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Oh KS, Mahalingam M. Melanoma and Glioblastoma-Not a Serendipitous Association. Adv Anat Pathol 2023; 30:00125480-990000000-00051. [PMID: 36624550 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we came across a patient with malignant melanoma and primary glioblastoma. Given this, we parsed the literature to ascertain the relationship, if any, between these 2 malignancies. We begin with a brief overview of melanoma and glioma in isolation followed by a chronologic overview of case reports and epidemiologic studies documenting both neoplasms. This is followed by studies detailing genetic abnormalities common to both malignancies with a view to identifying unifying genetic targets for therapeutic strategies as well as to explore the possibility of a putative association and an inherited cancer susceptibility trait. From a scientific perspective, we believe we have provided evidence favoring an association between melanoma and glioma. Future studies that include documentation of additional cases, as well as a detailed molecular analyses, will lend credence to our hypothesis that the co-occurrence of these 2 conditions is likely not serendipitous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Shing Oh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
| | - Meera Mahalingam
- Dermatopathology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, VA-Integrated-Service-Network-1 (VISN1), West Roxbury, MA
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2
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Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a rare, often fatal form of skin cancer with a complex multigenic etiology. The incidence of melanoma is increasing at an alarming rate. A number of heritable factors contribute to a patient's overall melanoma risk, including response to ultraviolet light, nevus number, and pigmentation characteristics, such as eye and hair color. Approximately 5%-10% of melanoma cases are familial, yet the majority of familial cases lack identifiable germ-line mutations in known susceptibility genes. Additionally, most familial melanomas lack germ-line mutations in genes that are commonly mutated in sporadic melanoma. Candidate and systematic genome-wide association studies have led to an improved understanding of the risk factors for melanoma and the identification of susceptibility genes. In this review, we provide an overview of the major risk factors and known genes implicated in familial melanoma susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Hawkes
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Amanda Truong
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Laurence J Meyer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; Veterans Administration Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT.
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3
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Fargnoli MC, Argenziano G, Zalaudek I, Peris K. High- and low-penetrance cutaneous melanoma susceptibility genes. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 6:657-70. [PMID: 16759158 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.6.5.657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to report the current understanding of the molecular genetics of melanoma predisposition. To date, two high-penetrance melanoma susceptibility genes, cyclin-dependent kinas inhibitor (CDKN)2A on chromosome 9p21 and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK4) on 12q13, have been identified. Germline inactivating mutations of the CDKN2A gene are the most common cause of inherited susceptibility to melanoma. Worldwide, a few families have been found to harbor CDK4 mutations. However, predisposing alterations to familial melanoma are still unknown in a large proportion of kindreds. Other melanoma susceptibility loci have been mapped through genome-wide linkage analysis, although the putative causal genes at these loci have yet to be identified. Much ongoing research is being focused on the identification of low-penetrance melanoma susceptibility genes that confer a lower melanoma risk with more frequent variations. Specific variants of the MC1R gene have been demonstrated to confer an increase in melanoma risk. In addition, conflicting data are available on other potential low-penetrance genes encoding proteins involved in pigmentation, cell growth and differentiation, DNA repair or detoxifying of metabolites.
