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KAŠTELAN SNJEŽANA, PAVIČIĆ ANADIDOVIĆ, PAŠALIĆ DARIA, NIKUŠEVA-MARTIĆ TAMARA, ČANOVIĆ SAMIR, KOVAČEVIĆ PETRA, KONJEVODA SUZANA. Biological characteristics and clinical management of uveal and conjunctival melanoma. Oncol Res 2024; 32:1265-1285. [PMID: 39055896 PMCID: PMC11267116 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.048437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal and conjunctival melanomas are relatively rare tumors; nonetheless, they pose a significant risk of mortality for a large number of affected individuals. The pathogenesis of melanoma at different sites is very similar, however, the prognosis for patients with ocular melanoma remains unfavourable, primarily due to its distinctive genetic profile and tumor microenvironment. Regardless of considerable advances in understanding the genetic characteristics and biological behaviour, the treatment of uveal and conjunctival melanoma remains a formidable challenge. To enhance the prospect of success, collaborative efforts involving medical professionals and researchers in the fields of ocular biology and oncology are essential. Current data show a lack of well-designed randomized clinical trials and limited benefits in current forms of treatment for these tumors. Despite advancements in the development of effective melanoma therapeutic strategies, all current treatments for uveal melanoma (UM) and conjunctival melanoma (CoM) remain unsatisfactory, resulting in a poor long-term prognosis. Ongoing trials offer hope for positive outcomes in advanced and metastatic tumors. A more comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular abnormalities involved in the development and progression of ocular melanomas opens the way for the development of personalized therapy, with various potential therapeutic targets currently under consideration. Increased comprehension of the molecular pathogenesis of UM and CoM and their specificities may aid in the development of new and more effective systemic therapeutic agents, with the hope of improving the prognosis for patients with metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- SNJEŽANA KAŠTELAN
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | | | - DARIA PAŠALIĆ
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - TAMARA NIKUŠEVA-MARTIĆ
- Department of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - SAMIR ČANOVIĆ
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
| | - PETRA KOVAČEVIĆ
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, 21000, Croatia
| | - SUZANA KONJEVODA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
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Hussain Y, Abdullah, Alsharif KF, Aschner M, Theyab A, Khan F, Saso L, Khan H. Therapeutic Role of Carotenoids in Blood Cancer: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Potential. Nutrients 2022; 14:1949. [PMID: 35565917 PMCID: PMC9104383 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood cancers are characterized by pathological disorders causing uncontrolled hematological cell division. Various strategies were previously explored for the treatment of blood cancers, including chemotherapy, Car-T therapy, targeting chimeric antigen receptors, and platelets therapy. However, all these therapies pose serious challenges that limit their use in blood cancer therapy, such as poor metabolism. Furthermore, the solubility and stability of anticancer drugs limit efficacy and bio-distribution and cause toxicity. The isolation and purification of natural killer cells during Car-T cell therapy is a major challenge. To cope with these challenges, treatment strategies from phyto-medicine scaffolds have been evaluated for blood cancer treatments. Carotenoids represent a versatile class of phytochemical that offer therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of cancer, and specifically blood cancer. Carotenoids, through various signaling pathways and mechanisms, such as the activation of AMPK, expression of autophagy biochemical markers (p62/LC3-II), activation of Keap1-Nrf2/EpRE/ARE signaaling pathway, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), increased level of reactive oxygen species, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (c-PARP), c-caspase-3, -7, decreased level of Bcl-xL, cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, and decreasing STAT3 expression results in apoptosis induction and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. This review article focuses the therapeutic potential of carotenoids in blood cancers, addressing various mechanisms and signaling pathways that mediate their therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaseen Hussain
- Lab of Controlled Release and Drug Delivery System, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China;
- Department of Pharmacy, Bashir Institute of Health Sciences, Bharakahu, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara 18800, Pakistan;
| | - Khalaf F. Alsharif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10463, USA;
| | - Abdulrahman Theyab
- Department of Laboratory and Blood Bank, Security Forces Hospital, P.O. Box 14799, Mecca 21955, Saudi Arabia;
- College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fazlullah Khan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
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Caban M, Owczarek K, Lewandowska U. The Role of Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors on Ocular Diseases: Focusing on Potential Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084256. [PMID: 35457074 PMCID: PMC9026850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Eye diseases are associated with visual impairment, reduced quality of life, and may even lead to vision loss. The efficacy of available treatment of eye diseases is not satisfactory. The unique environment of the eye related to anatomical and physiological barriers and constraints limits the bioavailability of existing agents. In turn, complex ethiopathogenesis of ocular disorders that used drugs generally are non-disease specific and do not act causally. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a new therapeutic and preventive approach. It seems that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have a significant role in the development and progression of eye diseases and could be used in the therapy of these disorders as pharmacological targets. MMPs and TIMPs play an important role in the angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell invasion, and migration, which occur in ocular diseases. In this review, we aim to describe the participation of MMPs and TIMPs in the eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and ocular cancers, posterior capsule opacification focusing on potential mechanisms.
