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Manica D, da Silva GB, Narzetti RA, Dallagnoll P, da Silva AP, Marafon F, Cassol J, de Souza Matias L, Zamoner A, de Oliveira Maciel SFV, Moreno M, Bagatini MD. Curcumin modulates purinergic signaling and inflammatory response in cutaneous metastatic melanoma cells. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-10023-0. [PMID: 38801619 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-10023-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) poses a therapeutic challenge due to its aggressive nature and often limited response to conventional treatments. Exploring novel therapeutic targets is essential, and natural compounds have emerged as potential candidates. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of curcumin, a natural compound known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties, on metastatic melanoma cells, focusing on the purinergic system and immune responses. Human melanoma cell line SK-Mel-28 were exposed to different curcumin concentrations for either 6 or 24 h, after which we assessed components related to the purinergic system and the inflammatory cascade. Using RT-qPCR, we assessed the gene expression of CD39 and CD73 ectonucleotidases, as well as adenosine deaminase (ADA). Curcumin effectively downregulated CD39, CD73, and ADA gene expression. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that curcumin significantly reduced CD39 and CD73 protein expression at specific concentrations. Moreover, the A2A receptor's protein expression decreased across all concentrations. Enzymatic activity assays demonstrated that curcumin modulated CD39, CD73, and ADA activities, with effects dependent on concentration and duration of treatment. Extracellular ATP levels increased after 24 h of curcumin treatment, emphasizing its role in modulating hydrolytic activity. Curcumin also displayed anti-inflammatory properties by reducing NLRP3 gene expression and impacting the levels of key inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, this study unveils the potential of curcumin as a promising adjuvant in CM treatment. Curcumin modulates the expression and activity of crucial components of the purinergic system and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, indicating its potential therapeutic role in combating CM. These findings underscore curcumin's promise and warrant further investigation in preclinical and clinical settings for melanoma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane Manica
- Department of Biochemistry, Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Gilnei Bruno da Silva
- Multicentric Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of Santa Catarina, Lages, SC, Brazil
| | - Rafael Antônio Narzetti
- Department of Biochemistry, Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Paula Dallagnoll
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapeco, SC, Brazil
| | - Alana Patrícia da Silva
- Department of Biochemistry, Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Filomena Marafon
- Department of Biochemistry, Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Joana Cassol
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapeco, SC, Brazil
| | - Letícia de Souza Matias
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapeco, SC, Brazil
| | - Ariane Zamoner
- Department of Biochemistry, Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Moreno
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapeco, SC, Brazil.
| | - Margarete Dulce Bagatini
- Department of Biochemistry, Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapeco, SC, Brazil.
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2
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Ponzone L, Audrito V, Landi C, Moiso E, Levra Levron C, Ferrua S, Savino A, Vitale N, Gasparrini M, Avalle L, Vantaggiato L, Shaba E, Tassone B, Saoncella S, Orso F, Viavattene D, Marina E, Fiorilla I, Burrone G, Abili Y, Altruda F, Bini L, Deaglio S, Defilippi P, Menga A, Poli V, Porporato PE, Provero P, Raffaelli N, Riganti C, Taverna D, Cavallo F, Calautti E. RICTOR/mTORC2 downregulation in BRAF V600E melanoma cells promotes resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibition. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:105. [PMID: 38755661 PMCID: PMC11097536 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main drawback of BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAF/MEKi)-based targeted therapy in the management of BRAF-mutated cutaneous metastatic melanoma (MM) is the development of therapeutic resistance. We aimed to assess in this context the role of mTORC2, a signaling complex defined by the presence of the essential RICTOR subunit, regarded as an oncogenic driver in several tumor types, including MM. METHODS After analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas MM patients' database to explore both overall survival and molecular signatures as a function of intra-tumor RICTOR levels, we investigated the effects of RICTOR downregulation in BRAFV600E MM cell lines on their response to BRAF/MEKi. We performed proteomic screening to identify proteins modulated by changes in RICTOR expression, and Seahorse analysis to evaluate the effects of RICTOR depletion on mitochondrial respiration. The combination of BRAFi with drugs targeting proteins and processes emerged in the proteomic screening was carried out on RICTOR-deficient cells in vitro and in a xenograft setting in vivo. RESULTS Low RICTOR levels in BRAF-mutated MM correlate with a worse clinical outcome. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of low-RICTOR tumors display gene signatures suggestive of activation of the mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain (ETC) energy production. RICTOR-deficient BRAFV600E cells are intrinsically tolerant to BRAF/MEKi and anticipate the onset of resistance to BRAFi upon prolonged drug exposure. Moreover, in drug-naïve cells we observed a decline in RICTOR expression shortly after BRAFi exposure. In RICTOR-depleted cells, both mitochondrial respiration and expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) are enhanced, and their pharmacological inhibition restores sensitivity to BRAFi. CONCLUSIONS Our work unveils an unforeseen tumor-suppressing role for mTORC2 in the early adaptation phase of BRAFV600E melanoma cells to targeted therapy and identifies the NAMPT-ETC axis as a potential therapeutic vulnerability of low RICTOR tumors. Importantly, our findings indicate that the evaluation of intra-tumor RICTOR levels has a prognostic value in metastatic melanoma and may help to guide therapeutic strategies in a personalized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ponzone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Valentina Audrito
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Claudia Landi
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Enrico Moiso
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Chiara Levra Levron
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrua
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Aurora Savino
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Gasparrini
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy
| | - Lidia Avalle
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Lorenza Vantaggiato
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Enxhi Shaba
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Beatrice Tassone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Personal Care, dsm-firmenich, Kaiseraugst, 4303, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Saoncella
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Francesca Orso
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Daniele Viavattene
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marina
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Irene Fiorilla
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, 15121, Italy
| | - Giulia Burrone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Youssef Abili
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- GenomeUp, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Luca Bini
- Functional Proteomic Section, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Alessio Menga
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Valeria Poli
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Paolo Ettore Porporato
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Paolo Provero
- Neuroscience Department "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Nadia Raffaelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, 10124, Italy
| | - Daniela Taverna
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Enzo Calautti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy.
