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Zhang Y, Ostrowski SM, Fisher DE. Nevi and Melanoma. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2024:S0889-8588(24)00054-6. [PMID: 38880666 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer derived from skin melanocytes and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A significant fraction of melanomas are associated with precursor lesions, benign clonal proliferations of melanocytes called nevi. Nevi can be either congenital or acquired later in life. Identical oncogenic driver mutations are found in benign nevi and melanoma. While much progress has been made in our understanding of nevus formation and the molecular steps required for transformation of nevi into melanoma, the clinical diagnosis of benign versus malignant lesions remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Stephen M Ostrowski
- Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David E Fisher
- Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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2
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Noonan HR, Thornock AM, Barbano J, Xifaras ME, Baron CS, Yang S, Koczirka K, McConnell AM, Zon LI. A chronic signaling TGFb zebrafish reporter identifies immune response in melanoma. eLife 2024; 13:e83527. [PMID: 38874379 PMCID: PMC11178360 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83527] [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: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Developmental signaling pathways associated with growth factors such as TGFb are commonly dysregulated in melanoma. Here we identified a human TGFb enhancer specifically activated in melanoma cells treated with TGFB1 ligand. We generated stable transgenic zebrafish with this TGFb Induced Enhancer driving green fluorescent protein (TIE:EGFP). TIE:EGFP was not expressed in normal melanocytes or early melanomas but was expressed in spatially distinct regions of advanced melanomas. Single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed that TIE:EGFP+ melanoma cells down-regulated interferon response while up-regulating a novel set of chronic TGFb target genes. ChIP-sequencing demonstrated that AP-1 factor binding is required for activation of chronic TGFb response. Overexpression of SATB2, a chromatin remodeler associated with tumor spreading, showed activation of TGFb signaling in early melanomas. Confocal imaging and flow cytometric analysis showed that macrophages localize to TIE:EGFP+ regions and preferentially phagocytose TIE:EGFP+ melanoma cells compared to TIE:EGFP- melanoma cells. This work identifies a TGFb induced immune response and demonstrates the need for the development of chronic TGFb biomarkers to predict patient response to TGFb inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley R Noonan
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Alexandra M Thornock
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Julia Barbano
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
| | - Michael E Xifaras
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Immunology Program, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Chloe S Baron
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Song Yang
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Katherine Koczirka
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
| | - Alicia M McConnell
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Leonard I Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBostonUnited States
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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3
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Perlee S, Ma Y, Hunter MV, Swanson JB, Ming Z, Xia J, Lionnet T, McGrail M, White RM. Identifying in vivo genetic dependencies of melanocyte and melanoma development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586101. [PMID: 38562693 PMCID: PMC10983904 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The advent of large-scale sequencing in both development and disease has identified large numbers of candidate genes that may be linked to important phenotypes. Validating the function of these candidates in vivo is challenging, due to low efficiency and low throughput of most model systems. We have developed a rapid, scalable system for assessing the role of candidate genes using zebrafish. We generated transgenic zebrafish in which Cas9 was knocked-in to the endogenous mitfa locus, a master transcription factor of the melanocyte lineage. We used this system to identify both cell-autonomous and non-cell autonomous regulators of normal melanocyte development. We then applied this to the melanoma setting to demonstrate that loss of genes required for melanocyte survival can paradoxically promote more aggressive phenotypes, highlighting that in vitro screens can mask in vivo phenotypes. Our high-efficiency genetic approach offers a versatile tool for exploring developmental processes and disease mechanisms that can readily be applied to other cell lineages.
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Silvius KM, Kendall GC. A Robust Closed-Tube Method for Resolving tp53M214K Genotypes. Zebrafish 2024; 21:250-254. [PMID: 38386541 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0030] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The tp53M214K zebrafish mutant is a versatile platform with which to model a diverse spectrum of human diseases. However, currently available genotyping methods for this mutant require lengthy hands-on processes such as restriction digests and outsourced Sanger sequencing. To address this deficiency, we leveraged high-resolution melting analysis technology in conjunction with a parallel, in-tandem wild-type spike-in approach to develop a robust genotyping protocol capable of discriminating tp53M214K zygosity. In this study, we describe our method in detail. We anticipate that our genotyping protocol will benefit researchers utilizing the tp53M214K zebrafish mutant by offering reliable results with a shorter turnaround time, lower personnel involvement, and higher throughput than traditional methods, thereby decreasing the burden of genotyping and maximizing research efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Silvius
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Genevieve C Kendall
- Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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5
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Taylor MM, Nelson KC, Dimitriou F. Skin Cancer Precursors: From Cancer Genomics to Early Diagnosis. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2024:S0889-8588(24)00047-9. [PMID: 38782646 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Skin cancers, including melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas, are responsible for increasing health care burden internationally. Risk stratification and early detection are paramount for prevention and less risky treatment to overall improve patient outcomes and disease morbidity. Here, the authors discuss the key concepts leading to skin cancer initiation and progression. The authors also outline precursor and progression models for melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas, including discussion of genetic alterations associated with the various stages of progression. Finally, the authors discuss the significance of immunoediting and the drivers behind increased risk of cutaneous malignancy in the state of immune dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison M Taylor
- John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1452, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kelly C Nelson
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1452, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Florentia Dimitriou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1484, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
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6
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Babu S, Chen J, Robitschek E, Baron CS, McConnell A, Wu C, Dedeilia A, Sade-Feldman M, Modhurima R, Manos MP, Chen KY, Cox AM, Ludwig CG, Yang J, Kellis M, Buchbinder EI, Hacohen N, Boland GM, Abraham BJ, Liu D, Zon LI, Insco ML. Specific oncogene activation of the cell of origin in mucosal melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590595. [PMID: 38712250 PMCID: PMC11071392 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a deadly cancer derived from mucosal melanocytes. To test the consequences of MM genetics, we developed a zebrafish model in which all melanocytes experienced CCND1 expression and loss of PTEN and TP53. Surprisingly, melanoma only developed from melanocytes lining internal organs, analogous to the location of patient MM. We found that zebrafish MMs had a unique chromatin landscape from cutaneous melanoma. Internal melanocytes could be labeled using a MM-specific transcriptional enhancer. Normal zebrafish internal melanocytes shared a gene expression signature with MMs. Patient and zebrafish MMs have increased migratory neural crest gene and decreased antigen presentation gene expression, consistent with the increased metastatic behavior and decreased immunotherapy sensitivity of MM. Our work suggests the cell state of the originating melanocyte influences the behavior of derived melanomas. Our animal model phenotypically and transcriptionally mimics patient tumors, allowing this model to be used for MM therapeutic discovery.