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Wang T, Zhang Y, Bai J, Xue Y, Peng Q. MMP1 and MMP9 are potential prognostic biomarkers and targets for uveal melanoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1068. [PMID: 34587931 PMCID: PMC8482640 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08788-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveal melanoma (UVM) is the leading cause of eye-related mortality worldwide. This study aimed to explore the expression and prognostic value of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in UVM. METHODS Gene expression levels were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Oncomine databases. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape database. GeneMANIA was then applied to construct a protein-protein interaction network and identify the hub genes. Moreover, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) analysis for the hub genes was performed using the UALCAN and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) online tool. Furthermore, TRRUST was used to predict the targets of the MMPs. RESULTS Our results revealed that the transcriptional levels of MMP1, MMP9, MMP10, MMP11, MMP13, MMP14, and MMP17 were upregulated in UVM tissues compared to normal tissues. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and the top 50 hub genes were identified. The functions of MMPs and their neighboring proteins are mainly associated with ECM-receptor interaction, proteoglycans in cancer, the IL-17 signaling pathway, and microRNAs in cancer. Among the MMPs, MMP1/2/9/11/14/15/16/17/24 played significant roles in the progression of UVM from stage 3 to stage 4. We also found that the expression of MMP1, MMP2, MMP9, and MMP16 positively correlated with OS and DFS in patients with UVM. Additionally, 18 transcription factors associated with nine MMPs were identified. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study may provide potential biomarkers and targets for UVM. However, further studies are required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhao Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawen Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Shi ML, Chen YF, Wu WQ, Lai Y, Jin Q, Qiu WL, Yu DL, Li YZ, Liao HF. Luteolin inhibits the proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion of choroidal melanoma cells in vitro. Exp Eye Res 2021; 210:108643. [PMID: 34058231 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Choroidal melanoma is a devastating disease that causes visual loss and a high mortality rate due to metastasis. Luteolin, a potential anticancer compound, is widely found in natural plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative, antiadhesive, antimigratory and anti-invasive effects of luteolin on choroidal melanoma cells in vitro and to explore its potential mechanism. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, Cell adhesion, migration, and invasion assays were performed to examine the inhibitory effects of luteolin on cell cell viability, proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion capacities, respectively. Considering the correlation between Matrix metalloenzymes and tumor metastasis, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to assess matrix metalloproteases MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion. Western blotting was performed to detect p-PI3K P85, Akt, and p-Akt protein expression. The cytoskeletal proteins vimentin were observed with cell immunofluorescence staining. Luteolin can inhibit OCM-1 cell proliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion and C918 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, Luteolin may have potential as a therapeutic medication for Choroidal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Lin Shi
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Province Blood Center, Nanchang, 330052, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Fen Chen
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wei-Qi Wu
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yao Lai
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qi Jin
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wan-Lu Qiu
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Dong-Lian Yu
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yi-Zhong Li
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hong-Fei Liao
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Zeaxanthin-Rich Extract from Superfood Lycium barbarum Selectively Modulates the Cellular Adhesion and MAPK Signaling in Melanoma versus Normal Skin Cells In Vitro. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020333. [PMID: 33440679 PMCID: PMC7827977 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The concern for implementing bioactive nutraceuticals in antioxidant-related therapies is of great importance for skin homeostasis in benign or malignant diseases. In order to elucidate some novel insights of Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) activity on skin cells, the present study focused on its active compound zeaxanthin. By targeting the stemness markers CD44 and CD105, with deep implications in skin oxidative stress mechanisms, we revealed, for the first time, selectivity in zeaxanthin activity. When applied in vitro on BJ human fibroblast cell line versus the A375 malignant melanoma cells, despite the moderate cytotoxicity, the zeaxanthin-rich extracts 1 and 2 were able to downregulate significantly the CD44 and CD105 membrane expression and extracellular secretion in A375, and to upregulate them in BJ cells. At mechanistic level, the present study is the first to demonstrate that the zeaxanthin-rich Goji extracts are able to influence selectively the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK): ERK, JNK and p38 in normal BJ versus tumor-derived A375 skin cells. These results point out towards the applications of zeaxanthin from L. barbarum as a cytoprotective agent in normal skin and raises questions about its use as an antitumor prodrug alone or in combination with standard therapy.
