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Tubita A, Menconi A, Lombardi Z, Tusa I, Esparís-Ogando A, Pandiella A, Gamberi T, Stecca B, Rovida E. Latent-Transforming Growth Factor β-Binding Protein 1/Transforming Growth Factor β1 Complex Drives Antitumoral Effects upon ERK5 Targeting in Melanoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:1581-1591. [PMID: 38705382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. While available treatments have improved survival, long-term benefits are still unsatisfactory. The mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) promotes melanoma growth, and ERK5 inhibition determines cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Here, latent-transforming growth factor β-binding protein 1 (LTBP1) mRNA was found to be up-regulated in A375 and SK-Mel-5 BRAF V600E melanoma cells after ERK5 inhibition. In keeping with a key role of LTBP1 in regulating transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), TGF-β1 protein levels were increased in lysates and conditioned media of ERK5-knockdown (KD) cells, and were reduced upon LTBP1 KD. Both LTBP1 and TGF-β1 proteins were increased in melanoma xenografts in mice treated with the ERK5 inhibitor XMD8-92. Moreover, treatment with conditioned media from ERK5-KD melanoma cells reduced cell proliferation and invasiveness, and TGF-β1-neutralizing antibodies impaired these effects. In silico data sets revealed that higher expression levels of both LTBP1 and TGF-β1 mRNA were associated with better overall survival of melanoma patients. Increased LTBP1 or TGF-β1 expression played a beneficial role in patients treated with anti-PD1 immunotherapy, making a possible immunosuppressive role of LTBP1/TGF-β1 unlikely upon ERK5 inhibition. This study, therefore, identifies additional desirable effects of ERK5 targeting, providing evidence of an ERK5-dependent tumor-suppressive role of TGF-β in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Menconi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Zoe Lombardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Azucena Esparís-Ogando
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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2
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Moubarak RS, de Pablos-Aragoneses A, Ortiz-Barahona V, Gong Y, Gowen M, Dolgalev I, Shadaloey SAA, Argibay D, Karz A, Von Itter R, Vega-Sáenz de Miera EC, Sokolova E, Darvishian F, Tsirigos A, Osman I, Hernando E. The histone demethylase PHF8 regulates TGFβ signaling and promotes melanoma metastasis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabi7127. [PMID: 35179962 PMCID: PMC8856617 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi7127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of epigenetic dysregulation to metastasis remains understudied. Through a meta-analysis of gene expression datasets followed by a mini-screen, we identified Plant Homeodomain Finger protein 8 (PHF8), a histone demethylase of the Jumonji C protein family, as a previously unidentified prometastatic gene in melanoma. Loss- and gain-of-function approaches demonstrate that PHF8 promotes cell invasion without affecting proliferation in vitro and increases dissemination but not subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo, thus supporting its specific contribution to the acquisition of metastatic potential. PHF8 requires its histone demethylase activity to enhance melanoma cell invasion. Transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses revealed that PHF8 orchestrates a molecular program that directly controls the TGFβ signaling pathway and, as a consequence, melanoma invasion and metastasis. Our findings bring a mechanistic understanding of epigenetic regulation of metastatic fitness in cancer, which may pave the way for improved therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana S. Moubarak
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, NYU Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | | | | - Yixiao Gong
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, NYU School of Medicine, NY 10016, USA
| | - Michael Gowen
- NYU School of Medicine Institute for Computational Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Igor Dolgalev
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, NYU School of Medicine, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sorin A. A. Shadaloey
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, NYU Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Diana Argibay
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, NYU Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Alcida Karz
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, NYU Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Richard Von Itter
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, NYU Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | | - Elena Sokolova
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, NYU Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Farbod Darvishian
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, NYU Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Aristotelis Tsirigos
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, NYU School of Medicine, NY 10016, USA
- NYU School of Medicine Institute for Computational Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Iman Osman
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, NYU Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Eva Hernando
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, NYU Cancer Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
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3
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Wozniak M, Czyz M. The Functional Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194848. [PMID: 34638331 PMCID: PMC8508152 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer, with increasing incidence worldwide. The molecular events that drive melanoma development and progression have been extensively studied, resulting in significant improvements in diagnostics and therapeutic approaches. However, a high drug resistance to targeted therapies and adverse effects of immunotherapies are still a major challenge in melanoma treatment. Therefore, the elucidation of molecular mechanisms of melanomagenesis and cancer response to treatment is of great importance. Recently, many studies have revealed the close association of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with the development of many cancers, including melanoma. These RNA molecules are able to regulate a plethora of crucial cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion and apoptosis through diverse mechanisms, and even slight dysregulation of their expression may lead to tumorigenesis. lncRNAs are able to bind to protein complexes, DNA and RNAs, affecting their stability, activity, and localization. They can also regulate gene expression in the nucleus. Several functions of lncRNAs are context-dependent. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the involvement of lncRNAs in melanoma. Their possible role as prognostic markers of melanoma response to treatment and in resistance to therapy is also discussed.
