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Lämmerhirt L, Kappelmann-Fenzl M, Fischer S, Meier P, Staebler S, Kuphal S, Bosserhoff AK. Loss of miR-101-3p in melanoma stabilizes genomic integrity, leading to cell death prevention. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:29. [PMID: 38431560 PMCID: PMC10909299 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00552-2] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma remains the most lethal form of skin cancer, exhibiting poor prognosis after forming distant metastasis. Owing to their potential tumor-suppressive properties by regulating oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, microRNAs are important player in melanoma development and progression. We defined the loss of miR-101-3p expression in melanoma cells compared with melanocytes and melanoblast-related cells as an early event in tumor development and aimed to understand the tumor suppressive role of miR-101-3p and its regulation of important cellular processes. Reexpression of miR-101-3p resulted in inhibition of proliferation, increase in DNA damage, and induction of apoptosis. We further determined the nuclear structure protein Lamin B1, which influences nuclear processes and heterochromatin structure, ATRX, CASP3, and PARP as an important direct target of miR-101-3p. RNA sequencing and differential gene expression analysis after miR-101-3p reexpression supported our findings and the importance of loss of mir-101-3p for melanoma progression. The validated functional effects are related to genomic instability, as recent studies suggest miRNAs plays a key role in mediating this cellular process. Therefore, we concluded that miR-101-3p reexpression increases the genomic instability, leading to irreversible DNA damage, which leads to apoptosis induction. Our findings suggest that the loss of miR-101-3p in melanoma serves as an early event in melanoma progression by influencing the genomic integrity to maintain the increased bioenergetic demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Lämmerhirt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Fischer
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Paula Meier
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg (JMU), Sanderring 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Staebler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Silke Kuphal
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja-Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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2
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Huang K, Wang Q, Qu H, Hu X, Niu W, Hultgårdh-Nilsson A, Nilsson J, Liang C, Chen Y. Effect of acidosis on adipose-derived stem cell impairment and gene expression. Regen Ther 2024; 25:331-343. [PMID: 38333090 PMCID: PMC10850859 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Based on disappointing results of stem cell-based application in clinical trials for patients with critical limb ischemia, we hypothesized that the acidic environment might be the key factor limiting cell survival and function. In the present study, we used microdialysis to determine presence of acidosis and metabolic imbalance in critical ischemia. Moreover, we explored the effect of extracellular acidosis on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) at molecular and transcriptional level. Our data demonstrate that low pH negatively regulates cell proliferation and survival, also, it results in cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial dynamics disorder, DNA damage as well as the impairment of proangiogenic function in a pH-dependent manner. Further transcriptome profiling identified the pivotal signaling pathways and hub genes in response to acidosis. Collectively, these findings provide strong evidences for a critical role of acidosis in ADSCs impairment with ischemic condition and suggest treatments focus on tissue pH balance and acidosis-mediated hub genes may have therapeutic potential in stem cell-based application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai Cardiovascular Institute of Integrative Medicine, 200003 Shanghai, China
| | - Qinqin Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai Cardiovascular Institute of Integrative Medicine, 200003 Shanghai, China
| | - Huilong Qu
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai Cardiovascular Institute of Integrative Medicine, 200003 Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, Netherlands
| | - Wenhao Niu
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai Cardiovascular Institute of Integrative Medicine, 200003 Shanghai, China
| | | | - Jan Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, 20502 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai Cardiovascular Institute of Integrative Medicine, 200003 Shanghai, China
| | - Yihong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai Cardiovascular Institute of Integrative Medicine, 200003 Shanghai, China
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
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3
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Shirley CA, Chhabra G, Amiri D, Chang H, Ahmad N. Immune escape and metastasis mechanisms in melanoma: breaking down the dichotomy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336023. [PMID: 38426087 PMCID: PMC10902921 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most lethal neoplasms of the skin. Despite the revolutionary introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, metastatic spread, and recurrence remain critical problems in resistant cases. Melanoma employs a multitude of mechanisms to subvert the immune system and successfully metastasize to distant organs. Concerningly, recent research also shows that tumor cells can disseminate early during melanoma progression and enter dormant states, eventually leading to metastases at a future time. Immune escape and metastasis have previously been viewed as separate phenomena; however, accumulating evidence is breaking down this dichotomy. Recent research into the progressive mechanisms of melanoma provides evidence that dedifferentiation similar to classical epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), genes involved in neural crest stem cell maintenance, and hypoxia/acidosis, are important factors simultaneously involved in immune escape and metastasis. The likeness between EMT and early dissemination, and differences, also become apparent in these contexts. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms behind "dual drivers" simultaneously promoting metastatically inclined and immunosuppressive environments can yield novel strategies effective in disabling multiple facets of melanoma progression. Furthermore, understanding progression through these drivers may provide insight towards novel treatments capable of preventing recurrence arising from dormant dissemination or improving immunotherapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A Shirley
