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Gonzalez-Melero L, Hernandez RM, Santos-Vizcaino E, Igartua M. Tumour-derived extracellular vesicle based vaccines for melanoma treatment. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:1520-1542. [PMID: 37022605 PMCID: PMC10102154 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01328-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The interest of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer immunotherapy is increasing every day. EVs are lipid bilayer vesicles released by most cells, which contain the molecular signature of their parent cell. Melanoma-derived EVs present antigens specific to this aggressive type of cancer, but they also exert immunomodulatory and pro-metastatic activity. Until now, most reviews focus on the immunoevasive characteristics of tumour-derived EVs, but do not help to overcome the issues related to them. In this review, we describe isolation methods of EVs from melanoma patients and most interesting markers to oversee their effect if they are used as antigen carriers. We also discuss the methods developed so far to overcome the lack of immunogenicity of melanoma-derived EVs, which includes EV modification or adjuvant co-administration. In summary, we conclude that EVs can be an interesting antigen source for immunotherapy development once EV obtaining is optimised and the understanding of the mechanisms behind their multiple effects is further understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Gonzalez-Melero
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Rosa Maria Hernandez
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Edorta Santos-Vizcaino
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Manoli Igartua
- NanoBioCel Research Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
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2
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Dashti F, Mirazimi SMA, Kazemioula G, Mohammadi M, Hosseini M, Razaghi Bahabadi Z, Mirazimi MS, Abadi MHJN, Shahini A, Afshari M, Mirzaei H. Long non-coding RNAs and melanoma: From diagnosis to therapy. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 241:154232. [PMID: 36528985 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although extremely rare, malignant melanoma is the deadliest type of skin malignancy with the inherent capability to invade other organs and metastasize to distant tissues. In 2021, it was estimated that approximately 106,110 patients may have received the diagnosis of melanoma, with a mortality rate of 7180. Surgery remains the common choice for treatment in patients with melanoma. Despite many advances in the treatment of melanoma, some patients, such as those who have received cytotoxic chemotherapeutic and immunotherapic agents, a significant number of patients may show inadequate treatment response following initiating these treatments. Non-coding RNAs, including lncRNAs, have become recently popular and attracted the attention of many researchers to make new insights into the pathogenesis of many diseases, particularly malignancies. LncRNAs have been thoroughly investigated in multiple cancers such as melanoma and have been shown to play a major role in regulating various physiological and pathological cellular processes. Considering their core regulatory function, these non-coding RNAs may be appropriate candidates for melanoma patients' diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In this review, we will cover all the current literature available for lncRNAs in melanoma and will discuss their potential benefits as diagnostic and/or prognostic markers or potent therapeutic targets in the treatment of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Dashti
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Ali Mirazimi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Golnesa Kazemioula
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine,Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mohammadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Marjan Hosseini
- Department of Physiology-Pharmacology-Medical Physic, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zahra Razaghi Bahabadi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadat Mirazimi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynocology,Isfahan School of Medicine,Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Ali Shahini
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Maryam Afshari
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Luo J, Cao D, Hu C, Liang Z, Zhang Y, Lai J. Lymphatic metastasis-associated circRNA‒miRNA‒mRNA network for exploring the pathogenesis and therapeutic target of triple negative breast cancer based on whole-transcriptome sequencing analysis: an experimental verification study. J Transl Med 2022; 20:508. [PMID: 36335337 PMCID: PMC9636725 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metastatic mechanisms of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remain unclear. We aimed to identify the potential circRNA regulatory network in ALN metastasis. METHODS We performed whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) to determine the expression profiles of RNAs and screen out differentially expressed messenger RNAs (DEMs), microRNAs (DEMis), and circRNAs (DECs) between ALN-positive and ALN-negative TNBC patients. Functional enrichment analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were utilized to unearth the potential regulatory mechanisms of the DEMs. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed using computational biology. The expression levels of DECs in cell lines were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR). RESULTS Following WTS and differential expression analysis, 739 DEMs, 110 DEMis, and 206 DECs were identified between ALN-positive and ALN-negative TNBC patients. Functional analysis indicated that the DEMs mainly functioned in carcinogenesis and tumor progression-related pathways. ceRNA networks containing eight circRNAs, six miRNAs, and eighteen mRNAs were developed. In the ceRNA network, two mRNAs (RAB3D and EDARADD) that were significantly associated with better overall survival and one mRNA (GSR) that predicted favorable recurrence-free survival in TNBC patients were chosen for further analysis. Then, a survival-related ceRNA network containing two DECs (hsa_circ_0061260 and hsa_circ_0060876), two DEMis (hsa-miR-5000-3p and hsa-miR-4792), and three mRNAs (GSR, RAB3D, and EDARADD) was identified. Then, two candidate DECs were validated by real-time PCR. CONCLUSION Our research constructed a ceRNA network that provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism of ALN metastasis and potential therapeutic targets in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Luo
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuwen Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Liang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanping Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianguo Lai
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, 106 Zhongshan Er Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
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4
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Cabaço LC, Tomás A, Pojo M, Barral DC. The Dark Side of Melanin Secretion in Cutaneous Melanoma Aggressiveness. Front Oncol 2022; 12:887366. [PMID: 35619912 PMCID: PMC9128548 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.887366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide and are increasingly prevalent. Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is characterized by the malignant transformation of melanocytes in the epidermis. Although CM shows lower incidence than other skin cancers, it is the most aggressive and responsible for the vast majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Indeed, 75% of patients present with invasive or metastatic tumors, even after surgical excision. In CM, the photoprotective pigment melanin, which is produced by melanocytes, plays a central role in the pathology of the disease. Melanin absorbs ultraviolet radiation and scavenges reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) resulting from the radiation exposure. However, the scavenged ROS/RNS modify melanin and lead to the induction of signature DNA damage in CM cells, namely cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, which are known to promote CM immortalization and carcinogenesis. Despite triggering the malignant transformation of melanocytes and promoting initial tumor growth, the presence of melanin inside CM cells is described to negatively regulate their invasiveness by increasing cell stiffness and reducing elasticity. Emerging evidence also indicates that melanin secreted from CM cells is required for the immunomodulation of tumor microenvironment. Indeed, melanin transforms dermal fibroblasts in cancer-associated fibroblasts, suppresses the immune system and promotes tumor angiogenesis, thus sustaining CM progression and metastasis. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of melanin secretion in CM aggressiveness and the molecular machinery involved, as well as the impact in tumor microenvironment and immune responses. A better understanding of this role and the molecular players involved could enable the modulation of melanin secretion to become a therapeutic strategy to impair CM invasion and metastasis and, hence, reduce the burden of CM-associated deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís C Cabaço
- Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, NMS, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Tomás
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Pojo
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Duarte C Barral
- Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, NMS, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Lin X, Zhong L, Wang N, Chu X, Liu B. Hsa_circ_0103232 promotes melanoma cells proliferation and invasion via targeting miR-661/RAB3D. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:1811-1826. [PMID: 35549813 PMCID: PMC9359370 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2072636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the role of hsa_circ_0103232 in melanoma. This study researched the role of hsa_circ_0103232 in melanoma progression. Hsa_circ_0103232 expression in clinical tissues of melanoma patients and melanoma cells was detected by qRT-PCR. Hsa_circ_0103232 localization in melanoma cells was visualized by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Hsa_circ_0103232 effect on melanoma cells viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion was explored by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Edu experiment, wound healing assay, and Transwell experiment. RNA pull-down assay and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were performed to verify the binding of hsa_circ_0103232 with miR-661, and the binding of miR-661 and RAB3D. Xenograft tumor models were constructed. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used for protein expression detection. Hsa_circ_0103232 expression was increased in melanoma patients, indicating lower overall survival. Hsa_circ_0103232 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of melanoma cells. Silencing hsa_circ_0103232 suppressed melanoma cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (P < 0.01). Hsa_circ_0103232 functioned as a sponge of miR-661 to increase RAB3D expression. miR-661 overexpression partially reversed hsa_circ_0103232 promoting effect on melanoma cells viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT (P < 0.01). In melanoma patients, hsa_circ_0103232 expression was negatively correlated with miR-661 and positively correlated with RAB3D. Silencing hsa_circ_0103232 suppressed melanoma cell growth in vivo and Ki67 and RAB3D expression in xenograft tumors (P < 0.01). Hsa_circ_0103232 is a tumor promoter in melanoma to enhance malignant phenotype and growth in vivo via sponging miR-661/RAB3D. Hsa_circ_0103232 may be a novel target for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Lin
