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Giordo R, Ahmadi FAM, Husaini NA, Al-Nuaimi NRA, Ahmad SM, Pintus G, Zayed H. microRNA 21 and long non-coding RNAs interplays underlie cancer pathophysiology: A narrative review. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:831-852. [PMID: 38586315 PMCID: PMC10995982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.03.013] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a diverse group of functional RNA molecules that lack the ability to code for proteins. Despite missing this traditional role, ncRNAs have emerged as crucial regulators of various biological processes and have been implicated in the development and progression of many diseases, including cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two prominent classes of ncRNAs that have emerged as key players in cancer pathophysiology. In particular, miR-21 has been reported to exhibit oncogenic roles in various forms of human cancer, including prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. In this context, miR-21 overexpression is closely associated with tumor proliferation, growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance, whereas miR-21 inactivation is linked to the regression of most tumor-related processes. Accordingly, miR-21 is a crucial modulator of various canonical oncogenic pathways such as PTEN/PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, STAT, p53, MMP2, and MMP9. Moreover, interplays between lncRNA and miRNA further complicate the regulatory mechanisms underlying tumor development and progression. In this regard, several lncRNAs have been found to interact with miR-21 and, by functioning as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) or miRNA sponges, can modulate cancer tumorigenesis. This work presents and discusses recent findings highlighting the roles and pathophysiological implications of the miR-21-lncRNA regulatory axis in cancer occurrence, development, and progression. The data collected indicate that specific lncRNAs, such as MEG3, CASC2, and GAS5, are strongly associated with miR-21 in various types of cancer, including gastric, cervical, lung, and glioma. Indeed, these lncRNAs are well-known tumor suppressors and are commonly downregulated in different types of tumors. Conversely, by modulating various mechanisms and oncogenic signaling pathways, their overexpression has been linked with preventing tumor formation and development. This review highlights the significance of these regulatory pathways in cancer and their potential for use in cancer therapy as diagnostic and prognostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Giordo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Abdullah M. Ahmadi
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nedal Al Husaini
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noora Rashid A.M. Al-Nuaimi
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salma M.S. Ahmad
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, University City Rd, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
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Kolathur KK, Nag R, Shenoy PV, Malik Y, Varanasi SM, Angom RS, Mukhopadhyay D. Molecular Susceptibility and Treatment Challenges in Melanoma. Cells 2024; 13:1383. [PMID: 39195270 DOI: 10.3390/cells13161383] [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: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive subtype of cancer, with a higher propensity to spread compared to most solid tumors. The application of OMICS approaches has revolutionized the field of melanoma research by providing comprehensive insights into the molecular alterations and biological processes underlying melanoma development and progression. This review aims to offer an overview of melanoma biology, covering its transition from primary to malignant melanoma, as well as the key genes and pathways involved in the initiation and progression of this disease. Utilizing online databases, we extensively explored the general expression profile of genes, identified the most frequently altered genes and gene mutations, and examined genetic alterations responsible for drug resistance. Additionally, we studied the mechanisms responsible for immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kumar Kolathur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Radhakanta Nag
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Science & Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar 751003, Odisha, India
| | - Prathvi V Shenoy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Yagya Malik
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sai Manasa Varanasi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Ramcharan Singh Angom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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Lazar AM, Costea DO, Popp CG, Mastalier B. Skin Malignant Melanoma and Matrix Metalloproteinases: Promising Links to Efficient Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7804. [PMID: 39063046 PMCID: PMC11277423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147804] [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: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Skin malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the most frequent and aggressive neoplasia worldwide. Its associated high mortality rates are mostly due to its metastases, while diagnosis and treatment of MM in its early stages is of favorable prognostic. Even skin superficial MMs at incipient local stages can already present with lymph node invasion and distant metastases. Therefore, knowledge of the controllable risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms of MM development, spreading, and metastatic pattern, as well as early diagnosis, are essential to decrease the high mortality rates associated with cutaneous malignant melanoma. Genetic factors are incriminated, although lifetime-acquired genetic mutations appear to be even more frequently involved in the development of MM. Skin melanocytes divide only twice per year and have time to accumulate genetic mutations as a consequence of environmental aggressive factors, such as UV exposure. In the search for more promising therapies, matrix metalloproteinases have become of significant interest, such as MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13, which have been linked to more aggressive forms of cancer and earlier metastases. Therefore, the development of specific synthetic inhibitors of MMP secretion or activity could represent a more promising and effective approach to the personalized treatment of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Madalina Lazar
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- General Surgery Clinic, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniel Ovidiu Costea
- Second Surgery Clinic, Constanta District Clinical Emergency Hospital, 900591 Constanța, Romania
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Ovidius”, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | | | - Bogdan Mastalier
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- General Surgery Clinic, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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Hasterok S, Jankovskaja S, Miletic Dahlström R, Prgomet Z, Ohlsson L, Björklund S, Gustafsson A. Exploring the Surface: Sampling of Potential Skin Cancer Biomarkers Kynurenine and Tryptophan, Studied on 3D Melanocyte and Melanoma Models. Biomolecules 2024; 14:815. [PMID: 39062529 PMCID: PMC11274760 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070815] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Early detection of cancer via biomarkers is vital for improving patient survival rates. In the case of skin cancers, low-molecular-weight biomarkers can penetrate the skin barrier, enabling non-invasive sampling at an early stage. This study focuses on detecting tryptophan (Trp) and kynurenine (Kyn) on the surface of reconstructed 3D melanoma and melanocyte models. This is examined in connection with IDO-1 and IL-6 expression in response to IFN-γ or UVB stimulation, both crucial factors of the melanoma tumor microenvironment (TME). Using a polystyrene scaffold, full-thickness human skin equivalents containing fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and melanocytes or melanoma cells were developed. The samples were stimulated with IFN-γ or UVB, and Trp and Kyn secretion was measured using HPLC-PDA and HPLC-MS. The expression of IDO-1 and IL-6 was measured using RT-qPCR. Increased Trp catabolism to Kyn was observed in IFN-γ-stimulated melanoma and melanocyte models, along with higher IDO-1 expression. UVB exposure led to significant changes in Kyn levels but only in the melanoma model. This study demonstrates the potential of skin surface Trp and Kyn monitoring to capture TME metabolic changes. It also lays the groundwork for future in vivo studies, aiding in understanding and monitoring skin cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Hasterok
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Skaidre Jankovskaja
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Ruzica Miletic Dahlström
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Zdenka Prgomet
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
- Section for Oral Biology and Pathology, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, 214 21 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Lars Ohlsson
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Björklund
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
| | - Anna Gustafsson
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden; (S.J.); (R.M.D.); (Z.P.); (L.O.); (S.B.)
- Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmo, Sweden
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5
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Staebler S, Rottensteiner-Brandl U, El Ahmad Z, Kappelmann-Fenzl M, Arkudas A, Kengelbach-Weigand A, Bosserhoff AK, Schmidt SK. Transcription factor activating enhancer-binding protein 2ε (AP2ε) modulates phenotypic plasticity and progression of malignant melanoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:351. [PMID: 38773108 PMCID: PMC11109141 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06733-3] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, is often incurable once metastatic dissemination of cancer cells to distant organs has occurred. We investigated the role of Transcription Factor Activating Enhancer-Binding Protein 2ε (AP2ε) in the progression of metastatic melanoma. Here, we observed that AP2ε is a potent activator of metastasis and newly revealed AP2ε to be an important player in melanoma plasticity. High levels of AP2ε lead to worsened prognosis of melanoma patients. Using a transgenic melanoma mouse model with a specific loss of AP2ε expression, we confirmed the impact of AP2ε to modulate the dynamic switch from a migratory to a proliferative phenotype. AP2ε deficient melanoma cells show a severely reduced migratory potential in vitro and reduced metastatic behavior in vivo. Consistently, we revealed increased activity of AP2ε in quiescent and migratory cells compared to heterogeneously proliferating cells in bioprinted 3D models. In conclusion, these findings disclose a yet-unknown role of AP2ε in maintaining plasticity and migration in malignant melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Staebler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Rottensteiner-Brandl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Zubeir El Ahmad
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Arkudas
- Laboratory for Tissue-Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen-Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annika Kengelbach-Weigand
- Laboratory for Tissue-Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen-Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja-Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- CCC Erlangen-EMN: Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- CCC WERA: Comprehensive Cancer Center Alliance WERA (CCC WERA), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- BZKF: Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Sonja K Schmidt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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Pícková M, Kahounová Z, Radaszkiewicz T, Procházková J, Fedr R, Nosková M, Radaszkiewicz KA, Ovesná P, Bryja V, Souček K. Orthotopic model for the analysis of melanoma circulating tumor cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7827. [PMID: 38570556 PMCID: PMC10991390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58236-y] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma, a highly lethal form of skin cancer, presents significant clinical challenges due to limited therapeutic options and high metastatic capacity. Recent studies have demonstrated that cancer dissemination can occur earlier, before the diagnosis of the primary tumor. The progress in understanding the kinetics of cancer dissemination is limited by the lack of animal models that accurately mimic disease progression. We have established a xenograft model of human melanoma that spontaneously metastasizes to lymph nodes and lungs. This model allows precise monitoring of melanoma progression and is suitable for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). We have validated a flow cytometry-based protocol for CTCs enumeration and isolation. We could demonstrate that (i) CTCs were detectable in the bloodstream from the fourth week after tumor initiation, coinciding with the lymph node metastases appearance, (ii) excision of the primary tumor accelerated the formation of metastases in lymph nodes and lungs as early as one-week post-surgery, accompanied by the increased numbers of CTCs, and (iii) CTCs change their surface protein signature. In summary, we present a model of human melanoma that can be effectively utilized for future drug efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Pícková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Kahounová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomasz Radaszkiewicz
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Procházková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Fedr
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Nosková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | | | - Petra Ovesná
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vítězslav Bryja
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Wang C, He G, Zhao H, Lu Y, Jiang P, Li W. Enhancing Deep-Seated Melanoma Therapy through Wearable Self-Powered Microneedle Patch. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2311246. [PMID: 38123765 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Effective treatment of deep-seated tumors relies on enhanced drug penetration in transdermal drug delivery systems. While microneedles (MNs) and iontophoresis techniques have shown improved transdermal drug delivery efficiency, challenges such as skin elasticity, high electrical resistance of the stratum corneum, and external power supply requirements hinder their efficacy in treating deep-seated tumors. In this study, a wearable, self-powered MN patch that integrates a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (F-TENG) is presented, aimed at advancing deep-seated tumor therapy. MNs are composed of water-soluble materials mixed with negatively charged pH-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with therapeutic drugs. The F-TENG harnesses personal mechanical movements generate electrical energy. Leveraging the advantages of both MNs and F-TENG, therapeutic NPs can penetrate deep skin locations upon MN patch insertion, releasing drugs rapidly in acidic tumor tissues. Owing to these features, a single administration of the integrated MN-patch in a mouse model with deep-seated melanoma exhibits superior therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting deep-located tumor compared to using the MN-patch alone, indicating promising potential for treating tumors at deep sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyuan Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guangqin He
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yun Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, 430200, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (Ministry of Education), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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8
