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Mehmood A, Hakami MA, Ogaly HA, Subramaniyan V, Khalid A, Wadood A. Evolution of computational techniques against various KRAS mutants in search for therapeutic drugs: a review article. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2025; 95:52. [PMID: 40195161 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-025-04767-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2025] [Indexed: 04/09/2025]
Abstract
KRAS was (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) revealed as an important target in current therapeutic cancer research because alteration of RAS (rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) protein has a critical role in malignant modification, tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis. For cancer treatment, designing competitive inhibitors for this attractive target was difficult. Nevertheless, computational investigations of the protein's dynamic behavior displayed the existence of temporary pockets that could be used to design allosteric inhibitors. The last decade witnessed intensive efforts to discover KRAS inhibitors. In 2021, the first KRAS G12C covalent inhibitor, AMG 510, received FDA (Food and drug administration) approval as an anticancer medication that paved the path for future treatment strategies against this target. Computer-aided drug designing discovery has long been used in drug development research targeting different KRAS mutants. In this review, the major breakthroughs in computational methods adapted to discover novel compounds for different mutations have been discussed. Undoubtedly, virtual screening and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and molecular docking are the most considered approach, producing hits that can be employed in subsequent refinements. After comprehensive analysis, Afatinib and Quercetin were computationally identified as hits in different publications. Several authors conducted covalent docking studies with acryl amide warheads groups containing inhibitors. Future studies are needed to demonstrate their true potential. In-depth studies focusing on various allosteric pockets demonstrate that the switch I/II pocket is a suitable site for drug designing. In addition, machine learning and deep learning based approaches provide new insights for developing anti-KRAS drugs. We believe that this review provides extensive information to researchers globally and encourages further development in this particular area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Mehmood
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mohammed Ageeli Hakami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Al- Quwayiyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan A Ogaly
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
- Division of Pharmacology, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Asaad Khalid
- Health Research Center, Jazan University, 114, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan.
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Mathlouthi S, Kuryk L, Prygiel M, Lupo MG, Zasada AA, Pesce C, Ferri N, Rinner B, Salmaso S, Garofalo M. Extracellular vesicles powered cancer immunotherapy: Targeted delivery of adenovirus-based cancer vaccine in humanized melanoma model. J Control Release 2024; 376:777-793. [PMID: 39481685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.10.057] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/02/2024]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma, a rapidly spreading form of skin cancer, is becoming more prevalent worldwide. While surgery is successful in treating early-stage melanoma, patients with advanced disease have only a 20 % chance of surviving beyond five years. Melanomas with mutations in the NRAS gene are characterized for a more aggressive tumor biology, poorer prognosis and shorter survival. Hence, new therapeutic strategies are needed, especially for this specific group of patients. Novel approaches, such as cancer vaccines, offer promising solutions by stimulating the anti-tumor immune response. Nevertheless, their clinical efficacy is still modest and more effective approaches are required. Herein, we propose the systemic administration of the adenovirus-based cancer vaccine complexed in extracellular vesicles (EVs) with the aim of achieving a targeted therapeutic effect. The vaccine was based on previously tested oncolytic adenovirus Ad5/3-D24-ICOSL-CD40L in combination with melanoma-specific antigens targeting NRAS mutations to enhance the anticancer effect. The antineoplastic properties of the oncolytic vaccine were evaluated in xenograft MUG Mel-2 melanoma BALB/c nude mice. Moreover, to mimic the tumor microenvironment, while investigating at the same time immune cell infiltration and drug penetration, we established a 3D co-culture model based on human NRAS mutated MUG Mel-2 spheroids and PBMCs (HLA matched), which displayed a synergistic effect when treated with the cancer vaccine compared to relative controls. Subsequently, we investigated the systemic delivery of the vaccine in EV formulations in a humanized NSG MUG Mel-2 melanoma mouse model. Our study provides a promising strategy for a tumor-targeted vaccine delivery by EVs, resulting in improved anticancer efficacy and increased infiltration of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. This study explores the potential of EVs for the selective delivery of cancer vaccines against malignancies, such as NRAS melanoma. Overall, this research could pave the way for applying autologous EVs as a safe and efficacious tool for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mathlouthi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Lukasz Kuryk
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Prygiel
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Giovanna Lupo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Aleksandra Anna Zasada
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Cristiano Pesce
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua 35131, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus 2, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Beate Rinner
- Division of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Graz, Roseggerweg 48, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Stefano Salmaso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Mariangela Garofalo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padua, Italy.
