1
|
Zhao B, Wang S, Xue L, Wang Q, Liu Y, Xu Q, Xue Q. EFHD1 expression is correlated with tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and predicts prognosis in gastric cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21062. [PMID: 37876466 PMCID: PMC10590971 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in terms of mortality worldwide. The tumor microenvironment is critical for the progression of gastric cancer. This study investigated the association between EF-hand domain containing 1 (EFHD1) expression and its clinical significance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of gastric cancer. Methods We used bioinformatic analyses to assess the relevance of EFHD1 mRNA in the TME of gastric carcinoma tissues and its relationship with clinical features. Therefore, we performed multiplex immunohistochemistry analyses to determine the potential role of the EFHD1 protein in the TME of gastric cancer. Results EFHD1 expression increased dramatically in gastric cancer tissues compared to levels in non-cancerous tissue samples (t = 6.246, P < 0.001). The EFHD1 protein presentation was associated with invasion depth (χ2 = 19.120, P < 0.001) and TNM stages (χ2 = 14.468, P = 0.002). Notably, EFHD1 protein expression was significantly related to CD66b + neutrophil infiltration of the intratumoral (r = 0.420, P < 0.001) and stromal (r = 0.367, P < 0.001) TME in gastric cancer. Additionally, Cox regression analysis revealed that EFHD1 was an independent prognostic predictor (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.262, P < 0.001) in patients with gastric cancer. Conclusions Our study revealed the pattern of EFHD1 overexpression in the TME of patients with gastric cancer and demonstrated its utility as a biomarker for unfavorable clinical outcomes, thereby providing a potential immunotherapy target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong Fifth People's Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, Suqian, 223800, China
| | - Li Xue
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong Fifth People's Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Yushan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong Fifth People's Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong Fifth People's Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Qiu Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong Fifth People's Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dutta S, Ganguly A, Chatterjee K, Spada S, Mukherjee S. Targets of Immune Escape Mechanisms in Cancer: Basis for Development and Evolution of Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020218. [PMID: 36829496 PMCID: PMC9952779 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has emerged as a novel therapeutic tool for cancer therapy in the last decade. Unfortunately, a small number of patients benefit from approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, multiple studies are being conducted to find new ICIs and combination strategies to improve the current ICIs. In this review, we discuss some approved immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1, PD-1, and CTLA-4, and also highlight newer emerging ICIs. For instance, HLA-E, overexpressed by tumor cells, represents an immune-suppressive feature by binding CD94/NKG2A, on NK and T cells. NKG2A blockade recruits CD8+ T cells and activates NK cells to decrease the tumor burden. NKG2D acts as an NK cell activating receptor that can also be a potential ICI. The adenosine A2A and A2B receptors, CD47-SIRPα, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and VISTA are targets that also contribute to cancer immunoresistance and have been considered for clinical trials. Their antitumor immunosuppressive functions can be used to develop blocking antibodies. PARPs, mARTs, and B7-H3 are also other potential targets for immunosuppression. Additionally, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated immunotherapeutic approaches are being investigated with great interest. Pre-clinical and clinical studies project these targets as potential immunotherapeutic candidates in different cancer types for their robust antitumor modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Dutta
- The Center for Immunotherapy & Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar 814152, India
| | | | - Sheila Spada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhai LM, Zhao Y, Xiao RL, Zhang SQ, Tian BH, Li XX, Zhang R, Ma RS, Liang HX. Nuclear-targeted carbon quantum dot mediated CRISPR/Cas9 delivery for fluorescence visualization and efficient editing. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:14645-14660. [PMID: 36165075 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr04281a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear targeted delivery has great potential in improving the efficiency of non-viral carrier mediated genome editing. However, direct and efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid into the nucleus remains a challenge. In this study, a nuclear targeted gene delivery platform based on fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was developed. Polyethylenimine (PEI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) synergistically passivated the surface of CQDs, providing an excitation-independent green-emitting fluorescent CQDs-PEI-PEG conjugate (CQDs-PP) with an ultra-small size and positive surface charge. Here we show that CQDs-PP could bind CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid to form a nano-complex by electrostatic attraction, which can bypass lysosomes and enter the nucleus by passive diffusion, and thereby improve the transfection efficiency. Also, CQDs-PP could deliver CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid into HeLa cells, resulting in the insertion/deletion mutation of the target EFHD1 gene. More importantly, CQDs-PP exhibited a considerably higher gene editing efficiency as well as comparable or lower cytotoxicity relative to Lipo2000 and PEI-passivated CQDs-PEI (CQDs-P). Thus, the nuclear-targeted CQDs-PP is expected to constitute an efficient CRISPR/Cas9 delivery carrier in vitro with imaging-trackable ability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Min Zhai
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China.
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Rui-Lin Xiao
- School of Ecology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Shi-Quan Zhang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China.
| | - Bao-Hua Tian
- School of Ecology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Xin-Xin Li
- School of Ecology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Shanxi Eye Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030002, China
| | - Ri-Sheng Ma
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China.
| | - Hai-Xia Liang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong, 030600, China.
- School of Ecology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Eberhardt DR, Lee SH, Yin X, Balynas AM, Rekate EC, Kraiss JN, Lang MJ, Walsh MA, Streiff ME, Corbin AC, Li Y, Funai K, Sachse FB, Chaudhuri D. EFHD1 ablation inhibits cardiac mitoflash activation and protects cardiomyocytes from ischemia. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2022; 167:1-14. [PMID: 35304170 PMCID: PMC9107497 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Altered levels of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) are a highly prevalent feature in different forms of cardiac injury, producing changes in contractility, arrhythmias, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload leads to pathological production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activates the permeability transition, and cardiomyocyte death. Here we investigated the cardiac phenotype caused by deletion of EF-hand domain-containing protein D1 (Efhd1-/-), a Ca2+-binding mitochondrial protein whose function is poorly understood. Efhd1-/- mice are viable and have no adverse cardiac phenotypes. They feature reductions in basal ROS levels and mitoflash events, both important precursors for mitochondrial injury, though cardiac mitochondria have normal susceptibility to Ca2+ overload. Notably, we also find that Efhd1-/- mice and their cardiomyocytes are resistant to hypoxic injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Eberhardt
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Sandra H Lee
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Xue Yin
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Anthony M Balynas
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Emma C Rekate
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Jackie N Kraiss
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Marisa J Lang
- Diabetes & Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Maureen A Walsh
- Diabetes & Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Molly E Streiff
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Andrea C Corbin
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Ying Li
- Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Katsuhiko Funai
- Diabetes & Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Frank B Sachse
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, United States of America
| | - Dipayan Chaudhuri
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, United States of America; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang J. Prognostic score model-based signature genes for predicting the prognosis of metastatic skin cutaneous melanoma. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2021; 18:5125-5145. [PMID: 34517481 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2021261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is the most invasive malignancy of skin cancer. Metastasis to distant lymph nodes or other system is an indicator of poor prognosis in melanoma patients. The aim of this study was to identify reliable prognostic biomarkers for SKCMs. METHODS Four RNA-sequencing datasets associated with SKCMs were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database as well as corresponding clinical information. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between primary and metastatic samples by using MetaDE tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to screen functional modules. A prognostic score (PS)-based predictive model and nomogram model were constructed to identify signature genes and independent clinicopathologic factors. RESULTS Based on MetaDE analysis and WGCNA, a total of 456 overlapped genes were identified as hub genes related to SKCMs progression. Functional enrichment analysis revealed these genes were mainly involved in the hippo signaling pathway, signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells, pathways in cancer. In addition, eight optimal DEGs (RFPL1S, CTSV, EGLN3, etc.) were identified as signature genes by using PS model. Cox regression analysis revealed that pathologic stage T, N and recurrence were independent prognostic factors. Three clinical factors and PS status were incorporated to construct a nomogram predictive model for estimating the three years and five-year survival probability of individuals. CONCLUSIONS The prognosis prediction model of this study may provide a promising method for decision making in clinic and prognosis predicting of SKCM patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaping Wang
- Laboratory Medicine, Donghai County People's Hospital, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu 222300, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Parajón E, Surcel A, Robinson DN. The mechanobiome: a goldmine for cancer therapeutics. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 320:C306-C323. [PMID: 33175572 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00409.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression is dependent on heightened mechanical adaptation, both for the cells' ability to change shape and to interact with varying mechanical environments. This type of adaptation is dependent on mechanoresponsive proteins that sense and respond to mechanical stress, as well as their regulators. Mechanoresponsive proteins are part of the mechanobiome, which is the larger network that constitutes the cell's mechanical systems that are also highly integrated with many other cellular systems, such as gene expression, metabolism, and signaling. Despite the altered expression patterns of key mechanobiome proteins across many different cancer types, pharmaceutical targeting of these proteins has been overlooked. Here, we review the biochemistry of key mechanoresponsive proteins, specifically nonmuscle myosin II, α-actinins, and filamins, as well as the partnering proteins 14-3-3 and CLP36. We also examined a wide range of data sets to assess how gene and protein expression levels of these proteins are altered across many different cancer types. Finally, we determined the potential of targeting these proteins to mitigate invasion or metastasis and suggest that the mechanobiome is a goldmine of opportunity for anticancer drug discovery and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleana Parajón
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alexandra Surcel
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Douglas N Robinson
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Expressions of HLA Class II Genes in Cutaneous Melanoma Were Associated with Clinical Outcome: Bioinformatics Approaches and Systematic Analysis of Public Microarray and RNA-Seq Datasets. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9020059. [PMID: 31212865 PMCID: PMC6628136 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9020059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, encoded by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes, play important roles in antigen presentation and initiation of immune responses. However, the correlation between HLA class II gene expression level and patient survival and disease progression in cutaneous melanoma is still under investigation. In the present study, we analyzed microarray and RNA-Seq data of cutaneous melanoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) using different bioinformatics tools. Survival analysis revealed higher expression level of HLA class II genes in cutaneous melanoma, especially HLA-DP and -DR, was significantly associated with better overall survival. Furthermore, the expressions of HLA class II genes were most closely associated with survival in cutaneous melanoma as compared with other cancer types. The expression of HLA class II co-expressed genes, which were found to associate with antigen processing, immune response, and inflammatory response, was also positively associated with overall survival in cutaneous melanoma. Therefore, the results indicated that increased HLA class II expression may contribute to enhanced anti-tumor immunity and related inflammatory response via presenting tumor antigens to the immune system. The expression pattern of HLA class II genes may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic targets in cutaneous melanoma.