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4
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Liu H, Wang LE, Liu Z, Chen WV, Amos CI, Lee JE, Iles MM, Law MH, Barrett JH, Montgomery GW, Taylor JC, MacGregor S, Cust AE, Newton Bishop JA, Hayward NK, Bishop DT, Mann GJ, Affleck P, Wei Q. Association between functional polymorphisms in genes involved in the MAPK signaling pathways and cutaneous melanoma risk. Carcinogenesis 2013; 34:885-92. [PMID: 23291271 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgs407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have mainly focused on top significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), most of which did not have clear biological functions but were just surrogates for unknown causal variants. Studying SNPs with modest association and putative functions in biologically plausible pathways has become one complementary approach to GWASs. To unravel the key roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in cutaneous melanoma (CM) risk, we re-evaluated the associations between 47 818 SNPs in 280 MAPK genes and CM risk using our published GWAS dataset with 1804 CM cases and 1026 controls. We initially found 105 SNPs with P ≤ 0.001, more than expected by chance, 26 of which were predicted to be putatively functional SNPs. The risk associations with 16 SNPs around DUSP14 (rs1051849) and a previous reported melanoma locus MAFF/PLA2G6 (proxy SNP rs4608623) were replicated in the GenoMEL dataset (P < 0.01) but failed in the Australian dataset. Meta-analysis showed that rs1051849 in the 3' untranslated regions of DUSP14 was associated with a reduced risk of melanoma (odds ratio = 0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.82-0.96, P = 0.003, false discovery rate = 0.056). Further genotype-phenotype correlation analysis using the 90 HapMap lymphoblastoid cell lines from Caucasians showed significant correlations between two SNPs (rs1051849 and rs4608623) and messenger RNA expression levels of DUSP14 and MAFF (P = 0.025 and P = 0.010, respectively). Gene-based tests also revealed significant SNPs were over-represented in MAFF, PLA2G6, DUSP14 and other 16 genes. Our results suggest that functional SNPs in MAPK pathways may contribute to CM risk. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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5
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Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and yet poorly understood of human malignancies. Advances in genomics has allowed a more nuanced understanding of the disease, moving beyond the traditional dysplastic nevus-to-melanoma model and identifying multiple divergent oncogenic pathways leading to melanoma. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving melanoma has opened the doors for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches. As we enter the era of personalized medicine, it will be critical for clinicians to both appreciate and be able to determine the molecular profile of their patients' melanoma because this profile will guide risk stratification, genetic counseling, and treatment customization. A review of the divergent pathways of melanoma development is presented here, with a particular emphasis on recently identified mutations, and their implications for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Ko
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Ko JM, Fisher DE. A new era: melanoma genetics and therapeutics. J Pathol 2010; 223:241-50. [PMID: 21125678 DOI: 10.1002/path.2804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Revised: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We have recently witnessed an explosion in our understanding of melanoma. Knowledge of the molecular basis of melanoma and the successes of targeted therapies have pushed melanoma care to the precipice of a new era. Identification of significant pathways and oncogenes has translated to the development of targeted therapies, some of which have produced major clinical responses. In this review, we provide an overview of selected key pathways and melanoma oncogenes as well as the targeted agents and therapeutic approaches whose successes suggest the promise of a new era in melanoma and cancer therapy. Despite these advances, the conversion of transient remissions to stable cures remains a vital challenge. Continued progress towards a better understanding about the complexity and redundancy responsible for melanoma progression may provide direction for anti-cancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Ko
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA 02114, USA
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7
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de Wijn RS, Zaal LH, Hennekam RCM, van der Horst CMAM. Familial clustering of giant congenital melanocytic nevi. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2009; 63:906-13. [PMID: 19464972 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2009.02.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2008] [Revised: 11/30/2008] [Accepted: 02/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) is an infrequently occurring congenital malformation. GCMN generally occurs in isolation but rare familial occurrence points to a genetic background. We present two cases of familial GCMN: one with two affected siblings and another with two affected double second cousins. Familial occurrence of GCMN reported in literature is reviewed and an overview of the embryology and proliferation given, illustrating the plethora of factors that might lead to GCMN formation. The pattern of inheritance is likely not Mendelian and discordance in identical twins and the segmental distribution of lesions suggest a post-zygotic mutation. A polygenic paradominant inheritance best explains the clinically observed transmission pattern. Candidate genes include those influencing neural crest development and melanocyte proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S de Wijn
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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8
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Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of differences in phenotype, in the absence of variation in the genetic code. Epigenetics is relevant in the pathogenesis of many skin diseases. In the case of the common skin cancers, aberrant methylation of tumor suppressor gene promoters is associated with their transcriptional inactivation. Environmental carcinogens such as ultraviolet radiation and arsenic may act through epigenetic mechanisms. Hypomethylation is associated with activation of systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. This may be through a mechanism of immunological cross-reactivity with hypomethylated DNA from pathogenic bacteria. Epigenetic factors may also be relevant in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases, as well as in the pathogenesis of the disorders of genomic imprinting with cutaneous features.