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Chan KH, Zheng BX, Leung ASL, Long W, Zhao Y, Zheng Y, Wong WL. A NRAS mRNA G-quadruplex structure-targeting small-molecule ligand reactivating DNA damage response in human cancer cells for combination therapy with clinical PI3K inhibitors. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135308. [PMID: 39244134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The Neuroblastoma RAS (NRAS) oncogene homologue plays crucial roles in diverse cellular processes such as cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Several strategies have been developed to inhibit NRAS or its downstream effectors; however, there is no effective drug available to treat NRAS-driven cancers and thus new approaches are needed to be established. The mRNA sequence expressing NRAS containing several guanine(G)-rich regions may form quadruplex structures (G4s) and regulate NRAS translation. Therefore, targeting NRAS mRNA G4s to repress NRAS expression at translational level with ligands may be a feasible strategy against NRAS-driven cancers but it is underexplored. We reported herein a NRAS mRNA G4-targeting ligand, B3C, specifically localized in cytoplasm in HeLa cells. It effectively downregulates NRAS proteins, reactivates the DNA damage response (DDR), causes cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, and induces apoptosis and senescence. Moreover, combination therapy with NARS mRNA G4-targeting ligands and clinical PI3K inhibitors for cancer cells inhibition treatment is unexplored, and we demonstrated that B3C combining with PI3Ki (pictilisib (GDC-0941)) showed potent antiproliferation activity against HeLa cells (IC50 = 1.03 μM (combined with 10 μM PI3Ki) and 0.42 μM (combined with 20 μM PI3Ki)) and exhibited strong synergistic effects in inhibiting cell proliferation. This study provides new insights into drug discovery against RAS-driven cancers using this conceptually new combination therapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Hin Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bo-Xin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alan Siu-Lun Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Long
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuchen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yingying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China.
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He J, Huang W, Li X, Wang J, Nie Y, Li G, Wang X, Cao H, Chen X, Wang X. A new ferroptosis-related genetic mutation risk model predicts the prognosis of skin cutaneous melanoma. Front Genet 2023; 13:988909. [PMID: 36685905 PMCID: PMC9849373 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.988909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death mode and closely linked to various cancers, including skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). Although attempts have been made to construct ferroptosis-related gene (FRG) signatures for predicting the prognosis of SKCM, the prognostic impact of ferroptosis-related genetic mutations in SKCM remains lacking. This study aims to develop a prediction model to explain the relationship between ferroptosis-related genetic mutations and clinical outcomes of SKCM patients and to explore the potential value of ferroptosis in SKCM treatment. Methods: FRGs which significantly correlated with the prognosis of SKCM were firstly screened based on their single-nucleotide variant (SNV) status by univariate Cox regression analysis. Subsequently, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox regressions were performed to construct a new ferroptosis-related genetic mutation risk (FerrGR) model for predicting the prognosis of SKCM. We then illustrate the survival and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the predictive power of the FerrGR model. Moreover, independent prognostic factors, genomic and clinical characteristics, immunotherapy, immune infiltration, and sensitive drugs were compared between high-and low-FerrGR groups. Results: The FerrGR model was developed with a good performance on survival and ROC analysis. It was a robust independent prognostic indicator and followed a nomogram constructed to predict prognostic outcomes for SKCM patients. Besides, FerrGR combined with tumor mutational burden (TMB) or MSI (microsatellite instability) was considered as a combined biomarker for immunotherapy response. The high FerrGR group patients were associated with an inhibitory immune microenvironment. Furthermore, potential drugs target to high FerrGR samples were predicted. Conclusion: The FerrGR model is valuable to predict prognosis and immunotherapy in SKCM patients. It offers a novel therapeutic option for SKCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Burn Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Wenting Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingru Wang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Yaxing Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guiqiang Li
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Wang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Huili Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China,*Correspondence: Xusheng Wang, ; Xiaodong Chen,
| | - Xusheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xusheng Wang, ; Xiaodong Chen,
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Bai S, Hu S, Dai Y, Jin R, Zhang C, Yao F, Weng Q, Zhai P, Zhao B, Wu X, Chen Y. NRAS promotes the proliferation of melanocytes to increase melanin deposition in Rex rabbits. Genome 2023; 66:1-10. [PMID: 36440769 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2021-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Melanocytes play a major role in the formation of mammalian fur color and are regulated by several genes. Despite playing the pivotal role in the study of melanoma, the mechanistic role of NRAS (neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog) in the formation of mammalian epidermal color is still elusive. First of all, the expression levels of NRAS mRNA and protein in the dorsal skin of different colored Rex rabbits were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Then, the subcellular localization of NRAS was identified in melanocytes by indirect immunofluorescence. Next, the expression of NRAS was overexpressed and knocked down in melanocytes, and its efficiency was verified by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Subsequently, NaOH, CCK-8, and Annexin V-FITC were used to verify the changes in melanin content, proliferation, and apoptosis in melanocytes. Finally, we analyzed the regulation of NRAS on other genes (MITF, TYR, DCT, PMEL, and CREB) that affect melanin production. In silico studies showed NRAS as a stable and hydrophilic protein, and it is localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of melanocytes. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NRAS were significantly different in skin of different colored Rex rabbits, and the highest level was found in black skin (P < 0.01). Moreover, the NRAS demonstrated impact on the proliferation, apoptosis, and melanin production of melanocytes (P < 0.05), and the strong correlation of NRAS with melanin-related genes was evidently observed (P < 0.05). Our results suggested that NRAS can be used as a gene that regulates melanin production and controls melanocyte proliferation and apoptosis, providing a new theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of mammalian fur color formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaocheng Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Shuaishuai Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Yingying Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Rongshuai Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Fan Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Qiaoqin Weng
- Yuyao Xinnong Rabbit Industry Co., Ltd, Ningbo 315400, China
| | - Pin Zhai
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Bohao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Xinsheng Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Yang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
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Wagstaff W, Mwamba RN, Grullon K, Armstrong M, Zhao P, Hendren-Santiago B, Qin KH, Li AJ, Hu DA, Youssef A, Reid RR, Luu HH, Shen L, He TC, Haydon RC. Melanoma: Molecular genetics, metastasis, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and therapeutic resistance. Genes Dis 2022; 9:1608-1623. [PMID: 36157497 PMCID: PMC9485270 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a common cancer and cases have steadily increased since the mid 70s. For some patients, early diagnosis and surgical removal of melanomas is lifesaving, while other patients typically turn to molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapies as treatment options. Easy sampling of melanomas allows the scientific community to identify the most prevalent mutations that initiate melanoma such as the BRAF, NRAS, and TERT genes, some of which can be therapeutically targeted. Though initially effective, many tumors acquire resistance to the targeted therapies demonstrating the need to investigate compensatory pathways. Immunotherapies represent an alternative to molecular targeted therapies. However, inter-tumoral immune cell populations dictate initial therapeutic response and even tumors that responded to treatment develop resistance in the long term. As the protocol for combination therapies develop, so will our scientific understanding of the many pathways at play in the progression of melanoma. The future direction of the field may be to find a molecule that connects all of the pathways. Meanwhile, noncoding RNAs have been shown to play important roles in melanoma development and progression. Studying noncoding RNAs may help us to understand how resistance - both primary and acquired - develops; ultimately allow us to harness the true potential of current therapies. This review will cover the basic structure of the skin, the mutations and pathways responsible for transforming melanocytes into melanomas, the process by which melanomas metastasize, targeted therapeutics, and the potential that noncoding RNAs have as a prognostic and treatment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Wagstaff
- The Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rimel N. Mwamba
- The Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Karina Grullon
- The Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mikhayla Armstrong
- The Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Piao Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Bryce Hendren-Santiago
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kevin H. Qin
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Alexander J. Li
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Daniel A. Hu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Andrew Youssef
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Russell R. Reid
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Suture Biology and Development, Department of Surgery Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hue H. Luu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Le Shen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rex C. Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma with a Combination of Immunotherapies and Molecularly Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153779. [PMID: 35954441 PMCID: PMC9367420 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies have drastically changed the therapeutic approach for unresectable advanced or metastatic melanoma. The majority of melanoma patients have benefitted from these therapies; however, some patients acquire resistance to them. Novel combinations of immunotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies may be more efficient in treating these patients. In this review, we discuss various combination therapies under pre-clinical and clinical development which can reduce toxicity, enhance efficacy, and prevent recurrences in patients with metastatic melanoma. Abstract Melanoma possesses invasive metastatic growth patterns and is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. In 2021, it is estimated that 7180 deaths were attributed to melanoma in the United States alone. Once melanoma metastasizes, traditional therapies are no longer effective. Instead, immunotherapies, such as ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and nivolumab, are the treatment options for malignant melanoma. Several biomarkers involved in tumorigenesis have been identified as potential targets for molecularly targeted melanoma therapy, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Unfortunately, melanoma quickly acquires resistance to these molecularly targeted therapies. To bypass resistance, combination treatment with immunotherapies and single or multiple TKIs have been employed and have been shown to improve the prognosis of melanoma patients compared to monotherapy. This review discusses several combination therapies that target melanoma biomarkers, such as BRAF, MEK, RAS, c-KIT, VEGFR, c-MET and PI3K. Several of these regimens are already FDA-approved for treating metastatic melanoma, while others are still in clinical trials. Continued research into the causes of resistance and factors influencing the efficacy of these combination treatments, such as specific mutations in oncogenic proteins, may further improve the effectiveness of combination therapies, providing a better prognosis for melanoma patients.
