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Chang J, Campbell-Hanson KR, Vanneste M, Yevdash J, Bartschat NI, Jiang J, Bhinu A, Helverson A, Henry MD, Steingrímsson E, Weigel RJ, Cornell RA, Kenny C. An MITF- and mTOR-dependent FLCN pathway suppresses TFE3-driven metastasis in melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.11.603140. [PMID: 39026725 PMCID: PMC11257520 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.11.603140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells have remarkable plasticity allowing them to acquire many biological states. Melanoma cells have the ability to switch from a proliferative melanocytic state to an invasive mesenchymal state and back again resulting in intratumoral heterogeneity. While microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) promotes the melanocytic phenotype, it is unclear what transcription factors drive the mesenchymal phenotype, and what mechanisms regulate the switch from the proliferative state to the mesenchymal state. We show that nuclear localization of the MITF paralog TFE3 correlates positively with metastatic potential in melanoma cell lines and tumors, and that deletion of TFE3 in MITF-low melanoma cell lines eliminates migration and metastatic ability. Further, we find that MITF suppresses the mesenchymal phenotype by activating expression of FNIP2, which encodes a component of an mTORC1-stimulated pathway promoting cytoplasmic retention and lysosomal degradation of TFE3. These findings point to the mTOR pathway and TFE3 as key regulators of melanoma plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Chang
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | | | - Marion Vanneste
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Julius Yevdash
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Nicholas I. Bartschat
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Jiarui Jiang
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Ardith Bhinu
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Annika Helverson
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Henry
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Eiríkur Steingrímsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ronald J. Weigel
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert A. Cornell
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, School of Dentistry, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Colin Kenny
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Yang J, Zhu Z, Xu Y, Xu S, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Liu X, Shi J, Han B. Gene Profiling of Circular RNAs in Keloid-prone Individuals and ceRNA Network Construction During Wound Healing. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2024:10.1007/s00266-024-04139-2. [PMID: 38914881 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-024-04139-2] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) are pivotal in the continuous activation and differentiation of fibroblasts in keloid. However, the epigenetic mechanism of circRNA in keloid is still not clear yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interplay among differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs during wound healing in keloid-prone individuals, construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, and gain an in-depth insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying keloid development. Utilizing bioinformatic methods, we analyzed the expression profiles from the GSE113621 database. We identified 29 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) in keloid-prone individuals during wound healing, from which we constructed 14 ceRNA networks. Subsequently, we validated the expression of predicted DEcircRNAs in keloid tissues and elucidated the ceRNA network involving circ_064002 and fibronectin-1 (FN1) through competing miR-30a/b-5p. Knocking down circ_064002 led to down-regulation of FN1 expression and various cellular functions in keloid-derived fibroblasts (KFs), including cell viability, migration, invasion, and repair capacity. Our study introduces a novel approach to explore the presence of DEcircRNAs and the ceRNA regulatory network during wound healing in keloid-prone individuals through in-depth mining of GEO data and also proves the epigenetic regulatory mechanism of circ_064002 in KFs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifan Yang
- The Scar and Wound Treatment Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.33 Badachu Road, Beijing, 100144, China
| | - Zhaowei Zhu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yangbin Xu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shuqia Xu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiangxia Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jun Shi
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Bing Han
- The Scar and Wound Treatment Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.33 Badachu Road, Beijing, 100144, China.
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Lin S, Ma L, Mo J, Zhao R, Li J, Yu M, Jiang M, Peng L. Immune cell senescence and exhaustion promote the occurrence of liver metastasis in colorectal cancer by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:7704-7732. [PMID: 38683136 PMCID: PMC11132022 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205778] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver metastasis (LM) stands as a primary cause of mortality in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), posing a significant impediment to long-term survival benefits from targeted therapy and immunotherapy. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive investigation into how senescent and exhausted immune cells contribute to LM. METHODS We gathered single-cell sequencing data from primary colorectal cancer (pCRC) and their corresponding matched LM tissues from 16 mCRC patients. In this study, we identified senescent and exhausted immune cells, performed enrichment analysis, cell communication, cell trajectory, and cell-based in vitro experiments to validate the results of single-cell multi-omics. This process allowed us to construct a regulatory network explaining the occurrence of LM. Finally, we utilized weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and 12 machine learning algorithms to create prognostic risk model. RESULTS We identified senescent-like myeloid cells (SMCs) and exhausted T cells (TEXs) as the primary senescent and exhausted immune cells. Our findings indicate that SMCs and TEXs can potentially activate transcription factors downstream via ANGPTL4-SDC1/SDC4, this activation plays a role in regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program and facilitates the development of LM, the results of cell-based in vitro experiments have provided confirmation of this conclusion. We also developed and validated a prognostic risk model composed of 12 machine learning algorithms. CONCLUSION This study elucidates the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence of LM from various angles through single-cell multi-omics analysis in CRC. It also constructs a network illustrating the role of senescent or exhausted immune cells in regulating EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lanyue Ma
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Mo
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiqi Zhao
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghao Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, South China University of Technology, Foshan, China
| | - Mengjiao Yu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Meinert M, Jessen C, Hufnagel A, Kreß JKC, Burnworth M, Däubler T, Gallasch T, Xavier da Silva TN, Dos Santos AF, Ade CP, Schmitz W, Kneitz S, Friedmann Angeli JP, Meierjohann S. Thiol starvation triggers melanoma state switching in an ATF4 and NRF2-dependent manner. Redox Biol 2024; 70:103011. [PMID: 38219574 PMCID: PMC10825660 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.103011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT is an important source of cysteine for cancer cells. Once taken up, cystine is reduced to cysteine and serves as a building block for the synthesis of glutathione, which efficiently protects cells from oxidative damage and prevents ferroptosis. As melanomas are particularly exposed to several sources of oxidative stress, we investigated the biological role of cysteine and glutathione supply by xCT in melanoma. xCT activity was abolished by genetic depletion in the Tyr::CreER; BrafCA; Ptenlox/+ melanoma model and by acute cystine withdrawal in melanoma cell lines. Both interventions profoundly impacted melanoma glutathione levels, but they were surprisingly well tolerated by murine melanomas in vivo and by most human melanoma cell lines in vitro. RNA sequencing of human melanoma cells revealed a strong adaptive upregulation of NRF2 and ATF4 pathways, which orchestrated the compensatory upregulation of genes involved in antioxidant defence and de novo cysteine biosynthesis. In addition, the joint activation of ATF4 and NRF2 triggered a phenotypic switch characterized by a reduction of differentiation genes and induction of pro-invasive features, which was also observed after erastin treatment or the inhibition of glutathione synthesis. NRF2 alone was capable of inducing the phenotypic switch in a transient manner. Together, our data show that cystine or glutathione levels regulate the phenotypic plasticity of melanoma cells by elevating ATF4 and NRF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madlen Meinert
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christina Jessen
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anita Hufnagel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Mychal Burnworth
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theo Däubler
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Till Gallasch
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Ancély Ferreira Dos Santos
- Rudolf-Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Patrick Ade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Werner Schmitz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Kneitz
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - José Pedro Friedmann Angeli
- Rudolf-Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Meierjohann
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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5
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Taylor AS, Mannan R, Pantanowitz L, Chinnaiyan AM, Dhanasekaran SM, Hrycaj S, Cao X, Chan MP, Lucas D, Wang XM, Mehra R. Evaluation of TRIM63 RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) as a potential biomarker for alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS). Med Oncol 2024; 41:76. [PMID: 38393424 PMCID: PMC10891236 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02305-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare soft tissue tumor with a broad morphologic differential diagnosis. While histology and immunohistochemistry can be suggestive, diagnosis often requires exclusion of other entities followed by confirmatory molecular analysis for its characteristic ASPSCR1-TFE3 fusion. Current stain-based biomarkers (such as immunohistochemistry for cathepsin K and TFE3) show relatively high sensitivity but may lack specificity, often showing staining in multiple other entities under diagnostic consideration. Given the discovery of RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) for TRIM63 as a sensitive and specific marker of MiTF-family aberration renal cell carcinomas, we sought to evaluate its utility in the workup of ASPS. TRIM63 RNA-ISH demonstrated high levels (H-score greater than 200) of expression in 19/20 (95%) cases of ASPS (average H-score 330) and was weak or negative in cases of paraganglioma, clear cell sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, as well as hepatocellular and adrenal cortical carcinomas. Staining was also identified in tumors with known subsets characterized by TFE3 alterations such as perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm (PEComa, average H-score 228), while tumors known to exhibit overexpression of TFE3 protein without cytogenetic alterations, such as melanoma and granular cell tumor, generally showed less TRIM63 ISH staining (average H-scores 147 and 96, respectively). Quantitative assessment of TRIM63 staining by RNA-ISH is potentially a helpful biomarker for tumors with molecular TFE3 alterations such as ASPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Taylor
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Rahul Mannan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saravana M Dhanasekaran
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven Hrycaj
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xuhong Cao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - May P Chan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - David Lucas
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Rohit Mehra
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 35, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Al Hmada Y, Brodell RT, Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Mechanisms of Melanoma Progression and Treatment Resistance: Role of Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:470. [PMID: 38275910 PMCID: PMC10814963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020470] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity and propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor, composed of genetically divergent subpopulations, including a small fraction of melanoma-initiating cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and many non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs). CSCs are characterized by their unique surface proteins associated with aberrant signaling pathways with a causal or consequential relationship with tumor progression, drug resistance, and recurrence. Melanomas also harbor significant alterations in functional genes (BRAF, CDKN2A, NRAS, TP53, and NF1). Of these, the most common are the BRAF and NRAS oncogenes, with 50% of melanomas demonstrating the BRAF mutation (BRAFV600E). While the successful targeting of BRAFV600E does improve overall survival, the long-term efficacy of available therapeutic options is limited due to adverse side effects and reduced clinical efficacy. Additionally, drug resistance develops rapidly via mechanisms involving fast feedback re-activation of MAPK signaling pathways. This article updates information relevant to the mechanisms of melanoma progression and resistance and particularly the mechanistic role of CSCs in melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Abdulhadi A. Alamodi
- College of Health Sciences, Jackson State University, 310 W Woodrow Wilson Ave Ste 300, Jackson, MS 39213, USA;
