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Redondo-Muñoz M, Rodriguez-Baena FJ, Aldaz P, Caballé-Mestres A, Moncho-Amor V, Otaegi-Ugartemendia M, Carrasco-Garcia E, Olias-Arjona A, Lasheras-Otero I, Santamaria E, Bocanegra A, Chocarro L, Grier A, Dzieciatkowska M M, Bigas C, Martin J, Urdiroz-Urricelqui U, Marzo F, Santamaria E, Kochan G, Escors D, Larrayoz IM, Heyn H, D'Alessandro A, Attolini CSO, Matheu A, Wellbrock C, Benitah SA, Sanchez-Laorden B, Arozarena I. Metabolic rewiring induced by ranolazine improves melanoma responses to targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1544-1562. [PMID: 37563469 PMCID: PMC10513932 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00861-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Resistance of melanoma to targeted therapy and immunotherapy is linked to metabolic rewiring. Here, we show that increased fatty acid oxidation (FAO) during prolonged BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) treatment contributes to acquired therapy resistance in mice. Targeting FAO using the US Food and Drug Administration-approved and European Medicines Agency-approved anti-anginal drug ranolazine (RANO) delays tumour recurrence with acquired BRAFi resistance. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis reveals that RANO diminishes the abundance of the therapy-resistant NGFRhi neural crest stem cell subpopulation. Moreover, by rewiring the methionine salvage pathway, RANO enhances melanoma immunogenicity through increased antigen presentation and interferon signalling. Combination of RANO with anti-PD-L1 antibodies strongly improves survival by increasing antitumour immune responses. Altogether, we show that RANO increases the efficacy of targeted melanoma therapy through its effects on FAO and the methionine salvage pathway. Importantly, our study suggests that RANO could sensitize BRAFi-resistant tumours to immunotherapy. Since RANO has very mild side-effects, it might constitute a therapeutic option to improve the two main strategies currently used to treat metastatic melanoma.
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Grants
- P30 CA046934 NCI NIH HHS
- Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Institute of Health Carlos III)
- Departamento de Salud del Gobierno de Navarra, Spain (Grant Ref. No: GºNa 71/17)
- Marta Redondo-Muñoz is funded by a PhD studentship from the Department of Industry of the Government of Navarra, Spain. MRM acknowledges funding from the Grupo Español Multidisciplinar de Melanoma
- The University of Colorado School of Medicine Metabolomics Core is supported in part by the University of Colorado Cancer Center award from the National Cancer Institute P30CA046934
- David Escors Acknowledges funding from The Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC), PROYE16001ESCO), Biomedicine Project Grant from the Department of Health of the Government of Navarre-FEDER funds (BMED 050-2019, 51-2021) ; Strategic projects from the Department of Industry, Government of Navarre (AGATA, Ref. 0011-1411-2020-000013; LINTERNA, Ref. 0011-1411-2020-000033; DESCARTHES, 0011-1411-2019-000058).
- Research in the S.A.B. laboratory is supported partially by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant agreement No. 787041), the Government of Cataluña (SGR grant), the Government of Spain (MINECO), the La Marató/TV3 Foundation, the Foundation Lilliane Bettencourt, the Spanish Association for Cancer Research (AECC) and The Worldwide Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF)
- Work in B.S-L´s lab is funded by:PID2019-106852-RBI00 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033, the Melanoma Research Alliance (https://doi.org/10.48050/pc.gr.91574 to B.S-L) and the FERO Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Redondo-Muñoz
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Paula Aldaz
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Adriá Caballé-Mestres
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica Moncho-Amor
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
- CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Estefania Carrasco-Garcia
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
- CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Olias-Arjona
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Lasheras-Otero
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eva Santamaria
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luisa Chocarro
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Abby Grier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Monika Dzieciatkowska M
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Claudia Bigas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefina Martin
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Uxue Urdiroz-Urricelqui
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Florencio Marzo
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Santamaria
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Clinical Neuroproteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Escors
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Marcos Larrayoz
- Biomarkers and Molecular Signaling Group, Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Foundation Rioja Salud, Logroño, Spain
- Unidad Predepartamental de Enfermería, Universidad de La Rioja (UR), Logroño, Spain
| | - Holger Heyn
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Camille Stephan-Otto Attolini
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ander Matheu
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Salvador Aznar Benitah
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Imanol Arozarena
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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2
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Lasheras-Otero I, Feliu I, Maillo A, Moreno H, Redondo-Muñoz M, Aldaz P, Bocanegra A, Olias-Arjona A, Lecanda F, Fernandez-Irigoyen J, Santamaria E, Larrayoz IM, Gomez-Cabrero D, Wellbrock C, Vicent S, Arozarena I. The Regulators of Peroxisomal Acyl-Carnitine Shuttle CROT and CRAT Promote Metastasis in Melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:305-316.e5. [PMID: 36058299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells are the key link between a primary tumor and distant metastases, but once in the bloodstream, loss of adhesion induces cell death. To identify the mechanisms relevant for melanoma circulating tumor cell survival, we performed RNA sequencing and discovered that detached melanoma cells and isolated melanoma circulating tumor cells rewire lipid metabolism by upregulating fatty acid (FA) transport and FA beta-oxidation‒related genes. In patients with melanoma, high expression of FA transporters and FA beta-oxidation enzymes significantly correlates with reduced progression-free and overall survival. Among the highest expressed regulators in melanoma circulating tumor cells were the carnitine transferases carnitine O-octanoyltransferase and carnitine acetyltransferase, which control the shuttle of peroxisome-derived medium-chain FAs toward mitochondria to fuel mitochondrial FA beta-oxidation. Knockdown of carnitine O-octanoyltransferase or carnitine acetyltransferase and short-term treatment with peroxisomal or mitochondrial FA beta-oxidation inhibitors thioridazine or ranolazine suppressed melanoma metastasis in mice. Carnitine O-octanoyltransferase and carnitine acetyltransferase depletion could be rescued by medium-chain FA supplementation, indicating that the peroxisomal supply of FAs is crucial for the survival of nonadherent melanoma cells. Our study identifies targeting the FA-based cross-talk between peroxisomes and mitochondria as a potential therapeutic opportunity to challenge melanoma progression. Moreover, the discovery of the antimetastatic activity of the Food and Drug Administration‒approved drug ranolazine carries translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Lasheras-Otero
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iker Feliu
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain; Program in Solid Tumors, Centre for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alberto Maillo
- Translational Bioinformatics Unit, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Haritz Moreno
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain; Program in Solid Tumors, Centre for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Redondo-Muñoz
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Paula Aldaz
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Olias-Arjona
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Lecanda
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain; Program in Solid Tumors, Centre for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joaquin Fernandez-Irigoyen
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain; Proteomics Platform, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Santamaria
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain; Clinical Neuroproteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio M Larrayoz
- Biomarkers and Molecular Signaling Group, Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Foundation Rioja Salud, Logroño, Spain; Pre-departmental Nursing Unit, University of La Rioja (UR), Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - David Gomez-Cabrero
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain; Translational Bioinformatics Unit, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain; Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Silvestre Vicent
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain; Program in Solid Tumors, Centre for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, University Hospital of Navarra (HUN), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.