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Peterson C, Toll SA, Kolb B, Poulik JM, Reyes-Mugica M, Sood S, Haridas A, Wang ZJ, Marupudi NI. Novel Finding of Copy Number Gains in GNAS and Loss of 10q in a Child With Malignant Transformation of Neurocutaneous Melanosis Syndrome. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 5:33-38. [PMID: 34994589 DOI: 10.1200/po.20.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Peterson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI.,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Stephanie A Toll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI
| | - Bradley Kolb
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Janet M Poulik
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | | | - Sandeep Sood
- Department of Neurosurgery, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI.,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.,Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI
| | - Abilash Haridas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI.,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.,Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI
| | - Zhihong Joanne Wang
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI
| | - Neena I Marupudi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI.,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.,Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI
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Fatnassi-Mersni G, Arfaoui AT, Cherni M, Jones M, Zeglaoui F, Ouzari HI, Rammeh S. Molecular and immunohistochemical analysis of BRAF gene in primary cutaneous melanoma: Discovery of novel mutations. J Cutan Pathol 2020; 47:794-799. [PMID: 32285462 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13710] [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: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determination of BRAF status is mandatory for targeted therapy but it is not currently available in most developing countries. AIM We aimed to analyze BRAF mutations in a series of cutaneous melanoma of Tunisian patients and to compare BRAF V600E mutation detection by immunohistochemistry to DNA sequencing. PATIENTS AND METHODS Archival formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues from 28 patients with primary cutaneous melanoma were evaluated for the BRAF mutations by Sanger sequencing and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS BRAF mutations were detected in 19/28 (68%) of analyzed tumors. The sensitivity and specificity of immunohistochemistry compared to DNA sequencing for identification of the BRAF V600E mutation were 100%. We found five novel mutations, one of them had deleterious effect. CONCLUSION The present study shows an intermediate frequency of mutations of the BRAF gene in cutaneous melanoma of Tunisian patients, and supports the use of immunohistochemistry as a screening test for the assessment of the BRAF V600E status in the management of melanoma in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghaya Fatnassi-Mersni
- Department of Biology, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Pathology, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Bab Souika, Tunis, Tunisia
- Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, UR17ES15, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amira Toumi Arfaoui
- Department of Pathology, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Bab Souika, Tunis, Tunisia
- Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, UR17ES15, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Marwa Cherni
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Actives Biomolecules, LR03ES03, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mariem Jones
- Department of Dermatology, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Bab Souika, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Faten Zeglaoui
- Department of Dermatology, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Bab Souika, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hadda Imen Ouzari
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Actives Biomolecules, LR03ES03, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Soumaya Rammeh
- Department of Pathology, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Bab Souika, Tunis, Tunisia
- Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, UR17ES15, Tunis, Tunisia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To update pediatric providers on new developments in our understanding of the clinical presentation, genetics, and systemic risks associated with congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). RECENT FINDINGS CMN are primarily caused by sporadic postzygotic somatic mutations, most frequently in NRAS, and studies of the genetic underpinnings of CMN have demonstrated a diverse array of genetic drivers. The primary complications of large and giant CMN include neurocutaneous melanocytosis and malignant melanoma. Abnormalities in CNS MRI may predict a worse clinical course for patients and increased risk of melanoma. Targeted therapies of the MEK pathway have begun to be studied for the treatment of CMN and prevention of associated complications. SUMMARY Patients with large and giant CMN should be managed by an interdisciplinary care team for the monitoring of dermatologic, neurologic, and psychosocial concerns. Ongoing research is underway to better characterize the genetic drivers of CMN and to better guide development of targeted therapeutics.