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Medical Faculty, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Harris EL, Roy V, Montagne M, Rose AMS, Livesey H, Reijnders MRF, Hobson E, Sansbury FH, Willemsen MH, Pfundt R, Warren D, Long V, Carr IM, Brunner HG, Sheridan EG, Firth HV, Lavigne P, Poulter JA. A recurrent de novo MAX p.Arg60Gln variant causes a syndromic overgrowth disorder through differential expression of c-Myc target genes. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:119-132. [PMID: 38141607 PMCID: PMC10806738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.11.010] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin D2 (CCND2) stabilization underpins a range of macrocephaly-associated disorders through mutation of CCND2 or activating mutations in upstream genes encoding PI3K-AKT pathway components. Here, we describe three individuals with overlapping macrocephaly-associated phenotypes who carry the same recurrent de novo c.179G>A (p.Arg60Gln) variant in Myc-associated factor X (MAX). The mutation, located in the b-HLH-LZ domain, causes increased intracellular CCND2 through increased transcription but it does not cause stabilization of CCND2. We show that the purified b-HLH-LZ domain of MAXArg60Gln (Max∗Arg60Gln) binds its target E-box sequence with a lower apparent affinity. This leads to a more efficient heterodimerization with c-Myc resulting in an increase in transcriptional activity of c-Myc in individuals carrying this mutation. The recent development of Omomyc-CPP, a cell-penetrating b-HLH-LZ-domain c-Myc inhibitor, provides a possible therapeutic option for MAXArg60Gln individuals, and others carrying similar germline mutations resulting in dysregulated transcriptional c-Myc activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Harris
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Vincent Roy
- Département de Biochimie et Génomique Fonctionnelle, PROTÉO et Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke. University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Montagne
- Département de Biochimie et Génomique Fonctionnelle, PROTÉO et Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke. University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Ailsa M S Rose
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Helen Livesey
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK; All Wales Medical Genomics Service, NHS Wales Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Margot R F Reijnders
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Emma Hobson
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Francis H Sansbury
- All Wales Medical Genomics Service, NHS Wales Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Marjolein H Willemsen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Vernon Long
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Ian M Carr
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Han G Brunner
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Eamonn G Sheridan
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Helen V Firth
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pierre Lavigne
- Département de Biochimie et Génomique Fonctionnelle, PROTÉO et Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke. University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - James A Poulter
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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8
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Jiang X, Ma Q, Zhou T, Feng Q, Yang W, Zhou X, Huang W, Lin X, Li J, Zhang X, Liu S, Xin X, Fan L. Extracellular volume fraction as a potential predictor to differentiate lung cancer from benign lung lesions with dual-layer detector spectral CT. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:8121-8131. [PMID: 38106275 PMCID: PMC10722081 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Extracellular volume (ECV) fraction has been used in cardiovascular diseases, pancreatic fibrosis, and hepatic fibrosis. The diagnostic value of ECV for focal lung lesions remains to be explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ECV derived from a dual-layer detector computed tomography (DLCT) to differentiate lung cancer (LC) from benign lung lesions (BLLs). Methods Retrospectively, 128 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed LC (n=86) or BLLs (n=42) were included. Conventional computed tomography (CT) characteristics and spectral CT parameters were assessed. All patients' hematocrits were measured to correct contrast volume distributions in blood while calculating ECV. After performing logistic regression analysis, a conventional CT-based model (Model A), DLCT-based model (Model B), combined diagnostic models (Model C), and an ECV-based model (Model D) were developed. The diagnostic effectiveness of each model was examined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the curve (AUC) of each model was compared using the DeLong test. Results Certain conventional CT features (such as lesion size, lobulation, spiculation, pleural indentation, and enlarged lymph nodes) differed significantly between the LC and BLL groups (all P<0.05). Statistical differences were found in the following DLCT parameters (all P<0.05): effective atomic number (Zeff) (non-enhancement), electron density (ED) (non-enhancement), ECV, iodine concentration (IC), and normalized iodine concentration (NIC). Models A, B, C, and D had AUCs of 0.801 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.721-0.866], 0.805 (95% CI: 0.726-0.870), 0.925 (95% CI: 0.865-0.964), and 0.754 (95% CI: 0.671-0.826), respectively. The AUC of Model D (ECV) showed no significant difference from that of Models A and B (DeLong test, P>0.05). Conclusions The ECV derived from DLCT may be a potential new method to differentiate LC from BLLs, broadening the scope of ECV in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin’ang Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianyun Ma
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Taohu Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
- School of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Qianqian Feng
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuxiu Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Second People’s Hospital of Deyang, Deyang, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lin
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Clinical and Technical Support, Philips Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyuan Liu
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xin
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Fan
- Department of Radiology, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Jain P, Pillai M, Duddu AS, Somarelli JA, Goyal Y, Jolly MK. Dynamical hallmarks of cancer: Phenotypic switching in melanoma and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:48-63. [PMID: 37788736 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.09.007] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity was recently incorporated as a hallmark of cancer. This plasticity can manifest along many interconnected axes, such as stemness and differentiation, drug-sensitive and drug-resistant states, and between epithelial and mesenchymal cell-states. Despite growing acceptance for phenotypic plasticity as a hallmark of cancer, the dynamics of this process remains poorly understood. In particular, the knowledge necessary for a predictive understanding of how individual cancer cells and populations of cells dynamically switch their phenotypes in response to the intensity and/or duration of their current and past environmental stimuli remains far from complete. Here, we present recent investigations of phenotypic plasticity from a systems-level perspective using two exemplars: epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in carcinomas and phenotypic switching in melanoma. We highlight how an integrated computational-experimental approach has helped unravel insights into specific dynamical hallmarks of phenotypic plasticity in different cancers to address the following questions: a) how many distinct cell-states or phenotypes exist?; b) how reversible are transitions among these cell-states, and what factors control the extent of reversibility?; and c) how might cell-cell communication be able to alter rates of cell-state switching and enable diverse patterns of phenotypic heterogeneity? Understanding these dynamic features of phenotypic plasticity may be a key component in shifting the paradigm of cancer treatment from reactionary to a more predictive, proactive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Maalavika Pillai
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Jason A Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yogesh Goyal
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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10
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Xu M, Li S. Nano-drug delivery system targeting tumor microenvironment: A prospective strategy for melanoma treatment. Cancer Lett 2023; 574:216397. [PMID: 37730105 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma, the most aggressive form of cutaneous malignancy arising from melanocytes, is frequently characterized by metastasis. Despite considerable progress in melanoma therapies, patients with advanced-stage disease often have a poor prognosis due to the limited efficacy, off-target effects, and toxicity associated with conventional drugs. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges with nanoparticles capable of delivering therapeutic agents specifically to the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the clinical approval of nanomedicines for melanoma treatment remains limited, necessitating further research to develop nanoparticles with improved biocompatibility and precise targeting capabilities. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the current research on nano-drug delivery systems for melanoma treatment, focusing on liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles. It discusses the potential of these nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, as well as their ability to enhance the efficacy of conventional drugs while minimizing toxicity. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from various fields to advance the development of nanomedicines. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in the potential of nano-drug delivery systems for melanoma treatment and offers insights into future directions for research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdan Xu
- Department of Hematology and Breast Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang 110042, China
| | - Shenglong Li
- Second Ward of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang 110042, China; The Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research on Gastrointestinal Tumor Combining Medicine with Engineering, China.
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11
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Wądzyńska J, Simiczyjew A, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, Kot M, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. The impact of cellular elements of TME on melanoma biology and its sensitivity to EGFR and MET targeted therapy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119549. [PMID: 37506884 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Microenvironment of the melanoma consists of cellular elements like fibroblasts, adipocytes, and keratinocytes as well as extracellular matrix and physicochemical conditions. In our previous research, we have established that melanoma influences strongly above mentioned cells present in the tumor niche and recruits them to support cancer progression. In this work, we evaluated the impact of cancer-associated cells, namely fibroblasts (CAFs), adipocytes (CAAs), and keratinocytes (CAKs) on melanoma proliferation, signaling pathways activation, metabolism as well as the effectiveness of used anti-cancer therapy. Obtained results indicated elevated phosphorylation of STAT3, upregulated GLUT1 and GLUT3 as well as downregulated of MCT-1 expression level in melanoma cells under the influence of all examined cells present in the tumor niche. The proliferation of melanoma cells was increased after co-culture with CAFs and CAKs, while epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers' expression level was raised in the presence of CAFs and CAAs. The level of perilipin 2 and lipid content was elevated in melanoma cells under the influence of CAAs. Moreover, increased expression of CYP1A1, gene encoding drug metabolizing protein, in melanoma cells co-cultured with CAFs and CAKs prompted us to verify the effectiveness of the previously proposed by us anti-melanoma therapy based on combination of EGFR and MET inhibitors. Obtained results indicate that the designed therapy is still efficient, even if the fibroblasts, adipocytes, and keratinocytes, are present in the melanoma vicinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Wądzyńska
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Kot
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; Lower Silesian Oncology, Pulmonology, and Hematology Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; Lower Silesian Oncology, Pulmonology, and Hematology Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
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12
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Bravo González-Blas C, De Winter S, Hulselmans G, Hecker N, Matetovici I, Christiaens V, Poovathingal S, Wouters J, Aibar S, Aerts S. SCENIC+: single-cell multiomic inference of enhancers and gene regulatory networks. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1355-1367. [PMID: 37443338 PMCID: PMC10482700 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01938-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Joint profiling of chromatin accessibility and gene expression in individual cells provides an opportunity to decipher enhancer-driven gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Here we present a method for the inference of enhancer-driven GRNs, called SCENIC+. SCENIC+ predicts genomic enhancers along with candidate upstream transcription factors (TFs) and links these enhancers to candidate target genes. To improve both recall and precision of TF identification, we curated and clustered a motif collection with more than 30,000 motifs. We benchmarked SCENIC+ on diverse datasets from different species, including human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, ENCODE cell lines, melanoma cell states and Drosophila retinal development. Next, we exploit SCENIC+ predictions to study conserved TFs, enhancers and GRNs between human and mouse cell types in the cerebral cortex. Finally, we use SCENIC+ to study the dynamics of gene regulation along differentiation trajectories and the effect of TF perturbations on cell state. SCENIC+ is available at scenicplus.readthedocs.io .
