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van den Bosch QCC, de Klein A, Verdijk RM, Kiliç E, Brosens E. Uveal melanoma modeling in mice and zebrafish. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189055. [PMID: 38104908 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189055] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive research and refined therapeutic options, the survival for metastasized uveal melanoma (UM) patients has not improved significantly. UM, a malignant tumor originating from melanocytes in the uveal tract, can be asymptomatic and small tumors may be detected only during routine ophthalmic exams; making early detection and treatment difficult. UM is the result of a number of characteristic somatic alterations which are associated with prognosis. Although UM morphology and biology have been extensively studied, there are significant gaps in our understanding of the early stages of UM tumor evolution and effective treatment to prevent metastatic disease remain elusive. A better understanding of the mechanisms that enable UM cells to thrive and successfully metastasize is crucial to improve treatment efficacy and survival rates. For more than forty years, animal models have been used to investigate the biology of UM. This has led to a number of essential mechanisms and pathways involved in UM aetiology. These models have also been used to evaluate the effectiveness of various drugs and treatment protocols. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms and pharmacological studies using mouse and zebrafish UM models. Finally, we highlight promising therapeutics and discuss future considerations using UM models such as optimal inoculation sites, use of BAP1mut-cell lines and the rise of zebrafish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quincy C C van den Bosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies de Klein
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M Verdijk
- Department of Pathology, Section of Ophthalmic Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Emine Kiliç
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Brosens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Liau S, Wang JZ, Zagarella E, Paulus P, Dang NHQH, Rawling T, Murray M, Zhou F. An update on inflammation in uveal melanoma. Biochimie 2023; 212:114-122. [PMID: 37105300 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.04.013] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the primary ocular cancer with upto 50% of patients dying from metastasis. Although rare, it is deadly as patients with metastatic UM seldom survive beyond 18 months after diagnosis. Chemotherapeutics have no proven efficacy, including immunotherapies that have been tried as current treatment options but produce marginal improvement in overall survival for UM patients. While therapeutics are low in efficacy, there is an urgent need to explore novel targets in the treatment of UM. This review provides an update on the contribution of inflammation to UM with a focus on exploring potential therapeutic targets related to the inflammatory tumour microenvironment. As a tumour promoting event, inflammation is one of the hallmarks of cancers. The presence of the inflammatory phenotype characterised by the abundance of immune mediators and proinflammatory cytokines surrounding UM tumours, is a potential area to explore novel therapeutic targets. Despite decades of investigation regarding the role UM tumour microenvironment has played, that of inflammation in UM progression remains poorly understood. With advancement of technologies, an understanding of the prognosis of UM has been accelerated. Excitingly, novel therapeutic targets related to the inflammatory tumour microenvironment have been identified and relevant studies are underway in their preliminary phases, illustrating optimistic results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Liau
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janney Z Wang
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ethan Zagarella
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paus Paulus
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nguyen Huong Que Hiep Dang
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tristan Rawling
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Michael Murray
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fanfan Zhou
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Chowdhury MAR, An J, Jeong S. The Pleiotropic Face of CREB Family Transcription Factors. Mol Cells 2023; 46:399-413. [PMID: 37013623 PMCID: PMC10336275 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.2193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the most intensively studied phosphorylation-dependent transcription factors that provide evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of differential gene expression in vertebrates and invertebrates. Many cellular protein kinases that function downstream of distinct cell surface receptors are responsible for the activation of CREB. Upon functional dimerization of the activated CREB to cis-acting cAMP responsive elements within the promoters of target genes, it facilitates signal-dependent gene expression. From the discovery of CREB, which is ubiquitously expressed, it has been proven to be involved in a variety of cellular processes that include cell proliferation, adaptation, survival, differentiation, and physiology, through the control of target gene expression. In this review, we highlight the essential roles of CREB proteins in the nervous system, the immune system, cancer development, hepatic physiology, and cardiovascular function and further discuss a wide range of CREB-associated diseases and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Arifur Rahman Chowdhury