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Affiliation(s)
- George W M Millington
- Dermatology Department, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK.
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9
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Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is increasing in incidence at one of the highest rates for any form of cancer in the USA, with a current lifetime incidence of 1 in 68. Although early-stage disease is often curable, the survival rate for advanced disease is low, with an average life expectancy of 6–10 months. Knowledge of the molecular alterations associated with melanoma development and progression is expected to lead to improved therapies and outcomes. Major progress in defining the molecular alterations associated with the evolution of melanoma came in 2002, through a systematic genome-wide assessment of cancer-associated pathways. Large-scale sequencing of growth-associated genes in a variety of cancers identified a high frequency (>60%) of activating mutations of the BRAF kinase gene in human melanomas. This discovery has prompted a large number of studies evaluating the biological significance of BRAF kinase mutations in the initiation and progression of melanoma, and their importance for the development of novel melanoma therapies. Here we review the most recent studies of BRAF kinase in the pathogenesis of melanoma and their implications for defining BRAF kinase as a therapeutic point of interest in melanoma.
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10
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Genetic mutations involved in melanoma: a summary of our current understanding. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 23:61-79. [PMID: 18159896 DOI: 10.1016/j.yadr.2007.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The biomolecular understanding of melanoma is in flux. The importance of high-penetrance genes involved in familial melanoma includes a significant number of mutations that directly lead to impairment of the checkpoints of the normal cell cycle. Furthermore, a greater understanding of the interaction between genetic factors and environmental factors, such as MC1R, CDKN2A, BRAF, and ultraviolet light, is emerging from landmark research. Although currently and with rare exception most clinicians still confine genetic testing to the realm of research, even in familial melanoma, continued and major advances in this arena may lead to development of new and revolutionary means of diagnosis and treatment, patterned on improved understanding of melanoma-related genetic mutations and resultant aberrations in cellular pathways.
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11
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Gene expression signature associated with BRAF mutations in human primary cutaneous melanomas. Mol Oncol 2008; 1:425-30. [PMID: 19383316 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2008.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2007] [Revised: 12/31/2007] [Accepted: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aim to correlate BRAF mutation status with gene expression in human primary cutaneous melanomas, and thus to get more insight on the consequences of BRAF mutation on cell biology, we analyzed all expression data obtained in melanomas from which DNA was extracted from the same tissue slides that were used for the expression study. A cohort of 69 frozen primary melanoma whose oligonucleotide micro-array expression data were available, were genotyped for BRAF and NRAS genes. The expression data from these melanomas were re-analyzed according to BRAF mutational status. A set of 250 probes representing 209 genes that were significantly (raw P< or =0.001) associated with BRAF mutation status was identified and 17 of these were previously shown to be implicated in cutaneous melanoma progression or pigmentation pathway-associated genes driven by the microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF). The list of 34 top probes contained no more than 1% of false discoveries with a probability of 0.95. Among the genes that differentiated most strongly between BRAF mutated and non-mutated melanomas, there were those involved in melanoma immune response such as MAGE-D2, CD63, and HSP70. These findings support the immunogenicity of BRAF(V600E), eliciting patients T-cell responses in various in vitro assays. The genes whose expression is associated with BRAF mutations are not simply restricted to the MAPK/ERK signaling but also converge to enhanced immune responsiveness, cell motility and melanosomes processing involved in the adaptative UV response.