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Bravo González-Blas
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Seppe De Winter
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gert Hulselmans
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nikolai Hecker
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Irina Matetovici
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Tech Watch, VIB Headquarters, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Valerie Christiaens
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jasper Wouters
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Aibar
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stein Aerts
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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13
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Vu HN, Valdimarsson MM, Sigurbjörnsdóttir S, Bergsteinsdóttir K, Debbache J, Bismuth K, Swing DA, Hallsson JH, Larue L, Arnheiter H, Copeland NG, Jenkins NA, Heidarsson PO, Steingrímsson E. Novel mechanisms of MITF regulation and melanoma predisposition identified in a mouse suppressor screen. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.04.551952. [PMID: 37786677 PMCID: PMC10541597 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.04.551952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
MITF, a basic-Helix-Loop-Helix Zipper (bHLHZip) transcription factor, plays vital roles in melanocyte development and functions as an oncogene. To explore MITF regulation and its role in melanoma, we conducted a genetic screen for suppressors of the Mitf-associated pigmentation phenotype. An intragenic Mitf mutation was identified, leading to termination of MITF at the K316 SUMOylation site and loss of the C-end intrinsically disordered region (IDR). The resulting protein is more nuclear but less stable than wild-type MITF and retains DNA-binding ability. Interestingly, as a dimer, it can translocate wild-type and mutant MITF partners into the nucleus, improving its own stability and ensuring an active nuclear MITF supply. Interactions between K316 SUMOylation and S409 phosphorylation sites across monomers largely explain the observed effects. Notably, the recurrent melanoma-associated E318K mutation in MITF, which affects K316 SUMOylation, also alters protein regulation in concert with S409, unraveling a novel regulatory mechanism with unexpected disease insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Nhung Vu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Matti Már Valdimarsson
- Department of Biochemistry, Science Institute, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Sara Sigurbjörnsdóttir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Kristín Bergsteinsdóttir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Julien Debbache
- Mammalian Development Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-3706
| | - Keren Bismuth
- Mammalian Development Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-3706
| | | | - Jón H. Hallsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Lionel Larue
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Heinz Arnheiter
- Mammalian Development Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-3706
| | - Neal G. Copeland
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702-1201
- Current address: Genetics Department, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Nancy A. Jenkins
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702-1201
- Current address: Genetics Department, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Petur O. Heidarsson
- Department of Biochemistry, Science Institute, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Eiríkur Steingrímsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
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14
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Su J, Su Q, Hu S, Ruan X, Ouyang S. Research Progress on the Anti-Aging Potential of the Active Components of Ginseng. Nutrients 2023; 15:3286. [PMID: 37571224 PMCID: PMC10421173 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a cellular state characterized by a permanent cessation of cell division and evasion of apoptosis. DNA damage, metabolic dysfunction, telomere damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction are the main factors associated with senescence. Aging increases β-galactosidase activity, enhances cell spreading, and induces Lamin B1 loss, which further accelerate the aging process. It is associated with a variety of diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes, and chronic inflammation. Ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-aging effects. The active components of ginseng, including saponins, polysaccharides, and active peptides, have antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective, and age-delaying effects. DNA damage is the main factor associated with aging, and the mechanism through which the active ingredients of ginseng reduce DNA damage and delay aging has not been comprehensively described. This review focuses on the anti-aging mechanisms of the active ingredients of ginseng. Furthermore, it broadens the scope of ideas for further research on natural products and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqian Su
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; (Q.S.); (S.H.)
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Microbial Pathogenesis and Interventions, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Qiaofen Su
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; (Q.S.); (S.H.)
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Microbial Pathogenesis and Interventions, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Shan Hu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; (Q.S.); (S.H.)
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Microbial Pathogenesis and Interventions, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Xinglin Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China;
| | - Songying Ouyang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; (Q.S.); (S.H.)
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Microbial Pathogenesis and Interventions, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
- Key Laboratory of OptoElectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
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15
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Pimenta J, Pires I, Prada J, Cotovio M. E-Cadherin Immunostaining in Equine Melanocytic Tumors. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2216. [PMID: 37444014 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132216] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanocytic tumors are an important neoplastic disease in human and veterinary medicine, presenting large differences regarding tumor behavior between species. In horses, these tumors present a prolonged benign behavior, with rare invasiveness and metastases. In humans and small animals, invasion and metastasis have been associated with an Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, where the loss of E-cadherin expression plays a key role in tumor progression. This process and the role of E-cadherin have not yet been evaluated in equine melanocytic tumors. This study aimed to assess the immunolabeling of E-cadherin in equine melanocytic tumors and relate this with clinicopathological variables. A total of 72 equine melanocytic tumors were classified as benign and malignant and evaluated by immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin expression. A different pattern of immunostaining was found, contrasting with other species. A total of 69.4% of tumors presented raised immunolabeling of E-cadherin, with 70.7% of melanomas remaining with high expression. The typical loss of immunostaining was not seen in malignant melanomas and no differences were found between benign and malignant melanomas regarding E-cadherin immunostaining. The high immunolabeling of E-cadherin may contribute to the low invasiveness of these tumors, and it is in accordance with the benign behavior of equine melanoma and with the genetic factors associated with its development.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pimenta
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Cotovio
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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16
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Timis T, Bergthorsson JT, Greiff V, Cenariu M, Cenariu D. Pathology and Molecular Biology of Melanoma. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:5575-5597. [PMID: 37504268 PMCID: PMC10377842 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45070352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost every death in young patients with an advanced skin tumor is caused by melanoma. Today, with the help of modern treatments, these patients survive longer or can even achieve a cure. Advanced stage melanoma is frequently related with poor prognosis and physicians still find this disease difficult to manage due to the absence of a lasting response to initial treatment regimens and the lack of randomized clinical trials in post immunotherapy/targeted molecular therapy settings. New therapeutic targets are emerging from preclinical data on the genetic profile of melanocytes and from the identification of molecular factors involved in the pathogenesis of malignant transformation. In the current paper, we present the diagnostic challenges, molecular biology and genetics of malignant melanoma, as well as the current therapeutic options for patients with this diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanase Timis
- Department of Oncology, Bistrita Emergency Hospital, 420094 Bistrita, Romania;
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Jon Thor Bergthorsson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Iceland, Hofsvallagotu 53, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland;
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Mihai Cenariu
- Department of Animal Reproduction, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Manastur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Diana Cenariu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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17
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Neuendorf HM, Simmons JL, Boyle GM. Therapeutic targeting of anoikis resistance in cutaneous melanoma metastasis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1183328. [PMID: 37181747 PMCID: PMC10169659 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1183328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of resistance to anoikis, the cell death induced by loss of adhesion to the extracellular matrix, is an absolute requirement for the survival of disseminating and circulating tumour cells (CTCs), and for the seeding of metastatic lesions. In melanoma, a range of intracellular signalling cascades have been identified as potential drivers of anoikis resistance, however a full understanding of the process is yet to be attained. Mechanisms of anoikis resistance pose an attractive target for the therapeutic treatment of disseminating and circulating melanoma cells. This review explores the range of small molecule, peptide and antibody inhibitors targeting molecules involved in anoikis resistance in melanoma, and may be repurposed to prevent metastatic melanoma prior to its initiation, potentially improving the prognosis for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Neuendorf
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jacinta L. Simmons
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Glen M. Boyle
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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18
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Cardinali G, Kovacs D, Mosca S, Bellei B, Flori E, Morrone A, Mileo AM, Maresca V. The αMSH-Dependent PI3K Pathway Supports Energy Metabolism, via Glucose Uptake, in Melanoma Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071099. [PMID: 37048170 PMCID: PMC10093374 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071099] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of melanocytes and murine melanoma cells with αMSH plus the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 resulted in ROS increase, oxidative DNA damage, and pigment retention. We performed cellular and molecular biology assays (Western blot, FACS, immunofluorescence analysis, scratch assay) on murine and human melanoma cells. Treatment with αMSH plus LY294002 altered cortical actin architecture. Given that cytoskeleton integrity requires energy, we next evaluated ATP levels and we observed a drop in ATP after exposure to αMSH plus LY294002. To evaluate if the αMSH-activated PI3K pathway could modulate energy metabolism, we focused on glucose uptake by analyzing the expression of the Glut-1 glucose translocator. Compared with cells treated with αMSH alone, those exposed to combined treatment showed a reduction of Glut-1 on the plasma membrane. This metabolic alteration was associated with changes in mitochondrial mass. A significant decrease of the cell migratory potential was also observed. We demonstrated that the αMSH-dependent PI3K pathway acts as a regulator of energy metabolism via glucose uptake, influencing the actin cytoskeleton, which is involved in melanosome release and cell motility. Hence, these results could constitute the basis for innovative therapeutical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Cardinali
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Kovacs
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Sarah Mosca
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Flori
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Morrone
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Mileo
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Research Advanced Diagnostic and Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Maresca
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
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19
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3D Spheroid Configurations Are Possible Indictors for Evaluating the Pathophysiology of Melanoma Cell Lines. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050759. [PMID: 36899895 PMCID: PMC10000690 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To study the molecular mechanisms responsible for inducing the spatial proliferation of malignant melanomas (MM), three-dimension (3D) spheroids were produced from several MM cell lines including SK-mel-24, MM418, A375, WM266-4, and SM2-1, and their 3D architectures and cellular metabolisms were evaluated by phase-contrast microscopy and Seahorse bio-analyzer, respectively. Several transformed horizontal configurations were observed within most of these 3D spheroids, and the degree of their deformity was increased in the order: WM266-4, SM2-1, A375, MM418, and SK-mel-24. An increased maximal respiration and a decreased glycolytic capacity were observed within the lesser deformed two MM cell lines, WM266-4 and SM2-1, as compared with the most deformed ones. Among these MM cell lines, two distinct cell lines, WM266-4 and SK-mel-24, whose 3D appearances were the closest and farthest, respectively, from being horizontally circular-shaped, were subjected to RNA sequence analyses. Bioinformatic analyses of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified KRAS and SOX2 as potential master regulatory genes for inducing these diverse 3D configurations between WM266-4 and SK-mel-24. The knockdown of both factors altered the morphological and functional characteristics of the SK-mel-24 cells, and in fact, their horizontal deformity was significantly reduced. A qPCR analysis indicated that the levels of several oncogenic signaling related factors, including KRAS and SOX2, PCG1α, extracellular matrixes (ECMs), and ZO1 had fluctuated among the five MM cell lines. In addition, and quite interestingly, the dabrafenib and trametinib resistant A375 (A375DT) cells formed globe shaped 3D spheroids and showed different profiles in cellular metabolism while the mRNA expression of these molecules that were tested as above were different compared with A375 cells. These current findings suggest that 3D spheroid configuration has the potential for serving as an indicator of the pathophysiological activities associated with MM.