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Jandova J, Perer J, Hua A, Snell JA, Wondrak GT. Genetic Target Modulation Employing CRISPR/Cas9 Identifies Glyoxalase 1 as a Novel Molecular Determinant of Invasion and Metastasis in A375 Human Malignant Melanoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1369. [PMID: 32466621 PMCID: PMC7352620 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a molecular hallmark of cancer. Recently, we have reported the overexpression of glyoxalase 1 (encoded by GLO1), a glutathione-dependent enzyme involved in detoxification of the reactive glycolytic byproduct methylglyoxal, in human malignant melanoma cell culture models and clinical samples. However, the specific role of GLO1 in melanomagenesis remains largely unexplored. Here, using genetic target modulation, we report the identification of GLO1 as a novel molecular determinant of invasion and metastasis in malignant melanoma. First, A375 human malignant melanoma cells with GLO1 deletion (A375-GLO1_KO) were engineered using CRISPR/Cas9, and genetic rescue clones were generated by stable transfection of KO clones employing a CMV-driven GLO1 construct (A375-GLO1_R). After confirming GLO1 target modulation at the mRNA and protein levels (RT-qPCR, immunodetection, enzymatic activity), phenotypic characterization indicated that deletion of GLO1 does not impact proliferative capacity while causing significant sensitization to methylglyoxal-, chemotherapy-, and starvation-induced cytotoxic stress. Employing differential gene expression array analysis (A375-GLO1_KO versus A375-GLO1_WT), pronounced modulation of epithelial--mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes [upregulated: CDH1, OCLN, IL1RN, PDGFRB, SNAI3; (downregulated): BMP1, CDH2, CTNNB1, FN1, FTH1, FZD7, MELTF, MMP2, MMP9, MYC, PTGS2, SNAI2, TFRC, TWIST1, VIM, WNT5A, ZEB1, and ZEB2 (up to tenfold; p < 0.05)] was observed-all of which are consistent with EMT suppression as a result of GLO1 deletion. Importantly, these expression changes were largely reversed upon genetic rescue employing A375-GLO1_R cells. Differential expression of MMP9 as a function of GLO1 status was further substantiated by enzymatic activity and ELISA analysis; phenotypic assessment revealed the pronounced attenuation of morphological potential, transwell migration, and matrigel 3D-invasion capacity displayed by A375-GLO1_KO cells, reversed again in genetic rescue clones. Strikingly, in a SCID mouse metastasis model, lung tumor burden imposed by A375-GLO1_KO cells was strongly attenuated as compared to A375-GLO1_WT cells. Taken together, these prototype data provide evidence in support of a novel function of GLO1 in melanoma cell invasiveness and metastasis, and ongoing investigations explore the function and therapeutic potential of GLO1 as a novel melanoma target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Georg T. Wondrak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy & UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (J.J.); (J.P.); (A.H.); (J.A.S.)
