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Slominski RM, Kim TK, Janjetovic Z, Brożyna AA, Podgorska E, Dixon KM, Mason RS, Tuckey RC, Sharma R, Crossman DK, Elmets C, Raman C, Jetten AM, Indra AK, Slominski AT. Malignant Melanoma: An Overview, New Perspectives, and Vitamin D Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2262. [PMID: 38927967 PMCID: PMC11201527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122262] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma, originating through malignant transformation of melanin-producing melanocytes, is a formidable malignancy, characterized by local invasiveness, recurrence, early metastasis, resistance to therapy, and a high mortality rate. This review discusses etiologic and risk factors for melanoma, diagnostic and prognostic tools, including recent advances in molecular biology, omics, and bioinformatics, and provides an overview of its therapy. Since the incidence of melanoma is rising and mortality remains unacceptably high, we discuss its inherent properties, including melanogenesis, that make this disease resilient to treatment and propose to use AI to solve the above complex and multidimensional problems. We provide an overview on vitamin D and its anticancerogenic properties, and report recent advances in this field that can provide solutions for the prevention and/or therapy of melanoma. Experimental papers and clinicopathological studies on the role of vitamin D status and signaling pathways initiated by its active metabolites in melanoma prognosis and therapy are reviewed. We conclude that vitamin D signaling, defined by specific nuclear receptors and selective activation by specific vitamin D hydroxyderivatives, can provide a benefit for new or existing therapeutic approaches. We propose to target vitamin D signaling with the use of computational biology and AI tools to provide a solution to the melanoma problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radomir M. Slominski
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Tae-Kang Kim
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Zorica Janjetovic
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Anna A. Brożyna
- Department of Human Biology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Ewa Podgorska
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Katie M. Dixon
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (K.M.D.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Rebecca S. Mason
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (K.M.D.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Robert C. Tuckey
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Rahul Sharma
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - David K. Crossman
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Craig Elmets
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Chander Raman
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Anton M. Jetten
- Cell Biology Section, NIEHS—National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Arup K. Indra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Andrzej T. Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, Veteran Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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2
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Switzer B, Puzanov I, Gandhi S, Repasky EA. Targeting beta-adrenergic receptor pathways in melanoma: how stress modulates oncogenic immunity. Melanoma Res 2024; 34:89-95. [PMID: 38051781 PMCID: PMC10906201 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000943] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The intricate pathways of the sympathetic nervous system hold an inherently protective role in the setting of acute stress. This is achieved through dynamic immunomodulatory and neurobiological networks. However, excessive and chronic exposure to these stress-induced stimuli appears to cause physiologic dysfunction through several mechanisms that may impair psychosocial, neurologic, and immunologic health. Numerous preclinical observations have identified the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) subtype to possess the strongest impact on immune dysfunction in the setting of chronic stressful stimuli. This prolonged expression of β2-ARs appears to suppress immune surveillance and promote tumorigenesis within multiple cancer types. This occurs through several pathways, including (1) decreasing the frequency and function of CD8 + T-cells infiltrating the tumor microenvironment (TME) via inhibition of metabolic reprogramming during T cell activation, and (2) establishing an immunosuppressive profile within the TME including promotion of an exhausted T cell phenotype while simultaneously enhancing local and paracrine metastatic potential. The use of nonselective β-AR antagonists appears to reverse many chronic stress-induced tumorigenic pathways and may also provide an additive therapeutic benefit for various immune checkpoint modulating agents including commonly utilized immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here we review the translational and clinical observations highlighting the foundational hypotheses that chronic stress-induced β-AR signaling promotes a pro-tumoral immunophenotype and that blockade of these pathways may augment the therapeutic response of immune checkpoint inhibition within the scope of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Switzer
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Igor Puzanov
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Shipra Gandhi
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Elizabeth A. Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
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3
