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Păsărică MA, Curcă PF, Dragosloveanu CDM, Grigorescu AC, Nisipașu CI. Pathological and Molecular Diagnosis of Uveal Melanoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:958. [PMID: 38732371 PMCID: PMC11083017 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14090958] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a common malignant intraocular tumor that presents with significant genetic differences to cutaneous melanoma and has a high genetic burden in terms of prognosis. (2) Methods: A systematic literature search of several repositories on uveal melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, molecular analysis, and treatment was conducted. (3) Results: Recent genetic understanding of oncogene-initiation mutations in GNAQ, GNA11, PLCB4, and CYSLTR2 and secondary progression drivers of BAP1 inactivation and SF3B1 and EIF1AX mutations offers an appealing explanation to the high prognostic impact of adding genetic profiling to clinical UM classification. Genetic information could help better explain peculiarities in uveal melanoma, such as the low long-term survival despite effective primary tumor treatment, the overwhelming propensity to metastasize to the liver, and possibly therapeutic behaviors. (4) Conclusions: Understanding of uveal melanoma has improved step-by-step from histopathology to clinical classification to more recent genetic understanding of oncogenic initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Adrian Păsărică
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Paul Filip Curcă
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Christiana Diana Maria Dragosloveanu
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Cosmin Ionuț Nisipașu
- Department of Dental Medicine I, Implant-Prosthetic Therapy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
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Regulator of G protein signaling 2 inhibits Gα q-dependent uveal melanoma cell growth. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101955. [PMID: 35452684 PMCID: PMC9120238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in Gαq/11 are a major driver of uveal melanoma (UM), the most common intraocular cancer in adults. While progress has recently been made in targeting Gαq/11 for UM therapy, the crucial role for these proteins in normal physiology and their high structural similarity with many other important GTPase proteins renders this approach challenging. The aim of the current study was to validate whether a key regulator of Gq signaling, regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2), can inhibit Gαq-mediated UM cell growth. We used two UM cell lines, 92.1 and Mel-202, which both contain the most common activating mutation GαqQ209L and developed stable cell lines with doxycycline-inducible RGS2 protein expression. Using cell viability assays, we showed that RGS2 could inhibit cell growth in both of these UM cell lines. We also found that this effect was independent of the canonical GTPase-activating protein activity of RGS2 but was dependent on the association between RGS2 and Gαq. Furthermore, RGS2 induction resulted in only partial reduction in cell growth as compared to siRNA-mediated Gαq knockdown, perhaps because RGS2 was only able to reduce mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling downstream of phospholipase Cβ, while leaving activation of the Hippo signaling mediators yes-associated protein 1/TAZ, the other major pathway downstream of Gαq, unaffected. Taken together, our data indicate that RGS2 can inhibit UM cancer cell growth by associating with GαqQ209L as a partial effector antagonist.
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Milán-Rois P, Quan A, Slack FJ, Somoza Á. The Role of LncRNAs in Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164041. [PMID: 34439196 PMCID: PMC8392202 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is an intraocular cancer tumor with high metastatic risk. It is considered a rare disease, but 90% of affected patients die within 15 years. Non-coding elements (ncRNAs) such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a crucial role in cellular homeostasis maintenance, taking part in many critical cellular pathways. Their deregulation, therefore, contributes to the induction of cancer and neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. In cancer, lncRNAs are implicated in apoptosis evasion, proliferation, invasion, drug resistance, and other roles because they affect tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. For these reasons, lncRNAs are promising targets in personalized medicine and can be used as biomarkers for diseases including UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Milán-Rois
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia (IMDEA Nanociencia), Unidad Asociada al Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Anan Quan
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (A.Q.); (F.J.S.)
| | - Frank J. Slack
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (A.Q.); (F.J.S.)
