1
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Russo M, Chen M, Mariella E, Peng H, Rehman SK, Sancho E, Sogari A, Toh TS, Balaban NQ, Batlle E, Bernards R, Garnett MJ, Hangauer M, Leucci E, Marine JC, O'Brien CA, Oren Y, Patton EE, Robert C, Rosenberg SM, Shen S, Bardelli A. Cancer drug-tolerant persister cells: from biological questions to clinical opportunities. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:694-717. [PMID: 39223250 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of drug resistance is the most substantial challenge to the effectiveness of anticancer therapies. Orthogonal approaches have revealed that a subset of cells, known as drug-tolerant 'persister' (DTP) cells, have a prominent role in drug resistance. Although long recognized in bacterial populations which have acquired resistance to antibiotics, the presence of DTPs in various cancer types has come to light only in the past two decades, yet several aspects of their biology remain enigmatic. Here, we delve into the biological characteristics of DTPs and explore potential strategies for tracking and targeting them. Recent findings suggest that DTPs exhibit remarkable plasticity, being capable of transitioning between different cellular states, resulting in distinct DTP phenotypes within a single tumour. However, defining the biological features of DTPs has been challenging, partly due to the complex interplay between clonal dynamics and tissue-specific factors influencing their phenotype. Moreover, the interactions between DTPs and the tumour microenvironment, including their potential to evade immune surveillance, remain to be discovered. Finally, the mechanisms underlying DTP-derived drug resistance and their correlation with clinical outcomes remain poorly understood. This Roadmap aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the field of DTPs, encompassing past achievements and current endeavours in elucidating their biology. We also discuss the prospect of future advancements in technologies in helping to unveil the features of DTPs and propose novel therapeutic strategies that could lead to their eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Russo
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy.
| | - Mengnuo Chen
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Mariella
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Haoning Peng
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sumaiyah K Rehman
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elena Sancho
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Sogari
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Tzen S Toh
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Nathalie Q Balaban
- Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rene Bernards
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Matthew Hangauer
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Catherine A O'Brien
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yaara Oren
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, and CRUK Scotland Centre and Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Caroline Robert
- Oncology Department, Dermatology Unit, Villejuif, France
- Oncology Department and INSERM U981, Villejuif, France
- Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Susan M Rosenberg
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shensi Shen
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Alberto Bardelli
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy.
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2
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Díaz-Grijuela E, Hernández A, Caballero C, Fernandez R, Urtasun R, Gulak M, Astigarraga E, Barajas M, Barreda-Gómez G. From Lipid Signatures to Cellular Responses: Unraveling the Complexity of Melanoma and Furthering Its Diagnosis and Treatment. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1204. [PMID: 39202486 PMCID: PMC11356604 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60081204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in mass spectrometry have significantly enhanced our understanding of complex lipid profiles, opening new avenues for oncological diagnostics. This review highlights the importance of lipidomics in the comprehension of certain metabolic pathways and its potential for the detection and characterization of various cancers, in particular melanoma. Through detailed case studies, we demonstrate how lipidomic analysis has led to significant breakthroughs in the identification and understanding of cancer types and its potential for detecting unique biomarkers that are instrumental in its diagnosis. Additionally, this review addresses the technical challenges and future perspectives of these methodologies, including their potential expansion and refinement for clinical applications. The discussion underscores the critical role of lipidomic profiling in advancing cancer diagnostics, proposing a new paradigm in how we approach this devastating disease, with particular emphasis on its application in comparative oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberto Fernandez
- IMG Pharma Biotech, Research and Development Division, 48170 Zamudio, Spain;
| | - Raquel Urtasun
- Biochemistry Area, Department of Health Science, Universidad Pública de Navarra, 31006 Pamplona, Spain; (R.U.); (M.B.)
| | | | - Egoitz Astigarraga
- Betternostics SL, 31110 Noáin, Spain; (E.D.-G.); (A.H.); (C.C.)
