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Gao Y, Packeiser EM, Wendt S, Sekora A, Cavalleri JMV, Pratscher B, Alammar M, Hühns M, Brenig B, Junghanss C, Nolte I, Murua Escobar H. Cross-Species Comparison of the Pan-RAF Inhibitor LY3009120's Anti-Tumor Effects in Equine, Canine, and Human Malignant Melanoma Cell Lines. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:202. [PMID: 38397192 PMCID: PMC10887541 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020202] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanomas (MMs) are the abnormal proliferation of melanocytes and are one of the lethal skin cancers in humans, equines, and canines. Accordingly, MMs in companion animals can serve as naturally occurring animal models, completing conventional cancer models. The common constitutive activation of the MAPK and PI3K pathways in MMs has been described in all three species. Targeting the related pathways is considered a potential option in comparative oncologic approaches. Herein, we present a cross-species comparative analysis exposing a set of ten melanoma cell lines (one human, three equine, and six canine) derived from primary tumors or metastasis to a pan-RAF and RAF dimer inhibitor (LY3009120). Cellular response (proliferation, biomass, metabolism, early and late apoptosis/necrosis, and morphology) and the presence of pathogenic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) within the mutational hotspot genes BRAF exon 11 and 15, NRAS exon 2 and 3, KRAS exon 2, and KIT exon 11 were analyzed. This study showed that equine malignant melanoma (EMM) cells (MelDuWi) harbor the KRAS p.Q61H mutation, while canine malignant melanoma (CMM) cells (cRGO1 and cRGO1.2) carry NRAS p.G13R. Except for EMM metastasis cells eRGO6 (wild type of the above-mentioned hotspot genes), all melanoma cell lines exhibited a decrease in dose dependence after 48 and 72 h of exposure to LY3009120, independent of the mutation hotspot landscape. Furthermore, LY3009120 caused significant early apoptosis and late apoptosis/necrosis in all melanoma cell lines except for eRGO6. The anti-tumor effects of LY3009120 were observed in nine melanoma cell lines, indicating the potential feasibility of experimental trials with LY3009120. The present study reveals that the irradiation-resistant canine metastasis cells (cRGO1.2) harboring the NRAS p.G13R mutation are significantly LY3009120-sensitive, while the equine metastases-derived eRGO6 cells show significant resistance to LY3009120, which make them both valuable tools for studying resistance mechanisms in comparative oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Packeiser
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophia Wendt
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Anett Sekora
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Jessika-Maximiliane V. Cavalleri
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Pratscher
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Unit of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Moosheer Alammar
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Maja Hühns
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine of Rostock, Strempelstrasse, 18055 Rostock, Germany
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Division of Molecular Biology of Livestock and Molecular Diagnostics, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Junghanss
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Ingo Nolte
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hugo Murua Escobar
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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2
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Stevenson VB, Klahn S, LeRoith T, Huckle WR. Canine melanoma: A review of diagnostics and comparative mechanisms of disease and immunotolerance in the era of the immunotherapies. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1046636. [PMID: 36686160 PMCID: PMC9853198 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1046636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanomas in humans and dogs are highly malignant and resistant to therapy. Since the first development of immunotherapies, interest in how the immune system interacts within the tumor microenvironment and plays a role in tumor development, progression, or remission has increased. Of major importance are tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) where distribution and cell frequencies correlate with survival and therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, efforts have been made to identify subsets of TILs populations that can contribute to a tumor-promoting or tumor-inhibiting environment, such as the case with T regulatory cells versus CD8 T cells. Furthermore, cancerous cells have the capacity to express certain inhibitory checkpoint molecules, including CTLA-4, PD-L1, PD-L2, that can suppress the immune system, a property associated with poor prognosis, a high rate of recurrence, and metastasis. Comparative oncology brings insights to comprehend the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and immunotolerance in humans and dogs, contributing to the development of new therapeutic agents that can modulate the immune response against the tumor. Therapies that target signaling pathways such as mTOR and MEK/ERK that are upregulated in cancer, or immunotherapies with different approaches such as CAR-T cells engineered for specific tumor-associated antigens, DNA vaccines using human tyrosinase or CGSP-4 antigen, anti-PD-1 or -PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies that intercept their binding inhibiting the suppression of the T cells, and lymphokine-activated killer cells are already in development for treating canine tumors. This review provides concise and recent information about diagnosis, comparative mechanisms of tumor development and progression, and the current status of immunotherapies directed toward canine melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina B. Stevenson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Shawna Klahn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States,Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Tanya LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - William R. Huckle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States,*Correspondence: William R. Huckle ✉