| | - Álvaro Somoza
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia (IMDEA Nanociencia), Unidad Asociada al Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-299-8856
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Monosomy 3 Influences Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Gene Expression in Uveal Melanoma Patients; Consequences for Liquid Biopsy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249651. [PMID: 33348918 PMCID: PMC7767066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite outstanding advances in diagnosis and the treatment of primary uveal melanoma (UM), nearly 50% of UM patients develop metastases via hematogenous dissemination, driven by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Despite the failure in UM to date, a liquid biopsy may offer a feasible non-invasive approach for monitoring metastatic disease progression and addressing protracted dormancy. To detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in UM patients, we evaluated the mRNA expression of EMT-associated transcription factors in CD45-depleted blood fraction, using qRT-PCR. ddPCR was employed to assess UM-specific GNA11, GNAQ, PLCβ4, and CYSLTR2 mutations in plasma DNA. Moreover, microarray analysis was performed on total RNA isolated from tumor tissues to estimate the prognostic value of EMT-associated gene expression. In total, 42 primary UM and 11 metastatic patients were enrolled. All CD45-depleted samples were negative for CTC when compared to the peripheral blood fraction of 60 healthy controls. Tumor-specific mutations were detected in the plasma of 21.4% patients, merely, in 9.4% of primary UM, while 54.5% in metastatic patients. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of differentially expressed EMT genes showed significant differences between monosomy 3 and disomy 3 tumors. Newly identified genes can serve as non-invasive prognostic biomarkers that can support therapeutic decisions.
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Ortega MA, Fraile-Martínez O, García-Honduvilla N, Coca S, Álvarez-Mon M, Buján J, Teus MA. Update on uveal melanoma: Translational research from biology to clinical practice (Review). Int J Oncol 2020; 57:1262-1279. [PMID: 33173970 PMCID: PMC7646582 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common type of intraocular cancer with a low mean annual incidence of 5‑10 cases per million. Tumours are located in the choroid (90%), ciliary body (6%) or iris (4%) and of 85% are primary tumours. As in cutaneous melanoma, tumours arise in melanocytes; however, the characteristics of uveal melanoma differ, accounting for 3‑5% of melanocytic cancers. Among the numerous risk factors are age, sex, genetic and phenotypic predisposition, the work environment and dermatological conditions. Management is usually multidisciplinary, including several specialists such as ophthalmologists, oncologists and maxillofacial surgeons, who participate in the diagnosis, treatment and complex follow‑up of these patients, without excluding the management of the immense emotional burden. Clinically, uveal melanoma generates symptoms that depend as much on the affected ocular globe site as on the tumour size. The anatomopathological study of uveal melanoma has recently benefited from developments in molecular biology. In effect, disease classification or staging according to molecular profile is proving useful for the assessment of this type of tumour. Further, the improved knowledge of tumour biology is giving rise to a more targeted approach to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment development; for example, epigenetics driven by microRNAs as a target for disease control. In the present study, the main epidemiological, clinical, physiopathological and molecular features of this disease are reviewed, and the associations among all these factors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid (CUD-ACD), 28047 Madrid
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
| | - Natalio García-Honduvilla
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid (CUD-ACD), 28047 Madrid
| | - Santiago Coca
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid (CUD-ACD), 28047 Madrid
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid (CUD-ACD), 28047 Madrid
- Internal and Oncology Service (CIBER-EHD), University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid
| | - Julia Buján
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid (CUD-ACD), 28047 Madrid
| | - Miguel A. Teus
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ophthalmology Service, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
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Porcelli L, Mazzotta A, Garofoli M, Di Fonte R, Guida G, Guida M, Tommasi S, Azzariti A. Active notch protects MAPK activated melanoma cell lines from MEK inhibitor cobimetinib. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:111006. [PMID: 33202284 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The crosstalk between Notch and MAPK pathway plays a role in MEK inhibitor resistance in BRAFV600E metastatic melanoma (MM) and promotes migration in GNAQQ209L uveal melanoma (UM) cells. We determined the cytotoxicity of combinatorial inhibition of MEK and Notch by cobimetinib and γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) nirogacestat, in BRAFV600E and BRAF wt MM and GNAQQ209L UM cells displaying different Erk1/2 and Notch activation status, with the aim to elucidate the impact of Notch signaling in the response to MEK inhibitor. Overall the combination was synergic in BRAFV600E MM and GNAQQ209L UM cells and antagonistic in BRAF wt one. Focusing on UM cells, we found that cobimetinib resulted in G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis induction, whereas the combination with GSI increased treatment efficacy by