Collapse
|
8
|
Louveau B, Delyon J, De Moura CR, Battistella M, Jouenne F, Golmard L, Sadoux A, Podgorniak MP, Chami I, Marco O, Caramel J, Dalle S, Feugeas JP, Dumaz N, Lebbe C, Mourah S. A targeted genomic alteration analysis predicts survival of melanoma patients under BRAF inhibitors. Oncotarget 2019; 10:1669-1687. [PMID: 30899440 PMCID: PMC6422198 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several mechanisms have been described to elucidate the emergence of resistance to MAPK inhibitors in melanoma and there is a crucial need for biomarkers to identify patients who are likely to achieve a better and long-lasting response to BRAF inhibitors therapy. In this study, we developed a targeted approach combining both mRNA and DNA alterations analysis focusing on relevant gene alterations involved in acquired BRAF inhibitor resistance. We collected baseline tumor samples from 64 melanoma patients at BRAF inhibitor treatment initiation and showed that the presence, prior to treatment, of mRNA over-expression of genes' subset was significantly associated with improved progression free survival and overall survival. The presence of DNA alterations was in favor of better overall survival. The genomic analysis of relapsed-matched tumor samples from 20 patients allowed us to uncover the largest landscape of resistance mechanisms reported to date as at least one resistance mechanism was identified for each patient studied. Alterations in RB1 have been most frequent and hence represent an important additional acquired resistance mechanism. Our targeted genomic analysis emerges as a relevant tool in clinical practice to identify those patients who are more likely to achieve durable response to targeted therapies and to exhaustively describe the spectrum of resistance mechanisms. Our approach can be adapted to new targeted therapies by including newly identified genetic alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Louveau
- Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Inserm, UMR_S976, Paris, France.,Department of Pharmacogenomics, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Julie Delyon
- Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Inserm, UMR_S976, Paris, France.,Department of Dermatology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Coralie Reger De Moura
- Paris-Diderot University, Inserm, UMR_S976, Paris, France.,Department of Pharmacogenomics, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Battistella
- Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Department of Pathology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Paris Diderot University, Inserm, UMR_S1165, Paris, France
| | - Fanelie Jouenne
- Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Inserm, UMR_S976, Paris, France.,Department of Pharmacogenomics, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Lisa Golmard
- Department of Genetics, Pôle de Médecine Diagnostique et Théranostique, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Aurelie Sadoux
- Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Inserm, UMR_S976, Paris, France.,Department of Pharmacogenomics, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Podgorniak
- Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Inserm, UMR_S976, Paris, France.,Department of Pharmacogenomics, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Ichrak Chami
- Department of Dermatology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Oren Marco
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Esthetic Surgery, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Julie Caramel
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Stephane Dalle
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Lyon, France.,Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre Bénite, France
| | | | - Nicolas Dumaz
- Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Inserm, UMR_S976, Paris, France
| | - Celeste Lebbe
- Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Inserm, UMR_S976, Paris, France.,Department of Dermatology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Samia Mourah
- Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Paris-Diderot University, Inserm, UMR_S976, Paris, France.,Department of Pharmacogenomics, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Aya-Bonilla C, Gray ES, Manikandan J, Freeman JB, Zaenker P, Reid AL, Khattak MA, Frank MH, Millward M, Ziman M. Immunomagnetic-Enriched Subpopulations of Melanoma Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) Exhibit Distinct Transcriptome Profiles. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020157. [PMID: 30769764 PMCID: PMC6406574 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are phenotypically and molecularly heterogeneous. We profiled the gene expression of CTC subpopulations immunomagnetic-captured by targeting either the melanoma-associated marker, MCSP, or the melanoma-initiating marker, ABCB5. Firstly, the expression of a subset of melanoma genes was investigated by RT-PCR in MCSP-enriched and ABCB5-enriched CTCs isolated from a total of 59 blood draws from 39 melanoma cases. Of these, 6 MCSP- and 6 ABCB5-enriched CTC fractions were further analysed using a genome-wide gene expression microarray. The transcriptional programs of both CTC subtypes included cell survival maintenance, cell proliferation, and migration pathways. ABCB5-enriched CTCs were specifically characterised by up-regulation of genes involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), suggesting an invasive phenotype. These findings underscore the presence of at least two distinct melanoma CTC subpopulations with distinct transcriptional programs, which may have distinct roles in disease progression and response to therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Aya-Bonilla
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Elin S Gray
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
| | | | - James B Freeman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Pauline Zaenker
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Anna L Reid
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Muhammad A Khattak
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Markus H Frank
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
- Transplantation Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Michael Millward
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Mel Ziman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lim SY, Rizos H. Immune cell profiling in the age of immune checkpoint inhibitors: implications for biomarker discovery and understanding of resistance mechanisms. Mamm Genome 2018; 29:866-878. [PMID: 29968076 PMCID: PMC6267680 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-018-9757-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the landscape of cancer treatment. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has seen tremendous success in improving overall survival of patients with advanced metastatic cancers and has now become the standard of care for multiple tumor types. However, efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade appears to be limited to immunogenic cancers, and even amongst immune-reactive cancers, response rates are low and variable between patients. Recent data have also demonstrated the rapid emergence of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, with some patients progressing on treatment within one year. Significant research efforts are now directed at identifying predictive biomarkers and mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. These studies are underpinned by comprehensive and detailed profiling of the immune milieu. In this review, we discuss the utility and efficacy of immune cell profiling to uncover biomarkers of response and mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su Yin Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Helen Rizos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cruz MS, Diamond A, Russell A, Jameson JM. Human αβ and γδ T Cells in Skin Immunity and Disease. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1304. [PMID: 29928283 PMCID: PMC5997830 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T lymphocytes maintain skin homeostasis by balancing keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation with the destruction of infected or malignant cells. An imbalance in skin-resident T cell function can aggravate skin-related autoimmune diseases, impede tumor eradication, or disrupt proper wound healing. Much of the published work on human skin T cells attributes T cell function in the skin to αβ T cells, while γδ T cells are an often overlooked participant. This review details the roles played by both αβ and γδ T cells in healthy human skin and then focuses on their roles in skin diseases, such as psoriasis and alopecia areata. Understanding the contribution of skin-resident and skin-infiltrating T cell populations and cross-talk with other immune cells is leading to the development of novel therapeutics for patients. However, there is still much to be learned in order to effectively modulate T cell function and maintain healthy skin homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julie Marie Jameson
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University of San Marcos, San Marcos, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bracalente C, Ibañez IL, Berenstein A, Notcovich C, Cerda MB, Klamt F, Chernomoretz A, Durán H. Reprogramming human A375 amelanotic melanoma cells by catalase overexpression: Upregulation of antioxidant genes correlates with regression of melanoma malignancy and with malignant progression when downregulated. Oncotarget 2018; 7:41154-41171. [PMID: 27206673 PMCID: PMC5173049 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in tumor transformation. The antioxidant system (AOS) protects cells from ROS damage. However, it is also hijacked by cancers cells to proliferate within the tumor. Thus, identifying proteins altered by redox imbalance in cancer cells is an attractive prognostic and therapeutic tool. Gene expression microarrays in A375 melanoma cells with different ROS levels after overexpressing catalase were performed. Dissimilar phenotypes by differential compensation to hydrogen peroxide scavenging were generated. The melanotic A375-A7 (A7) upregulated TYRP1, CNTN1 and UCHL1 promoting melanogenesis. The metastatic A375-G10 (G10) downregulated MTSS1 and TIAM1, proteins absent in metastasis. Moreover, differential coexpression of AOS genes (EPHX2, GSTM3, MGST1, MSRA, TXNRD3, MGST3 and GSR) was found in A7 and G10. Their increase in A7 improved its AOS ability and therefore, oxidative stress response, resembling less aggressive tumor cells. Meanwhile, their decrease in G10 revealed a disruption in the AOS and therefore, enhanced its metastatic capacity. These gene signatures, not only bring new insights into the physiopathology of melanoma, but also could be relevant in clinical prognostic to classify between non aggressive and metastatic melanomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Candelaria Bracalente
- Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Irene L Ibañez
- Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariel Berenstein
- Fundación Instituto Leloir and Departamento de Física, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cintia Notcovich
- Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María B Cerda
- Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabio Klamt
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | - Ariel Chernomoretz
- Fundación Instituto Leloir and Departamento de Física, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hebe Durán
- Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rodríguez-Cerdeira C, Molares-Vila A, Carnero-Gregorio M, Corbalán-Rivas A. Recent advances in melanoma research via "omics" platforms. J Proteomics 2017; 188:152-166. [PMID: 29138111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma has a high mortality rate and metastatic melanoma is highly resistant to conventional therapies. "Omics" fields such as proteomics and microRNA and exosome studies have provided new knowledge to complement the information generated by genomic studies. This work aimed to review the current status of biomarker discovery for melanoma through multi-"omics" platforms. A few sets of novel microRNAs and proteins are described, some of them with important implications in suppressing melanoma at different stages. Upregulation of genes involved in angiogenesis, immunosuppressive factors, modification of stroma, capture of melanoma cells in lymph nodes and factors responsible for tumour cell recruitment have been identified in exosomes, among molecules with other functions. A remarkable series of proteins involved in epithelial-mesenchymal/mesenchymal-epithelial transitions, inflammation, motility, proliferation and progression processes, centrosome amplification, aneuploidy, inhibition of CD8+ effector T-cells, and metastasis in general were identified. Genomic and protein-protein interactions or metabolome levels were not analysed. Proteomics tools such as Orbitrap shotgun mass spectrometry or deep mining proteomic analysis utilizing high-resolution reversed phase nanoseparation in combination with mass spectrometry are also discussed. The application of these tools together with bioinformatics approaches applied to the clinical setting will enable the implementation of personalized medicine in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cerdeira
- Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Dermatology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Alberto Molares-Vila
- Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Department of Analytical & Food Chemistry, Universidade de Vigo (UVIGO), Spain
| | - Miguel Carnero-Gregorio
- Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Immunology, Universidade de Vigo (UVIGO), Spain
| | - Alberte Corbalán-Rivas
- Nursery Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Falkenius J, Johansson H, Tuominen R, Frostvik Stolt M, Hansson J, Egyhazi Brage S. Presence of immune cells, low tumor proliferation and wild type BRAF mutation status is associated with a favourable clinical outcome in stage III cutaneous melanoma. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:584. [PMID: 28851300 PMCID: PMC5576332 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3577-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The variable prognosis in stage III cutaneous melanoma is partially due to unknown prognostic factors. Improved prognostic tools are required to define patients with an increased risk of developing metastatic disease who might benefit from adjuvant therapies. The aim was to examine if cellular immune markers in association with tumor proliferation rate and BRAF mutation status have an impact on prognosis in stage III melanoma. METHODS We have used two sets of case series with stage III disease: 23 patients with short survival (≤ 13 months) and 19 patients with long survival (≥ 60 months). Lymph node metastases were analyzed for Ki67, CD8 and FOXP3 protein expression using immunohistochemistry. BRAF mutation status was analyzed in a previous study on the same samples. RESULTS Low tumor proliferation rate was significantly associated with a better prognosis (p = 0.013). Presence of FOXP3+ T cells was not correlated to adverse clinical outcome. A highly significant trend for a longer survival was found in the presence of an increasing number of markers; CD8+ and FOXP3+ T cells, low tumor proliferation and BRAF wildtype status (p = 0.003). Presence of at least three of these four markers was found to be an independent favorable prognostic factor (OR 19.4, 95% CI 1.9-197, p = 0.012), when adjusting for ulceration and number of lymph node metastases. Proliferation alone remained significant in multivariate analyses (OR 26.1, 95% CI 2.0-344, p = 0.013) but with a wider confidence interval. This panel still remained independent when also adjusting for a previously identified prognostic glycolytic-pigment panel. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated that presence of immune cells in association with tumor proliferation and BRAF mutation status may further contribute to identify stage III melanoma patients with high risk of relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johan Falkenius
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm Sweden
| | - Hemming Johansson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm Sweden
| | - Rainer Tuominen
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm Sweden
| | - Marianne Frostvik Stolt
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm Sweden
| | - Johan Hansson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm Sweden
| | - Suzanne Egyhazi Brage
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kraft S, Moore JB, Muzikansky A, Scott KL, Duncan LM. Differential UBE2C and HOXA1 expression in melanocytic nevi and melanoma. J Cutan Pathol 2017; 44:843-850. [DOI: 10.1111/cup.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kraft
- Pathology Service and Dermatopathology Unit; Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Johanna B. Moore
- Pathology Service and Dermatopathology Unit; Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Dermatopathology; Western Pathology Inc; San Luis Obispo California
| | - Alona Muzikansky
- Biostatistics Center; Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Kenneth L. Scott
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston Texas
| | - Lyn M. Duncan
- Pathology Service and Dermatopathology Unit; Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wongchenko MJ, McArthur GA, Dréno B, Larkin J, Ascierto PA, Sosman J, Andries L, Kockx M, Hurst SD, Caro I, Rooney I, Hegde PS, Molinero L, Yue H, Chang I, Amler L, Yan Y, Ribas A. Gene Expression Profiling in BRAF-Mutated Melanoma Reveals Patient Subgroups with Poor Outcomes to Vemurafenib That May Be Overcome by Cobimetinib Plus Vemurafenib. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:5238-5245. [PMID: 28536307 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The association of tumor gene expression profiles with progression-free survival (PFS) outcomes in patients with BRAFV600-mutated melanoma treated with vemurafenib or cobimetinib combined with vemurafenib was evaluated.Experimental Design: Gene expression of archival tumor samples from patients in four trials (BRIM-2, BRIM-3, BRIM-7, and coBRIM) was evaluated. Genes significantly associated with PFS (P < 0.05) were identified by univariate Cox proportional hazards modeling, then subjected to unsupervised hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis, and recursive partitioning to develop optimized gene signatures.Results: Forty-six genes were identified as significantly associated with PFS in both BRIM-2 (n = 63) and the vemurafenib arm of BRIM-3 (n = 160). Two distinct signatures were identified: cell cycle and immune. Among vemurafenib-treated patients, the cell-cycle signature was associated with shortened PFS compared with the immune signature in the BRIM-2/BRIM-3 training set [hazard ratio (HR) 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-2.6, P = 0.0001] and in the coBRIM validation set (n = 101; HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.5; P = 0.08). The adverse impact of the cell-cycle signature on PFS was not observed in patients treated with cobimetinib combined with vemurafenib (n = 99; HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.7-1.8; P = 0.66).Conclusions: In vemurafenib-treated patients, the cell-cycle gene signature was associated with shorter PFS. However, in cobimetinib combined with vemurafenib-treated patients, both cell cycle and immune signature subgroups had comparable PFS. Cobimetinib combined with vemurafenib may abrogate the adverse impact of the cell-cycle signature. Clin Cancer Res; 23(17); 5238-45. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Grant A McArthur
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - James Larkin
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ivor Caro
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | | | | | - Huibin Yue
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Ilsung Chang
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Lukas Amler
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Yibing Yan
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Minimal residual disease in melanoma: circulating melanoma cells and predictive role of MCAM/MUC18/MelCAM/CD146. Cell Death Discov 2017; 3:17005. [PMID: 28280601 PMCID: PMC5337524 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2017.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumour cells (CTCs), identified in numerous cancers including melanoma, are unquestionably considered valuable and useful as diagnostic and prognostic markers. They can be detected at all melanoma stages and may persist long after treatment. A crucial step in metastatic processes is the intravascular invasion of neoplastic cells as circulating melanoma cells (CMCs). Only a small percentage of these released cells are efficient and capable of colonizing with a strong metastatic potential. CMCs' ability to survive in circulation express a variety of genes with continuous changes of signal pathways and proteins to escape immune surveillance. This makes it difficult to detect them; therefore, specific isolation, enrichment and characterization of CMC population could be useful to monitor disease status and patient clinical outcome. Overall and disease-free survival have been correlated with the presence of CMCs. Specific melanoma antigens, in particular MCAM (MUC18/MelCAM/CD146), could be a potentially useful tool to isolate CMCs as well as be a prognostic, predictive biomarker. These are the areas reviewed in the article.