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3
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Conrad D, Kehl A, Beitzinger C, Metzler T, Steiger K, Pfarr N, Fischer K, Klopfleisch R, Aupperle-Lellbach H. Molecular Genetic Investigation of Digital Melanoma in Dogs. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020056. [PMID: 35202309 PMCID: PMC8874500 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine digital melanoma, in contrast to canine oral melanoma, is still largely unexplored at the molecular genetic level. The aim of this study was to detect mutant genes in digital melanoma. Paraffin-embedded samples from 86 canine digital melanomas were examined for the BRAF V595E variant by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), and for exon 11 mutations in c-kit. Furthermore, exons 2 and 3 of KRAS and NRAS were analysed by Sanger sequencing. Copy number variations (CNV) of KITLG in genomic DNA were analysed from nine dogs. The BRAF V595E variant was absent and in c-kit, a single nucleotide polymorphism was found in 16/70 tumours (23%). The number of copies of KITLG varied between 4 and 6. KRAS exon 2 codons 12 and 13 were mutated in 22/86 (25.6%) of the melanomas examined. Other mutually exclusive RAS mutations were found within the hotspot loci, i.e., KRAS exon 3 codon 61: 2/55 (3.6%); NRAS exon 2 codons 12 and 13: 2/83 (2.4%); and NRAS exon 3 codon 61: 9/86 (10.5%). However, no correlation could be established between histological malignancy criteria, survival times and the presence of RAS mutations. In summary, canine digital melanoma differs from molecular genetic data of canine oral melanoma and human melanoma, especially regarding the proportion of RAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Conrad
- Department of Pathology, LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandra Kehl
- Department of Molecular Biology, LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (A.K.); (C.B.)
| | - Christoph Beitzinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (A.K.); (C.B.)
| | - Thomas Metzler
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, 81675 München, Germany; (T.M.); (K.S.); (N.P.)
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, 81675 München, Germany; (T.M.); (K.S.); (N.P.)
| | - Nicole Pfarr
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, 81675 München, Germany; (T.M.); (K.S.); (N.P.)
| | - Konrad Fischer
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany;
| | - Robert Klopfleisch
- Department of Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany;
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4
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Palma SD, McConnell A, Verganti S, Starkey M. Review on Canine Oral Melanoma: An Undervalued Authentic Genetic Model of Human Oral Melanoma? Vet Pathol 2021; 58:881-889. [PMID: 33685309 DOI: 10.1177/0300985821996658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oral melanoma (OM) is a highly aggressive tumor of the oral cavity in humans and dogs. Here we review the phenotypic similarities between the disease in these 2 species as the basis for the view that canine OM is a good model for the corresponding human disease. Utility of the "canine model" has likely been hindered by a paucity of information about the extent of the molecular genetic similarities between human and canine OMs. Current knowledge of the somatic alterations that underpin human tumorigenesis and metastatic progression is relatively limited, primarily due to the rarity of the disease in humans and consequent lack of opportunity for large-scale molecular analysis. The molecular genetic comparisons between human and canine OMs that have been completed indicate some overlap between the somatic mutation profiles of canine OMs and a subset of human OMs. However, further comparative studies featuring, in particular, larger numbers of human OMs are required to provide substantive evidence that canine OMs share mechanisms of tumorigenesis with at least a subset of human OMs. Future molecular genetic investigations of both human and canine OMs should investigate how primary tumors develop a metastatic gene expression signature and the genetic and epigenetic alterations specific to metastatic sites. Such studies may identify genetic alterations and pathways specific to the metastatic disease which could be targetable by new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Verganti
- 170851Dick White Referrals, Station Farm, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Mike Starkey
- 11661Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
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5
