had a tremendous impact on tumor growth and patient outcome, but drug resistance continues to be problematic. One approach to deal with the challenge of resistance entails extending anticancer treatments beyond targeting cancer cells by additionally altering the tumor microenvironment. Understanding how the tumor microenvironment contributes to the evolution of diverse resistance pathways could aid in the design of sequential treatments that can elicit and take advantage of a predictable resistance trajectory. Tumor-associated macrophages often support neoplastic growth and are frequently the most abundant immune cell found in tumors. Here, we used clinically relevant in vivo Braf-mutant melanoma models with fluorescent markers to track the stage-specific changes in macrophages under targeted therapy with Braf/Mek inhibitors and assessed the dynamic evolution of the macrophage population generated by therapy pressure-induced stress. During the onset of a drug-tolerant persister state, Ccr2+ monocyte-derived macrophage infiltration rose, suggesting that macrophage influx at this point could facilitate the onset of stable drug resistance that melanoma cells show after several weeks of treatment. Comparison of melanomas that develop in a Ccr2-proficient or -deficient microenvironment demonstrated that lack of melanoma infiltrating Ccr2+ macrophages delayed onset of resistance and shifted melanoma cell evolution towards unstable resistance. Unstable resistance was characterized by sensitivity to targeted therapy when factors from the microenvironment were lost. Importantly, this phenotype was reversed by coculturing melanoma cells with Ccr2+ macrophages. Overall, this study demonstrates that the development of resistance may be directed by altering the tumor microenvironment to improve treatment timing and the probability of relapse. SIGNIFICANCE Ccr2+ melanoma macrophages that are active in tumors during the drug-tolerant persister state following targeted therapy-induced regression are key contributors directing melanoma cell reprogramming toward specific therapeutic resistance trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahihm Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Luye An
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Jiwon Moon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Viviana I Maymi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Alexander I McGurk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Brian D Rudd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Deborah J Fowell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Andrew C White
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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14
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Zia A, Litvin Y, Voskoboynik R, Klein A, Shachaf C. Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Oncogenic Tissue Remodeling during Progression from Common Nevi to Early Melanoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:995-1004. [PMID: 37146966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Early detection and treatment of melanoma, the most aggressive skin cancer, improves the median 5-year survival rate of patients from 25% to 99%. Melanoma development involves a stepwise process during which genetic changes drive histologic alterations within nevi and surrounding tissue. Herein, a comprehensive analysis of publicly available gene expression data sets of melanoma, common or congenital nevi (CN), and dysplastic nevi (DN), assessed molecular and genetic pathways leading to early melanoma. The results demonstrate several pathways reflective of ongoing local structural tissue remodeling activity likely involved during the transition from benign to early-stage melanoma. These processes include the gene expression of cancer-associated fibroblasts, collagens, extracellular matrix, and integrins, which assist early melanoma development and the immune surveillance that plays a substantial role at this early stage. Furthermore, genes up-regulated in DN were also overexpressed in melanoma tissue, supporting the notion that DN may serve as a transitional phase toward oncogenesis. CN collected from healthy individuals exhibited different gene signatures compared with histologically benign nevi tissue located adjacent to melanoma (adjacent nevi). Finally, the expression profile of microdissected adjacent nevi tissue was more similar to melanoma compared with CN, revealing the melanoma influence on this annexed tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Zia
- Orlucent, Inc., Los Gatos, California
| | | | | | - Amit Klein
- Department of Bioengineering: Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
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15
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Słowińska M, Czarnecka I, Czarnecki R, Tatara P, Nasierowska-Guttmejer A, Lorent M, Cierniak S, Owczarek W. Clinical, Dermoscopic, and Histological Characteristics of Melanoma Patients According to the Age Groups: A Retrospective Observational Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1369. [PMID: 37374151 DOI: 10.3390/life13061369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the role of melanoma risk factors is well documented, their correlation with patients' age is less frequently analyzed. METHOD The analysis was performed among 189 melanoma patients in different age groups, including <30 years, 31-60 years, and >60 years, to investigate the risk factors, topography, and coexistence of morphological features of 209 melanomas (dermoscopic and histopathological). RESULTS Among the youngest age group, no correlation with the presence of estimated risk factors was found. The most common dermoscopic pattern was spitzoid and multicomponent asymmetric. The group of middle-aged patients was the most diverse in terms of the occurrence of risk factors, solar lentiginosis, dermoscopic patterns, topography, histological subtypes, and invasiveness of melanomas. The oldest group characterized a strong correlation between solar lentiginosis, NMSC comorbidity, the prevalence of facial melanomas, the dermoscopic pattern of melanoma arising on chronic sun-damaged skin, and regression. CONCLUSION The findings regarding the presence of age-specific features in melanoma patients, especially in the youngest and middle-aged groups, might be helpful for clinicians and to target secondary prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Słowińska
- Department of Dermatology, Central Clinical Hospital Ministry of Defense, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, Szaserow 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
- Evimed Medical Centre Ltd., Private Dermatologic Practice, JP Woronicza 16, 02-625 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Czarnecka
- Department of Dermatology, Central Clinical Hospital Ministry of Defense, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, Szaserow 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Czarnecki
- Department of Cardiology, LUX MED Oncology, Limited Liability Company, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Goszczynskiego 1, 02-616 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Tatara
- Department of Dermatology, Central Clinical Hospital Ministry of Defense, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, Szaserow 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Nasierowska-Guttmejer
- Department of Pathomorphology, Central Clinical Hospital of Ministry of Interior and Administration-National Medical Institute, Woloska 137, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University, Swieradowska 43, 02-662 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lorent
- Department of Pathomorphology, Central Clinical Hospital Ministry of Defense, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, Szaserow 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szczepan Cierniak
- Department of Pathomorphology, Central Clinical Hospital Ministry of Defense, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, Szaserow 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Witold Owczarek
- Department of Dermatology, Central Clinical Hospital Ministry of Defense, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, Szaserow 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Kreidieh FY, Tawbi HA, Alexaki A, Borghaei H, Kandalaft LE. Novel Immunotherapeutics: Perspectives on Checkpoints, Bispecifics, and Vaccines in Development. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e391278. [PMID: 37364224 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_391278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the advent of molecular techniques and deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have enabled the development of a multitude of immunotherapy targets and approaches. Despite the revolutionary advancement in immunotherapy, treatment resistance remains a challenge leading to decreased response rate in a significant proportion of patients. As such, there has recently been an evolving focus to enhance efficacy, durability, and toxicity profiles of immunotherapy. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment with many already-approved antibodies and several others in the pipeline, bispecific antibodies build on their success in an attempt to deliver an even more potent immune response against tumor cells. On the other hand, vaccines comprise the oldest and most versatile form of immunotherapy. Peptide and nucleic acid vaccines are relatively simple to manufacture compared with oncolytic virus-based vaccines, whereas the dendritic cell vaccines are the most complex, requiring autologous cell culture. Nevertheless, a crucial question in the development of cancer vaccines is the choice of antigen whereby shared and patient-private antigen approaches are currently being pursued. There is hope that cancer vaccines will join the repertoire of successful novel immunotherapeutics in the market. Better insights into the impact of immunotherapy on effector T cells and other immune cell populations in the TME shall be a major priority across the immune-oncology discipline and can help identify predictive biomarkers to evaluate response to treatment and identify patients who would most likely benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas Y Kreidieh
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Aikaterini Alexaki
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Lana E Kandalaft
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, and Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Regression in cutaneous melanoma: histological assessment, immune mechanisms and clinical implications. Pathology 2023; 55:227-235. [PMID: 36639333 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tumour regression is an immunologically driven process that results in complete or partial disappearance of tumour cells. This can be observed in histological sections as replacement of tumour cells with fibrosis, angiogenesis, and a variable inflammatory infiltrate. In primary cutaneous melanoma, the prognostic significance of regression has been debated for decades, in part because inconsistent histological criteria are used in prognostication studies. It is broadly accepted that CD8+ T lymphocytes are the primary effectors of the anti-tumour response, but the interplay between melanoma and the immune system is complex, dynamic, and incompletely understood. Sustained progress in unravelling the pathogenesis of melanoma regression has led to the identification of therapeutic targets, culminating in the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the management of advanced disease. Modern techniques allow for high-resolution spatial analyses of the tumour microenvironment. Such studies may lead to better understanding of the immune drivers of melanoma regression, thereby facilitating the search for new prognostic and predictive biomarkers to assist clinical decision-making.