Collapse
|
18
|
Garg K, Maurer M, Griss J, Brüggen MC, Wolf IH, Wagner C, Willi N, Mertz KD, Wagner SN. Tumor-associated B cells in cutaneous primary melanoma and improved clinical outcome. Hum Pathol 2016; 54:157-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2016.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
19
|
Foth M, Wouters J, de Chaumont C, Dynoodt P, Gallagher WM. Prognostic and predictive biomarkers in melanoma: an update. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2015; 16:223-37. [PMID: 26620320 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.2016.1126511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers. Several new therapeutic strategies that focus on immuno- and/or targeted therapy have been developed, which have entered clinical trials or already been approved. This review provides an update on prognostic and predictive biomarkers in melanoma that may be used to improve the clinical management of patients. Prognostic markers include conventional histopathological characteristics, chromosomal aberrations, gene expression patterns and miRNA profiles. There is a trend towards multi-marker assays and whole-genome molecular screening methods to determine the prognosis of individual patients. Predictive biomarkers, including targeted components of signal transduction, developmental or transcriptional pathways, can be used to determine patient response towards a particular treatment or combination thereof. The rapid evolution of sequencing technologies and multi-marker screening will change the spectrum of patients who become candidates for therapeutic agents, and in addition create new ethical and regulatory challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Foth
- a OncoMark Ltd., NovaUCD, Bellfield , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.,b Cancer Research UK, Beatson Institute , Glasgow , United Kingdom
| | - Jasper Wouters
- a OncoMark Ltd., NovaUCD, Bellfield , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.,c Translational Cell & Tissue Research , Department of Imaging and Pathology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Ciaran de Chaumont
- a OncoMark Ltd., NovaUCD, Bellfield , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.,d Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Peter Dynoodt
- a OncoMark Ltd., NovaUCD, Bellfield , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - William M Gallagher
- a OncoMark Ltd., NovaUCD, Bellfield , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.,e UCD Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Newell-Litwa KA, Horwitz R, Lamers ML. Non-muscle myosin II in disease: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:1495-515. [PMID: 26542704 PMCID: PMC4728321 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.022103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin motor protein non-muscle myosin II (NMII) acts as a master regulator of cell morphology, with a role in several essential cellular processes, including cell migration and post-synaptic dendritic spine plasticity in neurons. NMII also generates forces that alter biochemical signaling, by driving changes in interactions between actin-associated proteins that can ultimately regulate gene transcription. In addition to its roles in normal cellular physiology, NMII has recently emerged as a critical regulator of diverse, genetically complex diseases, including neuronal disorders, cancers and vascular disease. In the context of these disorders, NMII regulatory pathways can be directly mutated or indirectly altered by disease-causing mutations. NMII regulatory pathway genes are also increasingly found in disease-associated copy-number variants, particularly in neuronal disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Furthermore, manipulation of NMII-mediated contractility regulates stem cell pluripotency and differentiation, thus highlighting the key role of NMII-based pharmaceuticals in the clinical success of stem cell therapies. In this Review, we discuss the emerging role of NMII activity and its regulation by kinases and microRNAs in the pathogenesis and prognosis of a diverse range of diseases, including neuronal disorders, cancer and vascular disease. We also address promising clinical applications and limitations of NMII-based inhibitors in the treatment of these diseases and the development of stem-cell-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Newell-Litwa
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Rick Horwitz
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Marcelo L Lamers
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Basic Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90610-010, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Carrasco-Avino G, Schiano TD, Ward SC, Thung SN, Fiel MI. Primary sclerosing cholangitis: detailed histologic assessment and integration using bioinformatics highlights arterial fibrointimal hyperplasia as a novel feature. Am J Clin Pathol 2015; 143:505-13. [PMID: 25780002 DOI: 10.1309/ajcpvkfviprbxqr2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Liver biopsy diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is difficult. We performed a detailed histologic analysis of PSC cases using novel bioinformatics analysis to identify histologic features that may be useful in its diagnosis. METHODS PSC liver explants were examined and compared with primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C explants to act as controls. Demographic, macroscopic, and histologic variables were analyzed using both conventional statistics and an integrative bioinformatics approach, significance analysis of microarrays (SAM), and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). RESULTS The PSC group was younger and had distinctive PSC features, including bile duct scars, onion-skin fibrosis, and arterial fibrointimal hyperplasia. SAM allowed the integration of variables by comparing PSC and control groups, whereas HCA was able to correctly categorize each group. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates characteristic PSC histology as well as arterial hyperplasia to be distinctive features that may aid in PSC diagnosis and be confirmed by bioinformatics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas D. Schiano
- Division of Liver Diseases and Recanati-Miller Transplant Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Stephen C. Ward
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Swan N. Thung
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - M. Isabel Fiel
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kwong LN, Boland GM, Frederick DT, Helms TL, Akid AT, Miller JP, Jiang S, Cooper ZA, Song X, Seth S, Kamara J, Protopopov A, Mills GB, Flaherty KT, Wargo JA, Chin L. Co-clinical assessment identifies patterns of BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:1459-70. [PMID: 25705882 DOI: 10.1172/jci78954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple mechanisms have been described that confer BRAF inhibitor resistance to melanomas, yet the basis of this resistance remains undefined in a sizable portion of patient samples. Here, we characterized samples from a set of patients with melanoma that included individuals at baseline diagnosis, on BRAF inhibitor treatment, and with resistant tumors at both the protein and RNA levels. Using RNA and DNA sequencing, we identified known resistance-conferring mutations in 50% (6 of 12) of the resistant samples. In parallel, targeted proteomic analysis by protein array categorized the resistant samples into 3 stable groups, 2 of which were characterized by reactivation of MAPK signaling to different levels and 1 that was MAPK independent. The molecular relevance of these classifications identified in patients was supported by both mutation data and the similarity of resistance patterns that emerged during a co-clinical trial in a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model of melanoma that recapitulates the development of BRAF inhibitor resistance. Additionally, we defined candidate biomarkers in pre- and early-treatment patient samples that have potential for predicting clinical responses. On the basis of these observations, we suggest that BRAF inhibitor-resistant melanomas can be actionably classified using protein expression patterns, even without identification of the underlying genetic alteration.
Collapse
|
23
|
Jayawardana K, Schramm SJ, Haydu L, Thompson JF, Scolyer RA, Mann GJ, Müller S, Yang JYH. Determination of prognosis in metastatic melanoma through integration of clinico-pathologic, mutation, mRNA, microRNA, and protein information. Int J Cancer 2014; 136:863-74. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaushala Jayawardana
- School of Mathematics & Statistics; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Sarah-Jane Schramm
- Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney at Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research; Westmead NSW Australia
- Melanoma Institute Australia; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Lauren Haydu
- Melanoma Institute Australia; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - John F. Thompson
- Melanoma Institute Australia; Sydney NSW Australia
- Discipline of Surgery; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Richard A. Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia; Sydney NSW Australia
- Discipline of Pathology; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Camperdown NSW Australia
| | - Graham J. Mann
- Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney at Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research; Westmead NSW Australia
- Melanoma Institute Australia; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Samuel Müller
- School of Mathematics & Statistics; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Jean Yee Hwa Yang
- School of Mathematics & Statistics; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhao H, Li Y, Wang S, Yang Y, Wang J, Ruan X, Yang Y, Cai K, Zhang B, Cui P, Yan J, Zhao Y, Wakeland EK, Li Q, Hu S, Fang X. Whole transcriptome RNA-seq analysis: tumorigenesis and metastasis of melanoma. Gene 2014; 548:234-43. [PMID: 25034661 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most malignant cutaneous cancer and causes over 9000 deaths annually. Because fatality rates from malignant melanoma (MM) increase dramatically upon metastasis, we investigated tumorigenesis and metastasis of MM in transcriptome analyses of three distinct cell lines that correspond with the stages of MM pathogenesis: the normal stage (HEMn-LP), the onset of MM (A375), and the metastasis stage (A2058). Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, we detected asymmetrical expression of genes among the three cell lines, notably on chromosomes 9, 11, 12, and 14, suggesting their involvement in tumorigenesis and metastasis of MM. These genes were clustered into 41 categories based on their expression patterns, and their biological functions were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. In the top cancer-associated category, HIF1A, IL8, TERT, ONECUT1, and FOXA1 directly interacted with either transcription factors or cytokines that are known to be involved in the tumorigenesis or metastasis of other malignant tumors. The present data suggest that cytokine regulatory pathways in macrophages predominate over other pathways during the pathogenesis of MM. This study provides new targets for the downstream mechanistic studies of the tumorigenesis and metastasis of MM and demonstrates a new strategy for studies of the progression of other malignant cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yongjun Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shaobin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yadong Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Junyun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiuyan Ruan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yaran Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kan Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Peng Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiangwei Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yongliang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Edward K Wakeland
- Department of Immunology & Microarray Core Facility, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Quanzhen Li
- Department of Immunology & Microarray Core Facility, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Songnian Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xiangdong Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mandalà M, Massi D. Tissue prognostic biomarkers in primary cutaneous melanoma. Virchows Arch 2014; 464:265-81. [PMID: 24487785 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-013-1526-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) causes the greatest number of skin cancer-related deaths worldwide. Predicting CM prognosis is important to determine the need for further investigation, counseling of patients, to guide appropriate management (particularly the need for postoperative adjuvant therapy), and for assignment of risk status in groups of patients entering clinical trials. Since recurrence rate is largely independent from stages defined by morphological and morphometric criteria, there is a strong need for identification of additional robust prognostic factors to support decision-making processes. Most data on prognostic biomarkers in melanoma have been evaluated in tumor tissue samples by conventional morphology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) as well as DNA and RNA analyses. In the present review, we critically summarize main high-quality studies investigating IHC-based protein biomarkers of melanoma outcome according to Reporting Recommendations for Tumor Marker Prognostic Studies (REMARK)-derived criteria. Pathways have been classified and conveyed in the "biologic road" previously described by Hanahan and Weinberg. Data derived from genomic and transcriptomic technologies have been critically reviewed to better understand if any of investigated proteins or gene signatures should be incorporated into clinical practice or still remain a field of melanoma research. Despite a wide body of research, no molecular prognostic biomarker has yet been translated into clinical practice. Conventional tissue biomarkers, such as Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate and lymph node positivity, remain the backbone prognostic indicators in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mandalà
- Unit of Clinical and Translational Research, Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tremante E, Ginebri A, Lo Monaco E, Benassi B, Frascione P, Grammatico P, Cappellacci S, Catricalà C, Arcelli D, Natali PG, Di Filippo F, Mottolese M, Visca P, Benevolo M, Giacomini P. A melanoma immune response signature including Human Leukocyte Antigen-E. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 27:103-12. [PMID: 24011128 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Paired cultures of early-passage melanoma cells and melanocytes were established from metastatic lesions and the uninvolved skin of five patients. In this stringent autologous setting, cDNA profiling was used to analyze a subset of 1477 genes selected by the Gene Ontology term 'immune response'. Human Leukocyte Antigen E (HLA-E) was ranked 19th among melanoma-overexpressed genes and was embedded in a transformation signature including its preferred peptide ligand donors HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, and HLA-G. Mostly undetectable in normal skin and 39 nevi (including rare and atypical lesions), HLA-E was detected by immunohistochemistry in 17/30 (57%) and 32/48 (67%) primary and metastatic lesions, respectively. Accordingly, surface HLA-E was higher on melanoma cells than on melanocytes and protected the former (6/6 cell lines) from lysis by natural killer (NK) cells, functionally counteracting co-expressed triggering ligands. Although lacking HLA-E, melanocytes (4/4 cultures) were nevertheless (and surprisingly) fully protected from NK cell lysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Tremante
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Transcriptome profiling identifies HMGA2 as a biomarker of melanoma progression and prognosis. J Invest Dermatol 2013; 133:2585-2592. [PMID: 23633021 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The genetic alterations contributing to melanoma pathogenesis are incompletely defined, and few independent prognostic features have been identified beyond the clinicopathological characteristics of the primary tumor. We used transcriptome profiling of 46 primary melanomas, 12 melanoma metastases, and 16 normal skin (N) samples to find genes associated with melanoma development and progression. Results were confirmed using immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR and replicated in an independent set of 330 melanomas using AQUA analysis of tissue microarray (TMA). Transcriptome profiling revealed that transcription factor HMGA2, previously unrecognized in melanoma pathogenesis, is significantly upregulated in primary melanoma and metastases (P-values=1.2 × 10(-7) and 9 × 10(-5)) compared with N. HMGA2 overexpression is associated with BRAF/NRAS mutations (P=0.0002). Cox proportional hazard regression model and log-rank test showed that HMGA2 is independently associated with disease-free survival (hazard ratio (HR)=6.3, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.8-22.3, P=0.004), overall survival (OS) (stratified log-rank P=0.008), and distant metastases-free survival (HR=6.4, 95% CI=1.4-29.7, P=0.018) after adjusting for American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage and age at diagnosis. Survival analysis in an independent replication TMA of 330 melanomas confirmed the association of HMGA2 expression with OS (P=0.0211). Our study implicates HMGA2 in melanoma progression and demonstrates that HMGA2 overexpression can serve as an independent predictor of survival in melanoma.