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Mardelle U, Bretaud N, Daher C, Feuillet V. From pain to tumor immunity: influence of peripheral sensory neurons in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335387. [PMID: 38433844 PMCID: PMC10905387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335387] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The nervous and immune systems are the primary sensory interfaces of the body, allowing it to recognize, process, and respond to various stimuli from both the external and internal environment. These systems work in concert through various mechanisms of neuro-immune crosstalk to detect threats, provide defense against pathogens, and maintain or restore homeostasis, but can also contribute to the development of diseases. Among peripheral sensory neurons (PSNs), nociceptive PSNs are of particular interest. They possess a remarkable capability to detect noxious stimuli in the periphery and transmit this information to the brain, resulting in the perception of pain and the activation of adaptive responses. Pain is an early symptom of cancer, often leading to its diagnosis, but it is also a major source of distress for patients as the disease progresses. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the mechanisms within tumors that are likely to induce cancer pain, exploring a range of factors from etiological elements to cellular and molecular mediators. In addition to transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system, PSNs are also capable, when activated, to produce and release neuropeptides (e.g., CGRP and SP) from their peripheral terminals. These neuropeptides have been shown to modulate immunity in cases of inflammation, infection, and cancer. PSNs, often found within solid tumors, are likely to play a significant role in the tumor microenvironment, potentially influencing both tumor growth and anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge about the degree of sensory innervation in tumors. We also seek to understand whether and how PSNs may influence the tumor growth and associated anti-tumor immunity in different mouse models of cancer. Finally, we discuss the extent to which the tumor is able to influence the development and functions of the PSNs that innervate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Mardelle
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Ninon Bretaud
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Clara Daher
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Feuillet
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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4
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Neagu M, Constantin C, Surcel M, Munteanu A, Scheau C, Savulescu-Fiedler I, Caruntu C. Diabetic neuropathy: A NRF2 disease? J Diabetes 2023. [PMID: 38158644 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) has multifarious action with its target genes having redox-regulating functions and being involved in inflammation control, proteostasis, autophagy, and metabolic pathways. Therefore, the genes controlled by NRF2 are involved in the pathogenesis of myriad diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Amidst this large array of diseases, diabetic neuropathy (DN) occurs in half of patients diagnosed with diabetes and appears as an injury inflicted upon peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. As a complex effector factor, NRF2 has entered the spotlight during the search of new biomarkers and/or new therapy targets in DN. Due to the growing attention for NRF2 as a modulating factor in several diseases, including DN, this paper aims to update the recently discovered regulatory pathways of NRF2 in oxidative stress, inflammation and immunity. It presents the animal models that further facilitated the human studies in regard to NRF2 modulation and the possibilities of using NRF2 as DN biomarker and/or as target therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Neagu
- Immunology Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
- Doctoral School, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Surcel
- Immunology Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Munteanu
- Immunology Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Scheau
- Department of Physiology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilinca Savulescu-Fiedler
- Department of Internal Medicine - Coltea Clinical Hospital, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, "Prof. N.C. Paulescu" National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
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5
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Caruntu C, Ilie MA, Neagu M. Looking into the Skin in Health and Disease: From Microscopy Imaging Techniques to Molecular Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13737. [PMID: 37762038 PMCID: PMC10531494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is a complex organ that includes a wide variety of tissue types with different embryological origins [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Dermatology, “Prof. N.C. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Monica Neagu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Colentina University Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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Wang F, Cheng F, Zheng F. Bioinformatic-based genetic characterizations of neural regulation in skin cutaneous melanoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1166373. [PMID: 37404751 PMCID: PMC10315675 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1166373] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent discoveries uncovered the complex cancer-nerve interactions in several cancer types including skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). However, the genetic characterization of neural regulation in SKCM is unclear. Methods Transcriptomic expression data were collected from the TCGA and GTEx portal, and the differences in cancer-nerve crosstalk-associated gene expressions between normal skin and SKCM tissues were analyzed. The cBioPortal dataset was utilized to implement the gene mutation analysis. PPI analysis was performed using the STRING database. Functional enrichment analysis was analyzed by the R package clusterProfiler. K-M plotter, univariate, multivariate, and LASSO regression were used for prognostic analysis and verification. The GEPIA dataset was performed to analyze the association of gene expression with SKCM clinical stage. ssGSEA and GSCA datasets were used for immune cell infiltration analysis. GSEA was used to elucidate the significant function and pathway differences. Results A total of 66 cancer-nerve crosstalk-associated genes were identified, 60 of which were up- or downregulated in SKCM and KEGG analysis suggested that they are mainly enriched in the calcium signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and so on. A gene prognostic model including eight genes (GRIN3A, CCR2, CHRNA4, CSF1, NTN1, ADRB1, CHRNB4, and CHRNG) was built and verified by independent cohorts GSE59455 and GSE19234. A nomogram was constructed containing clinical characteristics and the above eight genes, and the AUCs of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year ROC were 0.850, 0.811, and 0.792, respectively. Expression of CCR2, GRIN3A, and CSF1 was associated with SKCM clinical stages. There existed broad and strong correlations of the prognostic gene set with immune infiltration and immune checkpoint genes. CHRNA4 and CHRNG were independent poor prognostic genes, and multiple metabolic pathways were enriched in high CHRNA4 expression cells. Conclusion Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of cancer-nerve crosstalk-associated genes in SKCM was performed, and an effective prognostic model was constructed based on clinical characteristics and eight genes (GRIN3A, CCR2, CHRNA4, CSF1, NTN1, ADRB1, CHRNB4, and CHRNG), which were widely related to clinical stages and immunological features. Our work may be helpful for further investigation in the molecular mechanisms correlated with neural regulation in SKCM, and in searching new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengdi Wang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fanjun Cheng
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fang Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Kaszuba A, Sławińska M, Żółkiewicz J, Sobjanek M, Nowicki RJ, Lange M. Mastocytosis and Skin Cancer: The Current State of Knowledge. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9840. [PMID: 37372988 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous group of diseases associated with excessive proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in different organs. Recent studies have demonstrated that patients suffering from mastocytosis face an increased risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. The cause of this has not yet been clearly identified. In the literature, the potential influence of several factors has been suggested, including genetic background, the role of cytokines produced by mast cells, iatrogenic and hormonal factors. The article summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of skin neoplasia in mastocytosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kaszuba
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego Street 17, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Martyna Sławińska
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego Street 17, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jakub Żółkiewicz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego Street 17, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Sobjanek
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego Street 17, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Roman J Nowicki
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego Street 17, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Lange
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego Street 17, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
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8
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Slominski RM, Raman C, Chen JY, Slominski AT. How cancer hijacks the body's homeostasis through the neuroendocrine system. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:263-275. [PMID: 36803800 PMCID: PMC10038913 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
During oncogenesis, cancer not only escapes the body's regulatory mechanisms, but also gains the ability to affect local and systemic homeostasis. Specifically, tumors produce cytokines, immune mediators, classical neurotransmitters, hypothalamic and pituitary hormones, biogenic amines, melatonin, and glucocorticoids, as demonstrated in human and animal models of cancer. The tumor, through the release of these neurohormonal and immune mediators, can control the main neuroendocrine centers such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals, and thyroid to modulate body homeostasis through central regulatory axes. We hypothesize that the tumor-derived catecholamines, serotonin, melatonin, neuropeptides, and other neurotransmitters can affect body and brain functions. Bidirectional communication between local autonomic and sensory nerves and the tumor, with putative effects on the brain, is also envisioned. Overall, we propose that cancers can take control of the central neuroendocrine and immune systems to reset the body homeostasis in a mode favoring its expansion at the expense of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radomir M Slominski
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Informatics Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Chander Raman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jake Y Chen
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Informatics Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andrzej T Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Chemoprevention Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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9
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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Protease Profile of Tumor-Associated Mast Cells in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168930. [PMID: 36012196 PMCID: PMC9408654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) produce a variety of mediators, including proteases—tryptase, chymase, and carboxypeptidases—which are important for the immune response. However, a detailed assessment of the mechanisms of biogenesis and excretion of proteases in melanoma has yet to be carried out. In this study, we present data on phenotype and secretory pathways of proteases in MCs in the course of melanoma. The development of melanoma was found to be accompanied by the appearance in the tumor-associated MC population of several pools with a predominant content of one or two specific proteases with a low content or complete absence of others. Elucidation of the molecular and morphological features of the expression of MC proteases in melanoma allows us a fresh perspective of the pathogenesis of the disease, and can be used to clarify MCs classification, the disease prognosis, and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing antitumor therapy.