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18
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Nicolella HD, Ribeiro AB, Munari CC, Melo MR, Ozelin SD, da Silva LHD, Marquele-Oliveira F, Orenha RP, Veneziani RCS, Parreira RLT, Tavares DC. Antimelanoma effect of manool in 2D cell cultures and reconstructed human skin models. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23282. [PMID: 36541366 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and lethal type of skin cancer, characterized by therapeutic resistance. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic potential of manool, a diterpene from Salvia officinalis L., in human (A375) and murine (B16F10) melanoma cell lines. The analysis of cytotoxicity using the XTT assay showed the lowest IC50 after 48 h of treatment with the manool, being 17.6 and 18.2 µg/ml for A375 and B16F10, respectively. A selective antiproliferative effect of manool was observed on the A375 cells based on the colony formation assay, showing an IC50 equivalent to 5.6 µg/ml. The manool treatments led to 43.5% inhibition of the A375 cell migration at a concentration of 5.0 µg/ml. However, it did not affect cell migration in the B16F10 cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed that the manool interfered in the cell cycle of the A375 cells, blocking the G2/M phase. No changes in the cell cycle were observed in the B16F10 cells. Interestingly, manool did not induce apoptosis in the A375 cells, but apoptosis was observed after treatment of the B16F10 cells. Additionally, manool showed an antimelanoma effect in a reconstructed human skin model. Furthermore, in silico studies, showed that manool is stabilized in the active sites of the tubulin dimer with comparable energy concerning taxol, indicating that both structures can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Altogether, it is concluded that manool, through the modulation of the cell cycle, presents a selective antiproliferative activity and a potential antimelanoma effect.
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19
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Cerivastatin Synergizes with Trametinib and Enhances Its Efficacy in the Therapy of Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030886. [PMID: 36765842 PMCID: PMC9913575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) is a highly aggressive, therapy-resistant disease. Driver mutations in Gα-proteins GNAQ and GNA11 activate MAP-kinase and YAP/TAZ pathways of oncogenic signalling. MAP-kinase and MEK-inhibitors do not significantly block MUM progression, likely due to persisting YAP/TAZ signalling. Statins inhibit YAP/TAZ activation by blocking the mevalonate pathway, geranyl-geranylation, and subcellular localisation of the Rho-GTPase. We investigated drugs that affect the YAP/TAZ pathway, valproic acid, verteporfin and statins, in combination with MEK-inhibitor trametinib. METHODS We established IC50 values of the individual drugs and monitored the effects of their combinations in terms of proliferation. We selected trametinib and cerivastatin for evaluation of cell cycle and apoptosis. Synergism was detected using isobologram and Chou-Talalay analyses. The most synergistic combination was tested in vivo. RESULTS Synergistic concentrations of trametinib and cerivastatin induced a massive arrest of proliferation and cell cycle and enhanced apoptosis, particularly in the monosomic, BAP1-mutated UPMM3 cell line. The combined treatment reduced ERK and AKT phosphorylation, increased the inactive, cytoplasmatic form of YAP and significantly impaired the growth of UM cells with monosomy of chromosome 3 in NSG mice. CONCLUSION Statins can potentiate the efficacy of MEK inhibitors in the therapy of UM.
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20
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Azadi S, Osanloo M, Zarenezhad E, Farjam M, Jalali A, Ghanbariasad A. Nano-scaled emulsion and nanogel containing Mentha pulegium essential oil: cytotoxicity on human melanoma cells and effects on apoptosis regulator genes. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:6. [PMID: 36624422 PMCID: PMC9830879 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03834-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topical drug delivery using nanoemulsions and nanogels is a promising approach to treating skin disorders such as melanoma. METHODS In this study, the chemical composition of Mentha pulegium essential oil with five major compounds, including pulegone (68.11%), l-menthone (8.83%), limonene (2.90%), iso-pulegone (2.69%), and iso-menthone (1.48%) was first identified using GC-MS (Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) analysis. Afterward, a nano-scaled emulsion containing the essential oil with a droplet size of 7.70 ± 1 nm was prepared. Nanogel containing the essential oil was then prepared by adding (2% w/v) carboxymethyl cellulose to the nano-scaled emulsion. Moreover, the successful loading of M. pulegium essential oil in the nano-scaled emulsion and nanogel was confirmed using ATR-FTIR (Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier Transform InfraRed) analysis. Then, human A375 melanoma cells were treated with different concentrations of samples, the MTT assay evaluated cell viability, and cell apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry. In addition, the expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes, including Bax and Bcl-2, was evaluated using the qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique. RESULTS The results showed that cell viability was reduced by 90 and 45% after treatment with 300 μg/mL of the nanogel and nano-scaled emulsion. As confirmed by flow cytometry, this effect was mediated by apoptosis. Furthermore, gene expression analysis showed up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 genes. Therefore, the prepared nanogel, with high efficacy, could be considered a potent anticancer agent for supplementary medicine and in vivo research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Azadi
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Osanloo
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Elham Zarenezhad
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Farjam
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Akram Jalali
- grid.411950.80000 0004 0611 9280Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Ghanbariasad
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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21
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Birkeälv S, Harland M, Matsuyama LSAS, Rashid M, Mehta I, Laye JP, Haase K, Mell T, Iyer V, Robles‐Espinoza CD, McDermott U, van Loo P, Kuijjer ML, Possik PA, Maria Engler SS, Bishop DT, Newton‐Bishop J, Adams DJ. Mutually exclusive genetic interactions and gene essentiality shape the genomic landscape of primary melanoma. J Pathol 2023; 259:56-68. [PMID: 36219477 PMCID: PMC10098817 DOI: 10.1002/path.6019] [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: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a heterogenous malignancy with an unpredictable clinical course. Most patients who present in the clinic are diagnosed with primary melanoma, yet large-scale sequencing efforts have focused primarily on metastatic disease. In this study we sequence-profiled 524 American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage I-III primary tumours. Our analysis of these data reveals recurrent driver mutations, mutually exclusive genetic interactions, where two genes were never or rarely co-mutated, and an absence of co-occurring genetic events. Further, we intersected copy number calls from our primary melanoma data with whole-genome CRISPR screening data to identify the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) as a melanoma-associated dependency. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Birkeälv
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Trust Genome CampusCambridgeUK
| | - Mark Harland
- Division of Haematology and ImmunologyUniversity of Leeds School of MedicineLeedsUK
| | - Larissa Satiko Alcantara Sekimoto Matsuyama
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Trust Genome CampusCambridgeUK
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Sao PauloSao PauloBrazil
| | - Mamun Rashid
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Trust Genome CampusCambridgeUK
| | - Ishan Mehta
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Trust Genome CampusCambridgeUK
| | - Jonathan P Laye
- Division of Haematology and ImmunologyUniversity of Leeds School of MedicineLeedsUK
| | | | - Tracey Mell
- Division of Haematology and ImmunologyUniversity of Leeds School of MedicineLeedsUK
| | - Vivek Iyer
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Trust Genome CampusCambridgeUK
| | - Carla Daniela Robles‐Espinoza
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Trust Genome CampusCambridgeUK
- Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma HumanoUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus JuriquillaSantiago de QuerétaroMexico
| | - Ultan McDermott
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Trust Genome CampusCambridgeUK
| | | | - Marieke L Kuijjer
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Nordic EMBL Partnership, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of Pathology and Leiden Center for Computational OncologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | - Patricia A Possik
- Division of Experimental and Translational ResearchBrazilian National Cancer InstituteRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Silvya Stuchi Maria Engler
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Sao PauloSao PauloBrazil
| | - D Timothy Bishop
- Division of Haematology and ImmunologyUniversity of Leeds School of MedicineLeedsUK
| | - Julia Newton‐Bishop
- Division of Haematology and ImmunologyUniversity of Leeds School of MedicineLeedsUK
| | - David J Adams
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteWellcome Trust Genome CampusCambridgeUK
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22
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Vlašić I, Horvat A, Tadijan A, Slade N. p53 Family in Resistance to Targeted Therapy of Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010065. [PMID: 36613518 PMCID: PMC9820688 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is one of the most aggressive tumors, with frequent mutations affecting components of the MAPK pathway, mainly protein kinase BRAF. Despite promising initial response to BRAF inhibitors, melanoma progresses due to development of resistance. In addition to frequent reactivation of MAPK or activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, recently, the p53 pathway has been shown to contribute to acquired resistance to targeted MAPK inhibitor therapy. Canonical tumor suppressor p53 is inactivated in melanoma by diverse mechanisms. The TP53 gene and two other family members, TP63 and TP73, encode numerous protein isoforms that exhibit diverse functions during tumorigenesis. The p53 family isoforms can be produced by usage of alternative promoters and/or splicing on the C- and N-terminus. Various p53 family isoforms are expressed in melanoma cell lines and tumor samples, and several of them have already shown to have specific functions in melanoma, affecting proliferation, survival, metastatic potential, invasion, migration, and response to therapy. Of special interest are p53 family isoforms with increased expression and direct involvement in acquired resistance to MAPK inhibitors in melanoma cells, implying that modulating their expression or targeting their functional pathways could be a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance to MAPK inhibitors in melanoma.