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7
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Montal E, Suresh S, Ma Y, Tagore MM, White RM. Cancer Modeling by Transgene Electroporation in Adult Zebrafish (TEAZ). Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2707:83-97. [PMID: 37668906 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3401-1_5] [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] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic expression of genes is a mainstay of cancer modeling in zebrafish. Traditional transgenic techniques rely upon injection into one-cell embryos, but ideally these transgenes would be expressed only in adult somatic tissues. We provide a method to model cancer in adult zebrafish in which transgenes can be expressed via electroporation. Using melanoma as an example, we demonstrate the feasibility of expressing oncogenes such as BRAFV600E as well as CRISPR/Cas9 inactivation of tumor suppressors such as PTEN. These approaches can be performed in any genetic background such as existing fluorophore reporter lines or the casper line. These methods can readily be extended to other cell types allowing for rapid adult modeling of cancer in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Montal
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shruthy Suresh
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yilun Ma
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohita M Tagore
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard M White
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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8
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Bian WP, Xie SL, Wang C, Martinovich GG, Ma YB, Jia PP, Pei DS. mitfa deficiency promotes immune vigor and potentiates antitumor effects in zebrafish. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 142:109130. [PMID: 37777099 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The mitfa gene is a well-known transcription factor associated with microphthalmia and is essential for early melanophore development. However, little is known about how mitfa affects the immune system. Here, we generated a novel mitfa knock-out zebrafish line using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The mitfa-/- zebrafish exhibited reduced melanin levels compared to the nacre mutant. We investigated the impact on the immune system after exposure to Edwardsiella tarda and bifenazate in zebrafish larvae, and observed that the macrophage numbers were reduced in both treated groups. Remarkably, the expression levels of immune-related genes exhibited significant increases after bacterial challenge or bifenazate exposure in the mitfa-/- zebrafish, except for tlr4 and rela. Furthermore, we conducted xenograft experiments using mouse B16 melanoma cells. Notably, the cancer cells didn't show a high cell migration ratio, implying that the immune system was highly activated after the loss of mifta. Taken together, our findings suggest that mitfa-/- zebrafish serve as a valuable model for investigating the relationship between the immune system and melanocytes, providing new insights into the role of mitfa in immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ping Bian
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Shao-Lin Xie
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | | | - Yan-Bo Ma
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Pan-Pan Jia
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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9
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Tagore M, Hergenreder E, Perlee SC, Cruz NM, Menocal L, Suresh S, Chan E, Baron M, Melendez S, Dave A, Chatila WK, Nsengimana J, Koche RP, Hollmann TJ, Ideker T, Studer L, Schietinger A, White RM. GABA Regulates Electrical Activity and Tumor Initiation in Melanoma. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2270-2291. [PMID: 37553760 PMCID: PMC10551668 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0389] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenes can initiate tumors only in certain cellular contexts, which is referred to as oncogenic competence. In melanoma, whether cells in the microenvironment can endow such competence remains unclear. Using a combination of zebrafish transgenesis coupled with human tissues, we demonstrate that GABAergic signaling between keratinocytes and melanocytes promotes melanoma initiation by BRAFV600E. GABA is synthesized in melanoma cells, which then acts on GABA-A receptors in keratinocytes. Electron microscopy demonstrates specialized cell-cell junctions between keratinocytes and melanoma cells, and multielectrode array analysis shows that GABA acts to inhibit electrical activity in melanoma/keratinocyte cocultures. Genetic and pharmacologic perturbation of GABA synthesis abrogates melanoma initiation in vivo. These data suggest that GABAergic signaling across the skin microenvironment regulates the ability of oncogenes to initiate melanoma. SIGNIFICANCE This study shows evidence of GABA-mediated regulation of electrical activity between melanoma cells and keratinocytes, providing a new mechanism by which the microenvironment promotes tumor initiation. This provides insights into the role of the skin microenvironment in early melanomas while identifying GABA as a potential therapeutic target in melanoma. See related commentary by Ceol, p. 2128. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2109.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohita Tagore
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Emiliano Hergenreder
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, New York
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, New York
- Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Sarah C. Perlee
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nelly M. Cruz
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Laura Menocal
- Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Shruthy Suresh
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Eric Chan
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Maayan Baron
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Stephanie Melendez
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Asim Dave
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Walid K. Chatila
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jeremie Nsengimana
- Biostatistics Research Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Richard P. Koche
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Travis J. Hollmann
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Trey Ideker
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, New York
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, New York
| | - Andrea Schietinger
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard M. White
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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10
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Groen K, Steffens Reinhardt L, Bourdon JC, Avery-Kiejda KA. It is not all about the alpha: elevated expression of p53β variants is associated with lower probability of survival in a retrospective melanoma cohort. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:228. [PMID: 37794430 PMCID: PMC10548590 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03083-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer and despite improvements in treatment outcomes, melanoma claimed 57,043 lives in 2020. In most malignancies, p53 mutation rates are above 50% and provide prognostic indications. However, in melanoma where less than a quarter of cases harbour a p53 mutation, the significance of the tumour suppressor may be questioned. Instead, p53 isoforms, which modulate p53's canonical function, may be of greater clinical importance. METHODS The expression of p53 isoforms was evaluated in 123 melanoma specimens by immunohistochemistry using p53 isoform-specific antibodies (DO-1, KJC8, KJC40, and KJC133). To determine whether TP53 mutations may be driving p53 isoform expression, TP53 was sequenced in 30 FFPE melanoma samples. RESULTS The C-terminally truncated p53β isoforms (KJC8) were found to be the most highly expressed p53 isoforms compared to all other isoforms. Further, elevated KJC8 staining was found to correlate with reduced probability of melanoma-specific survival, while KJC40 staining (Δ40p53) positively correlated with reduced melanoma thickness. TAp53 isoforms (p53 retaining both transactivation domains, DO-1), were the second highest p53 isoforms expressed across all samples. Elevated DO-1 staining was also associated with worse survival outcomes and more advanced stages of cancer. Given that the isoforms are likely to work in concert, composite isoform profiles were generated. Composite biomarker profiles revealed that elevated TAp53 (DO-1) and p53β (KJC8) expression, accompanied by low Δ40p53 (KJC40) and Δ133p53 (KJC133) expression was associated with the worst survival outcomes. Supporting the lack of predictive biomarker potential of TP53 in melanoma, no clinicopathological or p53 isoform expression associations could be linked to TP53 status. CONCLUSIONS Given the lack of prognostic biomarker potential derived from TP53 status, this study highlights how p53 isoform expression might progress this field and, pending further validation, may provide additional information to treating oncologists that might be factored into treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Groen
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Level 3 West, Lot 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Luiza Steffens Reinhardt
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Level 3 West, Lot 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Detection & Therapy Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jean-Christophe Bourdon
- School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Kelly A Avery-Kiejda
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Level 3 West, Lot 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
- Cancer Detection & Therapy Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
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11
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De Paolo R, Sarti S, Bernardi S, Cucco F, Tavosanis A, Pitto L, Poliseno L. Differential impact of BRAFV600E isoforms on tumorigenesis in a zebrafish model of melanoma. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:121. [PMID: 37393328 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01064-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAFV600E comes as two main splicing variants. The well-studied ref isoform and the recently discovered X1 isoform are co-expressed in cancer cells and differ in terms of 3'UTR length and sequence, as well as C-term protein sequence. Here, we use a melanoma model in zebrafish to study the role played by each isoform in larval pigmentation, nevi formation, and their progression into melanoma tumours. We show that both BRAFV600E-ref and BRAFV600E-X1 proteins promote larval pigmentation and nevi formation, while melanoma-free survival curves performed in adult fish indicate that BRAFV600E-ref protein is a much stronger melanoma driver that BRAFV600E-X1 protein. Crucially, we also show that the presence of the 3'UTR suppresses the effect of ref protein. Our data highlight the necessity to undertake a systematic study of BRAFV600E isoforms, in order to uncover the full spectrum of their kinase-(in)dependent and coding-(in)dependent functions, hence to develop more informed strategies for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella De Paolo
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Pisa, Italy
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory (CRL), ISPRO, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Samanta Sarti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Pisa, Italy
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory (CRL), ISPRO, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Sara Bernardi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Pisa, Italy
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory (CRL), ISPRO, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Tavosanis
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Pisa, Italy
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory (CRL), ISPRO, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Laura Poliseno
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Pisa, Italy.
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory (CRL), ISPRO, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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12
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Roshandel D, Semnani F, Rayati Damavandi A, Masoudi A, Baradaran-Rafii A, Watson SL, Morgan WH, McLenachan S. Genetic predisposition to ocular surface disorders and opportunities for gene-based therapies. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:150-165. [PMID: 37192706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The ocular surface, comprised of the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, innervation system, immune components, and tear-film apparatus, plays a key role in ocular integrity as well as comfort and vision. Gene defects may result in congenital ocular or systemic disorders with prominent ocular surface involvement. Examples include epithelial corneal dystrophies, aniridia, ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy. In addition, genetic factors may interact with environmental risk factors in the development of several multifactorial ocular surface disorders (OSDs) such as autoimmune disorders, allergies, neoplasms, and dry eye disease. Advanced gene-based technologies have already been introduced in disease modelling and proof-of-concept gene therapies for monogenic OSDs. For instance, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells have been used for modelling aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK), XP, and EEC syndrome. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has been used for disease modelling and/or gene therapy for AAK and Meesmann's epithelial corneal dystrophy. A better understanding of the role of genetic factors in OSDs may be helpful in designing personalized disease models and treatment approaches. Gene-based approaches in monogenic OSDs and genetic predisposition to multifactorial OSDs such as immune-mediated disorders and neoplasms with known or possible genetic risk factors has been seldom reviewed. In this narrative review, we discuss the role of genetic factors in monogenic and multifactorial OSDs and potential opportunities for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Roshandel
- Lions Eye Institute, Perth, WA, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Farbod Semnani
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirmasoud Rayati Damavandi
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Masoudi
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alireza Baradaran-Rafii
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Ophthalmology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Stephanie L Watson
- The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William H Morgan
- Lions Eye Institute, Perth, WA, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Samuel McLenachan
- Lions Eye Institute, Perth, WA, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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13
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Farahani MK, Gharibshahian M, Rezvani A, Vaez A. Breast cancer brain metastasis: from etiology to state-of-the-art modeling. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:41. [PMID: 37386445 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00352-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, breast carcinoma is the most common form of malignancy and the main cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. The metastasis of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other organs in the body, notably the lungs, bones, brain, and liver, is what causes breast cancer to ultimately be fatal. Brain metastases occur in as many as 30% of patients with advanced breast cancer, and the 1-year survival rate of these patients is around 20%. Many researchers have focused on brain metastasis, but due to its complexities, many aspects of this process are still relatively unclear. To develop and test novel therapies for this fatal condition, pre-clinical models are required that can mimic the biological processes involved in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). The application of many breakthroughs in the area of tissue engineering has resulted in the development of scaffold or matrix-based culture methods that more accurately imitate the original extracellular matrix (ECM) of metastatic tumors. Furthermore, specific cell lines are now being used to create three-dimensional (3D) cultures that can be used to model metastasis. These 3D cultures satisfy the requirement for in vitro methodologies that allow for a more accurate investigation of the molecular pathways as well as a more in-depth examination of the effects of the medication being tested. In this review, we talk about the latest advances in modeling BCBM using cell lines, animals, and tissue engineering methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maliheh Gharibshahian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Alireza Rezvani
