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Chen C, Lee S, Zyner KG, Fernando M, Nemeruck V, Wong E, Marshall LL, Wark JR, Aryamanesh N, Tam PPL, Graham ME, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Yang P. Trans-omic profiling uncovers molecular controls of early human cerebral organoid formation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114219. [PMID: 38748874 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114219] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Defining the molecular networks orchestrating human brain formation is crucial for understanding neurodevelopment and neurological disorders. Challenges in acquiring early brain tissue have incentivized the use of three-dimensional human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural organoids to recapitulate neurodevelopment. To elucidate the molecular programs that drive this highly dynamic process, here, we generate a comprehensive trans-omic map of the phosphoproteome, proteome, and transcriptome of the exit of pluripotency and neural differentiation toward human cerebral organoids (hCOs). These data reveal key phospho-signaling events and their convergence on transcriptional factors to regulate hCO formation. Comparative analysis with developing human and mouse embryos demonstrates the fidelity of our hCOs in modeling embryonic brain development. Finally, we demonstrate that biochemical modulation of AKT signaling can control hCO differentiation. Together, our data provide a comprehensive resource to study molecular controls in human embryonic brain development and provide a guide for the future development of hCO differentiation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa Chen
- Computational Systems Biology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Scott Lee
- Stem Cell and Organoid Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Katherine G Zyner
- Computational Systems Biology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Milan Fernando
- Stem Cell and Organoid Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Victoria Nemeruck
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Emilie Wong
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Lee L Marshall
- Bioinformatics Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jesse R Wark
- Synapse Proteomics, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Nader Aryamanesh
- Bioinformatics Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Patrick P L Tam
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark E Graham
- Synapse Proteomics, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell and Organoid Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Pengyi Yang
- Computational Systems Biology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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2
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Guo X, Huang S, Zhang Y, Wang H, Li L, Ran J, Chen D, Li X, Li J. Evodiamine inhibits growth of vemurafenib drug-resistant melanoma via suppressing IRS4/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. J Nat Med 2024; 78:342-354. [PMID: 38324123 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01769-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Evodiamine, a novel alkaloid, was isolated from the fruit of tetradium. It exerts a diversity of pharmacological effects and has been used to treat gastropathy, hypertension, and eczema. Several studies reported that evodiamine has various biological effects, including anti-nociceptive, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer activities. However, there is no research regarding its effects on drug-resistant cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of evodiamine on human vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells (A375/R cells) proliferation ability and its mechanism. Cell activity was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. Flow cytometry assay was used to assess cell apoptosis and cell cycle. A xenograft model was used to analyze the inhibitory effects of evodiamine on tumor growth. Bioinformatics analyses, network pharmacology, and molecular docking were used to explore the potential mechanism of evodiamine in vemurafenib-resistant melanoma. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to reveal the molecular mechanism. The alkaloid extract of the fruit of tetradium, evodiamine showed the strongest tumor inhibitory effect on vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells compared to treatment with vemurafenib alone. Evodiamine inhibited vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cell growth, proliferation, and induced apoptosis, conforming to a dose-effect relationship and time-effect relationship. Results from network pharmacology and molecular docking suggested that evodiamine might interact with IRS4 to suppress growth of human vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells. Interestingly, evodiamine suppressed IRS4 expression and then inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and thus had the therapeutic action on vemurafenib-resistant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxian Guo
- Centre for Lipid Research & Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiying Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zigong First People's Hospital, Zigong, China
| | - Yonghong Zhang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Clinical Big-Data and Drug Evaluation Medical Data Science Academy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children), Chongqing, China
| | - Lisha Li
- Lab of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jianhua Ran
- Neuroscience Research Center, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dilong Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Wanzhou, 404100, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, Chongqing Institute for Food and Drug Control, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Wanzhou, 404100, China.
| | - Jing Li
- Lab of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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3
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Bahar ME, Kim HJ, Kim DR. Targeting the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway for cancer therapy: from mechanism to clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:455. [PMID: 38105263 PMCID: PMC10725898 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination of solid tumors, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, underscores the urgent need for enhanced insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metastasis, chemoresistance, and the mechanistic backgrounds of individuals whose cancers are prone to migration. The most prevalent signaling cascade governed by multi-kinase inhibitors is the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, encompassing the RAS-RAF-MAPK kinase (MEK)-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway. RAF kinase is a primary mediator of the MAPK pathway, responsible for the sequential activation of downstream targets, such as MEK and the transcription factor ERK, which control numerous cellular and physiological processes, including organism development, cell cycle control, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell survival, and death. Defects in this signaling cascade are associated with diseases such as cancer. RAF inhibitors (RAFi) combined with MEK blockers represent an FDA-approved therapeutic strategy for numerous RAF-mutant cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and thyroid cancer. However, the development of therapy resistance by cancer cells remains an important barrier. Autophagy, an intracellular lysosome-dependent catabolic recycling process, plays a critical role in the development of RAFi resistance in cancer. Thus, targeting RAF and autophagy could be novel treatment strategies for RAF-mutant cancers. In this review, we delve deeper into the mechanistic insights surrounding RAF kinase signaling in tumorigenesis and RAFi-resistance. Furthermore, we explore and discuss the ongoing development of next-generation RAF inhibitors with enhanced therapeutic profiles. Additionally, this review sheds light on the functional interplay between RAF-targeted therapies and autophagy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Entaz Bahar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Hyun Joon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Deok Ryong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea.
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McRee SK, Bayer AL, Pietruska J, Tsichlis PN, Hinds PW. AKT2 Loss Impairs BRAF-Mutant Melanoma Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4958. [PMID: 37894325 PMCID: PMC10605002 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204958] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in treatment, melanoma remains the deadliest form of skin cancer due to its highly metastatic nature. Melanomas harboring oncogenic BRAFV600E mutations combined with PTEN loss exhibit unrestrained PI3K/AKT signaling and increased invasiveness. However, the contribution of different AKT isoforms to melanoma initiation, progression, and metastasis has not been comprehensively explored, and questions remain about whether individual isoforms play distinct or redundant roles in each step. We investigate the contribution of individual AKT isoforms to melanoma initiation using a novel mouse model of AKT isoform-specific loss in a murine melanoma model, and we investigate tumor progression, maintenance, and metastasis among a panel of human metastatic melanoma cell lines using AKT isoform-specific knockdown studies. We elucidate that AKT2 is dispensable for primary tumor formation but promotes migration and invasion in vitro and metastatic seeding in vivo, whereas AKT1 is uniquely important for melanoma initiation and cell proliferation. We propose a mechanism whereby the inhibition of AKT2 impairs glycolysis and reduces an EMT-related gene expression signature in PTEN-null BRAF-mutant human melanoma cells to limit metastatic spread. Our data suggest that the elucidation of AKT2-specific functions in metastasis might inform therapeutic strategies to improve treatment options for melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan K. McRee
- Program in Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| | - Abraham L. Bayer
- Program in Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Jodie Pietruska
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| | - Philip N. Tsichlis
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Philip W. Hinds
- Program in Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
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5
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Kuras M. Exploring the Complex and Multifaceted Interplay between Melanoma Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14403. [PMID: 37762707 PMCID: PMC10531837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814403] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a very aggressive skin cancer, characterized by a heterogeneous nature and high metastatic potential. The incidence of melanoma is continuously increasing worldwide, and it is one of the most common cancers in young adults. In the past twenty years, our understanding of melanoma biology has increased profoundly, and disease management for patients with disseminated disease has improved due to the emergence of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. However, a significant fraction of patients relapse or do not respond adequately to treatment. This can partly be explained by the complex signaling between the tumor and its microenvironment, giving rise to melanoma phenotypes with different patterns of disease progression. This review focuses on the key aspects and complex relationship between pathogenesis, genetic abnormalities, tumor microenvironment, cellular plasticity, and metabolic reprogramming in melanoma. By acquiring a deeper understanding of the multifaceted features of melanomagenesis, we can reach a point of more individualized and patient-centered disease management and reduced costs of ineffective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kuras
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden;
- Section for Clinical Chemistry, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden
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6
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McRee SK, Bayer AL, Pietruska J, Tsichlis PN, Hinds PW. AKT2 Loss Impairs BRAF-Mutant Melanoma Metastasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.24.554685. [PMID: 37662310 PMCID: PMC10473698 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.24.554685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in treatment, melanoma remains the deadliest form of skin cancer, due to its highly metastatic nature. Melanomas harboring oncogenic BRAF V600E mutations combined with PTEN loss exhibit unrestrained PI3K/AKT signaling and increased invasiveness. However, the contribution of different AKT isoforms to melanoma initiation, progression, and metastasis has not been comprehensively explored, and questions remain whether individual isoforms play distinct or redundant roles in each step. We investigate the contribution of individual AKT isoforms to melanoma initiation using a novel mouse model of AKT isoform-specific loss in a murine melanoma model, and investigate tumor progression, maintenance, and metastasis among a panel of human metastatic melanoma cell lines using AKT-isoform specific knockdown studies. We elucidate that AKT2 is dispensable for primary tumor formation but promotes migration and invasion in vitro and metastatic seeding in vivo , while AKT1 is uniquely important for melanoma initiation and cell proliferation. We propose a mechanism whereby inhibition of AKT2 impairs glycolysis and reduces an EMT-related gene expression signature in PTEN-null BRAF-mutant human melanoma cells to limit metastatic spread. Our data suggest that elucidation of AKT2-specific functions in metastasis could inform therapeutic strategies to improve treatment options for melanoma patients.
