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Michielon E, de Gruijl TD, Gibbs S. From simplicity to complexity in current melanoma models. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1818-1836. [PMID: 36103206 PMCID: PMC10092692 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent impressive clinical success of immunotherapy against melanoma, development of primary and adaptive resistance against immune checkpoint inhibitors remains a major issue in a large number of treated patients. This highlights the need for melanoma models that replicate the tumor's intricate dynamics in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and associated immune suppression to study possible resistance mechanisms in order to improve current and test novel therapeutics. While two-dimensional melanoma cell cultures have been widely used to perform functional genomics screens in a high-throughput fashion, they are not suitable to answer more complex scientific questions. Melanoma models have also been established in a variety of experimental (humanized) animals. However, due to differences in physiology, such models do not fully represent human melanoma development. Therefore, fully human three-dimensional in vitro models mimicking melanoma cell interactions with the TME are being developed to address this need for more physiologically relevant models. Such models include melanoma organoids, spheroids, and reconstructed human melanoma-in-skin cultures. Still, while major advances have been made to complement and replace animals, these in vitro systems have yet to fully recapitulate human tumor complexity. Lastly, technical advancements have been made in the organ-on-chip field to replicate functions and microstructures of in vivo human tissues and organs. This review summarizes advancements made in understanding and treating melanoma and specifically aims to discuss the progress made towards developing melanoma models, their applications, limitations, and the advances still needed to further facilitate the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Michielon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Kumbhar P, Kole K, Yadav T, Bhavar A, Waghmare P, Bhokare R, Manjappa A, Jha NK, Chellappan DK, Shinde S, Singh SK, Dua K, Salawi A, Disouza J, Patravale V. Drug repurposing: An emerging strategy in alleviating skin cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 926:175031. [PMID: 35580707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. Several million people are estimated to have affected with this condition worldwide. Skin cancer generally includes melanoma and non-melanoma with the former being the most dangerous. Chemotherapy has been one of the key therapeutic strategies employed in the treatment of skin cancer, especially in advanced stages of the disease. It could be also used as an adjuvant with other treatment modalities depending on the type of skin cancer. However, there are several shortfalls associated with the use of chemotherapy such as non-selectivity, tumour resistance, life-threatening toxicities, and the exorbitant cost of medicines. Furthermore, new drug discovery is a lengthy and costly process with minimal likelihood of success. Thus, drug repurposing (DR) has emerged as a new avenue where the drug approved formerly for the treatment of one disease can be used for the treatment of another disease like cancer. This approach is greatly beneficial over the de novo approach in terms of time and cost. Moreover, there is minimal risk of failure of repurposed therapeutics in clinical trials. There are a considerable number of studies that have reported on drugs repurposed for the treatment of skin cancer. Thus, the present manuscript offers a comprehensive overview of drugs that have been investigated as repurposing candidates for the efficient treatment of skin cancers mainly melanoma and its oncogenic subtypes, and non-melanoma. The prospects of repurposing phytochemicals against skin cancer are also discussed. Furthermore, repurposed drug delivery via topical route and repurposed drugs in clinical trials are briefed. Based on the findings from the reported studies discussed in this manuscript, drug repurposing emerges to be a promising approach and thus is expected to offer efficient treatment at a reasonable cost in devitalizing skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Popat Kumbhar
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra, 416113, India
| | - Kapil Kole
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra, 416113, India
| | - Tejashree Yadav
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra, 416113, India
| | - Ashwini Bhavar
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra, 416113, India
| | - Pramod Waghmare
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra, 416113, India
| | - Rajdeep Bhokare
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra, 416113, India
| | - Arehalli Manjappa
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra, 416113, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied and Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sunita Shinde
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra, 416113, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia; Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007, India
| | - Ahmad Salawi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - John Disouza
- Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Warananagar, Tal: Panhala, Dist: Kolhapur Maharashtra, 416113, India.
| | - Vandana Patravale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400019, India.