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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14
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Celesia A, Franzò M, Di Liberto D, Lauricella M, Carlisi D, D'Anneo A, Notaro A, Allegra M, Giuliano M, Emanuele S. Oncogenic BRAF and p53 Interplay in Melanoma Cells and the Effects of the HDAC Inhibitor ITF2357 (Givinostat). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119148. [PMID: 37298104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic BRAF mutations have been widely described in melanomas and promote tumour progression and chemoresistance. We previously provided evidence that the HDAC inhibitor ITF2357 (Givinostat) targets oncogenic BRAF in SK-MEL-28 and A375 melanoma cells. Here, we show that oncogenic BRAF localises to the nucleus of these cells, and the compound decreases BRAF levels in both the nuclear and cytosolic compartments. Although mutations in the tumour suppressor p53 gene are not equally frequent in melanomas compared to BRAF, the functional impairment of the p53 pathway may also contribute to melanoma development and aggressiveness. To understand whether oncogenic BRAF and p53 may cooperate, a possible interplay was considered in the two cell lines displaying a different p53 status, being p53 mutated into an oncogenic form in SK-MEL-28 and wild-type in A375 cells. Immunoprecipitation revealed that BRAF seems to preferentially interact with oncogenic p53. Interestingly, ITF2357 not only reduced BRAF levels but also oncogenic p53 levels in SK-MEL-28 cells. ITF2357 also targeted BRAF in A375 cells but not wild-type p53, which increased, most likely favouring apoptosis. Silencing experiments confirmed that the response to ITF2357 in BRAF-mutated cells depends on p53 status, thus providing a rationale for melanoma-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Celesia
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), Biochemistry Building, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marzia Franzò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), Biochemistry Building, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Diana Di Liberto
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), Biochemistry Building, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marianna Lauricella
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), Biochemistry Building, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Carlisi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), Biochemistry Building, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella D'Anneo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonietta Notaro
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Allegra
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Michela Giuliano
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Sonia Emanuele
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), Biochemistry Building, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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15
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Patel P, Nandi A, Verma SK, Kaushik N, Suar M, Choi EH, Kaushik NK. Zebrafish-based platform for emerging bio-contaminants and virus inactivation research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162197. [PMID: 36781138 PMCID: PMC9922160 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Emerging bio-contaminants such as viruses have affected health and environment settings of every country. Viruses are the minuscule entities resulting in severe contagious diseases like SARS, MERS, Ebola, and avian influenza. Recent epidemic like the SARS-CoV-2, the virus has undergone mutations strengthen them and allowing to escape from the remedies. Comprehensive knowledge of viruses is essential for the development of targeted therapeutic and vaccination treatments. Animal models mimicking human biology like non-human primates, rats, mice, and rabbits offer competitive advantage to assess risk of viral infections, chemical toxins, nanoparticles, and microbes. However, their economic maintenance has always been an issue. Furthermore, the redundancy of experimental results due to aforementioned aspects is also in examine. Hence, exploration for the alternative animal models is crucial for risk assessments. The current review examines zebrafish traits and explores the possibilities to monitor emerging bio-contaminants. Additionally, a comprehensive picture of the bio contaminant and virus particle invasion and abatement mechanisms in zebrafish and human cells is presented. Moreover, a zebrafish model to investigate the emerging viruses such as coronaviridae and poxviridae has been suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paritosh Patel
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea
| | - Aditya Nandi
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Suresh K Verma
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India; Condensed Matter Theory Group, Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Neha Kaushik
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, 18323 Hwaseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Eun Ha Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, 01897 Seoul, South Korea.
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16
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Chen J, Zhang G, Liu X, Tu P. The association of BRAF V600E gene mutation with proliferative activity and histopathological characteristics of congenital melanocytic nevi in children. An Bras Dermatol 2023:S0365-0596(23)00062-4. [PMID: 37156689 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2022.01.016] [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: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A lot of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) carry the somatic mutation in the oncogene BRAF V600E. But the detailed histopathologic characteristics and the proliferative activity of CMN with BRAF V600E gene mutation have not been systematically documented. OBJECTIVE To identify the proliferative activity and histopathological features correlating them with BRAF V600E gene mutation status in CMN. METHODS CMN were retrospectively identified from the laboratory reporting system. Mutations were determined by Sanger sequencing. The CMN were divided into a mutant group and control group according to whether there was BRAF gene mutation and were strictly matched according to gender, age, nevus size, and location. Histopathological analysis, analysis of Ki67 expression by immunohistochemistry and laser confocal fluorescence microscopy were performed. RESULTS The differences in Ki67 index, the depth of nevus cell involvement and the number of nevus cell nests between the mutant group and the control group was statistically significant, with p-values of 0.041, 0.002 and 0.007, respectively. Compared with BRAF V600E negative nevi, BRAF V600E positive nevi often exhibited predominantly nested intraepidermal melanocytes, and larger junctional nests, but the difference in this data sets were not statistically significant. The number of nests (p = 0.001) was positively correlated with the proportion of Ki67 positive cells. STUDY LIMITATIONS A small sample of patients were included and there was no follow-up. CONCLUSIONS BRAF V600E gene mutations were associated with high proliferative activity and distinct histopathological features in congenital melanocytic nevi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyou Chen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Gaolei Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Tu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
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17
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Yang TT, Yu S, Ke CLK, Cheng ST. The Genomic Landscape of Melanoma and Its Therapeutic Implications. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051021. [PMID: 37239381 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive malignancies of the skin. The genetic composition of melanoma is complex and varies among different subtypes. With the aid of recent technologies such as next generation sequencing and single-cell sequencing, our understanding of the genomic landscape of melanoma and its tumor microenvironment has become increasingly clear. These advances may provide explanation to the heterogenic treatment outcomes of melanoma patients under current therapeutic guidelines and provide further insights to the development of potential new therapeutic targets. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on the genetics related to melanoma tumorigenesis, metastasis, and prognosis. We also review the genetics affecting the melanoma tumor microenvironment and its relation to tumor progression and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Pingtung 900, Taiwan
| | - Sebastian Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Li Khale Ke
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Municipal SiaoGang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 812, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Tsung Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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18
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Insco ML, Abraham BJ, Dubbury SJ, Kaltheuner IH, Dust S, Wu C, Chen KY, Liu D, Bellaousov S, Cox AM, Martin BJ, Zhang T, Ludwig CG, Fabo T, Modhurima R, Esgdaille DE, Henriques T, Brown KM, Chanock SJ, Geyer M, Adelman K, Sharp PA, Young RA, Boutz PL, Zon LI. Oncogenic CDK13 mutations impede nuclear RNA surveillance. Science 2023; 380:eabn7625. [PMID: 37079685 PMCID: PMC10184553 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn7625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
RNA surveillance pathways detect and degrade defective transcripts to ensure RNA fidelity. We found that disrupted nuclear RNA surveillance is oncogenic. Cyclin-dependent kinase 13 (CDK13) is mutated in melanoma, and patient-mutated CDK13 accelerates zebrafish melanoma. CDK13 mutation causes aberrant RNA stabilization. CDK13 is required for ZC3H14 phosphorylation, which is necessary and sufficient to promote nuclear RNA degradation. Mutant CDK13 fails to activate nuclear RNA surveillance, causing aberrant protein-coding transcripts to be stabilized and translated. Forced aberrant RNA expression accelerates melanoma in zebrafish. We found recurrent mutations in genes encoding nuclear RNA surveillance components in many malignancies, establishing nuclear RNA surveillance as a tumor-suppressive pathway. Activating nuclear RNA surveillance is crucial to avoid accumulation of aberrant RNAs and their ensuing consequences in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L. Insco
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Brian J. Abraham
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Sara J. Dubbury
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ines H. Kaltheuner
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Sofia Dust
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Constance Wu
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kevin Y. Chen
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Stanislav Bellaousov
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Anna M. Cox
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin J.E. Martin
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tongwu Zhang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Calvin G. Ludwig
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tania Fabo
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rodsy Modhurima
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Dakarai E. Esgdaille
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Telmo Henriques
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kevin M. Brown
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Stephen J. Chanock
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Karen Adelman
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Phillip A. Sharp
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Richard A. Young
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Paul L. Boutz
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Leonard I. Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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19
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Nascentes Melo LM, Kumar S, Riess V, Szylo KJ, Eisenburger R, Schadendorf D, Ubellacker JM, Tasdogan A. Advancements in melanoma cancer metastasis models. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2023; 36:206-223. [PMID: 36478190 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a complex and deadly disease. Due to its complexity, the development of novel therapeutic strategies to inhibit metastatic melanoma remains an outstanding challenge. Our ability to study metastasis is advanced with the development of in vitro and in vivo models that better mimic the different steps of the metastatic cascade beginning from primary tumor initiation to final metastatic seeding. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of in vitro models, in vivo models, and in silico platforms to study the individual steps of melanoma metastasis. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages and limitations of each model and discuss the challenges of how to improve current models to enhance translation for melanoma cancer patients and future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen and German Cancer Consortium, Essen, Germany
| | - Valeria Riess
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen and German Cancer Consortium, Essen, Germany
| | - Krystina J Szylo
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robin Eisenburger
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen and German Cancer Consortium, Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen and German Cancer Consortium, Essen, Germany
| | - Jessalyn M Ubellacker
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alpaslan Tasdogan
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen and German Cancer Consortium, Essen, Germany
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20
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Adhish M, Manjubala I. Effectiveness of zebrafish models in understanding human diseases-A review of models. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14557. [PMID: 36950605 PMCID: PMC10025926 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the detailed mechanism behind every human disease, disorder, defect, and deficiency is a daunting task concerning the clinical diagnostic tools for patients. Hence, a closely resembling living or simulated model is of paramount interest for the development and testing of a probable novel drug for rectifying the conditions pertaining to the various ailments. The animal model that can be easily genetically manipulated to suit the study of the therapeutic motive is an indispensable asset and within the last few decades, the zebrafish models have proven their effectiveness by becoming such potent human disease models with their use being extended to various avenues of research to understand the underlying mechanisms of the diseases. As zebrafish are explored as model animals in understanding the molecular basis and genetics of many diseases owing to the 70% genetic homology between the human and zebrafish genes; new and fascinating facts about the diseases are being surfaced, establishing it as a very powerful tool for upcoming research. These prospective research areas can be explored in the near future using zebrafish as a model. In this review, the effectiveness of the zebrafish as an animal model against several human diseases such as osteoporosis, atrial fibrillation, Noonan syndrome, leukemia, autism spectrum disorders, etc. has been discussed.
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21
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The Complex Interplay between Nevi and Melanoma: Risk Factors and Precursors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043541. [PMID: 36834954 PMCID: PMC9964821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
One effort to combat the rising incidence of malignant melanoma is focused on early detection by the clinical and dermoscopic screening of melanocytic nevi. However, the interaction between nevi, which are congenital or acquired benign melanocytic proliferations, and melanoma is still enigmatic. On the one hand, the majority of melanomas are thought to form de novo, as only a third of primary melanomas are associated with a histologically identifiable nevus precursor. On the other hand, an increased number of melanocytic nevi is a strong risk factor for developing melanoma, including melanomas that do not derive from nevi. The formation of nevi is modulated by diverse factors, including pigmentation, genetic risk factors, and environmental sun exposure. While the molecular alterations that occur during the progression of a nevus to melanoma have been well characterized, many unanswered questions remain surrounding the process of nevus to melanoma evolution. In this review, we discuss clinical, histological, molecular, and genetic factors that influence nevus formation and progression to melanoma.
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22
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Silvius KM, Kendall GC. A robust closed-tube method for resolving tp53 M214K genotypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.20.524903. [PMID: 36747876 PMCID: PMC9900746 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.20.524903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The tp53 M214K zebrafish mutant developed by Berghmans et al 2005 1 is a versatile platform with which to model a diverse spectrum of human diseases. However, currently available genotyping methods for this mutant require lengthy processes such as restriction digests and outsourced Sanger sequencing. To address this deficiency, we leveraged high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) technology in conjunction with a parallel, in-tandem wildtype spike-in approach to develop a robust genotyping protocol capable of discriminating tp53 M214K zygosity. Here, we describe our method in detail. We anticipate that our genotyping protocol will benefit researchers utilizing the tp53 M214K zebrafish mutant by offering reliable results with a faster turnaround time than conventional approaches.
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23
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Suresh S, Rabbie R, Garg M, Lumaquin D, Huang TH, Montal E, Ma Y, Cruz NM, Tang X, Nsengimana J, Newton-Bishop J, Hunter MV, Zhu Y, Chen K, de Stanchina E, Adams DJ, White RM. Identifying the Transcriptional Drivers of Metastasis Embedded within Localized Melanoma. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:194-215. [PMID: 36259947 PMCID: PMC9827116 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In melanoma, predicting which tumors will ultimately metastasize guides treatment decisions. Transcriptional signatures of primary tumors have been utilized to predict metastasis, but which among these are driver or passenger events remains unclear. We used data from the adjuvant AVAST-M trial to identify a predictive gene signature in localized tumors that ultimately metastasized. Using a zebrafish model of primary melanoma, we interrogated the top genes from the AVAST-M signature in vivo. This identified GRAMD1B, a cholesterol transfer protein, as a bona fide metastasis suppressor, with a majority of knockout animals rapidly developing metastasis. Mechanistically, excess free cholesterol or its metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol promotes invasiveness via activation of an AP-1 program, which is associated with increased metastasis in humans. Our data demonstrate that the transcriptional seeds of metastasis are embedded within localized tumors, suggesting that early targeting of these programs can be used to prevent metastatic relapse. SIGNIFICANCE We analyzed human melanoma transcriptomics data to identify a gene signature predictive of metastasis. To rapidly test clinical signatures, we built a genetic metastasis platform in adult zebrafish and identified GRAMD1B as a suppressor of melanoma metastasis. GRAMD1B-associated cholesterol overload activates an AP-1 program to promote melanoma invasion. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruthy Suresh
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Roy Rabbie
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Manik Garg
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Dianne Lumaquin
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, New York
| | - Ting-Hsiang Huang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Emily Montal
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yilun Ma
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, New York
| | - Nelly M Cruz
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Xinran Tang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Cellular and Developmental Biology and Molecular Biology Ph.D. Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York
| | - Jérémie Nsengimana
- Biostatistics Research Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Miranda V. Hunter
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yuxin Zhu
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kevin Chen
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David J. Adams
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Richard M. White
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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24
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Michielon E, de Gruijl TD, Gibbs S. From simplicity to complexity in current melanoma models. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1818-1836. [PMID: 36103206 PMCID: PMC10092692 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14675] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent impressive clinical success of immunotherapy against melanoma, development of primary and adaptive resistance against immune checkpoint inhibitors remains a major issue in a large number of treated patients. This highlights the need for melanoma models that replicate the tumor's intricate dynamics in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and associated immune suppression to study possible resistance mechanisms in order to improve current and test novel therapeutics. While two-dimensional melanoma cell cultures have been widely used to perform functional genomics screens in a high-throughput fashion, they are not suitable to answer more complex scientific questions. Melanoma models have also been established in a variety of experimental (humanized) animals. However, due to differences in physiology, such models do not fully represent human melanoma development. Therefore, fully human three-dimensional in vitro models mimicking melanoma cell interactions with the TME are being developed to address this need for more physiologically relevant models. Such models include melanoma organoids, spheroids, and reconstructed human melanoma-in-skin cultures. Still, while major advances have been made to complement and replace animals, these in vitro systems have yet to fully recapitulate human tumor complexity. Lastly, technical advancements have been made in the organ-on-chip field to replicate functions and microstructures of in vivo human tissues and organs. This review summarizes advancements made in understanding and treating melanoma and specifically aims to discuss the progress made towards developing melanoma models, their applications, limitations, and the advances still needed to further facilitate the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Michielon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Karami Fath M, Azargoonjahromi A, Soofi A, Almasi F, Hosseinzadeh S, Khalili S, Sheikhi K, Ferdousmakan S, Owrangi S, Fahimi M, Zalpoor H, Nabi Afjadi M, Payandeh Z, Pourzardosht N. Current understanding of epigenetics role in melanoma treatment and resistance. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:313. [PMID: 36224606 PMCID: PMC9555085 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02738-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer resulting from genetic mutations in melanocytes. Several factors have been considered to be involved in melanoma progression, including genetic alteration, processes of damaged DNA repair, and changes in mechanisms of cell growth and proliferation. Epigenetics is the other factor with a crucial role in melanoma development. Epigenetic changes have become novel targets for treating patients suffering from melanoma. These changes can alter the expression of microRNAs and their interaction with target genes, which involves cell growth, differentiation, or even death. Given these circumstances, we conducted the present review to discuss the melanoma risk factors and represent the current knowledge about the factors related to its etiopathogenesis. Moreover, various epigenetic pathways, which are involved in melanoma progression, treatment, and chemo-resistance, as well as employed epigenetic factors as a solution to the problems, will be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Asma Soofi
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahnaz Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Sheikhi
- School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Saeid Ferdousmakan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nargund College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, 560085, India
| | - Soroor Owrangi
- Student Research Committe, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division Medical Inflammation Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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26
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Zheng L, Cao L, Zheng XL. ADAMTS13 protease or lack of von Willebrand factor protects irradiation and melanoma-induced thrombotic microangiopathy in zebrafish. J Thromb Haemost 2022; 20:2270-2283. [PMID: 35894519 PMCID: PMC9641623 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15820] [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: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity may result in potentially fatal thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and relative deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity may be associated with adverse outcomes of certain malignancies. Here, we report the role of ADAMTS13 or lack of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in reducing irradiation and melanoma-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and mortality in zebrafish. METHODS Zebrafish melanoma cell line (ZMEL) was injected subcutaneously into wild-type (wt), adamts13-/- (a13-/- ), von Willebrand factor (vwf-/- ), and a13-/- vwf-/- zebrafish following total body irradiation; the tumor growth, its gene expression pattern, the resulting thrombocytopenia, and the mortality were determined. RESULTS Total body irradiation at 30 Gy alone resulted in a transient thrombocytopenia in both wt and a13-/- zebrafish. However, thrombocytopenia occurred earlier and more profound in a13-/- than in wt zebrafish, which was resolved 2 weeks following irradiation alone. An inoculation of ZMEL following the irradiation resulted in more severe and persistent thrombocytopenia, as well as earlier death in a13-/- than in wt zebrafish. The vwf-/- or a13-/- vwf-/- zebrafish were protected from developing severe thrombocytopenia following the same maneuvers. RNA-sequencing revealed significant differentially expressed genes associated with oxidation-reduction, metabolism, lipid, fatty acid and cholesterol metabolic processes, steroid synthesis, and phospholipid efflux in the melanoma explanted from a13-/- zebrafish compared with that from the wt controls. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that plasma ADAMTS13 or lack of VWF may offer a significant protection against the development of irradiation- and/or melanoma-induced TMA. Such a microenvironment may directly affect melanoma cell phenotypes via alternation in the oxidation-reduction and lipid metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Liyun Cao
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - X. Long Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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27
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Dudziak K, Nowak M, Sozoniuk M. One Host-Multiple Applications: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as Promising Model for Studying Human Cancers and Pathogenic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810255. [PMID: 36142160 PMCID: PMC9499349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, zebrafish (ZF) has been increasingly applied as a model in human disease studies, with a particular focus on cancer. A number of advantages make it an attractive alternative for mice widely used so far. Due to the many advantages of zebrafish, modifications can be based on different mechanisms and the induction of human disease can take different forms depending on the research goal. Genetic manipulation, tumor transplantation, or injection of the pathogen are only a few examples of using ZF as a model. Most of the studies are conducted in order to understand the disease mechanism, monitor disease progression, test new or alternative therapies, and select the best treatment. The transplantation of cancer cells derived from patients enables the development of personalized medicine. To better mimic a patient’s body environment, immune-deficient models (SCID) have been developed. A lower immune response is mostly generated by genetic manipulation but also by irradiation or dexamethasone treatment. For many studies, using SCID provides a better chance to avoid cancer cell rejection. In this review, we describe the main directions of using ZF in research, explain why and how zebrafish can be used as a model, what kind of limitations will be met and how to overcome them. We collected recent achievements in this field, indicating promising perspectives for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Dudziak
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (K.D.); (M.N.)
| | - Michał Nowak
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (K.D.); (M.N.)
| | - Magdalena Sozoniuk
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
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28
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Genta S, Coburn B, Cescon DW, Spreafico A. Patient-derived cancer models: Valuable platforms for anticancer drug testing. Front Oncol 2022; 12:976065. [PMID: 36033445 PMCID: PMC9413077 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.976065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecularly targeted treatments and immunotherapy are cornerstones in oncology, with demonstrated efficacy across different tumor types. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority metastatic disease is incurable due to the onset of drug resistance. Preclinical models including genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts and two- and three-dimensional cell cultures have emerged as a useful resource to study mechanisms of cancer progression and predict efficacy of anticancer drugs. However, variables including tumor heterogeneity and the complexities of the microenvironment can impair the faithfulness of these platforms. Here, we will discuss advantages and limitations of these preclinical models, their applicability for drug testing and in co-clinical trials and potential strategies to increase their reliability in predicting responsiveness to anticancer medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Genta
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bryan Coburn
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David W. Cescon
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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29
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Travnickova J, Muise S, Wojciechowska S, Brombin A, Zeng Z, Young AIJ, Wyatt C, Patton EE. Fate mapping melanoma persister cells through regression and into recurrent disease in adult zebrafish. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276219. [PMID: 35929478 PMCID: PMC9509888 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma heterogeneity and plasticity underlie therapy resistance. Some tumour cells possess innate resistance, while others reprogramme during drug exposure and survive to form persister cells, a source of potential cancer cells for recurrent disease. Tracing individual melanoma cell populations through tumour regression and into recurrent disease remains largely unexplored, in part, because complex animal models are required for live imaging of cell populations over time. Here, we applied tamoxifen-inducible creERt2/loxP lineage tracing to a zebrafish model of MITF-dependent melanoma regression and recurrence to image and trace cell populations in vivo through disease stages. Using this strategy, we show that melanoma persister cells at the minimal residual disease site originate from the primary tumour. Next, we fate mapped rare MITF-independent persister cells and demonstrate that these cells directly contribute to progressive disease. Multiplex immunohistochemistry confirmed that MITF-independent persister cells give rise to Mitfa+ cells in recurrent disease. Taken together, our work reveals a direct contribution of persister cell populations to recurrent disease, and provides a resource for lineage-tracing methodology in adult zebrafish cancer models. Summary: We fate map melanoma cells from the primary tumour into a persister cell state and show that persister cells directly contribute to recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Travnickova
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah Muise
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sonia Wojciechowska
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alessandro Brombin
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zhiqiang Zeng
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adelaide I J Young
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Cameron Wyatt
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
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30
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Darp R, Vittoria MA, Ganem NJ, Ceol CJ. Oncogenic BRAF induces whole-genome doubling through suppression of cytokinesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4109. [PMID: 35840569 PMCID: PMC9287415 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31899-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanomas and other solid tumors commonly have increased ploidy, with near-tetraploid karyotypes being most frequently observed. Such karyotypes have been shown to arise through whole-genome doubling events that occur during early stages of tumor progression. The generation of tetraploid cells via whole-genome doubling is proposed to allow nascent tumor cells the ability to sample various pro-tumorigenic genomic configurations while avoiding the negative consequences that chromosomal gains or losses have in diploid cells. Whereas a high prevalence of whole-genome doubling events has been established, the means by which whole-genome doubling arises is unclear. Here, we find that BRAFV600E, the most common mutation in melanomas, can induce whole-genome doubling via cytokinesis failure in vitro and in a zebrafish melanoma model. Mechanistically, BRAFV600E causes decreased activation and localization of RhoA, a critical cytokinesis regulator. BRAFV600E activity during G1/S phases of the cell cycle is required to suppress cytokinesis. During G1/S, BRAFV600E activity causes inappropriate centriole amplification, which is linked in part to inhibition of RhoA and suppression of cytokinesis. Together these data suggest that common abnormalities of melanomas linked to tumorigenesis - amplified centrosomes and whole-genome doubling events - can be induced by oncogenic BRAF and other mutations that increase RAS/MAPK pathway activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revati Darp
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Program in Molecular Medicine, Worcester, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Cancer Biology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marc A Vittoria
- Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neil J Ganem
- Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Craig J Ceol
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Program in Molecular Medicine, Worcester, MA, USA.
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Cancer Biology, Worcester, MA, USA.