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Biological Immunotherapy, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nian Wang
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuan Chu
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Beizhong Liu
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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lncRNA SNHG26 promoted the growth, metastasis, and cisplatin resistance of tongue squamous cell carcinoma through PGK1/Akt/mTOR signal pathway. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 24:355-370. [PMID: 35118193 PMCID: PMC8783117 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is closely linked to head and neck cancers. Here, we sought to explore the role and mechanism of lncRNAs in the occurrence and progression of TSCC and cisplatin resistance. The results of next-generation transcriptomic sequencing revealed that lncRNA-SNHG26 was differentially expressed and was associated with TSCC cisplatin resistance. The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and tumor tissue analysis revealed that high SHNG26 expression was associated with the occurrence, progression, and poor prognosis of TSCC. Evidence from cell and animal experiments showed that SNHG26 expression was positively correlated with TSCC proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, migration, invasion, and cisplatin resistance. Furthermore, in TSCC cells, SNHG26 was found to bind directly to the PGK1 protein, inhibiting its ubiquitination and activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings suggest that lncRNA-SNHG26 may be a promising target for inhibiting TSCC progression and improving sensitivity to cisplatin chemotherapy in TSCC.
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Ma J, Li Q, Li Y. CircRNA PRH1-PRR4 stimulates RAB3D to regulate the malignant progression of NSCLC by sponging miR-877-5p. Thorac Cancer 2022; 13:690-701. [PMID: 35076987 PMCID: PMC8888154 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous reports have confirmed the importance of circular RNA (circRNA) in the malignant progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of circRNA PRH1-PRR4 readthrough (circPRH1-PRR4) in NSCLC progression was unclear. This study was designed to reveal the mechanism behind circPRH1-PRR4 regulating NSCLC progression. METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were employed to detect the expression of circPRH1-PRR4, microRNA-877-5p (miR-877-5p), the member RAS oncogene family (RAB3D), and other indicated protein markers. The positive expression rate of RAB3D was detected by immunohistochemistry assay. Cell proliferation was investigated by cell colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays. Flow cytometry was employed to quantify apoptotic cells. Wound-healing and transwell invasion assays were used to evaluate cell metastasis. The interaction among circPRH1-PRR4, miR-877-5p, and RAB3D was identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. In vivo assay was implemented to demonstrate the effect of circPRH1-PRR4 on tumor formation. RESULTS As compared with controls, NSCLC tissues and cells displayed high expression of circPRH1-PRR4 and RAB3D, and low expression of miR-877-5p. Reduced expression of circPRH1-PRR4 resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promotion of cell apoptosis in vitro. In support, circPRH1-PRR4 silencing inhibited tumor formation in vivo. Knockdown of miR-877-5p, a target miRNA of circPRH1-PRR4, relieved circPRH1-PRR4 absence-mediated action. Additionally, RAB3D was identified as a target mRNA of miR-877-5p. Importantly, circPRH1-PRR4 regulated RAB3D expression by miR-877-5p. CONCLUSION CircPRH1-PRR4 knockdown impeded NSCLC cell malignancy by the miR-877-5p/RAB3D pathway, providing a possible circRNA-targeted therapy for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, 257000, Shandong, China
| | - Quanxing Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, 257000, Shandong, China
| | - Yuling Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tengzhou Central People's Hospital, Tengzhou Ctiy, 277500, Shandong, China
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8
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Raffaniello RD. Rab3 proteins and cancer: Exit strategies. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1295-1301. [PMID: 33982832 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Rab proteins are GTPases involved in all stages of vesicular transport and membrane fusion in mammalian cells. Individual Rab proteins localize to specific cellular organelles and regulate a specific membrane trafficking pathway. Recent studies suggest an important role for Rab proteins in cancer. Rab3 isoforms (Rab3A, Rab3B, Rab3C, and Rab3D) are expressed almost exclusively in neurons and secretory cells. In this review, the role of Rab3 isoforms in a variety of tumor types is discussed. Of the four Rab3 isoforms, Rab3D has been studied most extensively in cancer cells and this isoform appears to play an oncogenic role in breast, colon, esophageal, skin, and brain tumors. Overexpression of Rab3A and Rab3C was observed in gliomas and colon cancers, respectively. Increased expression of the Rab3 isoforms is related to increased proliferation, migration, and invasiveness. Moreover, high Rab3 isoform levels are often associated with decreased survival and advanced pathological stage in clinical samples. Rab3 isoform-dependent activation of the AKT pathway has been observed in several studies. Although the effects of Rab3 isoforms on cancer cell growth and function have been examined in many tumor types, a number of important questions remain. Are the Rab3-positive vesicles in cancer cells actually secretory in nature? If so, are the contents of these vesicles secreted in a regulated or constitutive manner? How does Rab3-regulated secretion affect cellular signaling and tumor growth? Finally, can Rab3 isoforms be therapeutically manipulated in cancer cells? The fact that knockout of a single Rab3 isoform does not affect viability, at least in mouse models, suggests that targeting of these proteins may be a safe and effective treatment strategy for tumor cells expressing any of the Rab3 isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Raffaniello
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Hunter College, School of Arts and Sciences, New York, New York, USA
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9
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De Falco V, Napolitano S, Esposito D, Guerrera LP, Ciardiello D, Formisano L, Troiani T. Comprehensive Review on the Clinical Relevance of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cutaneous Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1166. [PMID: 33503876 PMCID: PMC7865742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is considered a rare tumor, although it is one of the most common cancers in young adults and its incidence has risen in the last decades. Targeted therapy, with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, and immunotherapy revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma but there is still a considerable percentage of patients with primary or acquired resistance to these therapies. Recently, oncology researchers directed their attention at the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in different types of cancers, including melanoma. lncRNAs are RNA transcripts, initially considered "junk sequences", that have been proven to have a crucial role in the fine regulation of physiological and pathological processes of different tissues. Furthermore, they are more expressed in tumors than protein-coding genes, constituting perfect candidates either as biomarkers (diagnostic, prognostic, predictive) or as therapeutic targets. In this work, we reviewed all the literature available for lncRNA in melanoma, elucidating all the potential roles in this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Falco
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (V.D.F.); (S.N.); (L.P.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Stefania Napolitano
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (V.D.F.); (S.N.); (L.P.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Daniela Esposito
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.E.); (L.F.)
| | - Luigi Pio Guerrera
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (V.D.F.); (S.N.); (L.P.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Davide Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (V.D.F.); (S.N.); (L.P.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Luigi Formisano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.E.); (L.F.)
| | - Teresa Troiani
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (V.D.F.); (S.N.); (L.P.G.); (D.C.)
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Abstract
The Bateson–Dobzhansky–Muller (BDM) model describes negative epistatic interactions that occur between genes with a different evolutionary history to account for hybrid incompatibility and is a central theory explaining genetic mechanisms underlying speciation. Since the early 1900 s when the BDM model was forwarded examples of BDM incompatibility have been described in only a few nonvertebrate cases. This study reports the only vertebrate system, with clearly defined interacting loci, that supports the BDM model. In addition, this study also poses that tumorigenesis serves as a novel mechanism that accounts for postzygotic isolation. Mixing genomes of different species by hybridization can disrupt species-specific genetic interactions that were adapted and fixed within each species population. Such disruption can predispose the hybrids to abnormalities and disease that decrease the overall fitness of the hybrids and is therefore named as hybrid incompatibility. Interspecies hybridization between southern platyfish and green swordtails leads to lethal melanocyte tumorigenesis. This occurs in hybrids with tumor incidence following progeny ratio that is consistent with two-locus interaction, suggesting melanoma development is a result of negative epistasis. Such observations make Xiphophorus one of the only two vertebrate hybrid incompatibility examples in which interacting genes have been identified. One of the two interacting loci has been characterized as a mutant epidermal growth factor receptor. However, the other locus has not been identified despite over five decades of active research. Here we report the localization of the melanoma regulatory locus to a single gene, rab3d, which shows all expected features of the long-sought oncogene interacting locus. Our findings provide insights into the role of egfr regulation in regard to cancer etiology. Finally, they provide a molecular explainable example of hybrid incompatibility.
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