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Koklesova L, Liskova A, Samec M, Zhai K, Abotaleb M, Ashrafizadeh M, Brockmueller A, Shakibaei M, Biringer K, Bugos O, Najafi M, Golubnitschaja O, Büsselberg D, Kubatka P. Carotenoids in Cancer Metastasis-Status Quo and Outlook. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1653. [PMID: 33321708 PMCID: PMC7763577 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis represents a major obstacle in cancer treatment and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Therefore, the identification of compounds targeting the multi-step and complex process of metastasis could improve outcomes in the management of cancer patients. Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments with a plethora of biological activities. Carotenoids exert a potent anti-cancer capacity in various cancer models in vitro and in vivo, mediated by the modulation of signaling pathways involved in the migration and invasion of cancer cells and metastatic progression, including key regulators of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and regulatory molecules, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and others. Moreover, carotenoids modulate the expression of genes associated with cancer progression and inflammatory processes as key mediators of the complex process involved in metastasis. Nevertheless, due to the predominantly preclinical nature of the known anti-tumor effects of carotenoids, and unclear results from certain carotenoids in specific cancer types and/or specific parts of the population, a precise analysis of the anti-cancer effects of carotenoids is essential. The identification of carotenoids as effective compounds targeting the complex process of cancer progression could improve the outcomes of advanced cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Koklesova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.); (M.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Alena Liskova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.); (M.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Marek Samec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.); (M.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Kevin Zhai
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, 24144 Doha, Qatar; (K.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Mariam Abotaleb
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, 24144 Doha, Qatar; (K.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey;
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aranka Brockmueller
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumor Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany; (A.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumor Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany; (A.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Kamil Biringer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.); (M.S.); (K.B.)
| | | | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 67146, Iran;
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 67146, Iran
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- Predictive, Preventive, Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, 24144 Doha, Qatar; (K.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
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Croce M, Ferrini S, Pfeffer U, Gangemi R. Targeted Therapy of Uveal Melanoma: Recent Failures and New Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E846. [PMID: 31216772 PMCID: PMC6628160 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among Uveal Melanoma (UM) driver mutations, those involving GNAQ or GNA11 genes are the most frequent, while a minor fraction of tumors bears mutations in the PLCB4 or CYSLTR2 genes. Direct inhibition of constitutively active oncoproteins deriving from these mutations is still in its infancy in UM, whereas BRAFV600E-targeted therapy has obtained relevant results in cutaneous melanoma. However, UM driver mutations converge on common downstream signaling pathways such as PKC/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and YAP/TAZ, which are presently considered as actionable targets. In addition, BAP1 loss, which characterizes UM metastatic progression, affects chromatin structure via histone H2A deubiquitylation that may be counteracted by histone deacetylase inhibitors. Encouraging results of preclinical studies targeting signaling molecules such as MAPK and PKC were unfortunately not confirmed in early clinical studies. Indeed, a general survey of all clinical trials applying new targeted and immune therapy to UM displayed disappointing results. This paper summarizes the most recent studies of UM-targeted therapies, analyzing the possible origins of failures. We also focus on hyperexpressed molecules involved in UM aggressiveness as potential new targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Croce
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | | | - Ulrich Pfeffer