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5
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Tuncer E, Calçada RR, Zingg D, Varum S, Cheng P, Freiberger SN, Deng CX, Kleiter I, Levesque MP, Dummer R, Sommer L. SMAD signaling promotes melanoma metastasis independently of phenotype switching. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:2702-2716. [PMID: 31039140 DOI: 10.1172/jci94295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of metastatic melanoma is thought to require the dynamic shifting of neoplastic cells between proliferative and invasive phenotypes. Contrary to this conventional "phenotype switching" model, we now show that disease progression can involve malignant melanoma cells simultaneously displaying proliferative and invasive properties. Using a genetic mouse model of melanoma in combination with in vitro analyses of melanoma cell lines, we found that conditional deletion of the downstream signaling molecule Smad4, which abrogates all canonical TGF-β signaling, indeed inhibits both tumor growth and metastasis. Conditional deletion of the inhibitory signaling factor Smad7, however, generated cells that are both highly invasive and proliferative, indicating that invasiveness is compatible with a high proliferation rate. In fact, conditional Smad7 deletion led to sustained melanoma growth and at the same time promoted massive metastasis formation, a result consistent with data indicating that low SMAD7 levels in patient tumors are associated with a poor survival. Our findings reveal that modulation of SMAD7 levels can overcome the need for phenotype switching during tumor progression and may thus represent a novel therapeutic target in metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eylul Tuncer
- Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Raquel R Calçada
- Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Zingg
- Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Varum
- Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Phil Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ingo Kleiter
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany and Marianne-Strauß-Klinik, Behandlungszentrum Kempfenhausen für Multiple Sklerose Kranke gGmbH, Berg, Germany
| | | | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Sommer
- Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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Tang PMK, Zhou S, Meng XM, Wang QM, Li CJ, Lian GY, Huang XR, Tang YJ, Guan XY, Yan BPY, To KF, Lan HY. Smad3 promotes cancer progression by inhibiting E4BP4-mediated NK cell development. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14677. [PMID: 28262747 PMCID: PMC5343519 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
TGF-β is known to influence tumour progression. Here we report an additional role of Smad3 in the tumour microenvironment regulating cancer progression. Deletion or inhibition of Smad3 in the tumour microenvironment suppresses tumour growth, invasion and metastasis in two syngeneic mouse tumour models. Smad3−/− bone marrow gives rise to an expanded NK cell population with enhanced tumour-suppressive activities in vivo, and promotes differentiation of NK cells ex vivo. We identify E4BP4/NFIL3 as a direct Smad3 target gene critical for NK cell differentiation. Smad3 suppresses transcription of IFN-γ via E4BP4 in a T-bet independent manner. Therefore disruption of Smad3 enhances both the E4BP4-mediated NK cell differentiation and anti-cancer effector functions in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, systemic treatment with a Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 effectively suppresses cancer progression. In summary, suppression of NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance via the Smad3-E4BP4 axis contributes to cancer progression. We propose targeting Smad3-dependent tumour microenvironment may represent an effective anti-cancer strategy. Smad3, a transcription factor activated by TGF-β, has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Here the authors show that Smad3 inhibits NK cell differentiation and effector function by repressing NFIL3, and that genetic or pharmacological blockade of Smad3 expands tumour-suppressive NK cells and restricts tumour growth in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine &Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine &Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.,Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine &Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Qing-Ming Wang
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine &Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Chun-Jie Li
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine &Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Guang-Yu Lian
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine &Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine &Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yong-Jiang Tang
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine &Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Bryan Ping-Yen Yan
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine &Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences and Department of Medicine &Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
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7
