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Midena G, Parrozzani R, Frizziero L, Esposito G, Micera A, Midena E. Expression of GNAQ, BAP1, SF3B1, and EIF1AX Proteins in the Aqueous Humor of Eyes Affected by Uveal Melanoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:15. [PMID: 38175637 PMCID: PMC10774693 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.1.15] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to quantify specific aqueous humor (AH) proteins in eyes affected by posterior uveal melanoma (UM). Methods Thirty-six eyes affected by primary UM were included. Tumor thickness and largest basal diameter were specific clinical characteristics. Tumors were staged with the American Joint Commission on Cancer Eighth Edition (AJCC) classification. During the brachytherapy (Iodine-125) surgical procedure, both the AH sample collection and the 25-gauge transscleral fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) were performed. AH samples were analyzed by immunoprecipitation and SDS PAGE techniques to quantify GNAQ, BAP1, SF3B1, and EIF1AX proteins. Cytologic material underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosome 3. The AH of 36 healthy eyes was used as the control group. Cluster analysis of groups was also performed. Results Compared with the control group, significantly higher protein levels of: GNAQ (P = 0.02), BAP1 (P = 0.01), and SF3B1 (P = 0.02) were detected in eyes with UM. Cluster analysis of UM group revealed 2 clusters, one showing higher expression of GNAQ and BAP1 protein and one of EIF1AX protein. Moreover, the 2 clusters corresponded with the chromosome 3 status of UM. Conclusions Specific and selected proteins may be detected in the AH of eyes affected by UM. These findings confirm the possibilities provided by AH analysis in UM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luisa Frizziero
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Edoardo Midena
- IRCCS–Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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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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Pašalić D, Nikuševa-Martić T, Sekovanić A, Kaštelan S. Genetic and Epigenetic Features of Uveal Melanoma-An Overview and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12807. [PMID: 37628989 PMCID: PMC10454135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612807] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is rare, but it is the most common primary intraocular malignancy among adults. This review represents the molecular, genetic, and immunobiological mechanisms involved in UM carcinogenesis and progression, as well as data about the association of chromosomal changes, genetic mutations, selective proteins, and biochemical biomarkers with the clinical implications of UM. Genetic analysis has the potential to identify patients with a high risk of UM metastasis, enabling management that is more effective and allowing for the follow-up of patients. Advancements in molecular characterization of UM offer opportunities to develop targeted therapeutic strategies by focusing on relevant signaling pathways. Changes in miRNA expression could be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of UM, due to unique miRNA profiles in melanoma cells or tissue and its association with metastasis. Although liver function tests do not provide enough data on the prognosis of UM, due to the high frequency of liver metastasis, liver function tests (LFTs) might be useful indicators; however, the absence of rising LFT values cannot lead to the exclusion of liver metastases. Molecular analysis of tumor tissue will allow us to identify patients with the added benefit of new therapeutic agents and provide a better insight into melanoma pathogenesis and its biological behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Pašalić
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Tamara Nikuševa-Martić
- Department of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ankica Sekovanić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Snježana Kaštelan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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He LF, Mou P, Yang CH, Huang C, Shen Y, Zhang JD, Wei RL. Single-cell sequencing in primary intraocular tumors: understanding heterogeneity, the microenvironment, and drug resistance. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1194590. [PMID: 37359513 PMCID: PMC10287964 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1194590] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) and uveal melanoma (UM) are the most common primary intraocular tumors in children and adults, respectively. Despite continued increases in the likelihood of salvaging the eyeball due to advancements in local tumor control, prognosis remains poor once metastasis has occurred. Traditional sequencing technology obtains averaged information from pooled clusters of diverse cells. In contrast, single-cell sequencing (SCS) allows for investigations of tumor biology at the resolution of the individual cell, providing insights into tumor heterogeneity, microenvironmental properties, and cellular genomic mutations. SCS is a powerful tool that can help identify new biomarkers for diagnosis and targeted therapy, which may in turn greatly improve tumor management. In this review, we focus on the application of SCS for evaluating heterogeneity, microenvironmental characteristics, and drug resistance in patients with RB and UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-feng He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Mou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-hui Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- 92882 Troops of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-di Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-li Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Tanuwidjaya E, Schittenhelm RB, Faridi P. Soluble HLA peptidome: A new resource for cancer biomarkers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1069635. [PMID: 36620582 PMCID: PMC9815702 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1069635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Using circulating molecular biomarkers to screen for cancer and other debilitating disorders in a high-throughput and low-cost fashion is becoming increasingly attractive in medicine. One major limitation of investigating protein biomarkers in body fluids is that only one-fourth of the entire proteome can be routinely detected in these fluids. In contrast, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) presents peptides from the entire proteome on the cell surface. While peptide-HLA complexes are predominantly membrane-bound, a fraction of HLA molecules is released into body fluids which is referred to as soluble HLAs (sHLAs). As such peptides bound by sHLA molecules represent the entire proteome of their cells/tissues of origin and more importantly, recent advances in mass spectrometry-based technologies have allowed for accurate determination of these peptides. In this perspective, we discuss the current understanding of sHLA-peptide complexes in the context of cancer, and their potential as a novel, relatively untapped repertoire for cancer biomarkers. We also review the currently available tools to detect and quantify these circulating biomarkers, and we discuss the challenges and future perspectives of implementing sHLA biomarkers in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Tanuwidjaya
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ralf B. Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Pouya Faridi, ; Ralf B. Schittenhelm,
| | - Pouya Faridi
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia,Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Pouya Faridi, ; Ralf B. Schittenhelm,
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Im DH, Peng CC, Xu L, Kim ME, Ostrow D, Yellapantula V, Bootwalla M, Biegel JA, Gai X, Prabakar RK, Kuhn P, Hicks J, Berry JL. Potential of Aqueous Humor as a Liquid Biopsy for Uveal Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116226. [PMID: 35682905 PMCID: PMC9181140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor biopsy can identify prognostic biomarkers for metastatic uveal melanoma (UM), however aqueous humor (AH) liquid biopsy may serve as an adjunct. This study investigated whether the AH of UM eyes has sufficient circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to perform genetic analysis. This is a case series of 37 AH samples, taken before or after radiation, and one tumor wash sample, from 12 choroidal and 8 ciliary body (CB) melanoma eyes. AH was analyzed for nucleic acid concentrations. AH DNA and one tumor wash sample underwent shallow whole-genome sequencing followed by Illumina sequencing to detect somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs). Four post-radiation AH underwent targeted sequencing of BAP1 and GNAQ genes. Post-radiation AH had significantly higher DNA and miRNA concentrations than paired pre-radiation samples. Highly recurrent UM SCNAs were identified in 0/11 post-radiation choroidal and 6/8 post-radiation CB AH. SCNAs were highly concordant in a CB post-radiation AH with its matched tumor (r = 0.978). BAP1 or GNAQ variants were detected in 3/4 post-radiation AH samples. AH is a source of ctDNA in UM eyes, particularly in post-radiation CB eyes. For the first time, UM SCNAs and mutations were identified in AH-derived ctDNA. Suggesting that AH can serve as a liquid biopsy for UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah H. Im
- The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.H.I.); (C.-C.P.); (L.X.); (M.E.K.)
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Chen-Ching Peng
- The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.H.I.); (C.-C.P.); (L.X.); (M.E.K.)
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Liya Xu
- The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.H.I.); (C.-C.P.); (L.X.); (M.E.K.)
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Mary E. Kim
- The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.H.I.); (C.-C.P.); (L.X.); (M.E.K.)