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Pícková M, Kahounová Z, Radaszkiewicz T, Procházková J, Fedr R, Nosková M, Radaszkiewicz KA, Ovesná P, Bryja V, Souček K. Orthotopic model for the analysis of melanoma circulating tumor cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7827. [PMID: 38570556 PMCID: PMC10991390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58236-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma, a highly lethal form of skin cancer, presents significant clinical challenges due to limited therapeutic options and high metastatic capacity. Recent studies have demonstrated that cancer dissemination can occur earlier, before the diagnosis of the primary tumor. The progress in understanding the kinetics of cancer dissemination is limited by the lack of animal models that accurately mimic disease progression. We have established a xenograft model of human melanoma that spontaneously metastasizes to lymph nodes and lungs. This model allows precise monitoring of melanoma progression and is suitable for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). We have validated a flow cytometry-based protocol for CTCs enumeration and isolation. We could demonstrate that (i) CTCs were detectable in the bloodstream from the fourth week after tumor initiation, coinciding with the lymph node metastases appearance, (ii) excision of the primary tumor accelerated the formation of metastases in lymph nodes and lungs as early as one-week post-surgery, accompanied by the increased numbers of CTCs, and (iii) CTCs change their surface protein signature. In summary, we present a model of human melanoma that can be effectively utilized for future drug efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Pícková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Kahounová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomasz Radaszkiewicz
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Procházková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Fedr
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Nosková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | | | - Petra Ovesná
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vítězslav Bryja
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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4
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Anderson JW, Vaisar D, Jones DN, Pegram LM, Vigers GP, Chen H, Moffat JG, Ahn NG. Conformation selection by ATP-competitive inhibitors and allosteric communication in ERK2. eLife 2024; 12:RP91507. [PMID: 38537148 PMCID: PMC10972564 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 (ERK2) by phosphorylation has been shown to involve changes in protein dynamics, as determined by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and NMR relaxation dispersion measurements. These can be described by a global exchange between two conformational states of the active kinase, named 'L' and 'R,' where R is associated with a catalytically productive ATP-binding mode. An ATP-competitive ERK1/2 inhibitor, Vertex-11e, has properties of conformation selection for the R-state, revealing movements of the activation loop that are allosterically coupled to the kinase active site. However, the features of inhibitors important for R-state selection are unknown. Here, we survey a panel of ATP-competitive ERK inhibitors using HDX-MS and NMR and identify 14 new molecules with properties of R-state selection. They reveal effects propagated to distal regions in the P+1 and helix αF segments surrounding the activation loop, as well as helix αL16. Crystal structures of inhibitor complexes with ERK2 reveal systematic shifts in the Gly loop and helix αC, mediated by a Tyr-Tyr ring stacking interaction and the conserved Lys-Glu salt bridge. The findings suggest a model for the R-state involving small movements in the N-lobe that promote compactness within the kinase active site and alter mobility surrounding the activation loop. Such properties of conformation selection might be exploited to modulate the protein docking interface used by ERK substrates and effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake W Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | - David Vaisar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | - David N Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CenterBoulderUnited States
| | - Laurel M Pegram
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | | | - Huifen Chen
- Genentech, Inc.South San FranciscoUnited States
| | | | - Natalie G Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
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5
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Shimoi T, Sunami K, Tahara M, Nishiwaki S, Tanaka S, Baba E, Kanai M, Kinoshita I, Shirota H, Hayashi H, Nishida N, Kubo T, Mamesaya N, Ando Y, Okita N, Shibata T, Nakamura K, Yamamoto N. Dabrafenib and trametinib administration in patients with BRAF V600E/R or non-V600 BRAF mutated advanced solid tumours (BELIEVE, NCCH1901): a multicentre, open-label, and single-arm phase II trial. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 69:102447. [PMID: 38333370 PMCID: PMC10850114 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background BRAF V600 mutations are common in melanoma, thyroid, and non-small-cell lung cancers. Despite dabrafenib and trametinib being standard treatments for certain cancers, their efficacy across various solid tumours remains unelucidated. The BELIEVE trial assessed the efficacy of dabrafenib and trametinib in solid tumours with BRAF V600E/R or non-V600 BRAF mutations. Methods Between October 1, 2019, and June 2022, at least 50 patients with measurable and seven without measurable diseases examined were enrolled in a subcohort of the BELIEVE trial (NCCH1901, jRCTs031190104). BRAF mutated solid tumour cases other than BRAF V600E mutated colorectal cancer, melanoma, and non-small cell lung cancer cases were included. Patients with solid tumours received dabrafenib (150 mg) twice daily and trametinib (2 mg) once daily until disease progression or intolerable toxicity was observed. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR), and secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), 6-month PFS, and overall survival (OS). Bayesian analysis was performed using a prior distribution with a 30% expected response rate [Beta (0.6, 1.4)]. Findings Fourty-seven patients with measurable disease, mainly with the BRAF V600E mutation (94%), and three others with non-V600E BRAF mutations (V600R, G466A, and N486_P490del) were enrolled. The primary sites included the thyroid gland, central nervous system, liver, bile ducts, colorectum, and pancreas. The confirmed ORR was 28.0%; the expected value of posterior distribution [Beta (14.6, 37.4)] was 28.1%, although the primary endpoint was achieved, not exceeding an unexpectedly high response rate of 60% obtained using Bayesian analysis. The disease control rate (DCR) was 84.0%. The median PFS was 6.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]; 4.2-7.2 months, 87.8% at 6 months). Responses were observed across seven tumour types. Median OS was 9.7 months (95% CI, 7.5-12.2 months). Additional patients without measurable diseases had a median PFS of 4.5 months. Adverse events (AEs) were consistent with previous reports, with 45.6% of patients experiencing grade ≥3 AEs. Interpretation This study reported promising efficacy against BRAF V600-mutant tumours. Dabrafenib and trametinib would offer a new therapeutic option for rare cancers, such as high-grade gliomas, biliary tract cancer, and thyroid cancer. Funding This study was funded by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (22ck0106622h0003) and a Health and Labour Sciences Research Grant (19EA1008).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsunori Shimoi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of International Clinical Development, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kuniko Sunami
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Tahara
- Department of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nishiwaki
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shota Tanaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eishi Baba
- Department of Oncology and Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masashi Kanai
- Department of Therapeutic Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kinoshita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Shirota
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Hayashi
- Genomics Unit, Keio Cancer Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naohiro Nishida
- Center for Cancer Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Osaka University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshio Kubo
- Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Mamesaya
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yayoi Ando
- Research Management Division, Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsuko Okita
- Research Management Division, Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taro Shibata
- Biostatistics Division, Center for Research Administration and Support, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nakamura
- Department of International Clinical Development, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Management Division, Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noboru Yamamoto
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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6
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Schillo JL, Feddersen CR, Peplinski RM, Powell LS, Varzavand A, Stipp CS, Riordan JD, Dupuy AJ. Single-cell genomics analysis reveals complex genetic interactions in an in vivo model of acquired BRAF inhibitor resistance. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcad061. [PMID: 38213996 PMCID: PMC10782916 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolution of therapeutic resistance is a major obstacle to the success of targeted oncology drugs. While both inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity limit our ability to detect resistant subpopulations that pre-exist or emerge during treatment, our ability to analyze tumors with single-cell resolution is limited. Here, we utilized a cell-based transposon mutagenesis method to identify mechanisms of BRAF inhibitor resistance in a model of cutaneous melanoma. This screen identified overexpression of NEDD4L and VGLL3 as significant drivers of BRAF inhibitor resistance in vivo. In addition, we describe a novel single-cell genomics profiling method to genotype thousands of individual cells within tumors driven by transposon mutagenesis. This approach revealed a surprising genetic diversity among xenograft tumors and identified recurrent co-occurring mutations that emerge within distinct tumor subclones. Taken together, these observations reveal an unappreciated genetic complexity that drives BRAF inhibitor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Schillo
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Charlotte R Feddersen
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Rebekah M Peplinski
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Lexy S Powell
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Afshin Varzavand
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christopher S Stipp
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jesse D Riordan
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Adam J Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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7
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Shan KS, Rehman TU, Ivanov S, Domingo G, Raez LE. Molecular Targeting of the BRAF Proto-Oncogene/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Pathway across Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:624. [PMID: 38203795 PMCID: PMC10779188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is essential for cellular proliferation, growth, and survival. Constitutive activation of this pathway by BRAF mutations can cause downstream activation of kinases, leading to uncontrolled cellular growth and carcinogenesis. Therefore, inhibition of BRAF and the downstream substrate MEK has been shown to be effective in controlling tumor growth and proliferation. Over the last decade, several BRAF and MEK inhibitors have been investigated, ranging from primarily melanoma to various cancer types with BRAF alterations. This subsequently led to several Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for BRAF/MEK inhibitors for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer, histiocytosis neoplasms, and finally, tumor-agnostic indications. Here, this comprehensive review will cover the developments of BRAF and MEK inhibitors from melanomas to tumor-agnostic indications, novel drugs, challenges, future directions, and the importance of those drugs in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khine S. Shan
- Memorial Health Care, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pembroke Pines, FL 33328, USA; (T.U.R.); (S.I.); (G.D.)
| | - Tauseef U. Rehman
- Memorial Health Care, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pembroke Pines, FL 33328, USA; (T.U.R.); (S.I.); (G.D.)
| | - Stan Ivanov
- Memorial Health Care, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pembroke Pines, FL 33328, USA; (T.U.R.); (S.I.); (G.D.)
| | - Gelenis Domingo
- Memorial Health Care, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pembroke Pines, FL 33328, USA; (T.U.R.); (S.I.); (G.D.)