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Sinclair R, Wong XL, Shumack S, Baker C, MacMahon B. The role of micrometastasis in high-risk skin cancers. Australas J Dermatol 2024; 65:143-152. [PMID: 38156714 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.14206] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The propensity to metastasize is the most important prognostic indicator for solid cancers. New insights into the mechanisms of early carcinogenesis have revealed micrometastases are generated far earlier than previously thought. Evidence supports a synergistic relationship between vascular and lymphatic seeding which can occur before there is clinical evidence of a primary tumour. Early vascular seeding prepares distal sites for colonisation while regional lymphatics are co-opted to promote facilitative cancer cell mutations. In response, the host mounts a global inflammatory and immunomodulatory response towards these cells supporting the concept that cancer is a systemic disease. Cancer staging systems should be refined to better reflect cancer cell loads in various tissue compartments while clinical perspectives should be broadened to encompass this view when approaching high-risk cancers. Measured adjunctive therapies implemented earlier for low-volume, in-transit cancer offers the prospect of preventing advanced disease and the need for heroic therapeutic interventions. This review seeks to re-appraise how we view the metastatic process for solid cancers. It will explore in-transit metastasis in the context of high-risk skin cancer and how it dictates disease progression. It will also discuss how these implications will influence our current staging systems and its consequences on management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sinclair
- Queensland Institute of Dermatology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Xin Lin Wong
- St George Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centre, New South Wales, Kogarah, Australia
| | - Stephen Shumack
- St George Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centre, New South Wales, Kogarah, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christopher Baker
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincents Hospital, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
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9
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Pimenta J, Prada J, Pires I, Cotovio M. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Expression in Equine Melanocytic Tumors. Vet Sci 2024; 11:77. [PMID: 38393095 PMCID: PMC10891553 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020077] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine melanocytic tumors are common and have an unusual benign behavior with low invasiveness and metastatic rates. However, tumoral mass growth is usually a concern that can have life-threatening consequences. COX-2 is related to oncogenesis, promoting neoplastic cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of COX-2 in equine melanocytic tumors. Through extension and intensity of labeling, 39 melanocytomas and 38 melanomas were evaluated. Of the malignant tumors, 13.2% were negative and 63.2% presented a low COX-2 expression. Only 6 malignant tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, 18 malignant and 8 benign had an expression between 21 and 50%, 8 malignant and 3 benign tumors had an expression between 6 and 20%, 1 malignant tumor had an expression between 1 and 5%, and 5 malignant and 28 benign tumors had no expression. Malignant tumors showed higher COX-2 expression than did benign tumors, with statistically significant differences. The low levels of COX-2 may be one of the molecular reasons for the presence of expansive mass growth instead of the invasive pattern of other species, which is related to high COX-2 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pimenta
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG—Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Cotovio
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
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Zhang C, Qin C, Dewanjee S, Bhattacharya H, Chakraborty P, Jha NK, Gangopadhyay M, Jha SK, Liu Q. Tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles in cancer invasion and metastasis: molecular mechanisms, and clinical significance. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:18. [PMID: 38243280 PMCID: PMC10797874 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01932-0] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The production and release of tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (TDSEVs) from cancerous cells play a pivotal role in the propagation of cancer, through genetic and biological communication with healthy cells. TDSEVs are known to orchestrate the invasion-metastasis cascade via diverse pathways. Regulation of early metastasis processes, pre-metastatic niche formation, immune system regulation, angiogenesis initiation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, immune modulation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are among the pathways regulated by TDSEVs. MicroRNAs (miRs) carried within TDSEVs play a pivotal role as a double-edged sword and can either promote metastasis or inhibit cancer progression. TDSEVs can serve as excellent markers for early detection of tumors, and tumor metastases. From a therapeutic point of view, the risk of cancer metastasis may be reduced by limiting the production of TDSEVs from tumor cells. On the other hand, TDSEVs represent a promising approach for in vivo delivery of therapeutic cargo to tumor cells. The present review article discusses the recent developments and the current views of TDSEVs in the field of cancer research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neuro-Oncology at Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Chaoying Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neuro-Oncology at Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India.
| | - Hiranmoy Bhattacharya
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Pratik Chakraborty
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre of Research Impact and Outreach, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007, India
| | - Moumita Gangopadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Barasat, Kolkata, 700126, West Bengal, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Zoology, Kalindi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, 110008, India.
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neuro-Oncology at Hunan Province, Changsha, 410008, China.
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11
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Mastalier Manolescu BS, Lazar AM, Ţiplica GS, Zurac SA, Reboşapcă A, Andreescu B, Popp CG. MMP1, MMP9, MMP11 and MMP13 in melanoma and its metastasis - key points in understanding the mechanisms and celerity of tumor dissemination. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2024; 65:45-52. [PMID: 38527983 PMCID: PMC11146457 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.65.1.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1, MMP9, MMP11, and MMP13 are overexpressed in malignant melanoma (MM), being associated with tumor invasive phase, metastases, and more aggressive neoplastic phenotypes. AIM The main objective of the current study was to correlate the expression of the MMPs with the evolution of MM toward distant metastasis. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS We designed a retrospective cohort study, including 13 patients with metastatic MM. Data concerning age, sex, localization of the primary lesion and metastasis, and histological and immunohistochemical features (intensity of expression and percent of positive cells for MMPs) were statistically processed. RESULTS The time between the diagnosis of primitive melanoma and the diagnosis of metastasis ranged between 0 and 73 months, with a mean value of 18.3 months. The metastases rich in MMP1- and MMP9-positive cells occurred earlier than the metastases with low levels of positive cells. The mean period until metastasis was shorter for the MMP1-expressing tumors than the ones without MMP1 expression. MMP13 expression in the tumor and its metastasis was significantly linked with the time until the metastasis occurrence. CONCLUSIONS This study emphasizes the roles of MMP1, MMP9, and MMP13 in the process of metastasis in melanoma and the opportunity to use them as therapeutic targets and surveillance molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Stelian Mastalier Manolescu
- Department of General Surgery, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Department of Functional Sciences, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania;
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12
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Nomdedeu-Sancho G, Gorkun A, Mahajan N, Willson K, Schaaf CR, Votanopoulos KI, Atala A, Soker S. In Vitro Three-Dimensional (3D) Models for Melanoma Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5779. [PMID: 38136325 PMCID: PMC10741426 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245779] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related fatalities. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatments have revolutionized the management of the disease by significantly increasing patient survival rates. However, a considerable number of tumors treated with these drugs fail to respond or may develop resistance over time. Tumor growth and its response to therapies are critically influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME); it directly supports cancer cell growth and influences the behavior of surrounding immune cells, which can become tumor-permissive, thereby rendering immunotherapies ineffective. Ex vivo modeling of melanomas and their response to treatment could significantly advance our understanding and predictions of therapy outcomes. Efforts have been directed toward developing reliable models that accurately mimic melanoma in its appropriate tissue environment, including tumor organoids, bioprinted tissue constructs, and microfluidic devices. However, incorporating and modeling the melanoma TME and immune component remains a significant challenge. Here, we review recent literature regarding the generation of in vitro 3D models of normal skin and melanoma and the approaches used to incorporate the immune compartment in such models. We discuss how these constructs could be combined and used to test immunotherapies and elucidate treatment resistance mechanisms. The development of 3D in vitro melanoma models that faithfully replicate the complexity of the TME and its interaction with the immune system will provide us with the technical tools to better understand ICI resistance and increase its efficacy, thereby improving personalized melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Nomdedeu-Sancho
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Anastasiya Gorkun
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Naresh Mahajan
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Kelsey Willson
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Cecilia R. Schaaf
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Pathology Section, Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Konstantinos I. Votanopoulos
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Shay Soker
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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13
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TÜRK S, YILMAZ A, MALKAN ÜY, UÇAR G, TÜRK C. Prognostic gene biomarkers for c-Src inhibitor Si162 sensitivity in melanoma cells. Turk J Biol 2023; 48:13-23. [PMID: 38665777 PMCID: PMC11042866 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0152.2678] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Early detection and treatment are crucial in combating malignant melanoma. Src is an important therapeutic target in melanoma due to its association with cancer progression. However, developing effective Src-targeting drugs remains challenging and personalized medicine relies on biomarkers and targeted therapies for precise and effective treatment. This study focuses on Si162, a newly synthesized c-Src inhibitor, to identify reliable biomarkers for predicting Si162 sensitivity and explore associated biological characteristics and pathways in melanoma cells. Materials and methods Primary melanoma cells (M1, M21, M24, M84, M133, M307, and M2025) were obtained from patients diagnosed with melanoma. Si162 cytotoxicity tests were performed using luminescent adenosine triphosphate detection and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were calculated. Gene expression profiles were analyzed using microarray-based gene expression data. Differentially expressed genes between the resistant and sensitive groups were identified using Pearson correlation analysis. Gene coexpression, interactions, and pathways were investigated through clustering, network, and pathway analyses. Biological functions were examined using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. Molecular pathways associated with different responses to Si162 were identified using gene set enrichment analysis. The gene expressions were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The cells revealed significant differences in response to Si162 based on the IC50 values (p < 0.05). A total of 36 differentially expressed genes associated with Si162 susceptibility were identified. Distinct expression patterns between the sensitive and resistant groups were observed in 9 genes (LRBA, MGMT, CAND1, ADD1, SETD2, CNTN6, FGF18, C18orf25, and RPL13). Coexpression among the differentially expressed genes was highlighted, and 9 genes associated with molecular pathways, including EMT, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling, and ribosomal protein synthesis, between groups. Genes involved in dysregulated immune response were observed in the resistant group. The involvement of 5 genes (ADD1, CNTN6, FGF18, C18orf25, and RPL13) in Si162 resistance was confirmed through qRT-PCR validation. Conclusion These findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying biological differences among melanoma cells and suggest potential biomarkers and pathways associated with Si162 response and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyhan TÜRK
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara,
Turkiye
| | - Ayşegül YILMAZ
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara,
Turkiye
| | - Ümit Yavuz MALKAN
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara,
Turkiye
| | - Gülberk UÇAR
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara,
Turkiye
| | - Can TÜRK
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara,
Turkiye
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14
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Wendt F, Wittig F, Rupprecht A, Ramer R, Langer P, Emmert S, Frank M, Hinz B. A Thia-Analogous Indirubin N-Glycoside Disrupts Mitochondrial Function and Causes the Death of Human Melanoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2409. [PMID: 37830623 PMCID: PMC10572502 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer is the most common malignant disease worldwide and, therefore, also poses a challenge from a pharmacotherapeutic perspective. Derivatives of indirubin are an interesting option in this context. In the present study, the effects of 3-[3'-oxo-benzo[b]thiophen-2'-(Z)-ylidene]-1-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-oxindole (KD87), a thia-analogous indirubin N-glycoside, on the viability and mitochondrial properties of melanoma (A375) and squamous cell carcinoma cells (A431) of the skin were investigated. In both cell lines, KD87 caused decreased viability, the activation of caspases-3 and -7, and the inhibition of colony formation. At the mitochondrial level, a concentration-dependent decrease in both the basal and ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate and in the reserve capacity of oxidative respiration were registered in the presence of KD87. These changes were accompanied by morphological alterations in the mitochondria, a release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol and significant reductions in succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit B (SDHB, subunit of complex II) in A375 and A431 cells and NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit B8 (NDUFB8, subunit of complex I) in A375 cells. The effect of KD87 was accompanied by a significant upregulation of the enzyme heme oxygenase-1, whose inhibition led to a partial but significant reduction in the metabolic-activity-reducing effect of KD87. In summary, our data show a mitochondria-targeting effect of KD87 as part of the cytotoxic effect of this compound on skin cancer cells, which should be considered in future studies with this class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Wendt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (A.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Felix Wittig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (A.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Anne Rupprecht
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (A.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Robert Ramer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (A.R.); (R.R.)