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Hernandez B, Adissu HA, Wei BR, Michael HT, Merlino G, Simpson RM. Naturally Occurring Canine Melanoma as a Predictive Comparative Oncology Model for Human Mucosal and Other Triple Wild-Type Melanomas. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E394. [PMID: 29385676 PMCID: PMC5855616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma remains mostly an untreatable fatal disease despite advances in decoding cancer genomics and developing new therapeutic modalities. Progress in patient care would benefit from additional predictive models germane for human disease mechanisms, tumor heterogeneity, and therapeutic responses. Toward this aim, this review documents comparative aspects of human and naturally occurring canine melanomas. Clinical presentation, pathology, therapies, and genetic alterations are highlighted in the context of current basic and translational research in comparative oncology. Somewhat distinct from sun exposure-related human cutaneous melanomas, there is growing evidence that a variety of gene copy number alterations and protein structure/function mutations play roles in canine melanomas, in circumstances more analogous to human mucosal melanomas and to some extent other melanomas with murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF), Neuroblastoma RAS Viral (V-Ras) Oncogene Homolog (NRAS), and neurofibromin 1 tumor suppressor NF1 triple wild-type genotype. Gaps in canine genome annotation, as well as an insufficient number and depth of sequences covered, remain considerable barriers to progress and should be collectively addressed. Preclinical approaches can be designed to include canine clinical trials addressing immune modulation as well as combined-targeted inhibition of Rat Sarcoma Superfamily/Mitogen-activated protein kinase (RAS/MAPK) and/or Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B/Mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signal transduction, pathways frequently activated in both human and canine melanomas. Future investment should be aimed towards improving understanding of canine melanoma as a predictive preclinical surrogate for human melanoma and for mutually benefiting these uniquely co-dependent species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belen Hernandez
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
- Medical Research Scholars Program, Office of Clinical Research Training and Medical Education, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Hibret A Adissu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Bih-Rong Wei
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21704, USA.
| | - Helen T Michael
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
- NIH Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Glenn Merlino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - R Mark Simpson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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6
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Brachelente C, Cappelli K, Capomaccio S, Porcellato I, Silvestri S, Bongiovanni L, De Maria R, Verini Supplizi A, Mechelli L, Sforna M. Transcriptome Analysis of Canine Cutaneous Melanoma and Melanocytoma Reveals a Modulation of Genes Regulating Extracellular Matrix Metabolism and Cell Cycle. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6386. [PMID: 28743863 PMCID: PMC5526991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06281-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment are considered critical in carcinogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis. To examine transcriptome changes and to explore the relationship with tumor microenvironment in canine cutaneous melanocytoma and melanoma, we extracted RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens and analyzed them by means of RNA-seq for transcriptional analysis. Melanocytoma and melanoma samples were compared to detect differential gene expressions and significant enriched pathways were explored to reveal functional relations between differentially expressed genes. The study demonstrated a differential expression of 60 genes in melanomas compared to melanocytomas. The differentially expressed genes cluster in the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, focal adhesion and PI3K-Akt (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B) signaling pathways. Genes encoding for several collagen proteins were more commonly differentially expressed. Results of the RNA-seq were validated by qRT-PCR and protein expression of some target molecules was investigated by means of immunohistochemistry. We hypothesize that the developing melanoma actively promotes collagen metabolism and extracellular matrix remodeling as well as enhancing cell proliferation and survival contributing to disease progression and metastasis. In this study, we also detected unidentified genes in human melanoma expression studies and uncover new candidate drug targets for further testing in canine melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katia Cappelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Laura Bongiovanni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 64100, Teramo, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Luca Mechelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Monica Sforna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, 06126, Perugia, Italy
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7