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7
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Castro-Cruz A, Echeverría OM, Sánchez-Sánchez L, Muñoz-Velasco I, Juárez-Chavero S, Torres-Ramírez N, Vázquez-Nin GH, Escobar ML. Dissection of the autophagic route in oocytes from atretic follicles. Biol Cell 2023; 115:e2200046. [PMID: 36571578 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202200046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION Autophagy is a conserved process that functions as a cytoprotective mechanism; it may function as a cell death process called programmed cell death type II. There is considerable evidence for the presence of autophagic cell death during oocyte elimination in prepubertal rats. However, the mechanisms involved in this process have not been deciphered. RESULTS Our observations revealed autophagic cell death in oocytes with increased labeling of the autophagic proteins Beclin 1, light chain 3 A (LC3 A), and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (Lamp1). Furthermore, mTOR and phosphorylated (p)-mTOR (S2448) proteins were significantly decreased in oocytes with increased levels of autophagic proteins, indicating autophagic activation. Moreover, phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) was not expressed by oocytes, but mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signalregulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling was observed. Additionally, selective and elevated mitochondrial degradation was identified in altered oocytes. CONCLUSIONS All these results suggest that mTOR downregulation, which promotes autophagy, could be mediated by low energy levels and sustained starvation involving the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways. SIGNIFICANCE In this work, we analyzed the manner in which autophagy is carried out in oocytes undergoing autophagic cell death by studying the behavior of proteins involved in different steps of the autophagic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Castro-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria, Col. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Olga M Echeverría
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria, Col. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luis Sánchez-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular del Cáncer, Lab. 6, 2do piso, UMIEZ, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, Ciudad de México, Iztapalapa, México
| | - Israel Muñoz-Velasco
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria, Col. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Silvia Juárez-Chavero
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria, Col. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Nayeli Torres-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria, Col. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gerardo H Vázquez-Nin
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria, Col. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - María Luisa Escobar
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria, Col. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
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8
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Wainstein E, Maik-Rachline G, Blenis J, Seger R. AKTs do not translocate to the nucleus upon stimulation but AKT3 can constitutively signal from the nuclear envelope. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111733. [PMID: 36476861 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT is a central signaling protein kinase that plays a role in the regulation of cellular survival metabolism and cell growth, as well as in pathologies such as diabetes and cancer. Human AKT consists of three isoforms (AKT1-3) that may fulfill different functions. Here, we report that distinct subcellular localization of the isoforms directly influences their activity and function. AKT1 is localized primarily in the cytoplasm, AKT2 in the nucleus, and AKT3 in the nucleus or nuclear envelope. None of the isoforms actively translocates into the nucleus upon stimulation. Interestingly, AKT3 at the nuclear envelope is constitutively phosphorylated, enabling a constant phosphorylation of TSC2 at this location. Knockdown of AKT3 induces moderate attenuation of cell proliferation of breast cancer cells. We suggest that in addition to the stimulation-induced activation of the lysosomal/cytoplasmic AKT1-TSC2 pathway, a subpopulation of TSC2 is constitutively inactivated by AKT3 at the nuclear envelope of transformed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Wainstein
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Galia Maik-Rachline
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - John Blenis
- Meyer Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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9
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Luo G, Wang S, Ai Y, Li J, Ren Z. N6-Methyladenosine Methylome Profiling of Muscle and Adipose Tissues Reveals Methylase-mRNA Metabolic Regulatory Networks in Fat Deposition of Rex Rabbits. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11070944. [PMID: 36101325 PMCID: PMC9312354 DOI: 10.3390/biology11070944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal form of modification in messenger RNA in higher eukaryotes and plays an important role in cancer, immunity, reproduction, development, and fat deposition. Intramuscular fat is the main factor used to measure the meat quality of an animal. The deposition of intramuscular fat and perirenal fat increases with age. However, there is no data on m6A modification of Rex rabbits and its potential biological roles in adipose deposition and muscle growth. Here, we performed two high-throughput sequencing methods, m6A-modified RNA immunoprecipitation sequence (MeRIP-seq) and RNA sequence (RNA-seq), to identify key genes with m6A modification on fat deposition in the muscle and adipose tissues of Rex rabbits. Then, qRT-PCR was used to identify the differently methylated genes related to fat deposition. Our findings showed that there were 12,876 and 10,973 m6A peaks in the rabbit muscle and adipose tissue transcriptomes, respectively. Stop codons, 3′-untranslated regions, and coding regions were found to be mainly enriched for m6A peaks. In addition, we found 5 differential methylases and 12 key genes of methylation modification related to fat deposition between muscle and adipose tissues samples. The expression levels of six random key genes were significantly higher in the fat than that in the muscle of Rex rabbits at different stages (p < 0.01). Finally, five differential methylases were found to regulate adipogenesis by affecting the expression of screened genes in different ways. These findings provided a theoretical basis for our future research on the function of m6A modification during the growth of fat deposits.
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10
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Dinavahi SS, Chen YC, Punnath K, Berg A, Herlyn M, Foroutan M, Huntington ND, Robertson GP. Targeting WEE1/AKT restores p53-dependent NK cell activation to induce immune checkpoint blockade responses in 'cold' melanoma. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:757-769. [PMID: 35439317 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. Unfortunately, most tumor types do not respond to immunotherapy due to a lack of immune infiltration or 'cold' tumor microenvironment (TME), a contributing factor in treatment failure. Activation of the p53 pathway can increase apoptosis of cancer cells, leading to enhanced antigen presentation, and can stimulate natural killer (NK) cells through expression of stress ligands. Therefore, modulation of the p53 pathway in cancer cells with wildtype TP53 has the potential to enhance tumor immunogenicity to NK cells, produce an inflammatory TME, and ultimately lead to tumor regression. In this study, we report simultaneous targeting of the AKT/WEE1 pathways is a novel and tolerable approach to synergistically induce p53 activation to inhibit tumor development. This approach reduced the growth of melanoma cells and induced plasma membrane surface localization of the ER-resident protein calreticulin, an indicator of immunogenic cell death (ICD). Increase in ICD led to enhanced expression of stress ligands recognized by the activating NK cell receptor NKG2D, promoting tumor lysis. WEE1/AKT inhibition resulted in recruitment and activation of immune cells, including NK cells, in the TME, triggering an inflammatory cascade that transformed the 'cold' TME of B16F10 melanoma into a 'hot' TME that responded to anti-PD-1, resulting in complete regression of established tumors. These results suggest that AKT/WEE1 pathway inhibition is a potential approach to broaden the utility of class-leading anti-PD-1 therapies by enhancing p53-mediated, NK cell-dependent tumor inflammation and supports the translation of this novel approach to further improve response rates for metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu-Chi Chen
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Kishore Punnath
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Arthur Berg
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Gavin P Robertson
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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11
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Regulation of Cell Cycle Progression by Growth Factor-Induced Cell Signaling. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123327. [PMID: 34943835 PMCID: PMC8699227 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell, which drives it to divide and produce two new daughter cells. The typical cell cycle in eukaryotes is composed of the following phases: G1, S, G2, and M phase. Cell cycle progression is mediated by cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) and their regulatory cyclin subunits. However, the driving force of cell cycle progression is growth factor-initiated signaling pathways that control the activity of various Cdk–cyclin complexes. While the mechanism underlying the role of growth factor signaling in G1 phase of cell cycle progression has been largely revealed due to early extensive research, little is known regarding the function and mechanism of growth factor signaling in regulating other phases of the cell cycle, including S, G2, and M phase. In this review, we briefly discuss the process of cell cycle progression through various phases, and we focus on the role of signaling pathways activated by growth factors and their receptor (mostly receptor tyrosine kinases) in regulating cell cycle progression through various phases.
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12
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Battaglia L, Scomparin A, Dianzani C, Milla P, Muntoni E, Arpicco S, Cavalli R. Nanotechnology Addressing Cutaneous Melanoma: The Italian Landscape. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1617. [PMID: 34683910 PMCID: PMC8540596 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive solid tumors, with a low survival for the metastatic stage. Currently, clinical melanoma treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. Of note, innovative therapeutic regimens concern the administration of multitarget drugs in tandem, in order to improve therapeutic efficacy. However, also, if this drug combination is clinically relevant, the patient's response is not yet optimal. In this scenario, nanotechnology-based delivery systems can play a crucial role in the clinical treatment of advanced melanoma. In fact, their nano-features enable targeted drug delivery at a cellular level by overcoming biological barriers. Various nanomedicines have been proposed for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma, and a relevant number of them are undergoing clinical trials. In Italy, researchers are focusing on the pharmaceutical development of nanoformulations for malignant melanoma therapy. The present review reports an overview of the main melanoma-addressed nanomedicines currently under study in Italy, alongside the state of the art of melanoma therapy. Moreover, the latest Italian advances concerning the pre-clinical evaluation of nanomedicines for melanoma are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Battaglia
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Anna Scomparin
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
- . Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Chiara Dianzani
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Paola Milla
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Elisabetta Muntoni
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Silvia Arpicco
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Roberta Cavalli
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
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13
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Broit N, Johansson PA, Rodgers CB, Walpole ST, Newell F, Hayward NK, Pritchard AL. Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Genomics of Mucosal Melanoma. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:991-1004. [PMID: 33707307 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mucosal melanoma is a rare subtype of melanoma. To date, there has been no comprehensive systematic collation and statistical analysis of the aberrations and aggregated frequency of driver events across multiple studies. Published studies using whole genome, whole exome, targeted gene panel, or individual gene sequencing were identified. Datasets from these studies were collated to summarize mutations, structural variants, and regions of copy-number alteration. Studies using next-generation sequencing were divided into the "main" cohort (n = 173; fresh-frozen samples), "validation" cohort (n = 48; formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples) and a second "validation" cohort comprised 104 tumors sequenced using a targeted panel. Studies assessing mutations in BRAF, KIT, and NRAS were summarized to assess hotspot mutations. Statistical analysis of the main cohort variant data revealed KIT, NF1, BRAF, NRAS, SF3B1, and SPRED1 as significantly mutated genes. ATRX and SF3B1 mutations occurred more commonly in lower anatomy melanomas and CTNNB1 in the upper anatomy. NF1, PTEN, CDKN2A, SPRED1, ATM, CHEK2, and ARID1B were commonly affected by chromosomal copy loss, while TERT, KIT, BRAF, YAP1, CDK4, CCND1, GAB2, MDM2, SKP2, and MITF were commonly amplified. Further notable genomic alterations occurring at lower frequencies indicated commonality of signaling networks in tumorigenesis, including MAPK, PI3K, Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, cell cycle, DNA repair, and telomere maintenance pathways. This analysis identified genomic aberrations that provide some insight to the way in which specific pathways may be disrupted. IMPLICATIONS: Our analysis has shown that mucosal melanomas have a diverse range of genomic alterations in several biological pathways. VISUAL OVERVIEW: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/19/6/991/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Broit
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter A Johansson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chloe B Rodgers
- Department of Genetics and Immunology, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, Scotland
| | | | - Felicity Newell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas K Hayward
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Antonia L Pritchard
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. .,Department of Genetics and Immunology, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, Scotland
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14
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Autophagy is induced in human keratinocytes during human papillomavirus 11 pseudovirion entry. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:23017-23028. [PMID: 33197887 PMCID: PMC7746385 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus type 11 (HPV11) is one of the main causes of condyloma acuminatum, a widespread sexually transmitted disease. During infection of its primary target cell, keratinocytes, it is likely to encounter the autophagy pathway, which is an intracellular maintenance process that is also able to target invading pathogens. It is currently unknown whether HPV11 is targeted by autophagy or whether it is able to escape autophagy-mediated killing. Here, we investigated the autophagy response during HPV11 pseudovirion (PsV) entry in human keratinocytes. Transmission electron microscopy showed that intracellular PsVs were sequestered in lumen of double-membrane autophagosomes that subsequently appeared to fuse with lysosomes, while confocal microscopy showed induction LC3 puncta, the hallmark of induced autophagy activity. Furthermore, quantitative infection assays showed that high autophagy activity resulted in reduced HPV11 PsV infectivity. Therefore, the autophagy pathway seemed to actively target invading HPV11 PsVs for destruction in the autolysosome. Western analysis on the phosphorylation state of autophagy regulators and upstream pathways indicated that autophagy was activated through interplay between Erk and Akt signaling. In conclusion, autophagy functions as a cellular protection mechanism against intracellular HPV11 and therefore therapies that stimulate autophagy may prevent recurrent condyloma acuminatum by helping eliminate latent HPV11 infections.