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3
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Wilcock DJ, Badrock AP, Wong CW, Owen R, Guerin M, Southam AD, Johnston H, Telfer BA, Fullwood P, Watson J, Ferguson H, Ferguson J, Lloyd GR, Jankevics A, Dunn WB, Wellbrock C, Lorigan P, Ceol C, Francavilla C, Smith MP, Hurlstone AFL. Oxidative stress from DGAT1 oncoprotein inhibition in melanoma suppresses tumor growth when ROS defenses are also breached. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110995. [PMID: 35732120 PMCID: PMC9638004 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated cellular metabolism is a cancer hallmark for which few druggable oncoprotein targets have been identified. Increased fatty acid (FA) acquisition allows cancer cells to meet their heightened membrane biogenesis, bioenergy, and signaling needs. Excess FAs are toxic to non-transformed cells but surprisingly not to cancer cells. Molecules underlying this cancer adaptation may provide alternative drug targets. Here, we demonstrate that diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), an enzyme integral to triacylglyceride synthesis and lipid droplet formation, is frequently up-regulated in melanoma, allowing melanoma cells to tolerate excess FA. DGAT1 over-expression alone transforms p53-mutant zebrafish melanocytes and co-operates with oncogenic BRAF or NRAS for more rapid melanoma formation. Antagonism of DGAT1 induces oxidative stress in melanoma cells, which adapt by up-regulating cellular reactive oxygen species defenses. We show that inhibiting both DGAT1 and superoxide dismutase 1 profoundly suppress tumor growth through eliciting intolerable oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wilcock
- Division of Cancer Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Andrew P Badrock
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Chun W Wong
- Division of Infection Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Rhys Owen
- Division of Cancer Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Melissa Guerin
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Andrew D Southam
- School of Biosciences, Edgbaston, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Hannah Johnston
- Division of Cancer Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Brian A Telfer
- Division of Cancer Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Paul Fullwood
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Joanne Watson
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Harriet Ferguson
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jennifer Ferguson
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Gavin R Lloyd
- School of Biosciences, Edgbaston, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andris Jankevics
- School of Biosciences, Edgbaston, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Warwick B Dunn
- School of Biosciences, Edgbaston, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Division of Cancer Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Paul Lorigan
- Division of Cancer Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Craig Ceol
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Chiara Francavilla
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Michael P Smith
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Adam F L Hurlstone
- Division of Infection Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology, The University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
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4
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Bahri R, Kiss O, Prise I, Garcia-Rodriguez KM, Atmoko H, Martínez-Gómez JM, Levesque MP, Dummer R, Smith MP, Wellbrock C, Bulfone-Paus S. Human Melanoma-Associated Mast Cells Display a Distinct Transcriptional Signature Characterized by an Upregulation of the Complement Component 3 That Correlates With Poor Prognosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:861545. [PMID: 35669782 PMCID: PMC9163391 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.861545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive human malignancies and shows increasing incidence. Mast cells (MCs), long-lived tissue-resident cells that are particularly abundant in human skin where they regulate both innate and adaptive immunity, are associated with melanoma stroma (MAMCs). Thus, MAMCs could impact melanoma development, progression, and metastasis by secreting proteases, pro-angiogenic factors, and both pro-inflammatory and immuno-inhibitory mediators. To interrogate the as-yet poorly characterized role of human MAMCs, we have purified MCs from melanoma skin biopsies and performed RNA-seq analysis. Here, we demonstrate that MAMCs display a unique transcriptome signature defined by the downregulation of the FcεRI signaling pathway, a distinct expression pattern of proteases and pro-angiogenic factors, and a profound upregulation of complement component C3. Furthermore, in melanoma tissue, we observe a significantly increased number of C3+ MCs in stage IV melanoma. Moreover, in patients, C3 expression significantly correlates with the MC-specific marker TPSAB1, and the high expression of both markers is linked with poorer melanoma survival. In vitro, we show that melanoma cell supernatants and tumor microenvironment (TME) mediators such as TGF-β, IL-33, and IL-1β induce some of the changes found in MAMCs and significantly modulate C3 expression and activity in MCs. Taken together, these data suggest that melanoma-secreted cytokines such as TGF-β and IL-1β contribute to the melanoma microenvironment by upregulating C3 expression in MAMCs, thus inducing an MC phenotype switch that negatively impacts melanoma prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajia Bahri
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Prise
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karen M. Garcia-Rodriguez
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Haris Atmoko
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Julia M. Martínez-Gómez
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mitchell P. Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael P. Smith
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Bulfone-Paus
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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5
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Rowling EJ, Miskolczi Z, Nagaraju R, Wilcock DJ, Wang P, Telfer B, Li Y, Lasheras-Otero I, Redondo-Muñoz M, Sharrocks AD, Arozarena I, Wellbrock C. Cooperative behaviour and phenotype plasticity evolve during melanoma progression. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 33:695-708. [PMID: 32145051 PMCID: PMC7496243 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A major challenge for managing melanoma is its tumour heterogeneity based on individual co-existing melanoma cell phenotypes. These phenotypes display variable responses to standard therapies, and they drive individual steps of melanoma progression; hence, understanding their behaviour is imperative. Melanoma phenotypes are defined by distinct transcriptional states, which relate to different melanocyte lineage development phases, ranging from a mesenchymal, neural crest-like to a proliferative, melanocytic phenotype. It is thought that adaptive phenotype plasticity based on transcriptional reprogramming drives melanoma progression, but at which stage individual phenotypes dominate and moreover, how they interact is poorly understood. We monitored melanocytic and mesenchymal phenotypes throughout melanoma progression and detected transcriptional reprogramming at different stages, with a gain in mesenchymal traits in circulating melanoma cells (CTCs) and proliferative features in metastatic tumours. Intriguingly, we found that distinct phenotype populations interact in a cooperative manner, which generates tumours of greater "fitness," supports CTCs and expands organotropic cues in metastases. Fibronectin, expressed in mesenchymal cells, acts as key player in cooperativity and promotes survival of melanocytic cells. Our data reveal an important role for inter-phenotype communications at various stages of disease progression, suggesting these communications could act as therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Rowling
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Zsofia Miskolczi
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Raghavendar Nagaraju
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel J Wilcock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ping Wang
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Brian Telfer
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Yaoyong Li
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Irene Lasheras-Otero
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Redondo-Muñoz
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Andrew D Sharrocks
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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6
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Ferguson J, Wilcock DJ, McEntegart S, Badrock AP, Levesque M, Dummer R, Wellbrock C, Smith MP. Osteoblasts contribute to a protective niche that supports melanoma cell proliferation and survival. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 33:74-85. [PMID: 31323160 PMCID: PMC6972519 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer; a primary driver of this high level of morbidity is the propensity of melanoma cells to metastasize. When malignant tumours develop distant metastatic lesions the new local tissue niche is known to impact on the biology of the cancer cells. However, little is known about how different metastatic tissue sites impact on frontline targeted therapies. Intriguingly, melanoma bone lesions have significantly lower response to BRAF or MEK inhibitor therapies. Here, we have investigated how the cellular niche of the bone can support melanoma cells by stimulating growth and survival via paracrine signalling between osteoblasts and cancer cells. Melanoma cells can enhance the differentiation of osteoblasts leading to increased production of secreted ligands, including RANKL. Differentiated osteoblasts in turn can support melanoma cell proliferation and survival via the secretion of RANKL that elevates the levels of the transcription factor MITF, even in the presence of BRAF inhibitor. By blocking RANKL signalling, either via neutralizing antibodies, genetic alterations or the RANKL receptor inhibitor SPD304, the survival advantage provided by osteoblasts could be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ferguson
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Daniel J. Wilcock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Sophie McEntegart
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Andrew P. Badrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Mitch Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, Universitäts Spital ZürichUniversity of ZürichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, Universitäts Spital ZürichUniversity of ZürichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Michael P. Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
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7
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Abstract
Malignant melanoma is notorious for its inter- and intratumour heterogeneity, based on transcriptionally distinct melanoma cell phenotypes. It is thought that these distinct phenotypes are plastic in nature and that their transcriptional reprogramming enables heterogeneous tumours both to undergo different stages of melanoma progression and to adjust to drug exposure during treatment. Recent advances in genomic technologies and the rapidly expanding availability of large gene expression datasets have allowed for a refined definition of the gene signatures that characterize these phenotypes and have revealed that phenotype plasticity plays a major role in the resistance to both targeted therapy and immunotherapy. In this Review we discuss the definition of melanoma phenotypes through particular transcriptional states and reveal the prognostic relevance of the related gene expression signatures. We review how the establishment of phenotypes is controlled and which roles phenotype plasticity plays in melanoma development and therapy. Because phenotype plasticity in melanoma bears a great resemblance to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the lessons learned from melanoma will also benefit our understanding of other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imanol Arozarena
