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Roccuzzo G, Bongiovanni E, Tonella L, Pala V, Marchisio S, Ricci A, Senetta R, Bertero L, Ribero S, Berrino E, Marchiò C, Sapino A, Quaglino P, Cassoni P. Emerging prognostic biomarkers in advanced cutaneous melanoma: a literature update. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:49-66. [PMID: 38334382 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2314574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the past two years, the scientific community has witnessed an exponential growth in research focused on identifying prognostic biomarkers for melanoma, both in pre-clinical and clinical settings. This surge in studies reflects the need of developing effective prognostic indicators in the field of melanoma. AREAS COVERED The aim of this work is to review the scientific literature on the most recent findings on the development or validation of prognostic biomarkers in melanoma, in the attempt of providing both clinicians and researchers with an updated broad synopsis of prognostic biomarkers in cutaneous melanoma. EXPERT OPINION While the field of prognostic biomarkers in melanoma appears promising, there are several complexities and limitations to address. The interdependence of clinical, histological, and molecular features requires accurate classification of different biomarker families. Correlation does not imply causation, and adjustments for confounding factors are often overlooked. In this scenario, large-scale studies based on high-quality clinical trial data can provide more reliable evidence. It is essential to avoid oversimplification by focusing on a single biomarker, as the interactions among multiple factors contribute to define the disease course and patient's outcome. Furthermore, implementing well-supported evidence in real-life settings can help advance prognostic biomarker research in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Roccuzzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Eleonora Bongiovanni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Tonella
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Pala
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Marchisio
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Ricci
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Bertero
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Ribero
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Berrino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Cassoni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Holeček M. Aspartic Acid in Health and Disease. Nutrients 2023; 15:4023. [PMID: 37764806 PMCID: PMC10536334 DOI: 10.3390/nu15184023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspartic acid exists in L- and D-isoforms (L-Asp and D-Asp). Most L-Asp is synthesized by mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase from oxaloacetate and glutamate acquired by glutamine deamidation, particularly in the liver and tumor cells, and transamination of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), particularly in muscles. The main source of D-Asp is the racemization of L-Asp. L-Asp transported via aspartate-glutamate carrier to the cytosol is used in protein and nucleotide synthesis, gluconeogenesis, urea, and purine-nucleotide cycles, and neurotransmission and via the malate-aspartate shuttle maintains NADH delivery to mitochondria and redox balance. L-Asp released from neurons connects with the glutamate-glutamine cycle and ensures glycolysis and ammonia detoxification in astrocytes. D-Asp has a role in brain development and hypothalamus regulation. The hereditary disorders in L-Asp metabolism include citrullinemia, asparagine synthetase deficiency, Canavan disease, and dicarboxylic aminoaciduria. L-Asp plays a role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric and neurologic disorders and alterations in BCAA levels in diabetes and hyperammonemia. Further research is needed to examine the targeting of L-Asp metabolism as a strategy to fight cancer, the use of L-Asp as a dietary supplement, and the risks of increased L-Asp consumption. The role of D-Asp in the brain warrants studies on its therapeutic potential in psychiatric and neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Holeček
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Šimkova 870, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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Holeček M. Aspartate-glutamate carrier 2 (citrin): a role in glucose and amino acid metabolism in the liver. BMB Rep 2023; 56:385-391. [PMID: 37254569 PMCID: PMC10390287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspartate-glutamate carrier 2 (AGC2, citrin) is a mitochondrial carrier expressed in the liver that transports aspartate from mitochondria into the cytosol in exchange for glutamate. The AGC2 is the main component of the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS) that ensures indirect transport of NADH produced in the cytosol during glycolysis, lactate oxidation to pyruvate, and ethanol oxidation to acetaldehyde into mitochondria. Through MAS, AGC2 is necessary to maintain intracellular redox balance, mitochondrial respiration, and ATP synthesis. Through elevated cytosolic Ca2+ level, the AGC2 is stimulated by catecholamines and glucagon during starvation, exercise, and muscle wasting disorders. In these conditions, AGC2 increases aspartate input to the urea cycle, where aspartate is a source of one of two nitrogen atoms in the urea molecule (the other is ammonia), and a substrate for the synthesis of fumarate that is gradually converted to oxaloacetate, the starting substrate for gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, aspartate is a substrate for the synthesis of asparagine, nucleotides, and proteins. It is concluded that AGC2 plays a fundamental role in the compartmentalization of aspartate and glutamate metabolism and linkage of the reactions of MAS, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, amino acid catabolism, urea cycle, protein synthesis, and cell proliferation. Targeting of AGC genes may represent a new therapeutic strategy to fight cancer. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(7): 385-391].
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Holeček
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic
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Holeček M. Aspartate-glutamate carrier 2 (citrin): a role in glucose and amino acid metabolism in the liver. BMB Rep 2023; 56:385-391. [PMID: 37254569 PMCID: PMC10390287 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2023-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspartate-glutamate carrier 2 (AGC2, citrin) is a mitochondrial carrier expressed in the liver that transports aspartate from mitochondria into the cytosol in exchange for glutamate. The AGC2 is the main component of the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS) that ensures indirect transport of NADH produced in the cytosol during glycolysis, lactate oxidation to pyruvate, and ethanol oxidation to acetaldehyde into mitochondria. Through MAS, AGC2 is necessary to maintain intracellular redox balance, mitochondrial respiration, and ATP synthesis. Through elevated cytosolic Ca2+ level, the AGC2 is stimulated by catecholamines and glucagon during starvation, exercise, and muscle wasting disorders. In these conditions, AGC2 increases aspartate input to the urea cycle, where aspartate is a source of one of two nitrogen atoms in the urea molecule (the other is ammonia), and a substrate for the synthesis of fumarate that is gradually converted to oxaloacetate, the starting substrate for gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, aspartate is a substrate for the synthesis of asparagine, nucleotides, and proteins. It is concluded that AGC2 plays a fundamental role in the compartmentalization of aspartate and glutamate metabolism and linkage of the reactions of MAS, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, amino acid catabolism, urea cycle, protein synthesis, and cell proliferation. Targeting of AGC genes may represent a new therapeutic strategy to fight cancer. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(7): 385-391].
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Holeček
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic
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