- Division of Life Sciences (Molecular Biology Major), Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, and Research Center of Bioactive Materials, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
| | - Jungeun An
- Division of Life Sciences (Life Sciences Major), Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
| | - Sangyun Jeong
- Division of Life Sciences (Molecular Biology Major), Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, and Research Center of Bioactive Materials, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
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Draper J, Alexander J, Nair RM, Scullion N, Narayana RVL, Aughton K, Herrmann A, Vemuganti GK, Kalirai H, Coupland SE. Using the Chick Embryo Model to Examine the Effects of Hypoxia Pre-conditioning of Uveal Melanoma Cells on Tumor Growth and Metastasis. Curr Eye Res 2022; 48:408-415. [PMID: 36484268 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2152055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Highly dynamic oxygen gradients occur within tumors that can result in a hypoxic response, contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. Evidence in uveal melanoma (UM) suggests an upregulated hypoxia response in some poor prognosis UM characterized by HIF1α signaling. We aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to hypoxia on tumor growth and dissemination in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. METHODS UM cell lines (MP41, 92.1, MP46, and OMM1) were grown in two-dimensional culture and pre-exposed to hypoxic (1% O2) conditions for 72 h. The effects of this hypoxia pre-conditioning on cell number and clonogenicity as compared with 21% O2 ("normoxia") were investigated prior to transplantation of the cells onto the CAM. Nodule-forming efficiency (NFE), nodule size, and the presence/absence of tumor cell dissemination were determined macroscopically and histologically. RESULTS Exposure of UM cell lines to hypoxia upregulated HIF1α expression compared to cells cultured in normoxia. A 72-h pre-exposure to hypoxia significantly reduced cell number and clonogenicity in the MP41 and OMM1 cell lines while it had little effect in 92.1 and MP46 cells. When 72-h hypoxia pre-conditioned cells were grown in three-dimensions on the CAM, a reduction in NFE and nodule size was observed when compared with normoxic UM cells. All nodules were composed of proliferating (Ki-67+) Melan-A + cells and displayed chick blood vessel recruitment. Spread of UM cells into the adjacent CAM was observed; however, dissemination to the chick liver was only seen with 92.1 cells grown under normoxia. CONCLUSIONS Hypoxia pre-conditioning does not appear to drive a metastatic phenotype in UM; however, further understanding of how oxygen dynamics within the tumor microenvironment regulates HIF1 signaling is needed to determine whether inhibitors of HIF signaling represent a therapeutic option in metastatic UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Draper
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jodi Alexander
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rohini M Nair
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Nicole Scullion
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Revu V L Narayana
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Karen Aughton
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anne Herrmann
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Geeta K Vemuganti
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Helen Kalirai
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah E Coupland
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Gu L, Ma G, Li C, Lin J, Zhao G. New insights into the prognosis of intraocular malignancy: Interventions for association mechanisms between cancer and diabetes. Front Oncol 2022; 12:958170. [PMID: 36003786 PMCID: PMC9393514 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.958170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The intraocular malignancies, which mostly originate from the retina and uvea, exhibit a high incidence of blindness and even death. Uveal melanoma (UM) and retinoblastoma (RB) are the most common intraocular malignancies in adults and children, respectively. The high risks of distant metastases lead to an extremely poor prognosis. Nowadays, various epidemiological studies have demonstrated that diabetes is associated with the high incidence and mortality of cancers, such as liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and bladder cancer. However, the mechanisms and interventions associated with diabetes and intraocular malignancies have not been reviewed. In this review, we have summarized the associated mechanisms between diabetes and intraocular malignancy. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by prolonged periods of hyperglycemia. Recent studies have reported that the abnormal glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and the activation of the IGF/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling axis in diabetes contribute to the genesis, growth, proliferation, and metastases of intraocular malignancy. In addition, diabetic patients are more prone to suffer severe complications and poor prognosis after radiotherapy for intraocular malignancy. Based on the common pathogenesis shared by diabetes and intraocular malignancy, they may be related to interventions and treatments. Therefore, interventions targeting the abnormal glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling axis show therapeutic potentials to treat intraocular malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guofeng Ma