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Deeba Amiri
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Hao Chang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
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4
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Silwal P, Nguyen-Thai AM, Mohammad HA, Wang Y, Robbins PD, Lee JY, Vo NV. Cellular Senescence in Intervertebral Disc Aging and Degeneration: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Opportunities. Biomolecules 2023; 13:686. [PMID: 37189433 PMCID: PMC10135543 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Closely associated with aging and age-related disorders, cellular senescence (CS) is the inability of cells to proliferate due to accumulated unrepaired cellular damage and irreversible cell cycle arrest. Senescent cells are characterized by their senescence-associated secretory phenotype that overproduces inflammatory and catabolic factors that hamper normal tissue homeostasis. Chronic accumulation of senescent cells is thought to be associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in an aging population. This IDD is one of the largest age-dependent chronic disorders, often associated with neurological dysfunctions such as, low back pain, radiculopathy, and myelopathy. Senescent cells (SnCs) increase in number in the aged, degenerated discs, and have a causative role in driving age-related IDD. This review summarizes current evidence supporting the role of CS on onset and progression of age-related IDD. The discussion includes molecular pathways involved in CS such as p53-p21CIP1, p16INK4a, NF-κB, and MAPK, and the potential therapeutic value of targeting these pathways. We propose several mechanisms of CS in IDD including mechanical stress, oxidative stress, genotoxic stress, nutritional deprivation, and inflammatory stress. There are still large knowledge gaps in disc CS research, an understanding of which will provide opportunities to develop therapeutic interventions to treat age-related IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanta Silwal
- Ferguson Laboratory for Spine Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Allison M. Nguyen-Thai
- Ferguson Laboratory for Spine Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Haneef Ahamed Mohammad
- Department of Health Information Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Yanshan Wang
- Department of Health Information Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Paul D. Robbins
- Institute of the Biology of Aging and Metabolism and Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Joon Y. Lee
- Ferguson Laboratory for Spine Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Nam V. Vo
- Ferguson Laboratory for Spine Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Tudor DV, Florea A, Cenariu M, Olteanu DE, Farcaș M, Hopârtean A, Clichici SV, Filip GA. Low Doses of Celecoxib Might Promote Phenotype Switching in Cutaneous Melanoma Treated with Dabrafenib-Preliminary Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154560. [PMID: 35956175 PMCID: PMC9369555 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154560] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor with a rapidly switching molecular and cellular phenotype. The invasive phenotype switching characterized by MITFlow/AXLhigh predicts early resistance to multiple targeted drugs in melanoma. Celecoxib proved to be a valuable adjuvant in cutaneous melanoma in preclinical studies. Our in vitro study evaluated for the first time whether celecoxib could prevent phenotype switching in two human melanoma cell lines treated with dabrafenib. Methods: All in vitro experiments were carried out on BRAF-V600E-positive A375 and SK-MEL-28 human melanoma cell lines, and subjected to a celecoxib and dabrafenib drug combination for 72 h. Melanoma cells were already in the MITFlow/AXLhigh end of the spectrum. Of main interest was the evaluation of the key proteins expressed in phenotype switching (TGF-β, MITF, AXL, YAP, TAZ), as well as cell death mechanisms correlated with oxidative stress production. Results: Celecoxib significantly enhanced the apoptotic effect of dabrafenib in each melanoma cell line compared to the dabrafenib group (p < 0.0001). Even though celecoxib promoted low MITF expression, this was correlated with high receptor tyrosine kinase AXL levels in A375 and SK-MEL-28 cell lines (p < 0.0001), a positive marker for the phenotype switch to an invasive state. Conclusion: This preliminary study highlighted that celecoxib might promote MITFlow/AXLhigh expression in cutaneous melanoma treated with dabrafenib, facilitating phenotype switching in vitro. Our results need further confirmation, as this finding could represent an important limitation of celecoxib as an antineoplastic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valentina Tudor
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Adrian Florea
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihai Cenariu
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Reproductive Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Elena Olteanu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marius Farcaș
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Hopârtean
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Valeria Clichici
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriela Adriana Filip