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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8
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Smith MP, Rana S, Ferguson J, Rowling EJ, Flaherty KT, Wargo JA, Marais R, Wellbrock C. A PAX3/BRN2 rheostat controls the dynamics of BRAF mediated MITF regulation in MITF high /AXL low melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2019; 32:280-291. [PMID: 30277012 PMCID: PMC6392120 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The BRAF kinase and the MAPK pathway are targets of current melanoma therapies. However, MAPK pathway inhibition results in dynamic changes of downstream targets that can counteract inhibitor-action not only in during treatment, but also in acquired resistant tumours. One such dynamic change involves the expression of the transcription factor MITF, a crucial regulator of cell survival and proliferation in untreated as well as drug-addicted acquired resistant melanoma. Tight control over MITF expression levels is required for optimal melanoma growth, and while it is well established that the MAPK pathway regulates MITF expression, the actual mechanism is insufficiently understood. We reveal here, how BRAF through action on the transcription factors BRN2 and PAX3 executes control over the regulation of MITF expression in a manner that allows for considerable plasticity. This plasticity provides robustness to the BRAF mediated MITF regulation and explains the dynamics in MITF expression that are observed in patients in response to MAPK inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Division of Cancer SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Sareena Rana
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Jennifer Ferguson
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Division of Cancer SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Emily J. Rowling
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Division of Cancer SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | | | - Jennifer A. Wargo
- Divison of Surgical OncologyUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Richard Marais
- Molecular Oncology GroupCancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Astra Zeneca Logistics CentreMacclesfieldUK
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Division of Cancer SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
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9
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Miskolczi Z, Smith MP, Rowling EJ, Ferguson J, Barriuso J, Wellbrock C. Collagen abundance controls melanoma phenotypes through lineage-specific microenvironment sensing. Oncogene 2018; 37:3166-3182. [PMID: 29545604 PMCID: PMC5992128 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0209-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the general focus on an invasive and de-differentiated phenotype as main driver of cancer metastasis, in melanoma patients many metastatic lesions display a high degree of pigmentation, indicative for a differentiated phenotype. Indeed, studies in mice and fish show that melanoma cells switch to a differentiated phenotype at secondary sites, possibly because in melanoma differentiation is closely linked to proliferation through the lineage-specific transcriptional master regulator MITF. Importantly, while a lot of effort has gone into identifying factors that induce the de-differentiated/invasive phenotype, it is not well understood how the switch to the differentiated/proliferative phenotype is controlled. We identify collagen as a contributor to this switch. We demonstrate that collagen stiffness induces melanoma differentiation through a YAP/PAX3/MITF axis and show that in melanoma patients increased collagen abundance correlates with nuclear YAP localization. However, the interrogation of large patient datasets revealed that in the context of the tumour microenvironment, YAP function is more complex. In the absence of fibroblasts, YAP/PAX3-mediated transcription prevails, but in the presence of fibroblasts tumour growth factor-β suppresses YAP/PAX3-mediated MITF expression and induces YAP/TEAD/SMAD-driven transcription and a de-differentiated phenotype. Intriguingly, while high collagen expression is correlated with poorer patient survival, the worst prognosis is seen in patients with high collagen expression, who also express MITF target genes such as the differentiation markers TRPM1, TYR and TYRP1, as well as CDK4. In summary, we reveal a distinct lineage-specific route of YAP signalling that contributes to the regulation of melanoma pigmentation and uncovers a set of potential biomarkers predictive for poor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsofia Miskolczi
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Michael P Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Emily J Rowling
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jennifer Ferguson
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jorge Barriuso
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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10
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Gato-Cañas M, Zuazo M, Arasanz H, Ibañez-Vea M, Lorenzo L, Fernandez-Hinojal G, Vera R, Smerdou C, Martisova E, Arozarena I, Wellbrock C, Llopiz D, Ruiz M, Sarobe P, Breckpot K, Kochan G, Escors D. PDL1 Signals through Conserved Sequence Motifs to Overcome Interferon-Mediated Cytotoxicity. Cell Rep 2018; 20:1818-1829. [PMID: 28834746 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.07.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PDL1 blockade produces remarkable clinical responses, thought to occur by T cell reactivation through prevention of PDL1-PD1 T cell inhibitory interactions. Here, we find that PDL1 cell-intrinsic signaling protects cancer cells from interferon (IFN) cytotoxicity and accelerates tumor progression. PDL1 inhibited IFN signal transduction through a conserved class of sequence motifs that mediate crosstalk with IFN signaling. Abrogation of PDL1 expression or antibody-mediated PDL1 blockade strongly sensitized cancer cells to IFN cytotoxicity through a STAT3/caspase-7-dependent pathway. Moreover, somatic mutations found in human carcinomas within these PDL1 sequence motifs disrupted motif regulation, resulting in PDL1 molecules with enhanced protective activities from type I and type II IFN cytotoxicity. Overall, our results reveal a mode of action of PDL1 in cancer cells as a first line of defense against IFN cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gato-Cañas
- Department of Oncology, Navarrabiomed-Biomedical Research Centre, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Miren Zuazo
- Department of Oncology, Navarrabiomed-Biomedical Research Centre, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Hugo Arasanz
- Department of Oncology, Navarrabiomed-Biomedical Research Centre, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; Department of Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Maria Ibañez-Vea
- Department of Oncology, Navarrabiomed-Biomedical Research Centre, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Laura Lorenzo
- Department of Oncology, Navarrabiomed-Biomedical Research Centre, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Fernandez-Hinojal
- Department of Oncology, Navarrabiomed-Biomedical Research Centre, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; Department of Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Ruth Vera
- Department of Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Avenida Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eva Martisova
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Avenida Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Department of Oncology, Navarrabiomed-Biomedical Research Centre, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL Manchester, UK
| | - Diana Llopiz
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Avenida Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Avenida Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Avenida Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brusels, Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Department of Oncology, Navarrabiomed-Biomedical Research Centre, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
| | - David Escors
- Department of Oncology, Navarrabiomed-Biomedical Research Centre, IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; Division of Infection and Immunity, Rayne Institute, University College London, WC1E 6JF London, UK.
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11
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Gonzalez-Cao M, Berrocal A, Puig S, Karachaliou N, Matos-Arruda LD, Seoane J, Escors D, Alvarez C, Vaque JP, Prat A, Wellbrock C, Arozarena I, Marquez-Rodas I, Espinosa E, Molina MA, Puertolas T, Juan-Otero M, Malagrida R, Jantus-Lewintre E, Soriano V, Arance A, Manzano JL, Lorigan P, Gajewski TF, Rosell R, Martin-Algarra S. Report from the II Melanoma Translational Meeting of the Spanish Melanoma Group (GEM). Ann Transl Med 2017. [DOI: 10.21037/atm.2017.06.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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12
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Abstract
The discovery of activating mutations in the serine/threonine (S/T) kinase BRAF followed by a wave of follow-up research manifested that the MAPK-pathway plays a critical role in melanoma initiation and progression. BRAF and MEK inhibitors produce an unparalleled response rate in melanoma, but it is now clear that most responses are transient, and while some patients show long lasting responses the majority progress within 1 year. In accordance with the key role played by the MAPK-pathway in BRAF mutant melanomas, disease progression is mostly due to the appearance of drug-resistance mechanisms leading to restoration of MAPK-pathway activity. In the present article we will review the development, application and clinical effects of BRAF and MEK inhibitors both, as single agent and in combination in the context of targeted therapy in melanoma. We will then describe the most prominent mechanisms of resistance found in patients progressed on these targeted therapies. Finally we will discuss strategies for further optimizing the use of MAPK inhibitors and will describe the potential of alternative combination therapies to either delay the onset of resistance to MAPK inhibitors or directly target specific mechanisms of resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imanol Arozarena
- Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet-Idisna, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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13
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Smith MP, Rowling EJ, Miskolczi Z, Ferguson J, Spoerri L, Haass NK, Sloss O, McEntegart S, Arozarena I, von Kriegsheim A, Rodriguez J, Brunton H, Kmarashev J, Levesque MP, Dummer R, Frederick DT, Andrews MC, Cooper ZA, Flaherty KT, Wargo JA, Wellbrock C. Targeting endothelin receptor signalling overcomes heterogeneity driven therapy failure. EMBO Mol Med 2017; 9:1011-1029. [PMID: 28606996 PMCID: PMC5538298 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201607156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Approaches to prolong responses to BRAF targeting drugs in melanoma patients are challenged by phenotype heterogeneity. Melanomas of a "MITF-high" phenotype usually respond well to BRAF inhibitor therapy, but these melanomas also contain subpopulations of the de novo resistance "AXL-high" phenotype. > 50% of melanomas progress with enriched "AXL-high" populations, and because AXL is linked to de-differentiation and invasiveness avoiding an "AXL-high relapse" is desirable. We discovered that phenotype heterogeneity is supported during the response phase of BRAF inhibitor therapy due to MITF-induced expression of endothelin 1 (EDN1). EDN1 expression is enhanced in tumours of patients on treatment and confers drug resistance through ERK re-activation in a paracrine manner. Most importantly, EDN1 not only supports MITF-high populations through the endothelin receptor B (EDNRB), but also AXL-high populations through EDNRA, making it a master regulator of phenotype heterogeneity. Endothelin receptor antagonists suppress AXL-high-expressing cells and sensitize to BRAF inhibition, suggesting that targeting EDN1 signalling could improve BRAF inhibitor responses without selecting for AXL-high cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Emily J Rowling