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20
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Mehdi A, Attias M, Arakelian A, Szyf M, Piccirillo CA, Rabbani SA. S-adenosylmethionine blocks tumorigenesis and with immune checkpoint inhibitor enhances anti-cancer efficacy against BRAF mutant and wildtype melanomas. Neoplasia 2023; 36:100874. [PMID: 36638586 PMCID: PMC9840362 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite marked success in treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI), only a third of patients are responsive. Thus, melanoma still has one of the highest prevalence and mortality rates; which has led to a search for novel combination therapies that might complement CPI. Aberrant methylomes are one of the mechanisms of resistance to CPI therapy. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), methyl donor of important epigenetic processes, has significant anti-cancer effects in several malignancies; however, SAM's effect has never been extensively investigated in melanoma. We demonstrate that SAM modulates phenotype switching of melanoma cells and directs the cells towards differentiation indicated by increased melanogenesis (melanin and melanosome synthesis), melanocyte-like morphology, elevated Mitf and Mitf activators' expression, increased antigen expression, reduced proliferation, and reduced stemness genes' expression. Consistently, providing SAM orally, reduced tumor growth and progression, and metastasis of syngeneic BRAF mutant and wild-type (WT) melanoma mouse models. Of note, SAM and anti-PD-1 antibody combination treatment had enhanced anti-cancer efficacy compared to monotherapies, showed significant reduction in tumor growth and progression, and increased survival. Furthermore, SAM and anti-PD-1 antibody combination triggered significantly higher immune cell infiltration, higher CD8+ T cells infiltration and effector functions, and polyfunctionality of CD8+ T cells in YUMMER1.7 tumors. Therefore, SAM combined with CPI provides a novel therapeutic strategy against BRAF mutant and WT melanomas and provides potential to be translated into clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mehdi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd. (Glen site), Room EM1.3232, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - M Attias
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - A Arakelian
- Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd. (Glen site), Room EM1.3232, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - M Szyf
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - C A Piccirillo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - S A Rabbani
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Décarie Blvd. (Glen site), Room EM1.3232, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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21
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Militaru IV, Rus AA, Munteanu CV, Manica G, Petrescu SM. New panel of biomarkers to discriminate between amelanotic and melanotic metastatic melanoma. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1061832. [PMID: 36776379 PMCID: PMC9909407 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1061832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can rapidly invade distant organs. A distinctive feature of melanomas is their pigmentation status, as melanin is present in most skin melanomas, whilst many metastatic tumors could become amelanotic. Besides the obvious malfunction of the key genes of the melanin pathway, the amelanotic tumors could bear a characteristic molecular signature accounting for their aggressivity. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics we report here a distinctive panel of biomarkers for amelanotic aggressive melanoma that differ from the less invasive pigmented cells. The developed method allows the label-free quantification of proteins identified by LC-MS/MS analysis. We found a set of proteins comprising AHNAK, MYOF, ANXA1, CAPN2, ASPH, EPHA2, THBS1, TGM2, ACTN4 along with proteins involved in cell adhesion/migration (integrins, PLEC, FSCN1, FN1) that are highly expressed in amelanotic melanoma. Accompanying the down regulation of pigmentation specific proteins such as tyrosinase and TYRP1, these biomarkers are highly specific for a type of highly invasive melanoma. Interestingly, the LC-MS/MS proteomics analysis in hypoxia revealed that the abundance of this specific set of proteins found in normoxia was rather unaltered in these conditions. These biomarkers could therefore predict a metastatic behaviour for the amelanotic cells in the early stages of the tumor development and thus serve in melanoma prognostic. Applying this algorithm to related databases including melanoma samples published by independent laboratories/public databases we confirm the specificity of the newly found signatures. Overall, we begin to unravel the molecular alterations in the amelanotic melanoma and how basic proteomics offers insights into how to assess the clinical, pathological and misdiagnosis differences between the main subtypes of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana V. Militaru
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Adriana Rus
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian V.A. Munteanu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Structural Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgiana Manica
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stefana M. Petrescu
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Bucharest, Romania,*Correspondence: Stefana M. Petrescu,
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22
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Lehmann J, Caduff N, Krzywińska E, Stierli S, Salas-Bastos A, Loos B, Levesque MP, Dummer R, Stockmann C, Münz C, Diener J, Sommer L. Escape from NK cell tumor surveillance by NGFR-induced lipid remodeling in melanoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadc8825. [PMID: 36638181 PMCID: PMC9839334 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adc8825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic disease is a major cause of death for patients with melanoma. Melanoma cells can become metastatic not only due to cell-intrinsic plasticity but also due to cancer-induced protumorigenic remodeling of the immune microenvironment. Here, we report that innate immune surveillance by natural killer (NK) cells is bypassed by human melanoma cells expressing the stem cell marker NGFR. Using in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic assays, we show that NGFR protects melanoma cells from NK cell-mediated killing and, furthermore, boosts metastasis formation in a mouse model with adoptively transferred human NK cells. Mechanistically, NGFR leads to down-regulation of NK cell activating ligands and simultaneous up-regulation of the fatty acid stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) in melanoma cells. Notably, pharmacological and small interfering RNA-mediated inhibition of SCD reverted NGFR-induced NK cell evasion in vitro and in vivo. Hence, NGFR orchestrates immune control antagonizing pathways to protect melanoma cells from NK cell clearance, which ultimately favors metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lehmann
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Caduff
- University of Zurich, Institute of Experimental Immunology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ewelina Krzywińska
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Salome Stierli
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Salas-Bastos
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Loos
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mitchell P. Levesque
- University of Zurich Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- University of Zurich Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Stockmann
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Münz
- University of Zurich, Institute of Experimental Immunology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Diener
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Sommer
- University of Zurich, Institute of Anatomy, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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23
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Loria R, Laquintana V, Scalera S, Fraioli R, Caprara V, Falcone I, Bazzichetto C, Di Martile M, Rosanò L, Del Bufalo D, Bossi G, Sperduti I, Terrenato I, Visca P, Soddu S, Milella M, Ciliberto G, Falcioni R, Ferraresi V, Bon G. SEMA6A/RhoA/YAP axis mediates tumor-stroma interactions and prevents response to dual BRAF/MEK inhibition in BRAF-mutant melanoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:148. [PMID: 35440004 PMCID: PMC9016967 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02354-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the promise of dual BRAF/MEK inhibition as a therapy for BRAF-mutant (BRAF-mut) melanoma, heterogeneous responses have been observed in patients, thus predictors of benefit from therapy are needed. We have previously identified semaphorin 6A (SEMA6A) as a BRAF-mut-associated protein involved in actin cytoskeleton remodeling. The purpose of the present study is to dissect the role of SEMA6A in the biology of BRAF-mut melanoma, and to explore its predictive potential towards dual BRAF/MEK inhibition. Methods SEMA6A expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in melanoma cohort RECI1 (N = 112) and its prognostic potential was investigated in BRAF-mut melanoma patients from DFCI and TCGA datasets (N = 258). The molecular mechanisms regulated by SEMA6A to sustain tumor aggressiveness and targeted therapy resistance were investigated in vitro by using BRAF-mut and BRAF-wt melanoma cell lines, an inducible SEMA6A silencing cell model and a microenvironment-mimicking fibroblasts-coculturing model. Finally, SEMA6A prediction of benefit from dual BRAF/MEK inhibition was investigated in melanoma cohort RECI2 (N = 14). Results Our results indicate higher protein expression of SEMA6A in BRAF-mut compared with BRAF-wt melanoma patients and show that SEMA6A is a prognostic indicator in BRAF-mut melanoma from TCGA and DFCI patients cohorts. In BRAF-mut melanoma cells, SEMA6A coordinates actin cytoskeleton remodeling by the RhoA-dependent activation of YAP and dual BRAF/MEK inhibition by dabrafenib+trametinib induces SEMA6A/RhoA/YAP axis. In microenvironment-mimicking co-culture condition, fibroblasts confer to melanoma cells a proliferative stimulus and protect them from targeted therapies, whereas SEMA6A depletion rescues the efficacy of dual BRAF/MEK inhibition. Finally, in BRAF-mut melanoma patients treated with dabrafenib+trametinib, high SEMA6A predicts shorter recurrence-free interval. Conclusions Overall, our results indicate that SEMA6A contributes to microenvironment-coordinated evasion of melanoma cells from dual BRAF/MEK inhibition and it might be a good candidate predictor of short-term benefit from dual BRAF/MEK inhibition. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02354-w.