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Guiqiu Zhao,
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Xie L, Yue W, Ibrahim K, Shen J. A Long-Acting Curcumin Nanoparticle/In Situ Hydrogel Composite for the Treatment of Uveal Melanoma. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091335. [PMID: 34575410 PMCID: PMC8467666 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults with high mortality. In order to improve prognosis and survival of UM patients, it is critical to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis as early as possible after the initial presentation/diagnosis of the disease. Sustained local delivery of antitumor therapeutics in the posterior region can potentially achieve long-term UM inhibition, improve target therapeutic delivery to the posterior segments, as well as reduce injection frequency and hence improved patient compliance. To address the highly unmet medical need in UM therapy, a bioinspired in situ gelling hydrogel system composed of naturally occurring biopolymers collagen and hyaluronic acid was developed in the present research. Curcumin with anti-cancer progression, anti-metastasis effects, and good ocular safety was chosen as the model therapeutic. The developed in situ gelling delivery system gelled at 37 °C within two minutes and demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and slow degradation. The curcumin-loaded nanoparticle/hydrogel composite was able to sustain release payload for up to four weeks. The optimized nanoparticle/hydrogel composite showed effective inhibition of human UM cell proliferation. This novel nanoparticle/in situ hydrogel composite demonstrated a great potential for the treatment of the rare and devastating intraocular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Xie
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (L.X.); (W.Y.); (K.I.)
| | - Weizhou Yue
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (L.X.); (W.Y.); (K.I.)
| | - Khaled Ibrahim
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (L.X.); (W.Y.); (K.I.)
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (L.X.); (W.Y.); (K.I.)
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-401-874-5594
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7
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D'Aguanno S, Mallone F, Marenco M, Del Bufalo D, Moramarco A. Hypoxia-dependent drivers of melanoma progression. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:159. [PMID: 33964953 PMCID: PMC8106186 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01926-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia, a condition of low oxygen availability, is a hallmark of tumour microenvironment and promotes cancer progression and resistance to therapy. Many studies reported the essential role of hypoxia in regulating invasiveness, angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry and response to therapy in melanoma. Melanoma is an aggressive cancer originating from melanocytes located in the skin (cutaneous melanoma), in the uveal tract of the eye (uveal melanoma) or in mucosal membranes (mucosal melanoma). These three subtypes of melanoma represent distinct neoplasms in terms of biology, epidemiology, aetiology, molecular profile and clinical features.In this review, the latest progress in hypoxia-regulated pathways involved in the development and progression of all melanoma subtypes were discussed. We also summarized current knowledge on preclinical studies with drugs targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1, angiogenesis or vasculogenic mimicry. Finally, we described available evidence on clinical studies investigating the use of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 inhibitors or antiangiogenic drugs, alone or in combination with other strategies, in metastatic and adjuvant settings of cutaneous, uveal and mucosal melanoma.Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-independent pathways have been also reported to regulate melanoma progression, but this issue is beyond the scope of this review.As evident from the numerous studies discussed in this review, the increasing knowledge of hypoxia-regulated pathways in melanoma progression and the promising results obtained from novel antiangiogenic therapies, could offer new perspectives in clinical practice in order to improve survival outcomes of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona D'Aguanno
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Mallone