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Recognition of Melanocytes in Immuno-Neuroendocrinology and Circadian Rhythms: Beyond the Conventional Melanin Synthesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132082. [PMID: 35805166 PMCID: PMC9266247 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanocytes produce melanin to protect the skin from UV-B radiation. Notwithstanding, the spectrum of their functions extends far beyond their well-known role as melanin production factories. Melanocytes have been considered as sensory and computational cells. The neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and other hormones produced by melanocytes make them part of the skin’s well-orchestrated and complex neuroendocrine network, counteracting environmental stressors. Melanocytes can also actively mediate the epidermal immune response. Melanocytes are equipped with ectopic sensory systems similar to the eye and nose and can sense light and odor. The ubiquitous inner circadian rhythm controls the body’s basic physiological processes. Light not only affects skin photoaging, but also regulates inner circadian rhythms and communicates with the local neuroendocrine system. Do melanocytes “see” light and play a unique role in photoentrainment of the local circadian clock system? Why, then, are melanocytes responsible for so many mysterious functions? Do these complex functional devices work to maintain homeostasis locally and throughout the body? In addition, melanocytes have also been shown to be localized in internal sites such as the inner ear, brain, and heart, locations not stimulated by sunlight. Thus, what can the observation of extracutaneous melanocytes tell us about the “secret identity” of melanocytes? While the answers to some of these intriguing questions remain to be discovered, here we summarize and weave a thread around available data to explore the established and potential roles of melanocytes in the biological communication of skin and systemic homeostasis, and elaborate on important open issues and propose ways forward.
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12
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Lesire L, Leroux F, Deprez-Poulain R, Deprez B. Insulin-Degrading Enzyme, an Under-Estimated Potential Target to Treat Cancer? Cells 2022; 11:cells11071228. [PMID: 35406791 PMCID: PMC8998118 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is a multifunctional protease due to the variety of its substrates, its various cellular locations, its conservation between species and its many non-proteolytic functions. Numerous studies have successfully demonstrated its implication in two main therapeutic areas: metabolic and neuronal diseases. In recent years, several reports have underlined the overexpression of this enzyme in different cancers. Still, the exact role of IDE in the physiopathology of cancer remains to be elucidated. Known as the main enzyme responsible for the degradation of insulin, an essential growth factor for healthy cells and cancer cells, IDE has also been shown to behave like a chaperone and interact with the proteasome. The pharmacological modulation of IDE (siRNA, chemical compounds, etc.) has demonstrated interesting results in cancer models. All these results point towards IDE as a potential target in cancer. In this review, we will discuss evidence of links between IDE and cancer development or resistance, IDE's functions, catalytic or non-catalytic, in the context of cell proliferation, cancer development and the impact of the pharmacomodulation of IDE via cancer therapeutics.
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13
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Antitumoral and Anti-inflammatory Roles of Somatostatin and Its Analogs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2021; 2021:1840069. [PMID: 34873567 PMCID: PMC8643256 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1840069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and affects about 8% of cirrhotic patients, with a recurrence rate of over 50%. There are numerous therapies available for the treatment of HCC, depending on cancer staging and condition of the patient. The complexity of the treatment is also justified by the unique pathogenesis of HCC that involves intricate processes such as chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and multiple molecular carcinogenesis events. During the last three decades, multiple in vivo and in vitro experiments have used somatostatin and its analogs (SSAs) to reduce the proliferative and metastatic potential of hepatoma cells by inducing their apoptosis and reducing angiogenesis and the inflammatory component of HCC. Most experiments have proven successful, revealing several different pathways and mechanisms corresponding to the aforementioned functions. Moreover, a correlation between specific effects and expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) was observed in the studied cells. Clinical trials have tested either somatostatin or an analog, alone or in combination with other drugs, to explore the potential effects on HCC patients, in various stages of the disease. While the majority of these clinical trials exhibited minor to moderate success, some other studies were inconclusive or even reported negative outcomes. A complete evaluation of the efficacy of somatostatin and SSAs is still the matter of intense debate, and, if deemed useful, these substances may play a beneficial role in the management of HCC patients.
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