| | - Luis E. Raez
- Memorial Health Care, Thoracic Oncology Program, Pembroke Pines, FL 33328, USA;
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8
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Abou-Hamad J, Hodgins JJ, Yakubovich E, Vanderhyden BC, Ardolino M, Sabourin LA. Sox10-Deficient Drug-Resistant Melanoma Cells Are Refractory to Oncolytic RNA Viruses. Cells 2023; 13:73. [PMID: 38201278 PMCID: PMC10777920 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy resistance frequently develops in melanoma due to intratumor heterogeneity and epigenetic reprogramming. This also typically induces cross-resistance to immunotherapies. Whether this includes additional modes of therapy has not been fully assessed. We show that co-treatments of MAPKi with VSV-based oncolytics do not function in a synergistic fashion; rather, the MAPKis block infection. Melanoma resistance to vemurafenib further perturbs the cells' ability to be infected by oncolytic viruses. Resistance to vemurafenib can be induced by the loss of SOX10, a common proliferative marker in melanoma. The loss of SOX10 promotes a cross-resistant state by further inhibiting viral infection and replication. Analysis of RNA-seq datasets revealed an upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in SOX10 knockout populations and targeted therapy-resistant cells. Interestingly, the induction of ISGs appears to be independent of type I IFN production. Overall, our data suggest that the pathway mediating oncolytic resistance is due to the loss of SOX10 during acquired drug resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Abou-Hamad
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (J.A.-H.); (E.Y.); (B.C.V.); (M.A.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Jonathan J. Hodgins
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (J.A.-H.); (E.Y.); (B.C.V.); (M.A.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Edward Yakubovich
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (J.A.-H.); (E.Y.); (B.C.V.); (M.A.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Barbara C. Vanderhyden
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (J.A.-H.); (E.Y.); (B.C.V.); (M.A.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Michele Ardolino
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (J.A.-H.); (E.Y.); (B.C.V.); (M.A.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Luc A. Sabourin
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (J.A.-H.); (E.Y.); (B.C.V.); (M.A.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
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9
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Das S, Dey MK, Devireddy R, Gartia MR. Biomarkers in Cancer Detection, Diagnosis, and Prognosis. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 24:37. [PMID: 38202898 PMCID: PMC10780704 DOI: 10.3390/s24010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Biomarkers are vital in healthcare as they provide valuable insights into disease diagnosis, prognosis, treatment response, and personalized medicine. They serve as objective indicators, enabling early detection and intervention, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced costs. Biomarkers also guide treatment decisions by predicting disease outcomes and facilitating individualized treatment plans. They play a role in monitoring disease progression, adjusting treatments, and detecting early signs of recurrence. Furthermore, biomarkers enhance drug development and clinical trials by identifying suitable patients and accelerating the approval process. In this review paper, we described a variety of biomarkers applicable for cancer detection and diagnosis, such as imaging-based diagnosis (CT, SPECT, MRI, and PET), blood-based biomarkers (proteins, genes, mRNA, and peptides), cell imaging-based diagnosis (needle biopsy and CTC), tissue imaging-based diagnosis (IHC), and genetic-based biomarkers (RNAseq, scRNAseq, and spatial transcriptomics).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Manas Ranjan Gartia
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (S.D.); (M.K.D.); (R.D.)
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10
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Manica D, Silva GBD, Silva APD, Marafon F, Maciel SFVDO, Bagatini MD, Moreno M. Curcumin promotes apoptosis of human melanoma cells by caspase 3. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:1295-1304. [PMID: 37792322 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a malignant neoplasm with a high metastatic rate that shows poor response to systemic treatments in patients with advanced stages. Recently, studies have highlighted the antineoplastic potential of natural compounds, such as polyphenols, in the adjuvant therapy context to treat CM. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of curcumin (0.1-100 µM) on the metastatic CM cell line SK-MEL-28. The cells were treated for 6 and 24 h with different concentrations of curcumin. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and fluorescence microscopy. The apoptotic-inducing potential was detected by annexin V flow cytometry. The wound healing assay was used to verify cell migration after the curcumin exposition. The redox profile was evaluated by levels of the pro-oxidant markers reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Nitric oxide (NOx) and antioxidants of total thiols (PSH) and nonprotein thiols. The gene expression and enzymatic activity of caspase 3 were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and a sensitive fluorescence assay, respectively. Curcumin significantly decreased the cell viability of SK-MEL-28 cells at both exposure times. It also induced apoptosis at the highest concentration tested (p < .0001). SK-MEL-28 cell migration was inhibited by curcumin after treatment with 10 µM (p < .0001) and 100 µM (p < .0001) for 6 and 24 h (p = .0006 and p < .0001, respectively). Furthermore, curcumin significantly increased levels of ROS and NOx. Finally, curcumin was capable of increasing the gene expression at 10 µM (p = .0344) and 100 µM (p = .0067) and enzymatic activity at 10 µM (p = .0086) and 100 µM (p < .0001) of caspase 3 after 24 h. For the first time, we elucidated in our study that curcumin increases ROS levels, promoting oxidative stress that activates the caspase pathway and culminates in SK-MEL-28 metastatic CM cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane Manica
- Postgraduate Programme in Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Gilnei Bruno da Silva
- Multicentric Postgraduate Programme in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of Santa Catarina, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Alana Patrícia da Silva
- Postgraduate Programme in Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Filomena Marafon
- Postgraduate Programme in Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Margarete Dulce Bagatini
- Postgraduate Programme in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Moreno
- Postgraduate Programme in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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11
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Castaldo V, Minopoli M, Di Modugno F, Sacconi A, Liguoro D, Frigerio R, Ortolano A, Di Martile M, Gesualdi L, Madonna G, Capone M, Cirombella R, Catizone A, Del Bufalo D, Vecchione A, Carriero MV, Ascierto PA, Mancini R, Fattore L, Ciliberto G. Upregulated expression of miR-4443 and miR-4488 in drug resistant melanomas promotes migratory and invasive phenotypes through downregulation of intermediate filament nestin. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:317. [PMID: 38008717 PMCID: PMC10680267 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02878-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BRAF-mutant melanoma patients benefit from the combinatorial treatments with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. However, acquired drug resistance strongly limits the efficacy of these targeted therapies in time. Recently, many findings have underscored the involvement of microRNAs as main drivers of drug resistance. In this context, we previously identified a subset of oncomiRs strongly up-regulated in drug-resistant melanomas. In this work, we shed light on the molecular role of two as yet poorly characterized oncomiRs, miR-4443 and miR-4488. METHODS Invasion and migration have been determined by wound healing, transwell migration/invasion assays and Real Time Cell Analysis (RTCA) technology. miR-4488 and miR-4443 have been measured by qRT-PCR. Nestin levels have been tested by western blot, confocal immunofluorescence, immunohistochemical and flow cytometry analyses. RESULTS We demonstrate that the two oncomiRs are responsible for the enhanced migratory and invasive phenotypes, that are a hallmark of drug resistant melanoma cells. Moreover, miR-4443 and miR-4488 promote an aberrant cytoskeletal reorganization witnessed by the increased number of stress fibers and cellular protrusions-like cancer cell invadopodia. Mechanistically, we identified the intermediate filament nestin as a molecular target of both oncomiRs. Finally, we have shown that nestin levels are able to predict response to treatments in melanoma patients. CONCLUSIONS Altogether these findings have profound translational implications in the attempt i) to develop miRNA-targeting therapies to mitigate the metastatic phenotypes of BRAF-mutant melanomas and ii) to identify novel biomarkers able to guide clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Castaldo
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic- Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Minopoli
- Preclinical Models of Tumor Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Modugno
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Liguoro
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Frigerio
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Ortolano
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Di Martile
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Gesualdi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic- Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Madonna
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariaelena Capone
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Cirombella
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00118, Rome, Italy
| | - Angiolina Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic- Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00118, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Carriero
- Preclinical Models of Tumor Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Ascierto
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00118, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Fattore
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Directorate, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
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12
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Anderson JW, Vaisar D, Jones DN, Pegram LM, Vigers GP, Chen H, Moffat JG, Ahn NG. Conformation Selection by ATP-competitive Inhibitors and Allosteric Communication in ERK2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.12.557258. [PMID: 37745518 PMCID: PMC10515847 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.12.557258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the extracellular signal regulated kinase-2 (ERK2) by phosphorylation has been shown to involve changes in protein dynamics, as determined by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and NMR relaxation dispersion measurements. These can be described by a global exchange between two conformational states of the active kinase, named "L" and "R", where R is associated with a catalytically productive ATP-binding mode. An ATP-competitive ERK1/2 inhibitor, Vertex-11e, has properties of conformation selection for the R-state, revealing movements of the activation loop that are allosterically coupled to the kinase active site. However, the features of inhibitors important for R-state selection are unknown. Here we survey a panel of ATP-competitive ERK inhibitors using HDX-MS and NMR and identify 14 new molecules with properties of R-state selection. They reveal effects propagated to distal regions in the P+1 and helix αF segments surrounding the activation loop, as well as helix αL16. Crystal structures of inhibitor complexes with ERK2 reveal systematic shifts in the Gly loop and helix αC, mediated by a Tyr-Tyr ring stacking interaction and the conserved Lys-Glu salt bridge. The findings suggest a model for the R-state involving small movements in the N-lobe that promote compactness within the kinase active site and alter mobility surrounding the activation loop. Such properties of conformation selection might be exploited to modulate the protein docking interface used by ERK substrates and effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Vaisar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