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3
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Otto-Ślusarczyk D, Graboń W, Mielczarek-Puta M, Chrzanowska A. Teriflunomide - The common drug with underestimated oxygen - Dependent anticancer potential. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 28:101141. [PMID: 34611552 PMCID: PMC8476349 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Leflunomide (LFN) is a well-known immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory prodrug of teriflunomide (TFN). Due to pyrimidine synthesis inhibition TFN also exhibits potent anticancer effect. Because, there is the strict coupling between the pyrimidine synthesis and the mitochondrial respiratory chain, the oxygen level could modify the cytostatic TNF effect. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cytostatic effect of pharmacologically achievable teriflunomide (TFN) concentrations at physiological oxygen levels, i.e. 1% hypoxia and 10% tissue normoxia compared to 21% oxygen level occurred in routine cell culture environment. The TFN effect was evaluated using TB, MTT and FITC Annexin tests for human primary (SW480) and metastatic (SW620) colon cancer cell lines at various oxygen levels. We demonstrated significant differences between proliferation, survival and apoptosis at 1, 10 and 21% oxygen in primary and metastatic colon cancer cell lines (SW480, SW620) under TFN treatment. The cytostatic TFN effect was more pronounced at hypoxia compared to tissue and atmospheric normoxia in both cancer cell lines, however metastatic cells were more resistant to antiproliferative and proapoptotic TFN action. The early apoptosis was predominant in physiological oxygen tension while in atmospheric normoxia the late apoptosis was induced. Our findings showed that anticancer TFN effect is more strong in physiological oxygen compared to atmospheric normoxia. It suggests that results obtained from in vitro studies could be underestimated. Thus, it gives assumption for future comprehensive studies at real oxygen environment involving TNF use in combination with other antitumor agents affecting oxygen-dependent pyrimidine synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Otto-Ślusarczyk
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Banacha 1, Poland
| | - Wojciech Graboń
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Banacha 1, Poland
| | - Magdalena Mielczarek-Puta
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Banacha 1, Poland
| | - Alicja Chrzanowska
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Banacha 1, Poland
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4
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Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. While clinical developments have significantly improved patient prognosis, effective treatment is often obstructed by limited response rates, intrinsic or acquired resistance to therapy, and adverse events. Melanoma initiation and progression are associated with transcriptional reprogramming of melanocytes to a cell state that resembles the lineage from which the cells are specified during development, that is the neural crest. Convergence to a neural crest cell (NCC)-like state revealed the therapeutic potential of targeting developmental pathways for the treatment of melanoma. Neural crest cells have a unique sensitivity to metabolic dysregulation, especially nucleotide depletion. Mutations in the pyrimidine biosynthesis enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) particularly affect neural crest-derived tissues and cause Miller syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial malformations in patients. The developmental susceptibility of the neural crest to nucleotide deficiency is conserved in melanoma and provides a metabolic vulnerability that can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. We review the current knowledge on nucleotide stress responses in neural crest and melanoma and discuss how the recent scientific advances that have improved our understanding of transcriptional regulation during nucleotide depletion can impact melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Sporrij
- Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leonard I Zon
- Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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5
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Stockhammer P, Okumus Ö, Hegedus L, Rittler D, Ploenes T, Herold T, Kalbourtzis S, Bankfalvi A, Sucker A, Kimmig R, Aigner C, Hegedus B. HDAC Inhibition Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition in a Novel Pleural-Effusion Derived Uterine Carcinosarcoma Cell Line. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:636088. [PMID: 34257602 PMCID: PMC8262245 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.636088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is a rare but highly aggressive malignancy with biphasic growth pattern. This morphology can be attributed to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that often associates with tumor invasion and metastasis. Accordingly, we analyzed a novel patient-derived preclinical model to explore whether EMT is a potential target in UCS. Methods: A novel UCS cell line (PF338) was established from the malignant pleural effusion of a 59-year-old patient at time of disease progression. Immunohistochemistry was performed in primary and metastatic tumor lesions. Oncogenic mutations were identified by next-generation sequencing. Viability assays and cell cycle analyses were used to test in vitro sensitivity to different standard and novel treatments. E-cadherin, β-catenin and pSMAD2 expressions were measured by immunoblot. Results: Whereas immunohistochemistry of the metastatic tumor showed a predominantly sarcomatous vimentin positive tumor that has lost E-cadherin expression, PF338 cells demonstrated biphasic growth and carried mutations in KRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN and ARID1A. PF338 tumor cells were resistant to MEK- and TGF-β signaling-inhibition but sensitive to PIK3CA- and PARP-inhibition and first-line chemotherapeutics. Strikingly, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition markedly reduced cell viability by inducing a dose-dependent G0/1 arrest and led to mesenchymal-epithelial transition as evidenced by morphological change and increased E-cadherin and β-catenin expression. Conclusions: Our data suggest that HDAC inhibition is effective in a novel UCS cell line by interfering with both viability and differentiation. These findings emphasize the dynamic manner of EMT/MET and epigenetics and the importance of molecular profiling to pave the way for novel therapies in UCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Stockhammer
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Division of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Özlem Okumus
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Luca Hegedus
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dominika Rittler
- 2nd Institute of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Till Ploenes
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Herold
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stavros Kalbourtzis
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Agnes Bankfalvi
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Antje Sucker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Clemens Aigner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Balazs Hegedus
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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6
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AhR and Cancer: From Gene Profiling to Targeted Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020752. [PMID: 33451095 PMCID: PMC7828536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that has been shown to be an essential regulator of a broad spectrum of biological activities required for maintaining the body’s vital functions. AhR also plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. Its role in cancer is complex, encompassing both pro- and anti-tumorigenic activities. Its level of expression and activity are specific to each tumor and patient, increasing the difficulty of understanding the activating or inhibiting roles of AhR ligands. We explored the role of AhR in tumor cell lines and patients using genomic data sets and discuss the extent to which AhR can be considered as a therapeutic target.