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15
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Review of PIP2 in Cellular Signaling, Functions and Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218342. [PMID: 33172190 PMCID: PMC7664428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositides play a crucial role in regulating many cellular functions, such as actin dynamics, signaling, intracellular trafficking, membrane dynamics, and cell-matrix adhesion. Central to this process is phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2). The levels of PIP2 in the membrane are rapidly altered by the activity of phosphoinositide-directed kinases and phosphatases, and it binds to dozens of different intracellular proteins. Despite the vast literature dedicated to understanding the regulation of PIP2 in cells over past 30 years, much remains to be learned about its cellular functions. In this review, we focus on past and recent exciting results on different molecular mechanisms that regulate cellular functions by binding of specific proteins to PIP2 or by stabilizing phosphoinositide pools in different cellular compartments. Moreover, this review summarizes recent findings that implicate dysregulation of PIP2 in many diseases.
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16
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Vidal A, Redmer T. Decoding the Role of CD271 in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092460. [PMID: 32878000 PMCID: PMC7564075 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer, is triggered by driver mutations that are acquired in the coding regions of particularly BRAF (rat fibrosarcoma serine/threonine kinase, isoform B) or NRAS (neuroblastoma-type ras sarcoma virus) in melanocytes. Although driver mutations strongly determine tumor progression, additional factors are likely required and prerequisite for melanoma formation. Melanocytes are formed during vertebrate development in a well-controlled differentiation process of multipotent neural crest stem cells (NCSCs). However, mechanisms determining the properties of melanocytes and melanoma cells are still not well understood. The nerve growth factor receptor CD271 is likewise expressed in melanocytes, melanoma cells and NCSCs and programs the maintenance of a stem-like and migratory phenotype via a comprehensive network of associated genes. Moreover, CD271 regulates phenotype switching, a process that enables the rapid and reversible conversion of proliferative into invasive or non-stem-like states into stem-like states by yet largely unknown mechanisms. Here, we summarize current findings about CD271-associated mechanisms in melanoma cells and illustrate the role of CD271 for melanoma cell migration and metastasis, phenotype-switching, resistance to therapeutic interventions, and the maintenance of an NCSC-like state.
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17
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Uko NE, Güner OF, Matesic DF, Bowen JP. Akt Pathway Inhibitors. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:883-900. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200224101808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease that has plagued humans from ancient times to this day. After
decades of slow research progress, promising drug development, and the identification of new targets,
the war on cancer was launched, in 1972. The P13K/Akt pathway is a growth-regulating cellular signaling
pathway, which in many human cancers is over-activated. Studies have demonstrated that a decrease
in Akt activity by Akt inhibitors is associated with a reduction in tumor cell proliferation. There have
been several promising drug candidates that have been studied, including but not limited to ipatasertib
(RG7440), 1; afuresertib (GSK2110183), 2; uprosertib (GSK2141795), 3; capivasertib (AZD5363), 4;
which reportedly bind to the ATP active site and inhibit Akt activity, thus exerting cytotoxic and antiproliferative
activities against human cancer cells. For most of the compounds discussed in this review,
data from preclinical studies in various cancers suggest a mechanistic basis involving hyperactivated
Akt signaling. Allosteric inhibitors are also known to alter the activity of kinases. Perifosine (KRX-
0401), 5, an alkylphospholipid, is known as the first allosteric Akt inhibitor to enter clinical development
and is mechanistically characterized as a PH-domain dependent inhibitor, non-competitive with
ATP. This results in a reduction in Akt enzymatic and cellular activities. Other small molecule (MK-
2206, 6, PHT-427, Akti-1/2) inhibitors with a similar mechanism of action, alter Akt activity through the
suppression of cell growth mediated by the inhibition of Akt membrane localization and subsequent activation.
The natural product solenopsin has been identified as an inhibitor of Akt. A few promising solenopsin
derivatives have emerged through pharmacophore modeling, energy-based calculations, and
property predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nne E. Uko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - Osman F. Güner
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
| | - Diane F. Matesic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - J. Phillip Bowen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
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18
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Fujimoto M, Matsuzaki I, Nishitsuji K, Yamamoto Y, Murakami D, Yoshikawa T, Fukui A, Mori Y, Nishino M, Takahashi Y, Iwahashi Y, Warigaya K, Kojima F, Jinnin M, Murata SI. Adipophilin expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma is associated with high proliferation and poor clinical prognosis. J Transl Med 2020; 100:727-737. [PMID: 31857696 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-019-0358-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipophilin (ADP) is a primary protein component of lipid droplets (LDs). For more than half a century, certain types of cancer cells have been known to contain LDs in their cytoplasm. However, the pathological significance of ADP or LDs in cancer remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the association between ADP and other pathological characteristics in cutaneous malignant melanomas to clarify the role of ADP in melanoma cells. We immunostained whole paraffin sections of primary cutaneous melanomas obtained from 90 cases for ADP, after which we analyzed the correlation between ADP immunohistochemistry (IHC) and patient survival data. We also studied the relationship between the ADP IHC score and in situ hybridization (ISH) score of ADP mRNA, and the Ki67-labeling index (Ki67-LI) by using tissue microarrays consisting of 74 primary cutaneous malignant melanomas, 19 metastasizing melanomas, and 29 melanocytic nevi. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between ADP expression and cell proliferation in cutaneous melanoma cell lines. We found that high ADP expression was associated with poor metastasis-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival rates of patients with cutaneous melanomas (P < 0.05). By linear regression analysis, ADP IHC was correlated with increasing ADP mRNA ISH H-scores and Ki67-LI scores in melanocytic lesions (P < 0.01). ADP IHC and ADP ISH H-scores and Ki67-LI scores were greater in pT3-4 melanomas than in pT1-2 melanomas. In cell-based assays, cells with increased ADP expression showed higher proliferation rates compared with those of low-ADP cells. Thus, ADP expression in malignant melanoma was significantly associated with high cell proliferation and poor clinical prognosis. Our results thus indicate a significant association between ADP and melanoma progression, and we propose that ADP may be a novel marker of aggressive cutaneous melanoma with a lipogenic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakazu Fujimoto
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Ibu Matsuzaki
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | | | - Yuki Yamamoto
- Department of Dermatology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Daisuke Murakami
- Second Department of Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takanori Yoshikawa
- Clinical Study Support Center, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Ayaka Fukui
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuuki Mori
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masaru Nishino
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuichi Takahashi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Iwahashi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kenji Warigaya
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Fumiyoshi Kojima
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Jinnin
- Department of Dermatology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Murata
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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19
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Kolinsky MP, Rescigno P, Bianchini D, Zafeiriou Z, Mehra N, Mateo J, Michalarea V, Riisnaes R, Crespo M, Figueiredo I, Miranda S, Nava Rodrigues D, Flohr P, Tunariu N, Banerji U, Ruddle R, Sharp A, Welti J, Lambros M, Carreira S, Raynaud FI, Swales KE, Plymate S, Luo J, Tovey H, Porta N, Slade R, Leonard L, Hall E, de Bono JS. A phase I dose-escalation study of enzalutamide in combination with the AKT inhibitor AZD5363 (capivasertib) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Ann Oncol 2020; 31:619-625. [PMID: 32205016 PMCID: PMC7217345 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.01.074] [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: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway through loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) occurs in approximately 50% of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Recent evidence suggests that combined inhibition of the androgen receptor (AR) and AKT may be beneficial in mCRPC with PTEN loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS mCRPC patients who previously failed abiraterone and/or enzalutamide, received escalating doses of AZD5363 (capivasertib) starting at 320 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) given 4 days on and 3 days off, in combination with enzalutamide 160 mg daily. The co-primary endpoints were safety/tolerability and determining the maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase II dose; pharmacokinetics, antitumour activity, and exploratory biomarker analysis were also evaluated. RESULTS Sixteen patients were enrolled, 15 received study treatment and 13 were assessable for dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). Patients were treated at 320, 400, and 480 mg b.i.d. dose levels of capivasertib. The recommended phase II dose identified for capivasertib was 400 mg b.i.d. with 1/6 patients experiencing a DLT (maculopapular rash) at this level. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events were hyperglycemia (26.7%) and rash (20%). Concomitant administration of enzalutamide significantly decreased plasma exposure of capivasertib, though this did not appear to impact pharmacodynamics. Three patients met the criteria for response (defined as prostate-specific antigen decline ≥50%, circulating tumour cell conversion, and/or radiological response). Responses were seen in patients with PTEN loss or activating mutations in AKT, low or absent AR-V7 expression, as well as those with an increase in phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) in post-exposure samples. CONCLUSIONS The combination of capivasertib and enzalutamide is tolerable and has antitumour activity, with all responding patients harbouring aberrations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT02525068.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Kolinsky
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Canada
| | - P Rescigno
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, AOU Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - D Bianchini
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Z Zafeiriou
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - N Mehra
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - J Mateo
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - V Michalarea
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - R Riisnaes
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - M Crespo
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - S Miranda
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - P Flohr
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - N Tunariu
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - U Banerji
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - R Ruddle
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - A Sharp
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - J Welti
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - M Lambros
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - S Carreira
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - F I Raynaud
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - K E Swales
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - S Plymate
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA
| | - J Luo
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, USA
| | - H Tovey
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - N Porta
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - R Slade
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - L Leonard
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - E Hall
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - J S de Bono
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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20
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Uribe-Alvarez C, Guerrero-Rodríguez SL, Rhodes J, Cannon A, Chernoff J, Araiza-Olivera D. Targeting effector pathways in RAC1 P29S-driven malignant melanoma. Small GTPases 2020; 12:273-281. [PMID: 32043900 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2020.1728469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is characterized by mutations in a number of driver genes, most notably BRAF and NRAS. Recent genomic analyses revealed that 4-9% of sun-exposed melanomas bear activating mutations in RAC1, which encodes a small GTPase that is known to play key roles in cell proliferation, survival, and migration. The RAC1 protein activates several effector pathways, including Group A p21-activated kinases (PAKs), phosphoinositol-3-kinases (PI3Ks), in particular the beta isoform, and the serum-response factor/myocardin-related transcription factor (SRF/MRTF). Having previously shown that inhibition of Group A PAKs impedes oncogenic signalling from RAC1P29S, we here extend this analysis to examine the roles of PI3Ks and SRF/MRTF in melanocytes and/or in a zebrafish model. We demonstrate that a selective Group A PAK inhibitor (Frax-1036), a pan-PI3K (BKM120), and two PI3Kβ inhibitors (TGX221, GSK2636771) impede the growth of melanoma cells driven by mutant RAC1 but not by mutant BRAF, while other PI3K selective inhibitors, including PI3Kα, δ and γ, are less effective. Using these compounds as well as an SRF/MRTF inhibitor (CCG-203,971), we observed similar results in vivo, using embryonic zebrafish development as a readout. These results suggest that targeting Group A PAKs, PI3Kβ, and/or SRF/MRTF represent a promising approach to suppress RAC1 signalling in malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer Rhodes
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexa Cannon
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,School of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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21
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Molecular background of skin melanoma development and progression: therapeutic implications. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2019; 36:129-138. [PMID: 31320844 PMCID: PMC6627250 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2019.84590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer with an increasing number of cases worldwide and curable mostly in its early stage. The improvement in patients' survival in advanced melanoma has been achieved only recently, due to development of new biological drugs for targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Further progress in the treatment of melanoma is clearly dependent on the better understanding of its complex biology. This review describes the most important molecular mechanisms and genetic events underlying skin melanoma development and progression, depicts the way of action of newly developed drugs and indicates new potential therapeutic targets.