| | - Peter Langer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Steffen Emmert
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Marcus Frank
- Electron Microscopy Centre, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Department Life, Light and Matter, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Centre, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (F.W.); (F.W.); (A.R.); (R.R.)
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15
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Ruzzi F, Semprini MS, Scalambra L, Palladini A, Angelicola S, Cappello C, Pittino OM, Nanni P, Lollini PL. Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12963. [PMID: 37629147 PMCID: PMC10454695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612963] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are increasingly being studied as a possible strategy to prevent and treat cancers. While several prophylactic vaccines for virus-caused cancers are approved and efficiently used worldwide, the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines needs to be further implemented. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled protein structures that mimic native viruses or bacteriophages but lack the replicative material. VLP platforms are designed to display single or multiple antigens with a high-density pattern, which can trigger both cellular and humoral responses. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of preventive VLP-based vaccines currently approved worldwide against HBV and HPV infections or under evaluation to prevent virus-caused cancers. Furthermore, preclinical and early clinical data on prophylactic and therapeutic VLP-based cancer vaccines were summarized with a focus on HER-2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ruzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Maria Sofia Semprini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Laura Scalambra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Arianna Palladini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Stefania Angelicola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Chiara Cappello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Olga Maria Pittino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Patrizia Nanni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
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16
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Li Y, Liu F. The extracellular vesicles targeting tumor microenvironment: a promising therapeutic strategy for melanoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200249. [PMID: 37575250 PMCID: PMC10419216 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small particles secreted by numerous cell types and circulate in almost all body fluids, acting as crucial messengers for cell-to-cell communication. EVs involves multiple physiological and pathological processes, including tumor progression, via their multiple cargoes. Therefore, EVs have become attractive candidates for the treatment of tumor, including melanoma. Notably, due to the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in promoting tumor malignant phenotype, and the close intercellular communication in TME, EVs-based therapy by targeting TME has become a cutting-edge and prospective strategy for inhibiting melanoma progression and strengthening the anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we aimed to summarize and discuss the role of therapeutic EVs, which target the components of TME in melanoma, thereby providing insights into these promising clinical strategies for the treatment of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmin Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
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17
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Pimenta J, Pires I, Prada J, Cotovio M. E-Cadherin Immunostaining in Equine Melanocytic Tumors. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2216. [PMID: 37444014 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanocytic tumors are an important neoplastic disease in human and veterinary medicine, presenting large differences regarding tumor behavior between species. In horses, these tumors present a prolonged benign behavior, with rare invasiveness and metastases. In humans and small animals, invasion and metastasis have been associated with an Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, where the loss of E-cadherin expression plays a key role in tumor progression. This process and the role of E-cadherin have not yet been evaluated in equine melanocytic tumors. This study aimed to assess the immunolabeling of E-cadherin in equine melanocytic tumors and relate this with clinicopathological variables. A total of 72 equine melanocytic tumors were classified as benign and malignant and evaluated by immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin expression. A different pattern of immunostaining was found, contrasting with other species. A total of 69.4% of tumors presented raised immunolabeling of E-cadherin, with 70.7% of melanomas remaining with high expression. The typical loss of immunostaining was not seen in malignant melanomas and no differences were found between benign and malignant melanomas regarding E-cadherin immunostaining. The high immunolabeling of E-cadherin may contribute to the low invasiveness of these tumors, and it is in accordance with the benign behavior of equine melanoma and with the genetic factors associated with its development.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pimenta
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Cotovio
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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18
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Chaturvedi D, Paranjape S, Jain R, Dandekar P. Disease-related biomarkers as experimental endpoints in 3D skin culture models. Cytotechnology 2023; 75:165-193. [PMID: 37187945 PMCID: PMC10167092 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-023-00574-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of in vitro 3D models in either recapitulating the normal tissue physiology or altered physiology or disease condition depends upon the identification and/or quantification of relevant biomarkers that confirm the functionality of these models. Various skin disorders, such as psoriasis, photoaging, vitiligo, etc., and cancers like squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, etc. have been replicated via organotypic models. The disease biomarkers expressed by such cell cultures are quantified and compared with the biomarkers expressed in cultures depicting the normal tissue physiology, to identify the most prominent variations in their expression. This may also indicate the stage or reversal of these conditions upon treatment with relevant therapeutics. This review article presents an overview of the important biomarkers that have been identified in in-vitro 3D models of skin diseases as endpoints for validating the functionality of these models. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-023-00574-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Chaturvedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400019 India
| | - Swarali Paranjape
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400019 India
| | - Ratnesh Jain
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400019 India
| | - Prajakta Dandekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400019 India
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19
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Michielon E, López González M, Stolk DA, Stolwijk JGC, Roffel S, Waaijman T, Lougheed SM, de Gruijl TD, Gibbs S. A Reconstructed Human Melanoma-in-Skin Model to Study Immune Modulatory and Angiogenic Mechanisms Facilitating Initial Melanoma Growth and Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2849. [PMID: 37345186 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion, immune modulation, and angiogenesis are crucial in melanoma progression. Studies based on animals or two-dimensional cultures poorly recapitulate the tumor-microenvironmental cross-talk found in humans. This highlights a need for more physiological human models to better study melanoma features. Here, six melanoma cell lines (A375, COLO829, G361, MeWo, RPMI-7951, and SK-MEL-28) were used to generate an in vitro three-dimensional human melanoma-in-skin (Mel-RhS) model and were compared in terms of dermal invasion and immune modulatory and pro-angiogenic capabilities. A375 displayed the most invasive phenotype by clearly expanding into the dermal compartment, whereas COLO829, G361, MeWo, and SK-MEL-28 recapitulated to different extent the initial stages of melanoma invasion. No nest formation was observed for RPMI-7951. Notably, the integration of A375 and SK-MEL-28 cells into the model resulted in an increased secretion of immune modulatory factors (e.g., M-CSF, IL-10, and TGFβ) and pro-angiogenic factors (e.g., Flt-1 and VEGF). Mel-RhS-derived supernatants induced endothelial cell sprouting in vitro. In addition, observed A375-RhS tissue contraction was correlated to increased TGFβ release and α-SMA expression, all indicative of differentiation of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblast-like cells and reminiscent of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, consistent with A375's most prominent invasive behavior. In conclusion, we successfully generated several Mel-RhS models mimicking different stages of melanoma progression, which can be further tailored for future studies to investigate individual aspects of the disease and serve as three-dimensional models to assess efficacy of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Michielon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marta López González
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dorian A Stolk
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joeke G C Stolwijk
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Roffel
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Taco Waaijman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sinéad M Lougheed
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Piotrowska A, Zaucha R, Król O, Żmijewski MA. Vitamin D Modulates the Response of Patient-Derived Metastatic Melanoma Cells to Anticancer Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098037. [PMID: 37175742 PMCID: PMC10178305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is considered a lethal and treatment-resistant skin cancer with a high risk of recurrence, making it a major clinical challenge. Our earlier studies documented that 1,25(OH)2D3 and its low-calcaemic analogues potentiate the effectiveness of dacarbazine and cediranib, a pan-VEGFR inhibitor. In the current study, a set of patient-derived melanoma cultures was established and characterised as a preclinical model of human melanoma. Thus, patient-derived cells were preconditioned with 1,25(OH)2D3 and treated with cediranib or vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, depending on the BRAF mutation status of the patients enrolled in the study. 1,25(OH)2D3 preconditioning exacerbated the inhibition of patient-derived melanoma cell growth and motility in comparison to monotherapy with cediranib. A significant decrease in mitochondrial respiration parameters, such as non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption, basal respiration and ATP-linked respiration, was observed. It seems that 1,25(OH)2D3 preconditioning enhanced cediranib efficacy via the modulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics. Additionally, 1,25(OH)2D3 also decreased the viability and mobility of the BRAF+ patient-derived cells treated with vemurafenib. Interestingly, regardless of the strict selection, cancer-derived fibroblasts (CAFs) became the major fraction of cultured cells over time, suggesting that melanoma growth is dependent on CAFs. In conclusion, the results of our study strongly emphasise that the active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, might be considered as an adjuvant agent in the treatment of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Piotrowska