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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6
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Rachinger N, Mittag N, Böhme-Schäfer I, Xiang W, Kuphal S, Bosserhoff AK. Alpha-Synuclein and Its Role in Melanocytes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132087. [PMID: 35805172 PMCID: PMC9265281 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigmentation is an important process in skin physiology and skin diseases and presumably also plays a role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). In PD, alpha-Synuclein (aSyn) has been shown to be involved in the pigmentation of neurons. The presynaptic protein is intensively investigated for its pathological role in PD, but its physiological function remains unknown. We hypothesized that aSyn is both involved in melanocytic differentiation and melanosome trafficking processes. We detected a strong expression of aSyn in human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs) and observed its regulation in melanocytic differentiation via the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a central regulator of differentiation. Moreover, we investigated its role in pigmentation by performing siRNA experiments but found no effect on the total melanin content. We discovered a localization of aSyn to melanosomes, and further analysis of aSyn knockdown revealed an important role in melanocytic morphology and a reduction in melanosome release. Additionally, we found a reduction of transferred melanosomes in co-culture experiments of melanocytes and keratinocytes but no complete inhibition of melanosome transmission. In summary, this study highlights a novel physiological role of aSyn in melanocytic morphology and its so far unknown function in the pigment secretion in melanocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rachinger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.-S.); (S.K.)
| | - Nora Mittag
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Ines Böhme-Schäfer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.-S.); (S.K.)
| | - Wei Xiang
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Silke Kuphal
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.-S.); (S.K.)
| | - Anja K. Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.-S.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Lu Z, Singh G, Lesani P, Zreiqat H. Promise and Perspective of Nanomaterials in Antisenescence Tissue Engineering Applications. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:3133-3141. [PMID: 35771746 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The tissue engineering approach for repair and regeneration has achieved significant progress over the past decades. However, challenges remain in developing strategies to solve the declined or impaired innate cell and tissue regeneration capacity that occurs with aging. Cellular senescence is a key mechanism underlying organismal aging and is responsible for the declined tissue regeneration capacity in the aging population. Therefore, to promote the diminished tissue regeneration ability in the aged population, it is critical to developing a feasible and promising strategy to target senescent cells. Recent advances in nanomaterials have revolutionized biomedical applications ranging from biosensing to bioimaging and targeted drug delivery. In this perspective, we review and discuss the nature and influences of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors on reduced regenerative abilities through aging and how nanotechnology can be a therapeutic avenue to sense, rejuvenate, and eliminate senescent cells, thereby improving the tissue regeneration capacity in the aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZuFu Lu
- Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials Research Unit, School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Gurvinder Singh
- Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials Research Unit, School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Pooria Lesani
- Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials Research Unit, School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Hala Zreiqat
- Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials Research Unit, School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney New South Wales 2006, Australia
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8
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Zimmermann T, Pommer M, Kluge V, Chiheb C, Muehlich S, Bosserhoff AK. Detection of Cellular Senescence in Human Primary Melanocytes and Malignant Melanoma Cells In Vitro. Cells 2022; 11:1489. [PMID: 35563794 PMCID: PMC9104908 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Detection and quantification of senescent cells remain difficult due to variable phenotypes and the absence of highly specific and reliable biomarkers. It is therefore widely accepted to use a combination of multiple markers and cellular characteristics to define senescent cells in vitro. The exact choice of these markers is a subject of ongoing discussion and usually depends on objective reasons such as cell type and treatment conditions, as well as subjective considerations including feasibility and personal experience. This study aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of biomarkers and cellular characteristics used to detect senescence in melanocytic systems. Each marker was assessed in primary human melanocytes that overexpress mutant BRAFV600E, as it is commonly found in melanocytic nevi, and melanoma cells after treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent etoposide. The combined use of these two experimental settings is thought to allow profound conclusions on the choice of senescence biomarkers when working with melanocytic systems. Further, this study supports the development of standardized senescence detection and quantification by providing a comparative analysis that might also be helpful for other cell types and experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Zimmermann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (T.Z.); (M.P.); (V.K.); (C.C.)