| | - David N. Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Laurel M. Pegram
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
- Present address: Loxo Oncology, Louisville, CO 80027
| | - Guy P. Vigers
- Array BioPharma, Inc., Boulder, CO
- Present address: Allium Consulting LLC, Boulder, CO 80304
| | - Huifen Chen
- Genentech, Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Natalie G. Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
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13
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Chong ZX, Yong CY, Ong AHK, Yeap SK, Ho WY. Deciphering the roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in regulating carcinogenesis. Toxicology 2023; 495:153596. [PMID: 37480978 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent receptor that belongs to the superfamily of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. The activation of the canonical AHR signaling pathway is known to induce the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, facilitating the detoxification metabolism in the human body. Additionally, AHR could interact with various signaling pathways such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor ekappa B (NF-κβ), estrogen receptor (ER), and androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathways. Over the past 30 years, several studies have reported that various chemical, physical, or biological agents, such as tobacco, hydrocarbon compounds, industrial and agricultural chemical wastes, drugs, UV, viruses, and other toxins, could affect AHR expression or activity, promoting cancer development. Thus, it is valuable to overview how these factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis. Current findings have reported that many compounds could act as AHR ligands to drive the expressions of AHR-target genes, such as CYP1A1, CYP1B1, MMPs, and AXL, and other targets that exert a pro-proliferation or anti-apoptotic effect, like XIAP. Furthermore, some other physical and chemical agents, such as UV and 3-methylcholanthrene, could promote AHR signaling activities, increasing the signaling activities of a few oncogenic pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathways. Understanding how various factors regulate AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes helps clinicians and scientists plan personalized therapeutic strategies to improve anti-cancer treatment efficacy. As many studies that have reported the roles of AHR in regulating carcinogenesis are preclinical or observational clinical studies that did not explore the detailed mechanisms of how different chemical, physical, or biological agents promote AHR-mediated carcinogenesis processes, future studies should focus on conducting large-scale and functional studies to unravel the underlying mechanism of how AHR interacts with different factors in regulating carcinogenesis processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xiong Chong
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chean Yeah Yong
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alan Han Kiat Ong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Swee Keong Yeap
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Yong Ho
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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14
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Castellani G, Buccarelli M, Arasi MB, Rossi S, Pisanu ME, Bellenghi M, Lintas C, Tabolacci C. BRAF Mutations in Melanoma: Biological Aspects, Therapeutic Implications, and Circulating Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4026. [PMID: 37627054 PMCID: PMC10452867 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer resulting from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Recent therapeutic approaches, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have improved the prognosis and outcome of melanoma patients. BRAF is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes recognised in melanoma. The most frequent oncogenic BRAF mutations consist of a single point mutation at codon 600 (mostly V600E) that leads to constitutive activation of the BRAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signalling pathway. Therefore, mutated BRAF has become a useful target for molecular therapy and the use of BRAF kinase inhibitors has shown promising results. However, several resistance mechanisms invariably develop leading to therapeutic failure. The aim of this manuscript is to review the role of BRAF mutational status in the pathogenesis of melanoma and its impact on differentiation and inflammation. Moreover, this review focuses on the mechanisms responsible for resistance to targeted therapies in BRAF-mutated melanoma and provides an overview of circulating biomarkers including circulating tumour cells, circulating tumour DNA, and non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Castellani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Mariachiara Buccarelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Maria Beatrice Arasi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Stefania Rossi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Maria Elena Pisanu
- High Resolution NMR Unit, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Bellenghi
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carla Lintas
- Research Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Operative Research Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Tabolacci
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.B.); (M.B.A.); (S.R.)
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15
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Dao V, Heestand G. Beyond EGFR inhibitors in advanced colorectal cancer: Targeting BRAF and HER2. Curr Probl Cancer 2023; 47:100960. [PMID: 37285606 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2023.100960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The addition of antiepidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies, cetuximab or panitumumab, to conventional chemotherapy has improved clinical outcomes for rat sarcoma virus (RAS) wild-type advanced colorectal cancer patients, however, durable responses and 5-year overall survival rates remain limited. BRAF V600E somatic mutation and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) amplification/overexpression have been separately implicated in primary resistance to anti-EGFR therapeutic strategies via aberrant activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, resulting in poorer outcomes. In addition to being a negative predictive biomarker for anti-EGFR therapy, BRAF V600E mutation and HER2 amplification/overexpression serve as positive predictors of response to therapies targeting these respective tumor promoters. This review will highlight key clinical studies that support the rational use of v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) and HER2-targeted therapies, often in combination with other targeted agents, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We discuss current challenges with BRAF and HER2-targeted therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer and potential opportunities for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinh Dao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Gregory Heestand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
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16
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Maji L, Teli G, Raghavendra NM, Sengupta S, Pal R, Ghara A, Matada GSP. An updated literature on BRAF inhibitors (2018-2023). Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10699-3. [PMID: 37470921 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BRAF is the most common serine-threonine protein kinase and regulates signal transduction from RAS to MEK inside the cell. The BRAF is a highly active isoform of RAF kinase. BRAF has two domains such as regulatory and kinase domains. The BRAF inhibitors bind in the c-terminus of the kinase domain and inhibit the downstream pathways. The mutation occurs mainly in the A-loop of the kinase domain. The mutation occurs due to a conversion of valine to glutamate/lysine/arginine/aspartic acid at 600th position. Among the diverse mutations, BRAFV600E is the most common and responsible for numerous cancer such as melanoma, colorectal, ovarian, and thyroid cancer. Due to mutations in RAC1, loss of PTEN, NF1, CCND1, USP28-FBW7 complex, COT overexpression, and CCND1 amplification, the BRAF kinase enzyme developed resistance over the commercially available BRAF inhibitors. There is still unmute urgence for the development of BRAF inhibitors to overcome the persistent limitation such as resistance, mutation, and adverse effects of drugs. In the current study, we described the structure, activation, downstream signaling pathway, and mutation of BRAF. Our group also provided a detailed review of BRAF inhibitors from the last five years (2018-2023) highlighting the structure-activity relationship, mechanistic study, and molecular docking studies. We hope that the current analysis will be a useful resource for researchers and provide chemists a glimpse into the future as design and development of more effective and secure BRAF kinase inhibitors. The development of BRAF inhibitors to overcome the persistent limitation such as resistance, mutation, and adverse effects of drugs. In depth description about different heterocyclic scaffolds (quinoline, imidazole, pyridine, triazole, pyrrole etc.) as BRAF inhibitors from the last five years (2018-2023) highlighting the structure-activity relationship, mechanistic study, and molecular docking studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalmohan Maji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Integrated Drug Discovery Centre, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ghanshyam Teli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Integrated Drug Discovery Centre, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Sindhuja Sengupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Integrated Drug Discovery Centre, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Rohit Pal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Integrated Drug Discovery Centre, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Abhishek Ghara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Integrated Drug Discovery Centre, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Kosmidis CS, Papadopoulou K, Mystakidou CM, Papadopoulou E, Mantalovas S, Varsamis N, Koulouris C, Theodorou V, Papadopoulos K, Sevva C, Miltiadous P, Petanidis S, Georgakoudi E, Papadopoulou E, Baka S. Melanoma: BRAFi Rechallenge. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050975. [PMID: 37241207 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. Half of melanoma cases are characterized by the mutation BRAF V600. The case presented concerns a 41-year-old patient with locally advanced melanoma, being positive in mutation BRAF V600. The patient underwent surgery and received additional targeted therapy as part of a clinical study. In subsequent disease progression, immunotherapy was used. When the disease progressed again while the patient was in a good performance status, targeted therapy was administered again, and a good response was noted, making the patient reach a statistically significant overall survival, exceeding four years. Targeted therapy has proven to be an important tool in the treatment of melanoma. The use of BRAFi targeted therapy does not exclude the option of readministration at subsequent disease progression (BRAFi rechallenge). Preclinical models suggest that the resistance mechanism of cancer cells to BRAFi therapy bends, as these cell clones lose their evolutionary advantage after stopping BRAFi. Cell clones sensitive to BRAFi may then outcompete, making the treatment effective again. Therapeutical dilemmas in the management of patients with locally advanced melanoma that progresses to metastatic cancer are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoforos S Kosmidis