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24
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Paris A, Tardif N, Baietti FM, Berra C, Leclair HM, Leucci E, Galibert M, Corre S. The AhR-SRC axis as a therapeutic vulnerability in BRAFi-resistant melanoma. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15677. [PMID: 36305167 PMCID: PMC9728058 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The nongenetic mechanisms required to control tumor phenotypic plasticity and shape drug-resistance remain unclear. We show here that the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) transcription factor directly regulates the gene expression program associated with the acquisition of resistance to BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) in melanoma. In addition, we show in melanoma cells that canonical activation of AhR mediates the activation of the SRC pathway and promotes the acquisition of an invasive and aggressive resistant phenotype to front-line BRAFi treatment in melanoma. This nongenetic reprogramming identifies a clinically compatible approach to reverse BRAFi resistance in melanoma. Using a preclinical BRAFi-resistant PDX melanoma model, we demonstrate that SRC inhibition with dasatinib significantly re-sensitizes melanoma cells to BRAFi. Together we identify the AhR/SRC axis as a new therapeutic vulnerability to trigger resistance and warrant the introduction of SRC inhibitors during the course of the treatment in combination with front-line therapeutics to delay BRAFi resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Paris
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
| | - Nina Tardif
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
| | - Francesca M Baietti
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Trace PDX Platform, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Cyrille Berra
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance,Department of Molecular Genetics and GenomicsHospital University of Rennes (CHU Rennes)RennesFrance
| | - Héloïse M Leclair
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
| | - Eleonora Leucci
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Trace PDX Platform, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Marie‐Dominique Galibert
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance,Department of Molecular Genetics and GenomicsHospital University of Rennes (CHU Rennes)RennesFrance
| | - Sébastien Corre
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
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25
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Zhu EY, Riordan JD, Vanneste M, Henry MD, Stipp CS, Dupuy AJ. SRC-RAC1 signaling drives drug resistance to BRAF inhibition in de-differentiated cutaneous melanomas. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:74. [PMID: 36271142 PMCID: PMC9587254 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare gain-of-function mutations in RAC1 drive drug resistance to targeted BRAF inhibition in cutaneous melanoma. Here, we show that wildtype RAC1 is a critical driver of growth and drug resistance, but only in a subset of melanomas with elevated markers of de-differentiation. Similarly, SRC inhibition also selectively sensitized de-differentiated melanomas to BRAF inhibition. One possible mechanism may be the suppression of the de-differentiated state, as SRC and RAC1 maintained markers of de-differentiation in human melanoma cells. The functional differences between melanoma subtypes suggest that the clinical management of cutaneous melanoma can be enhanced by the knowledge of differentiation status. To simplify the task of classification, we developed a binary classification strategy based on a small set of ten genes. Using this gene set, we reliably determined the differentiation status previously defined by hundreds of genes. Overall, our study informs strategies that enhance the precision of BRAFi by discovering unique vulnerabilities of the de-differentiated cutaneous melanoma subtype and creating a practical method to resolve differentiation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot Y Zhu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,The Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jesse D Riordan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marion Vanneste
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael D Henry
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Christopher S Stipp
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Adam J Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. .,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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26
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Villareal MO, Chaochaiphat T, Makbal R, Gadhi C, Isoda H. Molecular Analysis of the Melanogenesis Inhibitory Effect of Saponins-Rich Fraction of Argania spinosa Leaves Extract. Molecules 2022; 27:6762. [PMID: 36235295 PMCID: PMC9571574 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant saponins are abundant and diverse natural products with a great potential for use in drug-discovery research. Here, we evaluated extracts of saponins-rich fractions of argan leaves and argan oil extraction byproducts (shell, pulp, press cake) for their effect on melanogenesis. Results show that from among the samples tested, only the saponins-rich fraction from leaves (ALS) inhibited melanin production in B16 murine melanoma (B16) cells. The mechanism of the melanogenesis inhibition was elucidated by determining the protein and mRNA expression of melanogenesis-associated enzymes tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and performing DNA microarray analysis. Results showed that 10 µg/mL ALS significantly inhibited melanogenesis in B16 cells and human epidermal melanocytes by 59% and 48%, respectively, without cytotoxicity. The effect of ALS on melanogenesis can be attributed to the decrease in TYR, TRP1, and MITF expression at the protein and mRNA levels. MITF inhibition naturally led to the downregulation of the expression of Tyr and Trp1 genes. Results of the DNA microarray analysis revealed the effect on melanogenesis-associated cAMP and Wnt signaling pathways' genes. The results of this study suggest that ALS may be used in cosmeceuticals preparations for hyperpigmentation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myra O. Villareal
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba City 305-8572, Ibaraki, Japan
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba City 305-8572, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Thanyanan Chaochaiphat
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba City 305-8572, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Rachida Makbal
- Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - Chemseddoha Gadhi
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba City 305-8572, Ibaraki, Japan
- Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
- Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering Center, CNRST-labeled Research Unit (AgroBiotech-URL-CNRST-05 Center), Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - Hiroko Isoda
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba City 305-8572, Ibaraki, Japan
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba City 305-8572, Ibaraki, Japan
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27
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Popovic A, Tartare-Deckert S. Role of extracellular matrix architecture and signaling in melanoma therapeutic resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:924553. [PMID: 36119516 PMCID: PMC9479148 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.924553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis therefore its production, assembly and mechanical stiffness are highly regulated in normal tissues. However, in solid tumors, increased stiffness resulting from abnormal ECM structural changes is associated with disease progression, an increased risk of metastasis and poor survival. As a dynamic and key component of the tumor microenvironment, the ECM is becoming increasingly recognized as an important feature of tumors, as it has been shown to promote several hallmarks of cancer via biochemical and biomechanical signaling. In this regard, melanoma cells are highly sensitive to ECM composition, stiffness and fiber alignment because they interact directly with the ECM in the tumor microenvironment via cell surface receptors, secreted factors or enzymes. Importantly, seeing as the ECM is predominantly deposited and remodeled by myofibroblastic stromal fibroblasts, it is a key avenue facilitating their paracrine interactions with melanoma cells. This review gives an overview of melanoma and further describes the critical roles that ECM properties such as ECM remodeling, ECM-related proteins and stiffness play in cutaneous melanoma progression, tumor cell plasticity and therapeutic resistance. Finally, given the emerging importance of ECM dynamics in melanoma, future perspectives on therapeutic strategies to normalize the ECM in tumors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Popovic
- Université Côte d’Azur, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Nice, France
- Team Microenvironnement, Signaling and Cancer, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nice, France
| | - Sophie Tartare-Deckert
- Université Côte d’Azur, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Nice, France
- Team Microenvironnement, Signaling and Cancer, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nice, France
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28
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Pillai M, Rajaram G, Thakur P, Agarwal N, Muralidharan S, Ray A, Barbhaya D, Somarelli JA, Jolly MK. Mapping phenotypic heterogeneity in melanoma onto the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal axis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:913803. [PMID: 36003764 PMCID: PMC9395132 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.913803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-studied hallmark of epithelial-like cancers that is characterized by loss of epithelial markers and gain of mesenchymal markers. Melanoma, which is derived from melanocytes of the skin, also undergo phenotypic plasticity toward mesenchymal-like phenotypes under the influence of various micro-environmental cues. Our study connects EMT to the phenomenon of de-differentiation (i.e., transition from proliferative to more invasive phenotypes) observed in melanoma cells during drug treatment. By analyzing 78 publicly available transcriptomic melanoma datasets, we found that de-differentiation in melanoma is accompanied by upregulation of mesenchymal genes, but not necessarily a concomitant loss of an epithelial program, suggesting a more “one-dimensional” EMT that leads to a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Samples lying in the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype also correspond to the intermediate phenotypes in melanoma along the proliferative-invasive axis - neural crest and transitory ones. As melanoma cells progress along the invasive axis, the mesenchymal signature does not increase monotonically. Instead, we observe a peak in mesenchymal scores followed by a decline, as cells further de-differentiate. This biphasic response recapitulates the dynamics of melanocyte development, suggesting close interactions among genes controlling differentiation and mesenchymal programs in melanocytes. Similar trends were noted for metabolic changes often associated with EMT in carcinomas in which progression along mesenchymal axis correlates with the downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, while largely maintaining glycolytic capacity. Overall, these results provide an explanation for how EMT and de-differentiation axes overlap with respect to their transcriptional and metabolic programs in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maalavika Pillai
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Gouri Rajaram
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Pradipti Thakur
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Nilay Agarwal
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Srinath Muralidharan
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ankita Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Dev Barbhaya
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | | | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- *Correspondence: Mohit Kumar Jolly,
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29
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Travnickova J, Muise S, Wojciechowska S, Brombin A, Zeng Z, Young AIJ, Wyatt C, Patton EE. Fate mapping melanoma persister cells through regression and into recurrent disease in adult zebrafish. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276219. [PMID: 35929478 PMCID: PMC9509888 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049566] [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: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma heterogeneity and plasticity underlie therapy resistance. Some tumour cells possess innate resistance, while others reprogramme during drug exposure and survive to form persister cells, a source of potential cancer cells for recurrent disease. Tracing individual melanoma cell populations through tumour regression and into recurrent disease remains largely unexplored, in part, because complex animal models are required for live imaging of cell populations over time. Here, we applied tamoxifen-inducible creERt2/loxP lineage tracing to a zebrafish model of MITF-dependent melanoma regression and recurrence to image and trace cell populations in vivo through disease stages. Using this strategy, we show that melanoma persister cells at the minimal residual disease site originate from the primary tumour. Next, we fate mapped rare MITF-independent persister cells and demonstrate that these cells directly contribute to progressive disease. Multiplex immunohistochemistry confirmed that MITF-independent persister cells give rise to Mitfa+ cells in recurrent disease. Taken together, our work reveals a direct contribution of persister cell populations to recurrent disease, and provides a resource for lineage-tracing methodology in adult zebrafish cancer models. Summary: We fate map melanoma cells from the primary tumour into a persister cell state and show that persister cells directly contribute to recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Travnickova