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22
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Peters JM, Kim DJ, Bility MT, Borland MG, Zhu B, Gonzalez FJ. Regulatory mechanisms mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ in skin cancer. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:1612-1622. [PMID: 31062422 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made during the past 20 years towards elucidating the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ/δ) in skin cancer. In 1999, the original notion that PPARβ/δ was involved with epithelial cell function was postulated based on a correlation between PPARβ/δ expression and the induction of messenger RNAs encoding proteins that mediate terminal differentiation in keratinocytes. Subsequent studies definitively revealed that PPARβ/δ could induce terminal differentiation and inhibit proliferation of keratinocytes. Molecular mechanisms have since been discovered to explain how this nuclear receptor can be targeted for preventing and treating skin cancer. This includes the regulation of terminal differentiation, mitotic signaling, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and cellular senescence. Interestingly, the effects of activating PPARβ/δ can preferentially target keratinocytes with genetic mutations associated with skin cancer. This review provides the history and current understanding of how PPARβ/δ can be targeted for both nonmelanoma skin cancer and melanoma and postulates how future approaches that modulate PPARβ/δ signaling may be developed for the prevention and treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Peters
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Dae J Kim
- Department of Molecular Science, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas
| | - Moses T Bility
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael G Borland
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
| | - Bokai Zhu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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23
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Baldea I, Giurgiu L, Teacoe ID, Olteanu DE, Olteanu FC, Clichici S, Filip GA. Photodynamic Therapy in Melanoma - Where do we Stand? Curr Med Chem 2019; 25:5540-5563. [PMID: 29278205 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666171226115626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors, with unpredictable evolution. Despite numerous therapeutic options, like chemotherapy, BRAF inhibitors and immunotherapy, advanced melanoma prognosis remains severe. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been successfully used as the first line or palliative therapy for the treatment of lung, esophageal, bladder, non melanoma skin and head and neck cancers. However, classical PDT has shown some drawbacks that limit its clinical application in melanoma. OBJECTIVE The most important challenge is to overcome melanoma resistance, due to melanosomal trapping, presence of melanin, enhanced oxidative stress defense, defects in the apoptotic pathways, immune evasion, neoangiogenesis stimulation. METHOD In this review we considered: (1) main signaling molecular pathways deregulated in melanoma as potential targets for personalized therapy, including PDT, (2) results of the clinical studies regarding PDT of melanoma, especially advanced metastatic stage, (3) progresses made in the design of anti-melanoma photosensitizers (4) inhibition of tumor neoangiogenesis, as well as (5) advantages of the derived therapies like photothermal therapy, sonodynamic therapy. RESULTS PDT represents a promising alternative palliative treatment for advanced melanoma patients, mainly due to its minimal invasive character and low side effects. Efficient melanoma PDT requires: (1) improved, tumor targeted, NIR absorbing photosensitizers, capable of inducing high amounts of different ROS inside tumor and vasculature cells, possibly allowing a theranostic approach; (2) an efficient adjuvant immune therapy. CONCLUSION Combination of PDT with immune stimulation might be the key to overcome the melanoma resistance and to obtain better, sustainable clinical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Baldea
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lorin Giurgiu
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Diana Teacoe
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Elena Olteanu
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Florin Catalin Olteanu
- Industrial Engineering and Management Department, Transylvania University, Brasov, Romania
| | - Simona Clichici
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriela Adriana Filip
- Physiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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24
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Shi N, Shan B, Gu B, Song Y, Chu H, Qian L. Circular RNA circ-PRKCI functions as a competitive endogenous RNA to regulate AKT3 expression by sponging miR-3680-3p in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:10021-10030. [PMID: 30659640 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) is a new noncoding RNAs and plays an important role in many pathological processes. Recently, studies have shown that circular RNA_PRKCI (circ-PRKCI) regulates cell proliferation and cell migration of tumor cells. Esophageal carcinoma is a highly malignant digestive tract tumor, which is divided into esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we studied whether circ-PRKCI might influence cell proliferation and cell migration in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was performed to detect the relative expression of circ-PRKCI in five cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and five cases of paired adjacent normal tissues. RNA immunoprecipitation assay and Luciferase assay confirm the direct interaction between miR-3680-3p and AKT3 or circ-PRKCI. Ethynyldeoxyuridine assays and cell counting Kit-8 were performed to evaluate the effect of miR-3680-3p or circ-PRKCI on cell proliferation, transwell assays were also performed to detect migration in vitro. We found circ-PRKCI is obviously upregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and upregulation of circ-PRKCI stimulated cell migration and proliferation of ESCC cells. In the mechanism, we confirm that circ-PRKCI, as a molecular sponge of miR-3680-3p, upregulates the expression of AKT. In conclusion, our current studies have been revealing that circ-PRKCI/miR-3680-3p/AKT3 regulatory network plays an important role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and that provide new insights into the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiming Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lian Shui People's Hospital, Lianshui, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ben Shan
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Biao Gu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaqi Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongjun Chu
- Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Long Qian
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
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25
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Chang F, Zhang Y, Mi J, Zhou Q, Bai F, Xu X, Fisher DE, Sun Q, Wu X. ROCK inhibitor enhances the growth and migration of BRAF-mutant skin melanoma cells. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:3428-3437. [PMID: 30168234 PMCID: PMC6215891 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) plays crucial roles in the proliferation and migration of different types of cells. ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 was previously reported to inhibit melanoma cell growth, and ROCK signaling was suggested to be a therapeutic target for treating melanoma. However, the negative effect of Y-27632 on melanoma cells was mainly seen in studies on murine B16 melanoma cells. Here, we reported that ROCK inhibitor actually promoted human melanoma cell growth and migration in vitro. Y-27632 increased the growth and migration of BRAF-mutated melanoma cells but had a negative effect on wild-type melanoma cells or primary melanocytes. We discovered that Y-27632 enhanced the growth of BRAF-mutated melanoma cells through increased ATK and ERK activity. The in vivo study further confirmed the in vitro finding. These data suggested that the effect of ROCK inhibitor on melanoma cells is cell-context dependent, and the application of ROCK inhibitor in the treatment of melanoma requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Stomatology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Mi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fuxiang Bai
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - David E Fisher
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Qinfeng Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xunwei Wu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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26
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Al-Sha'er MA, Taha MO. Ligand-based modeling of Akt3 lead to potent dual Akt1/Akt3 inhibitor. J Mol Graph Model 2018; 83:153-166. [PMID: 29456101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Akt1 and Akt3 are important serine/threonine-specific protein kinases involved in G2 phase required by cancer cells to maintain cell cycle and to prevent cell death. Accordingly, inhibitors of these kinases should have potent anti-cancer properties. This prompted us to use pharmacophore/QSAR modeling to identify optimal binding models and physicochemical descriptors that explain bioactivity variation within a set of 74 diverse Akt3 inhibitors. Two successful orthogonal pharmacophores were identified and further validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. The pharmacophoric models and associated QSAR equation were applied to screen the national cancer institute (NCI) list of compounds for new Akt3 inhibitors. Six hits showed significant experimental anti-Akt3 IC50 values, out of which one compound exhibited dual low micromolar anti-Akt1 and anti-Akt3 inhibitory profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mutasem O Taha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
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27
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Niinuma T, Suzuki H, Sugai T. Molecular characterization and pathogenesis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 3:2. [PMID: 29441367 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2018.01.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) harbor activating mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase gene KIT or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA), and the resultant activation of downstream signals plays a pivotal role in the development of GISTs. The sites of the tyrosine kinase gene mutations are associated with the biological behavior of GISTs, including risk category, clinical outcome and drug response. Mutations in RAS signaling pathway genes, including KRAS and BRAF, have also been reported in KIT/PDGFRA wild-type GISTs, though they are rare. Neurofibromin 1 (NF1) is a tumor suppressor gene mutated in neurofibromatosis type 1. Patients with NF1 mutations are at high risk of developing GISTs. Recent findings suggest that altered expression or mutation of members of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) heterotetramer are causally associated with GIST development through induction of aberrant DNA methylation. At present, GISTs with no alterations in KIT, PDGFRA, RAS signaling genes or SDH family genes are referred to as true wild-type GISTs. KIT and PDGFRA mutations are thought as the earliest events in GIST development, and subsequent accumulation of chromosomal aberrations and other molecular alterations are required for malignant progression. In addition, recent studies have shown that epigenetic alterations and noncoding RNAs also play key roles in the pathogenesis of GISTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Niinuma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiromu Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Sugai