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Cortés H, Reyes-Hernández OD, Alcalá-Alcalá S, Bernal-Chávez SA, Caballero-Florán IH, González-Torres M, Sharifi-Rad J, González-Del Carmen M, Figueroa-González G, Leyva-Gómez G. Repurposing of Drug Candidates for Treatment of Skin Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 10:605714. [PMID: 33489912 PMCID: PMC7821387 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.605714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers are highly prevalent malignancies that affect millions of people worldwide. These include melanomas and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Melanomas are among the most dangerous cancers, while nonmelanoma skin cancers generally exhibit a more benign clinical pattern; however, they may sometimes be aggressive and metastatic. Melanomas typically appear in body regions exposed to the sun, although they may also appear in areas that do not usually get sun exposure. Thus, their development is multifactorial, comprising endogenous and exogenous risk factors. The management of skin cancer depends on the type; it is usually based on surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. In this respect, oncological treatments have demonstrated some progress in the last years; however, current therapies still present various disadvantages such as little cell specificity, recurrent relapses, high toxicity, and increased costs. Furthermore, the pursuit of novel medications is expensive, and the authorization for their clinical utilization may take 10–15 years. Thus, repositioning of drugs previously approved and utilized for other diseases has emerged as an excellent alternative. In this mini-review, we aimed to provide an updated overview of drugs’ repurposing to treat skin cancer and discuss future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernán Cortés
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Octavio D Reyes-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular del Cáncer, UMIEZ, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sergio Alcalá-Alcalá
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Sergio A Bernal-Chávez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Isaac H Caballero-Florán
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Maykel González-Torres
- CONACyT-Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | | | - Gabriela Figueroa-González
- Laboratorio de Farmacogenética, UMIEZ, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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8
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Hu HF, Xu WW, Li YJ, He Y, Zhang WX, Liao L, Zhang QH, Han L, Yin XF, Zhao XX, Pan YL, Li B, He QY. Anti-allergic drug azelastine suppresses colon tumorigenesis by directly targeting ARF1 to inhibit IQGAP1-ERK-Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:1828-1844. [PMID: 33408784 PMCID: PMC7778598 DOI: 10.7150/thno.48698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to screen novel anticancer strategies from FDA-approved non-cancer drugs and identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: A library consisting of 1056 FDA-approved drugs was screened for anticancer agents. WST-1, colony-formation, flow cytometry, and tumor xenograft assays were used to determine the anticancer effect of azelastine. Quantitative proteomics, confocal imaging, Western blotting and JC-1 assays were performed to examine the effects on mitochondrial pathways. The target protein of azelastine was analyzed and confirmed by DARTS, WST-1, Biacore and tumor xenograft assays. Immunohistochemistry, gain- and loss-of-function experiments, WST-1, colony-formation, immunoprecipitation, and tumor xenograft assays were used to examine the functional and clinical significance of ARF1 in colon tumorigenesis. Results: Azelastine, a current anti-allergic drug, was found to exert a significant inhibitory effect on CRC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, but not on ARF1-deficient or ARF1-T48S mutant cells. ARF1 was identified as a direct target of azelastine. High ARF1 expression was associated with advanced stages and poor survival of CRC. ARF1 promoted colon tumorigenesis through its interaction with IQGAP1 and subsequent activation of ERK signaling and mitochondrial fission by enhancing the interaction of IQGAP1 with MEK and ERK. Mechanistically, azelastine bound to Thr-48 in ARF1 and repressed its activity, decreasing Drp1 phosphorylation. This, in turn, inhibited mitochondrial fission and suppressed colon tumorigenesis by blocking IQGAP1-ERK signaling. Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that azelastine may be novel therapeutics for CRC treatment. ARF1 promotes colon tumorigenesis, representing a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in CRC.