- IMG Pharma Biotech, Research and Development Division, 48170 Zamudio, Spain;
| | - Miguel Barajas
- Biochemistry Area, Department of Health Science, Universidad Pública de Navarra, 31006 Pamplona, Spain; (R.U.); (M.B.)
| | - Gabriel Barreda-Gómez
- Betternostics SL, 31110 Noáin, Spain; (E.D.-G.); (A.H.); (C.C.)
- IMG Pharma Biotech, Research and Development Division, 48170 Zamudio, Spain;
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3
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El-Hachem N, Leclercq M, Susaeta Ruiz M, Vanleyssem R, Shostak K, Körner PR, Capron C, Martin-Morales L, Roncarati P, Lavergne A, Blomme A, Turchetto S, Goffin E, Thandapani P, Tarassov I, Nguyen L, Pirotte B, Chariot A, Marine JC, Herfs M, Rapino F, Agami R, Close P. Valine aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase promotes therapy resistance in melanoma. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:1154-1164. [PMID: 38849541 PMCID: PMC11252002 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01439-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Transfer RNA dynamics contribute to cancer development through regulation of codon-specific messenger RNA translation. Specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases can either promote or suppress tumourigenesis. Here we show that valine aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (VARS) is a key player in the codon-biased translation reprogramming induced by resistance to targeted (MAPK) therapy in melanoma. The proteome rewiring in patient-derived MAPK therapy-resistant melanoma is biased towards the usage of valine and coincides with the upregulation of valine cognate tRNAs and of VARS expression and activity. Strikingly, VARS knockdown re-sensitizes MAPK-therapy-resistant patient-derived melanoma in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, VARS regulates the messenger RNA translation of valine-enriched transcripts, among which hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase mRNA encodes for a key enzyme in fatty acid oxidation. Resistant melanoma cultures rely on fatty acid oxidation and hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase for their survival upon MAPK treatment. Together, our data demonstrate that VARS may represent an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of therapy-resistant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najla El-Hachem
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marine Leclercq
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Miguel Susaeta Ruiz
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Raphael Vanleyssem
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Kateryna Shostak
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre-René Körner
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Coralie Capron
- Laboratory of Cancer Stemness, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Roncarati
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Lavergne
- Bioinformatics platform, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Blomme
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Silvia Turchetto
- Laboratory of Molecular Regulation of Neurogenesis, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Eric Goffin
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines-Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Palaniraja Thandapani
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ivan Tarassov
- UMR 7156 - Molecular Genetics, Genomics, Microbiology, University of Strasbourg/CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Nguyen
- Laboratory of Molecular Regulation of Neurogenesis, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- WELBIO department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Bernard Pirotte
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines-Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alain Chariot
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- WELBIO department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael Herfs
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Francesca Rapino
- Laboratory of Cancer Stemness, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- WELBIO department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Reuven Agami
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus MC, Department of Genetics, Rotterdam University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre Close
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- WELBIO department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium.
