1
|
Lo HC, Lin TE, Lin CY, Wang WH, Chen YC, Tsai PH, Su JC, Lu MK, Hsu WH, Lin TY. Targeting TGFβ receptor-mediated snail and twist: WSG, a polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum, and it-based dissolvable microneedle patch suppress melanoma cells. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 341:122298. [PMID: 38876710 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122298] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a lethal skin cancer variant with pronounced aggressiveness and metastatic potential. However, few targeted medications inhibit the progression of melanoma. Ganoderma lucidum, which is a type of mushroom, is widely used as a non-toxic alternative adjunct therapy for cancer patients. This study determines the effect of WSG, which is a water-soluble glucan that is derived from G. lucidum, on melanoma cells. The results show that WSG inhibits cell viability and the mobility of melanoma cells. WSG induces changes in the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers. WSG also downregulates EMT-related transcription factors, Snail and Twist. Signal transduction assays show that WSG reduces the protein levels in transforming growth factor β receptors (TGFβRs) and consequently inhibits the phosphorylation of intracellular signaling molecules, such as FAK, ERK1/2 and Smad2. An In vivo study shows that WSG suppresses melanoma growth in B16F10-bearing mice. To enhance transdermal drug delivery and prevent oxidation, two highly biocompatible compounds, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), are used to synthesize a dissolvable microneedle patch that is loaded with WSG (MN-WSG). A functional assay shows that MN-WSG has an effect that is comparable to that of WSG alone. These results show that WSG has significant potential as a therapeutic agent for melanoma treatment. MN-WSG may allow groundbreaking therapeutic approaches and offers a novel method for delivering this potent compound effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chih Lo
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-En Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Yu Lin
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hao Wang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Chen Su
- Department of Pharmacy, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Kuang Lu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Chinese Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Traditional Chinese Medicine Glycomics Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hung Hsu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; LO-Sheng Hospital Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Oral Hygiene, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Chinese Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yi Lin
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Chinese Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Traditional Chinese Medicine Glycomics Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Michielon E, Motta AC, Ogien J, Oranje P, Waaijman T, Thakoersing V, Veldhorst S, de Gruijl TD, Gibbs S. Integration of line-field confocal optical coherence tomography and in situ microenvironmental mapping to investigate the living microenvironment of reconstructed human skin and melanoma models. J Dermatol Sci 2024:S0923-1811(24)00147-6. [PMID: 39043504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2024.07.001] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In tissue engineering, real-time monitoring of tumors and of the dynamics of the microenvironment within in vitro models has traditionally been hindered by the need to harvest the cultures to obtain material to analyze. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) has proven to be useful in evaluating in vivo skin conditions, including melanoma, by capturing dynamic, three-dimensional (3D) information without the need for invasive procedures, such as biopsies. Additionally, the M-Duo Technology® developed by IMcoMET presents a unique opportunity for continuous in situ biomarker sampling, providing insights into local cellular behavior and interactions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to validate the non-destructive mapping capabilities of two advanced methodologies (LC-OCT by DAMAE Medical and M-Duo Technology® by IMcoMET) to investigate the living microenvironment of in vitro reconstructed human skin (RhS) and melanoma-RhS (Mel-RhS). METHODS LC-OCT and M-Duo Technology® were compared to conventional analysis of the RhS and Mel-RhS microenvironments. RESULTS LC-OCT successfully visualized the distinct layers of the epidermis and tumor structures within the Mel-RhS, identifying keratinocytes, melanocytes, tumor nests, and fibroblasts. The M-Duo Technology® revealed differences in in situ cytokine (IL-6) and chemokine (CCL2, CXCL10, and IL-8) secretion between Mel-RhS and the control RhS. Notably, such differences were not detected through conventional investigation of secreted proteins in culture supernatants. CONCLUSION The combination of LC-OCT's high-resolution imaging and M-Duo Technology®'s in situ microenvironmental mapping has the potential to provide a synergistic platform for non-invasive, real-time analysis, allowing for prolonged observation of processes within Mel-RhS models without the need for culture disruption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Michielon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Taco Waaijman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karras F, Kunz M. Patient-derived melanoma models. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 259:155231. [PMID: 38508996 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is a very aggressive, rapidly metastasizing tumor that has been studied intensively in the past regarding the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms. More recently developed treatment modalities have improved response rates and overall survival of patients. However, the majority of patients suffer from secondary treatment resistance, which requires in depth analyses of the underlying mechanisms. Here, melanoma models based on patients-derived material may play an important role. Consequently, a plethora of different experimental techniques have been developed in the past years. Among these are 3D and 4D culture techniques, organotypic skin reconstructs, melanoma-on-chip models and patient-derived xenografts, Every technique has its own strengths but also weaknesses regarding throughput, reproducibility, and reflection of the human situation. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of currently used techniques and discuss their use in different experimental settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Karras
- Institute of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg 39120, Germany.