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Zsofia Miskolczi
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jennifer Ferguson
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Loredana Spoerri
- Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- Discipline of Dermatology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Olivia Sloss
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sophie McEntegart
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet-Idisna, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Javier Rodriguez
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, UCD, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Holly Brunton
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jivko Kmarashev
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsspital Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mitchell P Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsspital Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsspital Zürich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dennie T Frederick
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miles C Andrews
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zachary A Cooper
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Keith T Flaherty
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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14
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Abstract
Melanoma is a skin cancer notorious for its metastatic potential. As an initial step of the metastatic cascade, melanoma cells part from the primary tumour and invade the surrounding tissue, which is crucial for their dissemination and the formation of distant secondary tumours. Over the last two decades, our understanding of both, general and melanoma specific mechanisms of invasion has significantly improved, but to date no efficient therapeutic strategy tackling the invasive properties of melanoma cells has reached the clinic. In this review, we assess the major contributions towards the understanding of the molecular biology of melanoma cell invasion with a focus on melanoma specific traits. These traits are based on the neural crest origin of melanoma cells and explain their intrinsic invasive nature. A particular emphasis is given not only to lineage specific signalling mediated by TGFβ, and noncanonical and canonical WNT signalling, but also to the role of PDE5A and RHO-GTPases in modulating modes of melanoma cell invasion. We discuss existing caveats in the current understanding of the metastatic properties of melanoma cells, as well as the relevance of the 'phenotype switch' model and 'co-operativity' between different phenotypes in heterogeneous tumours. At the centre of these phenotypes is the lineage commitment factor microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, one of the most crucial regulators of the balance between de-differentiation (neural crest specific gene expression) and differentiation (melanocyte specific gene expression) that defines invasive and noninvasive melanoma cell phenotypes. Finally, we provide insight into the current evidence linking resistance to targeted therapies to invasive properties of melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imanol Arozarena
- Cancer Signalling Group, Navarrabiomed (Miguel Servet Foundation), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, UK
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15
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Young HL, Rowling EJ, Bugatti M, Giurisato E, Luheshi N, Arozarena I, Acosta JC, Kamarashev J, Frederick DT, Cooper ZA, Reuben A, Gil J, Flaherty KT, Wargo JA, Vermi W, Smith MP, Wellbrock C, Hurlstone A. An adaptive signaling network in melanoma inflammatory niches confers tolerance to MAPK signaling inhibition. J Exp Med 2017; 214:1691-1710. [PMID: 28450382 PMCID: PMC5460994 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway antagonists induce profound clinical responses in advanced cutaneous melanoma, but complete remissions are frustrated by the development of acquired resistance. Before resistance emerges, adaptive responses establish a mutation-independent drug tolerance. Antagonizing these adaptive responses could improve drug effects, thereby thwarting the emergence of acquired resistance. In this study, we reveal that inflammatory niches consisting of tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts contribute to treatment tolerance through a cytokine-signaling network that involves macrophage-derived IL-1β and fibroblast-derived CXCR2 ligands. Fibroblasts require IL-1β to produce CXCR2 ligands, and loss of host IL-1R signaling in vivo reduces melanoma growth. In tumors from patients on treatment, signaling from inflammatory niches is amplified in the presence of MAPK inhibitors. Signaling from inflammatory niches counteracts combined BRAF/MEK (MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase) inhibitor treatment, and consequently, inhibiting IL-1R or CXCR2 signaling in vivo enhanced the efficacy of MAPK inhibitors. We conclude that melanoma inflammatory niches adapt to and confer drug tolerance toward BRAF and MEK inhibitors early during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Young
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Studies, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Emily J Rowling
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Studies, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Mattia Bugatti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Giurisato
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Studies, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nadia Luheshi
- Division of Oncology, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge CB21 6GH, England, UK
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Studies, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Juan-Carlos Acosta
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, Scotland, UK
| | - Jivko Kamarashev
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dennie T Frederick
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Zachary A Cooper
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Alexandre Reuben
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Jesus Gil
- Medical Research Council London Institute of Medical Sciences, London W12 0NN, England, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, England, UK
| | - Keith T Flaherty
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - William Vermi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Michael P Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Studies, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Studies, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Adam Hurlstone
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Studies, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
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16
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Ferguson J, Smith M, Zudaire I, Wellbrock C, Arozarena I. Glucose availability controls ATF4-mediated MITF suppression to drive melanoma cell growth. Oncotarget 2017; 8:32946-32959. [PMID: 28380427 PMCID: PMC5464841 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well know that cancer cells have adopted an altered metabolism and that glucose is a major source of energy for these cells. In melanoma, enhanced glucose usage is favoured through the hyper-activated MAPK pathway, which suppresses OXPHOS and stimulates glycolysis. However, it has not been addressed how glucose availability impacts on melanoma specific signaling pathways that drive melanoma cell proliferation. Here we show that melanoma cells are dependent on high glucose levels for efficient growth. Thereby, glucose metabolism controls the expression of the melanoma fate transcription factor MITF, a master regulator of melanoma cell survival and proliferation, invasion and therapy resistance. Restriction of glucose availability to physiological concentrations induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increased ROS levels lead to the up-regulation of AFT4, which in turn suppresses MITF expression by competing with CREB, an otherwise potent inducer of the MITF promoter. Our data give new insight into the complex regulation of MITF, a key regulator of melanoma biology, and support previous findings that link metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia and diabetes with increased melanoma risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ferguson
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PT, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PT, Manchester, UK
| | - Isabel Zudaire
- Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet-Idisna, Calle Irunlarrea, 3 Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PT, Manchester, UK
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PT, Manchester, UK
- Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet-Idisna, Calle Irunlarrea, 3 Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
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Eskiocak B, McMillan EA, Mendiratta S, Kollipara RK, Zhang H, Humphries CG, Wang C, Garcia-Rodriguez J, Ding M, Zaman A, Rosales TI, Eskiocak U, Smith MP, Sudderth J, Komurov K, Deberardinis RJ, Wellbrock C, Davies MA, Wargo JA, Yu Y, De Brabander JK, Williams NS, Chin L, Rizos H, Long GV, Kittler R, White MA. Biomarker Accessible and Chemically Addressable Mechanistic Subtypes of BRAF Melanoma. Cancer Discov 2017; 7:832-851. [PMID: 28455392 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-16-0955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Genomic diversity among melanoma tumors limits durable control with conventional and targeted therapies. Nevertheless, pathologic activation of the ERK1/2 pathway is a linchpin tumorigenic mechanism associated with the majority of primary and recurrent disease. Therefore, we sought to identify therapeutic targets that are selectively required for tumorigenicity in the presence of pathologic ERK1/2 signaling. By integration of multigenome chemical and genetic screens, recurrent architectural variants in melanoma tumor genomes, and patient outcome data, we identified two mechanistic subtypes of BRAFV600 melanoma that inform new cancer cell biology and offer new therapeutic opportunities. Subtype membership defines sensitivity to clinical MEK inhibitors versus TBK1/IKBKε inhibitors. Importantly, subtype membership can be predicted using a robust quantitative five-feature genetic biomarker. This biomarker, and the mechanistic relationships linked to it, can identify a cohort of best responders to clinical MEK inhibitors and identify a cohort of TBK1/IKBKε inhibitor-sensitive disease among nonresponders to current targeted therapy.Significance: This study identified two mechanistic subtypes of melanoma: (1) the best responders to clinical BRAF/MEK inhibitors (25%) and (2) nonresponders due to primary resistance mechanisms (9.9%). We identified robust biomarkers that can detect these subtypes in patient samples and predict clinical outcome. TBK1/IKBKε inhibitors were selectively toxic to drug-resistant melanoma. Cancer Discov; 7(8); 832-51. ©2017 AACR.See related commentary by Jenkins and Barbie, p. 799This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 783.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banu Eskiocak
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Elizabeth A McMillan
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Saurabh Mendiratta
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rahul K Kollipara
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Hailei Zhang
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Caroline G Humphries
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Changguang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jose Garcia-Rodriguez
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ming Ding
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Aubhishek Zaman
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Tracy I Rosales
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ugur Eskiocak
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Michael P Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Sudderth
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Kakajan Komurov
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ralph J Deberardinis