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah Muise
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sonia Wojciechowska
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alessandro Brombin
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zhiqiang Zeng
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adelaide I J Young
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Cameron Wyatt
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
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30
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Tudor DV, Florea A, Cenariu M, Olteanu DE, Farcaș M, Hopârtean A, Clichici SV, Filip GA. Low Doses of Celecoxib Might Promote Phenotype Switching in Cutaneous Melanoma Treated with Dabrafenib-Preliminary Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154560. [PMID: 35956175 PMCID: PMC9369555 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor with a rapidly switching molecular and cellular phenotype. The invasive phenotype switching characterized by MITFlow/AXLhigh predicts early resistance to multiple targeted drugs in melanoma. Celecoxib proved to be a valuable adjuvant in cutaneous melanoma in preclinical studies. Our in vitro study evaluated for the first time whether celecoxib could prevent phenotype switching in two human melanoma cell lines treated with dabrafenib. Methods: All in vitro experiments were carried out on BRAF-V600E-positive A375 and SK-MEL-28 human melanoma cell lines, and subjected to a celecoxib and dabrafenib drug combination for 72 h. Melanoma cells were already in the MITFlow/AXLhigh end of the spectrum. Of main interest was the evaluation of the key proteins expressed in phenotype switching (TGF-β, MITF, AXL, YAP, TAZ), as well as cell death mechanisms correlated with oxidative stress production. Results: Celecoxib significantly enhanced the apoptotic effect of dabrafenib in each melanoma cell line compared to the dabrafenib group (p < 0.0001). Even though celecoxib promoted low MITF expression, this was correlated with high receptor tyrosine kinase AXL levels in A375 and SK-MEL-28 cell lines (p < 0.0001), a positive marker for the phenotype switch to an invasive state. Conclusion: This preliminary study highlighted that celecoxib might promote MITFlow/AXLhigh expression in cutaneous melanoma treated with dabrafenib, facilitating phenotype switching in vitro. Our results need further confirmation, as this finding could represent an important limitation of celecoxib as an antineoplastic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valentina Tudor
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Adrian Florea
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihai Cenariu
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Reproductive Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Elena Olteanu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marius Farcaș
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Hopârtean
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Valeria Clichici
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriela Adriana Filip
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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31
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Chauhan JS, Hölzel M, Lambert JP, Buffa FM, Goding CR. The MITF regulatory network in melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2022; 35:517-533. [PMID: 35771179 PMCID: PMC9545041 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Bidirectional interactions between plastic tumor cells and the microenvironment critically impact tumor evolution and metastatic dissemination by enabling cancer cells to adapt to microenvironmental stresses by switching phenotype. In melanoma, a key determinant of phenotypic identity is the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor MITF that promotes proliferation, suppresses senescence, and anticorrelates with immune infiltration and therapy resistance. What determines whether MITF can activate or repress genes associated with specific phenotypes, or how signaling regulating MITF might impact immune infiltration is poorly understood. Here, we find that MITF binding to genes associated with high MITF is via classical E/M‐box motifs, but genes downregulated when MITF is high contain FOS/JUN/AP1/ATF3 sites. Significantly, the repertoire of MITF‐interacting factors identified here includes JUN and ATF3 as well as many previously unidentified interactors. As high AP1 activity is a hallmark of MITFLow, invasive, slow‐cycling, therapy resistant cells, the ability of MITF to repress AP1‐regulated genes provides an insight into how MITF establishes and maintains a pro‐proliferative phenotype. Moreover, although β‐catenin has been linked to immune exclusion, many Hallmark β‐catenin signaling genes are associated with immune infiltration. Instead, low MITF together with Notch signaling is linked to immune infiltration in both mouse and human melanoma tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagat S Chauhan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jean-Philippe Lambert
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Centre, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.,Endocrinology - Nephrology Axis, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, QC, Canada.,CHU de Québec Research Center, CHUL, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francesca M Buffa
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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32
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Cabaço LC, Tomás A, Pojo M, Barral DC. The Dark Side of Melanin Secretion in Cutaneous Melanoma Aggressiveness. Front Oncol 2022; 12:887366. [PMID: 35619912 PMCID: PMC9128548 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.887366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide and are increasingly prevalent. Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is characterized by the malignant transformation of melanocytes in the epidermis. Although CM shows lower incidence than other skin cancers, it is the most aggressive and responsible for the vast majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Indeed, 75% of patients present with invasive or metastatic tumors, even after surgical excision. In CM, the photoprotective pigment melanin, which is produced by melanocytes, plays a central role in the pathology of the disease. Melanin absorbs ultraviolet radiation and scavenges reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) resulting from the radiation exposure. However, the scavenged ROS/RNS modify melanin and lead to the induction of signature DNA damage in CM cells, namely cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, which are known to promote CM immortalization and carcinogenesis. Despite triggering the malignant transformation of melanocytes and promoting initial tumor growth, the presence of melanin inside CM cells is described to negatively regulate their invasiveness by increasing cell stiffness and reducing elasticity. Emerging evidence also indicates that melanin secreted from CM cells is required for the immunomodulation of tumor microenvironment. Indeed, melanin transforms dermal fibroblasts in cancer-associated fibroblasts, suppresses the immune system and promotes tumor angiogenesis, thus sustaining CM progression and metastasis. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of melanin secretion in CM aggressiveness and the molecular machinery involved, as well as the impact in tumor microenvironment and immune responses. A better understanding of this role and the molecular players involved could enable the modulation of melanin secretion to become a therapeutic strategy to impair CM invasion and metastasis and, hence, reduce the burden of CM-associated deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís C Cabaço
- Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, NMS, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Tomás
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Pojo
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Duarte C Barral
- Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, NMS, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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33
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Kenny C, Dilshat R, Seberg HE, Van Otterloo E, Bonde G, Helverson A, Franke CM, Steingrímsson E, Cornell RA. TFAP2 paralogs facilitate chromatin access for MITF at pigmentation and cell proliferation genes. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010207. [PMID: 35580127 PMCID: PMC9159589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In developing melanocytes and in melanoma cells, multiple paralogs of the Activating-enhancer-binding Protein 2 family of transcription factors (TFAP2) contribute to expression of genes encoding pigmentation regulators, but their interaction with Microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF), a master regulator of these cells, is unclear. Supporting the model that TFAP2 facilitates MITF's ability to activate expression of pigmentation genes, single-cell seq analysis of zebrafish embryos revealed that pigmentation genes are only expressed in the subset of mitfa-expressing cells that also express tfap2 paralogs. To test this model in SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells we deleted the two TFAP2 paralogs with highest expression, TFAP2A and TFAP2C, creating TFAP2 knockout (TFAP2-KO) cells. We then assessed gene expression, chromatin accessibility, binding of TFAP2A and of MITF, and the chromatin marks H3K27Ac and H3K27Me3 which are characteristic of active enhancers and silenced chromatin, respectively. Integrated analyses of these datasets indicate TFAP2 paralogs directly activate enhancers near genes enriched for roles in pigmentation and proliferation, and directly repress enhancers near genes enriched for roles in cell adhesion. Consistently, compared to WT cells, TFAP2-KO cells proliferate less and adhere to one another more. TFAP2 paralogs and MITF co-operatively activate a subset of enhancers, with the former necessary for MITF binding and chromatin accessibility. By contrast, TFAP2 paralogs and MITF do not appear to co-operatively inhibit enhancers. These studies reveal a mechanism by which TFAP2 profoundly influences the set of genes activated by MITF, and thereby the phenotype of pigment cells and melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Kenny
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Ramile Dilshat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Hannah E. Seberg
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Eric Van Otterloo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Gregory Bonde
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Annika Helverson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. Franke
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Eiríkur Steingrímsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Robert A. Cornell
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
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34
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Takabe P, Siiskonen H, Rönkä A, Kainulainen K, Pasonen-Seppänen S. The Impact of Hyaluronan on Tumor Progression in Cutaneous Melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 11:811434. [PMID: 35127523 PMCID: PMC8813769 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.811434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous melanoma is rapidly increasing worldwide. Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer, which originates from malignant transformation of pigment producing melanocytes. The main risk factor for melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and thus it often arises from highly sun-exposed skin areas and is characterized by a high mutational burden. In addition to melanoma-associated mutations such as BRAF, NRAS, PTEN and cell cycle regulators, the expansion of melanoma is affected by the extracellular matrix surrounding the tumor together with immune cells. In the early phases of the disease, hyaluronan is the major matrix component in cutaneous melanoma microenvironment. It is a high-molecular weight polysaccharide involved in several physiological and pathological processes. Hyaluronan is involved in the inflammatory reactions associated with UV radiation but its role in melanomagenesis is still unclear. Although abundant hyaluronan surrounds epidermal and dermal cells in normal skin and benign nevi, its content is further elevated in dysplastic lesions and local tumors. At this stage hyaluronan matrix may act as a protective barrier against melanoma progression, or alternatively against immune cell attack. While in advanced melanoma, the content of hyaluronan decreases due to altered synthesis and degradation, and this correlates with poor prognosis. This review focuses on hyaluronan matrix in cutaneous melanoma and how the changes in hyaluronan metabolism affect the progression of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piia Takabe
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Siiskonen
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aino Rönkä
- Department of Oncology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Kainulainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- *Correspondence: Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen,
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35
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Liu Y, Su CY, Yan YY, Wang J, Li JJ, Fu JJ, Wang YQ, Zhang JY. Exosomes of A549 Cells Induced Migration, Invasion, and EMT of BEAS-2B Cells Related to let-7c-5p and miR-181b-5p. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:926769. [PMID: 35898472 PMCID: PMC9309177 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.926769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As carriers containing abundant biological information, exosomes could deliver the property of donor cells to recipient cells. Emerging studies have shown that tumor cells could secrete a mass of exosomes into the microenvironment to regulate bystander cells. However, the underlying mechanisms of such a phenomenon remain largely unexplored. In this research, we purified and identified the exosomes of A549 cells and found that A549-cell-derived exosomes promoted BEAS-2B cells migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Importantly, we observed that let-7c-5p and miR-181b-5p were attenuated in A549-cell-derived exosomes compared to BEAS-2B-cell-derived exosomes. The analysis of miRNA expression level in BEAS-2B cells indicated that incubation with A549-cell-derived exosomes reduced the expression levels of let-7c-5p and miR-181b-5p. In transient transfections assay, we found that downregulation of let-7c-5p and miR-181b-5p simultaneously showed stronger promotion of BEAS-2B cells migration and invasion than individually. Moreover, exosomes secreted from A549 cells with upregulated expression of let-7c-5p and miR-181b-5p significantly reduce their regulatory effect on BEAS-2B cells. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that let-7c-5p and miR-181b-5p inhibit the EMT process mainly by regulating focal adhesion and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Thus, our data demonstrated that A549-cell-derived exosomal let-7c-5p and miR-181b-5p could induce migration, invasion, and EMT in BEAS-2B cells, which might be regulated through focal adhesion and MAPK signaling pathway. The expression level of let-7c-5p and miR-181b-5p may show great significance for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao-Yue Su
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Yan Yan
- School of Medicine, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Medicine, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jia-Jun Li
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Jun Fu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian-Ye Zhang, ; Yu-Qing Wang, ; Ji-Jun Fu,
| | - Yu-Qing Wang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian-Ye Zhang, ; Yu-Qing Wang, ; Ji-Jun Fu,
| | - Jian-Ye Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian-Ye Zhang, ; Yu-Qing Wang, ; Ji-Jun Fu,
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36
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Abstract
Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer that originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Although melanoma has long been regarded as a cancerous malignancy with few therapeutic options, increased biological understanding and unprecedented innovations in therapies targeting mutated driver genes and immune checkpoints have substantially improved the prognosis of patients. However, the low response rate and inevitable occurrence of resistance to currently available targeted therapies have posed the obstacle in the path of melanoma management to obtain further amelioration. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying melanoma pathogenesis more comprehensively, which might lead to more substantial progress in therapeutic approaches and expand clinical options for melanoma therapy. In this review, we firstly make a brief introduction to melanoma epidemiology, clinical subtypes, risk factors, and current therapies. Then, the signal pathways orchestrating melanoma pathogenesis, including genetic mutations, key transcriptional regulators, epigenetic dysregulations, metabolic reprogramming, crucial metastasis-related signals, tumor-promoting inflammatory pathways, and pro-angiogenic factors, have been systemically reviewed and discussed. Subsequently, we outline current progresses in therapies targeting mutated driver genes and immune checkpoints, as well as the mechanisms underlying the treatment resistance. Finally, the prospects and challenges in the development of melanoma therapy, especially immunotherapy and related ongoing clinical trials, are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huina Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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37
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Colombo S, Petit V, Wagner RY, Champeval D, Yajima I, Gesbert F, Aktary Z, Davidson I, Delmas V, Larue L. Stabilization of β-catenin promotes melanocyte specification at the expense of the Schwann cell lineage. Development 2021; 149:274086. [PMID: 34878101 PMCID: PMC8917410 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway governs a multitude of developmental processes in various cell lineages, including the melanocyte lineage. Indeed, β-catenin regulates transcription of Mitf-M, the master regulator of this lineage. The first wave of melanocytes to colonize the skin is directly derived from neural crest cells, whereas the second wave of melanocytes is derived from Schwann cell precursors (SCPs). We investigated the influence of β-catenin in the development of melanocytes of the first and second waves by generating mice expressing a constitutively active form of β-catenin in cells expressing tyrosinase. Constitutive activation of β-catenin did not affect the development of truncal melanoblasts but led to marked hyperpigmentation of the paws. By activating β-catenin at various stages of development (E8.5-E11.5), we showed that the activation of β-catenin in bipotent SCPs favored melanoblast specification at the expense of Schwann cells in the limbs within a specific temporal window. Furthermore, in vitro hyperactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is required for melanocyte development, induces activation of Mitf-M, in turn repressing FoxD3 expression. In conclusion, β-catenin overexpression promotes SCP cell fate decisions towards the melanocyte lineage. Summary: Activation of β-catenin in bipotent Schwann cell precursors during a specific developmental window induces Mitf and represses FoxD3 to promote melanoblast cell fate at the expense of Schwann cells in limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Colombo
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France.,Univ Paris-Sud, Univ Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France.,Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Valérie Petit
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France.,Univ Paris-Sud, Univ Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France.,Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Roselyne Y Wagner
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France.,Univ Paris-Sud, Univ Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France.,Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Delphine Champeval
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France.,Univ Paris-Sud, Univ Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France.,Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Ichiro Yajima
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France.,Univ Paris-Sud, Univ Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France.,Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Franck Gesbert
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France.,Univ Paris-Sud, Univ Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France.,Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Zackie Aktary
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France.,Univ Paris-Sud, Univ Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France.,Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Irwin Davidson
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UNISTRA, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Cedex. Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, France
| | - Véronique Delmas
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France.,Univ Paris-Sud, Univ Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France.,Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, France
| | - Lionel Larue
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France.,Univ Paris-Sud, Univ Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France.,Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, France
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38
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Matias M, Pinho JO, Penetra MJ, Campos G, Reis CP, Gaspar MM. The Challenging Melanoma Landscape: From Early Drug Discovery to Clinical Approval. Cells 2021; 10:3088. [PMID: 34831311 PMCID: PMC8621991 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is recognized as the most dangerous type of skin cancer, with high mortality and resistance to currently used treatments. To overcome the limitations of the available therapeutic options, the discovery and development of new, more effective, and safer therapies is required. In this review, the different research steps involved in the process of antimelanoma drug evaluation and selection are explored, including information regarding in silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments, as well as clinical trial phases. Details are given about the most used cell lines and assays to perform both two- and three-dimensional in vitro screening of drug candidates towards melanoma. For in vivo studies, murine models are, undoubtedly, the most widely used for assessing the therapeutic potential of new compounds and to study the underlying mechanisms of action. Here, the main melanoma murine models are described as well as other animal species. A section is dedicated to ongoing clinical studies, demonstrating the wide interest and successful efforts devoted to melanoma therapy, in particular at advanced stages of the disease, and a final section includes some considerations regarding approval for marketing by regulatory agencies. Overall, considerable commitment is being directed to the continuous development of optimized experimental models, important for the understanding of melanoma biology and for the evaluation and validation of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Matias
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta O Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Penetra
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Campos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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39
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Pillai M, Jolly MK. Systems-level network modeling deciphers the master regulators of phenotypic plasticity and heterogeneity in melanoma. iScience 2021; 24:103111. [PMID: 34622164 PMCID: PMC8479788 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103111] [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: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic (i.e. non-genetic) heterogeneity in melanoma drives dedifferentiation, recalcitrance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy, and consequent tumor relapse and metastasis. Various markers or regulators associated with distinct phenotypes in melanoma have been identified, but, how does a network of interactions among these regulators give rise to multiple "attractor" states and phenotypic switching remains elusive. Here, we inferred a network of transcription factors (TFs) that act as master regulators for gene signatures of diverse cell-states in melanoma. Dynamical simulations of this network predicted how this network can settle into different "attractors" (TF expression patterns), suggesting that TF network dynamics drives the emergence of phenotypic heterogeneity. These simulations can recapitulate major phenotypes observed in melanoma and explain de-differentiation trajectory observed upon BRAF inhibition. Our systems-level modeling framework offers a platform to understand trajectories of phenotypic transitions in the landscape of a regulatory TF network and identify novel therapeutic strategies targeting melanoma plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maalavika Pillai
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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40