- European Interbalkan Medical Center, 10 Asklipiou Street, 55535 Pylaia, Greece
- 3rd Surgical Department, "AHEPA" University Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1st St. Kiriakidi Street, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantina Papadopoulou
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, G. Papanikolaou General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysi Maria Mystakidou
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evanthia Papadopoulou
- Shakolas Educational Centre for Clinical Medicine, University of Cyprus, Old Road Nicosia-Lemesos 215/6, 2029 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stylianos Mantalovas
- 3rd Surgical Department, "AHEPA" University Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1st St. Kiriakidi Street, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Varsamis
- European Interbalkan Medical Center, 10 Asklipiou Street, 55535 Pylaia, Greece
| | - Charilaos Koulouris
- European Interbalkan Medical Center, 10 Asklipiou Street, 55535 Pylaia, Greece
- 3rd Surgical Department, "AHEPA" University Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1st St. Kiriakidi Street, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Theodorou
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Papadopoulos
- 3rd Surgical Department, "AHEPA" University Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1st St. Kiriakidi Street, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Sevva
- 3rd Surgical Department, "AHEPA" University Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1st St. Kiriakidi Street, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Petrina Miltiadous
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Savvas Petanidis
- Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Georgakoudi
- European Interbalkan Medical Center, 10 Asklipiou Street, 55535 Pylaia, Greece
| | - Eleni Papadopoulou
- European Interbalkan Medical Center, 10 Asklipiou Street, 55535 Pylaia, Greece
| | - Sofia Baka
- European Interbalkan Medical Center, 10 Asklipiou Street, 55535 Pylaia, Greece
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18
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Gao X, Hong C, Xie Y, Zeng X. Immunotherapy or targeted therapy: What will be the future treatment for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1103147. [PMID: 37007127 PMCID: PMC10063970 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1103147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid carcinoma (TC). Currently, there are no effective treatments for this condition. In the past few years, targeted therapy and immunotherapy have made significant progress in ATC treatment. Several common genetic mutations have been found in ATC cells, involving different molecular pathways related to tumor progression, and new therapies that act on these molecular pathways have been studied to improve the quality of life of these patients. In 2018, the FDA approved dabrafenib combined with trametinib to treat BRAF-positive ATC, confirming its therapeutic potential. At the same time, the recent emergence of immunotherapy has also attracted wide attention from researchers. While immunotherapy for ATC is still in the experimental stage, numerous studies have shown that immunotherapy is a potential therapy for ATC. In addition, it has also been found that the combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy may enhance the anti-tumor effect of targeted therapy. In recent years, there has been some progress in the study of targeted therapy or immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, showing the prospect of combined therapy in ATC. In this review, we analyze the response mechanism and potential effects of targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapy in ATC treatment and explore the future of treatment for ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoni Gao
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chengcheng Hong
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiangtai Zeng
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Thyroid Diseases, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangtai Zeng,
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Rossi E, Schinzari G, Cellini F, Balducci M, Pasqualoni M, Maiorano BA, Fionda B, Longo S, Deodato F, Di Stefani A, Peris K, Gambacorta MA, Tortora G. Dabrafenib-Trametinib and Radiotherapy for Oligoprogressive BRAF Mutant Advanced Melanoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020394. [PMID: 36830931 PMCID: PMC9953646 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical management of metastatic melanoma has been changed by BRAF (BRAFi) and MEK inhibitors (MEKi), which represent a standard treatment for BRAF-mutant melanoma. In oligoprogressive melanoma patients with BRAF mutations, target therapy can be combined with loco-regional radiotherapy (RT). However, the association of BRAF/MEK inhibitors and RT needs to be carefully monitored for potential increased toxicity. Despite the availability of some reports regarding the tolerability of RT + target therapy, data on simultaneous RT and BRAFi/MEKi are limited and mostly focused on the BRAFi vemurafenib. Here, we report a series of metastatic melanoma patients who received fractioned RT regimens for oligoprogressive disease in combination with the BRAFi dabrafenib and the MEKi trametinib, which have continued beyond progression. None of the cases developed relevant adverse events while receiving RT or interrupted dabrafenib and trametinib administration. These cases suggest that a long period of dabrafenib/trametinib interruption during radiotherapy for oligoprogressive disease can be avoided. Prospective trials are warranted to assess the efficacy and safety of the contemporary administration of BRAF/MEK inhibitors and radiotherapy for oligoprogressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Rossi
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | - Giovanni Schinzari
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cellini
- Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Dipartimento Universitario Diagnostica per Immagini, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Balducci
- Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Brigida Anna Maiorano
- Oncology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Bruno Fionda
- Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Longo
- Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Deodato
- Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Dipartimento Universitario Diagnostica per Immagini, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica Molise ART, Gemelli Molise Hospital, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Stefani
- Dermatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ketty Peris
- Dermatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dermatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Gambacorta
- Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Dipartimento Universitario Diagnostica per Immagini, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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20
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da Silva TN, Rodrigues R, Saramago A, Pires C, Rito M, Horta M, Martins C, Leite V, Cavaco BM. Target therapy for BRAF mutated anaplastic thyroid cancer: a clinical and molecular study. Eur J Endocrinol 2023; 188:6979712. [PMID: 36651156 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) has a poor survival. The combination of Dabrafenib plus Trametinib (DT) had a significant impact in survival of BRAF p.V600E patients. However, durable responses may be compromised by resistance. We aim to present our experience with DT in BRAF positive ATC patients and compare the outcomes with usual therapy, and to study tumor molecular alterations in the DT group. METHODS Patients treated between May 2018 and April 2022 in a tertiary referral center, assessed for BRAF status were included. Patients were divided in three groups: BRAF p.V600E treated with DT, BRAF wild type (WT) under multimodal therapy (MT), and BRAF WT under compassionate care (CC). Response was assessed monthly in the first 6 months and every 3 months afterwards, by RECIST 1.1. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. RESULTS Twenty-seven ATC patients were included (DT = 9, MT = 8, and CC = 10). Median OS was 475 days for DT, 156 days for MT, and 39 days for CC (P < .001). At 12 months, only patients in the DT group were alive (71%). Median PFS was 270 days, in the DT group, compared with less than 32 days in BRAF WT (P < .001). No severe adverse events were reported. Molecular profiling showed that in one of the four clinical progressions, a pathogenic NRAS mutation was found. CONCLUSIONS Our results show a significant real-world efficacy of Dabrafenib plus Trametinib in both survival and recurrence compared with standard treatment, with a good safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Nunes da Silva
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, Lisboa 1099-023, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Rodrigues
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, Lisboa 1099-023, Portugal
| | - Ana Saramago
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, Lisboa 1099-023, Portugal
| | - Carolina Pires
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, Lisboa 1099-023, Portugal
| | - Miguel Rito
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana Horta
- Serviço de Radiologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carmo Martins
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, Lisboa 1099-023, Portugal
| | - Valeriano Leite
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, Lisboa 1099-023, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School-Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Branca M Cavaco
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, Lisboa 1099-023, Portugal
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21
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Capogiri M, De Micheli AJ, Lassaletta A, Muñoz DP, Coppé JP, Mueller S, Guerreiro Stucklin AS. Response and resistance to BRAF V600E inhibition in gliomas: Roadblocks ahead? Front Oncol 2023; 12:1074726. [PMID: 36698391 PMCID: PMC9868954 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1074726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAFV600E represents the most common BRAF mutation in all human cancers. Among central nervous system (CNS) tumors, BRAFV600E is mostly found in pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG, ~20%) and, less frequently, in pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG, 5-15%) and adult glioblastomas (GBM, ~5%). The integration of BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) in the treatment of patients with gliomas brought a paradigm shift to clinical care. However, not all patients benefit from treatment due to intrinsic or acquired resistance to BRAF inhibition. Defining predictors of response, as well as developing strategies to prevent resistance to BRAFi and overcome post-BRAFi tumor progression/rebound growth are some of the main challenges at present in the field. In this review, we outline current achievements and limitations of BRAF inhibition in gliomas, with a special focus on potential mechanisms of resistance. We discuss future directions of targeted therapy for BRAFV600E mutated gliomas, highlighting how insights into resistance to BRAFi could be leveraged to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Capogiri
- Department of Oncology and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea J. De Micheli
- Department of Oncology and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alvaro Lassaletta
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - Denise P. Muñoz
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jean-Philippe Coppé
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sabine Mueller
- Department of Oncology and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Ana S. Guerreiro Stucklin