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Lee BH, Neela PH, Kent MS, Zehnder AM. IQGAP1 is an oncogenic target in canine melanoma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176370. [PMID: 28445541 PMCID: PMC5406000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine oral mucosal melanoma is an aggressive malignant neoplasm and is characterized by local infiltration and a high metastatic potential. The disease progression is similar to that of human oral melanomas. Whereas human cutaneous melanoma is primarily driven by activating mutations in Braf (60%) or Nras (20%), human mucosal melanoma harbors these mutations much less frequently. This makes therapeutic targeting and research modeling of the oral form potentially different from that of the cutaneous form in humans. Similarly, research has found only rare Nras mutations and no activating Braf mutations in canine oral melanomas, but they are still reliant on MAPK signaling. IQGAP1 is a signaling scaffold that regulates oncogenic ERK1/2 MAPK signaling in human Ras- and Raf- driven cancers, including melanomas. To investigate whether IQGAP1 is a potential target in canine melanoma, we examined the expression and localization of IQGAP1 in primary canine melanomas and canine oral melanoma cell lines obtained from the University of California-Davis. Using CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of IQGAP1, we examined effects on downstream ERK1/2 pathway activity and assayed proliferation of cell lines when treated with a peptide that blocks the interaction between IQGAP1 and ERK1/2. We observed that canine IQGAP1 is expressed and localizes to a similar extent in both human and canine melanoma by qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Deletion of IQGAP1 reduces MAPK pathway activation in cell lines, similar to effects seen in human BrafV600E cell lines. Additionally, we demonstrated reduced proliferation when these cells are treated with a blocking peptide in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky H. Lee
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Poornima H. Neela
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Michael S. Kent
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Ashley M. Zehnder
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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8
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Mochizuki H, Breen M. Sequence analysis of RAS
and RAF
mutation hot spots in canine carcinoma. Vet Comp Oncol 2016; 15:1598-1605. [DOI: 10.1111/vco.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Mochizuki
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine; North Carolina State University; Raleigh NC USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute; North Carolina State University; Raleigh NC USA
| | - M. Breen
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine; North Carolina State University; Raleigh NC USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute; North Carolina State University; Raleigh NC USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment; North Carolina State University; Raleigh NC USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC USA
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9
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Wei BR, Michael HT, Halsey CHC, Peer CJ, Adhikari A, Dwyer JE, Hoover SB, El Meskini R, Kozlov S, Weaver Ohler Z, Figg WD, Merlino G, Simpson RM. Synergistic targeted inhibition of MEK and dual PI3K/mTOR diminishes viability and inhibits tumor growth of canine melanoma underscoring its utility as a preclinical model for human mucosal melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2016; 29:643-655. [PMID: 27463366 PMCID: PMC5132162 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human mucosal melanoma (MM), an uncommon, aggressive and diverse subtype, shares characteristics with spontaneous MM in dogs. Although BRAF and N-RAS mutations are uncommon in MM in both species, the majority of human and canine MM evaluated exhibited RAS/ERK and/or PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway activation. Canine MM cell lines, with varying ERK and AKT/mTOR activation levels reflective of naturally occurring differences in dogs, were sensitive to the MEK inhibitor GSK1120212 and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235. The two-drug combination synergistically decreased cell survival in association with caspase 3/7 activation, as well as altered expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins and Bcl-2 family proteins. In combination, the two drugs targeted their respective signaling pathways, potentiating reduction of pathway mediators p-ERK, p-AKT, p-S6, and 4E-BP1 in vitro, and in association with significantly inhibited solid tumor growth in MM xenografts in mice. These findings provide evidence of synergistic therapeutic efficacy when simultaneously targeting multiple mediators in melanoma with Ras/ERK and PI3K/mTOR pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bih-Rong Wei
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Helen T Michael
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Charles H C Halsey
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cody J Peer
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amit Adhikari
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, USA.,Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer E Dwyer
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shelley B Hoover
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rajaa El Meskini
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, USA.,Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Serguei Kozlov
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, USA.,Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Zoe Weaver Ohler
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, USA.,Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - William D Figg
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Glenn Merlino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R Mark Simpson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Abstract