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Spender LC, Ferguson GJ, Liu S, Cui C, Girotti MR, Sibbet G, Higgs EB, Shuttleworth MK, Hamilton T, Lorigan P, Weller M, Vincent DF, Sansom OJ, Frame M, Dijke PT, Marais R, Inman GJ. Mutational activation of BRAF confers sensitivity to transforming growth factor beta inhibitors in human cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:81995-82012. [PMID: 27835901 PMCID: PMC5347669 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent data implicate elevated transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signalling in BRAF inhibitor drug-resistance mechanisms, but the potential for targeting TGFβ signalling in cases of advanced melanoma has not been investigated. We show that mutant BRAFV600E confers an intrinsic dependence on TGFβ/TGFβ receptor 1 (TGFBR1) signalling for clonogenicity of murine melanocytes. Pharmacological inhibition of the TGFBR1 blocked the clonogenicity of human mutant BRAF melanoma cells through SMAD4-independent inhibition of mitosis, and also inhibited metastasis in xenografted zebrafish. When investigating the therapeutic potential of combining inhibitors of mutant BRAF and TGFBR1, we noted that unexpectedly, low-dose PLX-4720 (a vemurafenib analogue) promoted proliferation of drug-naïve melanoma cells. Pharmacological or pharmacogenetic inhibition of TGFBR1 blocked growth promotion and phosphorylation of SRC, which is frequently associated with vemurafenib-resistance mechanisms. Importantly, vemurafenib-resistant patient derived cells retained sensitivity to TGFBR1 inhibition, suggesting that TGFBR1 could be targeted therapeutically to combat the development of vemurafenib drug-resistance.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Benzamides/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Dioxoles/pharmacology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Humans
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Melanocytes/drug effects
- Melanocytes/enzymology
- Melanocytes/pathology
- Melanoma/drug therapy
- Melanoma/enzymology
- Melanoma/genetics
- Melanoma/pathology
- Mice, Nude
- Mitosis/drug effects
- Mutation
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/metabolism
- RNA Interference
- Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/enzymology
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Smad4 Protein/genetics
- Smad4 Protein/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Time Factors
- Transfection
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1/pharmacology
- Vemurafenib
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Zebrafish
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay C. Spender
- Growth Factor Signalling Laboratory, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - G. John Ferguson
- Growth Factor Signalling Laboratory, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity Research, MedImmune Limited, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sijia Liu
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Chao Cui
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maria Romina Girotti
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Sibbet
- Growth Factor Signalling Laboratory, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen B. Higgs
- Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Morven K. Shuttleworth
- Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Hamilton
- Biological Services, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Lorigan
- The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David F. Vincent
- Colorectal Cancer and Wnt Signalling, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- Colorectal Cancer and Wnt Signalling, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret Frame
- The Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Richard Marais
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth J. Inman
- Growth Factor Signalling Laboratory, The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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8
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Correlation of TGF-β1 and oxidative stress in the blood of patients with melanoma: a clue to understanding melanoma progression? Tumour Biol 2016; 37:10753-61. [PMID: 26873487 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-4967-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β1 and oxidative stress are involved in cancer progression, but in melanoma, their role is still controversial. Our aim was to correlate plasma TGF-β1 levels and systemic oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with melanoma, with or without disease metastasis, to understand their participation in melanoma progression. Thirty patients were recruited for melanoma surveillance, together with 30 healthy volunteers. Patients were divided into two groups: Non-metastasis, comprising patients with tumor removal and no metastatic episode for 3 years; and Metastasis, comprising patients with a metastatic episode. The plasmatic cytokines TGF-β1, IL-1 β, and TNF-α were analyzed by ELISA. For oxidative stress, the following assays were performed: malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels, total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) and thiol in plasma, and lipid peroxidation, SOD and catalase activity and GSH in erythrocytes. Patients with a metastatic episode had less circulating TGF-β1 and increased TRAP, thiol, AOPP and lipid peroxidation levels. MDA was increased in both melanoma groups, while catalase, GSH, and IL-1β was decreased in Non-metastasis patients. Significant negative correlations were observed between TGF-β1 levels and systemic MDA, and TGF-β1 levels and systemic AOPP, while a positive correlation was observed between TGF-β1 levels and erythrocyte GSH. Lower levels of TGF-β1 were related to increased oxidative stress in Metastasis patients, reinforcing new evidence that in melanoma TGF-β1 acts as a tumor suppressor, inhibiting tumor relapse. These findings provide new knowledge concerning this cancer pathophysiology, extending the possibilities of investigating new therapies based on this evidence.