- Department of Oncology and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Ana S. Guerreiro Stucklin,
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22
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Russi M, Valeri R, Marson D, Danielli C, Felluga F, Tintaru A, Skoko N, Aulic S, Laurini E, Pricl S. Some things old, new and borrowed: Delivery of dabrafenib and vemurafenib to melanoma cells via self-assembled nanomicelles based on an amphiphilic dendrimer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 180:106311. [PMID: 36273785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Two clinically approved anticancer drugs targeting BRAF in melanoma patients - dabrafenib (DAB) and vemurafenib (VEM) - have been successfully encapsulated into nanomicelles formed upon self-assembly of an amphiphilic dendrimer AD based on two C18 aliphatic chains and a G2 PAMAM head. The process resulted in the formation of well-defined (∼10 nm) core-shell nanomicelles (NMs) with excellent encapsulation efficiency (∼70% for DAB and ∼60% for VEM) and good drug loading capacity (∼27% and ∼24% for DAB and VEM, respectively). Dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and molecular simulation (MS) experiments were used, respectively, to determine the size and structure of the empty and drug-loaded nanomicelles (DLNMs), along with the interactions between the NMs and their cargoes. The in vitro release data revealed profiles governed by Fickian diffusion; moreover, for both anticancer molecules, an acidic environment (pH = 5.0) facilitated drug release with respect to physiological pH conditions (pH = 7.4). Finally, both DAB- and VEM-loaded NMs elicited enhanced response with respect to free drug treatments in 4 different melanoma cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Russi
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS) - DEA, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Rachele Valeri
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS) - DEA, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Domenico Marson
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS) - DEA, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Chiara Danielli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, DSCF, University of Trieste, Via Giorgeri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Fulvia Felluga
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, DSCF, University of Trieste, Via Giorgeri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Aura Tintaru
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS - Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanosciences de Marseille (CINaM) UMR 7325 - Département IMMF - Campus Luminy, 163, Avenue de Luminy, Marseille 13288, France
| | - Natasa Skoko
- Biotechnology Development Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Suzana Aulic
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS) - DEA, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, Trieste 34127, Italy; Biotechnology Development Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Erik Laurini
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS) - DEA, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, Trieste 34127, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Pricl
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS) - DEA, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, Trieste 34127, Italy; Department of General Biophysics, University of Łódź, ul. Pomorska 141/143, Łódź 90-236, Poland
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23
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Vlašić I, Horvat A, Tadijan A, Slade N. p53 Family in Resistance to Targeted Therapy of Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010065. [PMID: 36613518 PMCID: PMC9820688 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is one of the most aggressive tumors, with frequent mutations affecting components of the MAPK pathway, mainly protein kinase BRAF. Despite promising initial response to BRAF inhibitors, melanoma progresses due to development of resistance. In addition to frequent reactivation of MAPK or activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, recently, the p53 pathway has been shown to contribute to acquired resistance to targeted MAPK inhibitor therapy. Canonical tumor suppressor p53 is inactivated in melanoma by diverse mechanisms. The TP53 gene and two other family members, TP63 and TP73, encode numerous protein isoforms that exhibit diverse functions during tumorigenesis. The p53 family isoforms can be produced by usage of alternative promoters and/or splicing on the C- and N-terminus. Various p53 family isoforms are expressed in melanoma cell lines and tumor samples, and several of them have already shown to have specific functions in melanoma, affecting proliferation, survival, metastatic potential, invasion, migration, and response to therapy. Of special interest are p53 family isoforms with increased expression and direct involvement in acquired resistance to MAPK inhibitors in melanoma cells, implying that modulating their expression or targeting their functional pathways could be a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance to MAPK inhibitors in melanoma.
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24
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Anestopoulos I, Kyriakou S, Tragkola V, Paraskevaidis I, Tzika E, Mitsiogianni M, Deligiorgi MV, Petrakis G, Trafalis DT, Botaitis S, Giatromanolaki A, Koukourakis MI, Franco R, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. Targeting the epigenome in malignant melanoma: Facts, challenges and therapeutic promises. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108301. [PMID: 36283453 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer with high rates of mortality. Although current treatment options provide a short-clinical benefit, acquired-drug resistance highlights the low 5-year survival rate among patients with advanced stage of the disease. In parallel, the involvement of an aberrant epigenetic landscape, (e.g., alterations in DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications marks and expression of non-coding RNAs), in addition to the genetic background, has been also associated with the onset and progression of melanoma. In this review article, we report on current therapeutic options in melanoma treatment with a focus on distinct epigenetic alterations and how their reversal, by specific drug compounds, can restore a normal phenotype. In particular, we concentrate on how single and/or combinatorial therapeutic approaches have utilized epigenetic drug compounds in being effective against malignant melanoma. Finally, the role of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms in promoting drug resistance to targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors is presented leading to the development of newly synthesized and/or improved drug compounds capable of targeting the epigenome of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Anestopoulos
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - S Kyriakou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - V Tragkola
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - I Paraskevaidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - E Tzika
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - M V Deligiorgi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G Petrakis
- Saint George Hospital, Chania, Crete, Greece
| | - D T Trafalis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Botaitis
- Department of Surgery, Alexandroupolis University Hospital, Democritus University of Thrace School of Medicine, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - A Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Koukourakis
- Radiotherapy / Oncology, Radiobiology & Radiopathology Unit, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - R Franco
- Redox Biology Centre, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - A Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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25
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Liu C, Zhao Z, Lv H, Yu J, Zhang P. Microneedles-mediated drug delivery system for the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 219:112818. [PMID: 36084509 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As an emerging novel drug delivery system, microneedles (MNs) have a wide range of applications in the medical field. They can overcome the physiological barriers of the skin, penetrate the outermost skin of the human body, and form hundreds of reversible microchannels to enhance the penetration of drugs and deliver drugs to the diseased sites. So they have great applications in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. Melanoma is a kind of malignant tumor, the survival rate of patients with metastases is extremely low. The traditional methods of surgery and drug treatment for melanoma are often accompanied by large adverse reactions in the whole body, and the drug concentration is low. The use of MNs for transdermal administration can increase the drug concentration, reduce adverse reactions in the treatment process, and have good therapeutic effect on melanoma. This paper introduced various types of MNs and their preparation methods, summarized the diagnosis and various treatment options for melanoma with MNs, focused on the treatment of melanoma with dissolved MNs, and made prospect of MNs-mediated transdermal drug delivery in the treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Liu
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhining Zhao
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hongqian Lv
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Catoni C, Poggiana C, Facchinetti A, Pigozzo J, Piccin L, Chiarion-Sileni V, Rosato A, Minervini G, Scaini MC. Investigating the Retained Inhibitory Effect of Cobimetinib against p.P124L Mutated MEK1: A Combined Liquid Biopsy and in Silico Approach. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174153. [PMID: 36077693 PMCID: PMC9454486 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The systemic treatment of metastatic melanoma has radically changed, due to an improvement in the understanding of its genetic landscape and the advent of targeted therapy. However, the response to BRAF/MEK inhibitors is transitory, and big efforts were made to identify the mechanisms underlying the resistance. We exploited a combined approach, encompassing liquid biopsy analysis and molecular dynamics simulation, for tracking tumor evolution, and in parallel defining the best treatment option. The samples at different time points were collected from a BRAF-mutant melanoma patient who developed an early resistance to dabrafenib/trametinib. The analysis of the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) identified the MEK1 p.P124L mutation that confers resistance to trametinib. With an in silico modeling, we identified cobimetinib as an alternative MEK inhibitor, and consequently suggested a therapy switch to vemurafenib/cobimetinib. The patient response was followed by ctDNA tracking and circulating melanoma cell (CMC) count. The cobimetinib administration led to an important reduction in the BRAF p.V600E and MEK1 p.P124L allele fractions and in the CMC number, features suggestive of a putative response. In summary, this study emphasizes the usefulness of a liquid biopsy-based approach combined with in silico simulation, to track real-time tumor evolution while assessing the best treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Catoni
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Cristina Poggiana
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Antonella Facchinetti
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology and Immunology Section, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Jacopo Pigozzo
- Melanoma Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Luisa Piccin
- Melanoma Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Vanna Chiarion-Sileni
- Melanoma Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology and Immunology Section, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Giovanni Minervini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Scaini
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (M.C.S.)