Spontaneous cancers in client-owned dogs closely recapitulate their human counterparts with respect to clinical presentation, histological features, molecular profiles, and response and resistance to therapy, as well as the evolution of drug-resistant metastases. In several instances the incorporation of dogs with cancer into the preclinical development path of cancer therapeutics has influenced outcome by helping to establish pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics relationships, dose/regimen, expected clinical toxicities, and ultimately the potential for biologic activity. As our understanding regarding the molecular drivers of canine cancers has improved, unique opportunities have emerged to leverage this spontaneous model to better guide cancer drug development so that therapies likely to fail are eliminated earlier and therapies with true potential are optimized prior to human studies. Both pets and people benefit from this approach, as it provides dogs with access to cutting-edge cancer treatments and helps to insure that people are given treatments more likely to succeed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cheryl A London
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210;
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11
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Bongiovanni L, D'Andrea A, Porcellato I, Ciccarelli A, Malatesta D, Romanucci M, Della Salda L, Mechelli L, Brachelente C. Canine cutaneous melanocytic tumours: significance of β-catenin and survivin immunohistochemical expression. Vet Dermatol 2015; 26:270-e59. [DOI: 10.1111/vde.12211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bongiovanni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Teramo; Piazza A. Moro 45 Teramo 64100 Italy
| | - Alessandra D'Andrea
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Teramo; Piazza A. Moro 45 Teramo 64100 Italy
| | - Ilaria Porcellato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine; University of Perugia; Via San Costanzo 4 Perugia 06126 Italy
| | - Andrea Ciccarelli
- Faculty of Political Science; University of Teramo; Campus Coste Sant'Agostino Teramo 64100 Italy
| | - Daniela Malatesta
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Teramo; Piazza A. Moro 45 Teramo 64100 Italy
| | - Mariarita Romanucci
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Teramo; Piazza A. Moro 45 Teramo 64100 Italy
| | - Leonardo Della Salda
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Teramo; Piazza A. Moro 45 Teramo 64100 Italy
| | - Luca Mechelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine; University of Perugia; Via San Costanzo 4 Perugia 06126 Italy
| | - Chiara Brachelente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine; University of Perugia; Via San Costanzo 4 Perugia 06126 Italy
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12
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MALIGNANT MELANOMA IN THE PENGUIN: CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CLINICAL, HISTOLOGIC, AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF MALIGNANT MELANOMA IN 10 INDIVIDUALS FROM THREE SPECIES OF PENGUIN. J Zoo Wildl Med 2014; 45:534-49. [DOI: 10.1638/2013-0207r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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13
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Simpson RM, Bastian BC, Michael HT, Webster JD, Prasad ML, Conway CM, Prieto VM, Gary JM, Goldschmidt MH, Esplin DG, Smedley RC, Piris A, Meuten DJ, Kiupel M, Lee CCR, Ward JM, Dwyer JE, Davis BJ, Anver MR, Molinolo AA, Hoover SB, Rodriguez-Canales J, Hewitt SM. Sporadic naturally occurring melanoma in dogs as a preclinical model for human melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2013; 27:37-47. [PMID: 24128326 PMCID: PMC4066658 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma represents a significant malignancy in humans and dogs. Different from genetically engineered models, sporadic canine melanocytic neoplasms share several characteristics with human disease that could make dogs a more relevant preclinical model. Canine melanomas rarely arise in sun-exposed sites. Most occur in the oral cavity, with a subset having intra-epithelial malignant melanocytes mimicking the in situ component of human mucosal melanoma. The spectrum of canine melanocytic neoplasia includes benign lesions with some analogy to nevi, as well as invasive primary melanoma, and widespread metastasis. Growing evidence of distinct subtypes in humans, differing in somatic and predisposing germ-line genetic alterations, cell of origin, epidemiology, relationship to ultraviolet radiation and progression from benign to malignant tumors, may also exist in dogs. Canine and human mucosal melanomas appear to harbor BRAF, NRAS, and c-kit mutations uncommonly, compared with human cutaneous melanomas, although both species share AKT and MAPK signaling activation. We conclude that there is significant overlap in the clinical and histopathological features of canine and human mucosal melanomas. This represents opportunity to explore canine oral cavity melanoma as a preclinical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mark Simpson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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14
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Fowles JS, Denton CL, Gustafson DL. Comparative analysis of MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathway activation and inhibition in human and canine melanoma. Vet Comp Oncol 2013; 13:288-304. [PMID: 23745794 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The lack of advanced animal models of human cancers is considered a barrier to developing effective therapeutics. Canine and human melanomas are histologically disparate but show similar disease progression and response to therapies. The purpose of these studies was to compare human and canine melanoma tumours and cell lines regarding MAPK and PI3K/AKT signalling dysregulation, and response to select molecularly targeted agents. Pathway activation was investigated via microarray and mutational analysis. Growth inhibition and cell cycle effects were assessed for pathway inhibitors AZD6244 (MAPK) and rapamycin (PI3K/AKT) in human and canine melanoma cells. Human and canine melanoma share similar differential gene expression patterns within the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Constitutive pathway activation and similar sensitivity to AZD6244 and rapamycin was observed in human and canine cells. These results show that human and canine melanoma share activation and sensitivity to inhibition of cancer-related signalling pathways despite differences in activating mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Fowles