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12
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Michaloglou C, Vredeveld LCW, Mooi WJ, Peeper DS. BRAF(E600) in benign and malignant human tumours. Oncogene 2007; 27:877-95. [PMID: 17724477 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Of the RAF family of protein kinases, BRAF is the only member to be frequently activated by mutation in cancer. A single amino acid substitution (V600E) accounts for the vast majority and results in constitutive activation of BRAF kinase function. Its expression is required to maintain the proliferative and oncogenic characteristics of BRAF(E600)-expressing human tumour cells. Although BRAF(E600) acts as an oncogene in the context of additional genetic lesions, in primary cells it appears to be associated rather with transient stimulation of proliferation. Eventually, BRAF(E600) signalling triggers cell cycle arrest with the hallmarks of cellular senescence, as is illustrated by several recent studies in cultured cells, animal models and benign human lesions. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in our understanding of the role of BRAF(E600) in benign and malignant human tumours and the implications for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Michaloglou
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Meyer P, Stapelmann H, Frank B, Varon R, Burwinkel B, Schmitt C, Boettger MB, Klaes R, Sperling K, Hemminki K, Kammerer S. Molecular genetic analysis of NBS1 in German melanoma patients. Melanoma Res 2007; 17:109-16. [PMID: 17496786 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0b013e3280dec638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of NBS1 in the pathogenesis of malignant melanoma of the skin. To exclude the common 657del5 founder mutation, a total of 376 melanoma patients from Southern Germany were analyzed for sequence alterations in exon 6 of NBS1 by direct sequencing. Analyses revealed one 657del5 mutation and three nonsynonymous sequence variations in exon 6 of NBS1 (V210F, R215W, and F222L). Analysis of an additional sample of 629 melanoma patients and 604 controls revealed no F222L mutation, indicating that this newly identified sequence alteration is not a common polymorphism. In a case-control association study including 632 melanoma patients and 615 cancer-free control participants from Southern Germany, three publicly known single nucleotide polymorphisms located in the NBS1 gene region were analyzed. No significant associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs9995, rs867185 and rs1063045) or referring calculated haplotypes and melanoma risk were identified. These results suggest that NBS1 does not play a major role in predisposition to melanoma in the Southern German population but that alterations of this gene might contribute to the risk of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Meyer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Molecular Oncogenetics Unit, University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany.
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14
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Mössner R, Anders N, König IR, Krüger U, Schmidt D, Berking C, Ziegler A, Brockmöller J, Kaiser R, Volkenandt M, Westphal GA, Reich K. Variations of the melanocortin-1 receptor and the glutathione-S transferase T1 and M1 genes in cutaneous malignant melanoma. Arch Dermatol Res 2006; 298:371-9. [PMID: 17072629 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-006-0708-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2005] [Revised: 09/01/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Variations in the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) and in the glutathione-S transferase genes mu1 (GSTM1) and theta 1 (GSTT1) have been reported to influence UV sensitivity and melanoma risk. MC1R is one of the major genes that determine skin pigmentation because the melanocortin-1 receptor regulates eumelanin synthesis. GSTT1 and GSTM1 are enzymes expressed in the skin that detoxify products of oxidative stress reactions caused by UV irradiation. In this study variations in the MC1R, GSTM1 and T1 genes were analyzed in 347 healthy subjects and 322 patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma by direct cycle sequencing, RFLP and multiplex PCR. Important phenotypic characteristics of the study participants were obtained to assess whether genetic associations occurred independently of phenotypic risk factors for melanoma. We found an association of the MC1R D84E and R151C polymorphisms with melanoma (odds ratios for carriage of the rare allele 4.96, 95% CI [1.06-23.13], P = 0.032, and 1.69, 95% CI [1.12-2.55], P = 0.013, respectively). Melanoma risk increased with the number of variant MC1R alleles carried by an individual (P = 0.003). In a multivariate model, however, only the D84E polymorphism influenced melanoma risk independently of the risk factors fair skin type, high nevus count and high age (P = 0.047). There was no effect of homozygous GST M1 or T1 deletions on melanoma risk. In contrast to previous data, there was no evidence that GSTM1 deficiency influences melanoma risk in the subgroup of individuals with red or blond hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rotraut Mössner