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jef K De Brabander
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Noelle S Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lynda Chin
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Helen Rizos
- Melanoma Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgina V Long
- Melanoma Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ralf Kittler
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Michael A White
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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Smith MP, Wellbrock C. Molecular Pathways: Maintaining MAPK Inhibitor Sensitivity by Targeting Nonmutational Tolerance. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:5966-5970. [PMID: 27797970 PMCID: PMC5300098 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Targeting hyperactive MAPK signaling has proven to be an effective treatment for a variety of different cancers. Responses to the BRAF inhibitors vemurafenib and dabrafenib and the MEK inhibitors trametinib and cobimetinib are, however, transient, and complete remission is rarely observed; rather, outgrowth of resistant clones within progressed tumors appears inevitable. These resistant tumors display great heterogeneity, which poses a major challenge to any salvage therapy. Recent focus has, therefore, been on the early dynamics of inhibitor response during tumor regression. During this time, cells can persist in an adapted tolerant state, which results in a phase of nonmutational drug tolerance. In this article, we discuss how inhibition of the MAPK pathway leads to an adaptive rewiring that evolves from the relief of immediate negative feedback loops to short-term gene expression changes and adaptation of intracellular signaling. Tolerance can also be mediated by external signaling from the tumor microenvironment, which itself adapts upon treatment and the selection for cells with an innate drug-tolerant phenotype. In preclinical models, combination treatment with receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors (lapatinib and dasatinib), histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (vorinostat and entinostat), or drugs targeting cancer-specific mechanisms (nelfinavir in melanoma) can overcome this early tolerance. A better understanding of how nonmutational tolerance is created and supported may hold the key to better combinational strategies that maintain drug sensitivity. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 5966-70. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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19
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Smith M, Brunton H, Rowling E, Girotti M, Marais R, Dummer R, Flaherty K, Cooper Z, Wargo J, Wellbrock C. Proffered Paper: Utilising non-mutational drug-tolerance prolongs and improves targeted melanoma therapy. Eur J Cancer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(16)61005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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22
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Young H, Rowling E, Smith M, Bugatti M, Vermi W, Luheshi N, Wellbrock C, Hurlstone A. A relay of IL-1R and CXCR2 signals in the tumour microenvironment confer tolerance to MAPK antagonism in melanoma. Eur J Cancer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(16)61232-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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23
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Rowling E, Chapman A, Telfer B, Hurlstone A, Wellbrock C. The role of tumour heterogeneity in melanoma progression. Eur J Cancer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(16)61344-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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24
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Wellbrock C, Arozarena I. The Complexity of the ERK/MAP-Kinase Pathway and the Treatment of Melanoma Skin Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2016; 4:33. [PMID: 27200346 PMCID: PMC4846800 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The central role played by the ERK/MAPK pathway downstream of RAS in human neoplasias is best exemplified in the context of melanoma skin cancer. Signaling through the MAPK pathway is crucial for the proliferation of melanocytes, the healthy pigment cells that give rise to melanoma. However, hyper-activation of the MAPK-pathway is found in over 90% of melanomas with approximately 50% of all patients displaying mutations in the kinase BRAF, and approximately 28% of all patients harboring mutations in the MAPK-pathway up-stream regulator NRAS. This finding has led to the development of BRAF and MEK inhibitors whose application in the clinic has shown unprecedented survival responses. Unfortunately the responses to MAPK pathway inhibitors are transient with most patients progressing within a year and a median progression free survival of 7-10 months. The disease progression is due to the development of drug-resistance based on various mechanisms, many of them involving a rewiring of the MAPK pathway. In this article we will review the complexity of MAPK signaling in melanocytic cells as well as the mechanisms of action of different MAPK-pathway inhibitors and their correlation with clinical response. We will reflect on mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance that limit patient's response, with a focus on the MAPK signaling network. Because of the resurgence of antibody-based immune-therapies there is a growing feeling of failure in the targeted therapy camp. However, recent studies have revealed new windows of therapeutic opportunity for melanoma sufferers treated with drugs targeting the MAPK pathway, and these opportunities will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of ManchesterManchester, UK
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- School of Applied Sciences, University of HuddersfieldHuddersfield, UK
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25
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Smith MP, Brunton H, Rowling EJ, Ferguson J, Arozarena I, Miskolczi Z, Lee JL, Girotti MR, Marais R, Levesque MP, Dummer R, Frederick DT, Flaherty KT, Cooper ZA, Wargo JA, Wellbrock C. Inhibiting Drivers of Non-mutational Drug Tolerance Is a Salvage Strategy for Targeted Melanoma Therapy. Cancer Cell 2016; 29:270-284. [PMID: 26977879 PMCID: PMC4796027 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Once melanomas have progressed with acquired resistance to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-targeted therapy, mutational heterogeneity presents a major challenge. We therefore examined the therapy phase before acquired resistance had developed and discovered the melanoma survival oncogene MITF as a driver of an early non-mutational and reversible drug-tolerance state, which is induced by PAX3-mediated upregulation of MITF. A drug-repositioning screen identified the HIV1-protease inhibitor nelfinavir as potent suppressor of PAX3 and MITF expression. Nelfinavir profoundly sensitizes BRAF and NRAS mutant melanoma cells to MAPK-pathway inhibitors. Moreover, nelfinavir is effective in BRAF and NRAS mutant melanoma cells isolated from patients progressed on MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) therapy and in BRAF/NRAS/PTEN mutant tumors. We demonstrate that inhibiting a driver of MAPKi-induced drug tolerance could improve current approaches of targeted melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Holly Brunton
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Emily J Rowling
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jennifer Ferguson
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Zsofia Miskolczi
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jessica L Lee
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Maria R Girotti
- Molecular Oncology Group, CRUK Manchester Institute for Cancer Research, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Richard Marais
- Molecular Oncology Group, CRUK Manchester Institute for Cancer Research, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Mitchell P Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, University of Zürich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, University of Zürich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dennie T Frederick
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114-2696, USA
| | - Keith T Flaherty
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114-2696, USA
| | - Zachary A Cooper
- Divison of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Divison of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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Abstract
Targeted therapy in the treatment of cancer has produced great clinical successes. However, with these came the challenge of acquired resistance. Melanoma, a cancer that carries one of the highest mutational burdens, displays great complexity in mutational acquired resistance with a notable degree of inter-tumoural heterogeneity. In this issue of EMBO Molecular Medicine , Kemper et al (2015 ) describe the identification of multiple, partly novel resistance mechanisms present in one patient and within a single metastasis, where one mutation could be traced back to a pre-treatment lesion. Importantly, the observed intra-tumoural “spatial” heterogeneity can impact on the interpretability of patient-derived xenografts, and this might have implications particularly for co-clinical treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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27
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Wellbrock C. Abstract SY27-02: Tumour heterogeneity and therapy resistance in melanoma. Cancer Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2015-sy27-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Solid tumors are structurally very complex; they consist of heterogeneous cancer cell populations, other non-cancerous cell types and a distinct extracellular matrix. Interactions of cancer cells with non-cancerous cells is well investigated, and our recent work in melanoma has demonstrated that the cellular environment that surrounds cancer cells has a major impact on the way a patient responds to MAP-kinase pathway targeting therapy.
We have shown that intra-tumor signaling within a heterogeneous tumor can have a major impact on the efficacy of BRAF and MEK inhibitors. With the increasing evidence of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity within tumors, intra-tumor signaling between individual cancer-cell subpopulations is therefore a crucial factor that needs to be considered in future therapy approaches. Our work has identified the ‘melanocyte-lineage survival oncogene’ MITF as an important player in phenotypic heterogeneity (MITFhigh and MITFlow cells) in melanoma, and MITF expression levels are crucial for the response to MAP-kinase pathway targeted therapy. We found that ‘MITF heterogeneity’ can be caused by cell-autonomous mechanisms or by the microenvironment, including the immune-microenvironment.
We have identified various mechanisms underlying MITF action in resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitors in melanoma. In MITFhigh expressing cells, MITF confers cell-autonomous resistance to MAP-kinase pathway targeted therapy. Moreover, it appears that in melanomas heterogeneous for MITF expression (MITFhigh and MITFlow cells), individual subpopulations of resistant and sensitive cells communicate and MITF can contribute to overall tumor-resistance through intra-tumor signaling. Finally, we have identified a novel approach of interfering with MITF action, which profoundly sensitizes melanoma to MAP-kinase pathway targeted therapy.
Citation Format: Claudia Wellbrock. Tumour heterogeneity and therapy resistance in melanoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr SY27-02. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-SY27-02