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Wang H, Wu X, Zhang X, Yang X, Long Y, Feng Y, Wang F. Prevalence of NRAS Mutation, PD-L1 Expression and Amplification, and Overall Survival Analysis in 36 Primary Vaginal Melanomas. Oncologist 2019; 25:e291-e301. [PMID: 32043781 PMCID: PMC7011659 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary vaginal melanomas are uncommon and aggressive tumors with poor prognosis, and the development of new targeted therapies is essential. This study aimed to identify the molecular markers occurring in these patients and potentially improve treatment strategies. Materials and Methods The clinicopathological characteristics of 36 patients with primary vaginal melanomas were reviewed. Oncogenic mutations in BRAF, KIT, NRAS, GNAQ and GNA11 and the promoter region of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were investigated using the Sanger sequencing. The expression and copy number of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) were also assessed. Results Mutations in NRAS, KIT, and TERT promoter were identified in 13.9% (5/36), 2.9% (1/34), and 5.6% (2/36) of the primary vaginal melanomas, respectively. PD‐L1 expression and amplification were observed in 27.8% (10/36) and 5.6% (2/36) of cases, respectively. PD‐L1 positive expression and/or amplification was associated with older patients (p = .008). Patients who had NRAS mutations had a poorer overall survival compared with those with a wild‐type NRAS (33.5 vs. 14.0 months; hazard ratio [HR], 3.09; 95% CI, 1.08–8.83). Strikingly, two patients with/without PD‐L1 expression receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors had a satisfying outcome. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that >10 mitoses per mm2 (HR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.03–8.51) was an independent prognostic factor. Conclusions NRAS mutations and PD‐L1 expression were most prevalent in our cohort of primary vaginal melanomas and can be potentially considered as therapeutic targets. Implications for Practice This study used the Sanger sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization methods to detect common genetic mutations and PD‐L1 expression and copy number in 36 primary vaginal melanomas. NRAS mutations and PD‐L1 expression were the most prevalent, but KIT and TERT mutations occurred at a lower occurrence in this rare malignancy. Two patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors had a satisfying outcome, signifying that the PD‐L1 expression and amplification can be a possible predictive marker of clinical response. This study highlights the possible prospects of biomarkers that can be used for patient selection in clinical trials involving treatments with novel targeted therapies based on these molecular aberrations. Little is known about the molecular characteristics of primary vaginal melanoma. This article reports on the molecular markers of this rare and aggressive disease, focusing on improvements in treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai‐Yun Wang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiao‐Yan Wu
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xin‐Hua Yang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Ya‐Kang Long
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yan‐Fen Feng
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouPeople's Republic of China
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12
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DeLong RK, Cheng YH, Pearson P, Lin Z, Coffee C, Mathew EN, Hoffman A, Wouda RM, Higginbotham ML. Translating Nanomedicine to Comparative Oncology-the Case for Combining Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials with Nucleic Acid Therapeutic and Protein Delivery for Treating Metastatic Cancer. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 370:671-681. [PMID: 31040175 PMCID: PMC6806346 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.256230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The unique anticancer, biochemical, and immunologic properties of nanomaterials are becoming a new tool in biomedical research. Their translation into the clinic promises a new wave of targeted therapies. One nanomaterial of particular interest are zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs), which has distinct mechanisms of anticancer activity including unique surface, induction of reactive oxygen species, lipid oxidation, pH, and also ionic gradients within cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. It is recognized that ZnO NPs can serve as a direct enzyme inhibitor. Significantly, ZnO NPs inhibit extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) associated with melanoma progression, drug resistance, and metastasis. Indeed, direct intratumoral injection of ZnO NPs or a complex of ZnO with RNA significantly suppresses ERK and AKT phosphorylation. These data suggest ZnO NPs and their complexes or conjugates with nucleic acid therapeutic or anticancer protein may represent a potential new strategy for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, and potentially other cancers. This review focuses on the anticancer mechanisms of ZnO NPs and what is currently known about its biochemical effects on melanoma, biologic activity, and pharmacokinetics in rodents and its potential for translation into large animal, spontaneously developing models of melanoma and other cancers, which represent models of comparative oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K DeLong