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9
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McNeal AS, Liu K, Nakhate V, Natale CA, Duperret EK, Capell BC, Dentchev T, Berger SL, Herlyn M, Seykora JT, Ridky TW. CDKN2B Loss Promotes Progression from Benign Melanocytic Nevus to Melanoma. Cancer Discov 2015; 5:1072-85. [PMID: 26183406 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-15-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Deletion of the entire CDKN2B-CDKN2A gene cluster is among the most common genetic events in cancer. The tumor-promoting effects are generally attributed to loss of CDKN2A-encoded p16 and p14ARF tumor suppressors. The degree to which the associated CDKN2B-encoded p15 loss contributes to human tumorigenesis is unclear. Here, we show that CDKN2B is highly upregulated in benign melanocytic nevi, contributes to maintaining nevus melanocytes in a growth-arrested premalignant state, and is commonly lost in melanoma. Using primary melanocytes isolated directly from freshly excised human nevi naturally expressing the common BRAF(V600E)-activating mutation, nevi progressing to melanoma, and normal melanocytes engineered to inducibly express BRAF(V600E), we show that BRAF activation results in reversible, TGFβ-dependent, p15 induction that halts proliferation. Furthermore, we engineer human skin grafts containing nevus-derived melanocytes to establish a new, architecturally faithful, in vivo melanoma model, and demonstrate that p15 loss promotes the transition from benign nevus to melanoma. SIGNIFICANCE Although BRAF(V600E) mutations cause melanocytes to initially proliferate into benign moles, mechanisms responsible for their eventual growth arrest are unknown. Using melanocytes from human moles, we show that BRAF activation leads to a CDKN2B induction that is critical for restraining BRAF oncogenic effects, and when lost, contributes to melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S McNeal
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kevin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vihang Nakhate
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christopher A Natale
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth K Duperret
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian C Capell
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tzvete Dentchev
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shelley L Berger
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - John T Seykora
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Todd W Ridky
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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10
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Westphal P, Mauch C, Florin A, Czerwitzki J, Olligschläger N, Wodtke C, Schüle R, Büttner R, Friedrichs N. Enhanced FHL2 and TGF-β1 Expression Is Associated With Invasive Growth and Poor Survival in Malignant Melanomas. Am J Clin Pathol 2015; 143:248-56; quiz 307. [PMID: 25596251 DOI: 10.1309/ajcpxec6cit2txaf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examines the expression and the role of four-and-a-half LIM domains protein 2 (FHL2) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in human malignant melanoma. It is determined whether both proteins influence melanoma survival time. METHODS We analyzed the immunohistochemical staining intensities of FHL2 and TGF-β1 in normal skin and in 50 malignant melanomas with different mutation status (BRAF-V600E, NRAS codon 61 mutation, and wild type). Survival data were available for 45 cases. RESULTS In melanocytes of nonneoplastic human skin, FHL2 expression was absent. In contrast, 38 (76%) of 50 melanomas showed strong cytoplasmic and partly nuclear FHL2 expression. At the invasion front, cytoplasmic TGF-β1 staining was observed in 32 (64%) of 50 melanomas, and a correlation of FHL2 and TGF-β1 staining intensities was detectable. In follow-up analyses, enhanced FHL2 and TGF-β1 staining intensities in the tumor invasion front were associated with poor survival. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced FHL2 and TGF-β1 expression is correlated with poor survival in human malignant melanoma. Protumorigenic effects of autocrine TGF-β1 secretion might be exerted by induction of FHL2 expression in melanoma cells. Since melanomas treated with targeted therapies often do not show sufficient response rates, inhibition of FHL2 and/or TGF-β1 might be a promising therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Westphal
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornelia Mauch
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexandra Florin
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Nina Olligschläger
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claudia Wodtke
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roland Schüle
- Center for Clinical Research, University of Freiburg Medical School, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicolaus Friedrichs
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
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11