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Frantz WT, Ceol CJ. From Tank to Treatment: Modeling Melanoma in Zebrafish. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051289. [PMID: 32455885 PMCID: PMC7290816 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and one of few cancers with a growing incidence. A thorough understanding of its pathogenesis is fundamental to developing new strategies to combat mortality and morbidity. Zebrafish—due in large part to their tractable genetics, conserved pathways, and optical properties—have emerged as an excellent system to model melanoma. Zebrafish have been used to study melanoma from a single tumor initiating cell, through metastasis, remission, and finally into relapse. In this review, we examine seminal zebrafish studies that have advanced our understanding of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Tyler Frantz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA;
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Craig J Ceol
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA;
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Correspondence:
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10
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Cheng L, Wang H, Wang Z, Huang H, Zhuo D, Lin J. Leflunomide Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis via Suppressing Autophagy and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway in Human Bladder Cancer Cells. Drug Des Devel Ther 2020; 14:1897-1908. [PMID: 32546957 PMCID: PMC7244359 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s252626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bladder cancer is a lethal human malignancy. Currently, treatment for bladder cancer is limited. The anti-tumor effects of leflunomide have attracted much more concern in multiple human cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study evaluated the anti-tumor effects of leflunomide on cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, and cell cycle in two human bladder carcinoma cell lines, 5637 and T24. Meanwhile, the underlying mechanism including PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and autophagy modulation was also identified. RESULTS Leflunomide markedly inhibited the growth of both bladder cancer cell lines and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in S phase. The phosphorylation levels of Akt and P70S6K in both cell lines were significantly down-regulated with leflunomide treatment. Furthermore, the deceased formation of autophagosomes and the accumulation of LC3II and P62 suggested the blockade of autophagy by leflunomide. Modulation of autophagy with rapamycin and chloroquine markedly attenuated and enhanced the cytostatic effects of leflunomide, respectively. CONCLUSION Leflunomide significantly reduced the cell viability of bladder cancer cells via inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and suppressing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In addition, the blockade of autophagy was observed, and autophagy inhibition enhanced leflunomide-mediating anti-tumor effects. Our data presented here offer novel ideas for comprehensive therapeutic regimes on bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cheng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zicheng Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Houbao Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dong Zhuo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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11
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TLD1433 Photosensitizer Inhibits Conjunctival Melanoma Cells in Zebrafish Ectopic and Orthotopic Tumour Models. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030587. [PMID: 32143295 PMCID: PMC7139549 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ruthenium-based photosensitizer (PS) TLD1433 has completed a phase I clinical trial for photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment of bladder cancer. Here, we investigated a possible repurposing of this drug for treatment of conjunctival melanoma (CM). CM is a rare but often deadly ocular cancer. The efficacy of TLD1433 was tested on several cell lines from CM (CRMM1, CRMM2 and CM2005), uveal melanoma (OMM1, OMM2.5, MEL270), epidermoid carcinoma (A431) and cutaneous melanoma (A375). Using 15 min green light irradiation (21 mW/cm2, 19 J.cm-2, 520 nm), the highest phototherapeutic index (PI) was reached in CM cells, with cell death occurring via apoptosis and necrosis. The therapeutic potential of TLD1433 was hence further validated in zebrafish ectopic and newly-developed orthotopic CM models. Fluorescent CRMM1 and CRMM2 cells were injected into the circulation of zebrafish (ectopic model) or behind the eye (orthotopic model) and 24 h later, the engrafted embryos were treated with the maximally-tolerated dose of TLD1433. The drug was administrated in three ways, either by (i) incubating the fish in drug-containing water (WA), or (ii) injecting the drug intravenously into the fish (IV), or (iii) injecting the drug retro-orbitally (RO) into the fish. Optimally, four consecutive PDT treatments were performed on engrafted embryos using 60 min drug-to-light intervals and 90 min green light irradiation (21 mW/cm2, 114 J.cm-2, 520 nm). This PDT protocol was not toxic to the fish. In the ectopic tumour model, both systemic administration by IV injection and RO injection of TLD1433 significantly inhibited growth of engrafted CRMM1 and CRMM2 cells. However, in the orthotopic model, tumour growth was only attenuated by localized RO injection of TLD1433. These data unequivocally prove that the zebrafish provides a fast vertebrate cancer model that can be used to test the administration regimen, host toxicity and anti-cancer efficacy of PDT drugs against CM. Based on our results, we suggest repurposing of TLD1433 for treatment of incurable CM and further testing in alternative pre-clinical models.
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UVB-induced DHODH upregulation, which is driven by STAT3, is a promising target for chemoprevention and combination therapy of photocarcinogenesis. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:52. [PMID: 31551419 PMCID: PMC6760220 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The leading cause of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) is exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV). Unlike most other cancers, the incidence rates of cSCCs are still on the rise and the treatment options currently available are limited. We have recently found that dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway, plays a critical role in UVB-induced energy metabolism reprogramming. Using a multistage model of UVB radiation-induced skin cancer, we show that UVB-induced DHODH upregulation is mainly regulated transcriptionally by STAT3. Our results indicate that chronic inhibition of DHODH by leflunomide (LFN) blocks UVB-induced tumor initiation. Human tumor xenograft studies showed that LFN treatment reduces growth of established tumors when used in combination with a genotoxic agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Our data suggest that DHODH is a promising target for chemoprevention and combination therapy of UVB-induced cSCCs.
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Melanoma and autoimmunity: spontaneous regressions as a possible model for new therapeutic approaches. Melanoma Res 2019; 29:231-236. [PMID: 30615013 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Until now, malignancy has been considered a cellular problem represented by the perturbed (uncontrolled) division of the cells associated with invasion and metastasis. Contrary to this classical approach, a new perspective suggests that cancerous disease is, in fact, a supracellular problem represented by inadequate evolution of complex supracellular processes (embryogenesis, development, regeneration, etc.). Such complex processes would be disconnected from the real needs of the body, inducing unnecessary or even dangerous events such as an exacerbated rate of the cell division, angiogenesis, immunosuppression (specific to embryogenesis and melanoma), invasion (mediated by trophoblastic/placental factors in melanoma), and migration (specific to neural crest cells, which generate melanocytes - the most common origin for melanoma). As a result, a correct and comprehensive interpretation of cancer (causes, evolution, therapy, and prevention) should be conducted from a supracellular perspective. After presenting the supracellular perspective, this article further investigates the favorable evolution of malignant melanoma in two distinct situations: in patients receiving no therapy and in patients treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In patients receiving no therapy, spontaneous regressions of melanoma could be the result of several autoimmune reactions (inducing not only melanoma regression but also vitiligo, an autoimmune event frequently associated with melanoma). Patients treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors develop similar autoimmune reactions, which are clearly correlated with better therapeutic results. The best example is vitiligo, which is considered a positive prognostic factor for patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors. This finding indicates that immune-checkpoint inhibitors induce distinct types of autoimmune events, some corresponding to specific favorable autoimmune mechanisms (favoring tumor regression) and others to common unfavorable adverse reactions (which should be avoided or minimized). In conclusion, the spectrum of autoimmune reactions induced by immune-checkpoint inhibitors should be restricted in the near future to only these specific favorable autoimmune mechanisms. In this way, the unnecessary autoimmune reactions/autoaggressions could be avoided (a better quality of life), and treatment specificity and efficiency should increase (a higher response rate for melanoma therapy).
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Heinzerling L, Eigentler TK, Fluck M, Hassel JC, Heller-Schenck D, Leipe J, Pauschinger M, Vogel A, Zimmer L, Gutzmer R. Tolerability of BRAF/MEK inhibitor combinations: adverse event evaluation and management. ESMO Open 2019; 4:e000491. [PMID: 31231568 PMCID: PMC6555610 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2019-000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinases signalling pathway through combined use of BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi+MEKi) represents an established therapeutic option in patients with BRAF-mutated, advanced melanoma. These efficient therapies are well tolerated with mostly moderate and reversible side effects and a discontinuation rate due to adverse events of 11.5%-15.7%. Median duration of therapy ranges between 8.8 and 11.7 months. Based on data from confirmatory trials, safety profiles of three BRAFi+MEKi combinations were reviewed, that is, dabrafenib plus trametinib, vemurafenib plus cobimetinib and encorafenib plus binimetinib. Many adverse events are class effects, such as cutaneous, gastrointestinal, ocular, cardiac and musculoskeletal events; some adverse events are substance associated. Fever (dabrafenib) and photosensitivity (vemurafenib) are the most common and clinically prominent examples. Other adverse events are less frequent and the association to one substance is less strong such as anaemia, facial paresis (encorafenib), neutropenia (dabrafenib), skin rash, QTc prolongation and increased liver function tests (vemurafenib). This narrative review provides recommendations for monitoring, adverse event evaluation and management focusing on the clinically relevant side effects of the three regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas K Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Dermatooncology, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Fluck
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fachklinik Hornheide, Münster, Germany
| | - Jessica C Hassel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Jan Leipe
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Pauschinger
- Department of Cardiology, Klinikum Nürnberg Süd, Paracelsus Medical University Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, University Essen-Duisburg, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Corre S, Tardif N, Mouchet N, Leclair HM, Boussemart L, Gautron A, Bachelot L, Perrot A, Soshilov A, Rogiers A, Rambow F, Dumontet E, Tarte K, Bessede A, Guillemin GJ, Marine JC, Denison MS, Gilot D, Galibert MD. Sustained activation of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor transcription factor promotes resistance to BRAF-inhibitors in melanoma. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4775. [PMID: 30429474 PMCID: PMC6235830 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06951-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF inhibitors target the BRAF-V600E/K mutated kinase, the driver mutation found in 50% of cutaneous melanoma. They give unprecedented anti-tumor responses but acquisition of resistance ultimately limits their clinical benefit. The master regulators driving the expression of resistance-genes remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) transcription factor is constitutively activated in a subset of melanoma cells, promoting the dedifferentiation of melanoma cells and the expression of BRAFi-resistance genes. Typically, under BRAFi pressure, death of BRAFi-sensitive cells leads to an enrichment of a small subpopulation of AhR-activated and BRAFi-persister cells, responsible for relapse. Also, differentiated and BRAFi-sensitive cells can be redirected towards an AhR-dependent resistant program using AhR agonists. We thus identify Resveratrol, a clinically compatible AhR-antagonist that abrogates deleterious AhR sustained-activation. Combined with BRAFi, Resveratrol reduces the number of BRAFi-resistant cells and delays tumor growth. We thus propose AhR-impairment as a strategy to overcome melanoma resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Corre
- IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, CNRS, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Nina Tardif
- IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, CNRS, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Nicolas Mouchet
- IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, CNRS, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Héloïse M Leclair
- IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, CNRS, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Lise Boussemart
- IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, CNRS, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France.,Department of Dermatology, Hospital University of Rennes (CHU Rennes), F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Arthur Gautron
- IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, CNRS, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Laura Bachelot
- IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, CNRS, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Anthony Perrot
- IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, CNRS, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Anatoly Soshilov
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Meyer Hall, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Aljosja Rogiers
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.,Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Florian Rambow
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.,Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Erwan Dumontet
- MICMAC (MIcroenvironment, Cell differentiation, iMmunology And Cancer)-UMR_S 1236, Inserm, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Karin Tarte
- MICMAC (MIcroenvironment, Cell differentiation, iMmunology And Cancer)-UMR_S 1236, Inserm, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | | | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, MND and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Center, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.,Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Michael S Denison
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Meyer Hall, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - David Gilot
- IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, CNRS, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Marie-Dominique Galibert
- IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes)-UMR6290, CNRS, Univ Rennes, F-35000, Rennes, France. .,Department of Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Hospital University of Rennes (CHU Rennes), F-35000, Rennes, France.
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An industry update: what is the latest news in the therapeutic delivery field? Ther Deliv 2018. [DOI: 10.4155/tde-2018-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present industry update covers the period 1–31 December 2017. Information was sourced primarily from scientific literature and various news websites, company press releases, regulatory and patent agencies. The most representative (not all) examples of research are herein described and they are mainly focused on metabolic diseases, cancer, blood pressure diseases, eyes diseases and, in some cases, in rare diseases. In this paper, there was a clear positive approval tendency for several companies where they offered novel therapeutic delivery candidates. Some patents related to the therapeutic field were also published during this month. Finally, the US FDA announced the availability of a draft guidance for industry for products containing nanomaterials (investigational, pre-market and post-market submissions).
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