- Department of Molecular Diagnostic Pathology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
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28
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Kuzu OF, Gowda R, Sharma A, Noory MA, Kardos G, Madhunapantula SV, Drabick JJ, Robertson GP. Identification of WEE1 as a target to make AKT inhibition more effective in melanoma. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 19:53-62. [PMID: 28853983 PMCID: PMC5790369 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2017.1360446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AKT3 is one of the major therapeutic targets in melanoma but clinically targeting AKT3 alone seems to be an ineffective therapeutic approach. To identify unique strategies to enhance the efficacy of targeting AKT3, a screen was undertaken where AKT3 was co-targeted with a panel of kinases important in melanoma development. The screen identified WEE1 as the most potent target that when inhibited along with AKT3 would enhance the efficacy of targeting AKT3 in melanoma. RNAi mediated inhibition of AKT3 and WEE1 synergistically inhibited the viability of melanoma cells leading to a 65-75% decrease in tumor development. This approach was effective by mechanistically modulating pathways associated with the transcription factors p53 and FOXM1. Simultaneously regulating the activity of these two transcriptionally driven pathways, cooperatively deregulated cell cycle control and DNA damage repair to synergistically kill melanoma cells. This study uniquely identifies a potential approach to improve the efficacy of targeting AKT3 in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer F. Kuzu
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Hershey, PA
| | - Raghavendra Gowda
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Hershey, PA
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center, Hershey, PA
- The Melanoma Therapeutics Program, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA
| | - Arati Sharma
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Hershey, PA
| | - Mohammad A. Noory
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Hershey, PA
| | - Gregory Kardos
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Hershey, PA
| | | | - Joseph J. Drabick
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Hershey, PA
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center, Hershey, PA
- The Melanoma Therapeutics Program, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA
| | - Gavin P. Robertson
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Hershey, PA
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Hershey, PA
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Hershey, PA
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Hershey, PA
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center, Hershey, PA
- The Melanoma Therapeutics Program, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA
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29
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Dinavahi SS, Noory MA, Gowda R, Drabick JJ, Berg A, Neves RI, Robertson GP. Moving Synergistically Acting Drug Combinations to the Clinic by Comparing Sequential versus Simultaneous Drug Administrations. Mol Pharmacol 2017; 93:190-196. [PMID: 29242354 DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.110759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug combinations acting synergistically to kill cancer cells have become increasingly important in melanoma as an approach to manage the recurrent resistant disease. Protein kinase B (AKT) is a major target in this disease but its inhibitors are not effective clinically, which is a major concern. Targeting AKT in combination with WEE1 (mitotic inhibitor kinase) seems to have potential to make AKT-based therapeutics effective clinically. Since agents targeting AKT and WEE1 have been tested individually in the clinic, the quickest way to move the drug combination to patients would be to combine these agents sequentially, enabling the use of existing phase I clinical trial toxicity data. Therefore, a rapid preclinical approach is needed to evaluate whether simultaneous or sequential drug treatment has maximal therapeutic efficacy, which is based on a mechanistic rationale. To develop this approach, melanoma cell lines were treated with AKT inhibitor AZD5363 [4-amino-N-[(1S)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-1-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide] and WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 [2-allyl-1-(6-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl)-6-((4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-one] using simultaneous and sequential dosing schedules. Simultaneous treatment synergistically reduced melanoma cell survival and tumor growth. In contrast, sequential treatment was antagonistic and had a minimal tumor inhibitory effect compared with individual agents. Mechanistically, simultaneous targeting of AKT and WEE1 enhanced deregulation of the cell cycle and DNA damage repair pathways by modulating transcription factors p53 and forkhead box M1, which was not observed with sequential treatment. Thus, this study identifies a rapid approach to assess the drug combinations with a mechanistic basis for selection, which suggests that combining AKT and WEE1 inhibitors is needed for maximal efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saketh S Dinavahi
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (J.J.D.); Departments of Pharmacology (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Medicine (J.J.D.), Public Health Sciences (A.B.), Dermatology (R.I.N., G.P.R.), Surgery (R.I.N., G.P.R.), and Pathology (G.P.R.); Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., J.J.D., A.B., R.I.N., G.P.R.); Foreman Foundation for Melanoma Research (R.G., G.P.R.); and the Melanoma Therapeutics Program (R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Mohammad A Noory
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (J.J.D.); Departments of Pharmacology (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Medicine (J.J.D.), Public Health Sciences (A.B.), Dermatology (R.I.N., G.P.R.), Surgery (R.I.N., G.P.R.), and Pathology (G.P.R.); Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., J.J.D., A.B., R.I.N., G.P.R.); Foreman Foundation for Melanoma Research (R.G., G.P.R.); and the Melanoma Therapeutics Program (R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Raghavendra Gowda
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (J.J.D.); Departments of Pharmacology (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Medicine (J.J.D.), Public Health Sciences (A.B.), Dermatology (R.I.N., G.P.R.), Surgery (R.I.N., G.P.R.), and Pathology (G.P.R.); Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., J.J.D., A.B., R.I.N., G.P.R.); Foreman Foundation for Melanoma Research (R.G., G.P.R.); and the Melanoma Therapeutics Program (R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Joseph J Drabick
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (J.J.D.); Departments of Pharmacology (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Medicine (J.J.D.), Public Health Sciences (A.B.), Dermatology (R.I.N., G.P.R.), Surgery (R.I.N., G.P.R.), and Pathology (G.P.R.); Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., J.J.D., A.B., R.I.N., G.P.R.); Foreman Foundation for Melanoma Research (R.G., G.P.R.); and the Melanoma Therapeutics Program (R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Arthur Berg
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (J.J.D.); Departments of Pharmacology (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Medicine (J.J.D.), Public Health Sciences (A.B.), Dermatology (R.I.N., G.P.R.), Surgery (R.I.N., G.P.R.), and Pathology (G.P.R.); Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., J.J.D., A.B., R.I.N., G.P.R.); Foreman Foundation for Melanoma Research (R.G., G.P.R.); and the Melanoma Therapeutics Program (R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Rogerio I Neves
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (J.J.D.); Departments of Pharmacology (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Medicine (J.J.D.), Public Health Sciences (A.B.), Dermatology (R.I.N., G.P.R.), Surgery (R.I.N., G.P.R.), and Pathology (G.P.R.); Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., J.J.D., A.B., R.I.N., G.P.R.); Foreman Foundation for Melanoma Research (R.G., G.P.R.); and the Melanoma Therapeutics Program (R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Gavin P Robertson
- Division of Hematology-Oncology (J.J.D.); Departments of Pharmacology (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Medicine (J.J.D.), Public Health Sciences (A.B.), Dermatology (R.I.N., G.P.R.), Surgery (R.I.N., G.P.R.), and Pathology (G.P.R.); Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center (S.S.D., M.A.N., R.G., J.J.D., A.B., R.I.N., G.P.R.); Foreman Foundation for Melanoma Research (R.G., G.P.R.); and the Melanoma Therapeutics Program (R.G., R.I.N., G.P.R.), Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Steady-State Levels of Phosphorylated Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1/2 Determined by Mortalin/HSPA9 and Protein Phosphatase 1 Alpha in KRAS and BRAF Tumor Cells. Mol Cell Biol 2017; 37:MCB.00061-17. [PMID: 28674184 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00061-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although deregulation of MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity is a key feature in cancer, high-magnitude MEK/ERK activity can paradoxically induce growth inhibition. Therefore, additional mechanisms may exist to modulate MEK/ERK activity in favor of tumor cell proliferation. We previously reported that mortalin/HSPA9 can facilitate proliferation of certain KRAS and BRAF tumor cells by modulating MEK/ERK activity. In this study, we demonstrated that mortalin can regulate MEK/ERK activity via protein phosphatase 1α (PP1α). We found that PP1α inhibition increases steady-state levels of phosphorylated MEK1/2 in various tumor cells expressing B-RafV600E or K-RasG12C/D Intriguingly, coimmunoprecipitation and in vitro binding assays revealed that mortalin facilitates PP1α-mediated MEK1/2 dephosphorylation by promoting PP1α-MEK1/2 interaction in an ATP-sensitive manner. The region spanning Val482 to Glu491 in the substrate-binding cavity and the substrate lid of mortalin were necessary for these physical interactions, which is consistent with conventional heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)-client interaction mechanisms. Nevertheless, mortalin depletion did not affect cellular PP1α levels or its regulatory phosphorylation, suggesting a nonconventional role for mortalin in promoting PP1α-MEK1/2 interaction. Of note, PP1α was upregulated in human melanoma and pancreatic cancer biopsy specimens in correlation with mortalin upregulation. PP1α may therefore have a role in tumorigenesis in concert with mortalin, which affects MEK/ERK activity in tumor cells.
