1
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Kim S, Lee KW, Yoo Y, Park SH, Lee JW, Jeon S, Illia S, Joshi P, Park HW, Lo HE, Seo J, Kim Y, Chang M, Lee TJ, Seo JB, Kim SH, Croce CM, Kim I, Suh SS, Jeon YJ. MiR-29 and MiR-140 regulate TRAIL-induced drug tolerance in lung cancer. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2024; 28:184-197. [PMID: 38693921 PMCID: PMC11062278 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2024.2345644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has chemotherapeutic potential as a regulator of an extrinsic apoptotic ligand, but its effect as a drug is limited by innate and acquired resistance. Recent findings suggest that an intermediate drug tolerance could mediate acquired resistance, which has made the main obstacle for limited utility of TRAIL as an anti-cancer therapeutics. We propose miRNA-dependent epigenetic modification drives the drug tolerant state in TRAIL-induced drug tolerant (TDT). Transcriptomic analysis revealed miR-29 target gene activation in TDT cells, showing oncogenic signature in lung cancer. Also, the restored TRAIL-sensitivity was associated with miR-29ac and 140-5p expressions, which is known as tumor suppressor by suppressing oncogenic protein RSK2 (p90 ribosomal S6 kinase), further confirmed in patient samples. Moreover, we extended this finding into 119 lung cancer cell lines from public data set, suggesting a significant correlation between TRAIL-sensitivity and RSK2 mRNA expression. Finally, we found that increased RSK2 mRNA is responsible for NF-κB activation, which we previously showed as a key determinant in both innate and acquired TRAIL-resistance. Our findings support further investigation of miR-29ac and -140-5p inhibition to maintain TRAIL-sensitivity and improve the durability of response to TRAIL in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyeon Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Wook Lee
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongjin Yoo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sang Hee Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Lee
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyun Jeon
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, Republic of Korea
| | - Shaginyan Illia
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Pooja Joshi
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hyun Woo Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-En Lo
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jimin Seo
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonwoo Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Chang
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Jin Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jong Bae Seo
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hak Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Carlo M. Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Inki Kim
- ASAN Institute for Life Sciences, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Suk Suh
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jun Jeon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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2
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Fateeva A, Eddy K, Chen S. Current State of Melanoma Therapy and Next Steps: Battling Therapeutic Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1571. [PMID: 38672652 PMCID: PMC11049326 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer due to its high propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Significant progress has been made in the last few decades in melanoma therapeutics, most notably in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These approaches have greatly improved treatment response outcomes; however, they remain limited in their abilities to hinder disease progression due, in part, to the onset of acquired resistance. In parallel, intrinsic resistance to therapy remains an issue to be resolved. In this review, we summarize currently available therapeutic options for melanoma treatment and focus on possible mechanisms that drive therapeutic resistance. A better understanding of therapy resistance will provide improved rational strategies to overcome these obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fateeva
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (A.F.); (K.E.)
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kevinn Eddy
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (A.F.); (K.E.)
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Suzie Chen
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (A.F.); (K.E.)
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA
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3
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Hu B, Wiesehöfer M, de Miguel FJ, Liu Z, Chan LH, Choi J, Melnick MA, Arnal Estape A, Walther Z, Zhao D, Lopez-Giraldez F, Wurtz A, Cai G, Fan R, Gettinger S, Xiao A, Yan Q, Homer R, Nguyen DX, Politi K. ASCL1 Drives Tolerance to Osimertinib in EGFR Mutant Lung Cancer in Permissive Cellular Contexts. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1303-1319. [PMID: 38359163 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The majority of EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinomas respond well to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). However, most of these responses are partial, with drug-tolerant residual disease remaining even at the time of maximal response. This residual disease can ultimately lead to relapses, which eventually develop in most patients. To investigate the cellular and molecular properties of residual tumor cells in vivo, we leveraged patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of EGFR mutant lung cancer. Subcutaneous EGFR mutant PDXs were treated with the third-generation TKI osimertinib until maximal tumor regression. Residual tissue inevitably harbored tumor cells that were transcriptionally distinct from bulk pretreatment tumor. Single-cell transcriptional profiling provided evidence of cells matching the profiles of drug-tolerant cells present in the pretreatment tumor. In one of the PDXs analyzed, osimertinib treatment caused dramatic transcriptomic changes that featured upregulation of the neuroendocrine lineage transcription factor ASCL1. Mechanistically, ASCL1 conferred drug tolerance by initiating an epithelial-to-mesenchymal gene-expression program in permissive cellular contexts. This study reveals fundamental insights into the biology of drug tolerance, the plasticity of cells through TKI treatment, and why specific phenotypes are observed only in certain tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Analysis of residual disease following tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment identified heterogeneous and context-specific mechanisms of drug tolerance in lung cancer that could lead to the development of strategies to forestall drug resistance. See related commentary by Rumde and Burns, p. 1188.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bomiao Hu
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Marc Wiesehöfer
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Zongzhi Liu
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lok-Hei Chan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mary Ann Melnick
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Anna Arnal Estape
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Zenta Walther
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Dejian Zhao
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis (YCGA) Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Francesc Lopez-Giraldez
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis (YCGA) Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Anna Wurtz
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Guoping Cai
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rong Fan
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Scott Gettinger
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Andrew Xiao
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Robert Homer
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Don X Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Katerina Politi
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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4
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Stauffer PE, Brinkley J, Jacobson D, Quaranta V, Tyson DR. Purinergic Ca 2+ signaling as a novel mechanism of drug tolerance in BRAF mutant melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.03.565532. [PMID: 37961267 PMCID: PMC10635130 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.03.565532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Drug tolerance is a major cause of relapse after cancer treatment. In spite of intensive efforts1-9, its molecular basis remains poorly understood, hampering actionable intervention. We report a previously unrecognized signaling mechanism supporting drug tolerance in BRAF-mutant melanoma treated with BRAF inhibitors that could be of general relevance to other cancers. Its key features are cell-intrinsic intracellular Ca2+ signaling initiated by P2X7 receptors (purinergic ligand-gated cation channels), and an enhanced ability for these Ca2+ signals to reactivate ERK1/2 in the drug-tolerant state. Extracellular ATP, virtually ubiquitous in living systems, is the ligand that can initiate Ca2+ spikes via P2X7 channels. ATP is abundant in the tumor microenvironment and is released by dying cells, ironically implicating treatment-initiated cancer cell death as a source of trophic stimuli that leads to ERK reactivation and drug tolerance. Such a mechanism immediately offers an explanation of the inevitable relapse after BRAFi treatment in BRAF-mutant melanoma, and points to actionable strategies to overcome it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E Stauffer
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jordon Brinkley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David Jacobson
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Vito Quaranta
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Darren R Tyson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
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5
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Liguoro D, Frigerio R, Ortolano A, Sacconi A, Acunzo M, Romano G, Nigita G, Bellei B, Madonna G, Capone M, Ascierto PA, Mancini R, Ciliberto G, Fattore L. The MITF/mir-579-3p regulatory axis dictates BRAF-mutated melanoma cell fate in response to MAPK inhibitors. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:208. [PMID: 38472212 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06580-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Therapy of melanoma has improved dramatically over the last years thanks to the development of targeted therapies (MAPKi) and immunotherapies. However, drug resistance continues to limit the efficacy of these therapies. Our research group has provided robust evidence as to the involvement of a set of microRNAs in the development of resistance to target therapy in BRAF-mutated melanomas. Among them, a pivotal role is played by the oncosuppressor miR-579-3p. Here we show that miR-579-3p and the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) influence reciprocally their expression through positive feedback regulatory loops. In particular we show that miR-579-3p is specifically deregulated in BRAF-mutant melanomas and that its expression levels mirror those of MITF. Luciferase and ChIP studies show that MITF is a positive regulator of miR-579-3p, which is located in the intron 11 of the human gene ZFR (Zink-finger recombinase) and is co-transcribed with its host gene. Moreover, miR-579-3p, by targeting BRAF, is able to stabilize MITF protein thus inducing its own transcription. From biological points of view, early exposure to MAPKi or, alternatively miR-579-3p transfection, induce block of proliferation and trigger senescence programs in BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. Finally, the long-term development of resistance to MAPKi is able to select cells characterized by the loss of both miR-579-3p and MITF and the same down-regulation is also present in patients relapsing after treatments. Altogether these findings suggest that miR-579-3p/MITF interplay potentially governs the balance between proliferation, senescence and resistance to therapies in BRAF-mutant melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Liguoro
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Frigerio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Arianna Ortolano
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic- Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Acunzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Giulia Romano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Giovanni Nigita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144, 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
| | - 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
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Directorate, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, 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
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6