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31
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Vittoria MA, Kingston N, Kotynkova K, Xia E, Hong R, Huang L, McDonald S, Tilston-Lunel A, Darp R, Campbell JD, Lang D, Xu X, Ceol CJ, Varelas X, Ganem NJ. Inactivation of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway promotes melanoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3732. [PMID: 35768444 PMCID: PMC9243107 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31399-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is commonly driven by activating mutations in the MAP kinase BRAF; however, oncogenic BRAF alone is insufficient to promote melanomagenesis. Instead, its expression induces a transient proliferative burst that ultimately ceases with the development of benign nevi comprised of growth-arrested melanocytes. The tumor suppressive mechanisms that restrain nevus melanocyte proliferation remain poorly understood. Here we utilize cell and murine models to demonstrate that oncogenic BRAF leads to activation of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, both in melanocytes in vitro and nevus melanocytes in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that oncogenic BRAF promotes both ERK-dependent alterations in the actin cytoskeleton and whole-genome doubling events, which independently reduce RhoA activity to promote Hippo activation. We also demonstrate that functional impairment of the Hippo pathway enables oncogenic BRAF-expressing melanocytes to bypass nevus formation and rapidly form melanomas. Our data reveal that the Hippo pathway enforces the stable arrest of nevus melanocytes and represents a critical barrier to melanoma development. Activating mutations of BRAF alone are inadequate to drive melanoma formation. Here the authors show that activation of Hippo signalling by oncogenic BRAF represents an additional safeguard to limit BRAF-dependent human melanocyte growth and melanoma formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Vittoria
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Nathan Kingston
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Kristyna Kotynkova
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Eric Xia
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Rui Hong
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Lee Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Shayna McDonald
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Andrew Tilston-Lunel
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Revati Darp
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Joshua D Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Deborah Lang
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Craig J Ceol
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Neil J Ganem
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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32
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Pardo-Sánchez I, García-Moreno D, Mulero V. Zebrafish Models to Study the Crosstalk between Inflammation and NADPH Oxidase-Derived Oxidative Stress in Melanoma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071277. [PMID: 35883768 PMCID: PMC9311651 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and its incidence continues to increase. In the early stages of melanoma, when the malignant cells have not spread to lymph nodes, they can be removed by simple surgery and there is usually low recurrence. Melanoma has a high mortality rate due to its ability to metastasize; once melanoma has spread, it becomes a major health complication. For these reasons, it is important to study how healthy melanocytes transform into melanoma cells, how they interact with the immune system, which mechanisms they use to escape immunosurveillance, and, finally, how they spread and colonize other tissues, metastasizing. Inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in the development of several types of cancer, including melanoma, but it is not yet clear under which conditions they are beneficial or detrimental. Models capable of studying the relevance of inflammation and oxidative stress in the early steps of melanocyte transformation are urgently needed, as they are expected to help recognize premetastatic lesions in patients by improving both early detection and the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Pardo-Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana García-Moreno
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoriano Mulero
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Arrixaca, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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33
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Russo I, Sartor E, Fagotto L, Colombo A, Tiso N, Alaibac M. The Zebrafish model in dermatology: an update for clinicians. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:48. [PMID: 35713744 PMCID: PMC9206045 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00511-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the zebrafish has been established as one of the most important model organisms for medical research. Several studies have proved that there is a high level of similarity between human and zebrafish genomes, which encourages the use of zebrafish as a model for understanding human genetic disorders, including cancer. Interestingly, zebrafish skin shows several similarities to human skin, suggesting that this model organism is particularly suitable for the study of neoplastic and inflammatory skin disorders. This paper appraises the specific characteristics of zebrafish skin and describes the major applications of the zebrafish model in dermatological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Russo
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, Via Gallucci 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Emma Sartor
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, Via Gallucci 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Fagotto
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, Via Gallucci 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Colombo
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, Via Gallucci 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Mauro Alaibac
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, Via Gallucci 4, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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34
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Neerukonda VK, Kim IK, Stagner AM. Primary vitreoretinal involvement and immunopositivity for BRAFV600E help distinguish metastatic from primary intraocular melanoma: a detailed histopathologic study of metastatic cutaneous melanoma to the eye. Histopathology 2022; 80:1061-1070. [PMID: 35275414 DOI: 10.1111/his.14640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of metastatic cutaneous melanoma to the eye and identify potential distinguishing characteristics from the more common primary uveal melanoma; particularly, tumour location within the eye, cytomorphology and immunohistochemical/specific molecular genetic features. METHODS A retrospective observational case series using surgical enucleation and diagnostic vitrectomy cytologic specimens from seven patients with suspected intraocular melanoma, eventually diagnosed as metastatic melanoma, was conducted. Haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of tumour and immunohistochemical (IHC) stains for BRAFV600E and Ki-67 were critically reviewed; BAP1 IHC was also evaluated in cases where additional tissue was available. Clinical imaging studies and medical records were reviewed. RESULTS The majority of patients (86%) with metastatic melanoma have primary vitreoretinal (not uveal) involvement and epithelioid, highly malignant cytomorphology (100%); many (50%) harbour BRAFV600E mutations, a finding not seen in large cohorts of primary uveal melanoma. CONCLUSIONS Characteristics favouring or defining metastatic intraocular melanoma over primary uveal melanoma include high-grade epithelioid cytology, predominant involvement of the vitreous cavity and/or retina, and presence of positive immunostaining for BRAFV600E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamsee K Neerukonda
- David G. Cogan Laboratory of Ophthalmic Pathology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivana K Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Vitreoretinal Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna M Stagner
- David G. Cogan Laboratory of Ophthalmic Pathology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Phelps GB, Hagen HR, Amsterdam A, Lees JA. MITF deficiency accelerates GNAQ-driven uveal melanoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2107006119. [PMID: 35512098 PMCID: PMC9172632 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107006119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM) both originate from the melanocytic lineage but are primarily driven by distinct oncogenic drivers, BRAF/NRAS or GNAQ/GNA11, respectively. The melanocytic master transcriptional regulator, MITF, is essential for both CM development and maintenance, but its role in UM is largely unexplored. Here, we use zebrafish models to dissect the key UM oncogenic signaling events and establish the role of MITF in UM tumors. Using a melanocytic lineage expression system, we showed that patient-derived mutations of GNAQ (GNAQQ209L) or its upstream CYSLTR2 receptor (CYSLTR2L129Q) both drive UM when combined with a cooperating mutation, tp53M214K/M214K. The tumor-initiating potential of the major GNAQ/11 effector pathways, YAP, and phospholipase C-β (PLCβ)–ERK was also investigated in this system and thus showed that while activated YAP (YAPAA) induced UM with high potency, the patient-derived PLCβ4 mutation (PLCB4D630Y) very rarely yielded UM tumors in the tp53M214K/M214K context. Remarkably, mitfa deficiency was profoundly UM promoting, dramatically accelerating the onset and progression of tumors induced by Tg(mitfa:GNAQQ209L);tp53M214K/M214K or Tg(mitfa:CYSLTR2L129Q);tp53M214K/M214K. Moreover, mitfa loss was sufficient to cooperate with GNAQQ209L to drive tp53–wild type UM development and allowed Tg(mitfa:PLCB4D630Y);tp53M214K/M214K melanocyte lineage cells to readily form tumors. Notably, all of the mitfa−/− UM tumors, including those arising in Tg(mitfa:PLCB4D630Y);tp53M214K/M214K;mitfa−/− zebrafish, displayed nuclear YAP while lacking hyperactive ERK indicative of PLCβ signaling. Collectively, these data show that YAP signaling is the major mediator of UM and that MITF acts as a bona fide tumor suppressor in UM in direct opposition to its essential role in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace B. Phelps
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Hannah R. Hagen
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Adam Amsterdam
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Jacqueline A. Lees
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
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Lu Y, Patton EE. Long-term non-invasive drug treatments in adult zebrafish that lead to melanoma drug resistance. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275322. [PMID: 35394030 PMCID: PMC9118090 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish embryos are widely used for drug discovery, however, administering drugs to adult zebrafish is limited by current protocols that can cause stress. Here, we developed a drug formulation and administration method for adult zebrafish by producing food-based drug pellets that are consumed voluntarily. We applied this to zebrafish with BRAF-mutant melanoma, a model that has significantly advanced our understanding of melanoma progression, but not of drug resistance due to the limitations of current treatment methods. Zebrafish with melanomas responded to short-term, precise and daily dosing with drug pellets made with the BRAFV600E inhibitor, vemurafenib. On-target drug efficacy was determined by phospho-Erk staining. Continued drug treatment led to the emergence, for the first time in zebrafish, of acquired drug resistance and melanoma relapse, modelling the responses seen in melanoma patients. This method presents a controlled, non-invasive approach that permits long-term drug studies and can be widely applied to adult zebrafish models. Summary: We developed a precise drug-pellet dosing method for adult zebrafish melanoma models that can be widely applied to drug discovery in adult zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Lu
- MRC Human Genetics Unit and CRUK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit and CRUK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, EH4 2XU, Edinburgh, UK
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Cascallar M, Alijas S, Pensado-López A, Vázquez-Ríos AJ, Sánchez L, Piñeiro R, de la Fuente M. What Zebrafish and Nanotechnology Can Offer for Cancer Treatments in the Age of Personalized Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092238. [PMID: 35565373 PMCID: PMC9099873 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer causes millions of deaths each year and thus urgently requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology-based anticancer therapies are a promising approach, with several formulations already approved and in clinical use. The evaluation of these therapies requires efficient in vivo models to study their behavior and interaction with cancer cells, and to optimize their properties to ensure maximum efficacy and safety. In this way, zebrafish is an important candidate due to its high homology with the human genoma, its large offspring, and the ease in developing specific cancer models. The role of zebrafish as a model for anticancer therapy studies has been highly evidenced, allowing researchers not only to perform drug screenings but also to evaluate novel therapies such as immunotherapies and nanotherapies. Beyond that, zebrafish can be used as an “avatar” model for performing patient-derived xenografts for personalized medicine. These characteristics place zebrafish in an attractive position as a role model for evaluating novel therapies for cancer treatment, such as nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cascallar
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
| | - Sandra Alijas
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine & Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Abi Judit Vázquez-Ríos
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- DIVERSA Technologies S.L., 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
- Preclinical Animal Models Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María de la Fuente
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- DIVERSA Technologies S.L., 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-981-955-704
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Hason M, Jovicic J, Vonkova I, Bojic M, Simon-Vermot T, White RM, Bartunek P. Bioluminescent Zebrafish Transplantation Model for Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:893655. [PMID: 35559262 PMCID: PMC9086674 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.893655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, zebrafish have accompanied the mouse as a robust animal model for cancer research. The possibility of screening small-molecule inhibitors in a large number of zebrafish embryos makes this model particularly valuable. However, the dynamic visualization of fluorescently labeled tumor cells needs to be complemented by a more sensitive, easy, and rapid mode for evaluating tumor growth in vivo to enable high-throughput screening of clinically relevant drugs. In this study we proposed and validated a pre-clinical screening model for drug discovery by utilizing bioluminescence as our readout for the determination of transplanted cancer cell growth and inhibition in zebrafish embryos. For this purpose, we used NanoLuc luciferase, which ensured rapid cancer cell growth quantification in vivo with high sensitivity and low background when compared to conventional fluorescence measurements. This allowed us large-scale evaluation of in vivo drug responses of 180 kinase inhibitors in zebrafish. Our bioluminescent screening platform could facilitate identification of new small-molecules for targeted cancer therapy as well as for drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Hason
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jovana Jovicic
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ivana Vonkova
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Milan Bojic
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Theresa Simon-Vermot
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard M. White
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Petr Bartunek
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Petr Bartunek,
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Vieco-Martí I, López-Carrasco A, de la Cruz-Merino L, Noguera R, Álvaro Naranjo T. The complexity of cancer immunotherapy illustrated through skin tumors. Int J Biol Markers 2022; 37:113-122. [PMID: 35473449 DOI: 10.1177/03936155221088884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin tumours are among the cancer types most sensitive to immunotherapy, due to their unique immunogenic features including skin-associated lymphoid tissue, high mutational load, overexpression of tumour antigens, and high frequency of viral antigens. Despite this high immunotherapy response rate, however, ultimately most skin tumours develop similar treatment resistance to most other malignant tumours, which highlights the need for in-depth study of mechanisms of response and resistance to immunotherapy. METHODS A bibliographic review of the most recent publications regarding currently in use and emerging biomarkers on skin tumors has been done. RESULTS Predictive biomarkers of treatment response, biomarkers that warn of possible resistance, and emerging markers, the majority of a systemic nature, are described. Including factors affecting not only genomics, but also the immune system, nervous system, microbiota, tumour microenvironment, metabolism and stress. CONCLUSIONS For accurate diagnosis of tumour type, knowledge of its functional mechanisms and selection of a comprehensive therapeutic protocol, this inclusive view of biology, health and disease is fundamental. This field of study could also become a valuable source of practical information applicable to other areas of oncology and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Vieco-Martí
- Departament of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia - INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de investigación biomédica en red de cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - A López-Carrasco
- Departament of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia - INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de investigación biomédica en red de cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - L de la Cruz-Merino
- Departament of Oncology, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - R Noguera
- Departament of Pathology, Medical School, University of Valencia - INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de investigación biomédica en red de cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - T Álvaro Naranjo
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red de cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hospital de Tortosa Verge de la Cinta, Catalan Institute of Health, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Tortosa, Spain.,Department of Morphological Science, Medical School, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
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Zebrafish Syndromic Albinism Models as Tools for Understanding and Treating Pigment Cell Disease in Humans. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071752. [PMID: 35406524 PMCID: PMC8997128 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an emerging model for studying many diseases, including disorders originating in black pigment cells, melanocytes. In this review of the melanocyte literature, we discuss the current knowledge of melanocyte biology relevant to understanding different forms of albinism and the potential of the zebrafish model system for finding novel mechanisms and treatments. Abstract Melanin is the pigment that protects DNA from ultraviolet (UV) damage by absorbing excess energy. Melanin is produced in a process called melanogenesis. When melanogenesis is altered, diseases such as albinism result. Albinism can result in an increased skin cancer risk. Conversely, black pigment cell (melanocyte) development pathways can be misregulated, causing excessive melanocyte growth that leads to melanoma (cancer of melanocytes). Zebrafish is an emerging model organism used to study pigment disorders due to their high fecundity, visible melanin development in melanophores (melanocytes in mammals) from 24 h post-fertilization, and conserved melanogenesis pathways. Here, we reviewed the conserved developmental pathways in zebrafish melanophores and mammalian melanocytes. Additionally, we summarized the progress made in understanding pigment cell disease and evidence supporting the strong potential for using zebrafish to find novel treatment options for albinism.
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Research Techniques Made Simple: Zebrafish Models for Human Dermatologic Disease. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:499-506.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Activating mutations in RAS genes are the most common genetic driver of human cancers. Yet, drugging this small GTPase has proven extremely challenging and therapeutic strategies targeting these recurrent alterations have long had limited success. To circumvent this difficulty, research has focused on the molecular dissection of the RAS pathway to gain a more-precise mechanistic understanding of its regulation, with the hope to identify new pharmacological approaches. Here, we review the current knowledge on the (dys)regulation of the RAS pathway, using melanoma as a paradigm. We first present a map of the main proteins involved in the RAS pathway, highlighting recent insights into their molecular roles and diverse mechanisms of regulation. We then overview genetic data pertaining to RAS pathway alterations in melanoma, along with insight into other cancers, that inform the biological function of members of the pathway. Finally, we describe the clinical implications of RAS pathway dysregulation in melanoma, discuss past and current approaches aimed at drugging the RAS pathway, and outline future opportunities for therapeutic development. Summary: This Review describes the molecular regulation of the RAS pathway, presents the clinical consequences of its pathological activation in human cancer, and highlights recent advances towards its therapeutic inhibition, using melanoma as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Al Mahi
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, INSERM U1052 CNRS UMR5286, Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity Department, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Julien Ablain
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, INSERM U1052 CNRS UMR5286, Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity Department, 69008 Lyon, France
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Kouprianov VA, Selmek AA, Ferguson JL, Mo X, Shive HR. brca2-mutant zebrafish exhibit context- and tissue-dependent alterations in cell phenotypes and response to injury. Sci Rep 2022; 12:883. [PMID: 35042909 PMCID: PMC8766490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04878-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells frequently co-opt molecular programs that are normally activated in specific contexts, such as embryonic development and the response to injury. Determining the impact of cancer-associated mutations on cellular phenotypes within these discrete contexts can provide new insight into how such mutations lead to dysregulated cell behaviors and subsequent cancer onset. Here we assess the impact of heritable BRCA2 mutation on embryonic development and the injury response using a zebrafish model (Danio rerio). Unlike most mouse models for BRCA2 mutation, brca2-mutant zebrafish are fully viable and thus provide a unique tool for assessing both embryonic and adult phenotypes. We find that maternally provided brca2 is critical for normal oocyte development and embryonic survival in zebrafish, suggesting that embryonic lethality associated with BRCA2 mutation is likely to reflect defects in both meiotic and embryonic developmental programs. On the other hand, we find that adult brca2-mutant zebrafish exhibit aberrant proliferation of several cell types under basal conditions and in response to injury in tissues at high risk for cancer development. These divergent effects exemplify the often-paradoxical outcomes that occur in embryos (embryonic lethality) versus adult animals (cancer predisposition) with mutations in cancer susceptibility genes such as BRCA2. The altered cell behaviors identified in brca2-mutant embryonic and adult tissues, particularly in adult tissues at high risk for cancer, indicate that the effects of BRCA2 mutation on cellular phenotypes are both context- and tissue-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aubrie A Selmek
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jordan L Ferguson
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Xiaokui Mo
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Heather R Shive
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Weiss JM, Lumaquin-Yin D, Montal E, Suresh S, Leonhardt CS, White RM. Shifting the focus of zebrafish toward a model of the tumor microenvironment. eLife 2022; 11:69703. [PMID: 36538362 PMCID: PMC9767465 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69703] [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: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells exist in a complex ecosystem with numerous other cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The composition of this tumor/TME ecosystem will vary at each anatomic site and affects phenotypes such as initiation, metastasis, and drug resistance. A mechanistic understanding of the large number of cell-cell interactions between tumor and TME requires models that allow us to both characterize as well as genetically perturb this complexity. Zebrafish are a model system optimized for this problem, because of the large number of existing cell-type-specific drivers that can label nearly any cell in the TME. These include stromal cells, immune cells, and tissue resident normal cells. These cell-type-specific promoters/enhancers can be used to drive fluorophores to facilitate imaging and also CRISPR cassettes to facilitate perturbations. A major advantage of the zebrafish is the ease by which large numbers of TME cell types can be studied at once, within the same animal. While these features make the zebrafish well suited to investigate the TME, the model has important limitations, which we also discuss. In this review, we describe the existing toolset for studying the TME using zebrafish models of cancer and highlight unique biological insights that can be gained by leveraging this powerful resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Weiss
- Weill-Cornel Medical College, Tri-Institutional M.D./Ph.D. ProgramNew YorkUnited States
| | - Dianne Lumaquin-Yin
- Weill-Cornel Medical College, Tri-Institutional M.D./Ph.D. ProgramNew YorkUnited States
| | - Emily Montal
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & GeneticsNew YorkUnited States
| | - Shruthy Suresh
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & GeneticsNew YorkUnited States
| | - Carl S Leonhardt
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & GeneticsNew YorkUnited States
| | - Richard M White
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & GeneticsNew YorkUnited States,Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkUnited States
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Wilmerding A, Bouteille L, Caruso N, Bidaut G, Etchevers HC, Graba Y, Delfini MC. Sustained experimental activation of FGF8/ERK in the developing chicken spinal cord models early events in ERK-mediated tumorigenesis. Neoplasia 2021; 24:120-132. [PMID: 34959031 PMCID: PMC8717438 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.12.006] [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: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The MAPK/ERK pathway regulates a variety of physiological cellular functions, including cell proliferation and survival. It is abnormally activated in many types of human cancers in response to driver mutations in regulators of this pathway that trigger tumor initiation. The early steps of oncogenic progression downstream of ERK overactivation are poorly understood due to a lack of appropriate models. We show here that ERK1/2 overactivation in the trunk neural tube of the chicken embryo through expression of a constitutively active form of the upstream kinase MEK1 (MEK1ca), rapidly provokes a profound change in the transcriptional signature of developing spinal cord cells. These changes are concordant with a previously established role of the tyrosine kinase receptor ligand FGF8 acting via the ERK1/2 effectors to maintain an undifferentiated state. Furthermore, we show that MEK1ca-transfected spinal cord cells lose neuronal identity, retain caudal markers, and ectopically express potential effector oncogenes, such as AQP1. MEK1ca expression in the developing spinal cord from the chicken embryo is thus a tractable in vivo model to identify the mechanisms fostering neoplasia and malignancy in ERK-induced tumorigenesis of neural origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Wilmerding
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), IBDM-UMR 7288, Case 907, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille Cedex 09 13288, France
| | - Lauranne Bouteille
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), IBDM-UMR 7288, Case 907, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille Cedex 09 13288, France
| | - Nathalie Caruso
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), IBDM-UMR 7288, Case 907, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille Cedex 09 13288, France
| | - Ghislain Bidaut
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Plateform Integrative Bioinformatics, Cibi, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Heather C Etchevers
- Aix-Marseille Univ, INSERM, Marseille Medical Genetics, Institut MarMaRa, Marseille, France
| | - Yacine Graba
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), IBDM-UMR 7288, Case 907, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille Cedex 09 13288, France
| | - Marie-Claire Delfini
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM), IBDM-UMR 7288, Case 907, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille Cedex 09 13288, France.