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Renata Zaucha
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Oliwia Król
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
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21
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Diaz MJ, Mark I, Rodriguez D, Gelman B, Tran JT, Kleinberg G, Levin A, Beneke A, Root KT, Tran AXV, Lucke-Wold B. Melanoma Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review of Opportunities for Earlier Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030828. [PMID: 36983983 PMCID: PMC10053844 DOI: 10.3390/life13030828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Melanoma continues to represent the most serious skin cancer worldwide. However, few attempts have been made to connect the body of research on advanced melanoma. In the present review, we report on strides made in the diagnosis and treatment of intracranial metastatic melanoma. Methods: Relevant Cochrane reviews and randomized-controlled trials published by November 2022 were systematically retrieved from the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed databases (N = 27). Search and screening methods adhered to the 2020 revision of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: Although the research surrounding the earlier detection of melanoma brain metastasis is scarce, several studies have highlighted specific markers associated with MBM. Such factors include elevated BRAFV600 mutant ctDNA, high LDH concentration, and high IGF-1R. The approach to treating MBM is moving away from surgery and toward nonsurgical management, namely, a combination of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and immunotherapeutic agents. There is an abundance of emerging research seeking to identify and improve both novel and established treatment options and diagnostic approaches for MBM, however, more research is still needed to maximize the clinical efficacy, especially for new immunotherapeutics. Conclusions: Early detection is optimal for the efficacy of treatment and MBM prognosis. Current treatment utilizes chemotherapies and targeted therapies. Emerging approaches emphasize biomarkers and joint treatments. Further exploration toward preliminary identification, the timing of therapies, and methods to ameliorate adverse treatment effects are needed to advance MBM patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabella Mark
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Daphnee Rodriguez
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Beata Gelman
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Jasmine Thuy Tran
- School of Medicine, University of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Giona Kleinberg
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anna Levin
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alice Beneke
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kevin Thomas Root
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Andrew Xuan Vinh Tran
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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22
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Thatikonda S, Pooladanda V, Tokala R, Nagula S, Godugu C. Niclosamide inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition with apoptosis induction in BRAF/ NRAS mutated metastatic melanoma cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 89:105579. [PMID: 36870549 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is considered a deadly aggressive form of skin cancer that frequently metastasizes to various distal organs, which harbors mutations of the BRAF or NRAS which occur in 30 to 50% of melanoma patients. The growth factors secreted by melanoma cells contribute to tumor angiogenesis with the acquisition of metastatic potential by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drive melanoma growth toward a more aggressive form. Niclosamide (NCL) is an FDA-approved anthelmintic drug and is reported to have strong anti-cancer properties against various solid and liquid tumors. Its role in BRAF or NRAS mutated cells is unknown. In this context, we uncovered the role of NCL in impeding malignant metastatic melanoma in vitro in SK-MEL-2 and SK-MEL-28 cell lines. We found that NCL induces significant ROS generation and apoptosis through a series of molecular mechanisms, such as depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, arresting the cell cycle at the sub G1 phase with a significant increase in the DNA cleavage via topoisomerase II in both cell lines. We also found that NCL potently inhibited metastasis, which was examined by scratch wound assay, Additionally, we found that NCL inhibits the most important markers involved in the EMT signaling cascade that are stimulated by TGF-β such as N-cadherin, Snail, Slug, Vimentin, α-SMA and p-Smad 2/3. This work provides useful insights into the mechanism of NCL in BRAF/NRAF mutant melanoma cells via inhibition of molecular signaling events involved in EMT signaling, and apoptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowjanya Thatikonda
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India; Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Venkatesh Pooladanda
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ramya Tokala
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Shankaraiah Nagula
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India.
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23
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Orecchini E, Belladonna ML, Pallotta MT, Volpi C, Zizi L, Panfili E, Gargaro M, Fallarino F, Rossini S, Suvieri C, Macchiarulo A, Bicciato S, Mondanelli G, Orabona C. The signaling function of IDO1 incites the malignant progression of mouse B16 melanoma. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2170095. [PMID: 36733497 PMCID: PMC9888476 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2170095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), a leader tryptophan-degrading enzyme, represents a recognized immune checkpoint molecule. In neoplasia, IDO1 is often highly expressed in dendritic cells infiltrating the tumor and/or in tumor cells themselves, particularly in human melanoma. In dendritic cells, IDO1 does not merely metabolize tryptophan into kynurenine but, after phosphorylation of critical tyrosine residues in the non-catalytic small domain, it triggers a signaling pathway prolonging its immunoregulatory effects by a feed-forward mechanism. We here investigated whether the non-enzymatic function of IDO1 could also play a role in tumor cells by using B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells transfected with either the wild-type Ido1 gene (Ido1WT ) or a mutated variant lacking the catalytic, but not signaling activity (Ido1H350A ). As compared to the Ido1WT -transfected counterpart (B16WT), B16-F10 cells expressing Ido1H350A (B16H350A) were characterized by an in vitro accelerated growth mediated by increased Ras and Erk activities. Faster growth and malignant progression of B16H350A cells, also detectable in vivo, were found to be accompanied by a reduction in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and an increase in Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Our data, therefore, suggest that the IDO1 signaling function can also occur in tumor cells and that alternative therapeutic approach strategies should be undertaken to effectively tackle this important immune checkpoint molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Orecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - ML Belladonna
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - MT Pallotta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - C Volpi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - L Zizi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - E Panfili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M Gargaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - F Fallarino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - S Rossini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - C Suvieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - A Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - S Bicciato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - G Mondanelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - C Orabona
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy,CONTACT C Orabona Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Severi, Perugia06129, Italy
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24
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Patient-specific identification of genome-wide DNA-methylation differences between intracranial and extracranial melanoma metastases. Sci Rep 2023; 13:444. [PMID: 36624125 PMCID: PMC9829750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24940-w] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanomas frequently metastasize to distant organs and especially intracranial metastases still represent a major clinical challenge. Epigenetic reprogramming of intracranial metastases is thought to be involved in therapy failure, but so far only little is known about patient-specific DNA-methylation differences between intra- and extracranial melanoma metastases. Hierarchical clustering of the methylomes of 24 patient-matched intra- and extracranial melanoma metastases pairs revealed that intra- and extracranial metastases of individual patients were more similar to each other than to metastases in the same tissue from other patients. Therefore, a personalized analysis of each metastases pair was done by a Hidden Markov Model to classify methylation levels of individual CpGs as decreased, unchanged or increased in the intra- compared to the extracranial metastasis. The predicted DNA-methylation alterations were highly patient-specific differing in the number and methylation states of altered CpGs. Nevertheless, four important general observations were made: (i) intracranial metastases of most patients mainly showed a reduction of DNA-methylation, (ii) cytokine signaling was most frequently affected by differential methylation in individual metastases pairs, but also MAPK, PI3K/Akt and ECM signaling were often altered, (iii) frequently affected genes were mainly involved in signaling, growth, adhesion or apoptosis, and (iv) an enrichment of functional terms related to channel and transporter activities supports previous findings for a brain-like phenotype. In addition, the derived set of 17 signaling pathway genes that distinguished intra- from extracranial metastases in more than 50% of patients included well-known oncogenes (e.g. PRKCA, DUSP6, BMP4) and several other genes known from neuronal disorders (e.g. EIF4B, SGK1, CACNG8). Moreover, associations of gene body methylation alterations with corresponding gene expression changes revealed that especially the three signaling pathway genes JAK3, MECOM, and TNXB differ strongly in their expression between patient-matched intra- and extracranial metastases. Our analysis contributes to an in-depth characterization of DNA-methylation differences between patient-matched intra- and extracranial melanoma metastases and may provide a basis for future experimental studies to identify targets for new therapeutic approaches.