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.,Flint Animal Cancer Center, Veterinary Medical Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - C L Denton
- Flint Animal Cancer Center, Veterinary Medical Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - D L Gustafson
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.,Flint Animal Cancer Center, Veterinary Medical Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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15
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Campagne C, Julé S, Alleaume C, Bernex F, Ezagal J, Château-Joubert S, Estrada M, Aubin-Houzelstein G, Panthier JJ, Egidy G. Canine melanoma diagnosis: RACK1 as a potential biological marker. Vet Pathol 2013; 50:1083-90. [PMID: 23735618 DOI: 10.1177/0300985813490754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma diagnosis in dogs can be challenging due to the variety of histological appearances of canine melanocytic neoplasms. Markers of malignancy are needed. Receptor for activated C-kinase 1 (RACK1) was found to characterize melanomas in other mammals. We investigated the value of RACK1 detection in the classification of 19 cutaneous and 5 mucosal melanocytic neoplasms in dogs. These tumors were categorized as melanocytomas or benign and melanomas or malignant after evaluation of their morphology, mitotic index, and Ki-67 growth fraction. Using immunofluorescence, we confirmed microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) as a marker of normal and transformed melanocytic cells in dog tissues. All control (n = 10) and tumoral (n = 24) samples stained positively for MITF (34/34, 100%). Whereas RACK1 was not detected in healthy skin melanocytes, melanocytic lesions were all positive for RACK1 signal (24/24, 100%). RACK1 cytoplasmic staining appeared with 2 distinct distribution patterns: strong, diffuse, and homogeneous or granular and heterogeneous. All melanoma samples (13/13, 100%) stained homogeneously for RACK1. All melanocytomas (11/11, 100%) stained heterogeneously for RACK1. Immunohistochemistry was less consistent than immunofluorescence for all labelings in melanocytic lesions, which were often very pigmented. Thus, the fluorescent RACK1-MITF labeling pattern helped to distinguish melanomas from melanocytomas. Furthermore, RACK1 labeling correlated with 2 of 11 morphological features linked to malignancy: cell and nuclear size. These results suggest that RACK1 may be used as a marker in dog melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Campagne
- INRA, UMR955 de Génétique fonctionnelle et médicale, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7 avenue du Général de Gaulle, Maisons-Alfort, F-94704 France.
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16
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Han JI, Kim DY, Na KJ. Dysregulation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in canine cutaneous melanotic tumor. Vet Pathol 2009; 47:285-91. [PMID: 20139375 DOI: 10.1177/0300985809359303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/beta-catenin signal transduction pathway is important in many developmental processes and during tumorigenesis. beta-Catenin acts as a signal transducer. To investigate whether the Wnt/beta-catenin signal transduction pathway is involved in canine cutaneous melanomagenesis, 18 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded canine cutaneous melanotic tumor tissues were examined. For cloning and sequencing of the full-length canine ctnnb1 gene encoding beta-catenin, conserved sequences of the human and mouse ctnnb1 gene were used to design the primers. For analysis of expression and translocation of beta-catenin in canine cutaneous melanotic tumors, semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed. The canine ctnnb1 sequence showed a high degree of similarity to those of human and mouse. Semiquantitative RT-PCR showed a substantial increase in expression of ctnnb1 mRNA in canine cutaneous melanotic tumors compared to normal canine melanocytes, regardless of whether the tumor was benign or malignant. Immunohistochemistry revealed cytoplasmic accumulation of beta-catenin in melanotic tumors. In melanoma tissues, nuclear translocation of beta-catenin was also observed. The present study demonstrated that abnormal intracellular accumulation and substantially increased expression of beta-catenin are involved in canine cutaneous melanotic tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-I Han
- Veterinary Laboratory Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, South Korea
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17
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Richter A, Murua Escobar H, Günther K, Meyer B, Winkler S, Dolf G, Schelling C, Nolte I, Bullerdiek J. The canine NRAS gene maps to CFA 17. Anim Genet 2004; 35:355-6. [PMID: 15265085 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2004.01158.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Richter
- Centre for Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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