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Lu S, Louphrasitthiphol P, Goradia N, Lambert JP, Schmidt J, Chauhan J, Rughani MG, Larue L, Wilmanns M, Goding CR. TBX2 controls a proproliferative gene expression program in melanoma. Genes Dev 2021; 35:1657-1677. [PMID: 34819350 PMCID: PMC8653791 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348746.121] [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: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Senescence shapes embryonic development, plays a key role in aging, and is a critical barrier to cancer initiation, yet how senescence is regulated remains incompletely understood. TBX2 is an antisenescence T-box family transcription repressor implicated in embryonic development and cancer. However, the repertoire of TBX2 target genes, its cooperating partners, and how TBX2 promotes proliferation and senescence bypass are poorly understood. Here, using melanoma as a model, we show that TBX2 lies downstream from PI3K signaling and that TBX2 binds and is required for expression of E2F1, a key antisenescence cell cycle regulator. Remarkably, TBX2 binding in vivo is associated with CACGTG E-boxes, present in genes down-regulated by TBX2 depletion, more frequently than the consensus T-element DNA binding motif that is restricted to Tbx2 repressed genes. TBX2 is revealed to interact with a wide range of transcription factors and cofactors, including key components of the BCOR/PRC1.1 complex that are recruited by TBX2 to the E2F1 locus. Our results provide key insights into how PI3K signaling modulates TBX2 function in cancer to drive proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhu Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Nishit Goradia
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jean-Philippe Lambert
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Centre, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada; CHU de Québec Research Center, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Johannes Schmidt
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jagat Chauhan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Milap G Rughani
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Lionel Larue
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, U1021, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France.,Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 3347 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Matthias Wilmanns
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.,University Hamburg Clinical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
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47
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Kramer ET, Godoy PM, Kaufman CK. TRANSCRIPTIONAL PROFILE AND CHROMATIN ACCESSIBILITY IN ZEBRAFISH MELANOCYTES AND MELANOMA TUMORS. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 12:6428538. [PMID: 34791221 PMCID: PMC8727958 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional and epigenetic characterization of melanocytes and melanoma cells isolated from their in vivo context promises to unveil key differences between these developmentally related normal and cancer cell populations. We therefore engineered an enhanced Danio rerio (zebrafish) melanoma model with fluorescently labeled melanocytes to allow for isolation of normal (wild type) and premalignant (BRAFV600E-mutant) populations for comparison to fully transformed BRAFV600E-mutant, p53 loss-of-function melanoma cells. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting to isolate these populations, we performed high-quality RNA- and ATAC-seq on sorted zebrafish melanocytes vs. melanoma cells, which we provide as a resource here. Melanocytes had consistent transcriptional and accessibility profiles, as did melanoma cells. Comparing melanocytes and melanoma, we note 4128 differentially expressed genes and 56,936 differentially accessible regions with overall gene expression profiles analogous to human melanocytes and the pigmentation melanoma subtype. Combining the RNA- and ATAC-seq data surprisingly revealed that increased chromatin accessibility did not always correspond with increased gene expression, suggesting that though there is widespread dysregulation in chromatin accessibility in melanoma, there is a potentially more refined gene expression program driving cancerous melanoma. These data serve as a resource to identify candidate regulators of the normal vs. diseased states in a genetically controlled in vivo context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva T Kramer
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine and Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Paula M Godoy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine and Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Charles K Kaufman
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine and Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
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48
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Han H, Jiang G, Kumari R, Silic MR, Owens JL, Hu C, Mittal SK, Zhang G. Loss of smarcad1a accelerates tumorigenesis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in zebrafish. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2021; 60:743-761. [PMID: 34296799 PMCID: PMC9585957 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are a type of sarcoma that generally originates from Schwann cells. The prognosis for this type of malignancy is relatively poor due to complicated genetic alterations and the lack of specific targeted therapy. Chromosome fragment 4q22-23 is frequently deleted in MPNSTs and other human tumors, suggesting tumor suppressor genes may reside in this region. Here, we provide evidence that SMARCAD1, a known chromatin remodeler, is a novel tumor suppressor gene located in 4q22-23. We identified two human homologous smarcad1 genes (smarcad1a and smarcad1b) in zebrafish, and both genes share overlapping expression patterns during embryonic development. We demonstrated that two smarcad1a loss-of-function mutants, sa1299 and p403, can accelerate MPNST tumorigenesis in the tp53 mutant background, suggesting smarcad1a is a bona fide tumor suppressor gene for MPNSTs. Moreover, we found that DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair might be compromised in both mutants compared to wildtype zebrafish, as indicated by pH2AX, a DNA DSB marker. In addition, both SMARCAD1 gene knockdown and overexpression in human cells were able to inhibit tumor growth and displayed similar DSB repair responses, suggesting proper SMARCAD1 gene expression level or gene dosage is critical for cell growth. Given that mutations of SMARCAD1 sensitize cells to poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors in yeast and the human U2OS osteosarcoma cell line, the identification of SMARCAD1 as a novel tumor suppressor gene might contribute to the development of new cancer therapies for MPNSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Han
- Department of Comparative PathobiologyPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Guangzhen Jiang
- Department of Comparative PathobiologyPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Present address:
College of Animal Science and TechnologyNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Rashmi Kumari
- Department of Comparative PathobiologyPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Martin R. Silic
- Department of Comparative PathobiologyPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Jake L. Owens
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular PharmacologyPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Chang‐Deng Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular PharmacologyPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Purdue University Center for Cancer ResearchPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Suresh K. Mittal
- Department of Comparative PathobiologyPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Purdue University Center for Cancer ResearchPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease (PI4D)Purdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
| | - GuangJun Zhang
- Department of Comparative PathobiologyPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Purdue University Center for Cancer ResearchPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease (PI4D)Purdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN)Purdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
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49
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Molina B, Chavez J, Grainger S. Zebrafish models of acute leukemias: Current models and future directions. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2021; 10:e400. [PMID: 33340278 PMCID: PMC8213871 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemias (ALL) are heterogenous diseases encompassing a wide array of genetic mutations with both loss and gain of function phenotypes. Ultimately, these both result in the clonal overgrowth of blast cells in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and other tissues. As a consequence of this, normal hematopoietic stem cell function is severely hampered. Technologies allowing for the early detection of genetic alterations and understanding of these varied molecular pathologies have helped to advance our treatment regimens toward personalized targeted therapies. In spite of this, both AML and ALL continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, in part because molecular therapies for the plethora of genetic abnormalities have not been developed. This underscores the current need for better model systems for therapy development. This article reviews the current zebrafish models of AML and ALL and discusses how novel gene editing tools can be implemented to generate better models of acute leukemias. This article is categorized under: Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease Technologies > Perturbing Genes and Generating Modified Animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Molina
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jasmine Chavez
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Grainger
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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50
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Hunter MV, Moncada R, Weiss JM, Yanai I, White RM. Spatially resolved transcriptomics reveals the architecture of the tumor-microenvironment interface. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6278. [PMID: 34725363 PMCID: PMC8560802 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26614-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During tumor progression, cancer cells come into contact with various non-tumor cell types, but it is unclear how tumors adapt to these new environments. Here, we integrate spatially resolved transcriptomics, single-cell RNA-seq, and single-nucleus RNA-seq to characterize tumor-microenvironment interactions at the tumor boundary. Using a zebrafish model of melanoma, we identify a distinct "interface" cell state where the tumor contacts neighboring tissues. This interface is composed of specialized tumor and microenvironment cells that upregulate a common set of cilia genes, and cilia proteins are enriched only where the tumor contacts the microenvironment. Cilia gene expression is regulated by ETS-family transcription factors, which normally act to suppress cilia genes outside of the interface. A cilia-enriched interface is conserved in human patient samples, suggesting it is a conserved feature of human melanoma. Our results demonstrate the power of spatially resolved transcriptomics in uncovering mechanisms that allow tumors to adapt to new environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda V Hunter
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Reuben Moncada
- Institute for Computational Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua M Weiss
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Itai Yanai
- Institute for Computational Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Richard M White
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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