Collapse
|
28
|
Tyrosinase-related protein 1 mRNA expression in lymph node metastases predicts overall survival in high-risk melanoma patients. Br J Cancer 2013; 108:1641-7. [PMID: 23519055 PMCID: PMC3668475 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Clinical outcome of high-risk melanoma patients is not reliably predicted from histopathological analyses of primary tumours and is often adjusted during disease progression. Our study aimed at extending our previous findings in skin metastases to evaluate the prognostic value of tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) in lymph node metastases of stages III and IV melanoma patients. Methods: TYRP1 mRNA expression in 104 lymph node metastases was quantified by real-time PCR and normalised to S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) mRNA expression to correct for tumour load. TYRP1/S100B ratios were calculated and median was used as cutoff value. TYRP1/S100B mRNA values were correlated to clinical follow-up and histopathological characteristics of the primary lesion. Results: A high TYRP1/S100B mRNA ratio significantly correlated with reduced disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS; Cox regression analysis, P=0.005 and 0.01, respectively), increased Breslow thickness (Spearman's rho test, P<0.001) and the presence of ulceration (Mann–Whitney test, P=0.02) of the primaries. Moreover, high TYRP1/S100B was of better prognostic value (lower P-value) for OS than Breslow thickness and ulceration. Finally, it was well conserved during disease progression with respect to high/low TYRP1 groups. Conclusion: High TYRP1/S100B mRNA expression in lymph node metastases from melanoma patients is associated with unfavourable clinical outcome. Its evaluation in lymph node metastases may refine initial prognosis for metastatic patients, may define prognosis for those with unknown or non-evaluable primary lesions and may allow different management of the two groups of patients.
Collapse
|
29
|
Rakosy Z, Ecsedi S, Toth R, Vizkeleti L, Herandez-Vargas H, Lazar V, Emri G, Szatmari I, Herceg Z, Adany R, Balazs M. Integrative genomics identifies gene signature associated with melanoma ulceration. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54958. [PMID: 23383013 PMCID: PMC3559846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the extensive research approaches applied to characterise malignant melanoma, no specific molecular markers are available that are clearly related to the progression of this disease. In this study, our aims were to define a gene expression signature associated with the clinical outcome of melanoma patients and to provide an integrative interpretation of the gene expression -, copy number alterations -, and promoter methylation patterns that contribute to clinically relevant molecular functional alterations. Methods Gene expression profiles were determined using the Affymetrix U133 Plus2.0 array. The NimbleGen Human CGH Whole-Genome Tiling array was used to define CNAs, and the Illumina GoldenGate Methylation platform was applied to characterise the methylation patterns of overlapping genes. Results We identified two subclasses of primary melanoma: one representing patients with better prognoses and the other being characteristic of patients with unfavourable outcomes. We assigned 1,080 genes as being significantly correlated with ulceration, 987 genes were downregulated and significantly enriched in the p53, Nf-kappaB, and WNT/beta-catenin pathways. Through integrated genome analysis, we defined 150 downregulated genes whose expression correlated with copy number losses in ulcerated samples. These genes were significantly enriched on chromosome 6q and 10q, which contained a total of 36 genes. Ten of these genes were downregulated and involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion or apoptosis. The expression and methylation patterns of additional genes exhibited an inverse correlation, suggesting that transcriptional silencing of these genes is driven by epigenetic events. Conclusion Using an integrative genomic approach, we were able to identify functionally relevant molecular hotspots characterised by copy number losses and promoter hypermethylation in distinct molecular subtypes of melanoma that contribute to specific transcriptomic silencing and might indicate a poor clinical outcome of melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Rakosy
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Public Health Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Ecsedi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Public Health Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Reka Toth
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Laura Vizkeleti
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Public Health Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Hector Herandez-Vargas
- World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer, Epigenetics Group, Lyon, France
| | - Viktoria Lazar
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Emri
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Istvan Szatmari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer, Epigenetics Group, Lyon, France
| | - Roza Adany
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Public Health Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Margit Balazs
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Public Health Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
An attempt at a molecular prediction of metastasis in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49865. [PMID: 23166783 PMCID: PMC3498185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current prognostic clinical and morphological parameters are insufficient to accurately predict metastasis in individual melanoma patients. Several studies have described gene expression signatures to predict survival or metastasis of primary melanoma patients, however the reproducibility among these studies is disappointingly low. Methodology/Principal Findings We followed extended REMARK/Gould Rothberg criteria to identify gene sets predictive for metastasis in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. For class comparison, gene expression data from 116 patients with clinical stage I/II (no metastasis) and 72 with III/IV primary melanoma (with metastasis) at time of first diagnosis were used. Significance analysis of microarrays identified the top 50 differentially expressed genes. In an independent data set from a second cohort of 28 primary melanoma patients, these genes were analyzed by multivariate Cox regression analysis and leave-one-out cross validation for association with development of metastatic disease. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, expression of the genes Ena/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein-like (EVL) and CD24 antigen gave the best predictive value (p = 0.001; p = 0.017, respectively). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed these genes as a potential independent predictor, which may possibly add (both p = 0.01) to the predictive value of the most important morphological indicator, Breslow depth. Conclusion/Significance Combination of molecular with morphological information may potentially enable an improved prediction of metastasis in primary melanoma patients. A strength of the gene expression set is the small number of genes, which should allow easy reevaluation in independent data sets and adequately designed clinical trials.