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(Jitian) Mihulecea CR, Rotaru M. Review: The Key Factors to Melanomagenesis. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010181. [PMID: 36676131 PMCID: PMC9866207 DOI: 10.3390/life13010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer that develops from the malignant transformation of the melanocytes located in the basal layer of the epidermis (cutaneous melanoma). Melanocytes may also be found in the meninges, eyes, ears, gastrointestinal tract, genito-urinary system, or other mucosal surfaces (mucosal melanoma). Melanoma is caused by an uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes, that at first may form a benign lesion (nevogenesis), but in time, it may transition to melanoma, determining what it is named, melanomagenesis. Some tumors may appear spontaneously (de novo melanoma) or on preexisting lesions (nevus-associated melanoma). The exact cause of melanoma may not be fully understood yet, but there are some factors that initiate and promote this malignant process. This study aims to provide a summary of the latest articles regarding the key factors that may lead to melanomagenesis. The secondary objectives are to reveal the relationship between nevi and melanoma, to understand the cause of "de novo" and "nevus-associated melanoma" and highlight the differences between these subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina-Raluca (Jitian) Mihulecea
- Doctoral Studies, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Dermatology Clinic, Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Sibiu, 550245 Sibiu, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Rotaru
- Doctoral Studies, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Dermatology Clinic, Emergency Clinical County Hospital of Sibiu, 550245 Sibiu, Romania
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
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26
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Liu M, Li W, Ma X, Che Y, Wei B, Chen M, Zhong L, Zhao S, Chen A, Pang Y, Zeng J, Guo J. Gradient differences of immunotherapy efficacy in metastatic melanoma related to sunlight exposure pattern: A population-based study. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1086664. [PMID: 36686834 PMCID: PMC9850161 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1086664] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized metastatic melanoma (MM) treatment in just a few years. Ultraviolet (UV) in sunlight is the most significant environmental cause of melanoma, which is considered to be the main reason for tumor mutation burden (TMB) increase in melanoma. High TMB usually predicts that PD-1 inhibitors are effective. The sunlight exposure pattern of MM might be a clinical feature that matches TMB. The relationship between sunlight exposure patterns and immunotherapy response in MM is unclear. This study aims to investigate the correlation between sunlight exposure patterns and immunotherapy response in MM and establish nomograms that predict 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate. Methods We searched the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and enrolled MM cases from 2005-2016. According to the advent of ICIs in 2011, the era was divided into the non-ICIs era (2005-2010) and the ICIs era (2011-2016). Patients were divided into three cohorts according to the primary site sunlight exposure patterns: head and neck in the first cohort, trunk arms and legs in the second cohort, and acral sites in the third cohort. We compared survival differences for each cohort between the two eras, performed stratified analysis, established nomograms for predicting 3- and 5-year OS rate, and performed internal validation. Results Comparing the survival difference between the ICIs and non-ICIs era, head and neck melanoma showed the greatest improvement in survival, with 3- and 5-year OS rate increasing by 10.2% and 9.1%, respectively (P=0.00011). In trunk arms and legs melanoma, the 3- and 5-year OS rate increased by 4.6% and 3.9%, respectively (P<0.0001). There is no improvement in survival in acral melanoma (AM) between the two eras (P=0.78). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the ROC curve (AUC) and calibration graphs show good discrimination and accuracy of nomograms. Decision curve analysis (DCA) suggests good clinical utility of nomograms. Conclusions Based on the classification of sunlight exposure patterns, there is a gradient difference in immunotherapy efficacy for MM. The degree of sunlight exposure is positively correlated with immunotherapy response. The nomograms are sufficiently accurate to predict 3- and 5-year OS rate for MM, allowing for individualized clinical decisions for future clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengsong Liu
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenyuan Li
- Sichuan Evidence-Based Medicine Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhui Che
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Wei
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mulan Chen
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Zhong
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Siqi Zhao
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Anjing Chen
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaobin Pang
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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27
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Jeong C, Kim J, Han IH, Kim S, Choi I, Kim H, Jeong JH, Bae H. Melittin derived peptide-drug conjugate, M-DM1, inhibits tumor progression and induces effector cell infiltration in melanoma by targeting M2 tumor-associated macrophages. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1178776. [PMID: 37122692 PMCID: PMC10140360 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma has the highest mortality rate among all the types of skin cancer. In melanoma, M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with the invasiveness of tumor cells and a poor prognosis. Hence, the depletion or reduction of M2-TAMs is a therapeutic strategy for the inhibition of tumor progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of M-DM1, which is a conjugation of melittin (M), as a carrier for M2-like TAMs, and mertansine (DM1), as a payload to induce apoptosis of TAMs, in a mouse model of melanoma. Methods Melittin and DM1 were conjugated and examined for the characterization of M-DM1 by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Synthesized M-DM1 were examined for in vitro cytotoxic effects. For the in vivo study, we engrafted murine B16-F10 into right flank of C57BL/6 female mice and administered an array of treatments (PBS, M, DM1, or M-DM1 (20 nmol/kg)). Subsequently, the tumor growth and survival rates were analyzed, as well as examining the phenotypes of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes and expression profiles. Results M-DM1 was found to specifically reduce M2-like TAMs in melanoma, which potentially leads to the suppression of tumor growth, migration, and invasion. In addition, we also found that M-DM1 improved the survival rates in a mouse model of melanoma compared to M or DM1 treatment alone. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that M-DM1 enhanced the infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells (NK cells) in the tumor microenvironment. Conclusion Taken together, our findings highlight that M-DM1 is a prospective agent with enhanced anti-tumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanmi Jeong
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongdong Kim
- Twinpig Biolab Inc. Research & Development Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Hwan Han
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Convergence Innovation Support Center, Gangwon Technopark, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilseob Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongsung Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyun Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jin-Hyun Jeong, ; Hyunsu Bae,
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Twinpig Biolab Inc. Research & Development Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jin-Hyun Jeong, ; Hyunsu Bae,
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Muhammad A, Forcados GE, Yusuf AP, Abubakar MB, Sadiq IZ, Elhussin I, Siddique MAT, Aminu S, Suleiman RB, Abubakar YS, Katsayal BS, Yates CC, Mahavadi S. Comparative G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) Systems in Diabetic and Cancer Conditions: A Review. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27248943. [PMID: 36558071 PMCID: PMC9786783 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For many patients, diabetes Mellitus and Malignancy are frequently encountered comorbidities. Diabetes affects approximately 10.5% of the global population, while malignancy accounts for 29.4 million cases each year. These troubling statistics indicate that current treatment approaches for these diseases are insufficient. Alternative therapeutic strategies that consider unique signaling pathways in diabetic and malignancy patients could provide improved therapeutic outcomes. The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is receiving attention for its role in disease pathogenesis and treatment outcomes. This review aims to critically examine GPER' s comparative role in diabetes mellitus and malignancy, identify research gaps that need to be filled, and highlight GPER's potential as a therapeutic target for diabetes and malignancy management. There is a scarcity of data on GPER expression patterns in diabetic models; however, for diabetes mellitus, altered expression of transport and signaling proteins has been linked to GPER signaling. In contrast, GPER expression in various malignancy types appears to be complex and debatable at the moment. Current data show inconclusive patterns of GPER expression in various malignancies, with some indicating upregulation and others demonstrating downregulation. Further research should be conducted to investigate GPER expression patterns and their relationship with signaling pathways in diabetes mellitus and various malignancies. We conclude that GPER has therapeutic potential for chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyu Muhammad
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | | | - Abdurrahman Pharmacy Yusuf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna P.M.B. 65, Nigeria
| | - Murtala Bello Abubakar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B. 2254, Nigeria
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research & Training (CAMRET), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B. 2254, Nigeria
| | - Idris Zubairu Sadiq
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Isra Elhussin
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Md Abu Talha Siddique
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Suleiman Aminu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Rabiatu Bako Suleiman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Yakubu Saddeeq Abubakar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Babangida Sanusi Katsayal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Clayton C Yates
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Sunila Mahavadi
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
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29
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Yadav V, Jobe N, Satapathy SR, Mohapatra P, Andersson T. Increased MARCKS Activity in BRAF Inhibitor-Resistant Melanoma Cells Is Essential for Their Enhanced Metastatic Behavior Independent of Elevated WNT5A and IL-6 Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246077. [PMID: 36551563 PMCID: PMC9775662 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of melanoma with a BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) frequently initiates development of BRAFi resistance, leading to increased tumor progression and metastasis. Previously, we showed that combined inhibition of elevated WNT5A and IL-6 signaling reduced the invasion and migration of BRAFi-resistant (BRAFi-R) melanoma cells. However, the use of a combined approach per se and the need for high inhibitor concentrations to achieve this effect indicate a need for an alternative and single target. One such target could be myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS), a downstream target of WNT5A in BRAFi-sensitive melanoma cells. Our results revealed that MARCKS protein expression and activity are significantly elevated in PLX4032 and PLX4720 BRAFi-R A375 and HTB63 melanoma cells. Surprisingly, neither WNT5A nor IL-6 contributed to the increases in MARCKS expression and activity in BRAFi-R melanoma cells, unlike in BRAFi-sensitive melanoma cells. However, despite the above findings, our functional validation experiments revealed that MARCKS is essential for the increased metastatic behavior of BRAFi-R melanoma cells. Knockdown of MARCKS in BRAFi-R melanoma cells caused reductions in the F-actin content and the number of filopodia-like protrusions, explaining the impaired migration, invasion and metastasis of these cells observed in vitro and in an in vivo zebrafish model. In our search for an alternative explanation for the increased activity of MARCKS in BRAFi-R melanoma cells, we found elevated basal activities of PKCα, PKCε, PKCι, and RhoA. Interestingly, combined inhibition of basal PKC and RhoA effectively impaired MARCKS activity in BRAFi-R melanoma cells. Our results reveal that MARCKS is an attractive single antimetastatic target in BRAFi-R melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Yadav
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, SE 20213 Malmö, Sweden
- Correspondence: (V.Y.); (T.A.); Tel.: +46-40-391167 (V.Y. & T.A.)
| | - Njainday Jobe
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, SE 20213 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Shakti Ranjan Satapathy
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, SE 20213 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Purusottam Mohapatra
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, SE 20213 Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Guwahati 781101, Assam, India
| | - Tommy Andersson
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, SE 20213 Malmö, Sweden
- Correspondence: (V.Y.); (T.A.); Tel.: +46-40-391167 (V.Y. & T.A.)
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30
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Michielon E, de Gruijl TD, Gibbs S. From simplicity to complexity in current melanoma models. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1818-1836. [PMID: 36103206 PMCID: PMC10092692 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent impressive clinical success of immunotherapy against melanoma, development of primary and adaptive resistance against immune checkpoint inhibitors remains a major issue in a large number of treated patients. This highlights the need for melanoma models that replicate the tumor's intricate dynamics in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and associated immune suppression to study possible resistance mechanisms in order to improve current and test novel therapeutics. While two-dimensional melanoma cell cultures have been widely used to perform functional genomics screens in a high-throughput fashion, they are not suitable to answer more complex scientific questions. Melanoma models have also been established in a variety of experimental (humanized) animals. However, due to differences in physiology, such models do not fully represent human melanoma development. Therefore, fully human three-dimensional in vitro models mimicking melanoma cell interactions with the TME are being developed to address this need for more physiologically relevant models. Such models include melanoma organoids, spheroids, and reconstructed human melanoma-in-skin cultures. Still, while major advances have been made to complement and replace animals, these in vitro systems have yet to fully recapitulate human tumor complexity. Lastly, technical advancements have been made in the organ-on-chip field to replicate functions and microstructures of in vivo human tissues and organs. This review summarizes advancements made in understanding and treating melanoma and specifically aims to discuss the progress made towards developing melanoma models, their applications, limitations, and the advances still needed to further facilitate the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Michielon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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31
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Implications of a Neuronal Receptor Family, Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors, in Cancer Development and Progression. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182857. [PMID: 36139432 PMCID: PMC9496915 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182857] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death, and incidences are increasing globally. Simply defined, cancer is the uncontrolled proliferation of a cell, and depending on the tissue of origin, the cancer etiology, biology, progression, prognosis, and treatment will differ. Carcinogenesis and its progression are associated with genetic factors that can either be inherited and/or acquired and are classified as an oncogene or tumor suppressor. Many of these genetic factors converge on common signaling pathway(s), such as the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. In this review, we will focus on the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) family, an upstream protein that transmits extracellular signals into the cell and has been shown to regulate many aspects of tumor development and progression. We explore the involvement of members of this receptor family in various cancers that include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, glioma, kidney cancer, melanoma, oral cancer, osteosarcoma, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and T-cell cancers. Intriguingly, depending on the member, mGluRs can either be classified as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, although in general most act as an oncogene. The extensive work done to elucidate the role of mGluRs in various cancers suggests that it might be a viable strategy to therapeutically target glutamatergic signaling.