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23
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A single-cell analysis reveals tumor heterogeneity and immune environment of acral melanoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7250. [PMID: 36433984 PMCID: PMC9700682 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34877-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Acral melanoma is a dismal subtype of melanoma occurring in glabrous acral skin, and has a higher incidence in East Asians. We perform single-cell RNA sequencing for 63,394 cells obtained from 5 acral and 3 cutaneous melanoma samples to investigate tumor heterogeneity and immune environment. We define 5 orthogonal functional cell clusters that are involved in TGF-beta signaling, Type I interferon, Wnt signaling, Cell cycle, and Cholesterol efflux signaling. Signatures of enriched TGF-beta, Type I interferon, and cholesterol efflux signaling are significantly associated with good prognosis of melanoma. Compared with cutaneous melanoma, acral melanoma samples have significantly severe immunosuppressive state including depletion of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, enrichment of Treg cells, and exhausted CD8+ T cells. PD1 and TIM-3 have higher expression in the exhaustive CD8+ T cells of acral melanoma. Key findings are verified in two independent validation sets. This study contributes to our better understanding of acral melanoma.
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24
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Ingelshed K, Spiegelberg D, Kannan P, Påvénius L, Hacheney J, Jiang L, Eisinger S, Lianoudaki D, Lama D, Castillo F, Bosdotter C, Kretzschmar WW, Al-Radi O, Fritz N, Villablanca EJ, Karlsson MCI, Wermeling F, Nestor M, Lane DP, Sedimbi SK. The MDM2 Inhibitor Navtemadlin Arrests Mouse Melanoma Growth In Vivo and Potentiates Radiotherapy. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1075-1088. [PMID: 36922937 PMCID: PMC10010373 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor protein p53 is mutated in close to 50% of human tumors and is dysregulated in many others, for instance by silencing or loss of p14ARF. Under steady-state conditions, the two E3 ligases MDM2/MDM4 interact with and inhibit the transcriptional activity of p53. Inhibition of p53-MDM2/4 interaction to reactivate p53 in tumors with wild-type (WT) p53 has therefore been considered a therapeutic strategy. Moreover, studies indicate that p53 reactivation may synergize with radiation and increase tumor immunogenicity. In vivo studies of most MDM2 inhibitors have utilized immunodeficient xenograft mouse models, preventing detailed studies of action of these molecules on the immune response. The mouse melanoma cell line B16-F10 carries functional, WT p53 but does not express the MDM2 regulator p19ARF. In this study, we tested a p53-MDM2 protein-protein interaction inhibitor, the small molecule Navtemadlin, which is currently being tested in phase II clinical trials. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics and imaging flow cytometry, we identified specific protein expression patterns following Navtemadlin treatment of B16-F10 melanoma cells compared with their p53 CRISPR-inactivated control cells. In vitro, Navtemadlin induced a significant, p53-dependent, growth arrest but little apoptosis in B16-F10 cells. When combined with radiotherapy, Navtemadlin showed synergistic effects and increased apoptosis. In vivo, Navtemadlin treatment significantly reduced the growth of B16-F10 melanoma cells implanted in C57Bl/6 mice. Our data highlight the utility of a syngeneic B16-F10 p53+/+ mouse melanoma model for assessing existing and novel p53-MDM2/MDM4 inhibitors and in identifying new combination therapies that can efficiently eliminate tumors in vivo. Significance The MDM2 inhibitor Navtemadlin arrests mouse tumor growth and potentiates radiotherapy. Our results support a threshold model for apoptosis induction that requires a high, prolonged p53 signaling for cancer cells to become apoptotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Ingelshed
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Diana Spiegelberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pavitra Kannan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Påvénius
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jessica Hacheney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Long Jiang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Silke Eisinger
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Danai Lianoudaki
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dilraj Lama
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francisca Castillo
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Bosdotter
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Omayma Al-Radi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicolas Fritz
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eduardo J. Villablanca
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael C. I. Karlsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Wermeling
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marika Nestor
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - David P. Lane
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Corresponding Authors: Saikiran K. Sedimbi and David P. Lane, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Nobels Väg 16, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden. Phone: +46 852 448 6452; E-mail: ; Phone: +46 852 448 6452; E-mail:
| | - Saikiran K. Sedimbi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Corresponding Authors: Saikiran K. Sedimbi and David P. Lane, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Nobels Väg 16, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden. Phone: +46 852 448 6452; E-mail: ; Phone: +46 852 448 6452; E-mail:
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25
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Loras A, Gil-Barrachina M, Marqués-Torrejón MÁ, Perez-Pastor G, Martinez-Cadenas C. UV-Induced Somatic Mutations Driving Clonal Evolution in Healthy Skin, Nevus, and Cutaneous Melanoma. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091339. [PMID: 36143375 PMCID: PMC9503451 DOI: 10.3390/life12091339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Due to its aggressiveness, cutaneous melanoma (CM) is responsible for most skin cancer-related deaths worldwide. The origin of CM is closely linked to the appearance of UV-induced somatic mutations in melanocytes present in normal skin or in CM precursor lesions (nevi or dysplastic nevi). In recent years, new NGS studies performed on CM tissue have increased the understanding of the genetic somatic changes underlying melanomagenesis and CM tumor progression. Methods: We reviewed the literature using all important scientific databases. All articles related to genomic mutations in CM as well as normal skin and nevi were included, in particular those related to somatic mutations produced by UV radiation. Conclusions: CM development and progression are strongly associated with exposure to UV radiation, although each melanoma subtype has different characteristic genetic alterations and evolutionary trajectories. While BRAF and NRAS mutations are common in the early stages of tumor development for most CM subtypes, changes in CDKN2A, TP53 and PTEN, together with TERT promoter mutations, are especially common in advanced stages. Additionally, large genome duplications, loss of heterozygosity, and copy number variations are hallmarks of metastatic disease. Finally, the mutations driving melanoma targeted-therapy drug resistance are also summarized. The complete sequential stages of clonal evolution leading to CM onset from normal skin or nevi are still unknown, so further studies are needed in this field to shed light on the molecular pathways involved in CM malignant transformation and in melanoma acquired drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Loras
- Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Jaume I University of Castellon, 12071 Castellon, Spain
| | | | | | - Gemma Perez-Pastor
- Department of Dermatology, Valencia General University Hospital, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Conrado Martinez-Cadenas
- Department of Medicine, Jaume I University of Castellon, 12071 Castellon, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-964387607
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26
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Kumari S, Choudhary PK, Shukla R, Sahebkar A, Kesharwani P. Recent advances in nanotechnology based combination drug therapy for skin cancer. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE. POLYMER EDITION 2022; 33:1435-1468. [PMID: 35294334 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2022.2054399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Skin-cancer (SC) is more common than all other cancers affecting large percentage of the population in the world and is increasing in terms of morbidity and mortality. In the United States, 3million people are affected by SC annually whereas millions of people are affected globally. Melanoma is fifth most common cancer in the United States. SC is commonly occurred in white people as per WHO. SC is divided into two groups, i.e. melanoma and non-melanoma. In the previous two decades, management of cancer remains to be a tough and a challenging task for many scholars. Presently, the treatment protocols are mostly based on surgery and chemo-radiation therapy, which sooner or later harm the unaffected cells too. To reduce these limitations, nano scaled materials and its extensive range may be recognized as the probable carriers for the selective drug delivery in response to cancerous cells. Recently, the nanocarriers based drugs and their combinations were found to be a new and interesting approach of study for the management of skin carcinoma to enhance the effectiveness, to lessen the dose-dependent side effects and to avoid the drug resistance. This review may emphasize on the wide-range of information on nanotechnology-based drugs and their combination with physical techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Kumari
- Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Rahul Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, U.P., India
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
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27
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Adnane F, El-Zayat E, Fahmy HM. The combinational application of photodynamic therapy and nanotechnology in skin cancer treatment: A review. Tissue Cell 2022; 77:101856. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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28