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Yu J, Wu X, Song J, Zhao Y, Li H, Luo M, Liu X. Loss of MHC-I antigen presentation correlated with immune checkpoint blockade tolerance in MAPK inhibitor-resistant melanoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:928226. [PMID: 36091815 PMCID: PMC9459091 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.928226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade and MAPK-targeted combined therapy is a promising regimen for advanced melanoma patients. However, the clinical benefit from this combo regimen remains limited, especially in patients who acquired resistance to MAPK-targeted therapy. Here, we systematically characterized the immune landscape during MAPK-targeted therapy in patients and mouse melanoma models. We observed that both the abundance of tumor-infiltrated T cells and the expression of immune-related genes were upregulated in the drug-responsive period, but downregulated in the resistance period, implying that acquired drug resistance dampens the antitumor immune response. Further transcriptomic dissection indicated that loss of MHC-I antigen presentation on tumor cells plays a critical role in the reduction of T cell infiltration during drug resistance. Survival analysis demonstrates that loss of antigen presentation and reduction of T-cell infiltration during acquired drug resistance are associated with poorer clinical response and prognosis of anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma patients. In addition, we identified that alterations in the MAPK inhibitor resistance-related oncogenic signaling pathway closely correlated with deficiency of MHC-I antigen presentation, including activation of the PI3K-mTOR, MAPK, and Wnt pathways. In conclusion, our research illuminates that decreased infiltration of T cells is associated with acquired drug resistance during MAPK-targeted therapy, which may underlie the cross-resistance to immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinen Song
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huifang Li
- Research Core Facility, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Luo
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaowei Liu, ; Min Luo,
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaowei Liu, ; Min Luo,
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Wang L, Otkur W, Wang A, Wang W, Lyu Y, Fang L, Shan X, Song M, Feng Y, Zhao Y, Piao HL, Qi H, Liu JW. Norcantharidin overcomes vemurafenib resistance in melanoma by inhibiting pentose phosphate pathway and lipogenesis via downregulating the mTOR pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:906043. [PMID: 36034784 PMCID: PMC9411668 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.906043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer with a high incidence and low survival rate. More than half of melanomas present the activating BRAF mutations, along which V600E mutant represents 70%–90%. Vemurafenib (Vem) is an FDA-approved small-molecule kinase inhibitor that selectively targets activated BRAF V600E and inhibits its activity. However, the majority of patients treated with Vem develop acquired resistance. Hence, this study aims to explore a new treatment strategy to overcome the Vem resistance. Here, we found that a potential anticancer drug norcantharidin (NCTD) displayed a more significant proliferation inhibitory effect against Vem-resistant melanoma cells (A375R) than the parental melanoma cells (A375), which promised to be a therapeutic agent against BRAF V600E-mutated and acquired Vem-resistant melanoma. The metabolomics analysis showed that NCTD could, especially reverse the upregulation of pentose phosphate pathway and lipogenesis resulting from the Vem resistance. In addition, the transcriptomic analysis showed a dramatical downregulation in genes related to lipid metabolism and mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in A375R cells, but not in A375 cells, upon NCTD treatment. Moreover, NCTD upregulated butyrophilin (BTN) family genes, which played important roles in modulating T-cell response. Consistently, we found that Vem resistance led to an obvious elevation of the p-mTOR expression, which could be remarkably reduced by NCTD treatment. Taken together, NCTD may serve as a promising therapeutic option to resolve the problem of Vem resistance and to improve patient outcomes by combining with immunomodulatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Department of Geriatric Oncology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Wuxiyar Otkur
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Aman Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Yitong Lyu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Dalian, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiu Shan
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mingzhou Song
- Department of Computer Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
- Graduate Program in Molecular Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Geriatric Oncology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hai-Long Piao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
| | - Huan Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
| | - Ji-Wei Liu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
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Dobre EG, Constantin C, Neagu M. Skin Cancer Research Goes Digital: Looking for Biomarkers within the Droplets. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071136. [PMID: 35887633 PMCID: PMC9323323 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer, which includes the most frequent malignant non-melanoma carcinomas (basal cell carcinoma, BCC, and squamous cell carcinoma, SCC), along with the difficult to treat cutaneous melanoma (CM), pose important worldwide issues for the health care system. Despite the improved anti-cancer armamentarium and the latest scientific achievements, many skin cancer patients fail to respond to therapies, due to the remarkable heterogeneity of cutaneous tumors, calling for even more sophisticated biomarker discovery and patient monitoring approaches. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), a robust method for detecting and quantifying low-abundance nucleic acids, has recently emerged as a powerful technology for skin cancer analysis in tissue and liquid biopsies (LBs). The ddPCR method, being capable of analyzing various biological samples, has proved to be efficient in studying variations in gene sequences, including copy number variations (CNVs) and point mutations, DNA methylation, circulatory miRNome, and transcriptome dynamics. Moreover, ddPCR can be designed as a dynamic platform for individualized cancer detection and monitoring therapy efficacy. Here, we present the latest scientific studies applying ddPCR in dermato-oncology, highlighting the potential of this technology for skin cancer biomarker discovery and validation in the context of personalized medicine. The benefits and challenges associated with ddPCR implementation in the clinical setting, mainly when analyzing LBs, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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Intermittent treatment of BRAF V600E melanoma cells delays resistance by adaptive resensitization to drug rechallenge. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2113535119. [PMID: 35290123 PMCID: PMC8944661 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2113535119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies of metastatic melanoma treated with targeted therapeutics have suggested that alternating periods of treatment and withdrawal might delay the onset of resistance. This has been attributed to drug addiction, where cells lose fitness upon drug removal due to the resulting hyperactivation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling. This study presents evidence that the intermittent treatment response can also be explained by the resensitization of cells following drug removal and enhanced cell loss upon drug rechallenge. Resensitization is accompanied by adaptive transcriptomic switching and occurs despite the sustained expression of resistance genes throughout the intermittent treatment. Patients with melanoma receiving drugs targeting BRAFV600E and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) invariably develop resistance and face continued progression. Based on preclinical studies, intermittent treatment involving alternating periods of drug withdrawal and rechallenge has been proposed as a method to delay the onset of resistance. The beneficial effect of intermittent treatment has been attributed to drug addiction, where drug withdrawal reduces the viability of resistant cells due to MAP kinase pathway hyperactivation. However, the mechanistic basis of the intermittent effect is incompletely understood. We show that intermittent treatment with the BRAFV600E inhibitor, LGX818/encorafenib, suppresses growth compared with continuous treatment in human melanoma cells engineered to express BRAFV600E, p61-BRAFV600E, or MEK2C125 oncogenes. Analysis of the BRAFV600E-overexpressing cells shows that, while drug addiction clearly occurs, it fails to account for the advantageous effect of intermittent treatment. Instead, growth suppression is best explained by resensitization during periods of drug removal, followed by cell death after drug readdition. Continuous treatment leads to transcriptional responses prominently associated with chemoresistance in melanoma. By contrast, cells treated intermittently reveal a subset of transcripts that reverse expression between successive cycles of drug removal and rechallenge and include mediators of cell invasiveness and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These transcripts change during periods of drug removal by adaptive switching, rather than selection pressure. Resensitization occurs against a background of sustained expression of melanoma resistance genes, producing a transcriptome distinct from that of the initial drug-naive cell state. We conclude that phenotypic plasticity leading to drug resensitization can underlie the beneficial effect of intermittent treatment.
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Audrito V, Moiso E, Ugolini F, Messana VG, Brandimarte L, Manfredonia I, Bianchi S, De Logu F, Nassini R, Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, Taverna D, Massi D, Deaglio S. Tumors carrying BRAF-mutations over-express NAMPT that is genetically amplified and possesses oncogenic properties. J Transl Med 2022; 20:118. [PMID: 35272691 PMCID: PMC8908704 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03315-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis, is up-regulated in several cancers, including metastatic melanoma (MM). The BRAF oncogene is mutated in different cancer types, among which MM and thyroid carcinoma (THCA) are prominent. Drugs targeting mutant BRAF are effective, especially in MM patients, even though resistance rapidly develops. Previous data have linked NAMPT over-expression to the acquisition of BRAF resistance, paving the way for therapeutic strategies targeting the two pathways. Methods Exploiting the TCGA database and a collection of MM and THCA tissue microarrays we studied the association between BRAF mutations and NAMPT expression. BRAF wild-type (wt) cell lines were genetically engineered to over-express the BRAF V600E construct to demonstrate a direct relationship between over-activation of the BRAF pathway and NAMPT expression. Responses of different cell line models to NAMPT (i)nhibitors were studied using dose–response proliferation assays. Analysis of NAMPT copy number variation was performed in the TCGA dataset. Lastly, growth and colony forming assays were used to study the tumorigenic functions of NAMPT itself. Results The first finding of this work is that tumor samples carrying BRAF-mutations over-express NAMPT, as demonstrated by analyzing the TCGA dataset, and MM and THC tissue microarrays. Importantly, BRAF wt MM and THCA cell lines modified to over-express the BRAF V600E construct up-regulated NAMPT, confirming a transcriptional regulation of NAMPT following BRAF oncogenic signaling activation. Treatment of BRAF-mutated cell lines with two different NAMPTi was followed by significant reduction of tumor growth, indicating NAMPT addiction in these cells. Lastly, we found that several tumors over-expressing the enzyme, display NAMPT gene amplification. Over-expression of NAMPT in BRAF wt MM cell line and in fibroblasts resulted in increased growth capacity, arguing in favor of oncogenic properties of NAMPT. Conclusions Overall, the association between BRAF mutations and NAMPT expression identifies a subset of tumors more sensitive to NAMPT inhibition opening the way for novel combination therapies including NAMPTi with BRAFi/MEKi, to postpone and/or overcome drug resistance. Lastly, the over-expression of NAMPT in several tumors could be a key and broad event in tumorigenesis, substantiated by the finding of NAMPT gene amplification. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03315-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Audrito
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Enrico Moiso
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Filippo Ugolini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Gianluca Messana
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Brandimarte
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Ilaria Manfredonia
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Simonetta Bianchi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco De Logu
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Romina Nassini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland.,Diagnostic Hematology Department, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daniela Taverna
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Daniela Massi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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Betancourt LH, Gil J, Kim Y, Doma V, Çakır U, Sanchez A, Murillo JR, Kuras M, Parada IP, Sugihara Y, Appelqvist R, Wieslander E, Welinder C, Velasquez E, de Almeida NP, Woldmar N, Marko‐Varga M, Pawłowski K, Eriksson J, Szeitz B, Baldetorp B, Ingvar C, Olsson H, Lundgren L, Lindberg H, Oskolas H, Lee B, Berge E, Sjögren M, Eriksson C, Kim D, Kwon HJ, Knudsen B, Rezeli M, Hong R, Horvatovich P, Miliotis T, Nishimura T, Kato H, Steinfelder E, Oppermann M, Miller K, Florindi F, Zhou Q, Domont GB, Pizzatti L, Nogueira FCS, Horvath P, Szadai L, Tímár J, Kárpáti S, Szász AM, Malm J, Fenyö D, Ekedahl H, Németh IB, Marko‐Varga G. The human melanoma proteome atlas-Defining the molecular pathology. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e473. [PMID: 34323403 PMCID: PMC8255060 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The MM500 study is an initiative to map the protein levels in malignant melanoma tumor samples, focused on in-depth histopathology coupled to proteome characterization. The protein levels and localization were determined for a broad spectrum of diverse, surgically isolated melanoma tumors originating from multiple body locations. More than 15,500 proteoforms were identified by mass spectrometry, from which chromosomal and subcellular localization was annotated within both primary and metastatic melanoma. The data generated by global proteomic experiments covered 72% of the proteins identified in the recently reported high stringency blueprint of the human proteome. This study contributes to the NIH Cancer Moonshot initiative combining detailed histopathological presentation with the molecular characterization for 505 melanoma tumor samples, localized in 26 organs from 232 patients.