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Fattore L, Sacconi A, Mancini R, Ciliberto G. MicroRNA-driven deregulation of cytokine expression helps development of drug resistance in metastatic melanoma. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2017; 36:39-48. [PMID: 28551321 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs are major components of the eukaryotic post-transcriptional machinery and are frequently deregulated during cancer development. Increasing evidence points to them also as key players in the establishment of drug resistance. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the role of miRNAs in melanoma development and drug resistance and postulate that they are able to drive these processes in concert with deregulation of inflammatory and angiogenic cytokine expression. Notably, we have identified by querying the Cancer Genome Atlas database, a defined set of miRNAs which mostly have an impact on the development of melanoma and have recognized the main downstream pathways controlled by them. Most importantly, these miRNAs, which are down-regulated in metastatic melanomas as compared to primary tumors, are also able to predict prognosis of BRAF-mutated melanoma patients. Finally, we discuss the possibility that a common miRNA signature characterizes not only acquired resistance to MAPKi but also innate resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, since these conditions are both associated with alterations of the same pro-angiogenetic and pro-inflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Fattore
- National Cancer Institute of Naples "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Translational Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
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Kuzu OF, Gowda R, Sharma A, Noory MA, Dinavahi SS, Kardos G, Drabick JJ, Robertson GP. Improving pharmacological targeting of AKT in melanoma. Cancer Lett 2017; 404:29-36. [PMID: 28705772 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Targeting AKT with pharmacological agents inhibiting this protein in the melanoma clinic is ineffective. This is a major contradiction considering the substantial preclinical data suggesting AKT as an effective target. Various approaches have been undertaken to unravel this contradiction and drug combinations sought that could resolve this concern. We have shown that genetic targeting AKT3 or WEE1 can be effective for inhibiting tumor growth in preclinical animal models. However, no one has examined whether combining pharmacological agents targeting each of these enzymes could be more effective than inhibiting each alone and enhance the efficacy of targeting AKT in melanoma. This report shows that combining the AKT inhibitors (AZD5363 or MK1775) with the WEE1 inhibitor, AZD5363, can synergistically kill cultured melanoma cells and decrease melanoma tumor growth by greater than 90%. Co-targeting AKT and WEE1 led to enhanced deregulation of the cell cycle and DNA damage repair pathways by modulating the transcription factors p53 and FOXM1, as well as the proteins whose expression is regulated by these two proteins. Thus, this study identifies a unique combination of pharmacological agents and the ratio needed for efficacy that could be used to potentially improve the therapeutic effectiveness of targeting AKT in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer F Kuzu
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Raghavendra Gowda
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; The Melanoma Center, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Mohammad A Noory
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Saketh S Dinavahi
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Gregory Kardos
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Joseph J Drabick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; The Melanoma Center, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Gavin P Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Dermatology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; The Melanoma Center, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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Precise role of dermal fibroblasts on melanocyte pigmentation. J Dermatol Sci 2017; 88:159-166. [PMID: 28711237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dermal fibroblasts are traditionally recognized as synthesizing, remodeling and depositing collagen and extracellular matrix, the structural framework for tissues, helping to bring thickness and firmness to the skin. However, the role of fibroblasts on skin pigmentation arouses concern recently. More is known about the interactions between epidermal melanocytes and keratinocytes. This review highlights the importance of fibroblast-derived melanogenic paracrine mediators in the regulation of melanocyte activities. Fibroblasts act on melanocytes directly and indirectly through neighboring cells by secreting a large number of cytokines (SCF), proteins (DKK1, sFRP, Sema7a, CCN, FAP-α) and growth factors (KGF, HGF, bFGF, NT-3, NRG-1, TGF-β) which bind to receptors and modulate intracellular signaling cascades (MAPK/ERK, cAMP/PKA, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt) related to melanocyte functions. These factors influence the growth, the pigmentation of melanocytes via the expression of melanin-producing enzymes and melanosome transfer, as well as their dendricity, mobility and adhesive properties. Thus, fibroblasts are implicated in both skin physiological and pathological pigmentation. In order to investigate their contribution, various in vitro models have been developed, based on cellular senescence. UV exposure, a major factor implicated in pigmentary disorders, may affect the secretory crosstalk between dermal and epithelial cells. Therefore, identification of the interactions between fibroblasts and melanocytes could provide novel insights not only for the development of melanogenic agents in the clinical and cosmetic fields, but also for a better understanding of the melanocyte biology and melanogenesis regulation.
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34
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Melanocytic nevi and melanoma: unraveling a complex relationship. Oncogene 2017; 36:5771-5792. [PMID: 28604751 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 33% of melanomas are derived directly from benign, melanocytic nevi. Despite this, the vast majority of melanocytic nevi, which typically form as a result of BRAFV600E-activating mutations, will never progress to melanoma. Herein, we synthesize basic scientific insights and data from mouse models with common observations from clinical practice to comprehensively review melanocytic nevus biology. In particular, we focus on the mechanisms by which growth arrest is established after BRAFV600E mutation. Means by which growth arrest can be overcome and how melanocytic nevi relate to melanoma are also considered. Finally, we present a new conceptual paradigm for understanding the growth arrest of melanocytic nevi in vivo termed stable clonal expansion. This review builds upon the canonical hypothesis of oncogene-induced senescence in growth arrest and tumor suppression in melanocytic nevi and melanoma.
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35
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Yu SJ, Long ZW. Effect of SOCS1 silencing on proliferation and apoptosis of melanoma cells: An in vivo and in vitro study. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317694315. [PMID: 28466787 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317694315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of SOCS1 silencing on the proliferation and apoptosis of melanoma cells by in vivo and in vitro studies. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect SOCS1 expression in melanoma tissues and pigmented nevi. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were applied to detect the messenger RNA and protein expressions of SOCS1 in primary human melanocytes and malignant melanoma cell lines (A375, SK-MEL-5, M14, and MV3). Melanoma cells were assigned into mock, negative small interfering RNA, and SOCS1-small interfering RNA groups. The proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis, and messenger RNA expression of SOCS1 in MV3 and A375 cells were detected using MTT assay, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The expressions of SOCS1 protein, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and janus kinase signal transduction and activators of transcription signaling pathways-related proteins were detected using western blotting. After the establishment of subcutaneous xenograft tumor models in nude mice, the latent period, size, volume and growth speed of xenograft tumors in the mock, negative small interfering RNA, and SOCS1-small interfering RNA groups were examined and compared. The results indicated that positive expression rate of SOCS1 was higher in malignant melanoma tissues than in pigmented nevi. MV3 cells had the highest messenger RNA and protein expressions of SOCS1, followed by A357 cells. Compared with the mock and negative small interfering RNA groups, SOCS1-small interfering RNA group showed lower cell viability, elevated cell apoptosis, more cells in G0/G1 phase and less cells in S and G2/M phases, and decreased messenger RNA and protein expressions of SOCS1, p-ERK1/2, p-JAK2, p-STAT1, and p-STAT3. Compared with the mock and negative small interfering RNA groups, the SOCS1-small interfering RNA group showed longer latent period of tumor, smaller tumor size and volume, and smoother tumor growth curve. To conclude, SOCS1 silencing can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of MV3 and A357 melanoma cells in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinase and janus kinase signal transduction and activators of transcription signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Jia Yu
- 1 Department of Gastric Cancer and Softtissue Sarcoma Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Wen Long
- 1 Department of Gastric Cancer and Softtissue Sarcoma Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,3 Department of medicine, Shigatse people's hospital, Shigatse 857000, P.R China
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36
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Abl kinase regulation by BRAF/ERK and cooperation with Akt in melanoma. Oncogene 2017; 36:4585-4596. [PMID: 28368422 PMCID: PMC5552414 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The melanoma incidence continues to increase, and the disease remains incurable for many due to its metastatic nature and high rate of therapeutic resistance. In particular, melanomas harboring BRAFV600E and PTEN mutations often are resistant to current therapies, including BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Abl kinases (Abl/Arg) are activated in melanomas and drive progression; however, their mechanism of activation has not been established. Here we elucidate a novel link between BRAFV600E/ERK signaling and Abl kinases. We demonstrate that BRAFV600E/ERK play a critical role in binding, phosphorylating and regulating Abl localization and Abl/Arg activation by Src family kinases. Importantly, Abl/Arg activation downstream of BRAFV600E has functional and biological significance, driving proliferation, invasion, as well as switch in epithelial-mesenchymal-transition transcription factor expression, which is known to be critical for melanoma cells to shift between differentiated and invasive states. Finally, we describe findings of high translational significance by demonstrating that Abl/Arg cooperate with PI3K/Akt/PTEN, a parallel pathway that is associated with intrinsic resistance to BRAFi and immunotherapy, as Abl/Arg and Akt inhibitors cooperate to prevent viability, cell cycle progression and in vivo growth of melanomas harboring mutant BRAF/PTEN. Thus, these data not only provide mechanistic insight into Abl/Arg regulation during melanoma development, but also pave the way for the development of new strategies for treating patients with melanomas harboring mutant BRAF/PTEN, which often are refractory to current therapies.