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4
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Kook E, Kim DH. Elucidating the Role of Lipid-Metabolism-Related Signal Transduction and Inhibitors in Skin Cancer. Metabolites 2024; 14:309. [PMID: 38921444 PMCID: PMC11205519 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipids, as multifunctional molecules, play a crucial role in a variety of cellular processes. These include regulating membrane glycoprotein functions, controlling membrane trafficking, influencing apoptotic pathways, and affecting drug transport. In addition, lipid metabolites can alter the surrounding microenvironment in ways that might encourage tumor progression. The reprogramming of lipid metabolism is pivotal in promoting tumorigenesis and cancer progression, with tumors often displaying significant changes in lipid profiles. This review concentrates on the essential factors that drive lipid metabolic reprogramming, which contributes to the advancement and drug resistance in melanoma. Moreover, we discuss recent advances and current therapeutic strategies that employ small-molecule inhibitors to target lipid metabolism in skin cancers, particularly those associated with inflammation and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Do-Hee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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5
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Karras P, Black JRM, McGranahan N, Marine JC. Decoding the interplay between genetic and non-genetic drivers of metastasis. Nature 2024; 629:543-554. [PMID: 38750233 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis is a multistep process by which cancer cells break away from their original location and spread to distant organs, and is responsible for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. Preventing early metastatic dissemination would revolutionize the ability to fight cancer. Unfortunately, the relatively poor understanding of the molecular underpinnings of metastasis has hampered the development of effective anti-metastatic drugs. Although it is now accepted that disseminating tumour cells need to acquire multiple competencies to face the many obstacles they encounter before reaching their metastatic site(s), whether these competencies are acquired through an accumulation of metastasis-specific genetic alterations and/or non-genetic events is often debated. Here we review a growing body of literature highlighting the importance of both genetic and non-genetic reprogramming events during the metastatic cascade, and discuss how genetic and non-genetic processes act in concert to confer metastatic competencies. We also describe how recent technological advances, and in particular the advent of single-cell multi-omics and barcoding approaches, will help to better elucidate the cross-talk between genetic and non-genetic mechanisms of metastasis and ultimately inform innovative paths for the early detection and interception of this lethal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James R M Black
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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6
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Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Al Hmada Y, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Santourlidis S, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Brodell RT, Hassan M. CD133-Dependent Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase /AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling in Melanoma Progression and Drug Resistance. Cells 2024; 13:240. [PMID: 38334632 PMCID: PMC10854812 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma frequently harbors genetic alterations in key molecules leading to the aberrant activation of PI3K and its downstream pathways. Although the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR in melanoma progression and drug resistance is well documented, targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway showed less efficiency in clinical trials than might have been expected, since the suppression of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway-induced feedback loops is mostly associated with the activation of compensatory pathways such as MAPK/MEK/ERK. Consequently, the development of intrinsic and acquired resistance can occur. As a solid tumor, melanoma is notorious for its heterogeneity. This can be expressed in the form of genetically divergent subpopulations including a small fraction of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs) that make the most of the tumor mass. Like other CSCs, melanoma stem-like cells (MSCs) are characterized by their unique cell surface proteins/stemness markers and aberrant signaling pathways. In addition to its function as a robust marker for stemness properties, CD133 is crucial for the maintenance of stemness properties and drug resistance. Herein, the role of CD133-dependent activation of PI3K/mTOR in the regulation of melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | | | - Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mossad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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7
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Dei Cas M, Ciniselli CM, Vergani E, Ciusani E, Aloisi M, Duroni V, Verderio P, Ghidoni R, Paroni R, Perego P, Beretta GL, Gatti L, Rodolfo M. Alterations in Plasma Lipid Profiles Associated with Melanoma and Therapy Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1558. [PMID: 38338838 PMCID: PMC10855791 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctions of lipid metabolism are associated with tumor progression and treatment resistance of cutaneous melanoma. BRAF/MEK inhibitor resistance is linked to alterations of melanoma lipid pathways. We evaluated whether a specific lipid pattern characterizes plasma from melanoma patients and their response to therapy. Plasma samples from patients and controls were analyzed for FASN and DHCR24 levels and lipidomic profiles. FASN and DHCR24 expression resulted in association with disease condition and related to plasma cholesterol and triglycerides in patients at different disease stages (n = 144) as compared to controls (n = 115). Untargeted lipidomics in plasma (n = 40) from advanced disease patients and controls revealed altered levels of different lipids, including fatty acid derivatives and sphingolipids. Targeted lipidomics identified higher levels of dihydroceramides, ceramides, sphingomyelins, ganglioside GM3, sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and dihydrosphingosine, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. When melanoma patients were stratified based on a long/short-term clinical response to kinase inhibitors, differences in plasma levels were shown for saturated fatty acids (FA 16:0, FA18:0) and oleic acid (FA18:1). Our results associated altered levels of selected lipid species in plasma of melanoma patients with a more favorable prognosis. Although obtained in a small cohort, these results pave the way to lipidomic profiling for melanoma patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Dei Cas
- Clinical Biochemistry and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Health Sciences Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.C.); (R.G.); (R.P.)