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Dejerianne Ostrow
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.O.); (V.Y.); (M.B.); (J.A.B.); (X.G.)
| | - Venkata Yellapantula
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.O.); (V.Y.); (M.B.); (J.A.B.); (X.G.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Moiz Bootwalla
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.O.); (V.Y.); (M.B.); (J.A.B.); (X.G.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jaclyn A. Biegel
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.O.); (V.Y.); (M.B.); (J.A.B.); (X.G.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Xiaowu Gai
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.O.); (V.Y.); (M.B.); (J.A.B.); (X.G.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Rishvanth K. Prabakar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA; (R.K.P.); (P.K.); (J.H.)
| | - Peter Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA; (R.K.P.); (P.K.); (J.H.)
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
| | - James Hicks
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA; (R.K.P.); (P.K.); (J.H.)
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jesse L. Berry
- The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (D.H.I.); (C.-C.P.); (L.X.); (M.E.K.)
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews the latest proteomic research on uveal melanoma. RECENT FINDINGS Proteomic analysis of uveal melanoma cell lines and tissue specimens has improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of uveal melanoma and helped identify potential prognostic biomarkers. Circulating proteins in patient serum may aid in the surveillance of metastatic disease. The proteomes of aqueous and vitreous biopsy specimens may provide safer biomarkers for metastatic risk and candidate therapeutic targets in uveal melanoma. Proteomic analysis has the potential to benefit patient outcomes by improving diagnosis, prognostication, surveillance, and treatment of uveal melanoma. SUMMARY These recent findings demonstrate that proteomic analysis is an important area of research to better understand the pathophysiology of uveal melanoma and improve the personalized management of our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Heiferman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Vinit B. Mahajan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA
| | - Prithvi Mruthyunjaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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du Fossé NA, Lashley EELO, Anholts JDH, van Beelen E, le Cessie S, van Lith JMM, Eikmans M, van der Hoorn MLP. Impaired immunomodulatory effects of seminal plasma may play a role in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: results of an in vitro study. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Do Extracellular RNAs Provide Insight into Uveal Melanoma Biology? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235919. [PMID: 34885029 PMCID: PMC8657116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The study of RNAs in the extracellular environment in physiological and pathological conditions has become a growing field of research with intriguing applications in diagnostics and prognostics. Such extracellular RNAs are passively or actively released by all cells into biological fluids to spread biological signals to other cells. The perturbation of such RNA-based cell-to-cell communications in cancer can be easily identified by molecular analysis of liquid biopsies, even if source cells secreting RNAs are often elusive. In uveal melanoma (UM), extracellular RNAs can be assayed in serum, plasma, and vitreous and aqueous humor. In this review, we explore the possibility that extracellular RNA alterations in UM could partially match with RNA dysregulations observed in tumor tissues and provide information to better understand UM biology. Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults, showing a high mortality due to metastasis. Although it is considered a rare disease, a growing number of papers have reported altered levels of RNAs (i.e., coding and non-coding RNAs) in cancerous tissues and biological fluids from UM patients. The presence of circulating RNAs, whose dysregulation is associated with UM, paved the way to the possibility of exploiting it for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. However, the biological meaning and the origin of such RNAs in blood and ocular fluids of UM patients remain unexplored. In this review, we report the state of the art of circulating RNAs in UM and debate whether the amount and types of RNAs measured in bodily fluids mirror the RNA alterations from source cancer cells. Based on literature data, extracellular RNAs in UM patients do not represent, with rare exceptions, a snapshot of RNA dysregulations occurring in cancerous tissues, but rather the complex and heterogeneous outcome of a systemic dysfunction, including immune system activity, that modifies the mechanisms of RNA delivery from several cell types.