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32
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NAD/NAMPT and mTOR Pathways in Melanoma: Drivers of Drug Resistance and Prospective Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179985. [PMID: 36077374 PMCID: PMC9456568 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma represents the most fatal skin cancer due to its aggressive behavior and high metastatic potential. The introduction of BRAF/MEK inhibitors and immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the clinic has dramatically improved patient survival over the last decade. However, many patients either display primary (i.e., innate) or develop secondary (i.e., acquired) resistance to systemic treatments. Therapeutic resistance relies on the rewiring of multiple processes, including cancer metabolism, epigenetics, gene expression, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment that are only partially understood. Therefore, reliable biomarkers of resistance or response, capable of facilitating the choice of the best treatment option for each patient, are currently missing. Recently, activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) metabolism and, in particular, of its rate-limiting enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) have been identified as key drivers of targeted therapy resistance and melanoma progression. Another major player in this context is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which plays key roles in the regulation of melanoma cell anabolic functions and energy metabolism at the switch between sensitivity and resistance to targeted therapy. In this review, we summarize known resistance mechanisms to ICIs and targeted therapy, focusing on metabolic adaptation as one main mechanism of drug resistance. In particular, we highlight the roles of NAD/NAMPT and mTOR signaling axes in this context and overview data in support of their inhibition as a promising strategy to overcome treatment resistance.
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Šermukšnytė A, Kantminienė K, Jonuškienė I, Tumosienė I, Petrikaitė V. The Effect of 1,2,4-Triazole-3-thiol Derivatives Bearing Hydrazone Moiety on Cancer Cell Migration and Growth of Melanoma, Breast, and Pancreatic Cancer Spheroids. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15081026. [PMID: 36015174 PMCID: PMC9416745 DOI: 10.3390/ph15081026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
4-Phenyl-3-[2-(phenylamino)ethyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)-thione was used as a starting compound for the synthesis of the corresponding 1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthioacetohydrazide, which reacts with isatins and various aldehydes bearing aromatic and heterocyclic moieties provided target hydrazones. Their cytotoxicity was tested by the MTT assay against human melanoma IGR39, human triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), and pancreatic carcinoma (Panc-1) cell lines. The selectivity of compounds towards cancer cells was also studied. In general, the synthesized compounds were more cytotoxic against the melanoma cell line. N′-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-2-((4-phenyl-5-(2-(phenylamino)ethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetohydrazide, N′-((1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)-2-((4-phenyl-5-(2-(phenylamino)ethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetohydrazide and N′-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)-2-((4-phenyl-5-(2-(phenylamino)ethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetohydrazide were identified as the most active among all synthesized compounds in 3D cell cultures. N′-(4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)-2-((4-phenyl-5-(2-(phenylamino)ethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetohydrazide inhibited all cancer cell migration, was characterized as relatively more selective towards cancer cells, and could be further tested as an antimetastatic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Šermukšnytė
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų pl. 19, 50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Kristina Kantminienė
- Department of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų pl. 19, 50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Correspondence: (K.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Ilona Jonuškienė
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų pl. 19, 50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ingrida Tumosienė
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų pl. 19, 50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vilma Petrikaitė
- Laboratory of Drug Targets Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių pr. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Correspondence: (K.K.); (V.P.)
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34
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Fernandes S, Vyas C, Lim P, Pereira RF, Virós A, Bártolo P. 3D Bioprinting: An Enabling Technology to Understand Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143535. [PMID: 35884596 PMCID: PMC9318274 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a potentially fatal cancer with rising incidence over the last 50 years, associated with enhanced sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation. Its incidence is highest in people of European descent and the ageing population. There are multiple clinical and epidemiological variables affecting melanoma incidence and mortality, such as sex, ethnicity, UV exposure, anatomic site, and age. Although survival has improved in recent years due to advances in targeted and immunotherapies, new understanding of melanoma biology and disease progression is vital to improving clinical outcomes. Efforts to develop three-dimensional human skin equivalent models using biofabrication techniques, such as bioprinting, promise to deliver a better understanding of the complexity of melanoma and associated risk factors. These 3D skin models can be used as a platform for patient specific models and testing therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Fernandes
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (S.F.); (C.V.); (P.L.)
| | - Cian Vyas
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (S.F.); (C.V.); (P.L.)
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Peggy Lim
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (S.F.); (C.V.); (P.L.)
| | - Rúben F. Pereira
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Amaya Virós
- Skin Cancer and Ageing Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Paulo Bártolo
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (S.F.); (C.V.); (P.L.)
- Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Correspondence: or
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35
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Vats K, Kruglov O, Sahoo B, Soman V, Zhang J, Shurin GV, Chandran UR, Skums P, Shurin MR, Zelikovsky A, Storkus WJ, Bunimovich YL. Sensory nerves impede the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures and development of protective anti-melanoma immune responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:1141-1154. [PMID: 35834791 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral neurons comprise a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The role of the autonomic innervation in cancer has been firmly established. However, the effect of the afferent (sensory) neurons on tumor progression remains unclear. Utilizing surgical and chemical skin sensory denervation methods, we showed that afferent neurons supported the growth of melanoma tumors in vivo and demonstrated that sensory innervation limited the activation of effective anti-tumor immune responses. Specifically, sensory ablation led to improved leukocyte recruitment into tumors, with decreased presence of lymphoid and myeloid immunosuppressive cells and increased activation of T-effector cells within the TME. Cutaneous sensory nerves hindered maturation of intratumoral high endothelial venules (HEVs) and limited formation of mature tertiary lymphoid-like structures containing organized clusters of CD4+ T cells and B cells. Denervation further increased T-cell clonality and expanded the B-cell repertoire in the TME. Importantly, CD8a depletion prevented denervation-dependent anti-tumor effects. Finally, we observed that gene signatures of inflammation and the content of neuron-associated transcripts inversely correlated in human primary cutaneous melanomas, with the latter representing a negative prognostic marker of patient overall survival. Our results suggest that tumor-associated sensory neurons negatively regulate the development of protective anti-tumor immune responses within the TME, thereby defining a novel target for therapeutic intervention in the melanoma setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oleg Kruglov
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Bikram Sahoo
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | | | - Jiying Zhang
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Galina V Shurin
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Pavel Skums
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael R Shurin
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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36
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Reddi KK, Guruvaiah P, Edwards YJK, Gupta R. Changes in the Transcriptome and Chromatin Landscape in BRAFi-Resistant Melanoma Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:937831. [PMID: 35785205 PMCID: PMC9247198 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.937831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic and drug-resistant melanoma are leading causes of skin cancer-associated death. Mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitors and immunotherapies have provided substantial benefits to patients with melanoma. However, long-term therapeutic efficacy has been limited due to emergence of treatment resistance. Despite the identification of several molecular mechanisms underlying the development of resistant phenotypes, significant progress has still not been made toward the effective treatment of drug-resistant melanoma. Therefore, the identification of new targets and mechanisms driving drug resistance in melanoma represents an unmet medical need. In this study, we performed unbiased RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) to identify new targets and mechanisms that drive resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors targeting BRAF and MAPK kinase (MEK) in BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. An integrative analysis of ATAC-seq combined with RNA-seq showed that global changes in chromatin accessibility affected the mRNA expression levels of several known and novel genes, which consequently modulated multiple oncogenic signaling pathways to promote resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors in melanoma cells. Many of these genes were also associated with prognosis predictions in melanoma patients. This study resulted in the identification of new genes and signaling pathways that might be targeted to treat MEK or BRAF inhibitors resistant melanoma patients. The present study applied new and advanced approaches to identify unique changes in chromatin accessibility regions that modulate gene expression associated with pathways to promote the development of resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kumar Reddi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Praveen Guruvaiah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Yvonne J. K. Edwards
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Role of Presenilin-1 in Aggressive Human Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094904. [PMID: 35563300 PMCID: PMC9099829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Presenilin-1 (PS-1), a component of the gamma (γ)-secretase catalytic complex, has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and in tumorigenesis. Interestingly, AD risk is inversely related to melanoma, suggesting that AD-related factors, such as PS-1, may affect melanomagenesis. PS-1 has been shown to reduce Wnt activity by promoting degradation of beta-catenin (β-catenin), an important Wnt signaling partner. Since Wnt is known to enhance progression of different cancers, including melanoma, we hypothesized that PS-1 could affect Wnt-associated melanoma aggressiveness. Western blot results showed that aggressive melanoma cells expressed significantly lower levels of both PS-1 and phosphorylated-β-catenin (P-β-catenin) than nonaggressive melanoma cells. Immunohistochemistry of human melanoma samples showed significantly reduced staining for PS-1 in advanced stage melanoma compared with early stage melanoma. Furthermore, γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) treatment of aggressive melanoma cells was followed by significant increases in PS-1 and P-β-catenin levels, suggesting impaired Wnt signaling activity as PS-1 expression increased. Finally, a significant reduction in cell migration was associated with the higher levels of PS-1 and P-β-catenin in the GSI-treated aggressive melanoma cells. We demonstrate for the first time that PS-1 levels can be used to assess melanoma aggressiveness and suggest that by enhancing PS-1 expression, Wnt-dependent melanoma progression may be reduced
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Hegedüs L, Livingstone E, Bánkfalvi Á, Viehof J, Enyedi Á, Bilecz Á, Győrffy B, Baranyi M, Tőkés AM, Gil J, Marko-Varga G, Griewank KG, Zimmer L, Váraljai R, Sucker A, Zaremba A, Schadendorf D, Aigner C, Hegedüs B. The Prognostic Relevance of PMCA4 Expression in Melanoma: Gender Specificity and Implications for Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3324. [PMID: 35328746 PMCID: PMC8949876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PMCA4 is a critical regulator of Ca2+ homeostasis in mammalian cells. While its biological and prognostic relevance in several cancer types has already been demonstrated, only preclinical investigations suggested a metastasis suppressor function in melanoma. Therefore, we studied the expression pattern of PMCA4 in human skin, nevus, as well as in primary and metastatic melanoma using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we analyzed the prognostic power of PMCA4 mRNA levels in cutaneous melanoma both at the non-metastatic stage as well as after PD-1 blockade in advanced disease. PMCA4 localizes to the plasma membrane in a differentiation dependent manner in human skin and mucosa, while nevus cells showed no plasma membrane staining. In contrast, primary cutaneous, choroidal and conjunctival melanoma cells showed specific plasma membrane localization of PMCA4 with a wide range of intensities. Analyzing the TCGA cohort, PMCA4 mRNA levels showed a gender specific prognostic impact in stage I-III melanoma. Female patients with high transcript levels had a significantly longer progression-free survival. Melanoma cell specific PMCA4 protein expression is associated with anaplasticity in melanoma lung metastasis but had no impact on survival after lung metastasectomy. Importantly, high PMCA4 transcript levels derived from RNA-seq of cutaneous melanoma are associated with significantly longer overall survival after PD-1 blockade. In summary, we demonstrated that human melanoma cells express PMCA4 and PMCA4 transcript levels carry prognostic information in a gender specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Hegedüs
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Medicine Essen–Ruhrlandklinik, 45239 Essen, Germany; (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.A.)
| | - Elisabeth Livingstone
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (E.L.); (K.G.G.); (L.Z.); (R.V.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Ágnes Bánkfalvi
- Department of Pathology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Jan Viehof
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Medicine Essen–Ruhrlandklinik, 45239 Essen, Germany; (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.A.)
| | - Ágnes Enyedi
- Department of Transfusiology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Ágnes Bilecz
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Á.B.); (M.B.); (A.-M.T.)
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Marcell Baranyi
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Á.B.); (M.B.); (A.-M.T.)
| | - Anna-Mária Tőkés
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Á.B.); (M.B.); (A.-M.T.)
| | - Jeovanis Gil
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden;
| | - György Marko-Varga
- Clinical Protein Science & Imaging, Biomedical Centre, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Klaus G. Griewank
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (E.L.); (K.G.G.); (L.Z.); (R.V.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (E.L.); (K.G.G.); (L.Z.); (R.V.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Renáta Váraljai
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (E.L.); (K.G.G.); (L.Z.); (R.V.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Antje Sucker
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (E.L.); (K.G.G.); (L.Z.); (R.V.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Anne Zaremba
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (E.L.); (K.G.G.); (L.Z.); (R.V.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (E.L.); (K.G.G.); (L.Z.); (R.V.); (A.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Clemens Aigner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Medicine Essen–Ruhrlandklinik, 45239 Essen, Germany; (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.A.)
| | - Balázs Hegedüs
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Medicine Essen–Ruhrlandklinik, 45239 Essen, Germany; (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.A.)
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Melixetian M, Pelicci PG, Lanfrancone L. Regulation of LncRNAs in Melanoma and Their Functional Roles in the Metastatic Process. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030577. [PMID: 35159386 PMCID: PMC8834033 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of numerous intracellular processes leading to tumorigenesis. They are frequently deregulated in cancer, functioning as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. As they act through multiple mechanisms, it is not surprising that they may exert dual functions in the same tumor. In melanoma, a highly invasive and metastatic tumor with the propensity to rapidly develop drug resistance, lncRNAs play different roles in: (i) guiding the phenotype switch and leading to metastasis formation; (ii) predicting the response of melanoma patients to immunotherapy; (iii) triggering adaptive responses to therapy and acquisition of drug resistance phenotypes. In this review we summarize the most recent findings on the lncRNAs involved in melanoma growth and spreading to distant sites, focusing on their role as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and patient prognosis, or targets for novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Melixetian
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.G.P.)
| | - Pier Giuseppe Pelicci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.G.P.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Lanfrancone
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-94375011
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Virus-Like Particles as Preventive and Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020227. [PMID: 35214685 PMCID: PMC8879290 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled viral protein complexes that mimic the native virus structure without being infectious. VLPs, similarly to wild type viruses, are able to efficiently target and activate dendritic cells (DCs) triggering the B and T cell immunities. Therefore, VLPs hold great promise for the development of effective and affordable vaccines in infectious diseases and cancers. Vaccine formulations based on VLPs, compared to other nanoparticles, have the advantage of incorporating multiple antigens derived from different proteins. Moreover, such antigens can be functionalized by chemical modifications without affecting the structural conformation or the antigenicity. This review summarizes the current status of preventive and therapeutic VLP-based vaccines developed against human oncoviruses as well as cancers.
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Piotrowska A, Beserra FP, Wierzbicka JM, Nowak JI, Żmijewski MA. Vitamin D Enhances Anticancer Properties of Cediranib, a VEGFR Inhibitor, by Modulation of VEGFR2 Expression in Melanoma Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 11:763895. [PMID: 35004285 PMCID: PMC8740239 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Regardless of the recent groundbreaking introduction of personalized therapy, melanoma continues to be one of the most lethal skin malignancies. Still, a substantial proportion of patients either fail to respond to the therapy or will relapse over time, representing a challenging clinical problem. Recently, we have shown that vitamin D enhances the effectiveness of classical chemotherapeutics in the human malignant melanoma A375 cell line. In search for new combination strategies and adjuvant settings to improve melanoma patient outcomes in the current study, the effects of cediranib (AZD2171), an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFR1-3, PDGFR, and c-KIT, used in combination either with 1,25(OH)2D3 or with low-calcemic analog calcipotriol were tested on four human malignant melanoma cell lines (A375, MNT-1, RPMI-7951, and SK-MEL-28). Melanoma cells were pretreated with vitamin D and subsequently exposed to cediranib. We observed a marked decrease in melanoma cell proliferation (A375 and SK-MEL-28), G2/M cell cycle arrest, and a significant decrease in melanoma cell mobility in experimental conditions used (A375). Surprisingly, concurrently with a very desirable decrease in melanoma cell proliferation and mobility, we noticed the upregulation of VEGFR2 at both protein and mRNA levels. No effect of vitamin D was observed in MNT-1 and RPMI-7951 melanoma cells. It seems that vitamin D derivatives enhance cediranib efficacy by modulation of VEGFR2 expression in melanoma cells expressing VEGFR2. In conclusion, our experiments demonstrated that vitamin D derivatives hold promise as novel adjuvant candidates to conquer melanoma, especially in patients suffering from vitamin D deficiency. However, further extensive research is indispensable to reliably assess their potential benefits for melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Piotrowska
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | | | - Joanna Irena Nowak
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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In Vivo Melanoma Cell Morphology Reflects Molecular Signature and Tumor Aggressiveness. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:2205-2216.e6. [PMID: 35007555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, characterized by high cellular heterogeneity which contributes to therapy resistance and unpredictable disease outcome. Recently, by correlating Reflectance-Confocal-Microscopy (RCM) morphology with histopathological type, we identified four distinct melanoma-subtypes: dendritic-cell (DC), round-cell (RC), dermal-nest (DN), and combined-type (CT) melanomas. In the present study, each RCM-melanoma subtype expressed a specific biomolecular profile and biological behavior in vitro. Markers of tumor aggressiveness, including Ki67, MERTK, nestin and stemness markers, were highest in the most invasive CT and DN melanomas, as compared to DC and RC. This was also confirmed in multicellular tumor spheroids. Transcriptomic analysis showed a modulation of cancer progression-associated genes from DC to CT melanomas. The switch from E- to N-cadherin expression proved the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition from DC to CT subtypes. The DN melanoma was predominantly located in the dermis, as also shown in skin reconstructs. It displayed a unique behavior and a molecular profile associated with a high degree of aggressiveness. Altogether, our results demonstrate that each RCM-melanoma subtype has a distinct biological and gene expression profile, related to tumor aggressiveness, confirming that RCM can be a dependable tool for in vivo detecting different types of melanoma and for early diagnostic screening.