| | - Chiara Maura Ciniselli
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.C.); (V.D.); (P.V.)
| | - Elisabetta Vergani
- Unit of Translational Immunology, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (M.R.)
| | - Emilio Ciusani
- Department of Diagnostic and Technology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Mariachiara Aloisi
- Unit of Translational Immunology, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (M.R.)
| | - Valeria Duroni
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.C.); (V.D.); (P.V.)
| | - Paolo Verderio
- Unit of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.C.); (V.D.); (P.V.)
| | - Riccardo Ghidoni
- Clinical Biochemistry and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Health Sciences Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.C.); (R.G.); (R.P.)
| | - Rita Paroni
- Clinical Biochemistry and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Health Sciences Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.D.C.); (R.G.); (R.P.)
| | - Paola Perego
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Luca Beretta
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Laura Gatti
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and UCV, Neurology IX Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Monica Rodolfo
- Unit of Translational Immunology, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.A.); (M.R.)
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8
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Harrer DC, Lüke F, Pukrop T, Ghibelli L, Gerner C, Reichle A, Heudobler D. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα/γ agonist pioglitazone for rescuing relapsed or refractory neoplasias by unlocking phenotypic plasticity. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1289222. [PMID: 38273846 PMCID: PMC10808445 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1289222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A series of seven clinical trials on relapsed or refractory (r/r) metastatic neoplasias followed the question: Are networks of ligand-receptor cross-talks that support tumor-specific cancer hallmarks, druggable with tumor tissue editing approaches therapeutically exploiting tumor plasticity? Differential recombinations of pioglitazone, a dual peroxisome-proliferator activated receptorα/γ (PPARα/γ) agonist, with transcriptional modulators, i.e., all-trans retinoic acid, interferon-α, or dexamethasone plus metronomic low-dose chemotherapy (MCT) or epigenetic modeling with azacitidine plus/minus cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition initiated tumor-specific reprogramming of cancer hallmarks, as exemplified by inflammation control in r/r melanoma, renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis (mLCH) or differentiation induction in non-promyelocytic acute myeloid leukemia (non-PML AML). Pioglitazone, integrated in differentially designed editing schedules, facilitated induction of tumor cell death as indicated by complete remission (CR) in r/r non-PML AML, continuous CR in r/r RCCC, mLCH, and in HL by addition of everolimus, or long-term disease control in melanoma by efficaciously controlling metastasis, post-therapy cancer repopulation and acquired cell-resistance and genetic/molecular-genetic tumor cell heterogeneity (M-CRAC). PPARα/γ agonists provided tumor-type agnostic biomodulatory efficacy across different histologic neoplasias. Tissue editing techniques disclose that wide-ranging functions of PPARα/γ agonists may be on-topic focused for differentially unlocking tumor phenotypes. Low-dose MCT facilitates targeted reprogramming of cancer hallmarks with transcriptional modulators, induction of tumor cell death, M-CRAC control and editing of non-oncogene addiction. Thus, pioglitazone, integrated in tumor tissue editing protocols, is an important biomodulatory drug for addressing urgent therapeutic problems, such as M-CRAC in relapsed or refractory tumor disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Florian Lüke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Pukrop
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lina Ghibelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albrecht Reichle
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Heudobler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Lin S, Shen R, Huang J, Liu Y, Li H, Xu Q. Identification of genomic-wide genetic links between cutaneous melanoma and obesity-related physical traits via cFDR. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:1549-1562. [PMID: 37768517 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01446-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested the comorbidity between cutaneous melanoma (CM) and obesity-related physical traits. However, it remains unclear about their shared genetic architecture. OBJECTIVE To determine the shared genetic architecture between CM and obesity-related physical traits through conditional false discovery rate (cFDR) analysis. METHOD Quantile-quantile plots were firstly built to assess the pleiotropic enrichment of shared single nucleotide polymorphisms between CM and each trait. Then, cFDR and conjunctional cFDR (ccFDR) were used to identify the shared risk loci between CM and each trait. Moreover, the functional evaluation of shared risk genes was carried out through analyses of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene ontology, respectively. Finally, single-cell sequence analysis was performed to locate the expression of eQTL-mapped genes in tissues. RESULTS Successive pleiotropic enrichment was found between CM and 5 obesity-related traits or height. 24 shared risk loci were identified between CM and 13 traits except appendicular lean mass using ccFDR analysis, with 17 novel and 4 validated loci. The functions of ccFDR-identified and eQTL-mapped genes were revealed to be mainly involved in cellular senescence, proliferation, meiotic nuclear division, cell cycle, and the metabolism of lipid, cholesterol and glucose. Single-cell sequence analysis showed that keratinocytes contribute to the occurrence and aggressiveness of CM through secreting paracrine cytokines. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the significant genetic correlation between CM and obesity-related physical traits, which may provide a novel genetical basis for the pathogenesis and treatment of CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Lin
- Department of Dermato-Venereology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runnan Shen
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingqian Huang
- Department of Dermato-Venereology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhan Liu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongpeng Li
- Department of Dermato-Venereology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingfang Xu
- Department of Dermato-Venereology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Schuty B, Martínez S, Guerra A, Lecumberry F, Magliano J, Malacrida L. Quantitative melanoma diagnosis using spectral phasor analysis of hyperspectral imaging from label-free slices. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1296826. [PMID: 38162497 PMCID: PMC10756080 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1296826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Melanoma diagnosis traditionally relies on microscopic examination of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides by dermatopathologists to search for specific architectural and cytological features. Unfortunately, no single molecular marker exists to reliably differentiate melanoma from benign lesions such as nevi. This study explored the potential of autofluorescent molecules within tissues to provide molecular fingerprints indicative of degenerated melanocytes in melanoma. Methods Using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and spectral phasor analysis, we investigated autofluorescence patterns in melanoma compared to intradermal nevi. Using UV excitation and a commercial spectral confocal microscope, we acquired label-free HSI data from the whole-slice samples. Results Our findings revealed distinct spectral phasor distributions between melanoma and intradermal nevi, with melanoma displaying a broader phasor phase distribution, signifying a more heterogeneous autofluorescence pattern. Notably, longer wavelengths associated with larger phases correlated with regions identified as melanoma by expert dermatopathologists using H&E staining. Quantitative analysis of phase and modulation histograms within the phasor clusters of five melanomas (with Breslow thicknesses ranging from 0.5 mm to 6 mm) and five intradermal nevi consistently highlighted differences between the two groups. We further demonstrated the potential for the discrimination of several melanocytic lesions using center-of-mass comparisons of phase and modulation variables. Remarkably, modulation versus phase center of mass comparisons revealed strong statistical significance among the groups. Additionally, we identified the molecular endogenous markers responsible for tissue autofluorescence, including collagen, elastin, NADH, FAD, and melanin. In melanoma, autofluorescence is characterized by a higher phase contribution, indicating an increase in FAD and melanin in melanocyte nests. In contrast, NADH, elastin, and collagen dominate the autofluorescence of the nevus. Discussion This work underscores the potential of autofluorescence and HSI-phasor analysis as valuable tools for quantifying tissue molecular fingerprints, thereby supporting more effective and quantitative melanoma diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Schuty
- Unidad de Bioimagenología Avanzada, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Hospital de Clínicas Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sofía Martínez
- Unidad de Bioimagenología Avanzada, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Hospital de Clínicas Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Unidad Academica de Dermatología, Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Analía Guerra
- Unidad Academica de Dermatología, Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Federico Lecumberry
- Instituto de Ingeniería Eléctrica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Julio Magliano
- Unidad Academica de Dermatología, Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leonel Malacrida
- Unidad de Bioimagenología Avanzada, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Hospital de Clínicas Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Unidad Academica de Fisiopatología, Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Castellani G, Buccarelli M, Arasi MB, Rossi S, Pisanu ME, Bellenghi M, Lintas C, Tabolacci C. BRAF Mutations in Melanoma: Biological Aspects, Therapeutic Implications, and Circulating Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4026. [PMID: 37627054 PMCID: PMC10452867 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer resulting from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Recent therapeutic approaches, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have improved the prognosis and outcome of melanoma patients. BRAF is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes recognised in melanoma. The most frequent oncogenic BRAF mutations consist of a single point mutation at codon 600 (mostly V600E) that leads to constitutive activation of the BRAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signalling pathway. Therefore, mutated BRAF has become a useful target for molecular therapy and the use of BRAF kinase inhibitors has shown promising results. However, several resistance mechanisms invariably develop leading to therapeutic failure. The aim of this manuscript is to review the role of BRAF mutational status in the pathogenesis of melanoma and its impact on differentiation and inflammation. Moreover, this review focuses on the mechanisms responsible for resistance to targeted therapies in BRAF-mutated melanoma and provides an overview of circulating biomarkers including circulating tumour cells, circulating tumour DNA, and non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Castellani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Mariachiara Buccarelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Maria Beatrice Arasi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Stefania Rossi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Maria Elena Pisanu
- High Resolution NMR Unit, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Bellenghi
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carla Lintas
- Research Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Operative Research Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Tabolacci
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
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Malyarenko OS, Usoltseva RV, Silchenko AS, Zueva AO, Ermakova SP. The Combined Metabolically Oriented Effect of Fucoidan from the Brown Alga Saccharina cichorioides and Its Carboxymethylated Derivative with 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose on Human Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12050. [PMID: 37569428 PMCID: PMC10418387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and treatment-resistant form of skin cancer. It is phenotypically characterized by aerobic glycolysis that provides higher proliferative rates and resistance to cell death. The glycolysis regulation in melanoma cells by means of effective metabolic modifiers represents a promising therapeutic opportunity. This work aimed to assess the metabolically oriented effect and mechanism of action of fucoidan from the brown alga Saccharina cichorioides (ScF) and its carboxymethylated derivative (ScFCM) in combination with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) on the proliferation and colony formation of human melanoma cell lines SK-MEL-28, SK-MEL-5, and RPMI-7951. The metabolic profile of melanoma cells was determined by the glucose uptake and Lactate-GloTM assays. The effect of 2-DG, ScF, ScFCM, and their combination on the proliferation, colony formation, and activity of glycolytic enzymes was assessed by the MTS, soft agar, and Western blot methods, respectively. When applied separately, 2-DG (IC50 at 72 h = 8.7 mM), ScF (IC50 at 72 h > 800 µg/mL), and ScFCM (IC50 at 72 h = 573.9 μg/mL) inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of SK-MEL-28 cells to varying degrees. ScF or ScFCM enhanced the inhibiting effect of 2-DG at low, non-toxic concentrations via the downregulation of Glut 1, Hexokinase II, PKM2, LDHA, and pyruvate dehydrogenase activities. The obtained results emphasize the potential of the use of 2-DG in combination with algal fucoidan or its derivative as metabolic modifiers for inhibition of melanoma SK-MEL-28 cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Svetlana P. Ermakova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. 100-Letiya Vladivostoka 159, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
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Silva C, Ronai ZA. An exploitable Achilles heel of MITF? Cell Res 2023; 33:195-196. [PMID: 36564475 PMCID: PMC9977909 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-022-00762-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Silva
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- The University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ze'ev A Ronai
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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