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Tas F, Karabulut S, Yasasever CT, Duranyildiz D. Serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) levels have diagnostic, predictive, and possible prognostic roles in patients with melanoma. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:7233-7. [PMID: 24771267 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-1984-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple malignancies, and its expression also strongly affects the outcomes of cancer patients. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical significance of the serum levels of TGF-β1 in melanoma patients. A total of 60 patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of melanoma were enrolled into this study. Serum TGF-β1 concentrations were determined by the solid-phase sandwich ELISA method. Thirty age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 53.5 years (range 16 to 88 years). The baseline serum TGF-β1 levels of the melanoma patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (median values 171.85 vs. 19.95 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). The known clinical variables including age of patient, gender, site of lesion, histology, stage of disease, and serum LDH levels were not found to be correlated with serum TGF-β1 concentrations (p > 0.05). However, the chemotherapy-responsive patients had higher serum TGF-β1 levels compared with chemotherapy-unresponsive ones (p = 0.05). Additionally, serum TGF-β1 concentration was a trend to have a prognostic role on survival (p = 0.07). Patients with elevated serum TGF-β1 concentrations had close to significantly favorable overall survival compared to those with lower levels (median 30.1 vs. 20.9 months, respectively). In conclusion, serum levels of TGF-β1 have diagnostic, predictive, and possible prognostic roles in melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Tas
- Institute of Oncology, University of Istanbul, 34390, Capa, Istanbul, Turkey,
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12
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Perrot CY, Gilbert C, Marsaud V, Postigo A, Javelaud D, Mauviel A. GLI2 cooperates with ZEB1 for transcriptional repression of CDH1 expression in human melanoma cells. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2013; 26:861-73. [PMID: 23890107 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In melanoma cells, high expression of the transcription factor GLI2 is associated with increased invasive potential and loss of E-cadherin expression, an event reminiscent of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Herein, we provide evidence that GLI2 represses E-cadherin gene (CDH1) expression in melanoma cells via distinct mechanisms, enhancing transcription of the EMT-activator ZEB1 and cooperative repression of CDH1 gene transcription via direct binding of both GLI2 and ZEB1 to two closely positioned Kruppel-like factor-binding sites within the CDH1 promoter. GLI2 silencing rescued CDH1 expression except in melanoma cell lines in which the CDH1 promoter was hypermethylated. Proximity ligation assays identified GLI2-ZEB1 complexes in melanoma cell nuclei, proportional to endogenous GLI2 and ZEB1 expression, and whose accumulation was enhanced by the classical EMT inducer TGF-β. These data identify GLI2 as a critical modulator of the cadherin switch in melanoma, a molecular process that is critical for metastatic spread of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Y Perrot
- Institut Curie, Team 'TGF-β and Oncogenesis', Orsay, France; INSERM U1021, Orsay, France; CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France
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13
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Transforming growth factor-Beta and urokinase-type plasminogen activator: dangerous partners in tumorigenesis-implications in skin cancer. ISRN DERMATOLOGY 2013; 2013:597927. [PMID: 23984088 PMCID: PMC3732602 DOI: 10.1155/2013/597927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic factor, with several different roles in health and disease. TGF-β has been postulated as a dual factor in tumor progression, since it represses epithelial tumor development in early stages, whereas it stimulates tumor progression in advanced stages. During tumorigenesis, cancer cells acquire the capacity to migrate and invade surrounding tissues and to metastasize different organs. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system, comprising uPA, the uPA cell surface receptor, and plasminogen-plasmin, is involved in the proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix and regulates key cellular events by activating intracellular signal pathways, which together allow cancer cells to survive, thus, enhancing cell malignance during tumor progression. Due to their importance, uPA and its receptor are tightly transcriptionally regulated in normal development, but are deregulated in cancer, when their activity and expression are related to further development of cancer. TGF-β regulates uPA expression in cancer cells, while uPA, by plasminogen activation, may activate the secreted latent TGF-β, thus, producing a pernicious cycle which contributes to the enhancement of tumor progression. Here we review the specific roles and the interplay between TGF-β and uPA system in cancer cells and their implication in skin cancer.