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Marenco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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Maaßen T, Vardanyan S, Brosig A, Merz H, Ranjbar M, Kakkassery V, Grisanti S, Tura A. Monosomy-3 Alters the Expression Profile of the Glucose Transporters GLUT1-3 in Uveal Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249345. [PMID: 33302435 PMCID: PMC7762573 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Monosomy-3 in uveal melanoma (UM) cells increases the risk of fatal metastases. The gene encoding the low-affinity glucose transporter GLUT2 resides on chromosome 3q26.2. Here, we analyzed the expression of the glucose transporters GLUT1, GLUT2, and GLUT3 with regard to the histological and clinical factors by performing immunohistochemistry on the primary tumors of n = 33 UM patients. UMs with monosomy-3 exhibited a 57% lower immunoreactivity for GLUT2 and a 1.8×-fold higher ratio of GLUT1 to total GLUT1-3. The combined levels of GLUT1-3 proteins were reduced in the irradiated but not the non-irradiated tumors with monosomy-3. GLUT3 expression was stronger in the irradiated samples with disomy-3 versus monosomy-3, but the ratio of the GLUT3 isoform to total GLUT1-3 did not differ with regard to the monosomy-3 status in the irradiated or non-irradiated subgroups. Systemic metastases were associated with the presence of monosomy-3 in the primary and circulating tumor cells as well as a higher GLUT1 ratio. Upregulation of the high-affinity glucose transporter GLUT1 possibly as a compensation for the low-affinity isoform GLUT2 may be enhancing the basal glucose uptake in the UM cells with monosomy-3. Prevention of hyperglycemia might, therefore, be a valuable approach to delay the lethal UM metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjorge Maaßen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (T.M.); (S.V.); (A.B.); (M.R.); (V.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Siranush Vardanyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (T.M.); (S.V.); (A.B.); (M.R.); (V.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Anton Brosig
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (T.M.); (S.V.); (A.B.); (M.R.); (V.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Hartmut Merz
- Reference Center for Lymph Node Pathology and Haematopathology, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Mahdy Ranjbar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (T.M.); (S.V.); (A.B.); (M.R.); (V.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Vinodh Kakkassery
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (T.M.); (S.V.); (A.B.); (M.R.); (V.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (T.M.); (S.V.); (A.B.); (M.R.); (V.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Aysegül Tura
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (T.M.); (S.V.); (A.B.); (M.R.); (V.K.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-451-500-43912
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Sapio L, Salzillo A, Ragone A, Illiano M, Spina A, Naviglio S. Targeting CREB in Cancer Therapy: A Key Candidate or One of Many? An Update. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113166. [PMID: 33126560 PMCID: PMC7693618 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Only 5% of all drug-related targets currently move from preclinical to clinical in cancer, and just some of them achieve patient’s bedside. Among others, intratumor heterogeneity and preclinical cancer model limitations actually represent the main reasons for this failure. Cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) has been defined as a proto-oncogene in different tumor types, being involved in maintenance and progression. Due to its relevance in tumor pathophysiology, many CREB inhibitor compounds have been developed and tested over the years. Herein, we examine the current state-of-the-art of both CREB and CREB inhibitors in cancer, retracing some of the most significant findings of the last years. While the scientific statement confers on CREB a proactive role in cancer, its therapeutic potential is still stuck at laboratory bench. Therefore, pursuing every concrete result to achieve CREB inhibition in clinical might give chance and future to cancer patients worldwide. Abstract Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) is considered the major disorienting factor in cancer treatment. As a result of stochastic genetic and epigenetic alterations, the appearance of a branched evolutionary shape confers tumor plasticity, causing relapse and unfavorable clinical prognosis. The growing evidence in cancer discovery presents to us “the great paradox” consisting of countless potential targets constantly discovered and a small number of candidates being effective in human patients. Among these, cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) has been proposed as proto-oncogene supporting tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. Overexpression and hyperactivation of CREB are frequently observed in cancer, whereas genetic and pharmacological CREB downregulation affects proliferation and apoptosis. Notably, the present review is designed to investigate the feasibility of targeting CREB in cancer therapy. In particular, starting with the latest CREB evidence in cancer pathophysiology, we evaluate the advancement state of CREB inhibitor design, including the histone lysine demethylases JMJD3/UTX inhibitor GSKJ4 that we newly identified as a promising CREB modulator in leukemia cells. Moreover, an accurate analysis of strengths and weaknesses is also conducted to figure out whether CREB can actually represent a therapeutic candidate or just one of the innumerable preclinical cancer targets.