| | - Manfred Kunz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 23, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Viegas J, Sarmento B. Bridging the gap between testing and clinics exploring alternative pre-clinical models in melanoma research. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115295. [PMID: 38527625 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115295] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, poses a significant clinical challenge for the development of effective treatments. Conventional in vivo animal studies have shown limited translational relevance to humans, raising strength to pre-clinical models for melanoma research. This review provides an in-depth analysis of alternative pre-clinical models including in vitro and ex vivo platforms such as reconstructed skin, spheroids, organoids, organotypic models, skin-on-a-chip, and bioprinting. Through a comprehensive analysis, the specific attributes, advantages, and limitations of each model are elucidated. It discusses the points related to the uniqueness advantages, from capturing complex interactions between melanoma cells and their microenvironment to enabling high-throughput drug screening and personalized medicine approaches. This review is structured covering firstly the roadmap to identify the co-occurrence of discovering new melanoma treatments and the development of its models, secondly it covers a comparative between the most used models followed by a section discussing each of them: the in vitro and ex vivo models. It intends to serve as an asset for researchers of melanoma field and clinicians involved in melanoma therapy, offering insights into the diverse preclinical models available for optimizing their integration into the translational pipeline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Viegas
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; IUCS-CESPU - Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nomdedeu-Sancho G, Gorkun A, Mahajan N, Willson K, Schaaf CR, Votanopoulos KI, Atala A, Soker S. In Vitro Three-Dimensional (3D) Models for Melanoma Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5779. [PMID: 38136325 PMCID: PMC10741426 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related fatalities. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatments have revolutionized the management of the disease by significantly increasing patient survival rates. However, a considerable number of tumors treated with these drugs fail to respond or may develop resistance over time. Tumor growth and its response to therapies are critically influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME); it directly supports cancer cell growth and influences the behavior of surrounding immune cells, which can become tumor-permissive, thereby rendering immunotherapies ineffective. Ex vivo modeling of melanomas and their response to treatment could significantly advance our understanding and predictions of therapy outcomes. Efforts have been directed toward developing reliable models that accurately mimic melanoma in its appropriate tissue environment, including tumor organoids, bioprinted tissue constructs, and microfluidic devices. However, incorporating and modeling the melanoma TME and immune component remains a significant challenge. Here, we review recent literature regarding the generation of in vitro 3D models of normal skin and melanoma and the approaches used to incorporate the immune compartment in such models. We discuss how these constructs could be combined and used to test immunotherapies and elucidate treatment resistance mechanisms. The development of 3D in vitro melanoma models that faithfully replicate the complexity of the TME and its interaction with the immune system will provide us with the technical tools to better understand ICI resistance and increase its efficacy, thereby improving personalized melanoma therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Nomdedeu-Sancho
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Anastasiya Gorkun
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Naresh Mahajan
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Kelsey Willson
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Cecilia R. Schaaf
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Pathology Section, Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Konstantinos I. Votanopoulos
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Shay Soker
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| |
Collapse
|