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Liang L, Mai S, Mai G, Chen Y, Liu L. DNA damage repair-related gene signature predicts prognosis and indicates immune cell infiltration landscape in skin cutaneous melanoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:882431. [PMID: 35957812 PMCID: PMC9361349 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.882431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA damage repair plays an important role in the onset and progression of cancers and its resistance to treatment therapy. This study aims to assess the prognostic potential of DNA damage repair markers in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). METHOD In this study, we have analyzed the gene expression profiles being downloaded from TCGA, GTEx, and GEO databases. We sequentially used univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses to screen DNA repair genes associated with prognosis. Then, we have conducted a multivariate regression analysis to construct the prognostic profile of DNA repair-related genes (DRRGs). The risk coefficient is used to calculate the risk scores and divide the patients into two cohorts. Additionally, we validated our prognosis model on an external cohort as well as evaluated the link between immune response and the DRRGs prognostic profiles. The risk signature is compared to immune cell infiltration, chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment. RESULTS An analysis using LASSO-Cox stepwise regression established a prognostic signature consisting of twelve DRRGs with strong predictive ability. Disease-specific survival (DSS) is found to be lower among high-risk patients group as compared to low-risk patients. The signature may be employed as an independent prognostic predictor after controlling for clinicopathological factors, as demonstrated by validation on one external GSE65904 cohort. A strong correlation is also found between the risk score and the immune microenvironment, along with the infiltrating immune cells, and ICIs key molecules. The gene enrichment analysis results indicate a wide range of biological activities and pathways to be exhibited by high-risk groups. Furthermore, Cisplatin exhibited a considerable response sensitivity in low-risk groups as opposed to the high-risk incidents, while docetaxel exhibited a considerable response sensitivity in high-risk groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide a thorough investigation of DRRGs to develop an DSS-related prognostic indicator which may be useful in forecasting SKCM progression and enabling more enhanced clinical benefits from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shijie Mai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Genghui Mai
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Integrated Clinical Microecology Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Le Liu, ; Ye Chen,
| | - Le Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Integrated Clinical Microecology Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Le Liu, ; Ye Chen,
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Filimon A, Preda IA, Boloca AF, Negroiu G. Interleukin-8 in Melanoma Pathogenesis, Prognosis and Therapy-An Integrated View into Other Neoplasms and Chemokine Networks. Cells 2021; 11:120. [PMID: 35011682 PMCID: PMC8750532 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma accounts for only about 7% of skin cancers but is causing almost 90% of deaths. Melanoma cells have a distinct repertoire of mutations from other cancers, a high plasticity and degree of mimicry toward vascular phenotype, stemness markers, versatility in evading and suppress host immune control. They exert a significant influence on immune, endothelial and various stromal cells which form tumor microenvironment. The metastatic stage, the leading cause of mortality in this neoplasm, is the outcome of a complex, still poorly understood, cross-talk between tumor and other cell phenotypes. There is accumulating evidence that Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is emblematic for advanced melanomas. This work aimed to present an updated status of IL-8 in melanoma tumor cellular complexity, through a comprehensive analysis including data from other chemokines and neoplasms. The multiple processes and mechanisms surveyed here demonstrate that IL-8 operates following orchestrated programs within signaling webs in melanoma, stromal and vascular cells. Importantly, the yet unknown molecularity regulating IL-8 impact on cells of the immune system could be exploited to overturn tumor fate. The molecular and cellular targets of IL-8 should be brought into the attention of even more intense scientific exploration and valorization in the therapeutical management of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gabriela Negroiu
- Group of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (A.F.); (I.A.P.); (A.F.B.)
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Scolyer RA, Atkinson V, Gyorki DE, Lambie D, O'Toole S, Saw RP, Amanuel B, Angel CM, Button-Sloan AE, Carlino MS, Ch'ng S, Colebatch AJ, Daneshvar D, Pires da Silva I, Dawson T, Ferguson PM, Foster-Smith E, Fox SB, Gill AJ, Gupta R, Henderson MA, Hong AM, Howle JR, Jackett LA, James C, Lee CS, Lochhead A, Loh D, McArthur GA, McLean CA, Menzies AM, Nieweg OE, O'Brien BH, Pennington TE, Potter AJ, Prakash S, Rawson RV, Read RL, Rtshiladze MA, Shannon KF, Smithers BM, Spillane AJ, Stretch JR, Thompson JF, Tucker P, Varey AH, Vilain RE, Wood BA, Long GV. BRAF mutation testing for patients diagnosed with stage III or stage IV melanoma: practical guidance for the Australian setting. Pathology 2021; 54:6-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Catalani E, Giovarelli M, Zecchini S, Perrotta C, Cervia D. Oxidative Stress and Autophagy as Key Targets in Melanoma Cell Fate. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225791. [PMID: 34830947 PMCID: PMC8616245 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes and is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. The recent approval of several drugs has increased the chance of survival although a significant subset of patients with metastatic melanoma do not show a long-lasting response to these treatments. The complex cross-talk between oxidative stress and the catabolic process autophagy seems to play a central role in all aspects of melanoma pathophysiology, from initiation to progression and metastasis, including drug resistance. However, determining the fine role of autophagy in cancer death and in response to redox disruption is still a fundamental challenge in order to advance both basic and translational aspects of this field. In order to summarize the interactions among reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, autophagy machinery and proliferation/growth/death/apoptosis/survival, we provide here a narrative review of the preclinical evidence for drugs/treatments that modulate oxidative stress and autophagy in melanoma cells. The significance and the potential for pharmacological targeting (also through multiple and combination approaches) of these two different events, which can contribute independently or simultaneously to the fate of melanoma, may help to define new processes and their interconnections underlying skin cancer biology and unravel new reliable approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| | - Matteo Giovarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy; (M.G.); (S.Z.)
| | - Silvia Zecchini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy; (M.G.); (S.Z.)
| | - Cristiana Perrotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco” (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italy; (M.G.); (S.Z.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (D.C.)
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (D.C.)
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Schmidt M, Mortensen LS, Loeffler-Wirth H, Kosnopfel C, Krohn K, Binder H, Kunz M. Single-cell trajectories of melanoma cell resistance to targeted treatment. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0267. [PMID: 34591417 PMCID: PMC8763000 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cellular heterogeneity is regarded as a major factor affecting treatment response and resistance in malignant melanoma. Recent developments in single-cell sequencing technology have provided deeper insights into these mechanisms. METHODS Here, we analyzed a BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma cell line by single-cell RNA-seq under various conditions: cells sensitive to BRAF inhibition with BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and cells resistant to BRAF inhibition with vemurafenib alone or vemurafenib in combination with the MEK1/2 inhibitors cobimetinib or trametinib. Dimensionality reduction by t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding and self-organizing maps identified distinct trajectories of resistance development clearly separating the 4 treatment conditions in cell and gene state space. RESULTS Trajectories associated with resistance to single-agent treatment involved cell cycle, extracellular matrix, and de-differentiation programs. In contrast, shifts detected in double-resistant cells primarily affected translation and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway reactivation, with a small subpopulation showing markers of pluripotency. These findings were validated in pseudotime analyses and RNA velocity measurements. CONCLUSIONS The single-cell transcriptomic analyses reported here employed a spectrum of bioinformatics methods to identify mechanisms of melanoma resistance to single- and double-agent treatments. This study deepens our understanding of treatment-induced cellular reprogramming and plasticity in melanoma cells and identifies targets of potential relevance to the management of treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Schmidt
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04107, Germany
| | - Lena Sünke Mortensen
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04107, Germany
| | - Henry Loeffler-Wirth
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04107, Germany
| | - Corinna Kosnopfel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Knut Krohn
- Core Unit DNA Technologies, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Hans Binder
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04107, Germany
| | - Manfred Kunz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig 04103, Germany
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Beyond Nicotinamide Metabolism: Potential Role of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase as a Biomarker in Skin Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194943. [PMID: 34638427 PMCID: PMC8508019 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers (SC) collectively represent the most common type of malignancy in white populations. SC includes two main forms: malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC includes different subtypes, namely, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and keratoacanthoma (KA), together with the two pre-neoplastic conditions Bowen disease (BD) and actinic keratosis (AK). Both malignant melanoma and NMSC are showing an increasing incidence rate worldwide, thus representing an important challenge for health care systems, also because, with some exceptions, SC are generally characterized by an aggressive behavior and are often diagnosed late. Thus, identifying new biomarkers suitable for diagnosis, as well as for prognosis and targeted therapy is mandatory. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is an enzyme that is emerging as a crucial player in the progression of several malignancies, while its substrate, nicotinamide, is known to exert chemopreventive effects. Since there is increasing evidence regarding the involvement of this enzyme in the malignant behavior of SC, the current review aims to summarize the state of the art as concerns NNMT role in SC and to support future studies focused on exploring the diagnostic and prognostic potential of NNMT in skin malignancies and its suitability for targeted therapy.
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Eddy K, Chen S. Glutamatergic Signaling a Therapeutic Vulnerability in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3874. [PMID: 34359771 PMCID: PMC8345431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Like other cancers, melanomas are associated with the hyperactivation of two major cell signaling cascades, the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Both pathways are activated by numerous genes implicated in the development and progression of melanomas such as mutated BRAF, RAS, and NF1. Our lab was the first to identify yet another driver of melanoma, Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 1 (protein: mGluR1, mouse gene: Grm1, human gene: GRM1), upstream of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Binding of glutamate, the natural ligand of mGluR1, activates MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways and sets in motion the deregulated cellular responses in cell growth, cell survival, and cell metastasis. In this review, we will assess the proposed modes of action that mediate the oncogenic properties of mGluR1 in melanoma and possible application of anti-glutamatergic signaling modulator(s) as therapeutic strategy for the treatment of melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevinn Eddy
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Suzie Chen
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Saellstrom S, Sadeghi A, Eriksson E, Segall T, Dimopoulou M, Korsgren O, Loskog AS, Tötterman TH, Hemminki A, Ronnberg H. Adenoviral CD40 Ligand Immunotherapy in 32 Canine Malignant Melanomas-Long-Term Follow Up. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:695222. [PMID: 34368282 PMCID: PMC8342889 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.695222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a serious disease in both humans and dogs, and the high metastatic potential results in poor prognosis for many patients. Its similarities with human melanoma make spontaneous canine melanoma an excellent model for comparative studies of novel therapies and tumor biology. Gene therapy using adenoviruses encoding the immunostimulatory gene CD40L (AdCD40L) has shown promise in initial clinical trials enrolling human patients with various malignancies including melanoma. We report a study of local AdCD40L treatment in 32 cases of canine melanoma (23 oral, 5 cutaneous, 3 ungual and 1 conjunctival). Eight patients were World Health Organization (WHO) stage I, 9 were stage II, 12 stage III, and 3 stage IV. One to six intratumoral injections of AdCD40L were given every seven days, combined with cytoreductive surgery in 20 cases and only immunotherapy in 12 cases. Tumor tissue was infiltrated with T and B lymphocytes after treatment, suggesting immune stimulation. The best overall response based on result of immunotherapy included 7 complete responses, 5 partial responses, 5 stable and 2 progressive disease statuses according to the World Health Organization response criteria. Median survival was 285 days (range 20–3435 d). Our results suggest that local AdCD40L therapy is safe and could have beneficial effects in dogs, supporting further treatment development. Clinical translation to human patients is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Saellstrom
- University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Arian Sadeghi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Eriksson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thomas Segall
- National Veterinary Institute, Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Dimopoulou
- University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olle Korsgren
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Angelica Si Loskog
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thomas H Tötterman
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Akseli Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henrik Ronnberg
- Center of Clinical Comparative Oncology (C3O), Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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