- Department of Dermatology, Georg-August-University, Von-Siebold-Strasse 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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15
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Poynter JN, Elder JT, Fullen DR, Nair RP, Soengas MS, Johnson TM, Redman B, Thomas NE, Gruber SB. BRAF and NRAS mutations in melanoma and melanocytic nevi. Melanoma Res 2006; 16:267-73. [PMID: 16845322 DOI: 10.1097/01.cmr.0000222600.73179.f3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this report, we investigated BRAF/NRAS mutations in samples from a case-control study of melanoma and a series of benign melanocytic nevi. We evaluated potential associations between BRAF mutations and histopathologic and pigmentary characteristics of melanoma. Mutations in BRAF and NRAS were detected by sequencing microdissected/laser-captured DNA from 18 in-situ melanomas, 64 primary melanomas, and 51 nevi. Nevi showed the highest frequency of BRAF mutations (82%). BRAF mutations were identified in 29% of invasive melanomas and in only 5.6% of in-situ melanomas. Mutations in NRAS were found in 5.2% of primary melanomas, 5.9% of nevi and no NRAS mutations were seen in in-situ melanomas. A majority of the BRAF mutations observed in primary invasive melanoma were seen in superficial spreading melanoma (15/17), and melanomas with BRAF mutations were also more likely to be found on a body site that was likely to be exposed to intermittent sun exposure compared with chronic or no sun exposure (P=0.02). Tumors with BRAF mutations were also significantly more likely to occur in association with a contiguous nevus (odds ratio 3.49, 95% confidence interval 1.06-11.46), although a contiguous nevus was not found in all melanomas with a BRAF mutation. Our data support the evidence that the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is upregulated in a large percentage of melanocytic lesions, but these mutations are not sufficient for malignant transformation. We suggest that BRAF mutations contribute to benign melanocytic hyperplasia, but are likely to contribute to invasive melanoma only in conjunction with other mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny N Poynter
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
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16
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Abstract
Cell for cell, probably no human cancer is as aggressive as melanoma. It is among a handful of cancers whose dimensions are reported in millimeters. Tumor thickness approaching 4 mm presents a high risk of metastasis, and a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma carries with it an abysmal median survival of 6-9 mo. What features of this malignancy account for such aggressive behavior? Is it the migratory history of its cell of origin or the programmed adaptation of its differentiated progeny to environmental stress, particularly ultraviolet radiation? While the answers to these questions are far from complete, major strides have been made in our understanding of the cellular, molecular, and genetic underpinnings of melanoma. More importantly, these discoveries carry profound implications for the development of therapies focused directly at the molecular engines driving melanoma, suggesting that we may have reached the brink of an unprecedented opportunity to translate basic science into clinical advances. In this review, we attempt to summarize our current understanding of the genetics and biology of this disease, drawing from expanding genomic information and lessons from development and genetically engineered mouse models. In addition, we look forward toward how these new insights will impact on therapeutic options for metastatic melanoma in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Chin
- Melanoma Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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17
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Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that is notoriously resistant to current cancer therapies. In human melanoma, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) is upregulated, leading to the deregulation of gene transcription. In this review, we discuss (i) the relationship between gene alteration in melanoma and upregulation of NF-kappaB, (ii) mechanisms by which activated NF-kappaB switch from pro-apoptotic to anti-apoptotic functions in melanoma and (iii) autocrine mechanisms that promote constitutive activation of NF-kappaB in metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Ueda
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ann Richmond
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, USA
- Address correspondence to Ann Richmond, e-mail:
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18
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Mössner R, Meyer P, Jankowski F, König IR, Krüger U, Kammerer S, Westphal G, Boettger MB, Berking C, Schmitt C, Brockmöller J, Ziegler A, Stapelmann H, Kaiser R, Volkenandt M, Reich K. Variations in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma gene and melanoma risk. Cancer Lett 2006; 246:218-23. [PMID: 16713673 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2006.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2005] [Revised: 02/20/2006] [Accepted: 02/24/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