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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All-Trans Retinoic Acid Enhances Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Expression and Secretion in Human Myeloid Leukemia THP-1 Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:5971080. [PMID: 30225259 PMCID: PMC6129365 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5971080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an effective drug for the induction therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, the treatment is associated with adverse events such as retinoic acid syndrome (RAS) in some patients, whose histologic characteristics included organ infiltration by leukemic cells. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) is often upregulated in tumor cells and plays a role in tumor cell migration and invasion by degrading the extracellular matrix. In this study, we examined the possible modulatory effects of ATRA on MMP-2 expression and secretion in human myeloid leukemia cell line THP-1. The cells were treated with various concentrations of ATRA, and MMP-2 expression and secretion were examined. MMP-2 expression and secretion started to increase with ATRA concentration as low as 0.1 nM and gradually increased thereafter. Agonists of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) or retinoid X receptor (RXR) alone could enhance MMP-2 secretion, and RAR or RXR antagonists alone could reverse ATRA-induced MMP-2 secretion. ATRA increased intracellular calcium ion levels, and a calcium-channel blocker inhibited ATRA-induced MMP-2 secretion. Dexamethasone suppressed ATRA-induced MMP-2 secretion. Our results suggest that ATRA enhances MMP-2 expression and secretion in human myeloid leukemia THP-1 cells in a calcium ion dependent manner through RAR/RXR signaling pathways, and this enhanced expression and secretion may be associated with the possible mechanisms of RAS.
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Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM), a rare cancer of the eye, is distinct from cutaneous melanoma by its etiology, the mutation frequency and profile, and its clinical behavior including resistance to targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockers. Primary disease is efficiently controlled by surgery or radiation therapy, but about half of UMs develop distant metastasis mostly to the liver. Survival of patients with metastasis is below 1 year and has not improved in decades. Recent years have brought a deep understanding of UM biology characterized by initiating mutations in the G proteins GNAQ and GNA11. Cytogenetic alterations, in particular monosomy of chromosome 3 and amplification of the long arm of chromosome 8, and mutation of the BRCA1-associated protein 1, BAP1, a tumor suppressor gene, or the splicing factor SF3B1 determine UM metastasis. Cytogenetic and molecular profiling allow for a very precise prognostication that is still not matched by efficacious adjuvant therapies. G protein signaling has been shown to activate the YAP/TAZ pathway independent of HIPPO, and conventional signaling via the mitogen-activated kinase pathway probably also contributes to UM development and progression. Several lines of evidence indicate that inflammation and macrophages play a pro-tumor role in UM and in its hepatic metastases. UM cells benefit from the immune privilege in the eye and may adopt several mechanisms involved in this privilege for tumor escape that act even after leaving the niche. Here, we review the current knowledge of the biology of UM and discuss recent approaches to UM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Amaro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gangemi
- Laboratory of Biotherapies, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Piaggio
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Angelini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gaia Barisione
- Laboratory of Biotherapies, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvano Ferrini
- Laboratory of Biotherapies, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ulrich Pfeffer
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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Chen L, Yang H, Xiao Y, Tang X, Li Y, Han Q, Fu J, Yang Y, Zhu Y. LncRNA GAS5 is a critical regulator of metastasis phenotype of melanoma cells and inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:4075-87. [PMID: 27445498 PMCID: PMC4938146 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s98203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study intended to demonstrate the effects of long noncoding RNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) on the migration and invasion of melanoma cells. We first detected the expression of GAS5 among four kinds of melanoma cell lines, followed by constructing GAS5-knocked down and overexpressed stable cells. Next, we evaluated the effects of GAS5 on cell migration and invasion using wound healing and gelatin zymography assays. Finally, melanoma cells with different GAS5 expression were injected into nude mice, and the tumor volumes were recorded and tumor tissues were analyzed after sacrificing the mice. This study systematically examined the function of GAS5 in mediating melanoma metastasis and revealed that GAS5 plays an anticancer role in melanoma via regulating gelatinase A and B, both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China; PET/CT Center, Yunan Tumor Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huixin Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanbin Xiao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yunan Tumor Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqian Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoqiao Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junping Fu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yunan Tumor Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuye Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuechun Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
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