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Souri Z, Wierenga APA, Kroes WGM, van der Velden PA, Verdijk RM, Eikmans M, Luyten GPM, Jager MJ. LAG3 and Its Ligands Show Increased Expression in High-Risk Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174445. [PMID: 34503258 PMCID: PMC8430821 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare ocular malignancy which originates in the uveal tract, and often gives rise to metastases. Potential targets for immune checkpoint inhibition are lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) and its ligands. We set out to analyse the distribution of these molecules in UM. The expression of mRNA was determined using an Illumina array in 64 primary UM from Leiden. The T lymphocyte fraction was determined by digital droplet PCR. In a second cohort of 15 cases from Leiden, mRNA expression was studied by Fluidigm qPCR, while a third cohort consisted of 80 UM from TCGA. In the first Leiden cohort, LAG3 expression was associated with the presence of epithelioid cells (p = 0.002), monosomy of chromosome 3 (p = 0.004), and loss of BAP1 staining (p = 0.001). In this Leiden cohort as well as in the TCGA cohort, LAG3 expression correlated positively with the expression of its ligands: LSECtin, Galectin-3, and the HLA class II molecules HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DP (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, ligands Galectin-3 and HLA class II were increased in monosomy 3 tumours and the expression of LAG3 correlated with the presence of an inflammatory phenotype (T cell fraction, macrophages, HLA-A and HLA-B expression: all p < 0.001). High expression levels of LAG3 (p = 0.01), Galectin-3 (p = 0.001), HLA-DRA1 (p = 0.002), HLA-DQA1 (p = 0.04), HLA-DQB2 (p = 0.03), and HLA-DPA1 (p = 0.007) were associated with bad survival. We conclude that expression of the LAG ligands Galectin-3 and HLA class II strongly correlates with LAG3 expression and all are increased in UM with Monosomy 3/BAP1 loss. The distribution suggests a potential benefit of monoclonal antibodies against LAG3 or Galectin-3 as adjuvant treatment in patients with high-risk UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Souri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (Z.S.); (A.P.A.W.); (P.A.v.d.V.); (G.P.M.L.)
| | - Annemijn P. A. Wierenga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (Z.S.); (A.P.A.W.); (P.A.v.d.V.); (G.P.M.L.)
| | - Wilma G. M. Kroes
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Pieter A. van der Velden
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (Z.S.); (A.P.A.W.); (P.A.v.d.V.); (G.P.M.L.)
| | - Robert M. Verdijk
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Department of Pathology, Section Ophthalmic Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Eikmans
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Gregorius P. M. Luyten
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (Z.S.); (A.P.A.W.); (P.A.v.d.V.); (G.P.M.L.)
| | - Martine J. Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (Z.S.); (A.P.A.W.); (P.A.v.d.V.); (G.P.M.L.)
- Correspondence:
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How to Make Immunotherapy an Effective Therapeutic Choice for Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092043. [PMID: 33922591 PMCID: PMC8122936 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite improvements in the early identification and successful control of primary uveal melanoma, 50% of patients will develop metastatic disease with only marginal improvements in survival. This review focuses on the tumor microenvironment and the cross-talk between tumor and immune cells in a tumor characterized by low mutational load, the induction of immune-suppressive cells, and the expression of alternative immune checkpoint molecules. The choice of combining different strategies of immunotherapy remains a feasible and promising option on selected patients. Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM), though a rare form of melanoma, is the most common intraocular tumor in adults. Conventional therapies of primary tumors lead to an excellent local control, but 50% of patients develop metastases, in most cases with lethal outcome. Somatic driver mutations that act on the MAP-kinase pathway have been identified, yet targeted therapies show little efficacy in the clinics. No drugs are currently available for the G protein alpha subunitsGNAQ and GNA11, which are the most frequent driver mutations in UM. Drugs targeting the YAP–TAZ pathway that is also activated in UM, the tumor-suppressor gene BRCA1 Associated Protein 1 (BAP1) and the Splicing Factor 3b Subunit 1 gene (SF3B1) whose mutations are associated with metastatic risk, have not been developed yet. Immunotherapy is highly effective in cutaneous melanoma but yields only poor results in the treatment of UM: anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 blocking antibodies did not meet the expectations except for isolated cases. Here, we discuss how the improved knowledge of the tumor microenvironment and of the cross-talk between tumor and immune cells could help to reshape anti-tumor immune responses to overcome the intrinsic resistance to immune checkpoint blockers of UM. We critically review the dogma of low mutational load, the induction of immune-suppressive cells, and the expression of alternative immune checkpoint molecules. We argue that immunotherapy might still be an option for the treatment of UM.