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Hasegawa T, Takahashi J, Nagasawa S, Doi M, Moriyama A, Iwahashi H. DNA Strand Break Properties of Protoporphyrin IX by X-Ray Irradiation against Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072302. [PMID: 32225109 PMCID: PMC7177738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent reports have suggested that 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), which is a precursor to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), leads to selective accumulation of PpIX in tumor cells and acts as a radiation sensitizer in vitro and in vivo in mouse models of melanoma, glioma, and colon cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of PpIX under X-ray irradiation through ROS generation and DNA damage. ROS generation by the interaction between PpIX and X-ray was evaluated by two kinds of probes, 3′-(p-aminophenyl) fluorescein (APF) for hydroxyl radical (•OH) detection and dihydroethidium (DHE) for superoxide (O2•-). •OH showed an increase, regardless of the dissolved oxygen. Meanwhile, the increase in O2•- was proportional to the dissolved oxygen. Strand breaks (SBs) of DNA molecule were evaluated by gel electrophoresis, and the enhancement of SBs was observed by PpIX treatment. We also studied the effect of PpIX for DNA damage in cells by X-ray irradiation using a B16 melanoma culture. X-ray irradiation induced γH2AX, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the context of chromatin, and affected cell survival. Since PpIX can enhance ROS generation even in a hypoxic state and induce DNA damage, combined radiotherapy treatment with 5-ALA is expected to improve therapeutic efficacy for radioresistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takema Hasegawa
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; (T.H.); (A.M.); (H.I.)
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan;
| | - Junko Takahashi
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-20-862-6705
| | - Shinsuke Nagasawa
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan;
| | - Motomichi Doi
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan;
- DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Akihiro Moriyama
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; (T.H.); (A.M.); (H.I.)
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan;
| | - Hitoshi Iwahashi
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; (T.H.); (A.M.); (H.I.)
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11
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Richards JR, Yoo JH, Shin D, Odelberg SJ. Mouse models of uveal melanoma: Strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 33:264-278. [PMID: 31880399 PMCID: PMC7065156 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common primary malignancy of the eye, and a number of discoveries in the last decade have led to a more thorough molecular characterization of this cancer. However, the prognosis remains dismal for patients with metastases, and there is an urgent need to identify treatments that are effective for this stage of disease. Animal models are important tools for preclinical studies of uveal melanoma. A variety of models exist, and they have specific advantages, disadvantages, and applications. In this review article, these differences are explored in detail, and ideas for new models that might overcome current challenges are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson R. Richards
- Department of Oncological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Jae Hyuk Yoo
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Donghan Shin
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Shannon J. Odelberg
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Neurobiology and AnatomyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
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Khan MS, Hwang J, Lee K, Choi Y, Seo Y, Jeon H, Hong JW, Choi J. Anti-Tumor Drug-Loaded Oxygen Nanobubbles for the Degradation of HIF-1α and the Upregulation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Tumor Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101464. [PMID: 31569523 PMCID: PMC6826834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a key concern during the treatment of tumors, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) has been associated with increased tumor resistance to therapeutic modalities. In this study, doxorubicin-loaded oxygen nanobubbles (Dox/ONBs) were synthesized, and the effectiveness of drug delivery to MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and HeLa cells was evaluated. Dox/ONBs were characterized using optical and fluorescence microscopy, and size measurements were performed through nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The working mechanism of Dox was evaluated using reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, and cellular penetration was assessed with confocal microscopy. Hypoxic conditions were established to assess the effect of Dox/ONBs under hypoxic conditions compared with normoxic conditions. Our results indicate that Dox/ONBs are effective for drug delivery, enhancing oxygen levels, and ROS generation in tumor-derived cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saad Khan
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea.
| | - Jangsun Hwang
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea.
| | - Kyungwoo Lee
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea.
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea.
| | - Yonghyun Choi
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea.
| | - Youngmin Seo
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea.
| | - Hojeong Jeon
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea.
| | - Jong Wook Hong
- Department of Bionano Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 426-791, Korea.
- Department of Bionano Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, Korea.
| | - Jonghoon Choi
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea.
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