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Hanrahan AJ, Chen Z, Rosen N, Solit DB. BRAF - a tumour-agnostic drug target with lineage-specific dependencies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:224-247. [PMID: 38278874 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00852-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
In June 2022, the FDA granted Accelerated Approval to the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib in combination with the MEK inhibitor trametinib for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients (≥6 years of age) with unresectable or metastatic BRAFV600E-mutant solid tumours, except for BRAFV600E-mutant colorectal cancers. The histology-agnostic approval of dabrafenib plus trametinib marks the culmination of two decades of research into the landscape of BRAF mutations in human cancers, the biochemical mechanisms underlying BRAF-mediated tumorigenesis, and the clinical development of selective RAF and MEK inhibitors. Although the majority of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant tumours derive clinical benefit from BRAF inhibitor-based combinations, resistance to treatment develops in most. In this Review, we describe the biochemical basis for oncogenic BRAF-induced activation of MAPK signalling and pan-cancer and lineage-specific mechanisms of intrinsic, adaptive and acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. We also discuss novel RAF inhibitors and drug combinations designed to delay the emergence of treatment resistance and/or expand the population of patients with BRAF-mutant cancers who benefit from molecularly targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrothiti J Hanrahan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ziyu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David B Solit
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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7
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Shaw T, Barr FG, Üren A. The PAX Genes: Roles in Development, Cancer, and Other Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1022. [PMID: 38473380 PMCID: PMC10931086 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Since their 1986 discovery in Drosophila, Paired box (PAX) genes have been shown to play major roles in the early development of the eye, muscle, skeleton, kidney, and other organs. Consistent with their roles as master regulators of tissue formation, the PAX family members are evolutionarily conserved, regulate large transcriptional networks, and in turn can be regulated by a variety of mechanisms. Losses or mutations in these genes can result in developmental disorders or cancers. The precise mechanisms by which PAX genes control disease pathogenesis are well understood in some cases, but much remains to be explored. A deeper understanding of the biology of these genes, therefore, has the potential to aid in the improvement of disease diagnosis and the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Shaw
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Frederic G Barr
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aykut Üren
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20001, USA
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8
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Wu M, Hanly A, Gibson F, Fisher R, Rogers S, Park K, Zuger A, Kuang K, Kalin JH, Nocco S, Cole M, Xiao A, Agus F, Labadorf A, Beck S, Collard M, Cole PA, Alani RM. The CoREST repressor complex mediates phenotype switching and therapy resistance in melanoma. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e171063. [PMID: 38300709 PMCID: PMC10940100 DOI: 10.1172/jci171063] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Virtually all patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma develop resistance to MAPK inhibitors largely through nonmutational events. Although the epigenetic landscape is shown to be altered in therapy-resistant melanomas and other cancers, a specific targetable epigenetic mechanism has not been validated. Here, we evaluated the corepressor for element 1-silencing transcription factor (CoREST) epigenetic repressor complex and the recently developed bivalent inhibitor corin within the context of melanoma phenotype plasticity and therapeutic resistance. We found that CoREST was a critical mediator of the major distinct melanoma phenotypes and that corin treatment of melanoma cells led to phenotype reprogramming. Global assessment of transcript and chromatin changes conferred by corin revealed specific effects on histone marks connected to epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated (EMT-associated) transcription factors and the dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs). Remarkably, treatment of BRAF inhibitor-resistant (BRAFi-R) melanomas with corin promoted resensitization to BRAFi therapy. DUSP1 was consistently downregulated in BRAFi-R melanomas, which was reversed by corin treatment and associated with inhibition of p38 MAPK activity and resensitization to BRAFi therapies. Moreover, this activity was recapitulated by the p38 MAPK inhibitor BIRB 796. These findings identify the CoREST repressor complex as a central mediator of melanoma phenotype plasticity and resistance to targeted therapy and suggest that CoREST inhibitors may prove beneficial for patients with BRAFi-resistant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzhou Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ailish Hanly
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frederick Gibson
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Fisher
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha Rogers
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kihyun Park
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Angelina Zuger
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin Kuang
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jay H. Kalin
- Division of Genetics, Departments of Medicine and Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Nocco
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew Cole
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Filisia Agus
- Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adam Labadorf
- Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samuel Beck
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marianne Collard
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Philip A. Cole
- Division of Genetics, Departments of Medicine and Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rhoda M. Alani
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Murali VS, Rajendran D, Isogai T, DeBerardinis RJ, Danuser G. RhoA activation promotes glucose uptake to elevate proliferation in MAPK inhibitor resistant melanoma cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.09.574940. [PMID: 38260449 PMCID: PMC10802590 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.09.574940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanomas harboring a B-RafV600E mutation are treated with immune check point inhibitors or kinase inhibitor combination therapies relying on MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi) Dabrafenib and Trametinib (Curti and Faries, 2021). However, cells become resistant to treatments over the timespan of a few months. Resistance to MAPKi has been associated with adoption of an aggressive amoeboid phenotype characterized by elevated RhoA signaling, enhanced contractility and thick cortical filamentous actin (F-actin) structures (Kim et al., 2016; Misek et al., 2020). Targeting active RhoA through Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors, either alone or in combination with immunotherapies, reverts MAPKi-resistance (Misek et al., 2020; Orgaz et al., 2020). Yet, the mechanisms for this behavior remain largely unknown. Given our recent findings of cytoskeleton's role in cancer cell proliferation (Mohan et al., 2019), survival (Weems et al., 2023), and metabolism (Park et al., 2020), we explored possibilities by which RhoA-driven changes in cytoskeleton structure may confer resistance. We confirmed elevated activation of RhoA in a panel of MAPKi-resistant melanoma cell lines, leading to a marked increase in the presence of contractile F-actin bundles. Moreover, these cells had increased glucose uptake and glycolysis, a phenotype disrupted by pharmacological perturbation of ROCK. However, glycolysis was unaffected by disruption of F-actin bundles, indicating that glycolytic stimulation in MAPKi-resistant melanoma is independent of F-actin organization. Instead, our findings highlight a mechanism in which elevated RhoA signaling activates ROCK, leading to the activation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and P85 of the PI3K pathway, which promotes cell surface expression of GLUT1 and elevated glucose uptake. Application of ROCK inhibitor GSK269962A results in reduced glucose uptake and glycolysis, thus impeding cell proliferation. Our study adds a mechanism to the proposed use of ROCK inhibitors for long-term treatments on MAPKi-resistant melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasanth Siruvallur Murali
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Systems Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Divya Rajendran
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Systems Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tadamoto Isogai
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Systems Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ralph J. DeBerardinis
- Children’s Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gaudenz Danuser
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Systems Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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10
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Kozyra P, Pitucha M. Revisiting the Role of B-RAF Kinase as a Therapeutic Target in Melanoma. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2003-2020. [PMID: 37855341 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673258495231011065225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the rarest but most aggressive and deadly skin cancer. Melanoma is the result of a malignant transformation of melanocytes, which leads to their uncontrolled proliferation. Mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which are crucial for the control of cellular processes, such as apoptosis, division, growth, differentiation, and migration, are one of its most common causes. BRAF kinase, as one of the known targets of this pathway, has been known for many years as a prominent molecular target in melanoma therapy, and the following mini-review outlines the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding its structure, mutations and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kozyra
- Independent Radiopharmacy Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, PL, 20093, Poland
| | - Monika Pitucha
- Independent Radiopharmacy Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, PL-20093, Poland
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11
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Hajibabaie F, Abedpoor N, Haghjooy Javanmard S, Hasan A, Sharifi M, Rahimmanesh I, Shariati L, Makvandi P. The molecular perspective on the melanoma and genome engineering of T-cells in targeting therapy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116980. [PMID: 37648188 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma, an aggressive malignant tumor originating from melanocytes in humans, is on the rise globally, with limited non-surgical treatment options available. Recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying immune escape, tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and cancer metastasis have paved the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. Combination therapy targeting multiple pathways simultaneously has been shown to be promising in treating melanoma, eliciting favorable responses in most melanoma patients. CAR T-cells, engineered to overcome the limitations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-dependent tumor cell detection associated with T-cell receptors, offer an alternative approach. By genetically modifying apheresis-collected allogeneic or autologous T-cells to express chimeric antigen receptors, CAR T-cells can appreciate antigens on cell surfaces independently of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), providing a significant cancer cell detection advantage. However, identifying the most effective target antigen is the initial step, as it helps mitigate the risk of toxicity due to "on-target, off-tumor" and establishes a targeted therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, evaluating signaling pathways and critical molecules involved in melanoma pathogenesis remains insufficient. This study emphasizes the novel approaches of CAR T-cell immunoediting and presents new insights into the molecular signaling pathways associated with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hajibabaie
- Department of Biology, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Navid Abedpoor
- Department of Sports Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar.
| | - Mehran Sharifi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Cancer Prevention Research Center, Seyyed Al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Ilnaz Rahimmanesh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 8174673461, Iran; Biosensor Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China; School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JL, UK.