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37
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Diedrich B, Rigbolt KT, Röring M, Herr R, Kaeser-Pebernard S, Gretzmeier C, Murphy RF, Brummer T, Dengjel J. Discrete cytosolic macromolecular BRAF complexes exhibit distinct activities and composition. EMBO J 2017; 36:646-663. [PMID: 28093501 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201694732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As a central element within the RAS/ERK pathway, the serine/threonine kinase BRAF plays a key role in development and homeostasis and represents the most frequently mutated kinase in tumors. Consequently, it has emerged as an important therapeutic target in various malignancies. Nevertheless, the BRAF activation cycle still raises many mechanistic questions as illustrated by the paradoxical action and side effects of RAF inhibitors. By applying SEC-PCP-SILAC, we analyzed protein-protein interactions of hyperactive BRAFV600E and wild-type BRAF (BRAFWT). We identified two macromolecular, cytosolic BRAF complexes of distinct molecular composition and phosphorylation status. Hyperactive BRAFV600E resides in large complexes of higher molecular mass and activity, while BRAFWT is confined to smaller, slightly less active complexes. However, expression of oncogenic K-RasG12V, either by itself or in combination with RAF dimer promoting inhibitors, induces the incorporation of BRAFWT into large, active complexes, whereas pharmacological inhibition of BRAFV600E has the opposite effect. Thus, the quaternary structure of BRAF complexes is shaped by its activation status, the conformation of its kinase domain, and clinically relevant inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Diedrich
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,ZBSA Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Tg Rigbolt
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,ZBSA Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Röring
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ricarda Herr
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Christine Gretzmeier
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,ZBSA Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert F Murphy
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Computational Biology Department and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tilman Brummer
- ZBSA Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany .,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centre for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany .,ZBSA Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centre for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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38
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Madhunapantula SV, Robertson GP. Targeting protein kinase-b3 (akt3) signaling in melanoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:273-290. [PMID: 28064546 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1279147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deregulated Akt activity leading to apoptosis inhibition, enhanced proliferation and drug resistance has been shown to be responsible for 35-70% of advanced metastatic melanomas. Of the three isoforms, the majority of melanomas have elevated Akt3 expression and activity. Hence, potent inhibitors targeting Akt are urgently required, which is possible only if (a) the factors responsible for the failure of Akt inhibitors in clinical trials is known; and (b) the information pertaining to synergistically acting targeted therapeutics is available. Areas covered: This review provides a brief introduction of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and its role in melanoma development. In addition, the functional role of key Akt pathway members such as PRAS40, GSK3 kinases, WEE1 kinase in melanoma development are discussed together with strategies to modulate these targets. Efficacy and safety of Akt inhibitors is also discussed. Finally, the mechanism(s) through which Akt leads to drug resistance is discussed in this expert opinion review. Expert opinion: Even though Akt play key roles in melanoma tumor progression, cell survival and drug resistance, many gaps still exist that require further understanding of Akt functions, especially in the (a) metastatic spread; (b) circulating melanoma cells survival; and
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Affiliation(s)
- SubbaRao V Madhunapantula
- a Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR), Department of Biochemistry , JSS Medical College, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara University (Accredited 'A' Grade by NAAC and Ranked 35 by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)-2015, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India) , Mysuru , India
| | - Gavin P Robertson
- b Department of Pharmacology , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA.,c Department of Pathology , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA.,d Department of Dermatology , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA.,e Department of Surgery , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA.,f The Melanoma Center , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA.,g The Melanoma Therapeutics Program , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA
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39
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Anantharaju PG, Gowda PC, Vimalambike MG, Madhunapantula SV. An overview on the role of dietary phenolics for the treatment of cancers. Nutr J 2016; 15:99. [PMID: 27903278 PMCID: PMC5131407 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-016-0217-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant derived phenolic compounds have been shown to inhibit the initiation and progression of cancers by modulating genes regulating key processes such as: (a) oncogenic transformation of normal cells; (b) growth and development of tumors; and (c) angiogenesis and metastasis. Recent studies focusing on identifying the molecular basis of plant phenolics-induced cancer cell death have demonstrated down-regulation of: (a) oncogenic survival kinases such as PI3K and Akt; (b) cell proliferation regulators that include Erk1/2, D-type Cyclins, and Cyclin Dependent Kinases (CDKs); (c) transcription factors such as NF-kβ, NRF2 and STATs; (d) histone deacetylases HDAC1 and HDAC2; and (e) angiogenic factors VEGF, FGFR1 and MIC-1. Furthermore, while inhibiting oncogenic proteins, the phenolic compounds elevate the expression of tumor suppressor proteins p53, PTEN, p21, and p27. In addition, plant phenolic compounds and the herbal extracts rich in phenolic compounds modulate the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells thereby regulate cell proliferation, survival and apoptosis. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that phenolic compounds undergo transformation in gut microbiota thereby acquire additional properties that promote their biological activities. In vitro observations, preclinical and epidemiological studies have shown the involvement of plant phenolic acids in retarding the cancer growth. However, to date, there is no clinical trial as such testing the role of plant phenolic compounds for inhibiting tumor growth in humans. More over, several variations in response to phenolic acid rich diets-mediated treatment among individuals have also been reported, raising concerns about whether phenolic acids could be used for treating cancers. Therefore, we have made an attempt to (a) address the key structural features of phenolic acids required for exhibiting potent anti-cancer activity; (b) review the reported findings about the mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds and their transformation by gut microbiota; and (c) update the toxicological aspects and anti-tumor properties of phenolic compounds and extracts containing phenolic compounds in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethi G Anantharaju
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSS University, Mysore, 570 015, Karnataka, India
| | - Prathima C Gowda
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS Medical College, JSS University, Mysore, 570 015, Karnataka, India
| | | | - SubbaRao V Madhunapantula
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSS University, Mysore, 570 015, Karnataka, India.
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40
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Chang F, Xing P, Song F, Du X, Wang G, Chen K, Yang J. The role of T-box genes in the tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:4305-4311. [PMID: 28105146 PMCID: PMC5228544 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The T-box (TBX) genes are part of an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors involved in organ development. They serve key roles in a number of molecular mechanisms, including proliferation, cell fate and organ identity. In addition, previous studies suggest that TBX genes have essential functions in the tumorigenesis and progression of various types of cancer. For example, TBX proteins served significant roles in carcinogenesis, proliferation and differentiation, senescence and apoptosis, invasion and migration, mesenchymal-epithelial and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, oncogenic signaling pathways and drug sensitivity. However, the exact mechanisms by which TBX genes carry out these functions have not yet been fully elucidated. The present review focuses on the role of TBX genes in cancer, with the aim of further clarifying their function. As altered levels of TBX proteins have detrimental consequences in numerous types of cancer, there is a need for further research into TBX genes, which this review may aid through providing a comprehensive insight into the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Chang
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Peipei Xing
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Fengju Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Du
- Department of Diagnostics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300061, P.R. China
| | - Guowen Wang
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Kexin Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Jilong Yang
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
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41
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Gowda R, Sharma A, Robertson GP. Synergistic inhibitory effects of Celecoxib and Plumbagin on melanoma tumor growth. Cancer Lett 2016; 385:243-250. [PMID: 27769779 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly drug resistant cancer. To circumvent this problem, a class of synergistically acting drug combinations, which inhibit multiple key pathways in melanoma cells, could be used as one approach for long-term treatment of this deadly disease. A screen has been undertaken on cell lines to identify those that could be combined to synergistically kill melanoma cells. Plumbagin and Celecoxib are two agents that were identified to synergistically kill melanoma cells by inhibiting the COX-2 and STAT3 pathways, which are constitutively activated in up to 70% of melanomas. The combination of these two drugs was more effective at killing melanoma cells than normal cells and decreased cellular proliferation as well as induced apoptosis of cultured cells. The drug combination inhibited development of xenograft melanoma tumors by up to 63% without affecting animal weight or blood biomarkers of organ function, suggesting negligible toxicity. Mechanistically, combination of Celecoxib and Plumbagin decreased melanoma cell proliferation and retarded vascular development of tumors mediated by inhibition of COX-2 and STAT3 leading to decreased levels of key cyclins key on which melanoma cell were dependent for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghavendra Gowda
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states; The Penn State Melanoma Center, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states; Penn State Melanoma Therapeutics Program, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states; Foreman Foundation for Melanoma Research, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states
| | - Gavin P Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states; Department of Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states; Department of Dermatology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states; Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states; The Penn State Melanoma Center, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states; Penn State Melanoma Therapeutics Program, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states; Foreman Foundation for Melanoma Research, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United states.
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42
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MicroRNA-15a inhibits the growth and invasiveness of malignant melanoma and directly targets on CDCA4 gene. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:13941-13950. [PMID: 27492455 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5271-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs can affect behaviors of tumor cells by modulating the expression of the target genes that involve tumor growth, invasiveness, and death. The goal of this research is to examine the effects of miR-15a on the proliferation and invasiveness of malignant melanoma cells in vitro, as well as the therapeutic effect of miR-15a in a mouse melanoma model. miR-15a displayed inhibitory effects on proliferation and invasiveness of several malignant melanoma cell lines. miR-15a also caused cell cycle arrest at G1/G0 phase. miRNA 15a downregulated the expressions of CDCA4 and AKT-3 in melanoma cell lines. In vivo, experiment showed that miRNA 15a significantly retarded the growth of melanoma tumors in the mouse model. The luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR15a can suppress gene expression through the binding site in the 3 'UTR of CACD4, which is a bona fide target of miRNA 15a. In conclusion, miRNA 15a suppressed the growth and invasiveness of melanoma cells, suggesting that miRNA 15a may represent a viable microRNA-based therapy against melanoma.
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43
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Laugier F, Finet-Benyair A, André J, Rachakonda PS, Kumar R, Bensussan A, Dumaz N. RICTOR involvement in the PI3K/AKT pathway regulation in melanocytes and melanoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:28120-31. [PMID: 26356562 PMCID: PMC4695048 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have highlighted the importance of the PI3K pathway in melanocytes and its frequent over-activation in melanoma. However, little is known about regulation of the PI3K pathway in melanocytic cells. We showed that normal human melanocytes are less sensitive to selective PI3K or mTOR inhibitors than to dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors. The resistance to PI3K inhibitor was due to a rapid AKT reactivation limiting the inhibitor effect on proliferation. Reactivation of AKT was linked to a feedback mechanism involving the mTORC2 complex and in particular its scaffold protein RICTOR. RICTOR overexpression in melanocytes disrupted the negative feedback, activated the AKT pathway and stimulated clonogenicity highlighting the importance of this feedback to restrict melanocyte proliferation. We found that the RICTOR locus is frequently amplified and overexpressed in melanoma and that RICTOR over-expression in NRAS-transformed melanocytes stimulates their clonogenicity, demonstrating that RICTOR amplification can cooperate with NRAS mutation to stimulate melanoma proliferation. These results show that RICTOR plays a central role in PI3K pathway negative feedback in melanocytes and that its deregulation could be involved in melanoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Laugier
- INSERM, U976, Centre de Recherche sur la Peau, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, F-75010, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS976, Paris, F-75010, France
| | - Adeline Finet-Benyair
- INSERM, U976, Centre de Recherche sur la Peau, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, F-75010, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS976, Paris, F-75010, France
| | - Jocelyne André
- INSERM, U976, Centre de Recherche sur la Peau, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, F-75010, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS976, Paris, F-75010, France
| | | | - Rajiv Kumar
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Armand Bensussan
- INSERM, U976, Centre de Recherche sur la Peau, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, F-75010, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS976, Paris, F-75010, France
| | - Nicolas Dumaz
- INSERM, U976, Centre de Recherche sur la Peau, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, F-75010, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS976, Paris, F-75010, France
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44
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Fox C, Lambie D, Wilmott JS, Pinder A, Pavey S, Lê Cao KA, Akalin T, Karaarslan IK, Ozdemir F, Scolyer RA, Yamada M, Soyer HP, Schaider H, Gabrielli B. Multiparameter analysis of naevi and primary melanomas identifies a subset of naevi with elevated markers of transformation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2016; 29:444-52. [PMID: 27166757 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Here we have carried out a multiparameter analysis using a panel of 28 immunohistochemical markers to identify markers of transformation from benign and dysplastic naevus to primary melanoma in three separate cohorts totalling 279 lesions. We have identified a set of eight markers that distinguish naevi from melanoma. None of markers or parameters assessed differentiated benign from dysplastic naevi. Indeed, the naevi clustered tightly in terms of their immunostaining patterns whereas primary melanomas showed more diverse staining patterns. A small subset of histopathologically benign lesions had elevated levels of multiple markers associated with melanoma, suggesting that these represent naevi with an increased potential for transformation to melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Fox
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | | | | | - Alex Pinder
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Sandra Pavey
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Kim-Anh Lê Cao
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Taner Akalin
- Department of Pathology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Fezal Ozdemir
- Department of Dermatology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Miko Yamada
- Dermatology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - H Peter Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Helmut Schaider
- Dermatology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Brian Gabrielli
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Development of edge-activated liposomes for siRNA delivery to human basal epidermis for melanoma therapy. J Control Release 2016; 228:150-158. [PMID: 26965957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of macromolecules such as siRNA into cells that reside in the basal epidermis of the skin is a major challenge due to the transport barriers that need to be overcome. siRNAs have potential therapeutic applications in various dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and cancer. Unfortunately, a low permeability of siRNA through the stratum corneum and epidermis has significantly limited its use for topical application. The objective of this study was to develop a topical siRNA delivery system that can permeate through the stratum corneum and viable epidermis and efficiently deposit therapeutic levels of siRNA to the basal epidermis/upper dermis where melanoma cells reside. To achieve this objective, a series of liposome compositions that contained various concentrations of edge activator in their structures were prepared and then complexed with siRNA at different ratios to generate a small library of liposome-siRNA complexes (lipoplexes) with different physicochemical properties. In this study we used melanoma as a disease model. Through use of quantitative imaging analysis, we identified the necessary design parameters for effective permeation of lipoplexes through the skin layers and deposition at the upper dermis. The ability of the formulated lipoplexes to internalize into melanoma cells, knockdown the expression of the BRAF protein and induce cell death in melanoma cells was studied by fluorescent microscopy, in-cell immunofluorescence assay and WST-1 cell proliferation assay. By providing direct quantitative and qualitative microscopy evidence, the results of this study demonstrate for the first time that the passive delivery of an edge-activated liposomal formulation can effectively carry siRNA through the stratum corneum and deposit it at the lower epidermis/upper dermis.