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14
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Perrot CY, Javelaud D, Mauviel A. Insights into the Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway in Cutaneous Melanoma. Ann Dermatol 2013; 25:135-44. [PMID: 23717002 PMCID: PMC3662904 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2013.25.2.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic growth factor with broad tissue distribution that plays critical roles during embryonic development, normal tissue homeostasis, and cancer. While its cytostatic activity on normal epithelial cells initially defined TGF-β signaling as a tumor suppressor pathway, there is ample evidence indicating that TGF-β is a potent pro-tumorigenic agent, acting via autocrine and paracrine mechanisms to promote peri-tumoral angiogenesis, together with tumor cell migration, immune escape, and dissemination to metastatic sites. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the implication of TGF-β signaling in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Yolande Perrot
- Institut Curie, Team "TGF-β and Oncogenesis", Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021 Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France
| | - Delphine Javelaud
- Institut Curie, Team "TGF-β and Oncogenesis", Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021 Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France
| | - Alain Mauviel
- Institut Curie, Team "TGF-β and Oncogenesis", Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021 Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France
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15
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Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma originates from pigment producing melanocytes or their precursors and is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. For the last 40 years, few treatment options were available for patients with late-stage melanoma. However, remarkable advances in the therapy field were made recently, leading to the approval of two new drugs, the mutant BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and the immunostimulant ipilimumab. Although these drugs prolong patients' lives, neither drug cures the disease completely, emphasizing the need for improvements of current therapies. Our knowledge about the complex genetic and biological mechanisms leading to melanoma development has increased, but there are still gaps in our understanding of the early events of melanocyte transformation and disease progression. In this review, we present a summary of the main contributing factors leading to melanocyte transformation and discuss recent novel findings and technologies that will help answer some of the key biological melanoma questions and lay the groundwork for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Slipicevic
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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16
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Romano C, Schepis C. PTEN gene: a model for genetic diseases in dermatology. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:252457. [PMID: 22623890 PMCID: PMC3353286 DOI: 10.1100/2012/252457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PTEN gene is considered one of the most mutated tumor suppressor genes in human cancer, and it's likely to become the first one in the near future. Since 1997, its involvement in tumor suppression has smoothly increased, up to the current importance. Germline mutations of PTEN cause the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS), which include the past-called Cowden, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba, Proteus, Proteus-like, and Lhermitte-Duclos syndromes. Somatic mutations of PTEN have been observed in glioblastoma, prostate cancer, and brest cancer cell lines, quoting only the first tissues where the involvement has been proven. The negative regulation of cell interactions with the extracellular matrix could be the way PTEN phosphatase acts as a tumor suppressor. PTEN gene plays an essential role in human development. A recent model sees PTEN function as a stepwise gradation, which can be impaired not only by heterozygous mutations and homozygous losses, but also by other molecular mechanisms, such as transcriptional regression, epigenetic silencing, regulation by microRNAs, posttranslational modification, and aberrant localization. The involvement of PTEN function in melanoma and multistage skin carcinogenesis, with its implication in cancer treatment, and the role of front office in diagnosing PHTS are the main reasons why the dermatologist should know about PTEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Romano
- Unit of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, I.R.C.C.S. Associazione Oasi Maria Santissima, Troina, Italy
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17
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Javelaud D, van Kempen L, Alexaki VI, Le Scolan E, Luo K, Mauviel A. Efficient TGF-β/SMAD signaling in human melanoma cells associated with high c-SKI/SnoN expression. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:2. [PMID: 21211030 PMCID: PMC3025974 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SKI and SnoN proteins have been shown to inhibit TGF-β signaling, acting both as transcriptional co-repressors in the cell nucleus, and as sequestrators of SMAD proteins in the cytoplasm. TGF-β, on the other hand, induces rapid, proteasome-mediated, degradation of both proteins. How elevated SKI and SnoN protein levels co-exist with active autocrine TGF-β signaling in cancer cells is yet to be understood. Results In this study, we found elevated SKI and SnoN protein levels in a panel of melanoma cell lines, as compared to normal melanocytes. There was no correlation between SKI protein content and the capacity of melanoma cells to invade Matrigel™, to form subcutaneous tumors, or to metastasize to bone after intracardiac inoculation into nude mice. Nor did we find a correlation between SKI expression and histopathological staging of human melanoma. TGF-β induced a rapid and dose-dependent degradation of SKI protein, associated with SMAD3/4 specific transcriptional response and induction of pro-metastatic target genes, partially prevented by pharmacologic blockade of proteasome activity. SKI knockdown in 1205Lu melanoma cells did not alter their invasive capacity or transcriptional responses to TGF-β, and did not allow p21 expression in response to TGF-β or reveal any growth inhibitory activity of TGF-β. Conclusions Despite high expression in melanoma cells, the role of SKI in melanoma remains elusive: SKI does not efficiently interfere with the pro-oncogenic activities of TGF-β, unless stabilized by proteasome blockade. Its highly labile nature makes it an unlikely target for therapeutic intervention.