| | - Michaela Pommer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (T.Z.); (M.P.); (V.K.); (C.C.)
| | - Viola Kluge
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (T.Z.); (M.P.); (V.K.); (C.C.)
| | - Chafia Chiheb
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (T.Z.); (M.P.); (V.K.); (C.C.)
| | - Susanne Muehlich
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Anja-Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052 Erlangen, Germany; (T.Z.); (M.P.); (V.K.); (C.C.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Role of Amino Acid Transporter SNAT1/SLC38A1 in Human Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092151. [PMID: 35565278 PMCID: PMC9099705 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Malignant melanoma originates from melanocytes. Due to its high metastatic potential and its increasing incidence, it is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Cancer cells generally exhibit an elevated metabolism, consequently adapting their expression of transport proteins to meet the increased demand of nutrients, such as amino acids. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression and function of the amino acid transporter SNAT1 in human melanoma. In addition, we wanted to determine its role in development and progression of malignant melanoma. We revealed that SNAT1 is overexpressed in melanoma tissue samples, as well as primary and metastatic cell lines. Moreover, we were able to show that SNAT1 plays an important role in forcing proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, and inhibiting senescence of melanoma cells. Amino acid transporters like SNAT1 are therefore promising targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against melanoma. Abstract The tumor metabolism is an important driver of cancer cell survival and growth, as rapidly dividing tumor cells exhibit a high demand for energetic sources and must adapt to microenvironmental changes. Therefore, metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and the associated deregulation of nutrient transporters are a hallmark of cancer cells. Amino acids are essential for cancer cells to synthesize the necessary amount of protein, DNA, and RNA. Although cancer cells can synthesize glutamine de novo, most cancer cells show an increased uptake of glutamine from the tumor microenvironment. Especially SNAT1/SLC38A1, a member of the sodium neutral amino acid transporter (SNAT) family, plays an essential role during major net import of glutamine. In this study, we revealed a significant upregulation of SNAT1 expression in human melanoma tissue in comparison to healthy epidermis and an increased SNAT1 expression level in human melanoma cell lines when compared to normal human melanocytes (NHEMs). We demonstrated that functional inhibition of SNAT1 with α-(methylamino) isobutyric acid (MeAIB), as well as siRNA-mediated downregulation reduces cancer cell growth, cellular migration, invasion, and leads to induction of senescence in melanoma cells. Consequently, these results demonstrate that the amino acid transporter SNAT1 is essential for cancer growth, and indicates a potential target for cancer chemotherapy.
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Amalinei C, Grigoraș A, Lozneanu L, Căruntu ID, Giușcă SE, Balan RA. The Interplay between Tumour Microenvironment Components in Malignant Melanoma. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58030365. [PMID: 35334544 PMCID: PMC8953474 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma has shown an increasing incidence during the last two decades, exhibiting a large spectrum of locations and clinicopathological characteristics. Although current histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular methods provide a deep insight into its biological behaviour and outcome, melanoma is still an unpredictable disease, with poor outcome. This review of the literature is aimed at updating the knowledge regarding melanoma’s clinicopathological and molecular hallmarks, including its heterogeneity and plasticity, involving cancer stem cells population. A special focus is given on the interplay between different cellular components and their secretion products in melanoma, considering its contribution to tumour progression, invasion, metastasis, recurrences, and resistance to classical therapy. Furthermore, the influences of the specific tumour microenvironment or “inflammasome”, its association with adipose tissue products, including the release of “extracellular vesicles”, and distinct microbiota are currently studied, considering their influences on diagnosis and prognosis. An insight into melanoma’s particular features may reveal new molecular pathways which may be exploited in order to develop innovative therapeutic approaches or tailored therapy.