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Fu Y, Saraswat A, Wei Z, Agrawal MY, Dukhande VV, Reznik SE, Patel K. Development of Dual ARV-825 and Nintedanib-Loaded PEGylated Nano-Liposomes for Synergistic Efficacy in Vemurafnib-Resistant Melanoma. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13071005. [PMID: 34371697 PMCID: PMC8308940 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel treatment strategy by co-targeting c-Myc and tumor stroma was explored in vemurafenib-resistant melanoma. BRD4 proteolysis targeting chimera (ARV-825) and nintedanib co-loaded PEGylated nanoliposomes (ARNIPL) were developed to incorporate a synergistic cytotoxic ratio. Both the molecules have extremely poor aqueous solubility. A modified hydration method with citric acid was used to improve the loading of both the molecules in liposomes. ARNIPL with mean particle size 111.1 ± 6.55 nm exhibited more than 90% encapsulation efficiency for both the drugs and was found to be physically stable for a month at 4 °C. Both the molecules and ARNIPL showed significantly higher cytotoxicity, apoptosis and down-regulation of target proteins BRD4 and c-Myc in vemurafenib-resistant cell line (A375R). Vasculogenic mimicry and clonogenic potential of A375R were significantly inhibited by ARNIPL. Tumor growth inhibition in 3D spheroids with reduction of TGF-β1 was observed with ARNIPL treatment. Therefore, ARNIPL could be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of vemurafenib-resistant melanoma.
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Targeting Melanoma-Initiating Cells by Caffeine: In Silico and In Vitro Approaches. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123619. [PMID: 34199192 PMCID: PMC8231844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial effects of coffee on human diseases are well documented, but the molecular mechanisms of its bioactive compounds on cancer are not completely elucidated. This is likely due to the large heterogeneity of coffee preparations and different coffee-based beverages, but also to the choice of experimental models where proliferation, differentiation and immune responses are differently affected. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of one of the most interesting bioactive compounds in coffee, i.e., caffeine, using a cellular model of melanoma at a defined differentiation level. A preliminary in silico analysis carried out on public gene-expression databases identified genes potentially involved in caffeine’s effects and suggested some specific molecular targets, including tyrosinase. Proliferation was investigated in vitro on human melanoma initiating cells (MICs) and cytokine expression was measured in conditioned media. Tyrosinase was revealed as a key player in caffeine’s mechanisms of action, suggesting a crucial role in immunomodulation through the reduction in IL-1β, IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β and RANTES secretion onto MICs conditioned media. The potent antiproliferative effects of caffeine on MICs are likely to occur by promoting melanin production and reducing inflammatory signals’ secretion. These data suggest tyrosinase as a key player mediating the effects of caffeine on melanoma.
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McKenna S, García-Gutiérrez L. Resistance to Targeted Therapy and RASSF1A Loss in Melanoma: What Are We Missing? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5115. [PMID: 34066022 PMCID: PMC8150731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer and is therapeutically challenging, considering its high mutation rate. Following the development of therapies to target BRAF, the most frequently found mutation in melanoma, promising therapeutic responses were observed. While mono- and combination therapies to target the MAPK cascade did induce a therapeutic response in BRAF-mutated melanomas, the development of resistance to MAPK-targeted therapies remains a challenge for a high proportion of patients. Resistance mechanisms are varied and can be categorised as intrinsic, acquired, and adaptive. RASSF1A is a tumour suppressor that plays an integral role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis as a central signalling hub. RASSF1A tumour suppressor activity is commonly lost in melanoma, mainly by aberrant promoter hypermethylation. RASSF1A loss could be associated with several mechanisms of resistance to MAPK inhibition considering that most of the signalling pathways that RASSF1A controls are found to be altered targeted therapy resistant melanomas. Herein, we discuss resistance mechanisms in detail and the potential role for RASSF1A reactivation to re-sensitise BRAF mutant melanomas to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucía García-Gutiérrez
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland;
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36
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Aoude LG, Wong BZY, Bonazzi VF, Brosda S, Walters SB, Koufariotis LT, Naeini MM, Pearson JV, Oey H, Patel K, Bradford JJ, Bloxham CJ, Atkinson V, Law P, Strutton G, Bayley G, Yang S, Smithers BM, Waddell N, Miles K, Barbour AP. Radiomics Biomarkers Correlate with CD8 Expression and Predict Immune Signatures in Melanoma Patients. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:950-956. [PMID: 33811161 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-1038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Treatment for metastatic melanoma includes targeted and/or immunotherapy. Although many patients respond, only a subset has complete response. As late-stage patients often have multiple tumors in difficult access sites, non-invasive techniques are necessary for the development of predictive/prognostic biomarkers. PET/CT scans from 52 patients with stage III/IV melanoma were assessed and CT image parameters were evaluated as prognostic biomarkers. Analysis indicated patients with high standard deviation or high mean of positive pixels (MPP) had worse progression-free survival (P = 0.00047 and P = 0.0014, respectively) and worse overall survival (P = 0.0223 and P = 0.0465, respectively). Whole-exome sequencing showed high MPP was associated with BRAF mutation status (P = 0.0389). RNA-sequencing indicated patients with immune "cold" signatures had worse survival, which was associated with CT biomarker, MPP4 (P = 0.0284). Multiplex immunofluorescence confirmed a correlation between CD8 expression and image biomarkers (P = 0.0028). IMPLICATIONS: CT parameters have the potential to be cost-effective biomarkers of survival in melanoma, and reflect the tumor immune-microenvironment. VISUAL OVERVIEW: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/19/6/950/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren G Aoude
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Bernadette Z Y Wong
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Department of Medical Imaging, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Medical Imaging, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Australia
| | - Vanessa F Bonazzi
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandra Brosda
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shaun B Walters
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Marjan M Naeini
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - John V Pearson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Harald Oey
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kalpana Patel
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julia J Bradford
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Conor J Bloxham
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Victoria Atkinson
- Queensland Melanoma Project, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Phillip Law
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Department of Medical Imaging, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Strutton
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gerard Bayley
- Queensland Melanoma Project, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Samuel Yang
- Queensland Melanoma Project, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - B Mark Smithers
- Queensland Melanoma Project, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicola Waddell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kenneth Miles
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Department of Medical Imaging, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew P Barbour
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Melanoma Project, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
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