inducing a senescent-like state of cells and by blocking migration towards liver cancer cells. Mechanistically, this was reflected in a strong reduction of cyclin D1, in the inactivation of retinoblastoma protein and in the increase of p27KIP1 expression levels. Of note, each drug alone prevented Notch signaling activation resulting in inhibition of c-jun(Ser63) and Hes-1 expression. The combination achieved the strongest inhibition on Notch signaling and on both c-jun(Ser63) and Erk1/2 activation level. In conclusion we unveiled a coordinate action of MAPK and Notch signaling in promoting proliferation of BRAFV600E MM and GNAQQ209L UM cells. Remarkably, the simultaneous inhibition of MEK and Notch signaling highlighted a role for the second pathway in protecting cells against senescence in GNAQQ209L UM cells treated with the MEK inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Porcelli
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, Italia, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberta Di Fonte
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, Italia, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, P.zza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Tommasi
- Molecular Diagnostics and Pharmacogenetics Unit IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" di Bari, Italia, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, Italia, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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Álvarez-Rodríguez B, Latorre A, Posch C, Somoza Á. Recent advances in uveal melanoma treatment. Med Res Rev 2017; 37:1350-1372. [PMID: 28759124 DOI: 10.1002/med.21460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Recent advances in the understanding of molecular characteristics helped to determine which tumors are most likely to progress. About 50% of patients carrying genetic alterations such as chromosomal aberrations and mutations are at significant risk for metastatic disease of which the majority will succumb to UM within few months. Currently, there is no effective treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma, and we hope this review will encourage researchers and clinicians to work to find a better standard of care. In this article we provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular framework of UM, highlighting the most common mutations involved in this kind of cancer. It also covers the most recent treatments from basic research to clinical trials, including small molecules, nucleic acids or immunotherapy, among others. It is intended to serve as a key reference for clinicians and researchers working in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia (IMDEA Nanociencia), CNB-CSIC-IMDEA Nanociencia Associated Unit "Unidad de Nanobiotecnología,", Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Latorre
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia (IMDEA Nanociencia), CNB-CSIC-IMDEA Nanociencia Associated Unit "Unidad de Nanobiotecnología,", Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Posch
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Vienna, Austria.,School of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Álvaro Somoza
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia (IMDEA Nanociencia), CNB-CSIC-IMDEA Nanociencia Associated Unit "Unidad de Nanobiotecnología,", Madrid, Spain
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Rushton JG, Ertl R, Klein D, Nell B. Mutation analysis and gene expression profiling of ocular melanomas in cats. Vet Comp Oncol 2017; 15:1403-1416. [DOI: 10.1111/vco.12285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. G. Rushton
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses; Vetmeduni Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - R. Ertl
- VetCore Facility for Research; Vetmeduni Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - D. Klein
- VetCore Facility for Research; Vetmeduni Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - B. Nell
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses; Vetmeduni Vienna; Vienna Austria
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Urtatiz O, Van Raamsdonk CD. Gnaq and Gna11 in the Endothelin Signaling Pathway and Melanoma. Front Genet 2016; 7:59. [PMID: 27148356 PMCID: PMC4837292 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, we first briefly outline the function of G protein coupled receptors in cancer, and then specifically examine the roles of the seven transmembrane G protein coupled Endothelin B receptor (Ednrb) and the G proteins, GNAQ and GNA11, in both melanocyte development and melanoma. Ednrb plays an essential role in melanocyte development. GNAQ and GNA11 are oncogenes when mutated in certain types of melanocytic lesions, being extremely frequent in uveal melanoma, which forms from melanocytes located in the eye. Previously, we reported that in mice, Schwann cell precursor derived melanocytes colonize the dermis and hair follicles, while the inter-follicular epidermis is populated by other melanocytes. A pattern has emerged whereby melanocytes whose activities are affected by gain-of-function mutations of the Endothelin 3 ligand and Gαq/11 are the same subset that arise from Schwann cell precursors. Furthermore, the forced expression of the constitutively active human GNAQQ209L oncogene in mouse melanocytes only causes hyper-proliferation in the subset that arise from Schwann cell precursors. This has led us to hypothesize that in Schwann cell precursor derived melanocytes, Ednrb signals through Gαq/11. Ednrb is promiscuous and may signal through other G protein alpha subunits in melanomas located in the inter-follicular epidermis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Urtatiz
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada
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