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Nanotechnology Innovation Center (R.K.D., P.P., E.N.M., A.H.), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Institute for Computational Comparative Medicine (Y.-H.C., Z.L.), and Department of Clinical Sciences (C.C., R.M.W., M.L.H.), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Yi-Hsien Cheng
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Nanotechnology Innovation Center (R.K.D., P.P., E.N.M., A.H.), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Institute for Computational Comparative Medicine (Y.-H.C., Z.L.), and Department of Clinical Sciences (C.C., R.M.W., M.L.H.), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Paige Pearson
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Nanotechnology Innovation Center (R.K.D., P.P., E.N.M., A.H.), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Institute for Computational Comparative Medicine (Y.-H.C., Z.L.), and Department of Clinical Sciences (C.C., R.M.W., M.L.H.), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Zhoumeng Lin
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Nanotechnology Innovation Center (R.K.D., P.P., E.N.M., A.H.), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Institute for Computational Comparative Medicine (Y.-H.C., Z.L.), and Department of Clinical Sciences (C.C., R.M.W., M.L.H.), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Calli Coffee
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Nanotechnology Innovation Center (R.K.D., P.P., E.N.M., A.H.), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Institute for Computational Comparative Medicine (Y.-H.C., Z.L.), and Department of Clinical Sciences (C.C., R.M.W., M.L.H.), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Elza Neelima Mathew
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Nanotechnology Innovation Center (R.K.D., P.P., E.N.M., A.H.), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Institute for Computational Comparative Medicine (Y.-H.C., Z.L.), and Department of Clinical Sciences (C.C., R.M.W., M.L.H.), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Amanda Hoffman
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Nanotechnology Innovation Center (R.K.D., P.P., E.N.M., A.H.), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Institute for Computational Comparative Medicine (Y.-H.C., Z.L.), and Department of Clinical Sciences (C.C., R.M.W., M.L.H.), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Raelene M Wouda
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Nanotechnology Innovation Center (R.K.D., P.P., E.N.M., A.H.), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Institute for Computational Comparative Medicine (Y.-H.C., Z.L.), and Department of Clinical Sciences (C.C., R.M.W., M.L.H.), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Mary Lynn Higginbotham
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Nanotechnology Innovation Center (R.K.D., P.P., E.N.M., A.H.), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Institute for Computational Comparative Medicine (Y.-H.C., Z.L.), and Department of Clinical Sciences (C.C., R.M.W., M.L.H.), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
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13
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Peng W, Sun ZY, Zhang Q, Cheng SQ, Wang SK, Wang XN, Kuang GT, Su XX, Tan JH, Huang ZS, Ou TM. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel p-(Methylthio)styryl Substituted Quindoline Derivatives as Neuroblastoma RAS (NRAS) Repressors via Specific Stabilizing the RNA G-Quadruplex. J Med Chem 2018; 61:6629-6646. [PMID: 29799749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The human proto-oncogene neuroblastoma RAS ( NRAS) contains a guanine-rich sequence in the 5'-untranslated regions (5'-UTR) of the mRNA that could form an RNA G-quadruplex structure. This structure acts as a repressor for NRAS translation and could be a potential target for anticancer drugs. Our previous studies found an effective scaffold, the quindoline scaffold, for binding and stabilizing the DNA G-quadruplex structures. Here, on the basis of the previous studies and reported RNA-specific probes, a series of novel p-(methylthio)styryl substituted quindoline (MSQ) derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as NRAS RNA G-quadruplex ligands. Panels of experiments turned out that the introduction of p-(methylthio)styryl side chain could enhance the specific binding to the NRAS RNA G-quadruplex. One of the hits, 4a-10, showed strong stabilizing activity on the G-quadruplex and subsequently repressed NRAS's translation and inhibited tumor cells proliferation. Our finding provided a novel strategy to discover novel NRAS repressors by specifically binding to the RNA G-quadruplex in the 5'-UTR of mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Yin Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Sui-Qi Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Shi-Ke Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Na Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Guo-Tao Kuang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , P. R. China
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14
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Zhang X, Gao L, Jia S. Extracting Fitness Relationships and Oncogenic Patterns among Driver Genes in Cancer. Molecules 2017; 23:molecules23010039. [PMID: 29295608 PMCID: PMC5943933 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Driver mutation provides fitness advantage to cancer cells, the accumulation of which increases the fitness of cancer cells and accelerates cancer progression. This work seeks to extract patterns accumulated by driver genes (“fitness relationships”) in tumorigenesis. We introduce a network-based method for extracting the fitness relationships of driver genes by modeling the network properties of the “fitness” of cancer cells. Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and skin cutaneous malignant melanoma (SKCM) are employed as case studies. Consistent results derived from different background networks suggest the reliability of the identified fitness relationships. Additionally co-occurrence analysis and pathway analysis reveal the functional significance of the fitness relationships with signaling transduction. In addition, a subset of driver genes called the “fitness core” is recognized for each case. Further analyses indicate the functional importance of the fitness core in carcinogenesis, and provide potential therapeutic opportunities in medicinal intervention. Fitness relationships characterize the functional continuity among driver genes in carcinogenesis, and suggest new insights in understanding the oncogenic mechanisms of cancers, as well as providing guiding information for medicinal intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xindong Zhang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710000, China.
- School of Computer Science, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710000, China.
| | - Lin Gao
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710000, China.
| | - Songwei Jia
- School of Software, Xidian University, Xi'an 710000, China.
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15
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Arafeh R, Flores K, Keren-Paz A, Maik-Rachline G, Gutkind N, Rosenberg S, Seger R, Samuels Y. Combined inhibition of MEK and nuclear ERK translocation has synergistic antitumor activity in melanoma cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16345. [PMID: 29180761 PMCID: PMC5704016 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16558-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations in BRAF, NRAS and NF1 that activate the ERK cascade, account for over 80% of metastatic melanomas. However, ERK cascade inhibitors have been proven beneficial almost exclusively for BRAF mutant melanomas. One of the hallmarks of the ERK cascade is the nuclear translocation of ERK1/2, which is important mainly for the induction of proliferation. This translocation can be inhibited by the NTS-derived peptide (EPE) that blocks the ERK1/2-importin7 interaction, inhibits the nuclear translocation of ERK1/2, and arrests active ERK1/2 in the cytoplasm. In this study, we found that the EPE peptide significantly reduced the viability of not only BRAF, but also several NRAS and NF1 mutant melanomas. Importantly, combination of the EPE peptide and trametinib showed synergy in reducing the viability of some NRAS mutant melanomas, an effect driven by the partial preservation of negative feedback loops. The same combination significantly reduced the viability of other melanoma cells, including those resistant to mono-treatment with EPE peptide and ERK cascade inhibitors. Our study indicates that targeting the nuclear translocation of ERK1/2, in combination with MEK inhibitors can be used for the treatment of different mutant melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rand Arafeh
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rony Seger
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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16