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11
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The role of tumor acidification in aggressiveness, cell dissemination and treatment resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Life Sci 2022; 288:120163. [PMID: 34822797 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120163] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the role of tumor acidification in cell behavior, migration, and treatment resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MAIN METHODS The SCC4 and SCC25 cell lines were exposed to acidified (pH 6.8) cell culture medium for 7 days. Alternatively, a long-term acidosis was induced for 21 days. In addition, to mimic dynamic pH fluctuation of the tumor microenvironment, cells were reconditioned to neutral pH after experimental acidosis. This study assessed cell proliferation and viability by sulforhodamine B and flow cytometry. Individual and collective cell migration was analyzed by wound healing, time lapse, and transwell assays. Modifications of cell phenotype, EMT induction and stemness potential were investigated by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Finally, resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy of OSCC when exposed to acidified environmental conditions (pH 6.8) was determined. KEY FINDINGS The exposure to an acidic microenvironment caused an initial reduction of OSCC cells viability, followed by an adaptation process. Acidic adapted cells acquired a mesenchymal-like phenotype along with increased migration and motility indexes. Moreover, tumoral extracellular acidity was capable to induce cellular stemness and to increase chemo- and radioresistance of oral cancer cells. SIGNIFICANCE In summary, the results showed that the acidic microenvironment leads to a more aggressive and treatment resistant OSCC cell population.
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12
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Potential Utility of Synthetic D-Lactate Polymers in Skin Cancer. JID INNOVATIONS 2021; 1:100043. [PMID: 34909738 PMCID: PMC8659406 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2021.100043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased breakdown of glucose through glycolysis in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions is a hallmark feature of mammalian cancer and leads to increased production of L-lactate. The high-level lactate present within the tumor microenvironment is reused as a crucial biofuel to support rapid cancer cell proliferation, survival, and immune evasion. Inhibitors that target the glycolysis process are being developed for cancer therapy. In this study, we report an approach of using synthetic D-lactate dimers to inhibit melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation and survival. We also provide in vivo evidence that intratumoral injection of D-lactate dimers induced an innate immune response and inhibited subcutaneous melanoma xenograft growth in immunodeficient mice. Our findings support a potential utility of D-lactate dimers in skin cancer treatment and therefore warrant further mechanistic studies.
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ROS Pleiotropy in Melanoma and Local Therapy with Physical Modalities. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6816214. [PMID: 34777692 PMCID: PMC8580636 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6816214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic energy production naturally generates unwanted products such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative damage. Oxidative damage has been linked to several pathologies, including diabetes, premature aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. ROS were therefore originally anticipated as an imperative evil, a product of an imperfect system. More recently, however, the role of ROS in signaling and tumor treatment is increasingly acknowledged. This review addresses the main types, sources, and pathways of ROS in melanoma by linking their pleiotropic roles in antioxidant and oxidant regulation, hypoxia, metabolism, and cell death. In addition, the implications of ROS in various physical therapy modalities targeting melanoma, such as radiotherapy, electrochemotherapy, hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy, and medical gas plasma, are also discussed. By including ROS in the main picture of melanoma skin cancer and as an integral part of cancer therapies, a greater understanding of melanoma cell biology is presented, which ultimately may elucidate additional clues on targeting therapy resistance of this most deadly form of skin cancer.
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De Blander H, Morel AP, Senaratne AP, Ouzounova M, Puisieux A. Cellular Plasticity: A Route to Senescence Exit and Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4561. [PMID: 34572787 PMCID: PMC8468602 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Senescence is a dynamic, multistep program that results in permanent cell cycle arrest and is triggered by developmental or environmental, oncogenic or therapy-induced stress signals. Senescence is considered as a tumor suppressor mechanism that prevents the risk of neoplastic transformation by restricting the proliferation of damaged cells. Cells undergoing senescence sustain important morphological changes, chromatin remodeling and metabolic reprogramming, and secrete pro-inflammatory factors termed senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). SASP activation is required for the clearance of senescent cells by innate immunity. Therefore, escape from senescence and the associated immune editing would be a prerequisite for tumor initiation and progression as well as therapeutic resistance. One of the possible mechanisms for overcoming senescence could be the acquisition of cellular plasticity resulting from the accumulation of genomic alterations and genetic and epigenetic reprogramming. The modified composition of the SASP produced by these reprogrammed cancer cells would create a permissive environment, allowing their immune evasion. Additionally, the SASP produced by cancer cells could enhance the cellular plasticity of neighboring cells, thus hindering their recognition by the immune system. Here, we propose a comprehensive review of the literature, highlighting the role of cellular plasticity in the pro-tumoral activity of senescence in normal cells and in the cancer context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadrien De Blander
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer “EMT and Cancer Cell Plasticity”, CNRS 5286, INSERM 1052, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France; (A.-P.M.); (M.O.)