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Molecular diagnostic strategies are gaining wider acceptance and use in dermatology and dermatopathology as more practitioners in this field develop an understanding of the principles and applications of genomic technologies. Molecular testing is facilitating more accurate diagnosis, staging, and prognostication, in addition to guiding the selection of appropriate treatment, monitoring of therapy, and identification of novel therapeutic targets, for a wide variety of skin diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zendee Elaba
- Department of Pathology, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Expression of interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 and their receptors in colorectal cancer. Int J Colorectal Dis 2012; 27:1369-76. [PMID: 22441356 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-012-1456-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) are anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines which can influence cancer-directed immunosurveillance. Nothing is presently known about expression of these cytokines and their receptors (IL-4R and IL-13R) in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to characterize their expression in primary colorectal cancer specimens and to evaluate possible functions for this disease. METHODS Expression of IL-4, IL-13, IL-4R, and IL-13R protein was characterized by immunohistochemistry in 359 patients with Union for International Cancer Control stage I-III colorectal cancer and evaluated by uni- and multivariate analysis for their prognostic relevance. RESULTS All four proteins were expressed in colorectal cancer specimens. In the cancer cells, high IL-4, IL-13, IL-4R, and IL-13R immunoreactivity were present in 33 % (118/359), 50 % (181/359), 36 % (129/359), and 42 % (152/359), respectively. Patients with high expression of IL-4, IL-4R, and IL-13R had a lower frequency of lymph node metastases. Expression of IL-13 did not influence the frequency of lymph node metastases. However, high IL-13-immunoreactivity was associated with a better overall survival (p = 0.041). Expression of IL-4, IL-4R, or IL-13R did not influence survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that besides pT classification and tumor recurrence, IL-13 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Expression of IL-4, IL-4R, and IL-13R are involved in the process of local metastases in colorectal cancer, while IL-13 expression has an impact on survival. These interleukins and their receptors may become attractive targets for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Collapse
|
33
|
Tremante E, Ginebri A, Lo Monaco E, Frascione P, Di Filippo F, Terrenato I, Benevolo M, Mottolese M, Pescarmona E, Visca P, Natali PG, Giacomini P. Melanoma molecular classes and prognosis in the postgenomic era. Lancet Oncol 2012; 13:e205-11. [PMID: 22554548 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(12)70003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression profiling is a powerful method to classify human tumours on the basis of biological aggressiveness, response to therapy, and outcome for the patient, but its application in melanoma lags behind that of other cancers. From more than 100 articles available on the topic, we selected 14 focusing on patients' outcome. We review and briefly discuss salient findings, and list ten reasons why melanoma molecular classes are not yet used in clinical diagnosis and prognosis. The available evidence suggests that we are on the verge of creating a framework for the use of melanoma molecular classes in prognosis, but so far there is little consensus to put together informative diagnostic and prognostic gene sets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Tremante
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Koh SS, Wei JPJ, Li X, Huang RR, Doan NB, Scolyer RA, Cochran AJ, Binder SW. Differential gene expression profiling of primary cutaneous melanoma and sentinel lymph node metastases. Mod Pathol 2012; 25:828-37. [PMID: 22411186 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2012.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Limited understanding of molecular mechanisms of metastasis in melanoma contributes to the absence of effective treatments. Increased knowledge of alterations in genes that underpin critical molecular events that lead to metastasis is essential. We have investigated the gene expression profiles of primary melanomas and melanoma metastases in sentinel lymph nodes. A total of 19 samples (10 primary melanomas and 9 sentinel lymph node metastases) were evaluated. Melanoma cells were dissected from tissue blocks. Total mRNA was isolated, amplified, and labeled using an Ambion Recover All Total Nucleic Acid Isolation kit, Nu-GEN WT-Ovation formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded RNA Amplification System, and FL-Ovation cDNA Biotin Module V2, respectively. Samples were hybridized to the Affymetrix Gene Chip Human U133 Plus 2.0 Array. Data were analyzed using Partek Genomics Suite Version 6.4. Genes selected showed ≥2-fold difference in expression and P<5.00E-2. Validation studies used standard immunohistochemical assays. Hierarchical clustering disclosed two distinct groups: 10 primary melanomas and 9 sentinel lymph node metastases. Gene expression analysis identified 576 genes that showed significant differential expression. Most differences reflected decreased gene expression in metastases relative to primaries. Reduced gene expression in primaries was less frequent and less dramatic. Genes significantly increased or decreased in sentinel lymph node metastases were active in cell adhesion/structural integrity, tumor suppression, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Validation studies indicate that MAGEC1 (melanoma antigen family C1) and FCRL1 (Fc receptor-like 1) are involved in melanoma progression. There are striking differential gene expression patterns between primary and nodally metastatic melanomas. Similar findings were seen with autologous paired primary melanomas and sentinel lymph node metastases, supporting involvement of these gene alterations in evolution of metastases. With further study, it may be possible to determine the exact sequence of molecular events that underlie melanoma metastases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen S Koh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles/David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1732, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kren L, Valkovsky I, Dolezel J, Capak I, Pacik D, Poprach A, Lakomy R, Redova M, Fabian P, Krenova Z, Slaby O. HLA-G and HLA-E specific mRNAs connote opposite prognostic significance in renal cell carcinoma. Diagn Pathol 2012; 7:58. [PMID: 22640987 PMCID: PMC3408319 DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-7-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is characterized by its resistance to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. On the other hand, it is an immunogenic tumor - it is able to stimulate antitumor responses. A prognostic significance of HLA-G expression by neoplastic cells in RCC is not well characterized; significance HLA-E expression in RCC is not characterized at all. METHODS In our study, we evaluated the expression of HLA-G and HLA-E specific mRNA transcripts produced by neoplastic cells in 38 cases of RCC and in 10 samples of normal kidney parenchyma. The results were statistically correlated with various clinico-pathological parameters. RESULTS We confirmed that HLA-G is downregulated in normal kidney tissue; if it is up-regulated in RCC, then it is connected to worse prognosis. On the other hand, HLA-E mRNA transcripts were present in both normal kidney tissue and RCC and their increasing concentrations counterintuitively carried better prognosis, more favorable pT stage and lower nuclear Fuhrmann's grade. CONCLUSION Considering the fact that there is known aberrant activation of HLA-G and HLA-E expression by interferons, identification of HLA-G and HLA-E status could contribute to better selection of RCC patients who could possibly benefit from more tailored neoadjuvant biological/immunological therapy. Thus, these molecules could represent useful prognostic biomarkers in RCC, and the expression of both these molecules in RCC deserves further study. THE VIRTUAL: Slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/7383071387016614.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leos Kren
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, Jihlavska 20, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Valkovsky
- Faculty Hospital Ostrava, Clinic of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Dolezel
- Department of Oncological Urology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Capak
- Department of Oncological Urology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Pacik
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandr Poprach
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Lakomy
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Redova
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Fabian
- Department of Oncological and Experimental Pathology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Krenova
- Department of Childrens’ Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Slaby
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Cell cycle gene networks are associated with melanoma prognosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34247. [PMID: 22536322 PMCID: PMC3335030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Our understanding of the molecular pathways that underlie melanoma remains incomplete. Although several published microarray studies of clinical melanomas have provided valuable information, we found only limited concordance between these studies. Therefore, we took an in vitro functional genomics approach to understand melanoma molecular pathways. Methodology/Principal Findings Affymetrix microarray data were generated from A375 melanoma cells treated in vitro with siRNAs against 45 transcription factors and signaling molecules. Analysis of this data using unsupervised hierarchical clustering and Bayesian gene networks identified proliferation-association RNA clusters, which were co-ordinately expressed across the A375 cells and also across melanomas from patients. The abundance in metastatic melanomas of these cellular proliferation clusters and their putative upstream regulators was significantly associated with patient prognosis. An 8-gene classifier derived from gene network hub genes correctly classified the prognosis of 23/26 metastatic melanoma patients in a cross-validation study. Unlike the RNA clusters associated with cellular proliferation described above, co-ordinately expressed RNA clusters associated with immune response were clearly identified across melanoma tumours from patients but not across the siRNA-treated A375 cells, in which immune responses are not active. Three uncharacterised genes, which the gene networks predicted to be upstream of apoptosis- or cellular proliferation-associated RNAs, were found to significantly alter apoptosis and cell number when over-expressed in vitro. Conclusions/Significance This analysis identified co-expression of RNAs that encode functionally-related proteins, in particular, proliferation-associated RNA clusters that are linked to melanoma patient prognosis. Our analysis suggests that A375 cells in vitro may be valid models in which to study the gene expression modules that underlie some melanoma biological processes (e.g., proliferation) but not others (e.g., immune response). The gene expression modules identified here, and the RNAs predicted by Bayesian network inference to be upstream of these modules, are potential prognostic biomarkers and drug targets.
Collapse
|
37
|
Riester M, Taylor JM, Feifer A, Koppie T, Rosenberg JE, Downey RJ, Bochner BH, Michor F. Combination of a novel gene expression signature with a clinical nomogram improves the prediction of survival in high-risk bladder cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:1323-33. [PMID: 22228636 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-2271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to validate and improve prognostic signatures for high-risk urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We evaluated microarray data from 93 patients with bladder cancer managed by radical cystectomy to determine gene expression patterns associated with clinical and prognostic variables. We compared our results with published bladder cancer microarray data sets comprising 578 additional patients and with 49 published gene signatures from multiple cancer types. Hierarchical clustering was utilized to identify subtypes associated with differences in survival. We then investigated whether the addition of survival-associated gene expression information to a validated postcystectomy nomogram utilizing clinical and pathologic variables improves prediction of recurrence. RESULTS Multiple markers for muscle invasive disease with highly significant expression differences in multiple data sets were identified, such as fibronectin 1 (FN1), NNMT, POSTN, and SMAD6. We identified signatures associated with pathologic stage and the likelihood of developing metastasis and death from bladder cancer, as well as with two distinct clustering subtypes of bladder cancer. Our novel signature correlated with overall survival in multiple independent data sets, significantly improving the prediction concordance of standard staging in all data sets [mean ΔC-statistic: 0.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01-0.27; P < 0.001]. Tested in our patient cohort, it significantly enhanced the performance of a postoperative survival nomogram (ΔC-statistic: 0.08, 95% CI, -0.04-0.20; P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Prognostic information obtained from gene expression data can aid in posttreatment prediction of bladder cancer recurrence. Our findings require further validation in external cohorts and prospectively in a clinical trial setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Riester
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mehta S, Shelling A, Muthukaruppan A, Lasham A, Blenkiron C, Laking G, Print C. Predictive and prognostic molecular markers for cancer medicine. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2011; 2:125-48. [PMID: 21789130 DOI: 10.1177/1758834009360519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last 10 years there has been an explosion of information about the molecular biology of cancer. A challenge in oncology is to translate this information into advances in patient care. While there are well-formed routes for translating new molecular information into drug therapy, the routes for translating new information into sensitive and specific diagnostic, prognostic and predictive tests are still being developed. Similarly, the science of using tumor molecular profiles to select clinical trial participants or to optimize therapy for individual patients is still in its infancy. This review will summarize the current technologies for predicting treatment response and prognosis in cancer medicine, and outline what the future may hold. It will also highlight the potential importance of methods that can integrate molecular, histopathological and clinical information into a synergistic understanding of tumor progression. While these possibilities are without doubt exciting, significant challenges remain if we are to implement them with a strong evidence base in a widely available and cost-effective manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunali Mehta
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Journe F, Id Boufker H, Van Kempen L, Galibert MD, Wiedig M, Salès F, Theunis A, Nonclercq D, Frau A, Laurent G, Awada A, Ghanem G. TYRP1 mRNA expression in melanoma metastases correlates with clinical outcome. Br J Cancer 2011; 105:1726-32. [PMID: 22045183 PMCID: PMC3242608 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2011.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Clinical outcome of patients with high-risk melanoma cannot be reliably predicted on the basis of classical histopathological examination. Our study aimed to determine in melanoma metastases a gene expression profile associated with patient survival, and to identify and validate marker(s) of poor clinical outcome. Methods: Skin and lymph node metastases from melanoma patients (training population) were used to identify candidate prognostic marker(s) based on DNA microarray analysis. Additional skin metastases (validation population) were used to assess the prognostic value of the first ranked gene by real-time PCR. Results: We performed microarray analysis in the training population and generated a list of 278 probe sets associated with a shorter survival. We used the first ranked gene, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1), further measured its expression in the validation population by real-time PCR and found it to be significantly correlated with distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS) and Breslow thickness. We also found that it was fairly well conserved in the course of the disease regardless of the delay to metastasis occurrence. Finally, although Tyrp1 protein (immunohistochemistry (IHC)) was only detected in about half of the samples, we showed that its expression also correlated with Breslow thickness. Conclusion: Our data indicate that TYRP1 mRNA expression level, at least in skin metastases, is a prognostic marker for melanoma, and is particularly useful when prognostic pathology parameters at the primary lesion are lacking. Its conserved expression further supports its use as a target for therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Journe
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie et de Chirurgie Expérimentale, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1 rue Heger-Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Martins WK, Esteves GH, Almeida OM, Rezze GG, Landman G, Marques SM, Carvalho AF, L Reis LF, Duprat JP, Stolf BS. Gene network analyses point to the importance of human tissue kallikreins in melanoma progression. BMC Med Genomics 2011; 4:76. [PMID: 22032772 PMCID: PMC3212933 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-4-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A wide variety of high-throughput microarray platforms have been used to identify molecular targets associated with biological and clinical tumor phenotypes by comparing samples representing distinct pathological states. Methods The gene expression profiles of human cutaneous melanomas were determined by cDNA microarray analysis. Next, a robust analysis to determine functional classifications and make predictions based on data-oriented hypotheses was performed. Relevant networks that may be implicated in melanoma progression were also considered. Results In this study we aimed to analyze coordinated gene expression changes to find molecular pathways involved in melanoma progression. To achieve this goal, ontologically-linked modules with coordinated expression changes in melanoma samples were identified. With this approach, we detected several gene networks related to different modules that were induced or repressed during melanoma progression. Among them we observed high coordinated expression levels of genes involved in a) cell communication (KRT4, VWF and COMP); b) epidermal development (KLK7, LAMA3 and EVPL); and c) functionally related to kallikreins (EVPL, KLK6, KLK7, KLK8, SERPINB13, SERPING1 and SLPI). Our data also indicated that hKLK7 protein expression was significantly associated with good prognosis and survival. Conclusions Our findings, derived from a different type of analysis of microarray data, highlight the importance of analyzing coordinated gene expression to find molecular pathways involved in melanoma progression.
Collapse
|
41
|
Benevolo M, Mottolese M, Tremante E, Rollo F, Diodoro MG, Ercolani C, Sperduti I, Monaco EL, Cosimelli M, Giacomini P. High expression of HLA-E in colorectal carcinoma is associated with a favorable prognosis. J Transl Med 2011; 9:184. [PMID: 22032294 PMCID: PMC3219584 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-E is a non-classical class I HLA molecule that can be stabilized by ligands donated by other classical (HLA-A, -B, -C) and non-classical (HLA-G) family members. HLA-E engages a variety of immune receptors expressed by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), Natural killer (NK) cells and NK-CTLs. In view of the opposing outcomes (activation or inhibition) of the different HLA-E receptors, the preferred role (if any) of HLA-E expressed in vivo on tumor cells remains to be established. METHODS Taking advantage of MEM-E/02, a recently characterized antibody to denatured HLA-E molecules, HLA-E expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry on an archival collection (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) of 149 colorectal primary carcinoma lesions paired with their morphologically normal mucosae. Lymphoid infiltrates were assessed for the expression of the HLA-E-specific, inhibitory, non-rearranging receptor NKG2A. RESULTS High HLA-E expression did not significantly correlate with the expression of classical HLA-B and HLA-C molecules, but it did correlate with high expression of its preferential ligand donor HLA-A. In addition, it correlated with lymphoid cell infiltrates expressing the inhibitory NKG2A receptor, and was an independent predictor of good prognosis, particularly in a subset of patients whose tumors express HLA-A levels resembling those of their paired normal counterparts (HLA-A). Thus, combination phenotypes (HLA-Elo-int/HLA-AE and HLA-Ehi/HLA-AE) of classical and non-classical class I HLA molecules mark two graded levels of good prognosis. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that HLA-E favors activating immune responses to colorectal carcinoma. They also provide evidence in humans that tumor cells entertain extensive negotiation with the immune system until a compromise between recognition and escape is reached. It is implied that this process occurs stepwise, as predicted by the widely accepted 'immunoediting' model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Benevolo
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Mottolese
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Tremante
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via delle Messi d'Oro 156, 00158 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Rollo
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Diodoro
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Ercolani
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Sperduti
- Biostatistics Unit, Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Lo Monaco
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via delle Messi d'Oro 156, 00158 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cosimelli
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Giacomini
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via delle Messi d'Oro 156, 00158 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Review and cross-validation of gene expression signatures and melanoma prognosis. J Invest Dermatol 2011; 132:274-83. [PMID: 21956122 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2011.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In melanoma, there is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers with prognostic performance superior to traditional clinical and histological parameters. Gene expression-based prognostic signatures offer promise, but studies have been challenged by sample scarcity, cohort heterogeneity, and doubts about the efficacy of such signatures relative to current clinical practices. Motivated by new studies that have begun to address these challenges, we reviewed prognostic signatures derived from gene expression microarray analysis of human melanoma tissue. We used REMARK-based criteria to select the most relevant studies and directly compared their signature gene lists. Through functional ontology enrichment analysis, we observed that these independent data sets converge in part upon immune response processes and the G-protein signaling NRAS-regulation pathway, both important in melanoma development and progression. The signatures correctly predicted patient outcome in independent gene expression data sets with some notably low misclassification rates, particularly among studies involving more advanced-stage tumors. This successful cross-validation indicates that gene expression analysis-based signatures are becoming translationally relevant to care of melanoma patients, as well as improving understanding of the aspects of melanoma biology that determine patient outcome.
Collapse
|
43
|
Monaco EL, Tremante E, Cerboni C, Melucci E, Sibilio L, Zingoni A, Nicotra MR, Natali PG, Giacomini P. Human leukocyte antigen E contributes to protect tumor cells from lysis by natural killer cells. Neoplasia 2011; 13:822-30. [PMID: 21969815 PMCID: PMC3182274 DOI: 10.1593/neo.101684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2010] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The nonclassic class I human leukocyte antigen E (HLA-E) molecule engages the inhibitory NKG2A receptor on several cytotoxic effectors, including natural killer (NK) cells. Its tissue distribution was claimed to be wider in normal than in neoplastic tissues, and surface HLA-E was undetectable in most tumor cell lines. Herein, these issues were reinvestigated taking advantage of HLA-E-specific antibodies, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical methods detecting intracellular and surface HLA-E regardless of conformation. Contrary to published evidence, HLA-E was detected in a few normal epithelia and in a large fraction (approximately 1/3) of solid tumors, including those derived from HLA-E-negative/low-normal counterparts. Remarkably, HLA-E was detected in 30 of 30 tumor cell lines representative of major lymphoid and nonlymphoid lineages, and in 11 of 11, it was surface-expressed, although in a conformation poorly reactive with commonly used antibodies. Coexpression of HLA-E and HLA class I ligand donors was not required for surface expression but was associated with NKG2A-mediated protection from lysis by the cytotoxic cell line NKL and polyclonal NK cells from healthy donors, as demonstrated by antibody-mediated relief of protection in 10% to 20% of the tested target-effector combinations. NKG2A-mediated protection of additional targets became evident on NK effector blocking with antibodies to activating receptors (DNAM-1, natural cytotoxicity receptors, and NKG2D). Thus, initial evidence that the long-elusive HLA-E molecule is enhanced by malignant transformation and is functional in tumor cells is presented here, although its importance and precise functional role remain to be addressed in the context of a general understanding of the NK ligand-receptor network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Lo Monaco
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute CRS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Tremante
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute CRS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Cerboni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University “La Sapienza,” Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Melucci
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sibilio
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute CRS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rita Nicotra
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute CRS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Giorgio Natali
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Bio-Oncologia Laboratories, University “Gabriele d'Annunzio,” Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizio Giacomini