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Luo C, Shen J. Research progress in advanced melanoma. Cancer Lett 2017; 397:120-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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17
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Orue A, Chavez V, Strasberg-Rieber M, Rieber M. Hypoxic resistance of KRAS mutant tumor cells to 3-Bromopyruvate is counteracted by Prima-1 and reversed by N-acetylcysteine. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:902. [PMID: 27863474 PMCID: PMC5116131 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2930-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The metabolic inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) is a promising anti-cancer alkylating agent, shown to inhibit growth of some colorectal carcinoma with KRAS mutation. Recently, we demonstrated increased resistance to 3-BrPA in wt p53 tumor cells compared to those with p53 silencing or mutation. Since hypoxic microenvironments select for tumor cells with diminished therapeutic response, we investigated whether hypoxia unequally increases resistance to 3-BrPA in wt p53 MelJuso melanoma harbouring (Q61L)-mutant NRAS and wt BRAF, C8161 melanoma with (G12D)-mutant KRAS (G464E)-mutant BRAF, and A549 lung carcinoma with a KRAS (G12S)-mutation. Since hypoxia increases the toxicity of the p53 activator, Prima-1 against breast cancer cells irrespective of their p53 status, we also investigated whether Prima-1 reversed hypoxic resistance to 3-BrPA. Results In contrast to the high susceptibility of hypoxic mutant NRAS MelJuso cells to 3-BrPA or Prima-1, KRAS mutant C8161 and A549 cells revealed hypoxic resistance to 3-BrPA counteracted by Prima-1. In A549 cells, Prima-1 increased p21CDKN1mRNA, and reciprocally inhibited mRNA expression of the SLC2A1-GLUT1 glucose transporter-1 and ALDH1A1, gene linked to detoxification and stem cell properties. 3-BrPA lowered CAIX and VEGF mRNA expression. Death from joint Prima-1 and 3-BrPA treatment in KRAS mutant A549 and C8161 cells seemed mediated by potentiating oxidative stress, since it was antagonized by the anti-oxidant and glutathione precursor N-acetylcysteine. Conclusions This report is the first to show that Prima-1 kills hypoxic wt p53 KRAS-mutant cells resistant to 3-BrPA, partly by decreasing GLUT-1 expression and exacerbating pro-oxidant stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Orue
- IVIC, Tumor Cell Biology Laboratory, Apartado 21827, Caracas, 1020A, Venezuela
| | - Valery Chavez
- IVIC, Tumor Cell Biology Laboratory, Apartado 21827, Caracas, 1020A, Venezuela
| | | | - Manuel Rieber
- IVIC, Tumor Cell Biology Laboratory, Apartado 21827, Caracas, 1020A, Venezuela.
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18
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NRAS(Q61K) mutated primary leptomeningeal melanoma in a child: case presentation and discussion on clinical and diagnostic implications. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:512. [PMID: 27439913 PMCID: PMC4955223 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2556-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary melanocytic neoplasms are rare in the pediatric age. Among them, the pattern of neoplastic meningitis represents a peculiar diagnostic challenge since neuroradiological features may be subtle and cerebrospinal fluid analysis may not be informative. Clinical misdiagnosis of neoplastic meningitis with tuberculous meningitis has been described in few pediatric cases, leading to a significant delay in appropriate management of patients. We describe the case of a child with primary leptomeningeal melanoma (LMM) that was initially misdiagnosed with tuberculous meningitis. We review the clinical and molecular aspects of LMM and discuss on clinical and diagnostic implications. Case presentation A 27-month-old girl with a 1-week history of vomiting with mild intermittent strabismus underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging, showing diffuse brainstem and spinal leptomeningeal enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was unremarkable. Antitubercular treatment was started without any improvement. A spinal intradural biopsy was suggestive for primary leptomeningeal melanomatosis. Chemotherapy was started, but general clinical conditions progressively worsened and patient died 11 months after diagnosis. Molecular investigations were performed post-mortem on tumor tissue and revealed absence of BRAFV600E, GNAQQ209 and GNA11Q209 mutations but the presence of a NRASQ61K mutation. Conclusions Our case adds some information to the limited experience of the literature, confirming the presence of the NRASQ61K mutation in children with melanomatosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of leptomeningeal melanocytic neoplasms (LMN) without associated skin lesions to harbor this mutation. