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Louphrasitthiphol P, Loffreda A, Pogenberg V, Picaud S, Schepsky A, Friedrichsen H, Zeng Z, Lashgari A, Thomas B, Patton EE, Wilmanns M, Filippakopoulos P, Lambert JP, Steingrímsson E, Mazza D, Goding CR. Acetylation reprograms MITF target selectivity and residence time. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6051. [PMID: 37770430 PMCID: PMC10539308 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of transcription factors to discriminate between different classes of binding sites associated with specific biological functions underpins effective gene regulation in development and homeostasis. How this is achieved is poorly understood. The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor MITF is a lineage-survival oncogene that plays a crucial role in melanocyte development and melanoma. MITF suppresses invasion, reprograms metabolism and promotes both proliferation and differentiation. How MITF distinguishes between differentiation and proliferation-associated targets is unknown. Here we show that compared to many transcription factors MITF exhibits a very long residence time which is reduced by p300/CBP-mediated MITF acetylation at K206. While K206 acetylation also decreases genome-wide MITF DNA-binding affinity, it preferentially directs DNA binding away from differentiation-associated CATGTG motifs toward CACGTG elements. The results reveal an acetylation-mediated switch that suppresses differentiation and provides a mechanistic explanation of why a human K206Q MITF mutation is associated with Waardenburg syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Alessia Loffreda
- Experimental Imaging Center, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Vivian Pogenberg
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Hamburg Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Picaud
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander Schepsky
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Hans Friedrichsen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Zhiqiang Zeng
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, MRC Human Genetics Unit & Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anahita Lashgari
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada; Endocrinology - Nephrology Axis, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Benjamin Thomas
- Central Proteomics Facility, Sir William Dunn Pathology School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, MRC Human Genetics Unit & Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthias Wilmanns
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Hamburg, Germany
- University Hamburg Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Panagis Filippakopoulos
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Jean-Philippe Lambert
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada; Endocrinology - Nephrology Axis, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Eiríkur Steingrímsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Davide Mazza
- Experimental Imaging Center, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Università Vita-Salulte San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK.
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2
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Neuendorf HM, Simmons JL, Boyle GM. Therapeutic targeting of anoikis resistance in cutaneous melanoma metastasis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1183328. [PMID: 37181747 PMCID: PMC10169659 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1183328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of resistance to anoikis, the cell death induced by loss of adhesion to the extracellular matrix, is an absolute requirement for the survival of disseminating and circulating tumour cells (CTCs), and for the seeding of metastatic lesions. In melanoma, a range of intracellular signalling cascades have been identified as potential drivers of anoikis resistance, however a full understanding of the process is yet to be attained. Mechanisms of anoikis resistance pose an attractive target for the therapeutic treatment of disseminating and circulating melanoma cells. This review explores the range of small molecule, peptide and antibody inhibitors targeting molecules involved in anoikis resistance in melanoma, and may be repurposed to prevent metastatic melanoma prior to its initiation, potentially improving the prognosis for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Neuendorf
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jacinta L. Simmons
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Glen M. Boyle
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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3
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Zhao X, Richardson DR. The role of the NDRG1 in the pathogenesis and treatment of breast cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188871. [PMID: 36841367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death in women. This disease is heterogeneous, with clinical subtypes being estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) positive, having human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression, or being triple-negative for ER-α, progesterone receptor, and HER2 (TNBC). The ER-α positive and HER2 overexpressing tumors can be treated with agents targeting these proteins, including tamoxifen and pertuzumab, respectively. Despite these treatments, resistance and metastasis are problematic, while TNBC is challenging to treat due to the lack of suitable targets. Many studies examining BC and other tumors indicate a role for N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) as a metastasis suppressor. The ability of NDRG1 to inhibit metastasis is due, in part, to the inhibition of the initial step in metastasis, namely the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Paradoxically, there are also reports of NDRG1 playing a pro-oncogenic role in BC pathogenesis. The oncogenic effects of NDRG1 in BC have been reported to relate to lipid metabolism or the mTOR signaling pathway. The molecular mechanism(s) of how NDRG1 regulates the activity of multiple signaling pathways remains unclear. Therapeutic strategies that up-regulate NDRG1 have been developed and include agents of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone class. These compounds target oncogenic drivers in BC cells, suppressing the expression of multiple key hormone receptors including ER-α, progesterone receptor, androgen receptor, and prolactin receptor, and can also overcome tamoxifen resistance. Considering the varying role of NDRG1 in BC pathogenesis, further studies are required to examine what subset of BC patients would benefit from pharmacopeia that up-regulate NDRG1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhao
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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4
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Falletta P, Goding CR, Vivas-García Y. Connecting Metabolic Rewiring With Phenotype Switching in Melanoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930250. [PMID: 35912100 PMCID: PMC9334657 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a complex and aggressive cancer type that contains different cell subpopulations displaying distinct phenotypes within the same tumor. Metabolic reprogramming, a hallmark of cell transformation, is essential for melanoma cells to adopt different phenotypic states necessary for adaptation to changes arising from a dynamic milieu and oncogenic mutations. Increasing evidence demonstrates how melanoma cells can exhibit distinct metabolic profiles depending on their specific phenotype, allowing adaptation to hostile microenvironmental conditions, such as hypoxia or nutrient depletion. For instance, increased glucose consumption and lipid anabolism are associated with proliferation, while a dependency on exogenous fatty acids and an oxidative state are linked to invasion and metastatic dissemination. How these different metabolic dependencies are integrated with specific cell phenotypes is poorly understood and little is known about metabolic changes underpinning melanoma metastasis. Recent evidence suggests that metabolic rewiring engaging transitions to invasion and metastatic progression may be dependent on several factors, such as specific oncogenic programs or lineage-restricted mechanisms controlling cell metabolism, intra-tumor microenvironmental cues and anatomical location of metastasis. In this review we highlight how the main molecular events supporting melanoma metabolic rewiring and phenotype-switching are parallel and interconnected events that dictate tumor progression and metastatic dissemination through interplay with the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Falletta
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Falletta, ; Colin R. Goding, ; Yurena Vivas-García, ,
| | - Colin R. Goding
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Paola Falletta, ; Colin R. Goding, ; Yurena Vivas-García, ,
| | - Yurena Vivas-García
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Paola Falletta, ; Colin R. Goding, ; Yurena Vivas-García, ,
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5
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Vergani E, Beretta GL, Aloisi M, Costantino M, Corno C, Frigerio S, Tinelli S, Dugo M, Accattatis FM, Granata A, Arnaboldi L, Rodolfo M, Perego P, Gatti L. Targeting of the Lipid Metabolism Impairs Resistance to BRAF Kinase Inhibitor in Melanoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:927118. [PMID: 35912092 PMCID: PMC9326082 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.927118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance limits the achievement of persistent cures for the treatment of melanoma, in spite of the efficacy of the available drugs. The aim of the present study was to explore the involvement of lipid metabolism in melanoma resistance and assess the effects of its targeting in cellular models of melanoma with acquired resistance to the BRAF-inhibitor PLX4032/Vemurafenib. Since transcriptional profiles pointed to decreased cholesterol and fatty acids synthesis in resistant cells as compared to their parental counterparts, we examined lipid composition profiles of resistant cells, studied cell growth dependence on extracellular lipids, assessed the modulation of enzymes controlling the main nodes in lipid biosynthesis, and evaluated the effects of targeting Acetyl-CoA Acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2), the first enzyme in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, and Acyl-CoA Cholesterol Acyl Transferase (ACAT/SOAT), which catalyzes the intracellular esterification of cholesterol and the formation of cholesteryl esters. We found a different lipid composition in the resistant cells, which displayed reduced saturated fatty acids (SFA), increased monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA), and reduced cholesteryl esters (CE) and triglycerides (TG), along with modulated expression of enzymes regulating biosynthetic nodes of the lipid metabolism. The effect of tackling lipid metabolism pathways in resistant cells was evidenced by lipid starvation, which reduced cell growth, increased sensitivity to the BRAF-inhibitor PLX4032, and induced the expression of enzymes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism. Molecular targeting of ACAT2 or pharmacological inhibition of SOAT by avasimibe showed antiproliferative effects in melanoma cell lines and a synergistic drug interaction with PLX4032, an effect associated to increased ferroptosis. Overall, our findings reveal that lipid metabolism affects melanoma sensitivity to BRAF inhibitors and that extracellular lipid availability may influence tumor cell response to treatment, a relevant finding in the frame of personalized therapy. In addition, our results indicate new candidate targets for drug combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Vergani
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni L. Beretta
- Unit of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Aloisi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Costantino
- Unit of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Corno
- Unit of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Frigerio
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stella Tinelli
- Unit of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Felice Maria Accattatis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Agnese Granata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences DISFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Arnaboldi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences DISFeB, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Rodolfo
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Monica Rodolfo,
| | - Paola Perego
- Unit of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Gatti
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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6
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Frantz WT, Ceol CJ. Working together: Heterotypic clusters and collective cell migration in melanoma metastasis. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2783-2784. [PMID: 34699785 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Developmental Cell, Campbell et al. (2021) show that melanoma cells with distinct invasive or proliferative gene signatures can form heterotypic clusters that extravasate collectively and readily seed the growth of metastatic lesions. These findings highlight interactions between heterogenous tumor cells as being critical for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T Frantz
- Program in Molecular Medicine and Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Craig J Ceol
- Program in Molecular Medicine and Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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7
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Dobre EG, Constantin C, Costache M, Neagu M. Interrogating Epigenome toward Personalized Approach in Cutaneous Melanoma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:901. [PMID: 34575678 PMCID: PMC8467841 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations have emerged as essential contributors in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including cutaneous melanoma (CM). Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic modifications are highly dynamic and reversible and thus easy to regulate. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the latest research findings on the role of genetic and epigenetic alterations in CM initiation and development. We believe that a better understanding of how aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications, along with other molecular processes, affect the genesis and clinical behavior of CM can provide the clinical management of this disease a wide range of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets that can be used to prevent or abrogate drug resistance. We will also approach the modalities by which these epigenetic alterations can be used to customize the therapeutic algorithms in CM, the current status of epi-therapies, and the preliminary results of epigenetic and traditional combinatorial pharmacological approaches in this fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (M.N.)
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marieta Costache
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (M.N.)
| | - Monica Neagu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (M.N.)
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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8
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Pedri D, Karras P, Landeloos E, Marine JC, Rambow F. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal-like transition events in melanoma. FEBS J 2021; 289:1352-1368. [PMID: 33999497 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process through which epithelial tumor cells acquire mesenchymal phenotypic properties, contributes to both metastatic dissemination and therapy resistance in cancer. Accumulating evidence indicates that nonepithelial tumors, including melanoma, can also gain mesenchymal-like properties that increase their metastatic propensity and decrease their sensitivity to therapy. In this review, we discuss recent findings, illustrating the striking similarities-but also knowledge gaps-between the biology of mesenchymal-like state(s) in melanoma and mesenchymal state(s) from epithelial cancers. Based on this comparative analysis, we suggest hypothesis-driven experimental approaches to further deepen our understanding of the EMT-like process in melanoma and how such investigations may pave the way towards the identification of clinically relevant biomarkers for prognosis and new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Pedri
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Membrane Trafficking, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ewout Landeloos
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Florian Rambow
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium
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9
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Sarma A, Gajan A, Kim S, Gurdziel K, Mao G, Nangia-Makker P, Shekhar MPV. RAD6B Loss Disrupts Expression of Melanoma Phenotype in Part by Inhibiting WNT/β-Catenin Signaling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:368-384. [PMID: 33181138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Canonical Wnt signaling is critical for melanocyte lineage commitment and melanoma development. RAD6B, a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme critical for translesion DNA synthesis, potentiates β-catenin stability/activity by inducing proteasome-insensitive polyubiquitination. RAD6B expression is induced by β-catenin, triggering a positive feedback loop between the two proteins. RAD6B function in melanoma development/progression was investigated by targeting RAD6B using CrispR/Cas9 or an RAD6-selective small-molecule inhibitor #9 (SMI#9). SMI#9 treatment inhibited melanoma cell proliferation but not normal melanocytes. RAD6B knockout or inhibition in metastatic melanoma cells downregulated β-catenin, β-catenin-regulated microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), sex-determining region Y-box 10, vimentin proteins, and MITF-regulated melan A. RAD6B knockout or inhibition decreased migration/invasion, tumor growth, and lung metastasis. RNA-sequencing and stem cell pathway real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed profound reductions in WNT1 expressions in RAD6B knockout M14 cells compared with control. Expression levels of β-catenin-regulated genes VIM, MITF-M, melan A, and TYRP1 (a tyrosinase family member critical for melanin biosynthesis) were reduced in RAD6B knockout cells. Pathway analysis identified gene networks regulating stem cell pluripotency, Wnt signaling, melanocyte development, pigmentation signaling, and protein ubiquitination, besides DNA damage response signaling, as being impacted by RAD6B gene disruption. These data reveal an important and early role for RAD6B in melanoma development besides its bonafide translesion DNA synthesis function, and suggest that targeting RAD6B may provide a novel strategy to treat melanomas with dysregulated canonical Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashapurna Sarma
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ambikai Gajan
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Seongho Kim
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | - Guangzhao Mao
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Pratima Nangia-Makker
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Malathy P V Shekhar
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.
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10
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Proietti I, Skroza N, Bernardini N, Tolino E, Balduzzi V, Marchesiello A, Michelini S, Volpe S, Mambrin A, Mangino G, Romeo G, Maddalena P, Rees C, Potenza C. Mechanisms of Acquired BRAF Inhibitor Resistance in Melanoma: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2801. [PMID: 33003483 PMCID: PMC7600801 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review investigated the literature on acquired v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) inhibitor resistance in patients with melanoma. We searched MEDLINE for articles on BRAF inhibitor resistance in patients with melanoma published since January 2010 in the following areas: (1) genetic basis of resistance; (2) epigenetic and transcriptomic mechanisms; (3) influence of the immune system on resistance development; and (4) combination therapy to overcome resistance. Common resistance mutations in melanoma are BRAF splice variants, BRAF amplification, neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) mutations and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) mutations. Genetic and epigenetic changes reactivate previously blocked mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, activate alternative signaling pathways, and cause epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Once BRAF inhibitor resistance develops, the tumor microenvironment reverts to a low immunogenic state secondary to the induction of programmed cell death ligand-1. Combining a BRAF inhibitor with a MEK inhibitor delays resistance development and increases duration of response. Multiple other combinations based on known mechanisms of resistance are being investigated. BRAF inhibitor-resistant cells develop a range of 'escape routes', so multiple different treatment targets will probably be required to overcome resistance. In the future, it may be possible to personalize combination therapy towards the specific resistance pathway in individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Proietti
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Nevena Skroza
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Nicoletta Bernardini
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Ersilia Tolino
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Veronica Balduzzi
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Anna Marchesiello
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Simone Michelini
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Salvatore Volpe
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Alessandra Mambrin
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Giorgio Mangino
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Giovanna Romeo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (G.R.)
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Maddalena
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | | | - Concetta Potenza
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
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11
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Vergani E, Dugo M, Cossa M, Frigerio S, Di Guardo L, Gallino G, Mattavelli I, Vergani B, Lalli L, Tamborini E, Valeri B, Gargiuli C, Shahaj E, Ferrarini M, Ferrero E, Gomez Lira M, Huber V, Vecchio MD, Sensi M, Leone BE, Santinami M, Rivoltini L, Rodolfo M, Vallacchi V. miR-146a-5p impairs melanoma resistance to kinase inhibitors by targeting COX2 and regulating NFkB-mediated inflammatory mediators. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:156. [PMID: 32967672 PMCID: PMC7510138 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors has improved the survival of patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma, but most patients relapse upon the onset of drug resistance induced by mechanisms including genetic and epigenetic events. Among the epigenetic alterations, microRNA perturbation is associated with the development of kinase inhibitor resistance. Here, we identified and studied the role of miR-146a-5p dysregulation in melanoma drug resistance. Methods The miR-146a-5p-regulated NFkB signaling network was identified in drug-resistant cell lines and melanoma tumor samples by expression profiling and knock-in and knock-out studies. A bioinformatic data analysis identified COX2 as a central gene regulated by miR-146a-5p and NFkB. The effects of miR-146a-5p/COX2 manipulation were studied in vitro in cell lines and with 3D cultures of treatment-resistant tumor explants from patients progressing during therapy. Results miR-146a-5p expression was inversely correlated with drug sensitivity and COX2 expression and was reduced in BRAF and MEK inhibitor-resistant melanoma cells and tissues. Forced miR-146a-5p expression reduced COX2 activity and significantly increased drug sensitivity by hampering prosurvival NFkB signaling, leading to reduced proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Similar effects were obtained by inhibiting COX2 by celecoxib, a clinically approved COX2 inhibitor. Conclusions Deregulation of the miR-146a-5p/COX2 axis occurs in the development of melanoma resistance to targeted drugs in melanoma patients. This finding reveals novel targets for more effective combination treatment. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Vergani
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Cossa
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Frigerio
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Di Guardo
- Unit of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfrancesco Gallino
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mattavelli
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Vergani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Luca Lalli
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tamborini
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Valeri
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Gargiuli
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Eriomina Shahaj
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Ferrarini
- Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Macarena Gomez Lira
- Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Veronica Huber
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Del Vecchio
- Unit of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sensi
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mario Santinami
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Licia Rivoltini
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Rodolfo
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Vallacchi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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12
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Louphrasitthiphol P, Siddaway R, Loffreda A, Pogenberg V, Friedrichsen H, Schepsky A, Zeng Z, Lu M, Strub T, Freter R, Lisle R, Suer E, Thomas B, Schuster-Böckler B, Filippakopoulos P, Middleton M, Lu X, Patton EE, Davidson I, Lambert JP, Wilmanns M, Steingrímsson E, Mazza D, Goding CR. Tuning Transcription Factor Availability through Acetylation-Mediated Genomic Redistribution. Mol Cell 2020; 79:472-487.e10. [PMID: 32531202 PMCID: PMC7427332 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
It is widely assumed that decreasing transcription factor DNA-binding affinity reduces transcription initiation by diminishing occupancy of sequence-specific regulatory elements. However, in vivo transcription factors find their binding sites while confronted with a large excess of low-affinity degenerate motifs. Here, using the melanoma lineage survival oncogene MITF as a model, we show that low-affinity binding sites act as a competitive reservoir in vivo from which transcription factors are released by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-stimulated acetylation to promote increased occupancy of their regulatory elements. Consequently, a low-DNA-binding-affinity acetylation-mimetic MITF mutation supports melanocyte development and drives tumorigenesis, whereas a high-affinity non-acetylatable mutant does not. The results reveal a paradoxical acetylation-mediated molecular clutch that tunes transcription factor availability via genome-wide redistribution and couples BRAF to tumorigenesis. Our results further suggest that p300/CREB-binding protein-mediated transcription factor acetylation may represent a common mechanism to control transcription factor availability. Reducing transcription factor DNA-binding affinity increases activity in vivo Acetylation is triggered by MAPK signaling Acetylation leads to genome-wide transcription factor redistribution Acetylation of MITF drives tumorigenesis and melanocyte development
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK; Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Robert Siddaway
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Alessia Loffreda
- Experimental Imaging Center, Cancer Imaging Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy; Fondazione CEN, European Center for Nanomedicine, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Vivian Pogenberg
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Notkestrasse 25a, 22607 Hamburg, Germany & University Hamburg Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans Friedrichsen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Alexander Schepsky
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Zhiqiang Zeng
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, MRC Human Genetics Unit and Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Min Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Thomas Strub
- Institut de Génetique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Equipe labéllisée Ligue contre le Cancer, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Rasmus Freter
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Richard Lisle
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Eda Suer
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Benjamin Thomas
- Central Proteomics Facility, Sir William Dunn Pathology School, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Benjamin Schuster-Böckler
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Panagis Filippakopoulos
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Mark Middleton
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Xin Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, MRC Human Genetics Unit and Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Irwin Davidson
- Institut de Génetique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Equipe labéllisée Ligue contre le Cancer, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Lambert
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Centre, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada; CHU de Québec Research Center, CHUL, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec G1V 4G2, QC, Canada
| | - Matthias Wilmanns
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Notkestrasse 25a, 22607 Hamburg, Germany & University Hamburg Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eiríkur Steingrímsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Davide Mazza
- Experimental Imaging Center, Cancer Imaging Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy; Fondazione CEN, European Center for Nanomedicine, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
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13
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AXL as a Target in Breast Cancer Therapy. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2020; 2020:5291952. [PMID: 32148495 PMCID: PMC7042526 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5291952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that has been implicated in diverse tumor-promoting processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, survival, and apoptosis. AXL therefore plays a role in cancer progression, and AXL has been implicated in a wide variety of malignancies from solid tumors to hematopoietic cancers where it is often associated with poor prognosis. In cancer, AXL has been shown to promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis formation, drug resistance, and a role for AXL in modulation of the tumor microenvironment and immune response has been identified. In light of these activities multiple AXL inhibitors have been developed, and several of these have entered clinical trials in the U.S. In breast cancer, high levels of AXL expression have been observed. The role of AXL in cancer with a focus on therapeutic implications for breast cancer is discussed.
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14
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Vivas-García Y, Falletta P, Liebing J, Louphrasitthiphol P, Feng Y, Chauhan J, Scott DA, Glodde N, Chocarro-Calvo A, Bonham S, Osterman AL, Fischer R, Ronai Z, García-Jiménez C, Hölzel M, Goding CR. Lineage-Restricted Regulation of SCD and Fatty Acid Saturation by MITF Controls Melanoma Phenotypic Plasticity. Mol Cell 2019; 77:120-137.e9. [PMID: 31733993 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic and metabolic heterogeneity within tumors is a major barrier to effective cancer therapy. How metabolism is implicated in specific phenotypes and whether lineage-restricted mechanisms control key metabolic vulnerabilities remain poorly understood. In melanoma, downregulation of the lineage addiction oncogene microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a hallmark of the proliferative-to-invasive phenotype switch, although how MITF promotes proliferation and suppresses invasion is poorly defined. Here, we show that MITF is a lineage-restricted activator of the key lipogenic enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and that SCD is required for MITFHigh melanoma cell proliferation. By contrast MITFLow cells are insensitive to SCD inhibition. Significantly, the MITF-SCD axis suppresses metastasis, inflammatory signaling, and an ATF4-mediated feedback loop that maintains de-differentiation. Our results reveal that MITF is a lineage-specific regulator of metabolic reprogramming, whereby fatty acid composition is a driver of melanoma phenotype switching, and highlight that cell phenotype dictates the response to drugs targeting lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurena Vivas-García
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Paola Falletta
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Jana Liebing
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Yongmei Feng
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jagat Chauhan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - David A Scott
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nicole Glodde
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ana Chocarro-Calvo
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK; Facultad de CC de la Salud, Edificio Dptal 1, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avda Atenas s/n 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sarah Bonham
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Andrei L Osterman
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Roman Fischer
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Ze'ev Ronai
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Custodia García-Jiménez
- Facultad de CC de la Salud, Edificio Dptal 1, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avda Atenas s/n 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
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15
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Louphrasitthiphol P, Ledaki I, Chauhan J, Falletta P, Siddaway R, Buffa FM, Mole DR, Soga T, Goding CR. MITF controls the TCA cycle to modulate the melanoma hypoxia response. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2019; 32:792-808. [PMID: 31207090 PMCID: PMC6777998 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In response to the dynamic intra-tumor microenvironment, melanoma cells adopt distinct phenotypic states associated with differential expression of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). The response to hypoxia is driven by hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) that reprogram metabolism and promote angiogenesis. HIF1α indirectly represses MITF that can activate HIF1α expression. Although HIF and MITF share a highly related DNA-binding specificity, it is unclear whether they co-regulate subset of target genes. Moreover, the genomewide impact of hypoxia on melanoma and whether melanoma cell lines representing different phenotypic states exhibit distinct hypoxic responses is unknown. Here we show that three different melanoma cell lines exhibit widely different hypoxia responses with only a core 23 genes regulated in common after 12 hr in hypoxia. Surprisingly, under hypoxia MITF is transiently up-regulated by HIF1α and co-regulates a subset of HIF targets including VEGFA. Significantly, we also show that MITF represses itself and also regulates SDHB to control the TCA cycle and suppress pseudo-hypoxia. Our results reveal a previously unsuspected role for MITF in metabolism and the network of factors underpinning the hypoxic response in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ioanna Ledaki
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Jagat Chauhan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Paola Falletta
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Robert Siddaway
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - David R. Mole
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Tomoyoshi Soga
- Institute for Advanced BiosciencesKeio UniversityYamagataJapan
| | - Colin R. Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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16
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Louphrasitthiphol P, Chauhan J, Goding CR. ABCB5 is activated by MITF and β-catenin and is associated with melanoma differentiation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2019; 33:112-118. [PMID: 31595650 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Defining markers of different phenotypic states in melanoma is important for understanding disease progression, determining the response to therapy, and defining the molecular mechanisms underpinning phenotype-switching driven by the changing intratumor microenvironment. The ABCB5 transporter is implicated in drug-resistance and has been identified as a marker of melanoma-initiating cells. Indeed ongoing studies are using ABCB5 to define stem cell populations. However, we show here that the ABCB5 is a direct target for the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor MITF and its expression can be induced by β-catenin, a key activator and co-factor for MITF. Consequently, ABCB5 mRNA expression is primarily associated with melanoma cells exhibiting differentiation markers. The results suggest first that ABCB5 is unlikely to represent a marker of de-differentiated melanoma stem cells, and second that ABCB5 may contribute to the non-genetic drug-resistance associated with highly differentiated melanoma cells. To reconcile the apparently conflicting observations in the field, we propose a model in which ABCB5 may mark a slow-cycling differentiated population of melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jagat Chauhan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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17
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Abstract
An incomplete view of the mechanisms that drive metastasis, the primary cause of cancer-related death, has been a major barrier to development of effective therapeutics and prognostic diagnostics. Increasing evidence indicates that the interplay between microenvironment, genetic lesions, and cellular plasticity drives the metastatic cascade and resistance to therapies. Here, using melanoma as a model, we outline the diversity and trajectories of cell states during metastatic dissemination and therapy exposure, and highlight how understanding the magnitude and dynamics of nongenetic reprogramming in space and time at single-cell resolution can be exploited to develop therapeutic strategies that capitalize on nongenetic tumor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Rambow
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KULeuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KULeuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
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18
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Böhme I, Bosserhoff A. Extracellular acidosis triggers a senescence-like phenotype in human melanoma cells. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2019; 33:41-51. [PMID: 31310445 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acidosis of the tumor microenvironment is a characteristic of solid tumors such as malignant melanoma. Main causes of the extracellular acidification are metabolic alterations in cancer cells. While numerous studies showed that acidosis promotes tumor invasiveness, metastasis, and neoangiogenesis resulting in malignant progression, contrary data reported that acidosis induces cell apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and mediates cell autophagy. Here, we show that low pH (pH 6.7) induces senescent/quiescent phenotype in melanoma cells after long-time treatment defined by induction of SA-ß-galactosidase, upregulation of p21, G1 /G0 cell cycle arrest, and reduction of proliferation. Moreover, we revealed that extracellular acidosis triggers the inhibition of eIF2α and subsequently the activation of ATF4 expression, a key component of the integrated stress response (ISR), indicating an acid-mediated translation reprogramming. Interestingly, we also demonstrated that acidosis represses microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and activates the expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL. This MITFlow /AXLhigh phenotype is correlated with drug resistance and therapeutic outcome in melanoma. Our results suggest that acidosis is an important microenvironmental factor triggering phenotypic plasticity and promoting tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Böhme
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Emil Fischer Center, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Emil Fischer Center, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
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19
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Revach OY, Sandler O, Samuels Y, Geiger B. Cross-Talk between Receptor Tyrosine Kinases AXL and ERBB3 Regulates Invadopodia Formation in Melanoma Cells. Cancer Res 2019; 79:2634-2648. [PMID: 30914429 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The invasive phenotype of metastatic cancer cells is accompanied by the formation of actin-rich invadopodia, which adhere to the extracellular matrix and degrade it. In this study, we explored the role of the tyrosine kinome in the formation of invadopodia in metastatic melanoma cells. Using a microscopy-based siRNA screen, we identified a series of regulators, the knockdown of which either suppresses (e.g., TYK2, IGFR1, ERBB3, TYRO3, FES, ALK, PTK7) or enhances (e.g., ABL2, AXL, CSK) invadopodia formation and function. Notably, the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL displayed a dual regulatory function, where both depletion or overexpression enhanced invadopodia formation and activity. This apparent contradiction was attributed to the capacity of AXL to directly stimulate invadopodia, yet its suppression upregulates the ERBB3 signaling pathway, which can also activate core invadopodia regulators and enhance invadopodia function. Bioinformatic analysis of multiple melanoma cell lines points to an inverse expression pattern of AXL and ERBB3. High expression of AXL in melanoma cells is associated with high expression of invadopodia components and an invasive phenotype. These results provide new insights into the complexity of metastasis-promoting mechanisms and suggest that targeting of multiple invadopodia signaling networks may serve as a potential anti-invasion therapy in melanoma. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings uncover a unique interplay between AXL and ERBB3 in invadopodia regulation that points to the need for combined therapy in order to prevent invadopodia-mediated metastasis in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Or-Yam Revach
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Oded Sandler
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yardena Samuels
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Benjamin Geiger
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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20
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Larribère L, Utikal J. Stem Cell-Derived Models of Neural Crest Are Essential to Understand Melanoma Progression and Therapy Resistance. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:111. [PMID: 31118886 PMCID: PMC6506783 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, neural crest (NC) cells are early precursors of several lineages including melanocytes. Along their differentiation from multipotent cells to mature melanocytes, NC cells will go through successive steps which require either proliferative or motile capacities. For example, they will undergo Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in order the separate from the neural tube and migrate to their final location in the epidermis (Larribere and Utikal, 2013; Skrypek et al., 2017). The differentiated melanocytes are the cells of origin of melanoma tumors which progress through several stages such as radial growth phase, vertical growth phase, metastasis formation, and often resistance to current therapies. Interestingly, depending on the stage of the disease, melanoma tumor cells share phenotypes with NC cells (proliferative, motile, EMT). These phenotypes are tightly controlled by specific signaling pathways and transcription factors (TFs) which tend to be reactivated during the onset of melanoma. In this review, we summarize first the main TFs which control these common phenotypes. Then, we focus on the existing strategies used to generate human NCs. Finally we discuss how identification and regulation of NC-associated genes provide an additional approach to improving current melanoma targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Larribère
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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21
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BRAF/MAPK and GSK3 signaling converges to control MITF nuclear export. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E8668-E8677. [PMID: 30150413 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1810498115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The close integration of the MAPK, PI3K, and WNT signaling pathways underpins much of development and is deregulated in cancer. In principle, combinatorial posttranslational modification of key lineage-specific transcription factors would be an effective means to integrate critical signaling events. Understanding how this might be achieved is central to deciphering the impact of microenvironmental cues in development and disease. The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor MITF plays a crucial role in the development of melanocytes, the retinal pigment epithelium, osteoclasts, and mast cells and acts as a lineage survival oncogene in melanoma. MITF coordinates survival, differentiation, cell-cycle progression, cell migration, metabolism, and lysosome biogenesis. However, how the activity of this key transcription factor is controlled remains poorly understood. Here, we show that GSK3, downstream from both the PI3K and Wnt pathways, and BRAF/MAPK signaling converges to control MITF nuclear export. Phosphorylation of the melanocyte MITF-M isoform in response to BRAF/MAPK signaling primes for phosphorylation by GSK3, a kinase inhibited by both PI3K and Wnt signaling. Dual phosphorylation, but not monophosphorylation, then promotes MITF nuclear export by activating a previously unrecognized hydrophobic export signal. Nonmelanocyte MITF isoforms exhibit poor regulation by MAPK signaling, but instead their export is controlled by mTOR. We uncover here an unanticipated mode of MITF regulation that integrates the output of key developmental and cancer-associated signaling pathways to gate MITF flux through the import-export cycle. The results have significant implications for our understanding of melanoma progression and stem cell renewal.
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22
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Gallagher SJ, Gunatilake D, Beaumont KA, Sharp DM, Tiffen JC, Heinemann A, Weninger W, Haass NK, Wilmott JS, Madore J, Ferguson PM, Rizos H, Hersey P. HDAC inhibitors restore BRAF-inhibitor sensitivity by altering PI3K and survival signalling in a subset of melanoma. Int J Cancer 2017; 142:1926-1937. [PMID: 29210065 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in BRAF activate oncogenic MAPK signalling in almost half of cutaneous melanomas. Inhibitors of BRAF (BRAFi) and its target MEK are widely used to treat melanoma patients with BRAF mutations but unfortunately acquired resistance occurs in the majority of patients. Resistance results from mutations or non-genomic changes that either reactivate MAPK signalling or activate other pathways that provide alternate survival and growth signalling. Here, we show the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) panobinostat overcomes BRAFi resistance in melanoma, but this is dependent on the resistant cells showing a partial response to BRAFi treatment. Using patient- and in vivo-derived melanoma cell lines with acquired BRAFi resistance, we show that combined treatment with the BRAFi encorafenib and HDACi panobinostat in 2D and 3D culture systems synergistically induced caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. Key changes induced by HDAC inhibition included decreased PI3K pathway activity associated with a reduction in the protein level of a number of receptor tyrosine kinases, and cell line dependent upregulation of pro-apoptotic BIM or NOXA together with reduced expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. Independent of these changes, panobinostat reduced c-Myc and pre-treatment of cells with siRNA against c-Myc reduced BRAFi/HDACi drug-induced cell death. These results suggest that a combination of HDAC and MAPK inhibitors may play a role in treatment of melanoma where the resistance mechanisms are due to activation of MAPK-independent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J Gallagher
- The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dilini Gunatilake
- The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Danae M Sharp
- The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessamy C Tiffen
- The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anja Heinemann
- The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Weninger
- The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- The University of Queensland, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Discipline of Dermatology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James S Wilmott
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Madore
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter M Ferguson
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Rizos
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Hersey
- The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Newtown, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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23
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Guida M, Strippoli S, Ferretta A, Bartolomeo N, Porcelli L, Maida I, Azzariti A, Tommasi S, Grieco C, Guida S, Albano A, Lorusso V, Guida G. Detrimental effects of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) variants on the clinical outcomes of BRAF V600 metastatic melanoma patients treated with BRAF inhibitors. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2017; 29:679-687. [PMID: 27540956 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) plays a key role in skin pigmentation, and its variants are linked with a higher melanoma risk. The influence of MC1R variants on the outcomes of patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) treated with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) is unknown. We studied the MC1R status in a cohort of 53 consecutive BRAF-mutated patients with MM treated with BRAFi. We also evaluated the effect of vemurafenib in four V600 BRAF melanoma cell lines with/without MC1R variants. We found a significant correlation between the presence of MC1R variants and worse outcomes in terms of both overall response rate (ORR; 59% versus 95%, P = 0.011 univariate, P = 0.028 multivariate analysis) and progression-free survival (PFS) shorter than 6 months (72% versus 33%, P = 0.012 univariate, P = 0.027 multivariate analysis). No difference in overall survival (OS) was reported, probably due to subsequent treatments. Data in vitro showed a significant different phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK during treatment, associated with a greater increase in vemurafenib IC50 in MC1R variant cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Guida
- Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre 'Giovanni Paolo II', Bari, Italy
| | - Sabino Strippoli
- Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre 'Giovanni Paolo II', Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Ferretta
- Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre 'Giovanni Paolo II', Bari, Italy.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Bartolomeo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Letizia Porcelli
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, National Cancer Research Centre 'Giovanni Paolo II', Bari, Italy
| | - Immacolata Maida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, National Cancer Research Centre 'Giovanni Paolo II', Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Tommasi
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory and Radiology, National Cancer Research Centre 'Giovanni Paolo II', Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Grieco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Guida
- Dermatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anna Albano
- Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre 'Giovanni Paolo II', Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Lorusso
- Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre 'Giovanni Paolo II', Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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24
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Abstract
A major challenge in anticancer treatment is the pre-existence or emergence of resistance to therapy. AXL and MER are two members of the TAM (TYRO3-AXL-MER) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, which, when activated, can regulate tumor cell survival, proliferation, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, and tumor-host interactions. An increasing body of evidence strongly suggests that these receptors play major roles in resistance to targeted therapies and conventional cytotoxic agents. Multiple resistance mechanisms exist, including the direct and indirect crosstalk of AXL and MER with other receptors and the activation of feedback loops regulating AXL and MER expression and activity. These mechanisms may be innate, adaptive, or acquired. A principal role of AXL appears to be in sustaining a mesenchymal phenotype, itself a major mechanism of resistance to diverse anticancer therapies. Both AXL and MER play a role in the repression of the innate immune response which may also limit response to treatment. Small molecule and antibody inhibitors of AXL and MER have recently been described, and some of these have already entered clinical trials. The optimal design of treatment strategies to maximize the clinical benefit of these AXL and MER targeting agents are discussed in relation to the different cancer types and the types of resistance encountered. One of the major challenges to successful development of these therapies will be the application of robust predictive biomarkers for clear-cut patient stratification.
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25
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Babagana M, Johnson S, Slabodkin H, Bshara W, Morrison C, Kandel ES. P21-activated kinase 1 regulates resistance to BRAF inhibition in human cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:1515-1525. [PMID: 28052407 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BRAF is a commonly mutated oncogene in various human malignancies and a target of a new class of anti-cancer agents, BRAF-inhibitors (BRAFi). The initial enthusiasm for these agents, based on the early successes in the management of metastatic melanoma, is now challenged by the mounting evidence of intrinsic BRAFi-insensitivity in many BRAF-mutated tumors, by the scarcity of complete responses, and by the inevitable emergence of drug resistance in initially responsive cases. These setbacks put an emphasis on discovering the means to increase the efficacy of BRAFi and to prevent or overcome BRAFi-resistance. We explored the role of p21-activated kinases (PAKs), in particular PAK1, in BRAFi response. BRAFi lowered the levels of active PAK1 in treated cells. An activated form of PAK1 conferred BRAFi-resistance on otherwise sensitive cells, while genetic or pharmacologic suppression of PAK1 had a sensitizing effect. While activation of AKT1 and RAC1 proto-oncogenes increased BRAFi-tolerance, the protective effect was negated in the presence of PAK inhibitors. Furthermore, combining otherwise ineffective doses of PAK- and BRAF-inhibitors synergistically affected intrinsically BRAFi-resistant cells. Considering the high incidence of PAK1 activation in cancers, our findings suggests PAK inhibition as a strategy to augment BRAFi therapy and overcome some of the well-known resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahamat Babagana
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York
| | - Sydney Johnson
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York
| | - Hannah Slabodkin
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York
| | - Wiam Bshara
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York
| | - Carl Morrison
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York
| | - Eugene S Kandel
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York
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26
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Falletta P, Sanchez-Del-Campo L, Chauhan J, Effern M, Kenyon A, Kershaw CJ, Siddaway R, Lisle R, Freter R, Daniels MJ, Lu X, Tüting T, Middleton M, Buffa FM, Willis AE, Pavitt G, Ronai ZA, Sauka-Spengler T, Hölzel M, Goding CR. Translation reprogramming is an evolutionarily conserved driver of phenotypic plasticity and therapeutic resistance in melanoma. Genes Dev 2017; 31:18-33. [PMID: 28096186 PMCID: PMC5287109 DOI: 10.1101/gad.290940.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The intratumor microenvironment generates phenotypically distinct but interconvertible malignant cell subpopulations that fuel metastatic spread and therapeutic resistance. Whether different microenvironmental cues impose invasive or therapy-resistant phenotypes via a common mechanism is unknown. In melanoma, low expression of the lineage survival oncogene microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) correlates with invasion, senescence, and drug resistance. However, how MITF is suppressed in vivo and how MITF-low cells in tumors escape senescence are poorly understood. Here we show that microenvironmental cues, including inflammation-mediated resistance to adoptive T-cell immunotherapy, transcriptionally repress MITF via ATF4 in response to inhibition of translation initiation factor eIF2B. ATF4, a key transcription mediator of the integrated stress response, also activates AXL and suppresses senescence to impose the MITF-low/AXL-high drug-resistant phenotype observed in human tumors. However, unexpectedly, without translation reprogramming an ATF4-high/MITF-low state is insufficient to drive invasion. Importantly, translation reprogramming dramatically enhances tumorigenesis and is linked to a previously unexplained gene expression program associated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy resistance. Since we show that inhibition of eIF2B also drives neural crest migration and yeast invasiveness, our results suggest that translation reprogramming, an evolutionarily conserved starvation response, has been hijacked by microenvironmental stress signals in melanoma to drive phenotypic plasticity and invasion and determine therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Falletta
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Sanchez-Del-Campo
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jagat Chauhan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Maike Effern
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Unit for RNA Biology, University Hospital of Bonn, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Amy Kenyon
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Kershaw
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Siddaway
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Lisle
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Rasmus Freter
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Daniels
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Xin Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Tüting
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mark Middleton
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca M Buffa
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Anne E Willis
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, Leicester LE1 9HN, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Pavitt
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Ze'ev A Ronai
- Tumour Initiation and Maintenance Program, Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Perbys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Tatjana Sauka-Spengler
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Unit for RNA Biology, University Hospital of Bonn, D-53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
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27
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Wang X, Sun Q, Chen C, Yin R, Huang X, Wang X, Shi R, Xu L, Ren B. ZYG11A serves as an oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer and influences CCNE1 expression. Oncotarget 2016; 7:8029-42. [PMID: 26771237 PMCID: PMC4884973 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
By analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we identified ZYG11A as a potential oncogene. We determined the expression of ZYG11A in NSCLC tissues and explored its clinical significance. And also evaluated the effects of ZYG11A on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that ZYG11A is hyper-expressed in NSCLC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, and increased expression of ZYG11A is associated with a poor prognosis (HR: 2.489, 95%CI: 1.248-4.963, p = 0.010). ZYG11A knockdown induces cell cycle arrest and inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells. ZYG11A knockdown also results in decreased expression of CCNE1. Over-expression of CCNE1 in cells with ZYG11A knockdown restores their oncogenic activities. Our data suggest that ZYG11A may serve as a novel oncogene promoting tumorigenicity of NSCLC cells by inducing cell cycle alterations and increasing CCNE1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of The Fourth Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Jinling Hospital, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of The Second Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Yin
- Department of Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Department of Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of The Fourth Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of The Fourth Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Run Shi
- Department of Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of The Fourth Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Binhui Ren
- Department of Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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28
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Sensi M, Canevari S, Tomassetti A. Axl in ovarian cancer: a step forward for clinical breakthrough? Oncotarget 2016; 7:80105-80106. [PMID: 27876698 PMCID: PMC5348305 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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29
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Vergani E, Di Guardo L, Dugo M, Rigoletto S, Tragni G, Ruggeri R, Perrone F, Tamborini E, Gloghini A, Arienti F, Vergani B, Deho P, De Cecco L, Vallacchi V, Frati P, Shahaj E, Villa A, Santinami M, De Braud F, Rivoltini L, Rodolfo M. Overcoming melanoma resistance to vemurafenib by targeting CCL2-induced miR-34a, miR-100 and miR-125b. Oncotarget 2016; 7:4428-41. [PMID: 26684239 PMCID: PMC4826216 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In melanoma, the adaptative cell response to BRAF inhibitors includes altered patterns of cytokine production contributing to tumor progression and drug resistance. Among the factors produced by PLX4032-resistant melanoma cell lines, CCL2 was higher compared to the sensitive parental cell lines and increased upon drug treatment. CCL2 acted as an autocrine growth factor for melanoma cells, stimulating the proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. In patients, CCL2 is detected in melanoma cells in tumors and in plasma at levels that correlate with tumor burden and lactate dehydrogenase. Vemurafenib treatment increased the CCL2 levels in plasma, whereas the long-term clinical response was associated with low CCL2 levels.Increased CCL2 production was associated with miRNA deregulation in the resistant cells. miR-34a, miR-100 and miR-125b showed high expression in both resistant cells and in tumor biopsies that were obtained from treated patients, and they were involved in the control of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Inhibition of CCL2 and of the selected miRNAs restored both the cell apoptosis and the drug efficacy in resistant melanoma cells. Therefore, CCL2 and miRNAs are potential prognostic factors and attractive targets for counteracting treatment resistance in metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Vergani
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Di Guardo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Rigoletto
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabrina Tragni
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Ruggeri
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Perrone
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tamborini
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Annunziata Gloghini
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Arienti
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine Service, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Vergani
- Consorzio MIA, Microscopy and Image Analysis, University of Milan Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Paola Deho
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Loris De Cecco
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Vallacchi
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Eriomina Shahaj
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonello Villa
- Consorzio MIA, Microscopy and Image Analysis, University of Milan Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mario Santinami
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo De Braud
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Licia Rivoltini
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Rodolfo
- Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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30
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Faião-Flores F, Alves-Fernandes DK, Pennacchi PC, Sandri S, Vicente ALSA, Scapulatempo-Neto C, Vazquez VL, Reis RM, Chauhan J, Goding CR, Smalley KS, Maria-Engler SS. Targeting the hedgehog transcription factors GLI1 and GLI2 restores sensitivity to vemurafenib-resistant human melanoma cells. Oncogene 2016; 36:1849-1861. [PMID: 27748762 PMCID: PMC5378933 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) therapy for melanoma patients harboring the V600E mutation is initially highly effective, but almost all patients relapse within a few months. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning BRAFi-based therapy is therefore an important issue. Here we identified a previously unsuspected mechanism of BRAFi resistance driven by elevated Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activation that is observed in a cohort of melanoma patients after vemurafenib treatment. Specifically, we demonstrate that melanoma cell lines, with acquired in vitro-induced vemurafenib resistance, show increased levels of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 and 2 (GLI1/GLI2) compared with naïve cells. We also observed these findings in clinical melanoma specimens. Moreover, the increased expression of the transcription factors GLI1/GLI2 was independent of canonical Hh signaling and was instead correlated with the noncanonical Hh pathway, involving TGFβ/SMAD (transforming growth factor-β/Sma- and Mad-related family) signaling. Knockdown of GLI1 and GLI2 restored sensitivity to vemurafenib-resistant cells, an effect associated with both growth arrest and senescence. Treatment of vemurafenib-resistant cells with the GLI1/GLI2 inhibitor Gant61 led to decreased invasion of the melanoma cells in a three-dimensional skin reconstruct model and was associated with a decrease in metalloproteinase (MMP2/MMP9) expression and microphthalmia transcription factor upregulation. Gant61 monotherapy did not alter the drug sensitivity of naïve cells, but could reverse the resistance of melanoma cells chronically treated with vemurafenib. We further noted that alternating dosing schedules of Gant61 and vemurafenib prevented the onset of BRAFi resistance, suggesting that this could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention of therapeutic escape. Our results suggest that targeting the Hh pathway in BRAFi-resistant melanoma may represent a viable therapeutic strategy to restore vemurafenib sensitivity, reducing or even inhibiting the acquired chemoresistance in melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Faião-Flores
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - D K Alves-Fernandes
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - P C Pennacchi
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S Sandri
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A L S A Vicente
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - C Scapulatempo-Neto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - V L Vazquez
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Department of Surgery Melanoma/Sarcoma, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - R M Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - J Chauhan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - C R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - K S Smalley
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - S S Maria-Engler
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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31
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Rea K, Pinciroli P, Sensi M, Alciato F, Bisaro B, Lozneanu L, Raspagliesi F, Centritto F, Cabodi S, Defilippi P, Avanzi GC, Canevari S, Tomassetti A. Novel Axl-driven signaling pathway and molecular signature characterize high-grade ovarian cancer patients with poor clinical outcome. Oncotarget 2016; 6:30859-75. [PMID: 26356564 PMCID: PMC4741573 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade epithelial ovarian cancer (HGEOC) is a clinically diverse and molecularly heterogeneous disease comprising subtypes with distinct biological features and outcomes. The receptor tyrosine kinases, expressed by EOC cells, and their ligands, present in the microenvironment, activate signaling pathways, which promote EOC cells dissemination. Herein, we established a molecular link between the presence of Gas6 ligand in the ascites of HGEOCs, the expression and activation of its receptor Axl in ovarian cancer cell lines and biopsies, and the progression of these tumors. We demonstrated that Gas6/Axl signalling converges on the integrin β3 pathway in the presence of the adaptor protein p130Cas, thus inducing tumor cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and invasion. Accordingly, Axl and p130Cas were significantly co-expressed in HGEOC samples. Clinically, we identified an Axl-associated signature of 62 genes able to portray the HGEOCs with the shortest overall survival. These data biologically characterize a group of HGEOCs and could help guide a more effective therapeutic approach to be taken for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Rea
- Unit of Molecular Therapies, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pinciroli
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sensi
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Alciato
- Department of Traslational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Brigitte Bisaro
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Ludmila Lozneanu
- Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, Histology, Morphopatology, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iassy, Romania
| | - Francesco Raspagliesi
- Gynecology Oncology Unit, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Floriana Centritto
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Cabodi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Gian Carlo Avanzi
- Department of Traslational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Silvana Canevari
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Tomassetti
- Unit of Molecular Therapies, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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32
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Resistance to combination BRAF and MEK inhibition in metastatic melanoma: Where to next? Eur J Cancer 2016; 62:76-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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33
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Ulivieri A, Cardillo G, Manente L, Paone G, Mancuso AP, Vigna L, Di Stasio E, Gasbarra R, Girlando S, Leone A. Molecular characterization of a selected cohort of patients affected by pulmonary metastases of malignant melanoma: Hints from BRAF, NRAS and EGFR evaluation. Oncotarget 2016; 6:19868-79. [PMID: 26305188 PMCID: PMC4637326 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma is highly curable in early stages but holds devastating consequences in advanced phases with a median survival of 6–10 months. Lungs are a common metastasis target, but despite this, limited data are available on the molecular status of pulmonary lesions. Materials and Methods 25 patients with surgically resected melanoma lung metastases were screened for BRAF, NRAS, CKIT and EGFR alterations. The results were correlated with time to lung metastasis (TLM), relapse-free survival after metastasectomy (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Results BRAF or NRAS were mutated in 52% and 20% of cases while CKIT was unaffected. Chromosome 7 polysomy was detected in 47% of cases with 17.5% showing EGFR amplification and concomitant BRAF mutation. NRAS mutated patients developed LM within 5 yrs from primary melanoma with larger lesions compared with BRAF (mean diameter 3.3 ± 2.2cm vs 1.9 ± 1.1cm, p = 0.2). NRAS was also associated with a shorter median RFS and OS after metastasectomy. Moreover, Cox regression analysis revealed that NRAS mutation was the only predictive factor of shorter survival from primary melanoma (p = 0.039, OR = 5.5 (1.1–27.6)). Conclusions Molecular characterization identifies advanced melanoma subgroups with distinct prognosis and therapeutic options. The presence of NRAS mutation was associated to a worse disease evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ulivieri
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospitals, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Biomedical research "Fondazione Niccolò Cusano per la Ricerca Medico-Scientifica" Niccolò Cusano University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Liborio Manente
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospitals, Rome, Italy
| | - Gregorino Paone
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospitals, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Vigna
- Department of Medical Oncology, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospitals, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Di Stasio
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Gasbarra
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospitals, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alvaro Leone
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospitals, Rome, Italy
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34
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Gallagher SJ, Tiffen JC, Hersey P. Histone Modifications, Modifiers and Readers in Melanoma Resistance to Targeted and Immune Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1959-82. [PMID: 26426052 PMCID: PMC4695870 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of melanoma has been revolutionized by new therapies targeting MAPK signaling or the immune system. Unfortunately these therapies are hindered by either primary resistance or the development of acquired resistance. Resistance mechanisms involving somatic mutations in genes associated with resistance have been identified in some cases of melanoma, however, the cause of resistance remains largely unexplained in other cases. The importance of epigenetic factors targeting histones and histone modifiers in driving the behavior of melanoma is only starting to be unraveled and provides significant opportunity to combat the problems of therapy resistance. There is also an increasing ability to target these epigenetic changes with new drugs that inhibit these modifications to either prevent or overcome resistance to both MAPK inhibitors and immunotherapy. This review focuses on changes in histones, histone reader proteins and histone positioning, which can mediate resistance to new therapeutics and that can be targeted for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J Gallagher
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia.
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Crow's Nest 2065, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Jessamy C Tiffen
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia.
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Crow's Nest 2065, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Peter Hersey
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia.
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Crow's Nest 2065, Sydney, Australia.
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35
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Sweetlove M, Wrightson E, Kolekar S, Rewcastle GW, Baguley BC, Shepherd PR, Jamieson SMF. Inhibitors of pan-PI3K Signaling Synergize with BRAF or MEK Inhibitors to Prevent BRAF-Mutant Melanoma Cell Growth. Front Oncol 2015; 5:135. [PMID: 26137449 PMCID: PMC4468830 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF and MEK inhibitors have improved outcomes for patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma, but their efficacy is limited by both intrinsic and acquired resistances. Activation of the PI3K pathway can mediate resistance to these agents, providing a strong rationale for combination therapy in melanoma. Here, a panel of nine low-passage human metastatic melanoma cell lines with BRAF mutations was tested in cell proliferation and protein expression assays for sensitivity to inhibitors of MEK (selumetinib) and BRAF (vemurafenib) as single agents and in combination with inhibitors of pan-PI3K (ZSTK474), pan-PI3K/mTOR (BEZ235), individual PI3K isoforms (p110α, A66; p110β, TGX-221; p110γ, AS-252424; p110δ, idelalisib), or mTORC1/2 (KU-0063794). Selumetinib and vemurafenib potently inhibited cell proliferation in all cell lines, especially in those that expressed low levels of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT). ZSTK474 and BEZ235 also inhibited cell proliferation in all cell lines and enhanced the antitumor activity of selumetinib and vemurafenib in the majority of lines by either interacting synergistically or additively to increase potency or by inducing cytotoxicity by significantly increasing the magnitude of cell growth inhibition. Furthermore, ZSTK474 or BEZ235 combined with selumetinib to produce robust inhibition of pERK, pAKT, and pS6 expression and synergistic inhibition of NZM20 tumor growth. The inhibitors of individual PI3K isoforms or mTORC1/2 were less effective at inhibiting cell proliferation either as single agents or in combination with selumetinib or vemurafenib, although KU-0063794 synergistically interacted with vemurafenib and increased the magnitude of cell growth inhibition with selumetinib or vemurafenib in certain cell lines. Overall, these results suggest that the sensitivity of BRAF-mutant melanoma cells to BRAF or MEK inhibitors is at least partly mediated by activation of the PI3K pathway and can be enhanced by combined inhibition of the BRAF/MEK and PI3K/mTOR signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Sweetlove
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Emma Wrightson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Sharada Kolekar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Gordon W Rewcastle
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand ; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Bruce C Baguley
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand ; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Peter R Shepherd
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand ; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Stephen M F Jamieson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand ; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
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36
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Pan W, Sun Q, Wang Y, Wang J, Cao S, Ren X. Highlights on mechanisms of drugs targeting MDSCs: providing a novel perspective on cancer treatment. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:3159-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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