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18
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Horbinski C, Hamilton RL, Nikiforov Y, Pollack IF. Association of molecular alterations, including BRAF, with biology and outcome in pilocytic astrocytomas. Acta Neuropathol 2010; 119:641-9. [PMID: 20044755 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-009-0634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2009] [Revised: 12/23/2009] [Accepted: 12/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common glioma in the pediatric population. PAs can exhibit variable behavior that does not always correlate with location. Although oncogenic rearrangements of the BRAF gene have recently been described in PAs, it is not clear whether such alterations have an impact on outcome. An institutional cohort of 147 PAs (118 with outcome data) from both cerebellar and non-cerebellar locations (spine, diencephalon, midbrain, brainstem, and cortex) was utilized in this study. Parameters included quantification of characteristic morphologic variables as well as genes and molecular loci previously shown to be of relevance in high-grade gliomas, including 1p, 9p, 10q, 17p, 19q, and BRAF. Neither 1p, 9p, and 10q nor 19q showed significant association with outcome in PAs, although p16 deletion was more common in PAs of the midbrain, brainstem, and spinal cord. Loss of heterozygosity on 17p13 correlated with increased risk of recurrence in cerebellar tumors. BRAF gene rearrangements were more common in cerebellar tumors than non-cerebellar tumors and associated with classic biphasic histology in the cerebellum. However, clinical outcome was independent of BRAF status. The molecular biology of PAs differs according to location, yet BRAF rearrangements do not appear to produce PAs with different behavior. Nevertheless, such tumors may have altered sensitivity to pathway-specific adjuvant therapy. Additionally, deletion on 17p13 may be an adverse prognostic biomarker in cerebellar tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Horbinski
- Department of Pathology, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St., Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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20
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Identification and functional validation of therapeutic targets for malignant melanoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2009; 72:194-214. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2009.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2008] [Revised: 02/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is extremely refractory to existing chemotherapeutic drugs and bioimmune adjuvant therapies, and the life span of patients with metastatic melanoma is often measured in months. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the development of tumor metastasis is critical for finding successful curative measures. An expending amount of data reveal the importance of inflammatory microenvironment and stroma in cancer initiation and progression, which brings new directions and approaches to cancer treatment. This review will summarize current data on the role of the tumor microenvironment in shaping the metastatic phenotype of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislava O Melnikova
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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22
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Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of differences in phenotype, in the absence of variation in the genetic code. Epigenetics is relevant in the pathogenesis of many skin diseases. In the case of the common skin cancers, aberrant methylation of tumor suppressor gene promoters is associated with their transcriptional inactivation. Environmental carcinogens such as ultraviolet radiation and arsenic may act through epigenetic mechanisms. Hypomethylation is associated with activation of systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. This may be through a mechanism of immunological cross-reactivity with hypomethylated DNA from pathogenic bacteria. Epigenetic factors may also be relevant in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases, as well as in the pathogenesis of the disorders of genomic imprinting with cutaneous features.
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Affiliation(s)
- George W M Millington
- Dermatology Department, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK.
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Organotypic modelling as a means of investigating epithelial-stromal interactions during tumourigenesis. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2008; 1:8. [PMID: 19077226 PMCID: PMC2614933 DOI: 10.1186/1755-1536-1-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2008] [Accepted: 12/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The advent of co-culture approaches has allowed researchers to more accurately model the behaviour of epithelial cells in cell culture studies. The initial work on epidermal modelling allowed the development of reconstituted epidermis, growing keratinocytes on top of fibroblasts seeded in a collagen gel at an air-liquid interface to generate terminally differentiated 'skin equivalents'. In addition to developing ex vivo skin sheets for the treatment of burns victims, such cultures have also been used as a means of investigating both the development and repair of the epidermis, in more relevant conditions than simple two-dimensional culture, but without the use of animals. More recently, by varying the cell types used and adjusting the composition of the matrix components, this physiological system can be adapted to allow the study of interactions between tumour cells and their surrounding stroma, particularly with regards to how such interactions regulate invasion. Here we provide a summary of the major themes involved in tumour progression and consider the evolution of the approaches used to study cancer cell behaviour. Finally, we review how organotypic models have facilitated the study of several key pathways in cancer development and invasion, and speculate on the exciting future roles for these models in cancer research.
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