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46
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Alderman C, Yang Y. The anti-melanoma activity and oncogenic targets of hsa-miR-15a-5p. RNA & DISEASE 2016; 3:e1450. [PMID: 28286866 PMCID: PMC5341608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
MiRNAs regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and pre-translationally. Through gene regulation, several miRNAs have been found to play a significant role in various diseases. Each miRNA has multiple targets and is able to have a potent, albeit complex, effect on the cells. Specifically, miRNA-15a has been found to significantly reduce cancer cell survival and aggressiveness through multiple mechanisms across several cancer types. Our research found that miRNA-15a was able to decrease melanoma cell viability in-vitro and in-vivo. We have also found that miRNA-15a caused cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, miRNA-15a was found to decrease the invasiveness of melanoma cells. CDCA4 was also discovered as a novel bona-fide target of miRNA-15a. The following oncogenic mRNAs are verified targets of miRNA-15a: CDCA4, BCL2L2, YAP1, AKT-3, Cyclin E1, and γ-Synuclein. In the future we hope to better understand which miRNAs will be effective in different transcriptome and genome environments. Efforts such as the NIH Center for Cancer Genomics' 'The Cancer Genome Atlas,' 'Cancer Target and Driver Discovery Network,' and the 'Human Cancer Models Initiatives' among others, will help us characterize the specific tumor environments in which different miRNAs are able to reduce cancer proliferation and aggression. This information will be enhanced by improving the delivery of miRNA by inducing its expression in-situ with dCas9 conjugated to activation domains.
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Peres J, Mowla S, Prince S. The T-box transcription factor, TBX3, is a key substrate of AKT3 in melanomagenesis. Oncotarget 2015; 6:1821-33. [PMID: 25595898 PMCID: PMC4359334 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The AKT3 signalling pathway plays a critical role in melanoma formation and invasion and components of this signalling cascade are therefore attractive targets for the treatment of malignant melanoma. Recent evidence show that the embryonically important TBX3 transcription factor is upregulated in a subset of melanomas and plays a key role in promoting melanoma formation and invasion, in part by repressing the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. We have identified TBX3 as a key substrate of AKT3 in melanomagenesis. Briefly, using site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro kinase assays, we have identified the AKT3 target site at serine residue 720 in the TBX3 protein and show that this site is phosphorylated in vivo. Importantly, we show by western blotting, immunofluorescence, reporter, migration and invasion assays that the phosphorylation at S720 promotes TBX3 protein stability, nuclear localization, transcriptional repression of E-cadherin, and its role in cell migration and invasion. Our results identify a novel signalling and transcriptional network linking AKT3, TBX3 and E-cadherin during melanoma migration and invasion and reveals TBX3 as a potential target for anti-metastatic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Peres
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shaheen Mowla
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharon Prince
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
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Zhang P, Feng S, Liu G, Wang H, Zhu H, Ren Q, Bai H, Fu C, Dong C. Mutant B-Raf(V600E) Promotes Melanoma Paracellular Transmigration by Inducing Thrombin-mediated Endothelial Junction Breakdown. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:2087-106. [PMID: 26504080 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.696419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor invasiveness depends on the ability of tumor cells to breach endothelial barriers. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which the adhesion of melanoma cells to endothelium regulates adherens junction integrity and modulates tumor transendothelial migration (TEM) by initiating thrombin generation. We found that the B-Raf(V600E) mutation in metastatic melanoma cells up-regulated tissue factor (TF) expression on cell membranes and promoted thrombin production. Co-culture of endothelial monolayers with metastatic melanoma cells mediated the opening of inter-endothelial spaces near melanoma cell contact sites in the presence of platelet-free plasma (PFP). By using small interfering RNA (siRNA), we demonstrated that B-Raf(V600E) and TF silencing attenuated the focal disassembly of adherens junction induced by tumor contact. Vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin) disassembly was dependent on phosphorylation of p120-catenin on Ser-879 and VE-cadherin on Tyr-658, Tyr-685, and Tyr-731, which can be prevented by treatment with the thrombin inhibitor, hirudin, or by silencing the thrombin receptor, protease-activated receptor-1, in endothelial cells. We also provided strong evidence that tumor-derived thrombin enhanced melanoma TEM by inducing ubiquitination-coupled VE-cadherin internalization, focal adhesion formation, and actin assembly in endothelium. Confocal microscopic analysis of tumor TEM revealed that junctions transiently opened and resealed as tumor cells accomplished TEM. In addition, in the presence of PFP, tumor cells preferentially transmigrated via paracellular routes. PFP supported melanoma transmigration under shear conditions via a B-Raf(V600E)-thrombin-dependent mechanism. We concluded that the activation of thrombin generation by cancer cells in plasma is an important process regulating melanoma extravasation by disrupting endothelial junction integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Zhang
- From the Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Real Time Analytical Chemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, the Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16801, and
| | - Shan Feng
- From the Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Real Time Analytical Chemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Gentao Liu
- the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Heyong Wang
- the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huifeng Zhu
- From the Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Real Time Analytical Chemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qiao Ren
- From the Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Real Time Analytical Chemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Huiyuan Bai
- From the Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Real Time Analytical Chemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Changliang Fu
- the Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16801, and
| | - Cheng Dong
- the Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16801, and
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Kuzu OF, Nguyen FD, Noory MA, Sharma A. Current State of Animal (Mouse) Modeling in Melanoma Research. CANCER GROWTH AND METASTASIS 2015; 8:81-94. [PMID: 26483610 PMCID: PMC4597587 DOI: 10.4137/cgm.s21214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the considerable progress in understanding the biology of human cancer and technological advancement in drug discovery, treatment failure remains an inevitable outcome for most cancer patients with advanced diseases, including melanoma. Despite FDA-approved BRAF-targeted therapies for advanced stage melanoma showed a great deal of promise, development of rapid resistance limits the success. Hence, the overall success rate of melanoma therapy still remains to be one of the worst compared to other malignancies. Advancement of next-generation sequencing technology allowed better identification of alterations that trigger melanoma development. As development of successful therapies strongly depends on clinically relevant preclinical models, together with the new findings, more advanced melanoma models have been generated. In this article, besides traditional mouse models of melanoma, we will discuss recent ones, such as patient-derived tumor xenografts, topically inducible BRAF mouse model and RCAS/TVA-based model, and their advantages as well as limitations. Although mouse models of melanoma are often criticized as poor predictors of whether an experimental drug would be an effective treatment, development of new and more relevant models could circumvent this problem in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer F Kuzu
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Felix D Nguyen
- The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mohammad A Noory
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Multiple proliferation-survival signalling pathways are simultaneously active in BRAF V600E mutated thyroid carcinomas. Exp Mol Pathol 2015; 99:492-7. [PMID: 26403329 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES BRAF is an oncogene which involves in pathogenesis of many thyroid carcinomas.The aim of our study was to investigate whether the downstream signalling pathway of BRAF and AKT kinase signalling pathways were active in BRAF V600E mutated thyroid carcinoma cells. METHODS Five thyroid (papillary and undifferentiated) carcinoma cell lines and one non-cancer thyroid cell line were screened for their BRAF V600E mutation status by immunofluorescent staining and Western blot. BRAF V600E mutated thyroid carcinoma cell lines were used to test the activation status of both ERK and AKT kinase proteins through immunofluorescent studies and Western blots. RESULTS Expressions of BRAF V600E mutated protein were confirmed in four thyroid (papillary and undifferentiated) carcinoma cell lines. In these cell lines, both active ERK and active AKT kinase proteins were found in BRAF V600E mutated thyroid carcinoma cells by immunofluorescent staining and Western blots experiments. CONCLUSIONS In BRAF V600E mutated thyroid carcinomas, active ERK and active AKT kinase proteins were noted. They are able to stimulate multiple downstream signalling pathways which ultimately result in increased proliferation and survival activities for cancer cells. Therefore, consideration needs to put on multiple targets when deciding molecular target therapies for patients with BRAF V600E mutated thyroid carcinoma.
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