- LabEx DEVweCAN, Université de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Anne-Pierre Morel
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer “EMT and Cancer Cell Plasticity”, CNRS 5286, INSERM 1052, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France; (A.-P.M.); (M.O.)
- LabEx DEVweCAN, Université de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- Institut Curie “EMT and Cancer Cell Plasticity”, Consortium Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Aruni P. Senaratne
- UMR3664—Nuclear Dynamics, Development, Biology, Cancer, Genetics and Epigenetics, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Maria Ouzounova
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer “EMT and Cancer Cell Plasticity”, CNRS 5286, INSERM 1052, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France; (A.-P.M.); (M.O.)
- LabEx DEVweCAN, Université de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- Institut Curie “EMT and Cancer Cell Plasticity”, Consortium Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR3666, Inserm U1143, Cellular and Chemical Biology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Alain Puisieux
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer “EMT and Cancer Cell Plasticity”, CNRS 5286, INSERM 1052, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France; (A.-P.M.); (M.O.)
- LabEx DEVweCAN, Université de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
- Institut Curie “EMT and Cancer Cell Plasticity”, Consortium Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR3666, Inserm U1143, Cellular and Chemical Biology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
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Rachinger N, Fischer S, Böhme I, Linck-Paulus L, Kuphal S, Kappelmann-Fenzl M, Bosserhoff AK. Loss of Gene Information: Discrepancies between RNA Sequencing, cDNA Microarray, and qRT-PCR. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179349. [PMID: 34502254 PMCID: PMC8430810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular analyses of normal and diseased cells give insight into changes in gene expression and help in understanding the background of pathophysiological processes. Years after cDNA microarrays were established in research, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) became a key method of quantitatively measuring the transcriptome. In this study, we compared the detection of genes by each of the transcriptome analysis methods: cDNA array, quantitative RT-PCR, and RNA-seq. As expected, we found differences in the gene expression profiles of the aforementioned techniques. Here, we present selected genes that exemplarily demonstrate the observed differences and calculations to reveal that a strong RNA secondary structure, as well as sample preparation, can affect RNA-seq. In summary, this study addresses an important issue with a strong impact on gene expression analysis in general. Therefore, we suggest that these findings need to be considered when dealing with data from transcriptome analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rachinger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.); (L.L.-P.); (S.K.)
| | - Stefan Fischer
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469 Deggendorf, Germany; (S.F.); (M.K.-F.)
| | - Ines Böhme
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.); (L.L.-P.); (S.K.)
| | - Lisa Linck-Paulus
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.); (L.L.-P.); (S.K.)
| | - Silke Kuphal
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.); (L.L.-P.); (S.K.)
| | - Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469 Deggendorf, Germany; (S.F.); (M.K.-F.)
| | - Anja K. Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (N.R.); (I.B.); (L.L.-P.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Michelakis D, Lasithiotakis K, Messaritakis I, Ioannou C, Perisynakis K, Souglakos I, Stamatiou D, Chlouverakis G, de Bree E, Romanos I, Zoras O. A feasibility study of circulating melanoma cells in the perioperative context of hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) in 20 patients. Int J Hyperthermia 2021; 38:70-78. [PMID: 33487077 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2021.1874062] [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: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hyperthermic Ιsolated Limb Perfusion using melphalan and TNFα (TM-HILP) is a regional chemotherapy method for advanced melanoma. PURPOSE To explore the feasibility of the study of Circulating Melanoma Cells (CMCs) in the context of acute physiological changes induced by TM-HILP and their association with oncological outcomes. METHODS The study included 20 patients undergoing TM-HILP for unresectable in-transit melanoma of the limbs, stage III(B/C/D). CMCs in the peripheral blood were analyzed at 5-time points from the preoperative day until day 7 from surgery using the following biomarkers: MITF, Tyrosinase mRNA, Melan-A and S100b, through quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS No CMCs according to Tyrosinase and Melan-A biomarkers were found in any sample. Friedman test showed significant alterations perioperatively for MITF (p < .001) and S100b (p = .001). Pairwise tests showed a significant increase of MITF levels on postoperative day 7 compared with postoperative day 1, intraoperative and preoperative levels (p < .05). Pairwise tests for S100b showed a significant difference between intraoperative sample and postoperative day 7 (p < .0001). Patients who experienced a complete response to TM-HILP (n = 12) had higher mean levels of MITF and the difference was significant at the time point immediately after the operation (0.29 ± 0.27 vs. 0.06 ± 0.06, p = .014) and on postoperative day 1 (1.48 ± 2.24 vs. 0.41 ± 0.65, p = .046). There was no association of MITF or S100b levels with 4-year disease specific survival. CONCLUSION TM-HILP is associated with increased levels of CMCs, but there was no association of this increase with survival. Patients with complete response to HILP demonstrate higher values of MITF shortly after the operation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christos Ioannou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Kostas Perisynakis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Souglakos
- Department of Clinical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Stamatiou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Gregory Chlouverakis
- Biostatistics Laboratory, Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Eelco de Bree
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Romanos
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Odysseas Zoras
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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17
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Wessely A, Steeb T, Berking C, Heppt MV. How Neural Crest Transcription Factors Contribute to Melanoma Heterogeneity, Cellular Plasticity, and Treatment Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115761. [PMID: 34071193 PMCID: PMC8198848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma represents one of the deadliest types of skin cancer. The prognosis strongly depends on the disease stage, thus early detection is crucial. New therapies, including BRAF and MEK inhibitors and immunotherapies, have significantly improved the survival of patients in the last decade. However, intrinsic and acquired resistance is still a challenge. In this review, we discuss two major aspects that contribute to the aggressiveness of melanoma, namely, the embryonic origin of melanocytes and melanoma cells and cellular plasticity. First, we summarize the physiological function of epidermal melanocytes and their development from precursor cells that originate from the neural crest (NC). Next, we discuss the concepts of intratumoral heterogeneity, cellular plasticity, and phenotype switching that enable melanoma to adapt to changes in the tumor microenvironment and promote disease progression and drug resistance. Finally, we further dissect the connection of these two aspects by focusing on the transcriptional regulators MSX1, MITF, SOX10, PAX3, and FOXD3. These factors play a key role in NC initiation, NC cell migration, and melanocyte formation, and we discuss how they contribute to cellular plasticity and drug resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Wessely
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Theresa Steeb
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Vincent Heppt
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-35747
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18
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Hypoxia and Extracellular Acidification as Drivers of Melanoma Progression and Drug Resistance. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040862. [PMID: 33918883 PMCID: PMC8070386 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia and elevated extracellular acidification are prevalent features of solid tumors and they are often shown to facilitate cancer progression and drug resistance. In this review, we have compiled recent and most relevant research pertaining to the role of hypoxia and acidification in melanoma growth, invasiveness, and response to therapy. Melanoma represents a highly aggressive and heterogeneous type of skin cancer. Currently employed treatments, including BRAF V600E inhibitors and immune therapy, often are not effective due to a rapidly developing drug resistance. A variety of intracellular mechanisms impeding the treatment were discovered. However, the tumor microenvironment encompassing stromal and immune cells, extracellular matrix, and physicochemical conditions such as oxygen level or acidity, may also influence the therapy effectiveness. Hypoxia and acidification are able to reprogram the metabolism of melanoma cells, enhance their survival and invasiveness, as well as promote the immunosuppressive environment. For this reason, these physicochemical features of the melanoma niche and signaling pathways related to them emerge as potential therapeutic targets.
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19
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Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Mazurkiewicz J, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. The Influence of Tumor Microenvironment on Immune Escape of Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8359. [PMID: 33171792 PMCID: PMC7664679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The low efficiency of currently-used anti-cancer therapies poses a serious challenge, especially in the case of malignant melanoma, a cancer characterized by elevated invasiveness and relatively high mortality rate. The role of the tumor microenvironment in the progression of melanoma and its acquisition of resistance to treatment seems to be the main focus of recent studies. One of the factors that, in normal conditions, aids the organism in its fight against the cancer and, following the malignant transformation, adapts to facilitate the development of the tumor is the immune system. A variety of cell types, i.e., T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic and natural killer cells, as well as neutrophils, support the growth and invasiveness of melanoma cells, utilizing a plethora of mechanisms, including secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, induction of inhibitory receptors expression, or depletion of essential nutrients. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the processes regulated by tumor-associated cells that promote the immune escape of melanoma cells. The described mechanisms offer potential new targets for anti-cancer treatment and should be further studied to improve currently-employed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
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20
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Böhme I, Schönherr R, Eberle J, Bosserhoff AK. Membrane Transporters and Channels in Melanoma. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:269-374. [PMID: 32737752 DOI: 10.1007/112_2020_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has revealed that ion channels and transporters can be important players in tumor development, progression, and therapy resistance in melanoma. For example, members of the ABC family were shown to support cancer stemness-like features in melanoma cells, while several members of the TRP channel family were reported to act as tumor suppressors.Also, many transporter proteins support tumor cell viability and thus suppress apoptosis induction by anticancer therapy. Due to the high number of ion channels and transporters and the resulting high complexity of the field, progress in understanding is often focused on single molecules and is in total rather slow. In this review, we aim at giving an overview about a broad subset of ion transporters, also illustrating some aspects of the field, which have not been addressed in detail in melanoma. In context with the other chapters in this special issue on "Transportome Malfunctions in the Cancer Spectrum," a comparison between melanoma and these tumors will be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Böhme
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roland Schönherr
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Eberle
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Skin Cancer Center Charité, University Medical Center Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany.
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21
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Avagliano A, Fiume G, Pelagalli A, Sanità G, Ruocco MR, Montagnani S, Arcucci A. Metabolic Plasticity of Melanoma Cells and Their Crosstalk With Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2020; 10:722. [PMID: 32528879 PMCID: PMC7256186 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a highly aggressive and drug resistant solid tumor, showing an impressive metabolic plasticity modulated by oncogenic activation. In particular, melanoma cells can generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during cancer progression by both cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments, although CM energetic request mostly relies on glycolysis. The upregulation of glycolysis is associated with constitutive activation of BRAF/MAPK signaling sustained by BRAFV600E kinase mutant. In this scenario, the growth and progression of CM are strongly affected by melanoma metabolic changes and interplay with tumor microenvironment (TME) that sustain tumor development and immune escape. Furthermore, CM metabolic plasticity can induce a metabolic adaptive response to BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi), associated with the shift from glycolysis toward oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Therefore, in this review article we survey the metabolic alterations and plasticity of CM, its crosstalk with TME that regulates melanoma progression, drug resistance and immunosurveillance. Finally, we describe hallmarks of melanoma therapeutic strategies targeting the shift from glycolysis toward OXPHOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pelagalli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Sanità
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Ruocco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Montagnani
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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22
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Liebig JK, Kuphal S, Bosserhoff AK. HuRdling Senescence: HuR Breaks BRAF-Induced Senescence in Melanocytes and Supports Melanoma Growth. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051299. [PMID: 32455577 PMCID: PMC7281285 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to genetic changes, post-transcriptional events strongly contribute to the progression of malignant tumors. The RNA-binding protein HuR (ELAVL1) is able to bind and stabilize a large group of target mRNAs, which contain AU-rich elements (ARE) in their 3′-untranslated region. We found HuR to be upregulated in malignant melanoma in vitro and in vivo, significantly correlating with progression in vivo. Additionally, we could show that miR-194-5p can regulate HuR expression level. HuR knockdown in melanoma cells led to the suppression of proliferation and the induction of cellular senescence. Interestingly, HuR overexpression was sufficient to inhibit senescence in BRAFV600E-expressing melanocytes and to force their growth. Here, MITF (Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor), a key player in suppressing senescence and an ARE containing transcript, is positively regulated by HuR. Our results show for the first time that the overexpression of HuR is an important part of the regulatory pathway in the development of malignant melanoma and functions as a switch to overcome oncogene-induced senescence and to support melanoma formation. These newly defined alterations may provide possibilities for innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janika K. Liebig
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (J.K.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Silke Kuphal
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (J.K.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Anja Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (J.K.L.); (S.K.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-24191
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