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Andrews MC, Oba J, Wu CJ, Zhu H, Karpinets T, Creasy CA, Forget MA, Yu X, Song X, Mao X, Robertson AG, Romano G, Li P, Burton EM, Lu Y, Sloane RS, Wani KM, Rai K, Lazar AJ, Haydu LE, Bustos MA, Shen J, Chen Y, Morgan MB, Wargo JA, Kwong LN, Haymaker CL, Grimm EA, Hwu P, Hoon DSB, Zhang J, Gershenwald JE, Davies MA, Futreal PA, Bernatchez C, Woodman SE. Multi-modal molecular programs regulate melanoma cell state. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4000. [PMID: 35810190 PMCID: PMC9271073 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31510-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma cells display distinct intrinsic phenotypic states. Here, we seek to characterize the molecular regulation of these states using multi-omic analyses of whole exome, transcriptome, microRNA, long non-coding RNA and DNA methylation data together with reverse-phase protein array data on a panel of 68 highly annotated early passage melanoma cell lines. We demonstrate that clearly defined cancer cell intrinsic transcriptomic programs are maintained in melanoma cells ex vivo and remain highly conserved within melanoma tumors, are associated with distinct immune features within tumors, and differentially correlate with checkpoint inhibitor and adoptive T cell therapy efficacy. Through integrative analyses we demonstrate highly complex multi-omic regulation of melanoma cell intrinsic programs that provide key insights into the molecular maintenance of phenotypic states. These findings have implications for cancer biology and the identification of new therapeutic strategies. Further, these deeply characterized cell lines will serve as an invaluable resource for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles C. Andrews
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Junna Oba
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.26091.3c0000 0004 1936 9959Department of Extended Intelligence for Medicine, The Ishii-Ishibashi Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chang-Jiun Wu
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Haifeng Zhu
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Tatiana Karpinets
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Caitlin A. Creasy
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Marie-Andrée Forget
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Xiaoxing Yu
- grid.26091.3c0000 0004 1936 9959Department of Extended Intelligence for Medicine, The Ishii-Ishibashi Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xingzhi Song
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Xizeng Mao
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - A. Gordon Robertson
- grid.434706.20000 0004 0410 5424Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Center, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC Canada ,Dxige Research Inc., Courtenay, BC Canada
| | - Gabriele Romano
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Peng Li
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Burton
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Yiling Lu
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Robert Szczepaniak Sloane
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Khalida M. Wani
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Kunal Rai
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Alexander J. Lazar
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Lauren E. Haydu
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Matias A. Bustos
- grid.416507.10000 0004 0450 0360Departments of Translational Molecular Medicine and Genomic Sequencing Center, St John’s Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA USA
| | - Jianjun Shen
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX USA
| | - Yueping Chen
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX USA
| | - Margaret B. Morgan
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jennifer A. Wargo
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Lawrence N. Kwong
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Cara L. Haymaker
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Grimm
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Patrick Hwu
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.468198.a0000 0000 9891 5233H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Dave S. B. Hoon
- grid.416507.10000 0004 0450 0360Departments of Translational Molecular Medicine and Genomic Sequencing Center, St John’s Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA USA
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jeffrey E. Gershenwald
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Michael A. Davies
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - P. Andrew Futreal
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Chantale Bernatchez
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Biologics Development, Division of Therapeutics Discovery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Scott E. Woodman
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
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29
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Cheung K, Bossler AD, Mott SL, Zeisler M, McKillip J, Zakharia Y, Swick BL, Powers JG. The Genetics of Early-Stage Melanoma in a Veteran Population. Front Oncol 2022; 12:887768. [PMID: 35712493 PMCID: PMC9196270 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.887768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve understanding of the genetic signature of early-stage melanomas in Veterans, hotspot mutation profiling using next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on melanoma tissue samples from patients at the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Genetic analysis identified BRAF (36.3%), TP53 (25.9%), NRAS (19.3%), CDKN2A (11.1%), KIT (8.1%), and BAP1 (7.4%) mutations with the highest prevalence. Although common variants in BRAF were detected at lower rates than what is reported for the general population, 55.6% of cases showed activating mutations in the RAS/RAF pathways. Variants in TP53 and KIT were detected at higher rates than in the general population. Veterans with prior history of melanoma were at significantly higher odds of having TP53 mutation (OR = 2.67, p = 0.04). This suggests that TP53 may be a marker for recurrent melanoma and possibly alternative exposures in the military population. This study provides new information regarding the genetics of melanoma in a Veteran population and early-stage melanomas, highlighting risk factors unique to this population and contributing to the conversation about preventing melanoma deaths in US Military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Cheung
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Aaron D Bossler
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Sarah L Mott
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Megan Zeisler
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Julie McKillip
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Yousef Zakharia
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Brian L Swick
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jennifer G Powers
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Tímár J, Ladányi A. Molecular Pathology of Skin Melanoma: Epidemiology, Differential Diagnostics, Prognosis and Therapy Prediction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5384. [PMID: 35628196 PMCID: PMC9140388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Similar to other malignancies, TCGA network efforts identified the detailed genomic picture of skin melanoma, laying down the basis of molecular classification. On the other hand, genome-wide association studies discovered the genetic background of the hereditary melanomas and the susceptibility genes. These genetic studies helped to fine-tune the differential diagnostics of malignant melanocytic lesions, using either FISH tests or the myPath gene expression signature. Although the original genomic studies on skin melanoma were mostly based on primary tumors, data started to accumulate on the genetic diversity of the progressing disease. The prognostication of skin melanoma is still based on staging but can be completed with gene expression analysis (DecisionDx). Meanwhile, this genetic knowledge base of skin melanoma did not turn to the expected wide array of target therapies, except the BRAF inhibitors. The major breakthrough of melanoma therapy was the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which showed outstanding efficacy in skin melanoma, probably due to their high immunogenicity. Unfortunately, beyond BRAF, KIT mutations and tumor mutation burden, no clinically validated predictive markers exist in melanoma, although several promising biomarkers have been described, such as the expression of immune-related genes or mutations in the IFN-signaling pathway. After the initial success of either target or immunotherapies, sooner or later, relapses occur in the majority of patients, due to various induced genetic alterations, the diagnosis of which could be developed to novel predictive genetic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Tímár
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, 1191 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Ladányi
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
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31
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Fröhlich LM, Makino E, Sinnberg T, Schittek B. Enhanced Expression of p21 Promotes Sensitivity of Melanoma Cells Towards Targeted Therapies. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1243-1252. [PMID: 35514255 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma patients benefit from the approved targeted BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) therapy. Despite the great progress in the therapeutic approach to combat metastatic melanoma, fast emerging drug resistance in patients limits its long-term efficacy. In this study we aimed to unravel the role of the p53 target gene CDKN1A/p21 in the response of melanoma cells towards BRAFi. We show that p53 activation increases BRAFi sensitivity in a synergistic manner exclusively in cells with a high expression of CDKN1A/p21. In a similar way high expression of p21 was associated with a better response towards the mouse double minute 2 inhibitor (MDM2i) compared to those with low p21 expression. Indeed, p21 knockdown decreased the sensitivity towards both targeted therapies. The results indicate that the sensitivity of melanoma cells towards targeted therapies (BRAFi and MDM2i) is dependent on the p21 protein level in the cells. In addition to that, we found that p53 negatively regulates p73 expression, however, p73 seems not to have an influence on p53 expression. These findings offer new potential strategies for the treatment improvement of melanoma patients with high basal p21 levels with BRAFi by increasing treatment efficacy using combination therapies with p53 activating substances, which are able to further increase p21 expression levels. Furthermore, the data suggest that the expression and induction level of p21 could be used as a predictive biomarker in melanoma patients to forecast the outcome of a treatment with p53 activating substances and BRAFi. All in all, this manuscript shows the distinct roles and of the p53 family members and its impact on melanoma therapy. In the future, individualized treatment regimens based on p21 basal and induction levels could benefit melanoma patients with limited treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Marie Fröhlich
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elena Makino
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Birgit Schittek
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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32