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12
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Harmange G, Hueros RAR, Schaff DL, Emert B, Saint-Antoine M, Kim LC, Niu Z, Nellore S, Fane ME, Alicea GM, Weeraratna AT, Simon MC, Singh A, Shaffer SM. Disrupting cellular memory to overcome drug resistance. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7130. [PMID: 37932277 PMCID: PMC10628298 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41811-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression states persist for varying lengths of time at the single-cell level, a phenomenon known as gene expression memory. When cells switch states, losing memory of their prior state, this transition can occur in the absence of genetic changes. However, we lack robust methods to find regulators of memory or track state switching. Here, we develop a lineage tracing-based technique to quantify memory and identify cells that switch states. Applied to melanoma cells without therapy, we quantify long-lived fluctuations in gene expression that are predictive of later resistance to targeted therapy. We also identify the PI3K and TGF-β pathways as state switching modulators. We propose a pretreatment model, first applying a PI3K inhibitor to modulate gene expression states, then applying targeted therapy, which leads to less resistance than targeted therapy alone. Together, we present a method for finding modulators of gene expression memory and their associated cell fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Harmange
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Raúl A Reyes Hueros
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dylan L Schaff
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin Emert
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Michael Saint-Antoine
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Laura C Kim
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zijian Niu
- Department of Chemistry, College of the Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Physics, College of the Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shivani Nellore
- Department of Biology, College of the Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mitchell E Fane
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Research Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gretchen M Alicea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abhyudai Singh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Sydney M Shaffer
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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13
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Bunne C, Stark SG, Gut G, Del Castillo JS, Levesque M, Lehmann KV, Pelkmans L, Krause A, Rätsch G. Learning single-cell perturbation responses using neural optimal transport. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1759-1768. [PMID: 37770709 PMCID: PMC10630137 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01969-x] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and predicting molecular responses in single cells upon chemical, genetic or mechanical perturbations is a core question in biology. Obtaining single-cell measurements typically requires the cells to be destroyed. This makes learning heterogeneous perturbation responses challenging as we only observe unpaired distributions of perturbed or non-perturbed cells. Here we leverage the theory of optimal transport and the recent advent of input convex neural architectures to present CellOT, a framework for learning the response of individual cells to a given perturbation by mapping these unpaired distributions. CellOT outperforms current methods at predicting single-cell drug responses, as profiled by scRNA-seq and a multiplexed protein-imaging technology. Further, we illustrate that CellOT generalizes well on unseen settings by (1) predicting the scRNA-seq responses of holdout patients with lupus exposed to interferon-β and patients with glioblastoma to panobinostat; (2) inferring lipopolysaccharide responses across different species; and (3) modeling the hematopoietic developmental trajectories of different subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Bunne
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- AI Center, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan G Stark
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- AI Center, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Medical Informatics Unit, University of Zurich Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Gut
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Mitch Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kjong-Van Lehmann
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Cancer Research Center Cologne-Essen, Site: Center Integrated Oncology Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lucas Pelkmans
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Krause
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- AI Center, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Gunnar Rätsch
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- AI Center, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Medical Informatics Unit, University of Zurich Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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14
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Flaherty KT. A twenty year perspective on melanoma therapy. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2023; 36:563-575. [PMID: 37770281 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma had long been considered to be particularly addressable with immunotherapy, but that reputation was built on modestly effective cytokine-based immunotherapy. CTLA-4 antibody therapy reinforced this legacy, but PD-1 antibodies transformed the melanoma treatment landscape and lead the way for immunotherapy to become standard treatment for more than half of the advanced cancer population. BRAF mutations were discovered in 8% of all cancer and nearly 50% of melanomas. Successful development of BRAF inhibitors and BRAF/MEK combination therapy in melanoma preceded regulatory approval across all cancer types. No cancer type saw outcomes improved by the same margin as melanoma in the decade of the 2010s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith T Flaherty
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Zhu EY, Schillo JL, Murray SD, Riordan JD, Dupuy AJ. Understanding cancer drug resistance with Sleeping Beauty functional genomic screens: Application to MAPK inhibition in cutaneous melanoma. iScience 2023; 26:107805. [PMID: 37860756 PMCID: PMC10582486 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined BRAF and MEK inhibition is an effective treatment for BRAF-mutant cutaneous melanoma. However, most patients progress on this treatment due to drug resistance. Here, we applied the Sleeping Beauty transposon system to understand how melanoma evades MAPK inhibition. We found that the specific drug resistance mechanisms differed across melanomas in our genetic screens of five cutaneous melanoma cell lines. While drivers that reactivated MAPK were highly conserved, many others were cell-line specific. One such driver, VAV1, activated a de-differentiated transcriptional program like that of hyperactive RAC1, RAC1P29S. To target this mechanism, we showed that an inhibitor of SRC, saracatinib, blunts the VAV1-induced transcriptional reprogramming. Overall, we highlighted the importance of accounting for melanoma heterogeneity in treating cutaneous melanoma with MAPK inhibitors. Moreover, we demonstrated the utility of the Sleeping Beauty transposon system in understanding cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot Y. Zhu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jacob L. Schillo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sarina D. Murray
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jesse D. Riordan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Adam J. Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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16
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Huang F, Cai F, Dahabieh MS, Gunawardena K, Talebi A, Dehairs J, El-Turk F, Park JY, Li M, Goncalves C, Gagnon N, Su J, LaPierre JH, Gaub P, Joyal JS, Mitchell JJ, Swinnen JV, Miller WH, del Rincón SV. Peroxisome disruption alters lipid metabolism and potentiates antitumor response with MAPK-targeted therapy in melanoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e166644. [PMID: 37616051 PMCID: PMC10575734 DOI: 10.1172/jci166644] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanomas reprogram their metabolism to rapidly adapt to therapy-induced stress conditions, allowing them to persist and ultimately develop resistance. We report that a subpopulation of melanoma cells tolerate MAPK pathway inhibitors (MAPKis) through a concerted metabolic reprogramming mediated by peroxisomes and UDP-glucose ceramide glycosyltransferase (UGCG). Compromising peroxisome biogenesis, by repressing PEX3 expression, potentiated the proapoptotic effects of MAPKis via an induction of ceramides, an effect limited by UGCG-mediated ceramide metabolism. Cotargeting PEX3 and UGCG selectively eliminated a subset of metabolically active, drug-tolerant CD36+ melanoma persister cells, thereby sensitizing melanoma to MAPKis and delaying resistance. Increased levels of peroxisomal genes and UGCG were found in patient-derived MAPKi-relapsed melanomas, and simultaneously inhibiting PEX3 and UGCG restored MAPKi sensitivity in multiple models of therapy resistance. Finally, combination therapy consisting of a newly identified inhibitor of the PEX3-PEX19 interaction, a UGCG inhibitor, and MAPKis demonstrated potent antitumor activity in preclinical melanoma models, thus representing a promising approach for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Huang
- Lady Davis Institute
- Department of Experimental Medicine, and
| | - Feiyang Cai
- Lady Davis Institute
- Department of Experimental Medicine, and
| | | | | | - Ali Talebi
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonas Dehairs
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Farah El-Turk
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jae Yeon Park
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mengqi Li
- Lady Davis Institute
- Department of Experimental Medicine, and
| | | | | | | | | | - Perrine Gaub
- Centre de Recherche, CHU St. Justine, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Johannes V. Swinnen
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism and Cancer, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wilson H. Miller
- Lady Davis Institute
- Department of Experimental Medicine, and
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sonia V. del Rincón
- Lady Davis Institute
- Department of Experimental Medicine, and
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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17
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Chen W, Park JI. Tumor Cell Resistance to the Inhibition of BRAF and MEK1/2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14837. [PMID: 37834284 PMCID: PMC10573597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914837] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAF is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, with an overall frequency of about 50%. Targeting BRAF and its effector mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) is now a key therapeutic strategy for BRAF-mutant tumors, and therapies based on dual BRAF/MEK inhibition showed significant efficacy in a broad spectrum of BRAF tumors. Nonetheless, BRAF/MEK inhibition therapy is not always effective for BRAF tumor suppression, and significant challenges remain to improve its clinical outcomes. First, certain BRAF tumors have an intrinsic ability to rapidly adapt to the presence of BRAF and MEK1/2 inhibitors by bypassing drug effects via rewired signaling, metabolic, and regulatory networks. Second, almost all tumors initially responsive to BRAF and MEK1/2 inhibitors eventually acquire therapy resistance via an additional genetic or epigenetic alteration(s). Overcoming these challenges requires identifying the molecular mechanism underlying tumor cell resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitors and analyzing their specificity in different BRAF tumors. This review aims to update this information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jong-In Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
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18
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Song X, Lan Y, Zheng X, Zhu Q, Liao X, Liu K, Zhang W, Peng Q, Zhu Y, Zhao L, Chen X, Shu Y, Yang K, Hu J. Targeting drug-tolerant cells: A promising strategy for overcoming acquired drug resistance in cancer cells. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e342. [PMID: 37638338 PMCID: PMC10449058 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance remains the greatest challenge in improving outcomes for cancer patients who receive chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Surmounting evidence suggests that a subpopulation of cancer cells could escape intense selective drug treatment by entering a drug-tolerant state without genetic variations. These drug-tolerant cells (DTCs) are characterized with a slow proliferation rate and a reversible phenotype. They reside in the tumor region and may serve as a reservoir for resistant phenotypes. The survival of DTCs is regulated by epigenetic modifications, transcriptional regulation, mRNA translation remodeling, metabolic changes, antiapoptosis, interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and activation of signaling pathways. Thus, targeting the regulators of DTCs opens a new avenue for the treatment of therapy-resistant tumors. In this review, we first provide an overview of common characteristics of DTCs and the regulating networks in DTCs development. We also discuss the potential therapeutic opportunities to target DTCs. Last, we discuss the current challenges and prospects of the DTC-targeting approach to overcome acquired drug resistance. Reviewing the latest developments in DTC research could be essential in discovering of methods to eliminate DTCs, which may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing drug resistance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohai Song
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yang Lan
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiuli Zheng
- Department of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care MedicinePrecision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qianyu Zhu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xuliang Liao
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Weihan Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - QiangBo Peng
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yunfeng Zhu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Linyong Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jiankun Hu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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19
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Louphrasitthiphol P, Loffreda A, Pogenberg V, Picaud S, Schepsky A, Friedrichsen H, Zeng Z, Lashgari A, Thomas B, Patton EE, Wilmanns M, Filippakopoulos P, Lambert JP, Steingrímsson E, Mazza D, Goding CR. Acetylation reprograms MITF target selectivity and residence time. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6051. [PMID: 37770430 PMCID: PMC10539308 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of transcription factors to discriminate between different classes of binding sites associated with specific biological functions underpins effective gene regulation in development and homeostasis. How this is achieved is poorly understood. The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor MITF is a lineage-survival oncogene that plays a crucial role in melanocyte development and melanoma. MITF suppresses invasion, reprograms metabolism and promotes both proliferation and differentiation. How MITF distinguishes between differentiation and proliferation-associated targets is unknown. Here we show that compared to many transcription factors MITF exhibits a very long residence time which is reduced by p300/CBP-mediated MITF acetylation at K206. While K206 acetylation also decreases genome-wide MITF DNA-binding affinity, it preferentially directs DNA binding away from differentiation-associated CATGTG motifs toward CACGTG elements. The results reveal an acetylation-mediated switch that suppresses differentiation and provides a mechanistic explanation of why a human K206Q MITF mutation is associated with Waardenburg syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Alessia Loffreda
- Experimental Imaging Center, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Vivian Pogenberg
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Hamburg Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Picaud
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander Schepsky
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Hans Friedrichsen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Zhiqiang Zeng
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, MRC Human Genetics Unit & Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anahita Lashgari
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada; Endocrinology - Nephrology Axis, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Benjamin Thomas
- Central Proteomics Facility, Sir William Dunn Pathology School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, MRC Human Genetics Unit & Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthias Wilmanns
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Hamburg, Germany
- University Hamburg Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Panagis Filippakopoulos
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Jean-Philippe Lambert
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada; Endocrinology - Nephrology Axis, CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Eiríkur Steingrímsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Davide Mazza
- Experimental Imaging Center, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Università Vita-Salulte San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK.
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20
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Redondo-Muñoz M, Rodriguez-Baena FJ, Aldaz P, Caballé-Mestres A, Moncho-Amor V, Otaegi-Ugartemendia M, Carrasco-Garcia E, Olias-Arjona A, Lasheras-Otero I, Santamaria E, Bocanegra A, Chocarro L, Grier A, Dzieciatkowska M M, Bigas C, Martin J, Urdiroz-Urricelqui U, Marzo F, Santamaria E, Kochan G, Escors D, Larrayoz IM, Heyn H, D'Alessandro A, Attolini CSO, Matheu A, Wellbrock C, Benitah SA, Sanchez-Laorden B, Arozarena I. Metabolic rewiring induced by ranolazine improves melanoma responses to targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1544-1562. [PMID: 37563469 PMCID: PMC10513932 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00861-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Resistance of melanoma to targeted therapy and immunotherapy is linked to metabolic rewiring. Here, we show that increased fatty acid oxidation (FAO) during prolonged BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) treatment contributes to acquired therapy resistance in mice. Targeting FAO using the US Food and Drug Administration-approved and European Medicines Agency-approved anti-anginal drug ranolazine (RANO) delays tumour recurrence with acquired BRAFi resistance. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis reveals that RANO diminishes the abundance of the therapy-resistant NGFRhi neural crest stem cell subpopulation. Moreover, by rewiring the methionine salvage pathway, RANO enhances melanoma immunogenicity through increased antigen presentation and interferon signalling. Combination of RANO with anti-PD-L1 antibodies strongly improves survival by increasing antitumour immune responses. Altogether, we show that RANO increases the efficacy of targeted melanoma therapy through its effects on FAO and the methionine salvage pathway. Importantly, our study suggests that RANO could sensitize BRAFi-resistant tumours to immunotherapy. Since RANO has very mild side-effects, it might constitute a therapeutic option to improve the two main strategies currently used to treat metastatic melanoma.
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Grants
- P30 CA046934 NCI NIH HHS
- Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Institute of Health Carlos III)
- Departamento de Salud del Gobierno de Navarra, Spain (Grant Ref. No: GºNa 71/17)
- Marta Redondo-Muñoz is funded by a PhD studentship from the Department of Industry of the Government of Navarra, Spain. MRM acknowledges funding from the Grupo Español Multidisciplinar de Melanoma
- The University of Colorado School of Medicine Metabolomics Core is supported in part by the University of Colorado Cancer Center award from the National Cancer Institute P30CA046934
- David Escors Acknowledges funding from The Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC), PROYE16001ESCO), Biomedicine Project Grant from the Department of Health of the Government of Navarre-FEDER funds (BMED 050-2019, 51-2021) ; Strategic projects from the Department of Industry, Government of Navarre (AGATA, Ref. 0011-1411-2020-000013; LINTERNA, Ref. 0011-1411-2020-000033; DESCARTHES, 0011-1411-2019-000058).
- Research in the S.A.B. laboratory is supported partially by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant agreement No. 787041), the Government of Cataluña (SGR grant), the Government of Spain (MINECO), the La Marató/TV3 Foundation, the Foundation Lilliane Bettencourt, the Spanish Association for Cancer Research (AECC) and The Worldwide Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF)
- Work in B.S-L´s lab is funded by:PID2019-106852-RBI00 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033, the Melanoma Research Alliance (https://doi.org/10.48050/pc.gr.91574 to B.S-L) and the FERO Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Redondo-Muñoz
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Paula Aldaz
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Adriá Caballé-Mestres
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica Moncho-Amor
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
- CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Estefania Carrasco-Garcia
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
- CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Olias-Arjona
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Lasheras-Otero
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eva Santamaria
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luisa Chocarro
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Abby Grier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Monika Dzieciatkowska M
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Claudia Bigas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefina Martin
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Uxue Urdiroz-Urricelqui
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Florencio Marzo
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Santamaria
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Clinical Neuroproteomics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Escors
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Marcos Larrayoz
- Biomarkers and Molecular Signaling Group, Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Foundation Rioja Salud, Logroño, Spain
- Unidad Predepartamental de Enfermería, Universidad de La Rioja (UR), Logroño, Spain
| | - Holger Heyn
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Camille Stephan-Otto Attolini
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ander Matheu
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Salvador Aznar Benitah
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Imanol Arozarena
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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21
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Qin Z, Zheng M. Advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for melanoma (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:416. [PMID: 37559935 PMCID: PMC10407994 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly type of skin cancer and is known for its poor prognosis as soon as metastasis occurs. Since 2011, new and effective therapies for metastatic melanoma have emerged, with US Food and Drug Administration approval of multiple targeted agents, such as V-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors and multiple immunotherapy agents, such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and anti-programmed cell death protein 1/ligand 1 blockade. Based on insight into the respective advantages of the above two strategies, the present article provided a review of clinical trials of the application of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, as well as novel approaches of their combinations for the treatment of metastatic melanoma in recent years, with a focus on upcoming initiatives to improve the efficacy of these treatment approaches for metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Qin
- No. 4 Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200051, P.R. China
| | - Mei Zheng
- No. 4 Research Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200051, P.R. China
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22
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Tóvári J, Vári-Mező D, Surguta SE, Ladányi A, Kigyós A, Cserepes M. Evolving Acquired Vemurafenib Resistance in a BRAF V600E Mutant Melanoma PDTX Model to Reveal New Potential Targets. Cells 2023; 12:1919. [PMID: 37508582 PMCID: PMC10377807 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is challenging to treat, and metastatic cases need chemotherapy strategies. Targeted inhibition of commonly mutant BRAF V600E by inhibitors is efficient but eventually leads to resistance and progression in the vast majority of cases. Numerous studies investigated the mechanisms of resistance in melanoma cell lines, and an increasing number of in vivo or clinical data are accumulating. In most cases, bypassing BRAF and resulting reactivation of the MAPK signaling, as well as alternative PI3K-AKT signaling activation are reported. However, several unique changes were also shown. We developed and used a patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) model to screen resistance evolution in mice in vivo, maintaining tumor heterogeneity. Our results showed no substantial activation of the canonical pathways; however, RNAseq and qPCR data revealed several altered genes, such as GPR39, CD27, SLC15A3, IFI27, PDGFA, and ABCB1. Surprisingly, p53 activity, leading to apoptotic cell death, was unchanged. The found biomarkers can confer resistance in a subset of melanoma patients via immune modulation, microenvironment changes, or drug elimination. Our resistance model can be further used in testing specific inhibitors that could be used in future drug development, and combination therapy testing that can overcome inhibitor resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Tóvári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diána Vári-Mező
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sára Eszter Surguta
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Ladányi
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Mihály Cserepes
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
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23
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He W, Demas DM, Shajahan-Haq AN, Baumann WT. Modeling breast cancer proliferation, drug synergies, and alternating therapies. iScience 2023; 26:106714. [PMID: 37234088 PMCID: PMC10206440 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer is responsive to a number of targeted therapies used clinically. Unfortunately, the continuous application of targeted therapy often results in resistance, driving the consideration of combination and alternating therapies. Toward this end, we developed a mathematical model that can simulate various mono, combination, and alternating therapies for ER + breast cancer cells at different doses over long time scales. The model is used to look for optimal drug combinations and predicts a significant synergism between Cdk4/6 inhibitors in combination with the anti-estrogen fulvestrant, which may help explain the clinical success of adding Cdk4/6 inhibitors to anti-estrogen therapy. Furthermore, the model is used to optimize an alternating treatment protocol so it works as well as monotherapy while using less total drug dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, VT BIOTRANS, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Diane M. Demas
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Ayesha N. Shajahan-Haq
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - William T. Baumann
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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24
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Qiao X, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Niu N, Li H, Sun L, Ma Q, Bu J, Liu J, Chen G, Xue J, Yang Y, Liu C. KCNJ15 deficiency promotes drug resistance via affecting the function of lysosomes. Asian J Pharm Sci 2023; 18:100814. [PMID: 37274925 PMCID: PMC10238847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2023.100814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The altered lysosomal function can induce drug redistribution which leads to drug resistance and poor prognosis for cancer patients. V-ATPase, an ATP-driven proton pump positioned at lysosomal surfaces, is responsible for maintaining the stability of lysosome. Herein, we reported that the potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J member 15 (KCNJ15) protein, which may bind to V-ATPase, can regulate the function of lysosome. The deficiency of KCNJ15 protein in breast cancer cells led to drug aggregation as well as reduction of drug efficacy. The application of the V-ATPase inhibitor could inhibit the binding between KCNJ15 and V-ATPase, contributing to the amelioration of drug resistance. Clinical data analysis revealed that KCNJ15 deficiency was associated with higher histological grading, advanced stages, more metastases of lymph nodes, and shorter disease free survival of patients with breast cancer. KCNJ15 expression level is positively correlated with a high response rate after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Moreover, we revealed that the small molecule drug CMA/BAF can reverse drug resistance by disrupting the interaction between KCNJ15 and lysosomes. In conclusion, KCNJ15 could be identified as an underlying indicator for drug resistance and survival of breast cancer, which might guide the choice of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbo Qiao
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yixiao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Nan Niu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Haonan Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Lisha Sun
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Qingtian Ma
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Jiawen Bu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Jinchi Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Guanglei Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Jinqi Xue
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yongliang Yang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Caigang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
- Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, China
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25
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Xiao X, Huang Y, Zhang J, Cao Y, Zhang M. Identification of two variants in PAX3 and FBN1 in a Chinese family with Waardenburg and Marfan syndrome via whole exome sequencing. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:114. [PMID: 37000337 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Both Warrensburg (WS) and Marfan syndrome (MFS) can impair the vision. Here, we recruited a Chinese family consisting of two WS affected individuals (II:1 and III:3) and five MFS affected individuals( I:1, II:2, III:1, III:2, and III:5) as well as one suspected MFS individual (II:4). Using whole exome sequencing (WES) and subsequent PCR-Sanger sequencing, we identified one novel heterozygous variant NM_000438 (PAX3) c.208 T > C, (p.Cys70Arg) from individuals with WS and one previous reported variant NM_000138 (FBN1) c.2740 T > A, (p.Cys914Ser) from individuals with MFS and co-segregated with the diseases. Real-time PCR and Western blot assay showed that, compared to their wild-type, both mRNAs and proteins of PAX3 and FBN1 mutants reduced in HKE293T cells. Together, our study identified two disease-causing variants in a same Chinese family with WS and MFS, and confirmed their damaged effects on their genes' expression. Therefore, those findings expand the mutation spectrum of PAX3 and provide a new perspective for the potential therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Xiao
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China.
| | - Yuqiang Huang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
| | - Jianqiang Zhang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Cao
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
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26
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Patel RP, Somasundram PM, Smith LK, Sheppard KE, McArthur GA. The therapeutic potential of targeting minimal residual disease in melanoma. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1197. [PMID: 36967556 PMCID: PMC10040726 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1197] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cutaneous melanoma is a lethal form of skin cancer with morbidity and mortality rates highest amongst European, North American and Australasian populations. The developments of targeted therapies (TTs) directed at the oncogene BRAF and its downstream mediator MEK, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma, improving patient outcomes. However, both TT and ICI have their limitations. Although TTs are associated with high initial response rates, these are typically short‐lived due to resistance. Conversely, although ICIs provide more durable responses, they have lower initial response rates. Due to these distinct yet complementary response profiles, it has been proposed that sequencing ICI with TT could lead to a high frequency of durable responses whilst circumventing the toxicity associated with combined ICI + TT treatment. However, several questions remain unanswered, including the mechanisms underpinning this synergy and the optimal sequencing strategy. The key to determining this is to uncover the biology of each phase of the therapeutic response. Aims and methods In this review, we show that melanoma responds to TT and ICI in three phases: early response, minimal residual disease (MRD) and disease progression. We explore the effects of ICI and TT on melanoma cells and the tumour immune microenvironment, with a particular focus on MRD which is predicted to underpin the development of acquired resistance in the third phase of response. Conclusion In doing so, we provide a new framework which may inform novel therapeutic approaches for melanoma, including optimal sequencing strategies and agents that target MRD, thereby ultimately improving clinical outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riyaben P Patel
- Cancer Research DivisionPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Pretashini M Somasundram
- Faculty of MedicineDentistry and Health Sciences, University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Lorey K. Smith
- Cancer Research DivisionPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Karen E. Sheppard
- Cancer Research DivisionPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Grant A. McArthur
- Cancer Research DivisionPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Medical OncologyPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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27
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A Network of MicroRNAs and mRNAs Involved in Melanosome Maturation and Trafficking Defines the Lower Response of Pigmentable Melanoma Cells to Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030894. [PMID: 36765859 PMCID: PMC9913661 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030894] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to increase their degree of pigmentation is an adaptive response that confers pigmentable melanoma cells higher resistance to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) compared to non-pigmentable melanoma cells. METHODS Here, we compared the miRNome and the transcriptome profile of pigmentable 501Mel and SK-Mel-5 melanoma cells vs. non-pigmentable A375 melanoma cells, following treatment with the BRAFi vemurafenib (vem). In depth bioinformatic analyses (clusterProfiler, WGCNA and SWIMmeR) allowed us to identify the miRNAs, mRNAs and biological processes (BPs) that specifically characterize the response of pigmentable melanoma cells to the drug. Such BPs were studied using appropriate assays in vitro and in vivo (xenograft in zebrafish embryos). RESULTS Upon vem treatment, miR-192-5p, miR-211-5p, miR-374a-5p, miR-486-5p, miR-582-5p, miR-1260a and miR-7977, as well as GPR143, OCA2, RAB27A, RAB32 and TYRP1 mRNAs, are differentially expressed only in pigmentable cells. These miRNAs and mRNAs belong to BPs related to pigmentation, specifically melanosome maturation and trafficking. In fact, an increase in the number of intracellular melanosomes-due to increased maturation and/or trafficking-confers resistance to vem. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the ability of pigmentable cells to increase the number of intracellular melanosomes fully accounts for their higher resistance to vem compared to non-pigmentable cells. In addition, we identified a network of miRNAs and mRNAs that are involved in melanosome maturation and/or trafficking. Finally, we provide the rationale for testing BRAFi in combination with inhibitors of these biological processes, so that pigmentable melanoma cells can be turned into more sensitive non-pigmentable cells.
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28
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Waku T, Nakada S, Masuda H, Sumi H, Wada A, Hirose S, Aketa I, Kobayashi A. The CNC-family transcription factor Nrf3 coordinates the melanogenesis cascade through macropinocytosis and autophagy regulation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111906. [PMID: 36640303 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111906] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanin is a pigment produced from the amino acid L-tyrosine in melanosomes. The CNC-family transcription factor Nrf3 is expressed in the basal layer of the epidermis, where melanocytes reside, but its melanogenic function is unclear. Here, we show that Nrf3 regulates macropinocytosis and autophagy to coordinate melanogenesis cascade. In response to an exogenous inducer of melanin production, forskolin, Nrf3 upregulates the core melanogenic gene circuit, which includes Mitf, Tyr, Tyrp1, Pmel, and Oca2. Furthermore, Nrf3 induces the gene expression of Cln3, an autophagosome-related factor, for melanin precursor uptake by macropinocytosis. Ulk2 and Gabarapl2 are also identified as Nrf3-target autophagosome-related genes for melanosome formation. In parallel, Nrf3 prompts autolysosomal melanosome degradation for melanocyte survival. An endogenous melanogenic inducer αMSH also activates Nrf3-mediated melanin production, whereas it is suppressed by an HIV-1 protease inhibitor, nelfinavir. These findings indicate the significant role of Nrf3 in the melanogenesis and the anti-melanogenic potential of nelfinavir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Waku
- Laboratory for Genetic Code, Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan.
| | - Sota Nakada
- Laboratory for Genetic Code, Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Haruka Masuda
- Laboratory for Genetic Code, Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Haruna Sumi
- Laboratory for Genetic Code, Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Ayaka Wada
- Laboratory for Genetic Code, Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Shuuhei Hirose
- Laboratory for Genetic Code, Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Iori Aketa
- Laboratory for Genetic Code, Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Akira Kobayashi
- Laboratory for Genetic Code, Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan; Laboratory for Genetic Code, Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan.
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29
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Moore PC, Henderson KW, Classon M. The epigenome and the many facets of cancer drug tolerance. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 158:1-39. [PMID: 36990531 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of chemotherapeutic agents and the development of new cancer therapies over the past few decades has consequently led to the emergence of myriad therapeutic resistance mechanisms. Once thought to be explicitly driven by genetics, the coupling of reversible sensitivity and absence of pre-existing mutations in some tumors opened the way for discovery of drug-tolerant persisters (DTPs): slow-cycling subpopulations of tumor cells that exhibit reversible sensitivity to therapy. These cells confer multi-drug tolerance, to targeted and chemotherapies alike, until the residual disease can establish a stable, drug-resistant state. The DTP state can exploit a multitude of distinct, yet interlaced, mechanisms to survive otherwise lethal drug exposures. Here, we categorize these multi-faceted defense mechanisms into unique Hallmarks of Cancer Drug Tolerance. At the highest level, these are comprised of heterogeneity, signaling plasticity, differentiation, proliferation/metabolism, stress management, genomic integrity, crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment, immune escape, and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Of these, epigenetics was both one of the first proposed means of non-genetic resistance and one of the first discovered. As we describe in this review, epigenetic regulatory factors are involved in most facets of DTP biology, positioning this hallmark as an overarching mediator of drug tolerance and a potential avenue to novel therapies.
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30
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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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31
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Wang H, Zhang H, Chen Y, Wang H, Tian Y, Yi X, Shi Q, Zhao T, Zhang B, Gao T, Guo S, Li C, Guo W. Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Exacerbates Ferroptosis and Increases the Efficacy of Melanoma Immunotherapy via the Regulation of MITF. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223580. [PMID: 36429010 PMCID: PMC9688625 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, resulting from the malignant transformation of epidermal melanocytes. Recent revolutionary progress in targeted therapy and immunotherapy has prominently improved the treatment outcome, but the survival of melanoma patients remains suboptimal. Ferroptosis is greatly involved in cancer pathogenesis and can execute the outcome of immunotherapy. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms of melanoma cell ferroptosis remain elusive. Herein, we report that Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates ferroptosis and melanoma immunotherapy efficacy via the regulation of MITF. First of all, we found that Wnt/β-catenin signaling was prominently suppressed in melanoma cell ferroptosis. Then, we proved that targeting β-catenin exacerbated melanoma cell ferroptosis by promoting the generation of lipid peroxidation both in vitro and in vivo. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that MITF mediated the effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on melanoma cell ferroptosis, and PGC1α and SCD1 were documented as two main effectors downstream of Wnt/β-catenin-MITF pathway. Ultimately, pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin or MITF increased the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in preclinical xenograft tumor model by promoting ferroptosis. Taken together, Wnt/β-catenin signaling deficiency exacerbates ferroptosis in melanoma via the regulation of MITF. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin-MITF pathway could be a promising strategy to potentiate ferroptosis and increase the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hengxiang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Huina Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yangzi Tian
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xiuli Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tao Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Baolu Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tianwen Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Sen Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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32
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Carotenuto P, Romano A, Barbato A, Quadrano P, Brillante S, Volpe M, Ferrante L, Tammaro R, Morleo M, De Cegli R, Iuliano A, Testa M, Andreone F, Ciliberto G, Clery E, Troncone G, Palma G, Arra C, Barbieri A, Capone M, Madonna G, Ascierto PA, Lanfrancone L, Indrieri A, Franco B. Targeting the MITF/APAF-1 axis as salvage therapy for MAPK inhibitors in resistant melanoma. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111601. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Paris A, Tardif N, Baietti FM, Berra C, Leclair HM, Leucci E, Galibert M, Corre S. The AhR-SRC axis as a therapeutic vulnerability in BRAFi-resistant melanoma. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15677. [PMID: 36305167 PMCID: PMC9728058 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The nongenetic mechanisms required to control tumor phenotypic plasticity and shape drug-resistance remain unclear. We show here that the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) transcription factor directly regulates the gene expression program associated with the acquisition of resistance to BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) in melanoma. In addition, we show in melanoma cells that canonical activation of AhR mediates the activation of the SRC pathway and promotes the acquisition of an invasive and aggressive resistant phenotype to front-line BRAFi treatment in melanoma. This nongenetic reprogramming identifies a clinically compatible approach to reverse BRAFi resistance in melanoma. Using a preclinical BRAFi-resistant PDX melanoma model, we demonstrate that SRC inhibition with dasatinib significantly re-sensitizes melanoma cells to BRAFi. Together we identify the AhR/SRC axis as a new therapeutic vulnerability to trigger resistance and warrant the introduction of SRC inhibitors during the course of the treatment in combination with front-line therapeutics to delay BRAFi resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Paris
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
| | - Nina Tardif
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
| | - Francesca M Baietti
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Trace PDX Platform, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Cyrille Berra
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance,Department of Molecular Genetics and GenomicsHospital University of Rennes (CHU Rennes)RennesFrance
| | - Héloïse M Leclair
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
| | - Eleonora Leucci
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Trace PDX Platform, Department of OncologyLKI, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Marie‐Dominique Galibert
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance,Department of Molecular Genetics and GenomicsHospital University of Rennes (CHU Rennes)RennesFrance
| | - Sébastien Corre
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, INSERM, IGDR (Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes) – UMR6290, ERL U1305RennesFrance
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34
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Ko S, Jung KH, Yoon YC, Han BS, Park MS, Lee YJ, Kim SE, Cho YJ, Lee P, Lim JH, Ryu JK, Kim K, Kim TY, Hong S, Lee SH, Hong SS. A novel DDR1 inhibitor enhances the anticancer activity of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:4326-4342. [PMID: 36225647 PMCID: PMC9548003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extracellular matrix (ECM)-rich carcinoma, which promotes chemoresistance by inhibiting drug diffusion into the tumor. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) increases tumor progression and drug resistance by binding to collagen, a major component of tumor ECM. Therefore, DDR1 inhibition may be helpful in cancer therapeutics by increasing drug delivery efficiency and improving drug sensitivity. In this study, we developed a novel DDR1 inhibitor, KI-301690 and investigated whether it could improve the anticancer activity of gemcitabine, a cytotoxic agent widely used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. KI-301690 synergized with gemcitabine to suppress the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Importantly, its combination significantly attenuated the expression of major tumor ECM components including collagen, fibronectin, and vimentin compared to gemcitabine alone. Additionally, this combination effectively decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), thereby inducing apoptosis. Further, the combination synergistically inhibited cell migration and invasion. The enhanced anticancer efficacy of the co-treatment could be explained by the inhibition of DDR1/PYK2/FAK signaling, which significantly reduced tumor growth in a pancreatic xenograft model. Our results demonstrate that KI-301690 can inhibit aberrant ECM expression by DDR1/PYK2/FAK signaling pathway blockade and attenuation of ECM-induced chemoresistance observed in desmoplastic pancreatic tumors, resulting in enhanced antitumor effect through effective induction of gemcitabine apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyeon Ko
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Jung
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Young-Chan Yoon
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Beom Seok Han
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Min Seok Park
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Yun Ji Lee
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Sang Eun Kim
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Ye Jin Cho
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Pureunchowon Lee
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Joo Han Lim
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Ji-Kan Ryu
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
| | - Kewon Kim
- Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalization, Institute of Basic Science (IBS) and Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Tae Young Kim
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and TechnologySeoul 02792, Korea
| | - Sungwoo Hong
- Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalization, Institute of Basic Science (IBS) and Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - So Ha Lee
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and TechnologySeoul 02792, Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, Korea
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35
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Loras A, Gil-Barrachina M, Marqués-Torrejón MÁ, Perez-Pastor G, Martinez-Cadenas C. UV-Induced Somatic Mutations Driving Clonal Evolution in Healthy Skin, Nevus, and Cutaneous Melanoma. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091339. [PMID: 36143375 PMCID: PMC9503451 DOI: 10.3390/life12091339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Due to its aggressiveness, cutaneous melanoma (CM) is responsible for most skin cancer-related deaths worldwide. The origin of CM is closely linked to the appearance of UV-induced somatic mutations in melanocytes present in normal skin or in CM precursor lesions (nevi or dysplastic nevi). In recent years, new NGS studies performed on CM tissue have increased the understanding of the genetic somatic changes underlying melanomagenesis and CM tumor progression. Methods: We reviewed the literature using all important scientific databases. All articles related to genomic mutations in CM as well as normal skin and nevi were included, in particular those related to somatic mutations produced by UV radiation. Conclusions: CM development and progression are strongly associated with exposure to UV radiation, although each melanoma subtype has different characteristic genetic alterations and evolutionary trajectories. While BRAF and NRAS mutations are common in the early stages of tumor development for most CM subtypes, changes in CDKN2A, TP53 and PTEN, together with TERT promoter mutations, are especially common in advanced stages. Additionally, large genome duplications, loss of heterozygosity, and copy number variations are hallmarks of metastatic disease. Finally, the mutations driving melanoma targeted-therapy drug resistance are also summarized. The complete sequential stages of clonal evolution leading to CM onset from normal skin or nevi are still unknown, so further studies are needed in this field to shed light on the molecular pathways involved in CM malignant transformation and in melanoma acquired drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Loras
- Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Jaume I University of Castellon, 12071 Castellon, Spain
| | | | | | - Gemma Perez-Pastor
- Department of Dermatology, Valencia General University Hospital, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Conrado Martinez-Cadenas
- Department of Medicine, Jaume I University of Castellon, 12071 Castellon, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-964387607
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36
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Shabna A, Antony J, Vijayakurup V, Saikia M, Liju VB, Retnakumari AP, Amrutha NA, Alex VV, Swetha M, Aiswarya SU, Jannet S, Unni US, Sundaram S, Sherin DR, Anto NP, Bava SV, Chittalakkottu S, Ran S, Anto RJ. Pharmacological attenuation of melanoma by tryptanthrin pertains to the suppression of MITF-M through MEK/ERK signaling axis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:478. [PMID: 35948813 PMCID: PMC11072980 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04476-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive among all types of skin cancers. The current strategies against melanoma utilize BRAFV600E, as a focal point for targeted therapy. However, therapy resistance developed in melanoma patients against the conventional anti-melanoma drugs hinders the ultimate benefits of targeted therapies. A major mechanism by which melanoma cells attain therapy resistance is via the activation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-M (MITF-M), the key transcription factor and oncogene aiding the survival of melanoma cells. We demonstrate that tryptanthrin (Tpn), an indole quinazoline alkaloid, which we isolated and characterized from Wrightia tinctoria, exhibits remarkable anti-tumor activity towards human melanoma through the down-regulation of MITF-M. Microarray analysis of Tpn-treated melanoma cells followed by a STRING protein association network analysis revealed that differential expression of genes in melanoma converges at MITF-M. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies conducted using melanoma cells with differential MITF-M expression status, endogenously or ectopically, demonstrated that the anti-melanoma activity of Tpn is decisively contingent on its efficacy in down-regulating MITF-M expression. Tpn potentiates the degradation of MITF-M via the modulation of MEK1/2-ERK1/2-MITF-M signaling cascades. Murine models demonstrate the efficacy of Tpn in attenuating the migration and metastasis of melanoma cells, while remaining pharmacologically safe. In addition, Tpn suppresses the expression of mutated BRAFV600E and inhibits Casein Kinase 2α, a pro-survival enzyme that regulates ERK1/2 homeostasis in many tumor types, including melanoma. Together, we point to a promising anti-melanoma drug in Tpn, by virtue of its attributes to impede melanoma invasion and metastasis by attenuating MITF-M.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Shabna
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Jayesh Antony
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
- Department of Zoology, St. Thomas College, Palai, Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - Vinod Vijayakurup
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Minakshi Saikia
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Vijayasteltar B Liju
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Archana P Retnakumari
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Nisthul A Amrutha
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Thalassery Campus, Kannur University, Kannur, Kerala, 670661, India
| | - Vijai V Alex
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Mundanattu Swetha
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Sreekumar U Aiswarya
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala, 673635, India
| | - Somaraj Jannet
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Uma Subramanian Unni
- KRIBS-BioNest, Third Campus of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Sankar Sundaram
- Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, 686008, India
| | - Daisy R Sherin
- Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Karyavattom, Kazhakkoottam, Kerala, 695581, India
| | - Nikhil Ponnoor Anto
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Smitha V Bava
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala, 673635, India
| | - Sadasivan Chittalakkottu
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Thalassery Campus, Kannur University, Kannur, Kerala, 670661, India
| | - Sophia Ran
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University-School of Medicine, PO Box 19626, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Ruby John Anto
- Division of Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.
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37
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Comandante-Lou N, Baumann DG, Fallahi-Sichani M. AP-1 transcription factor network explains diverse patterns of cellular plasticity in melanoma cells. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111147. [PMID: 35926467 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity associated with fluctuations in transcriptional programs allows individual cells in a tumor to adopt heterogeneous differentiation states and switch phenotype during their adaptive responses to therapies. Despite increasing knowledge of such transcriptional programs, the molecular basis of cellular plasticity remains poorly understood. Here, we combine multiplexed transcriptional and protein measurements at population and single-cell levels with multivariate statistical modeling to show that the state of AP-1 transcription factor network plays a unifying role in explaining diverse patterns of plasticity in melanoma. We find that a regulated balance among AP-1 factors cJUN, JUND, FRA2, FRA1, and cFOS determines the intrinsic diversity of differentiation states and adaptive responses to MAPK inhibitors in melanoma cells. Perturbing this balance through genetic depletion of specific AP-1 proteins, or by MAPK inhibitors, shifts cellular heterogeneity in a predictable fashion. Thus, AP-1 may serve as a critical node for manipulating cellular plasticity with potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Comandante-Lou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Douglas G Baumann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Mohammad Fallahi-Sichani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; UVA Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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38
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Gutierrez-Prat N, Zuberer HL, Mangano L, Karimaddini Z, Wolf L, Tyanova S, Wellinger LC, Marbach D, Griesser V, Pettazzoni P, Bischoff JR, Rohle D, Palladino C, Vivanco I. DUSP4 protects BRAF- and NRAS-mutant melanoma from oncogene overdose through modulation of MITF. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/9/e202101235. [PMID: 35580987 PMCID: PMC9113946 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101235] [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: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi) remain an important component of the standard of care for metastatic melanoma. However, acquired resistance to these drugs limits their therapeutic benefit. Tumor cells can become refractory to MAPKi by reactivation of ERK. When this happens, tumors often become sensitive to drug withdrawal. This drug addiction phenotype results from the hyperactivation of the oncogenic pathway, a phenomenon commonly referred to as oncogene overdose. Several feedback mechanisms are involved in regulating ERK signaling. However, the genes that serve as gatekeepers of oncogene overdose in mutant melanoma remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that depletion of the ERK phosphatase, DUSP4, leads to toxic levels of MAPK activation in both drug-naive and drug-resistant mutant melanoma cells. Importantly, ERK hyperactivation is associated with down-regulation of lineage-defining genes including MITF Our results offer an alternative therapeutic strategy to treat mutant melanoma patients with acquired MAPKi resistance and those unable to tolerate MAPKi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Gutierrez-Prat
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hedwig L Zuberer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luca Mangano
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zahra Karimaddini
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Informatics, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luise Wolf
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Informatics, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefka Tyanova
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Informatics, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniel Marbach
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vera Griesser
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Piergiorgio Pettazzoni
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - James R Bischoff
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Chiara Palladino
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Oncology Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Igor Vivanco
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
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39
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Zhang C, Zhu X, Hou S, Pan W, Liao W. Functionalization of Nanomaterials for Skin Cancer Theranostics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:887548. [PMID: 35557870 PMCID: PMC9086318 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.887548] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer has drawn attention for the increasing incident rates and high morbidity worldwide. Timely diagnosis and efficient treatment are of paramount importance for prompt and effective therapy. Thus, the development of novel skin cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies is of great significance for both fundamental research and clinical practice. Recently, the emerging field of nanotechnology has profoundly impact on early diagnosis and better treatment planning of skin cancer. In this review, we will discuss the current encouraging advances in functional nanomaterials for skin cancer theranostics. Challenges in the field and safety concerns of nanomaterials will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinlin Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuming Hou
- Orthopaedic Oncology Center, Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihua Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wanqing Liao, ; Weihua Pan,
| | - Wanqing Liao
- Department of Dermatology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wanqing Liao, ; Weihua Pan,
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40
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Barreno A, Orgaz JL. Cytoskeletal Remodelling as an Achilles’ Heel for Therapy Resistance in Melanoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030518. [PMID: 35159327 PMCID: PMC8834185 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with a poor prognosis when diagnosed late. MAPK-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint blockers benefit a subset of melanoma patients; however, acquired therapy resistance inevitably arises within a year. In addition, some patients display intrinsic (primary) resistance and never respond to therapy. There is mounting evidence that resistant cells adapt to therapy through the rewiring of cytoskeleton regulators, leading to a profound remodelling of the actomyosin cytoskeleton. Importantly, this renders therapy-resistant cells highly dependent on cytoskeletal signalling pathways for sustaining their survival under drug pressure, which becomes a vulnerability that can be exploited therapeutically. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on cytoskeletal pathways involved in mainly targeted therapy resistance and future avenues, as well as potential clinical interventions.
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41
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Fu L, Jin W, Zhang J, Zhu L, Lu J, Zhen Y, Zhang L, Ouyang L, Liu B, Yu H. Repurposing non-oncology small-molecule drugs to improve cancer therapy: Current situation and future directions. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:532-557. [PMID: 35256933 PMCID: PMC8897051 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing or repositioning has been well-known to refer to the therapeutic applications of a drug for another indication other than it was originally approved for. Repurposing non-oncology small-molecule drugs has been increasingly becoming an attractive approach to improve cancer therapy, with potentially lower overall costs and shorter timelines. Several non-oncology drugs approved by FDA have been recently reported to treat different types of human cancers, with the aid of some new emerging technologies, such as omics sequencing and artificial intelligence to overcome the bottleneck of drug repurposing. Therefore, in this review, we focus on summarizing the therapeutic potential of non-oncology drugs, including cardiovascular drugs, microbiological drugs, small-molecule antibiotics, anti-viral drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-neurodegenerative drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and other drugs in human cancers. We also discuss their novel potential targets and relevant signaling pathways of these old non-oncology drugs in cancer therapies. Taken together, these inspiring findings will shed new light on repurposing more non-oncology small-molecule drugs with their intricate molecular mechanisms for future cancer drug discovery.
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42
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Berestjuk I, Lecacheur M, Carminati A, Diazzi S, Rovera C, Prod'homme V, Ohanna M, Popovic A, Mallavialle A, Larbret F, Pisano S, Audebert S, Passeron T, Gaggioli C, Girard CA, Deckert M, Tartare-Deckert S. Targeting Discoidin Domain Receptors DDR1 and DDR2 overcomes matrix-mediated tumor cell adaptation and tolerance to BRAF-targeted therapy in melanoma. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 14:e11814. [PMID: 34957688 PMCID: PMC8819497 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy in BRAFV600‐mutated advanced melanoma remains a major obstacle that limits patient benefit. Microenvironment components including the extracellular matrix (ECM) can support tumor cell adaptation and tolerance to targeted therapy; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the process of matrix‐mediated drug resistance (MMDR) in response to BRAFV600 pathway inhibition in melanoma. We demonstrate that physical and structural cues from fibroblast‐derived ECM abrogate anti‐proliferative responses to BRAF/MEK inhibition. MMDR is mediated by drug‐induced linear clustering of phosphorylated DDR1 and DDR2, two tyrosine kinase collagen receptors. Depletion and pharmacological targeting of DDR1 and DDR2 overcome ECM‐mediated resistance to BRAF‐targeted therapy. In xenografts, targeting DDR with imatinib enhances BRAF inhibitor efficacy, counteracts drug‐induced collagen remodeling, and delays tumor relapse. Mechanistically, DDR‐dependent MMDR fosters a targetable pro‐survival NIK/IKKα/NF‐κB2 pathway. These findings reveal a novel role for a collagen‐rich matrix and DDR in tumor cell adaptation and resistance. They also provide important insights into environment‐mediated drug resistance and a preclinical rationale for targeting DDR signaling in combination with targeted therapy in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Berestjuk
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Margaux Lecacheur
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Alexandrine Carminati
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Serena Diazzi
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Christopher Rovera
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Virginie Prod'homme
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Mickael Ohanna
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Ana Popovic
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Aude Mallavialle
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Frédéric Larbret
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Sabrina Pisano
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IRCAN, Nice, France
| | - Stéphane Audebert
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Thierry Passeron
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Department of Dermatology, Nice, France
| | | | - Christophe A Girard
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Marcel Deckert
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
| | - Sophie Tartare-Deckert
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Team MicroCan, Nice, France
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43
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Abstract
Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer that originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Although melanoma has long been regarded as a cancerous malignancy with few therapeutic options, increased biological understanding and unprecedented innovations in therapies targeting mutated driver genes and immune checkpoints have substantially improved the prognosis of patients. However, the low response rate and inevitable occurrence of resistance to currently available targeted therapies have posed the obstacle in the path of melanoma management to obtain further amelioration. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying melanoma pathogenesis more comprehensively, which might lead to more substantial progress in therapeutic approaches and expand clinical options for melanoma therapy. In this review, we firstly make a brief introduction to melanoma epidemiology, clinical subtypes, risk factors, and current therapies. Then, the signal pathways orchestrating melanoma pathogenesis, including genetic mutations, key transcriptional regulators, epigenetic dysregulations, metabolic reprogramming, crucial metastasis-related signals, tumor-promoting inflammatory pathways, and pro-angiogenic factors, have been systemically reviewed and discussed. Subsequently, we outline current progresses in therapies targeting mutated driver genes and immune checkpoints, as well as the mechanisms underlying the treatment resistance. Finally, the prospects and challenges in the development of melanoma therapy, especially immunotherapy and related ongoing clinical trials, are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huina Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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44
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Metabolic Plasticity in Melanoma Progression and Response to Oncogene Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225810. [PMID: 34830962 PMCID: PMC8616485 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Targeted anti-cancer therapies have revolutionised melanoma patient care; however, cures remain uncommon due to acquired drug resistance that results in disease relapse. Recent insights from the clinic and experimental settings have identified a key role for metabolic plasticity, defined as the flexibility to utilise different nutrients and process them in different ways, in both disease progression and response to targeted therapies. Here, we discuss how this plasticity creates a moving target with important implications for identifying new combination therapies. Abstract Resistance to therapy continues to be a barrier to curative treatments in melanoma. Recent insights from the clinic and experimental settings have highlighted a range of non-genetic adaptive mechanisms that contribute to therapy resistance and disease relapse, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming. A growing body of evidence highlights the inherent plasticity of melanoma metabolism, evidenced by reversible metabolome alterations and flexibility in fuel usage that occur during metastasis and response to anti-cancer therapies. Here, we discuss how the inherent metabolic plasticity of melanoma cells facilitates both disease progression and acquisition of anti-cancer therapy resistance. In particular, we discuss in detail the different metabolic changes that occur during the three major phases of the targeted therapy response—the early response, drug tolerance and acquired resistance. We also discuss how non-genetic programs, including transcription and translation, control this process. The prevalence and diverse array of these non-genetic resistance mechanisms poses a new challenge to the field that requires innovative strategies to monitor and counteract these adaptive processes in the quest to prevent therapy resistance.
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45
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Huang F, Santinon F, Flores González RE, del Rincón SV. Melanoma Plasticity: Promoter of Metastasis and Resistance to Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:756001. [PMID: 34604096 PMCID: PMC8481945 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.756001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Although targeted therapies and immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma, most patients are not cured. Therapy resistance remains a significant clinical challenge. Melanoma comprises phenotypically distinct subpopulations of cells, exhibiting distinct gene signatures leading to tumor heterogeneity and favoring therapeutic resistance. Cellular plasticity in melanoma is referred to as phenotype switching. Regardless of their genomic classification, melanomas switch from a proliferative and differentiated phenotype to an invasive, dedifferentiated and often therapy-resistant state. In this review we discuss potential mechanisms underpinning melanoma phenotype switching, how this cellular plasticity contributes to resistance to both targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Finally, we highlight novel strategies to target plasticity and their potential clinical impact in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Huang
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - François Santinon
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Raúl Ernesto Flores González
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia V. del Rincón
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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46
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Vendramin R, Litchfield K, Swanton C. Cancer evolution: Darwin and beyond. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108389. [PMID: 34459009 PMCID: PMC8441388 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and laboratory studies over recent decades have established branched evolution as a feature of cancer. However, while grounded in somatic selection, several lines of evidence suggest a Darwinian model alone is insufficient to fully explain cancer evolution. First, the role of macroevolutionary events in tumour initiation and progression contradicts Darwin's central thesis of gradualism. Whole-genome doubling, chromosomal chromoplexy and chromothripsis represent examples of single catastrophic events which can drive tumour evolution. Second, neutral evolution can play a role in some tumours, indicating that selection is not always driving evolution. Third, increasing appreciation of the role of the ageing soma has led to recent generalised theories of age-dependent carcinogenesis. Here, we review these concepts and others, which collectively argue for a model of cancer evolution which extends beyond Darwin. We also highlight clinical opportunities which can be grasped through targeting cancer vulnerabilities arising from non-Darwinian patterns of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Vendramin
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of ExcellenceUniversity College London Cancer InstituteLondonUK
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of ExcellenceUniversity College London Cancer InstituteLondonUK
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of ExcellenceUniversity College London Cancer InstituteLondonUK
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability LaboratoryThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
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47
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Leonce C, Saintigny P, Ortiz-Cuaran S. Cell-intrinsic mechanisms of drug tolerance to systemic therapies in cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 20:11-29. [PMID: 34389691 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In cancer patients with metastatic disease, the rate of complete tumor response to systemic therapies is low, and residual lesions persist in the majority of patients due to early molecular adaptation in cancer cells. A growing body of evidence suggests that a subpopulation of drug-tolerant « persister » cells - a reversible phenotype characterized by reduced drug sensitivity and decreased cell proliferation - maintains residual disease and may serve as a reservoir for resistant phenotypes. The survival of these residual tumor cells can be caused by reactivation of specific signaling pathways, phenotypic plasticity (i.e., transdifferentiation), epigenetic or metabolic reprogramming, downregulation of apoptosis as well as transcriptional remodeling. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that enable adaptive survival in drug-tolerant cells. We describe the main characteristics and dynamic nature of this persistent state, and highlight the current therapeutic strategies that may be used to interfere with the establishment of drug-tolerant cells, as an alternative to improve objective response to systemic therapies and delay the emergence of resistance to improve long-term survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Leonce
- Univ Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon
| | - Pierre Saintigny
- Department of Medical Oncology, Univ Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon. Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard
| | - Sandra Ortiz-Cuaran
- Univ Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon
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48
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Berico P, Cigrang M, Davidson G, Braun C, Sandoz J, Legras S, Vokshi BH, Slovic N, Peyresaubes F, Gene Robles CM, Egly JM, Compe E, Davidson I, Coin F. CDK7 and MITF repress a transcription program involved in survival and drug tolerance in melanoma. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e51683. [PMID: 34296805 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma cell phenotype switching between differentiated melanocytic and undifferentiated mesenchymal-like states drives metastasis and drug resistance. CDK7 is the serine/threonine kinase of the basal transcription factor TFIIH. We show that dedifferentiation of melanocytic-type melanoma cells into mesenchymal-like cells and acquisition of tolerance to targeted therapies is achieved through chronic inhibition of CDK7. In addition to emergence of a mesenchymal-type signature, we identify a GATA6-dependent gene expression program comprising genes such as AMIGO2 or ABCG2 involved in melanoma survival or targeted drug tolerance, respectively. Mechanistically, we show that CDK7 drives expression of the melanocyte lineage transcription factor MITF that in turn binds to an intronic region of GATA6 to repress its expression in melanocytic-type cells. We show that GATA6 expression is activated in MITF-low melanoma cells of patient-derived xenografts. Taken together, our data show how the poorly characterized repressive function of MITF in melanoma participates in a molecular cascade regulating activation of a transcriptional program involved in survival and drug resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Berico
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Max Cigrang
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Guillaume Davidson
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Cathy Braun
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Jeremy Sandoz
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Stephanie Legras
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Bujamin Hektor Vokshi
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Nevena Slovic
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - François Peyresaubes
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Carlos Mario Gene Robles
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Jean-Marc Egly
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Emmanuel Compe
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Irwin Davidson
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Frederic Coin
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Equipe Labélisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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49
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Bugi-Marteyn A, Noulet F, Liaudet N, Merat R. A mutual information-based in vivo monitoring of adaptive response to targeted therapies in melanoma. Neoplasia 2021; 23:775-782. [PMID: 34237504 PMCID: PMC8267495 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo dependencies should be quantified in adaptive resistance mechanistic studies Mutual information (MI) quantifies any type rather than just linear dependencies MI outperforms classic expression correlation coefficients Adaptive response to small-molecules inhibitors can be monitored in vivo using MI Strategies that prevent adaptive resistance can be monitored in vivo using MI
The mechanisms of adaptive resistance to genetic-based targeted therapies of solid malignancies have been the subject of intense research. These studies hold great promise for finding co-targetable hub/pathways which in turn would control the downstream non-genetic mechanisms of adaptive resistance. Many such mechanisms have been described in the paradigmatic BRAF-mutated melanoma model of adaptive response to BRAF inhibition. Currently, a major challenge for these mechanistic studies is to confirm in vivo, at the single-cell proteomic level, the existence of dependencies between the co-targeted hub/pathways and their downstream effectors. Moreover, the drug-induced in vivo modulation of these dependencies needs to be demonstrated. Here, we implement such single-cell-based in vivo expression dependency quantification using immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based analyses of sequential biopsies in two xenograft models. These mimic phase 2 and 3 trials in our own therapeutic strategy to prevent the adaptive response to BRAF inhibition. In this mechanistic model, the dependencies between the targeted Li2CO3-inducible hub HuR and the resistance effectors are more likely time-shifted and transient since the minority of HuRLow cells, which act as a reservoir of adaptive plasticity, switch to a HuRHigh state as they paradoxically proliferate under BRAF inhibition. Nevertheless, we show that a copula/kernel density estimator (KDE)-based quantification of mutual information (MI) efficiently captures, at the individual level, the dependencies between HuR and two relevant resistance markers pERK and EGFR, and outperforms classic expression correlation coefficients. Ultimately, the validation of MI as a predictive IHC-based metric of response to our therapeutic strategy will be carried in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Bugi-Marteyn
- Dermato-Oncology Unit, Division of Dermatology, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fanny Noulet
- Dermato-Oncology Unit, Division of Dermatology, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Liaudet
- Bioimaging core Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rastine Merat
- Dermato-Oncology Unit, Division of Dermatology, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
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50
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Yu Y, Tao M, Xu L, Cao L, Le B, An N, Dong J, Xu Y, Yang B, Li W, Liu B, Wu Q, Lu Y, Xie Z, Lian X. Systematic screening reveals synergistic interactions that overcome MAPK inhibitor resistance in cancer cells. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0560. [PMID: 34106558 PMCID: PMC8832956 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Effective adjuvant therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to overcome MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) resistance, which is one of the most common forms of resistance that has emerged in many types of cancers. Here, we aimed to systematically identify the genetic interactions underlying MAPKi resistance, and to further investigate the mechanisms that produce the genetic interactions that generate synergistic MAPKi resistance. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive pair-wise sgRNA-based high-throughput screening assay to identify synergistic interactions that sensitized cancer cells to MAPKi, and validated 3 genetic combinations through competitive growth, cell viability, and spheroid formation assays. We next conducted Kaplan-Meier survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database and conducted immunohistochemistry to determine the clinical relevance of these synergistic combinations. We also investigated the MAPKi resistance mechanisms of these validated synergistic combinations by using co-immunoprecipitation, Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS We constructed a systematic interaction network of MAPKi resistance and identified 3 novel synergistic combinations that effectively targeted MAPKi resistance (ITGB3 + IGF1R, ITGB3 + JNK, and HDGF + LGR5). We next analyzed their clinical relevance and the mechanisms by which they sensitized cancer cells to MAPKi exposure. Specifically, we discovered a novel protein complex, HDGF-LGR5, that adaptively responded to MAPKi to enhance cancer cell stemness, which was up- or downregulated by the inhibitors of ITGB3 + JNK or ITGB3 + IGF1R. CONCLUSIONS Pair-wise sgRNA library screening provided systematic insights into elucidating MAPKi resistance in cancer cells. ITGB3- + IGF1R-targeting drugs (cilengitide + linsitinib) could be used as an effective therapy for suppressing the adaptive formation of the HDGF-LGR5 protein complex, which enhanced cancer stemness during MAPKi stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yu
- Department of Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Minzhen Tao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Libin Xu
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Baoyu Le
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Na An
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jilin Dong
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yajie Xu
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Baoxing Yang
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wei Li
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Beijing Syngentech Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yinying Lu
- The Comprehensive Liver Cancer Center, The 5th Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Zhen Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaohua Lian
- Department of Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
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