There is strong evidence to suggest that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma, a member of the nuclear receptor family of transcriptional regulators, mediates tumor suppressive activities in a variety of human cancers. Recently, PPARgamma agonists were found to inhibit growth of melanoma cell lines. Here, we tested the possibility that variations in the gene encoding PPARgamma (PPARG) influence melanoma risk. Two variations of PPARG (P12A[rs1801282] and C161T [rs3856806]) were investigated in two independent case-control studies with a total of 832 melanoma patients and 790 control individuals. In the first study, homozygous carriers of the rare *T allele of the C161T polymorphism in exon 6 of PPARG were significantly more common among patients with melanoma than among healthy subjects (6.0 vs. 2.0%; P=0.0096) and this association was independent of clinical risk factors such as skin type and nevus count (odds ratio 5.18; 95% confidence interval 1.68-15.96; P=0.0041). This finding, however, could not be replicated in the second case-control study. We therefore conclude that the investigated PPARG polymorphisms are not likely to constitute a significant risk factor for the development of melanoma among German Caucasians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rotraut Mössner
- Department of Dermatology, Georg-August-University, Von-Siebold-Strasse 3, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
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19
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Abstract
BRAF somatic mutations are frequently found in primary and metastatic melanomas and melanocytic naevi. Commonly found BRAF mutants stimulate constitutive RAF/MEK (mitogen-activated ERK-activating kinase)/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway activation and act as transforming oncogenes in NIH-3T3 cells and immortalized murine melanocytes. The most common BRAF mutation is the V600E alteration, but over 30 distinct BRAF mutations, varying in biological activity, have been found and may be predictive of clinically relevant tumour differences. The origin of these acquired mutations remains unknown, but melanomas have a different BRAF mutational spectrum from other tumours, possibly resulting from unique environmental exposures. In melanoma cases, BRAF mutations are frequently found in superficial spreading or nodular histological subtypes, in tumours on intermittently sun-exposed sites and in younger patients. Although evidence indicates that the activation of the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway influences the proliferation, invasion and survival of melanoma cells in vitro, the exact role of BRAF mutation in melanoma tumour progression, maintenance and outcome remains controversial. In addition, although BRAF and NRAS mutations are mutually exclusive in melanomas, other genetic events may complement BRAF mutation to produce biological activity similar to NRAS mutation. Nonetheless, preclinical and early clinical studies predict that RAF/MEK/ERK pathway inhibitors will have therapeutic activity towards melanoma, but that tumour subclassification by BRAF/NRAS mutational status may be necessary to evaluate their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy E Thomas
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
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20
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James MR, Roth RB, Shi MM, Kammerer S, Nelson MR, Stark MS, Dumenil T, Montgomery GW, Hayward NK, Martin NG, Braun A, Duffy DL. BRAF Polymorphisms and Risk of Melanocytic Neoplasia. J Invest Dermatol 2005; 125:1252-8. [PMID: 16354196 DOI: 10.1111/j.0022-202x.2005.23937.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Somatic mutations of the BRAF gene are common in melanomas and nevi but the contribution of polymorphisms in this gene to melanoma or nevus susceptibility remains unclear. An Australian melanoma case-control sample was typed for 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within the BRAF gene, and five SNP in three neighboring genes. The sample comprised 755 melanoma cases from 740 families stratified by family history of melanoma and controls from 635 unselected twin families (2,239 individuals). Ancestry of the cases and controls was recorded, and the twins had undergone skin examination to assess total body nevus count, degree of freckling, and pigmentation phenotype. Genotyping was carried out via primer extension followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. SNP in the BRAF gene were found to be weakly associated with melanoma status but not with development of nevi or freckles. The estimated proportion of attributable risk of melanoma due to variants in BRAF is 1.6%. This study shows that BRAF polymorphisms predispose to melanoma but the causal variant has yet to be determined. The burden of disease associated with this variant is greater than that associated with the major melanoma susceptibility locus CDKN2A, which has an estimated attributable risk of 0.2%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R James
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia.
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