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Eom DS, Patterson LB, Bostic RR, Parichy DM. Immunoglobulin superfamily receptor Junctional adhesion molecule 3 (Jam3) requirement for melanophore survival and patterning during formation of zebrafish stripes. Dev Biol 2021; 476:314-327. [PMID: 33933422 PMCID: PMC10069301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adhesive interactions are essential for tissue patterning and morphogenesis yet difficult to study owing to functional redundancies across genes and gene families. A useful system in which to dissect roles for cell adhesion and adhesion-dependent signaling is the pattern formed by pigment cells in skin of adult zebrafish, in which stripes represent the arrangement of neural crest derived melanophores, cells homologous to melanocytes. In a forward genetic screen for adult pattern defects, we isolated the pissarro (psr) mutant, having a variegated phenotype of spots, as well as defects in adult fin and lens. We show that psr corresponds to junctional adhesion protein 3b (jam3b) encoding a zebrafish orthologue of the two immunoglobulin-like domain receptor JAM3 (JAM-C), known for roles in adhesion and signaling in other developing tissues, and for promoting metastatic behavior of human and murine melanoma cells. We found that zebrafish jam3b is expressed post-embryonically in a variety of cells including melanophores, and that jam3b mutants have defects in melanophore survival. Jam3b supported aggregation of cells in vitro and was required autonomously by melanophores for an adherent phenotype in vivo. Genetic analyses further indicated both overlapping and non-overlapping functions with the related receptor, Immunoglobulin superfamily 11 (Igsf11) and Kit receptor tyrosine kinase. These findings suggest a model for Jam3b function in zebrafish melanophores and hint at the complexity of adhesive interactions underlying pattern formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Seok Eom
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | | | - Raegan R Bostic
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - David M Parichy
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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41
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Hamm M, Sohier P, Petit V, Raymond JH, Delmas V, Le Coz M, Gesbert F, Kenny C, Aktary Z, Pouteaux M, Rambow F, Sarasin A, Charoenchon N, Bellacosa A, Sanchez-Del-Campo L, Mosteo L, Lauss M, Meijer D, Steingrimsson E, Jönsson GB, Cornell RA, Davidson I, Goding CR, Larue L. BRN2 is a non-canonical melanoma tumor-suppressor. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3707. [PMID: 34140478 PMCID: PMC8211827 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23973-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While the major drivers of melanoma initiation, including activation of NRAS/BRAF and loss of PTEN or CDKN2A, have been identified, the role of key transcription factors that impose altered transcriptional states in response to deregulated signaling is not well understood. The POU domain transcription factor BRN2 is a key regulator of melanoma invasion, yet its role in melanoma initiation remains unknown. Here, in a BrafV600E PtenF/+ context, we show that BRN2 haplo-insufficiency promotes melanoma initiation and metastasis. However, metastatic colonization is less efficient in the absence of Brn2. Mechanistically, BRN2 directly induces PTEN expression and in consequence represses PI3K signaling. Moreover, MITF, a BRN2 target, represses PTEN transcription. Collectively, our results suggest that on a PTEN heterozygous background somatic deletion of one BRN2 allele and temporal regulation of the other allele elicits melanoma initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hamm
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Sohier
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Petit
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Jérémy H Raymond
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Delmas
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Madeleine Le Coz
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Franck Gesbert
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Colin Kenny
- Department of Anatomy and Cell biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Zackie Aktary
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Marie Pouteaux
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Florian Rambow
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Alain Sarasin
- Laboratory of Genetic Instability and Oncogenesis, UMR8200 CNRS, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Sud, Villejuif, France
| | - Nisamanee Charoenchon
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alfonso Bellacosa
- Cancer Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Luis Sanchez-Del-Campo
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura Mosteo
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Lauss
- Department of Oncology, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Dies Meijer
- Centre of Neuroregeneration, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Eirikur Steingrimsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Department of Anatomy, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Göran B Jönsson
- Department of Oncology, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Robert A Cornell
- Department of Anatomy and Cell biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Irwin Davidson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UNISTRA, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404, Illkirch, Cedex, France
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK.
| | - Lionel Larue
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Orsay, France.
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France.
- Equipes Labellisées Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
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42
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Wessely A, Steeb T, Berking C, Heppt MV. How Neural Crest Transcription Factors Contribute to Melanoma Heterogeneity, Cellular Plasticity, and Treatment Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115761. [PMID: 34071193 PMCID: PMC8198848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma represents one of the deadliest types of skin cancer. The prognosis strongly depends on the disease stage, thus early detection is crucial. New therapies, including BRAF and MEK inhibitors and immunotherapies, have significantly improved the survival of patients in the last decade. However, intrinsic and acquired resistance is still a challenge. In this review, we discuss two major aspects that contribute to the aggressiveness of melanoma, namely, the embryonic origin of melanocytes and melanoma cells and cellular plasticity. First, we summarize the physiological function of epidermal melanocytes and their development from precursor cells that originate from the neural crest (NC). Next, we discuss the concepts of intratumoral heterogeneity, cellular plasticity, and phenotype switching that enable melanoma to adapt to changes in the tumor microenvironment and promote disease progression and drug resistance. Finally, we further dissect the connection of these two aspects by focusing on the transcriptional regulators MSX1, MITF, SOX10, PAX3, and FOXD3. These factors play a key role in NC initiation, NC cell migration, and melanocyte formation, and we discuss how they contribute to cellular plasticity and drug resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Wessely
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Theresa Steeb
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Vincent Heppt
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-35747
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43
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Kreß JKC, Jessen C, Marquardt A, Hufnagel A, Meierjohann S. NRF2 Enables EGFR Signaling in Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083803. [PMID: 33916908 PMCID: PMC8067606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are rarely mutated in cutaneous melanoma, but the expression and activation of several RTK family members are associated with a proinvasive phenotype and therapy resistance. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the RTK family and is only expressed in a subgroup of melanomas with poor prognosis. The insight into regulators of EGFR expression and activation is important for the understanding of the development of this malignant melanoma phenotype. Here, we describe that the transcription factor NRF2, the master regulator of the oxidative and electrophilic stress response, mediates the expression and activation of EGFR in melanoma by elevating the levels of EGFR as well as its ligands EGF and TGFα. ChIP sequencing data show that NRF2 directly binds to the promoter of EGF, which contains a canonical antioxidant response element. Accordingly, EGF is induced by oxidative stress and is also increased in lung adenocarcinoma and head and neck carcinoma with mutationally activated NRF2. In contrast, regulation of EGFR and TGFA occurs by an indirect mechanism, which is enabled by the ability of NRF2 to block the activity of the melanocytic lineage factor MITF in melanoma. MITF effectively suppresses EGFR and TGFA expression and therefore serves as link between NRF2 and EGFR. As EGFR was previously described to stimulate NRF2 activity, the mutual activation of NRF2 and EGFR pathways was investigated. The presence of NRF2 was necessary for full EGFR pathway activation, as NRF2-knockout cells showed reduced AKT activation in response to EGF stimulation compared to controls. Conversely, EGF led to the nuclear localization and activation of NRF2, thereby demonstrating that NRF2 and EGFR are connected in a positive feedback loop in melanoma. In summary, our data show that the EGFR-positive melanoma phenotype is strongly supported by NRF2, thus revealing a novel maintenance mechanism for this clinically challenging melanoma subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Jessen
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.K.); (C.J.); (A.M.); (A.H.)
| | - André Marquardt
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.K.); (C.J.); (A.M.); (A.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anita Hufnagel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.K.); (C.J.); (A.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Svenja Meierjohann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.K.); (C.J.); (A.M.); (A.H.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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44
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Dilshat R, Fock V, Kenny C, Gerritsen I, Lasseur RMJ, Travnickova J, Eichhoff OM, Cerny P, Möller K, Sigurbjörnsdóttir S, Kirty K, Einarsdottir BÓ, Cheng PF, Levesque M, Cornell RA, Patton EE, Larue L, de Tayrac M, Magnúsdóttir E, Ögmundsdóttir MH, Steingrimsson E. MITF reprograms the extracellular matrix and focal adhesion in melanoma. eLife 2021; 10:63093. [PMID: 33438577 PMCID: PMC7857731 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a critical regulator of melanocyte development and differentiation. It also plays an important role in melanoma where it has been described as a molecular rheostat that, depending on activity levels, allows reversible switching between different cellular states. Here, we show that MITF directly represses the expression of genes associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and focal adhesion pathways in human melanoma cells as well as of regulators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) such as CDH2, thus affecting cell morphology and cell-matrix interactions. Importantly, we show that these effects of MITF are reversible, as expected from the rheostat model. The number of focal adhesion points increased upon MITF knockdown, a feature observed in drug-resistant melanomas. Cells lacking MITF are similar to the cells of minimal residual disease observed in both human and zebrafish melanomas. Our results suggest that MITF plays a critical role as a repressor of gene expression and is actively involved in shaping the microenvironment of melanoma cells in a cell-autonomous manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramile Dilshat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Valerie Fock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Colin Kenny
- Department of Anatomy and Cell biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
| | - Ilse Gerritsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Romain Maurice Jacques Lasseur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jana Travnickova
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ossia M Eichhoff
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Cerny
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Katrin Möller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sara Sigurbjörnsdóttir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Kritika Kirty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Berglind Ósk Einarsdottir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Phil F Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mitchell Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert A Cornell
- Department of Anatomy and Cell biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lionel Larue
- Institut Curie, CNRS UMR3347, INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
| | - Marie de Tayrac
- Service de Génétique Moléculaire et Génomique, CHU, Rennes, France.,Univ Rennes1, CNRS, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes), Rennes, France
| | - Erna Magnúsdóttir
- Department of Anatomy, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Margrét Helga Ögmundsdóttir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Eirikur Steingrimsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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