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Wellbrock C, Arozarena I. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor in melanoma development and MAP-kinase pathway targeted therapy. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2015; 28:390-406. [PMID: 25818589 PMCID: PMC4692100 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a neoplasm of melanocytes, and the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is essential for the existence of melanocytes. MITF's relevance for this cell lineage is maintained in melanoma, where it is an important regulator of survival and balances melanoma cell proliferation with terminal differentiation (pigmentation). The MITF gene is amplified in ~20% of melanomas and MITF mutation can predispose to melanoma development. Furthermore, the regulation of MITF expression and function is strongly linked to the BRAF/MEK/ERK/MAP-kinase (MAPK) pathway, which is deregulated in >90% of melanomas and central target of current therapies. MITF expression in melanoma is heterogeneous, and recent findings highlight the relevance of this heterogeneity for the response of melanoma to MAPK pathway targeting drugs, as well as for MITF's role in melanoma progression. This review aims to provide an updated overview on the regulation of MITF function and plasticity in melanoma with a focus on its link to MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research CentreWellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix ResearchFaculty of Life SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Manchester Cancer Research CentreWellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix ResearchFaculty of Life SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
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Smith MP, Young H, Hurlstone A, Wellbrock C. Differentiation of THP1 Cells into Macrophages for Transwell Co-culture Assay with Melanoma Cells. Bio Protoc 2015; 5:e1638. [PMID: 27034969 PMCID: PMC4811304 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.1638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how immune cells such as macrophages interact with cancer cells is of increasing interest, as cancer treatments move towards combining both targeted- and immuno- therapies in new treatment regimes. This protocol is using THP-1 cells, a human leukemia monocytic cell line that can be differentiated into macrophages. This allows studying the effects of the macrophage secretome on cancer cells (on e.g. growth, drug response or gene expression) in co-cultures without direct cell contact interactions. This is an important aspect as it removes the presence of any phagocytic aspect to changes in the cancer cell number and behaviour. The in vitro THP-1 monocyte differentiation into polarized macrophages was used to study the effects of both M1 and M2 type populations of macrophages on melanoma cells (Smith et al., 2014; Tsuchiya et al., 1980). M1 type macrophages are classically thought to be tumour suppressing as opposed to M2 type macrophages, which are thought to possess tissue repairing and tumour growth promoting activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Helen Young
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam Hurlstone
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Erice O, Smith MP, White R, Goicoechea I, Barriuso J, Jones C, Margison GP, Acosta JC, Wellbrock C, Arozarena I. MGMT Expression Predicts PARP-Mediated Resistance to Temozolomide. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:1236-46. [PMID: 25777962 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma and other solid cancers are frequently resistant to chemotherapies based on DNA alkylating agents such as dacarbazine and temozolomide. As a consequence, clinical responses are generally poor. Such resistance is partly due to the ability of cancer cells to use a variety of DNA repair enzymes to maintain cell viability. Particularly, the expression of MGMT has been linked to temozolomide resistance, but cotargeting MGMT has proven difficult due to dose-limiting toxicities. Here, we show that the MGMT-mediated resistance of cancer cells is profoundly dependent on the DNA repair enzyme PARP. Both in vitro and in vivo, we observe that MGMT-positive cancer cells strongly respond to the combination of temozolomide and PARP inhibitors (PARPi), whereas MGMT-deficient cells do not. In melanoma cells, temozolomide induced an antiproliferative senescent response, which was greatly enhanced by PARPi in MGMT-positive cells. In summary, we provide compelling evidence to suggest that the stratification of patients with cancer upon the MGMT status would enhance the success of combination treatments using temozolomide and PARPi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oihane Erice
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel White
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre and MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ibai Goicoechea
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Barriuso
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Jones
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey P Margison
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Juan C Acosta
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre and MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Smith MP, Sanchez-Laorden B, O’Brien K, Brunton H, Ferguson J, Young H, Dhomen N, Flaherty KT, Frederick DT, Cooper ZA, Wargo JA, Marais R, Wellbrock C. The immune microenvironment confers resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors through macrophage-derived TNFα. Cancer Discov 2014; 4:1214-1229. [PMID: 25256614 PMCID: PMC4184867 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-13-1007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Recently, the rationale for combining targeted therapy with immunotherapy has come to light, but our understanding of the immune response during MAPK pathway inhibitor treatment is limited. We discovered that the immune microenvironment can act as a source of resistance to MAPK pathway-targeted therapy, and moreover during treatment this source becomes reinforced. In particular, we identified macrophage-derived TNFα as a crucial melanoma growth factor that provides resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors through the lineage transcription factor MITF (microphthalmia transcription factor). Most strikingly, in BRAF-mutant melanomas of patients and BRAF(V600E) melanoma allografts, MAPK pathway inhibitors increased the number of tumor-associated macrophages, and TNFα and MITF expression. Inhibiting TNFα signaling with IκB kinase inhibitors profoundly enhanced the efficacy of MAPK pathway inhibitors by targeting not only the melanoma cells but also the microenvironment. In summary, we identify the immune microenvironment as a novel source of resistance and reveal a new strategy to improve the efficacy of targeted therapy in melanoma. SIGNIFICANCE This study identifies the immune microenvironment as a source of resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors through macrophage-derived TNFα, and reveals that in patients on treatment this source becomes reinforced. Inhibiting IκB kinase enhances the efficacy of MAPK pathway inhibitors, which identifies this approach as a potential novel strategy to improve targeted therapy in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Smith
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Berta Sanchez-Laorden
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, SW3 6JB, UK
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Kate O’Brien
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Holly Brunton
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jennifer Ferguson
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Helen Young
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Nathalie Dhomen
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Keith T. Flaherty
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennie T. Frederick
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zachary A. Cooper
- Divison of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Wargo
- Divison of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Richard Marais
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, SW3 6JB, UK
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
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Chapman A, Fernandez del Ama L, Ferguson J, Kamarashev J, Wellbrock C, Hurlstone A. Heterogeneous tumor subpopulations cooperate to drive invasion. Cell Rep 2014; 8:688-95. [PMID: 25066122 PMCID: PMC4542310 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clonal selection and transcriptional reprogramming (e.g., epithelial-mesenchymal transition or phenotype switching) are the predominant theories thought to underlie tumor progression. However, a "division of labor" leading to cooperation among tumor-cell subpopulations could be an additional catalyst of progression. Using a zebrafish-melanoma xenograft model, we found that in a heterogeneous setting, inherently invasive cells, which possess protease activity and deposit extracellular matrix (ECM), co-invade with subpopulations of poorly invasive cells, a phenomenon we term "cooperative invasion". Whereas the poorly invasive cells benefit from heterogeneity, the invasive cells switch from protease-independent to an MT1-MMP-dependent mode of invasion. We did not observe changes in expression of the melanoma phenotype determinant MITF during cooperative invasion, thus ruling out the necessity for phenotype switching for invasion. Altogether, our data suggest that cooperation can drive melanoma progression without the need for clonal selection or phenotype switching and can account for the preservation of heterogeneity seen throughout tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chapman
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Laura Fernandez del Ama
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jennifer Ferguson
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jivko Kamarashev
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Adam Hurlstone
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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Abstract
The serine threonine kinases BRAF and MEK [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase] are major regulators of the ERK/MAPK pathway, which is deregulated in the majority of melanomas. Targeting BRAF is an effective therapy for advanced melanoma, but patients progress due to the development of resistance. This 'acquired resistance' is thought to be based on a minority of tumour cell populations that are resistant and will eventually re-establish tumour growth even in the presence of drug. In particular, mutations, amplifications or overexpression of genes encoding regulators of the MAPK pathway can confer this resistance, because it allows the melanoma cells to bypass inhibitor action by stimulating ERK activation through alternative routes. Furthermore, there are mechanisms that produce resistance by enhancing the tolerance of melanoma cells to the cytotoxic effects of the drug. These compensatory mechanisms can activate survival signals in the melanoma cells without reactivating ERK. Besides these cell-autonomous resistance mechanisms, stromal fibroblasts in the tumour microenvironment have been identified as a potential source of resistance, because these cells can produce growth factors that reactivate ERK through paracrine signalling. Understanding and further identifying mechanisms of resistance is crucial for the future treatment of advanced melanoma, because this can inform the design of improved therapies with more durable responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wellbrock
- *Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wellcome Trust Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
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Arozarena I, Goicoechea I, Erice O, Ferguson J, Margison GP, Wellbrock C. Differential chemosensitivity to antifolate drugs between RAS and BRAF melanoma cells. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:154. [PMID: 24941944 PMCID: PMC4079649 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of the genetic background of cancer cells for the individual susceptibility to cancer treatments is increasingly apparent. In melanoma, the existence of a BRAF mutation is a main predictor for successful BRAF-targeted therapy. However, despite initial successes with these therapies, patients relapse within a year and have to move on to other therapies. Moreover, patients harbouring a wild type BRAF gene (including 25% with NRAS mutations) still require alternative treatment such as chemotherapy. Multiple genetic parameters have been associated with response to chemotherapy, but despite their high frequency in melanoma nothing is known about the impact of BRAF or NRAS mutations on the response to chemotherapeutic agents. METHODS Using cell proliferation and DNA methylation assays, FACS analysis and quantitative-RT-PCR we have characterised the response of a panel of NRAS and BRAF mutant melanoma cell lines to various chemotherapy drugs, amongst them dacarbazine (DTIC) and temozolomide (TMZ) and DNA synthesis inhibitors. RESULTS Although both, DTIC and TMZ act as alkylating agents through the same intermediate, NRAS and BRAF mutant cells responded differentially only to DTIC. Further analysis revealed that the growth-inhibitory effects mediated by DTIC were rather due to interference with nucleotide salvaging, and that NRAS mutant melanoma cells exhibit higher activity of the nucleotide synthesis enzymes IMPDH and TK1. Importantly, the enhanced ability of RAS mutant cells to use nucleotide salvaging resulted in resistance to DHFR inhibitors. CONCLUSION In summary, our data suggest that the genetic background in melanoma cells influences the response to inhibitors blocking de novo DNA synthesis, and that defining the RAS mutation status could be used to stratify patients for the use of antifolate drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imanol Arozarena