- Laboratory of Immunology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute CRS, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Rother J, Jones D. Molecular markers of tumor progression in melanoma. Curr Genomics 2011; 10:231-9. [PMID: 19949544 PMCID: PMC2709934 DOI: 10.2174/138920209788488526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2009] [Revised: 03/28/2009] [Accepted: 03/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma represents one of the most aggressive malignancies but outcome is highly variable with early tumor lesions having an excellent prognosis following resection. We review here the data on identification of genes involved in the progression of melanoma as a result of expression array studies, genomic profiling, and genetic models. We focus on the role of tumor suppressors involved in cell cycle function, DNA repair, and genome maintenance. Highlighted are the roles of loss of p16 in promoting neoplasia in cooperation with deregulated MAPK signaling, and the role of loss of the RASSF1A protein in promoting chromosomal instability. The interactions between point mutation in growth signaling molecules and epigenetic changes in genes involved in DNA repair and cell division are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Rother
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
O'Meara MM, Disis ML. Therapeutic cancer vaccines and translating vaccinomics science to the global health clinic: emerging applications toward proof of concept. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2011; 15:579-88. [PMID: 21732821 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2010.0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As vaccines evolve to be a more common treatment for some cancers, further research is needed to improve the process of developing vaccines and assessing response to treatment. Vaccinomics involves a wide-ranging integration of multiple high throughput technologies including transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational population-based assessments of the human genome, transcriptome, proteome, and immunome. Vaccinomics combines the fields of immunogenetics, immunogenomics, immunoproteomics, and basic immunology to create vaccines that are tailor made to an individual or groups of individuals. This broad range of omics applications to tumor immunology includes antigen discovery, diagnostic biomarkers, cancer vaccine development, predictors of immune response, and clinical response biomarkers. These technologies have aided in the advancement of cancer vaccine development, as illustrated in examples including NY-ESO-1 originally defined by SEREX, and HER2/neu peptides analyzed via high-throughput epitope prediction methods. As technology improves, it presents an opportunity to improve cancer immunotherapy on a global scale, and attention must also be given to utilize these high-throughput methods for the understanding of cancer and immune signatures across populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan M O'Meara
- Tumor Vaccine Group, Center for Translational Medicine in Women's Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-8050, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Luo Y, Robinson S, Fujita J, Siconolfi L, Magidson J, Edwards CK, Wassmann K, Storm K, Norris DA, Bankaitis-Davis D, Robinson WA, Fujita M. Transcriptome profiling of whole blood cells identifies PLEK2 and C1QB in human melanoma. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20971. [PMID: 21698244 PMCID: PMC3115966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Developing analytical methodologies to identify biomarkers in easily accessible body fluids is highly valuable for the early diagnosis and management of cancer patients. Peripheral whole blood is a “nucleic acid-rich” and “inflammatory cell-rich” information reservoir and represents systemic processes altered by the presence of cancer cells. Methodology/Principal Findings We conducted transcriptome profiling of whole blood cells from melanoma patients. To overcome challenges associated with blood-based transcriptome analysis, we used a PAXgene™ tube and NuGEN Ovation™ globin reduction system. The combined use of these systems in microarray resulted in the identification of 78 unique genes differentially expressed in the blood of melanoma patients. Of these, 68 genes were further analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR using blood samples from 45 newly diagnosed melanoma patients (stage I to IV) and 50 healthy control individuals. Thirty-nine genes were verified to be differentially expressed in blood samples from melanoma patients. A stepwise logit analysis selected eighteen 2-gene signatures that distinguish melanoma from healthy controls. Of these, a 2-gene signature consisting of PLEK2 and C1QB led to the best result that correctly classified 93.3% melanoma patients and 90% healthy controls. Both genes were upregulated in blood samples of melanoma patients from all stages. Further analysis using blood fractionation showed that CD45− and CD45+ populations were responsible for the altered expression levels of PLEK2 and C1QB, respectively. Conclusions/Significance The current study provides the first analysis of whole blood-based transcriptome biomarkers for malignant melanoma. The expression of PLEK2, the strongest gene to classify melanoma patients, in CD45− subsets illustrates the importance of analyzing whole blood cells for biomarker studies. The study suggests that transcriptome profiling of blood cells could be used for both early detection of melanoma and monitoring of patients for residual disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchun Luo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Steven Robinson
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Junichi Fujita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | | | - Jay Magidson
- Statistical Innovations, Belmont, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Carl K. Edwards
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Karl Wassmann
- Source MDx, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | | | - David A. Norris
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | | | - William A. Robinson
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Mayumi Fujita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Nardin A, Wong WC, Tow C, Molina TJ, Tissier F, Audebourg A, Garcette M, Caignard A, Avril MF, Abastado JP, Prévost-Blondel A. Dacarbazine promotes stromal remodeling and lymphocyte infiltration in cutaneous melanoma lesions. J Invest Dermatol 2011; 131:1896-905. [PMID: 21654834 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2011.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dacarbazine (DTIC) is the standard first-line drug for advanced stage melanoma, but it induces objective clinical responses in only 15% of patients. This study was designed to identify molecular changes specifically induced by treatment in chemo-sensitive lesions. Using global transcriptome analysis and immunohistochemistry, we analyzed cutaneous metastases resected from patients with melanoma before and after DTIC treatment. The treatment induced similar functional changes in different lesions from the same patient. Stromal and immune response-related genes were the most frequently upregulated, particularly in lesions that responded to treatment by stabilizing or regressing. T-cell infiltration and enhanced major histocompatibility complex class II expression were observed in a subset of patients. Stable, chemo-sensitive lesions exhibited activation of genetic programs related to extracellular matrix remodeling, including increased expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) by tumor cells. These events were associated with local response to treatment and with superior survival in our group of patients. In contrast, SPARC expression was downregulated in lesions resistant to DTIC. Thus, chemotherapy drugs originally selected for their direct cytotoxicity to tumor cells may also influence disease progression by inducing changes in the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
|
48
|
Sigalotti L, Fratta E, Bidoli E, Covre A, Parisi G, Colizzi F, Coral S, Massarut S, Kirkwood JM, Maio M. Methylation levels of the "long interspersed nucleotide element-1" repetitive sequences predict survival of melanoma patients. J Transl Med 2011; 9:78. [PMID: 21615918 PMCID: PMC3123580 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prognosis of cutaneous melanoma (CM) differs for patients with identical clinico-pathological stage, and no molecular markers discriminating the prognosis of stage III individuals have been established. Genome-wide alterations in DNA methylation are a common event in cancer. This study aimed to define the prognostic value of genomic DNA methylation levels in stage III CM patients. Methods Overall level of genomic DNA methylation was measured using bisulfite pyrosequencing at three CpG sites (CpG1, CpG2, CpG3) of the Long Interspersed Nucleotide Element-1 (LINE-1) sequences in short-term CM cultures from 42 stage IIIC patients. The impact of LINE-1 methylation on overall survival (OS) was assessed using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Hypomethylation (i.e., methylation below median) at CpG2 and CpG3 sites significantly associated with improved prognosis of CM, CpG3 showing the strongest association. Patients with hypomethylated CpG3 had increased OS (P = 0.01, log-rank = 6.39) by Kaplan-Meyer analysis. Median OS of patients with hypomethylated or hypermethylated CpG3 were 31.9 and 11.5 months, respectively. The 5 year OS for patients with hypomethylated CpG3 was 48% compared to 7% for patients with hypermethylated sequences. Among the variables examined by Cox regression analysis, LINE-1 methylation at CpG2 and CpG3 was the only predictor of OS (Hazard Ratio = 2.63, for hypermethylated CpG3; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.21-5.69; P = 0.01). Conclusion LINE-1 methylation is identified as a molecular marker of prognosis for CM patients in stage IIIC. Evaluation of LINE-1 promises to represent a key tool for driving the most appropriate clinical management of stage III CM patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sigalotti
- Cancer Bioimmunotherapy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Disis ML. Immunologic biomarkers as correlates of clinical response to cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 60:433-42. [PMID: 21221967 PMCID: PMC11028861 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-010-0960-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, several newly developed immune-based cancer therapies have been shown to induce clinical responses in significant numbers of patients. As a result, there is a need to identify immune biomarkers capable of predicting clinical response. If there were laboratory parameters that could define patients with improved disease outcomes after immunomodulation, product development would accelerate, optimization of existing immune-based treatments would be facilitated and patient selection for specific interventions might be optimized. Although there are no validated cancer immunologic biomarkers that are predictive of clinical response currently in widespread use, there is much published literature that has informed investigators as to which markers may be the most promising. Population-based studies of endogenous tumor immune infiltrates and gene expression analyses have identified specific cell populations and phenotypes of immune cells that are most likely to mediate anti-tumor immunity. Further, clinical trials of cancer vaccines and other cancer directed immunotherapy have identified candidate immunologic biomarkers that are statistically associated with beneficial clinical outcomes after immune-based cancer therapies. Biomarkers that measure the magnitude of the Type I immune response generated with immune therapy, epitope spreading, and autoimmunity are readily detected in the peripheral blood and, in clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy, have been associated with response to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Disis
- Tumor Vaccine Group, Center for Translational Medicine in Women's Health, University of Washington, 815 Mercer Street, 2nd Floor, Box 358050, Seattle, WA 98195-8050, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Genetic factors in metastatic progression of cutaneous melanoma: the future role of circulating melanoma cells in prognosis and management. Clin Exp Metastasis 2011; 28:327-36. [PMID: 21311956 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-010-9368-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The greatest potential for improvement of outcome for patients with Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma lies in the prevention of systemic metastasis. Despite extensive investigation, current prognostic indicators either alone or in combination, although related to melanoma progression, are not sufficient to accurately predict the pattern of progression and outcome for any individual patient. Metastasis related death has been recorded in patients initially diagnosed with early stage tumour as well as in patients many years after initial tumour removal. The trouble finding a predictable pattern in the puzzle of melanoma progression may be linked to the fact that most of the material studied for prognosis is either, cutaneous primaries or metastatic deposits, rather than the melanoma cells in the circulatory system which are responsible for disease progression. In this review article we discuss the potential use of circulating tumour cell (CTC) detection and quantification for identifying patients at risk of metastatic deposits. We also discuss current therapies for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and analyse how CTCs may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of current therapies and to pinpoint patients who require further treatment.
Collapse
|