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Cui Y, Zheng M, Chen J, Xu N. Autophagy-Related Long Non-coding RNA Signature as Indicators for the Prognosis of Uveal Melanoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:625583. [PMID: 33868366 PMCID: PMC8047156 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.625583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop an autophagy-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) signature to predict the prognostic outcomes of uveal melanoma (UM). The data of UM from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were enrolled to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between metastasizing and non-metastasizing UM patients. A total of 13 differentially expressed autophagy genes were identified and validated in Gene Expression Omnibus, and 11 autophagy-related lncRNAs were found to be associated with overall survival. Through performing least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses, a six-autophagy-related lncRNA signature was built, and its efficacy was confirmed by receiver-operating characteristic, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A comprehensive nomogram was established and its clinical net benefit was validated by decision curve analysis. GSEA revealed that several biological processes and signaling pathways including Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and B- and T-cell receptor signaling pathway were enriched in the high-risk group. CIBERSORT results showed that the signature was related to the immune response especially HLA expression. This signature could be deployed to assist clinicians to identify high-risk UM patients and help scientists to explore the molecular mechanism of autophagy-related lncRNAs in UM pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Union Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mi Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Nuo Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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The Potential of Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen Molecules for Early Cancer Detection and Therapeutic Vaccine Design. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040775. [PMID: 33353014 PMCID: PMC7766713 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are essential for anti-tumor immunity, as they display tumor-derived peptides to drive tumor eradication by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. HLA molecules are primarily studied as peptide-loaded complexes on cell membranes (mHLA) and much less attention is given to their secretion as soluble HLA–peptide complexes (sHLA) into bodily fluids. Yet sHLA levels are altered in various pathologies including cancer, and are thus of high interest as biomarkers. Disconcordance in results across studies, however, hampers interpretation and generalization of the relationship between sHLA levels and cancer presence, thereby impairing its use as a biomarker. Furthermore, the question remains to what extent sHLA complexes exert immunomodulatory effects and whether shifts in sHLA levels contribute to disease or are only a consequence of disease. sHLA complexes can also bear tumor-derived peptides and recent advancements in mass spectrometry now permit closer sHLA peptide cargo analysis. sHLA peptide cargo may represent a “liquid biopsy” that could facilitate the use of sHLA for cancer diagnosis and target identification for therapeutic vaccination. This review aims to outline the contradictory and unexplored aspects of sHLA and to provide direction on how the full potential of sHLA as a quantitative and qualitative biomarker can be exploited.
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Jin E, Burnier JV. Liquid Biopsy in Uveal Melanoma: Are We There Yet? Ocul Oncol Pathol 2020; 7:1-16. [PMID: 33796511 DOI: 10.1159/000508613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era of precision oncology, major strides are being made to use individual tumor information for clinical decision-making. Differing from traditional biopsy methods, the emerging practice of liquid biopsy provides a minimally invasive way of obtaining tumor cells and derived molecules. Liquid biopsy provides a means to detect and monitor disease progression, recurrence, and treatment response in a noninvasive way, and to potentially complement classical biopsy. Uveal melanoma (UM) is a unique malignancy, with diagnosis heavily reliant on imaging, few repeat biopsies, and a high rate of metastasis, which occurs hematogenously and often many years after diagnosis. In this disease setting, a noninvasive biomarker to detect, monitor, and study the disease in real time could lead to better disease understanding and patient care. While advances have been made in the detection of tumor-disseminated components, sensitivity and specificity remain important challenges. Ambiguity remains in how to interpret current findings and in how liquid biopsy can have a place in clinical practice. Related publications in UM are few compared to other cancers, but with further studies we may be able to uncover more about the biology of disseminated molecules and the mechanisms involved in the progression to metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Jin
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Julia V Burnier
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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