Microtubule destabilization is a critical checkpoint of chemotaxis and transendothelial migration in melanoma cells but not in T cells

The pan-cancer landscape of crosstalk between leukocyte transendothelial migration-related genes and tumor microenvironment relevant to prognosis and immunotherapy response

Background

Leukocyte transendothelial migration-related genes (LTEMGs) play a crucial role in the immune response and have been extensively studied in various pathological conditions, including inflammation, infection, and cancer. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to understanding the biological mechanisms of LTEMGs in the context of tumor progression and metastasis. The potential function of LTEMGs in cancer progression remains unclear. The aim of this study is to systematically delineate the relationship between LTEMGs and tumor prognosis and immune microenvironment at the pan-cancer level, providing new biomarkers for personalized immunotherapy.

Methods

The gene alteration, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, and prognostic value of LTEMGs in pan-cancer were evaluated using Bulk and single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequence data. The LTEMGs score was calculated by R package "GSVA". The association of LTEMGs score with tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy response were deeply explored.

Results

We assessed the mRNA expression of 114 LTEMGs across various cancers, finding significant upregulation in acute myeloid leukemia (LAML) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Prognostic analysis indicated most LTEMGs were risk factors in low-grade glioma (LGG), PAAD, uveal melanoma (UVM), and LAML. The LTEMGs score, highest in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and lowest in UVM, was higher in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues in several cancers. The score was a risk factor for overall survival (OS) in LGG, UVM, and others, but protective in KIRC and some others. LTEMGs score correlated positively with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) signaling, apoptosis, and immune responses. It also correlated with immune and stromal scores, and immune-related pathways. Higher LTEMGs score was linked to greater immune cell infiltration and poorer immunotherapy outcomes. Single-cell analysis revealed higher LTEMGs score in endothelial and monocyte cells, consistent with reduced immunotherapy responsiveness.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that LTEMGs are closely associated with tumor microenvironment. Patients with high LTEMGs score might be resistant to immunotherapy.

Therapeutic potential of marine peptides in malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is becoming more common globally and is increasingly resistant to treatment options. Despite extensive research into its pathophysiology, there are still no proven cures for metastatic melanoma. Unfortunately, current treatments are frequently ineffective and costly, and have several adverse effects. Natural substances have been extensively researched for their anti-MM capabilities. Chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy with natural products is an emerging strategy to prevent, cure or treat melanoma. Numerous prospective drugs are found in aquatic species, providing a plentiful supply of lead cytotoxic chemicals for cancer treatment. Anticancer peptides are less harmful to healthy cells and cure cancer through several different methods, such as altered cell viability, apoptosis, angiogenesis/metastasis suppression, microtubule balance disturbances and targeting lipid composition of the cancer cell membrane. This review addresses marine peptides as effective and safe treatments for MM and details their molecular mechanisms of action.