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Ibai Goicoechea
- Oncology area, Biodonostia Research Institute, Calle Doctor Begiristain, San Sebastian 20014, Spain
| | - Oihane Erice
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Biodonostia Research Institute, Calle Doctor Begiristain, San Sebastian 20014, Spain
| | - Jennnifer Ferguson
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Geoffrey P Margison
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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Atkin J, Halova L, Ferguson J, Hitchin JR, Lichawska-Cieslar A, Jordan AM, Pines J, Wellbrock C, Petersen J. Torin1-mediated TOR kinase inhibition reduces Wee1 levels and advances mitotic commitment in fission yeast and HeLa cells. J Cell Sci 2014; 127:1346-56. [PMID: 24424027 PMCID: PMC3953821 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.146373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase regulates cell growth and division. Rapamycin only inhibits a subset of TOR activities. Here we show that in contrast to the mild impact of rapamycin on cell division, blocking the catalytic site of TOR with the Torin1 inhibitor completely arrests growth without cell death in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. A mutation of the Tor2 glycine residue (G2040D) that lies adjacent to the key Torin-interacting tryptophan provides Torin1 resistance, confirming the specificity of Torin1 for TOR. Using this mutation, we show that Torin1 advanced mitotic onset before inducing growth arrest. In contrast to TOR inhibition with rapamycin, regulation by either Wee1 or Cdc25 was sufficient for this Torin1-induced advanced mitosis. Torin1 promoted a Polo and Cdr2 kinase-controlled drop in Wee1 levels. Experiments in human cell lines recapitulated these yeast observations: mammalian TOR (mTOR) was inhibited by Torin1, Wee1 levels declined and mitotic commitment was advanced in HeLa cells. Thus, the regulation of the mitotic inhibitor Wee1 by TOR signalling is a conserved mechanism that helps to couple cell cycle and growth controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Atkin
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Lenka Halova
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jennifer Ferguson
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - James R. Hitchin
- Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Unit, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | | | - Allan M. Jordan
- Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Unit, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Jonathon Pines
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Zoology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Janni Petersen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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Smith MP, Ferguson J, Arozarena I, Hayward R, Marais R, Chapman A, Hurlstone A, Wellbrock C. Effect of SMURF2 targeting on susceptibility to MEK inhibitors in melanoma. J Natl Cancer Inst 2013; 105:33-46. [PMID: 23250956 PMCID: PMC3536641 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djs471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mitogen-activated protein-kinase pathway consisting of the kinases RAF, MEK, and ERK is central to cell proliferation and survival and is deregulated in more than 90% of melanomas. MEK inhibitors are currently trialled in the clinic, but despite efficient target inhibition, cytostatic rather than cytotoxic activity limits their efficacy. METHODS We assessed the cytotoxicity to MEK inhibitors (PD184352 and selumetinib) in melanoma cells by toluidine-blue staining, caspase 3 cleavage, and melanoma-sphere growth. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were applied to determine SMAD-specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (SMURF2), PAX3, and MITF expression. Human melanoma samples (n = 77) from various stages were analyzed for SMURF2 and PAX3 expression. RNA interference was performed to target SMURF2 during MEK inhibition in vivo in melanoma xenografts in mice and zebrafish. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Activation of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signalling sensitized melanoma cells to the cytotoxic effects of MEK inhibition. Melanoma cells resistant to the cytotoxic effects of MEK inhibitors counteracted TGF-β signalling through overexpression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase SMURF2, which resulted in increased expression of the transcription factors PAX3 and MITF. High MITF expression protected melanoma cells against MEK inhibitor cytotoxicity. Depleting SMURF2 reduced MITF expression and substantially lowered the threshold for MEK inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Moreover, SMURF2 depletion sensitized melanoma cells to the cytotoxic effects of selumetinib, leading to cell death at concentrations approximately 100-fold lower than the concentration required to induce cell death in SMURF2-expressing cells. Mice treated with selumetinib alone at a dosage of 10mg/kg body weight once daily produced no response, but in combination with SMURF2 depletion, selumetinib suppressed tumor growth by 97.9% (95% confidence interval = 38.65% to 155.50%, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS Targeting SMURF2 may be a novel therapeutic approach for increasing the antitumor efficacy of MEK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Smith
- Molecular Cancer Studies, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, UK
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Ferguson J, Arozarena I, Ehrhardt M, Wellbrock C. 461 MEK and SRC Inhibitors as a Combinatorial Approach to Melanoma Therapy. Eur J Cancer 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(12)71134-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Wellbrock C, Smith M, Ferguson J, Arozarena I, Hayward R, Marais R, Chapmann A, Hurlstone A. 653 Activating TGF-beta Signalling Enhances the Efficacy of MAP-kinase Pathway Inhibitors in Melanoma. Eur J Cancer 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(12)71300-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
Cell-type specific signalling determines cell fate under physiological conditions, but it is increasingly apparent that also in cancer development the impact of any given oncogenic pathway on the individual cancer pathology is dependent on cell-lineage specific molecular traits. For instance in colon and liver cancer canonical Wnt signalling produces increased cytoplasmic and nuclear localised beta-catenin, which correlates with invasion and poor prognosis. In contrast, in melanoma increased cytoplasmic and nuclear beta-catenin is currently emerging as a marker for good prognosis and thus appears to have a different function compared to other cancer types; however this function is unknown. We discovered that in contrast to its function in other cancers, in melanoma, beta-catenin blocks invasion. We demonstrate that this opposing role of nuclear beta-catenin in melanoma is mediated through MITF, a melanoma-specific protein that defines the lineage background of this cancer type. Downstream of beta-catenin MITF not only suppresses the Rho-GTPase regulated cell-morphology of invading melanoma cells, but also interferes with beta-catenin induced expression of the essential collagenase MT1-MMP, thus affecting all aspects of an invasive phenotype. Importantly, overexpression of MITF in invasive colon cancer cells modifies beta-catenin directed signalling and induces a ‘melanoma-phenotype’. In summary, the cell type specific presence of MITF in melanoma affects beta-catenin’s pro-invasive properties otherwise active in colon or liver cancer. Thus our study reveals the general importance of considering cell-type specific signalling for the accurate interpretation of tumour markers and ultimately for the design of rational therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Arozarena
- Molecular Cancer Studies, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Abstract
BRAF is a member of the RAF kinase family, which acts in the ERK/MAP kinase pathway, a signalling cascade that regulates cellular proliferation, differentiation and survival. Single point mutations can turn BRAF into an oncogene, but there appears to be a cell type/tumour specific relevance for BRAF kinase-activating mutations, since they are found predominantly in cutaneous melanoma. With the success of targeting other oncogenic kinases such as BCR-ABL, KIT or members of the epidermal-growth factor receptor (EGFR) family in other cancers, the expectations were high when the first RAF kinase-targeting drug (sorafenib) reached clinical trials. However, disappointingly the first studies using sorafenib in melanoma patients did not show the anticipated single agent efficacy. More recently, the resolution of the BRAF crystal structure has led to the development of better, more specific BRAF inhibitors such as the Plexxikon compound, PLX4032, which induced a dramatic response rate in phase I trials, validating BRAF as a clinically relevant target. In addition, our understanding of melanoma biology and the role BRAF is playing therein has improved significantly. The complexity in the ERK/MAP kinase pathway including important feedback mechanisms has been dissected, and the relevance of cross-talks with other signalling pathways has been revealed, suggesting strategies for the design of improved, more efficient combinatorial therapies. This review highlights the relevance of BRAF and the ERK/MAP kinase pathway for melanoma cell biology and discusses some of the recent advances in both, the understanding of BRAF function in melanoma and the development of improved BRAF targeting inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wellbrock
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
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Rennalls LP, Seidl T, Larkin JMG, Wellbrock C, Gore ME, Eisen T, Bruno L. The melanocortin receptor agonist NDP-MSH impairs the allostimulatory function of dendritic cells. Immunology 2010; 129:610-9. [PMID: 20074207 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2009.03210.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
As alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is released by immunocompetent cells and has potent immunosuppressive properties, it was determined whether human dendritic cells (DCs) express the receptor for this hormone. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detected messenger RNA specific for all of the known melanocortin receptors in DCs. Mixed lymphocyte reactions also revealed that treatment with [Nle(4), DPhe(7)]-alpha-MSH (NDP-MSH), a potent alpha-MSH analogue, significantly reduced the ability of DCs to stimulate allogeneic T cells. The expression of various cell surface adhesion, maturation and costimulatory molecules on DCs was also investigated. Although treatment with NDP-MSH did not alter the expression of CD83 and major histocompatibility complex class I and II, the surface expression of CD86 (B7.2), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1/CD54) and CD1a was reduced. In summary, our data indicate that NDP-MSH inhibits the functional activity of DCs, possibly by down-regulating antigen-presenting and adhesion molecules and that these events may be mediated via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- La'Verne P Rennalls
- Section of Structural Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, UK.
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Wellbrock C, Rana S, Paterson H, Pickersgill H, Brummelkamp T, Marais R. Oncogenic BRAF regulates melanoma proliferation through the lineage specific factor MITF. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2734. [PMID: 18628967 PMCID: PMC2444043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2008] [Accepted: 06/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is an important regulator of cell-type specific functions in melanocytic cells. MITF is essential for the survival of pigmented cells, but whereas high levels of MITF drive melanocyte differentiation, lower levels are required to permit proliferation and survival of melanoma cells. MITF is phosphorylated by ERK, and this stimulates its activation, but also targets it for degradation through the ubiquitin-proteosome pathway, coupling MITF degradation to its activation. We have previously shown that because ERK is hyper-activated in melanoma cells in which BRAF is mutated, the MITF protein is constitutively down-regulated. Here we describe another intriguing aspect of MITF regulation by oncogenic BRAF in melanoma cells. We show oncogenic BRAF up-regulates MITF transcription through ERK and the transcription factor BRN2 (N-Oct3). In contrast, we show that in melanocytes this pathway does not exist because BRN2 is not expressed, demonstrating that MITF regulation is a newly acquired function of oncogenic BRAF that is not performed by the wild-type protein. Critically, in melanoma cells MITF is required downstream of oncogenic BRAF because it regulates expression of key cell cycle regulatory proteins such as CDK2 and CDK4. Wild-type BRAF does not regulate this pathway in melanocytes. Thus, we show that oncogenic BRAF exerts exquisite control over MITF on two levels. It downregulates the protein by stimulating its degradation, but then counteracts this by increasing transcription through BRN2. Our data suggest that oncogenic BRAF plays a critical role in regulating MITF expression to ensure that its protein levels are compatible with proliferation and survival of melanoma cells. We propose that its ability to appropriate the regulation of this critical factor explains in part why BRAF is such a potent oncogene in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wellbrock
- Signal Transduction Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK Centre of Cell and Molecular Biology, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Melanoma is a cancer that arises from melanocytes, specialized pigmented cells that are found predominantly in the skin. The incidence of melanoma is rising steadily in western populations--the number of cases worldwide has doubled in the past 20 years. In its early stages malignant melanoma can be cured by surgical resection, but once it has progressed to the metastatic stage it is extremely difficult to treat and does not respond to current therapies. Recent discoveries in cell signalling have provided greater understanding of the biology that underlies melanoma, and these advances are being exploited to provide targeted drugs and new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Gray-Schopfer
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Signal Transduction Team, Cancer Research UK Centre of Cell and Molecular Biology, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
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Pardo OE, Wellbrock C, Khanzada UK, Aubert M, Arozarena I, Davidson S, Bowen F, Parker PJ, Filonenko VV, Gout IT, Sebire N, Marais R, Downward J, Seckl MJ. FGF-2 protects small cell lung cancer cells from apoptosis through a complex involving PKCepsilon, B-Raf and S6K2. EMBO J 2006; 25:3078-88. [PMID: 16810323 PMCID: PMC1500980 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2005] [Accepted: 05/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) die because of chemoresistance. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) increases the expression of antiapoptotic proteins, XIAP and Bcl-X(L), and triggers chemoresistance in SCLC cells. Here we show that these effects are mediated through the formation of a specific multiprotein complex comprising B-Raf, PKCepsilon and S6K2. S6K1, Raf-1 and other PKC isoforms do not form similar complexes. RNAi-mediated downregulation of B-Raf, PKCepsilon or S6K2 abolishes FGF-2-mediated survival. In contrast, overexpression of PKCepsilon increases XIAP and Bcl-X(L) levels and chemoresistance in SCLC cells. In a tetracycline-inducible system, increased S6K2 kinase activity triggers upregulation of XIAP, Bcl-X(L) and prosurvival effects. However, increased S6K1 kinase activity has no such effect. Thus, S6K2 but not S6K1 mediates prosurvival/chemoresistance signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier E Pardo
- Lung Cancer Biology Group, Cancer Research UK, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospitals Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
- Signal Transduction, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Signal Transduction Team, Cancer Research UK Centre of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Umme K Khanzada
- Lung Cancer Biology Group, Cancer Research UK, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospitals Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - Muriel Aubert
- Lung Cancer Biology Group, Cancer Research UK, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospitals Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Lung Cancer Biology Group, Cancer Research UK, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospitals Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - Sally Davidson
- Lung Cancer Biology Group, Cancer Research UK, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospitals Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - Frances Bowen
- Lung Cancer Biology Group, Cancer Research UK, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospitals Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - Peter J Parker
- Protein Phosphorylation Laboratories, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, London, UK
| | - V V Filonenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ivan T Gout
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Neil Sebire
- Lung Cancer Biology Group, Cancer Research UK, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospitals Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - Richard Marais
- Signal Transduction Team, Cancer Research UK Centre of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Julian Downward
- Signal Transduction, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, London, UK
- Signal Transduction, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PX, UK. Tel.: +44 20 7269 3533; Fax: +44 20 7269 3094; E-mail:
| | - Michael J Seckl
- Lung Cancer Biology Group, Cancer Research UK, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospitals Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK
- Lung Cancer Biology Group, Cancer Research UK, Cyclotron Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospitals Campus, Du Cane Road, London, UK. Tel.: +44 20 8846 1421; Fax: +44 20 8383 5577; E-mail:
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Meierjohann S, Wende E, Kraiss A, Wellbrock C, Schartl M. The oncogenic epidermal growth factor receptor variant Xiphophorus melanoma receptor kinase induces motility in melanocytes by modulation of focal adhesions. Cancer Res 2006; 66:3145-52. [PMID: 16540665 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-2667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
One of the most prominent features of malignant melanoma is the fast generation of metastasizing cells, resulting in the poor prognosis of patients with this tumor type. For this process, cells must gain the ability to migrate. The oncogenic receptor Xmrk (Xiphophorus melanoma receptor kinase) from the Xiphophorus melanoma system is a mutationally activated version of the epidermal growth factor receptor that induces the malignant transformation of pigment cells. Here, we show that the activation of Xmrk leads to a clear increase of pigment cell motility in a fyn-dependent manner. Stimulation of Xmrk induces its interaction with the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the interaction of active, receptor-bound fyn with FAK. This results in changes in FAK activity and induces the modulation of stress fibers and focal adhesions. Overexpression of dominant-negative FAK shows that the activity of innate FAK and a receptor-induced focal adhesion turnover are a prerequisite for pigment cell migration. Our findings show that in our system, Xmrk is sufficient for the induction of pigment cell motility and underlines a role of the src family protein tyrosine kinase fyn in melanoma development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Meierjohann
- Department of Physiological Chemistry I, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Wellbrock C, Weisser C, Hassel JC, Fischer P, Becker J, Vetter CS, Behrmann I, Kortylewski M, Heinrich PC, Schartl M. STAT5 contributes to interferon resistance of melanoma cells. Curr Biol 2006; 15:1629-39. [PMID: 16169484 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2005.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2005] [Revised: 06/28/2005] [Accepted: 08/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive neoplastic disease whose incidence is increasing rapidly. In recent years, the use of interferon alpha (IFNalpha) has become the most established adjuvant immunotherapy for melanoma of advanced stage. IFNalpha is a potent inhibitor of melanoma cell proliferation, and the signal transducer and activator of transcription STAT1 is crucial for its antiproliferative action. Although advanced melanomas clinically resistant to IFNalpha are frequently characterized by inefficient STAT1 signaling, the mechanisms underlying advanced-stage interferon resistance are poorly understood. RESULTS Here, we demonstrate that IFNalpha activates STAT5 in melanoma cells and that in IFNalpha-resistant cells STAT5 is overexpressed. Significantly, the knockdown of STAT5 in interferon-resistant melanoma cells restored the growth-inhibitory response to IFNalpha. When STAT5 was overexpressed in IFNalpha-sensitive cells, it counteracted interferon-induced growth inhibition. The overexpressed STAT5 diminished IFNalpha-triggered STAT1 activation, most evidently through upregulation of the inhibitor of cytokine-signaling CIS. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that overexpression and activation of STAT5 enable melanoma cells to overcome cytokine-mediated antiproliferative signaling. Thus, overexpression of STAT5 can counteract IFNalpha signaling in melanoma cells, and this finally can result in cytokine-resistant and progressively growing tumor cells. These findings have significant implications for the clinical failure of IFNalpha therapy of advanced melanoma because they demonstrate that IFNalpha induces the activation of STAT5 in melanoma cells, and in STAT5-overexpressing cells, this contributes to IFNalpha resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wellbrock
- Department of Physiological Chemistry I, Biocenter, Theodor-Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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Abstract
The protein kinase B-RAF is a human oncogene that is mutated in ∼70% of human melanomas and transforms mouse melanocytes. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is an important melanocyte differentiation and survival factor, but its role in melanoma is unclear. In this study, we show that MITF expression is suppressed by oncogenic B-RAF in immortalized mouse and primary human melanocytes. However, low levels of MITF persist in human melanoma cells harboring oncogenic B-RAF, suggesting that additional mechanisms regulate its expression. MITF reexpression in B-RAF–transformed melanocytes inhibits their proliferation. Furthermore, differentiation-inducing factors that elevate MITF expression in melanoma cells inhibit their proliferation, but when MITF up-regulation is prevented by RNA interference, proliferation is not inhibited. These data suggest that MITF is an antiproliferation factor that is down-regulated by B-RAF signaling and that this is a crucial event for the progression of melanomas that harbor oncogenic B-RAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wellbrock
- Signal Transduction Team, Cancer Research UK Centre of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, England, UK
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Winnemoeller D, Wellbrock C, Schartl M. Activating mutations in the extracellular domain of the melanoma inducing receptor Xmrk are tumorigenicin vivo. Int J Cancer 2005; 117:723-9. [PMID: 15957173 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.21232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Mutated versions or overexpression of receptor tyrosine kinases such as the epidermal growth factor receptor are found frequently in various cancers. In Xiphophorus the formation of hereditary melanoma is caused by the overexpression of the Xmrk oncogene locus. Xmrk is a mutationally altered version of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Two amino acid changes in the extracellular domain of the receptor were shown in vitro to be responsible for a constitutive, ligand-independent activity of Xmrk. To analyze whether these two mutations are indeed responsible for the in vivo oncogenic activity of the receptor, both were independently introduced into the wild-type, non-oncogenic Xiphophorus EGF-receptor and tested in Medaka embryos for their tumorigenic capacity. Both mutations were sufficient to induce tumors after short latency periods and at a comparable frequency as the native Xmrk oncogene. The G359R mutation led to a significantly higher tumor rate than the C578S mutation. Our study shows that subtle point mutations of the EGF-receptor can lead to a highly tumorigenic oncoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Winnemoeller
- Department of Physiological Chemistry I, University of Wuerzburg, Germany
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Abstract
Since their discovery over 20 years ago, the RAF proteins have been intensely studied. For most of that time, the focus of the field has been the C-RAF isoform and its role as an effector of the RAS proteins. However, a report that implicates B-RAF in human cancer has highlighted the importance of all members of this protein kinase family and recent studies have uncovered intriguing new data relating to their complex regulation and biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Wellbrock
- Signal Transduction Team, Cancer Research UK Centre of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
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