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Karg MM, John L, Refaian N, Buettner C, Rottmar T, Sommer J, Bock B, Resheq YJ, Ksander BR, Heindl LM, Mackensen A, Bosch JJ. Midkine promotes metastasis and therapeutic resistance via mTOR/RPS6 in uveal melanoma. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:1320-1336. [PMID: 35503453 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is a rare form of melanoma that originates in the eye, exerts widespread therapeutic resistance and displays an inherent propensity for hepatic metastases. Since metastatic disease is characterized by poor survival, there is an unmet clinical need to identify new therapeutic targets in uveal melanoma. Here, we show that the pleiotropic cytokine midkine is expressed in uveal melanoma. Midkine expression in primary uveal melanoma significantly correlates with poor survival and is elevated in patients that develop metastatic disease. Monosomy 3 and histopathological staging parameters are associated with midkine expression. In addition, we demonstrate that midkine promotes survival, migration across a barrier of hepatic sinusoid endothelial cells and resistance to AKT/mTOR inhibition. Furthermore, midkine is secreted and mediates mTOR activation by maintaining phosphorylation of the mTOR target RPS6 in uveal melanoma cells. Therefore, midkine is identified as a uveal melanoma cell survival factor that drives metastasis and therapeutic resistance, and could be exploited as a biomarker as well as a new therapeutic target. Implications: Midkine is identified as a survival factor that drives liver metastasis and therapeutic resistance in melanoma of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lukas John
- University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nasrin Refaian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne and Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Cologne-Bonn, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Buettner
- University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andreas Mackensen
- Dept. of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology/Oncology, Erlangen, Germany
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33
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Cerqueira OLD, Antunes F, Assis NG, Cardoso EC, Clavijo-Salomón MA, Domingues AC, Tessarollo NG, Strauss BE. Perspectives for Combining Viral Oncolysis With Additional Immunotherapies for the Treatment of Melanoma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:777775. [PMID: 35495634 PMCID: PMC9048901 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.777775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer with steadily increasing incidence worldwide during the last few decades. In addition to its tumor associated antigens (TAAs), melanoma has a high mutation rate compared to other tumors, which promotes the appearance of tumor specific antigens (TSAs) as well as increased lymphocytic infiltration, inviting the use of therapeutic tools that evoke new or restore pre-existing immune responses. Innovative therapeutic proposals, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have emerged as effective options for melanoma. However, a significant portion of these patients relapse and become refractory to treatment. Likewise, strategies using viral vectors, replicative or not, have garnered confidence and approval by different regulatory agencies around the world. It is possible that further success of immune therapies against melanoma will come from synergistic combinations of different approaches. In this review we outline molecular features inherent to melanoma and how this supports the use of viral oncolysis and immunotherapies when used as monotherapies or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Luiz Dutra Cerqueira
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Antunes
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nadine G Assis
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine C Cardoso
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria A Clavijo-Salomón
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Domingues
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nayara G Tessarollo
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bryan E Strauss
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Bryan E Strauss,
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Farshidfar F, Rhrissorrakrai K, Levovitz C, Peng C, Knight J, Bacchiocchi A, Su J, Yin M, Sznol M, Ariyan S, Clune J, Olino K, Parida L, Nikolaus J, Zhang M, Zhao S, Wang Y, Huang G, Wan M, Li X, Cao J, Yan Q, Chen X, Newman AM, Halaban R. Integrative molecular and clinical profiling of acral melanoma links focal amplification of 22q11.21 to metastasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:898. [PMID: 35197475 PMCID: PMC8866401 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acral melanoma, the most common melanoma subtype among non-White individuals, is associated with poor prognosis. However, its key molecular drivers remain obscure. Here, we perform integrative genomic and clinical profiling of acral melanomas from 104 patients treated in North America (n = 37) or China (n = 67). We find that recurrent, late-arising focal amplifications of cytoband 22q11.21 are a leading determinant of inferior survival, strongly associated with metastasis, and linked to downregulation of immunomodulatory genes associated with response to immune checkpoint blockade. Unexpectedly, LZTR1 - a known tumor suppressor in other cancers - is a key candidate oncogene in this cytoband. Silencing of LZTR1 in melanoma cell lines causes apoptotic cell death independent of major hotspot mutations or melanoma subtypes. Conversely, overexpression of LZTR1 in normal human melanocytes initiates processes associated with metastasis, including anchorage-independent growth, formation of spheroids, and an increase in MAPK and SRC activities. Our results provide insights into the etiology of acral melanoma and implicate LZTR1 as a key tumor promoter and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshad Farshidfar
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Cong Peng
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - James Knight
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | | | - Juan Su
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mario Sznol
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephan Ariyan
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James Clune
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kelly Olino
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Joerg Nikolaus
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Meiling Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Dermatologic Surgery Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miaojian Wan
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianan Li
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Cao
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiang Chen
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Aaron M Newman
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Ruth Halaban
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Rodríguez-Muñiz GM, Miranda MA, Lhiaubet-Vallet V. Model Studies on the Photoreduction of the 5-Hydroxy-5,6-dihydrothymine and 5-Methyl-2-pyrimidone Moieties of (6-4) Photoproducts by Photolyase. Photochem Photobiol 2022; 98:671-677. [PMID: 35038786 PMCID: PMC9304215 DOI: 10.1111/php.13592] [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] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Photorepair mechanism of (6‐4) photoproducts (6‐4PP) by photolyase has been the subject of active debate over the years. The initial rationalization based on electron transfer to an oxetane or azetidine intermediate formed upon binding to the enzyme has been questioned, and there is now a more general consensus that the lesion is directly reduced from the excited flavin cofactor. However, the accepting moiety, i.e. the 5‐methyl‐2‐pyrimidone or 5‐hydroxy‐5,6‐dihydrothymine, has not been fully identified yet. In this work, spectroscopic experiments have been run to determine which of the 5′‐ or 3′‐base of 6‐4PP is more prone to be reduced. For this aim, the two building blocks of 6‐4PP were synthesized and used as electron acceptors. Instead of the short‐lived photolyase cofactor, which does not provide a time window compatible with diffusion‐controlled intermolecular processes, carbazole, 2‐methoxynaphthalene and phenanthrene have been selected as electron donors due to their appropriate singlet lifetimes and reduction potentials. Steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence revealed that, in solution, the pyrimidone chromophore is the most easily reduced moiety. This was confirmed by transient absorption experiments consisting of quenching of the solvated electron by the two moieties of 6‐4PP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma M Rodríguez-Muñiz
- Instituto Universitario Mixto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda de los Naranjos s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel A Miranda
- Instituto Universitario Mixto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda de los Naranjos s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Virginie Lhiaubet-Vallet
- Instituto Universitario Mixto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda de los Naranjos s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
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Guo W, Yin G, Cui C, Kong Y, Huang Z, Chen X. Gene mutations and clinical prognosis of mucosal melanoma in different locations of head and neck. Acta Otolaryngol 2022; 142:94-99. [PMID: 34955076 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2021.2015540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucosal melanoma is the second most common subtype of melanoma in China and head and neck region is one of the main sites of this disease. AIMS/OBJECTIVES Analyzed the phenotypes of C-Kit, NRAS, PDGFRA and BRAF genes in patients with in different locations to explore the characteristics of gene mutations. MATERIAL AND METHODS 96 patients were included in this study. C-Kit (exons 9, 11, 13, 17 and 18), NRAS (exons 1 and 2), PDGFRA (exons 12, 14 and 18) and BRAF (exons 11 and 15) were analyzed by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS 14 (14.58%) patients had C-Kit mutation, 6 (6.25%) had BRAF mutation, 23 (23.96%) had PDGFRA mutation, and 12 (12.50%) had NRAS mutation. The NRAS mutation (p = 0.037, 95%CI: 1.050-4.572) was an independent factor affecting distant metastasis and was most commonly found in the nasal cavity/paranasal sinuses (p = .043) while the BRAF mutation was more common in locations other than the nasal cavity/paranasal sinus (p = .008) and was associated with local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE Gene phenotypes of mucosal melanoma in different locations has differences. Lesions in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus should be assessed separately from other parts such as the nasopharynx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gaofei Yin
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanliang Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Kong
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Huang
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Newcomer K, Robbins KJ, Perone J, Hinojosa FL, Chen D, Jones S, Kaufman CK, Weiser R, Fields RC, Tyler DS. Malignant melanoma: evolving practice management in an era of increasingly effective systemic therapies. Curr Probl Surg 2022; 59:101030. [PMID: 35033317 PMCID: PMC9798450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpsurg.2021.101030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Newcomer
- Department of Surgery, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Jennifer Perone
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | | | - David Chen
- e. Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Susan Jones
- f. Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Roi Weiser
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Ryan C Fields
- Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Douglas S Tyler
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX.
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Maniyar RR, Chakraborty S, Jarboe T, Suriano R, Wallack M, Geliebter J, Tiwari RK. Interacting Genetic Lesions of Melanoma in the Tumor Microenvironment: Defining a Viable Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1350:123-143. [PMID: 34888847 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83282-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer with an estimated 106,110 newly diagnosed cases in the United States of America in 2021 leading to an approximated 7180 melanoma-induced deaths. Cancer typically arises from an accumulation of somatic mutations and can be associated with mutagenic or carcinogenic exposure. A key characteristic of melanoma is the extensive somatic mutation rate of 16.8 mutations/Mb, which is largely attributed to UV exposure. Bearing the highest mutational load, many of them occur in key driver pathways, most commonly the BRAFV600E in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. This driver mutation is targeted clinically with FDA-approved therapies using small molecule inhibitors of oncogenic BRAFV600E and MEK, which has greatly expanded therapeutic intervention following a melanoma diagnosis. Up until 2011, therapeutic options for metastatic melanoma were limited, and treatment typically fell under the spectrum of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.Attributed to the extensive mutation rate, as well as having the highest number of neoepitopes, melanoma is deemed to be extremely immunogenic. However, despite this highly immunogenic nature, melanoma is notorious for inducing an immunosuppressive microenvironment which can be relieved by checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The two molecules currently approved clinically are ipilimumab and nivolumab, which target the molecules CTLA-4 and PD-1, respectively.A plethora of immunomodulatory molecules exist, many with redundant functions. Additionally, these molecules are expressed not only by immune cells but also by tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment. Tumor profiling of these cell surface checkpoint molecules is necessary to optimize a clinical response. The presence of immunomodulatory molecules in melanoma, using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and validation of expression in two model systems, human melanoma tissues and patient-derived melanoma cells, revealed that the expression levels of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), TIM1, and CD226, concurrently with the BRAFV600E mutation status, significantly dictated overall survival in melanoma patients. These molecules, along with herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) and CD160, two molecules that are a part of the HVEM/BTLA/CD160 axis, had a higher expression in human melanoma tissues when compared to normal skin melanocytes and have unique roles to play in T cell activation. New links are being uncovered between the expression of immunomodulatory molecules and the BRAFV600E genetic lesion in melanoma. Small molecule inhibitors of the MAPK pathway regulate the surface expression of this multifaceted molecule, making BTLA a promising target for immuno-oncology to be targeted in combination with small molecule inhibitors, potentially alleviating T regulatory cell activation and improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Maniyar
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Ludwig Collaborative and Swim Across America Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Chakraborty
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - T Jarboe
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - R Suriano
- Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mount Saint Vincent, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - M Wallack
- Department Surgery, Metropolitan Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Geliebter
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - R K Tiwari
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
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Krishnamurthy K, Urioste SN, Cusnir M, Schwartz M, Alghamdi S, Sriganeshan V, Poppiti R. Analysis of Genetic Alterations in Cutaneous Malignant Melanomas Unveils Unique Loco-Regional Variations and Novel Predictors of Metastatic Potential. Am J Dermatopathol 2021; 43:e185-e189. [PMID: 33859081 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000001953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive cancer that contributes significantly to cancer-related mortality. Over the years, a deeper scrutiny of melanoma biology has led to identification of diverse evolutionary patterns involving various genetic pathways. This study attempts to further understand the genetic landscape of cutaneous malignant melanoma in terms of loco-regional variations and malignant potential. Thirty-five cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma were retrieved from the archives and were classified based on location of the primary tumor and presence or absence of metastatic disease. Next-generation sequencing data consisting of base substitutions, copy number variations, indels, and rearrangements in a total of 324 genes were analyzed for recurrent genetic alterations. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS26 software. Mutations in KDM gene family were found in 62.5% of the melanomas in the head and neck as compared with 10% in melanomas of the extremity and trunk (P = 0.03). Mutations in the RAS gene family were found in 70% of melanomas in the extremities as compared to 12.5% in melanomas of the head and neck (P = 0.003). BTK gene mutations were found exclusively in melanomas of the head and neck (P = 0.032). CREBBP mutations were seen in 50% of the nonmetastatic melanomas as compared with 3.57% of metastatic melanomas (P = 0.005). This study highlights the loco-regional variations in cutaneous malignant melanoma for genetic alterations involving the KDM, RAS, and BTK gene family. In addition, the CREBBP mutational status is identified as a potential prognostic marker for predicting metastatic potential in cutaneous malignant melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Krishnamurthy
- A.M. Rywlin, MD Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
| | - Sophia N Urioste
- Department of Pathology, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL; and
| | - Mike Cusnir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
| | - Michael Schwartz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
| | - Sarah Alghamdi
- A.M. Rywlin, MD Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
- Department of Pathology, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL; and
| | - Vathany Sriganeshan
- A.M. Rywlin, MD Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
- Department of Pathology, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL; and
| | - Robert Poppiti
- A.M. Rywlin, MD Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
- Department of Pathology, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL; and
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Khaddour K, Maahs L, Avila-Rodriguez AM, Maamar Y, Samaan S, Ansstas G. Melanoma Targeted Therapies beyond BRAF-Mutant Melanoma: Potential Druggable Mutations and Novel Treatment Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5847. [PMID: 34831002 PMCID: PMC8616477 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanomas exhibit the highest rate of somatic mutations among all different types of cancers (with the exception of BCC and SCC). The accumulation of a multimode of mutations in the driver oncogenes are responsible for the proliferative, invasive, and aggressive nature of melanomas. High-resolution and high-throughput technology has led to the identification of distinct mutational signatures and their downstream alterations in several key pathways that contribute to melanomagenesis. This has enabled the development of individualized treatments by targeting specific molecular alterations that are vital for cancer cell survival, which has resulted in improved outcomes in several cancers, including melanomas. To date, BRAF and MEK inhibitors remain the only approved targeted therapy with a high level of evidence in BRAFV600E/K mutant melanomas. The lack of approved precision drugs in melanomas, relative to other cancers, despite harboring one of the highest rates of somatic mutations, advocates for further research to unveil effective therapeutics. In this review, we will discuss potential druggable mutations and the ongoing research of novel individualized treatment approaches targeting non-BRAF mutations in melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karam Khaddour
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.M.); (A.M.A.-R.)
| | - Lucas Maahs
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.M.); (A.M.A.-R.)
| | - Ana Maria Avila-Rodriguez
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.M.); (A.M.A.-R.)
| | - Yazan Maamar
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Tishreen Lattakia, Lattakia 2217, Syria;
| | - Sami Samaan
- Department of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon;
| | - George Ansstas
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
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Millán-Esteban D, Peña-Chilet M, García-Casado Z, Manrique-Silva E, Requena C, Bañuls J, López-Guerrero JA, Rodríguez-Hernández A, Traves V, Dopazo J, Virós A, Kumar R, Nagore E. Mutational Characterization of Cutaneous Melanoma Supports Divergent Pathways Model for Melanoma Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5219. [PMID: 34680367 PMCID: PMC8533762 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the divergent pathway model, cutaneous melanoma comprises a nevogenic group with a propensity to melanocyte proliferation and another one associated with cumulative solar damage (CSD). While characterized clinically and epidemiologically, the differences in the molecular profiles between the groups have remained primarily uninvestigated. This study has used a custom gene panel and bioinformatics tools to investigate the potential molecular differences in a thoroughly characterized cohort of 119 melanoma patients belonging to nevogenic and CSD groups. We found that the nevogenic melanomas had a restricted set of mutations, with the prominently mutated gene being BRAF. The CSD melanomas, in contrast, showed mutations in a diverse group of genes that included NF1, ROS1, GNA11, and RAC1. We thus provide evidence that nevogenic and CSD melanomas constitute different biological entities and highlight the need to explore new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Millán-Esteban
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de València San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (Z.G.-C.); (J.A.L.-G.)
| | - María Peña-Chilet
- Clinical Bioinformatics Area, Fundación Progreso y Salud, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (M.P.-C.); (J.D.)
- Bioinformatics in Rare Diseases (BiER), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 41013 Sevilla, Spain
- Computational Systems Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Zaida García-Casado
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (Z.G.-C.); (J.A.L.-G.)
| | - Esperanza Manrique-Silva
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (E.M.-S.); (A.R.-H.)
| | - Celia Requena
- Computational Systems Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - José Bañuls
- Department of Dermatology, El Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Jose Antonio López-Guerrero
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (Z.G.-C.); (J.A.L.-G.)
| | - Aranzazu Rodríguez-Hernández
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (E.M.-S.); (A.R.-H.)
| | - Víctor Traves
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Joaquín Dopazo
- Clinical Bioinformatics Area, Fundación Progreso y Salud, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (M.P.-C.); (J.D.)
- Bioinformatics in Rare Diseases (BiER), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 41013 Sevilla, Spain
- Computational Systems Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
- Fundación Progreso y Salud-ELIXIR-es, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Amaya Virós
- Skin Cancer and Aging Lab, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester SK10 4TG, UK;
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, Deutsches Krebsforschüngzentrum, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eduardo Nagore
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de València San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (E.M.-S.); (A.R.-H.)
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Oliveira ÉAD, Chauhan J, Silva JRD, Carvalho LADC, Dias D, Carvalho DGD, Watanabe LRM, Rebecca VW, Mills G, Lu Y, da Silva ASF, Consolaro MEL, Herlyn M, Possik PA, Goding CR, Maria-Engler SS. TOP1 modulation during melanoma progression and in adaptative resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitors. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105911. [PMID: 34560251 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In melanomas, therapy resistance can arise due to a combination of genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic mechanisms. Due to its crucial role in DNA supercoil relaxation, TOP1 is often considered an essential chemotherapeutic target in cancer. However, how TOP1 expression and activity might differ in therapy sensitive versus resistant cell types is unknown. Here we show that TOP1 expression is increased in metastatic melanoma and correlates with an invasive gene expression signature. More specifically, TOP1 expression is highest in cells with the lowest expression of MITF, a key regulator of melanoma biology. Notably, TOP1 and DNA Single-Strand Break Repair genes are downregulated in BRAFi- and BRAFi/MEKi-resistant cells and TOP1 inhibition decreases invasion markers only in BRAFi/MEKi-resistant cells. Thus, we show three different phenotypes related to TOP1 levels: i) non-malignant cells with low TOP1 levels; ii) metastatic cells with high TOP1 levels and high invasiveness; and iii) BRAFi- and BRAFi/MEKi-resistant cells with low TOP1 levels and high invasiveness. Together, these results highlight the potential role of TOP1 in melanoma progression and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érica Aparecida de Oliveira
- Skin Biology Group, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, FCF/USP, Brazil; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Jagat Chauhan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Julia Rezende da Silva
- Skin Biology Group, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, FCF/USP, Brazil
| | - Larissa Anastacio da Costa Carvalho
- Skin Biology Group, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, FCF/USP, Brazil
| | - Diogo Dias
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Luis Roberto Masao Watanabe
- Skin Biology Group, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, FCF/USP, Brazil
| | - Vito W Rebecca
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program and Melanoma Research Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Yiling Lu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aloisio Souza Felipe da Silva
- Department of Pathology, Anatomic Pathology Service, University Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Meenhard Herlyn
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program and Melanoma Research Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Patricia A Possik
- Division of Cellular Biology, Brazilian National Cancer Institute, Brazil
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Silvya Stuchi Maria-Engler
- Skin Biology Group, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Department, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, FCF/USP, Brazil.
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43
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Kaur H, Kesharwani P. Advanced nanomedicine approaches applied for treatment of skin carcinoma. J Control Release 2021; 337:589-611. [PMID: 34364919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Skin-cancer is the commonest malignancy affecting huge proportion of the population, reaching heights in terms of morbidity. The treatment strategies are presently focusing on surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, which eventually cause destruction to unaffected cells. To overcome this limitation, wide range of nanoscaled materials have been recognized as potential carriers for delivering selective response to cancerous cells and neoplasms. Nanotechnological approach has been tremendously exploited in several areas, owing to their functional nanometric dimensions. The alarming incidence of skin cancer engenders burdensome effects worldwide, which is further awakening innovational medicinal approaches, accompanying target specific drug delivery tools for coveted benefits to provide reduced toxicity and tackle proliferative episodes of skin cancer. The developed nanosystems for anti-cancer agents include liposomes, ethosomes, nanofibers, solid lipid nanoparticles and metallic nanoparticles, which exhibit pronounced outcomes for skin carcinoma. In this review, skin cancer with its sub-types is explained in nutshell, followed by compendium of specific nanotechnological tools presented, in addition to therapeutic applications of drug-loaded nano systems for skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsimran Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
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44
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Teixido C, Castillo P, Martinez-Vila C, Arance A, Alos L. Molecular Markers and Targets in Melanoma. Cells 2021; 10:2320. [PMID: 34571969 PMCID: PMC8469294 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma develops as a result of several genetic alterations, with UV radiation often acting as a mutagenic risk factor. Deep knowledge of the molecular signaling pathways of different types of melanoma allows better characterization and provides tools for the development of therapies based on the intervention of signals promoted by these cascades. The latest World Health Organization classification acknowledged the specific genetic drivers leading to melanoma and classifies melanocytic lesions into nine distinct categories according to the associate cumulative sun damage (CSD), which correlates with the molecular alterations of tumors. The largest groups are melanomas associated with low-CSD or superficial spreading melanomas, characterized by frequent presentation of the BRAFV600 mutation. High-CSD melanomas include lentigo maligna type and desmoplastic melanomas, which often have a high mutation burden and can harbor NRAS, BRAFnon-V600E, or NF1 mutations. Non-CSD-associated melanomas encompass acral and mucosal melanomas that usually do not show BRAF, NRAS, or NF1 mutations (triple wild-type), but in a subset may have KIT or SF3B1 mutations. To improve survival, these driver alterations can be treated with targeted therapy achieving significant antitumor activity. In recent years, relevant improvement in the prognosis and survival of patients with melanoma has been achieved, since the introduction of BRAF/MEK tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of molecular pathways and discuss current and potential therapeutic targets in melanoma, focusing on their clinical relevance of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Teixido
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (P.C.); (L.A.)
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Paola Castillo
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (P.C.); (L.A.)
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Clara Martinez-Vila
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Althaia Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Dr. Joan Soler, 1–3, 08243 Manresa, Spain
| | - Ana Arance
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Llucia Alos
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (P.C.); (L.A.)
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
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45
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Bowman RL, Hennessey RC, Weiss TJ, Tallman DA, Crawford ER, Murphy BM, Webb A, Zhang S, La Perle KM, Burd CJ, Levine RL, Shain AH, Burd CE. UVB mutagenesis differs in Nras- and Braf-mutant mouse models of melanoma. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:e202101135. [PMID: 34210801 PMCID: PMC8321651 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF-mutant melanomas are more likely than NRAS-mutant melanomas to arise in anatomical locations protected from chronic sun damage. We hypothesized that this discrepancy in tumor location is a consequence of the differential sensitivity of BRAF and NRAS-mutant melanocytes to ultraviolet light (UV)-mediated carcinogenesis. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the mutagenic consequences of a single neonatal, ultraviolet-AI (UVA; 340-400 nm) or ultraviolet-B (UVB; 280-390 nm) exposure in mouse models heterozygous for mutant Braf or homozygous for mutant Nras Tumor onset was accelerated by UVB, but not UVA, and the resulting melanomas contained recurrent mutations affecting the RING domain of MAP3K1 and Actin-binding domain of Filamin A. Melanomas from UVB-irradiated, Braf-mutant mice averaged twice as many single-nucleotide variants and five times as many dipyrimidine variants than tumors from similarly irradiated Nras-mutant mice. A mutational signature discovered in UVB-accelerated tumors mirrored COSMIC signatures associated with human skin cancer and was more prominent in Braf- than Nras-mutant murine melanomas. These data show that a single UVB exposure yields a greater burden of mutations in murine tumors driven by oncogenic Braf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Bowman
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca C Hennessey
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tirzah J Weiss
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David A Tallman
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emma R Crawford
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brandon M Murphy
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy Webb
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Souhui Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Krista Md La Perle
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Craig J Burd
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ross L Levine
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Hunter Shain
- Department of Dermatology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christin E Burd
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Massone C, Hofman-Wellenhof R, Chiodi S, Sola S. Dermoscopic Criteria, Histopathological Correlates and Genetic Findings of Thin Melanoma on Non-Volar Skin. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1288. [PMID: 34440462 PMCID: PMC8391530 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive, in vivo technique that allows the visualization of subsurface skin structures in the epidermis, at the dermoepidermal junction, and in the upper dermis. Dermoscopy brought a new dimension in evaluating melanocytic skin neoplasms (MSN) also representing a link between clinical and pathologic examination of any MSN. However, histopathology remains the gold standard in diagnosing MSN. Dermoscopic-pathologic correlation enhances the level of quality of MSN diagnosis and increases the level of confidence of pathologists. Melanoma is one of the most genetically predisposed among all cancers in humans. The genetic landscape of melanoma has been described in the last years but is still a field in continuous evolution. Melanoma genetic markers play a role not only in melanoma susceptibility, initiation, and progression but also in prognosis and therapeutic decisions. Several studies described the dermoscopic specific criteria and predictors for melanoma and their histopathologic correlates, but only a few studies investigated the correlation among dermoscopy, pathology, and genetic of MSN. The aim of this work is to review the published data about dermoscopic features of melanoma, their histopathological correlates with regards also to genetic alterations. Particularly, this review will focus on low-CSD (cumulative sun damage) melanoma or superficial spreading melanoma, high-CSD melanoma, and nevus-associated melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simona Sola
- Surgical Pathology, Galliera Hospital, 16128 Genoa, Italy;
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Close DA, Kirkwood JM, Fecek RJ, Storkus WJ, Johnston PA. Unbiased High-Throughput Drug Combination Pilot Screening Identifies Synergistic Drug Combinations Effective against Patient-Derived and Drug-Resistant Melanoma Cell Lines. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2021; 26:712-729. [PMID: 33208016 PMCID: PMC8128935 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220970917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We describe the development, optimization, and validation of 384-well growth inhibition assays for six patient-derived melanoma cell lines (PDMCLs), three wild type (WT) for BRAF and three with V600E-BRAF mutations. We conducted a pilot drug combination (DC) high-throughput screening (HTS) of 45 pairwise 4×4 DC matrices prepared from 10 drugs in the PDMCL assays: two B-Raf inhibitors (BRAFi), a MEK inhibitor (MEKi), and a methylation agent approved for melanoma; cytotoxic topoisomerase II and DNA methyltransferase chemotherapies; and drugs targeting the base excision DNA repair enzyme APE1 (apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1/redox effector factor-1), SRC family tyrosine kinases, the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) molecular chaperone, and histone deacetylases.Pairwise DCs between dasatinib and three drugs approved for melanoma therapy-dabrafenib, vemurafenib, or trametinib-were flagged as synergistic in PDMCLs. Exposure to fixed DC ratios of the SRC inhibitor dasatinib with the BRAFis or MEKis interacted synergistically to increase PDMCL sensitivity to growth inhibition and enhance cytotoxicity independently of PDMCL BRAF status. These DCs synergistically inhibited the growth of mouse melanoma cell lines that either were dabrafenib-sensitive or had acquired resistance to dabrafenib with cross resistance to vemurafenib, trametinib, and dasatinib. Dasatinib DCs with dabrafenib, vemurafenib, or trametinib activated apoptosis and increased cell death in melanoma cells independently of their BRAF status or their drug resistance phenotypes. These preclinical in vitro studies provide a data-driven rationale for the further investigation of DCs between dasatinib and BRAFis or MEKis as candidates for melanoma combination therapies with the potential to improve outcomes and/or prevent or delay the emergence of disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Close
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - John M. Kirkwood
- Departments of Medicine, Dermatology, Translational Science, and Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Ronald J. Fecek
- Department of Microbiology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA 15601, USA
| | - Walter J. Storkus
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Departments of Dermatology, Immunology, Bioengineering and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Paul A. Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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48
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The Role of Senescent Cells in Acquired Drug Resistance and Secondary Cancer in BRAFi-Treated Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092241. [PMID: 34066966 PMCID: PMC8125319 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Advances in melanoma treatment include v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) inhibitors that target the predominant oncogenic mutation found in malignant melanoma. Despite initial success of the BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) therapies, resistance and secondary cancer often occur. Mechanisms of resistance and secondary cancer rely on upregulation of pro-survival pathways that circumvent senescence. The repeated identification of a cellular senescent phenotype throughout melanoma progression demonstrates the contribution of senescent cells in resistance and secondary cancer development. Incorporating senotherapeutics in melanoma treatment may offer a novel approach for potentially improving clinical outcome. Abstract BRAF is the most common gene mutated in malignant melanoma, and predominately it is a missense mutation of codon 600 in the kinase domain. This oncogenic BRAF missense mutation results in constitutive activation of the mitogen-activate protein kinase (MAPK) pro-survival pathway. Several BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have been developed to specifically inhibit BRAFV600 mutations that improve melanoma survival, but resistance and secondary cancer often occur. Causal mechanisms of BRAFi-induced secondary cancer and resistance have been identified through upregulation of MAPK and alternate pro-survival pathways. In addition, overriding of cellular senescence is observed throughout the progression of disease from benign nevi to malignant melanoma. In this review, we discuss melanoma BRAF mutations, the genetic mechanism of BRAFi resistance, and the evidence supporting the role of senescent cells in melanoma disease progression, drug resistance and secondary cancer. We further highlight the potential benefit of targeting senescent cells with senotherapeutics as adjuvant therapy in combating melanoma.
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Advances in Targeting Cutaneous Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092090. [PMID: 33925915 PMCID: PMC8123429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cutaneous Melanoma (CM), arising from pigment-producing melanocytes in the skin, is an aggressive cancer with high metastatic potential. While cutaneous melanoma represents only a fraction of all skin cancers (<5%), it accounts for most skin-cancer-related deaths worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibition has been the first therapeutic approach to significantly benefit patient survival after treatment. Nevertheless, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and the intrinsic and acquired treatment resistance of melanoma remain crucial challenges. Combining local and systemic treatment offers the potential to augment therapeutic response and overcome resistance, although, complex drug combinations can harbor an increased risk of immune-related adverse events. The aim of this review is to give current insight into studies combining systemic and local therapeutic approaches to overcome drug resistance, prime melanoma cells for therapy, and improve overall treatment response in CM patients. Abstract To date, the skin remains the most common cancer site among Caucasians in the western world. The complex, layered structure of human skin harbors a heterogenous population of specialized cells. Each cell type residing in the skin potentially gives rise to a variety of cancers, including non-melanoma skin cancer, sarcoma, and cutaneous melanoma. Cutaneous melanoma is known to exacerbate and metastasize if not detected at an early stage, with mutant melanomas tending to acquire treatment resistance over time. The intricacy of melanoma thus necessitates diverse and patient-centered targeted treatment options. In addition to classical treatment through surgical intervention and radio- or chemotherapy, several systemic and intratumoral immunomodulators, pharmacological agents (e.g., targeted therapies), and oncolytic viruses are trialed or have been recently approved. Moreover, utilizing combinations of immune checkpoint blockade with targeted, oncolytic, or anti-angiogenic approaches for patients with advanced disease progression are promising approaches currently under pre-clinical and clinical investigation. In this review, we summarize the current ‘state-of-the-art’ as well as discuss emerging agents and regimens in cutaneous melanoma treatment.
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Elefanti L, Zamuner C, Del Fiore P, Stagni C, Pellegrini S, Dall’Olmo L, Fabozzi A, Senetta R, Ribero S, Salmaso R, Mocellin S, Bassetto F, Cavallin F, Tosi AL, Galuppini F, Dei Tos AP, Menin C, Cappellesso R. The Molecular Landscape of Primary Acral Melanoma: A Multicenter Study of the Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3826. [PMID: 33917086 PMCID: PMC8067752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acral melanoma (AM) is a rare and aggressive subtype of melanoma affecting the palms, soles, and nail apparatus with similar incidence among different ethnicities. AM is unrelated to ultraviolet radiation and has a low mutation burden but frequent chromosomal rearrangements and gene amplifications. Next generation sequencing of 33 genes and somatic copy number variation (CNV) analysis with genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism arrays were performed in order to molecularly characterize 48 primary AMs of Italian patients in association with clinicopathological and prognostic features. BRAF was the most commonly mutated gene, followed by NRAS and TP53, whereas TERT promoter, KIT, and ARID1A were less frequently mutated. Gains and losses were recurrently found in the 1q, 6p, 7, 8q, 20 and 22 chromosomes involving PREX2, RAC1, KMT2C, BRAF, CCND1, TERT, and AKT3 genes, and in the 6q, 9, 10, 11q and 16q chromosomes including CDKN2A, PTEN, and ADAMTS18 genes, respectively. This study confirmed the variety of gene mutations and the high load of CNV in primary AM. Some genomic alterations were associated with histologic prognostic features. BRAF mutations, found with a higher rate than previously reported, correlated with a low Breslow thickness, low mitotic count, low CNV of the AMs, and with early-stage of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Elefanti
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (L.E.); (S.P.)
| | - Carolina Zamuner
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Paolo Del Fiore
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (P.D.F.); (L.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Camilla Stagni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Stefania Pellegrini
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (L.E.); (S.P.)
| | - Luigi Dall’Olmo
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (P.D.F.); (L.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Alessio Fabozzi
- Oncology Unit 3, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy;
| | - Simone Ribero
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy;
| | - Roberto Salmaso
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (R.S.); (A.P.D.T.); (R.C.)
| | - Simone Mocellin
- Soft-Tissue, Peritoneum and Melanoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (P.D.F.); (L.D.); (S.M.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Franco Bassetto
- Plastic Surgery Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy;
- Department of Neurosciences (DNS), University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Anna Lisa Tosi
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, AULSS5, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 45100 Rovigo, Italy;
| | - Francesca Galuppini
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (R.S.); (A.P.D.T.); (R.C.)
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Chiara Menin
- Immunology and Diagnostic Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (L.E.); (S.P.)
| | - Rocco Cappellesso
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (R.S.); (A.P.D.T.); (R.C.)
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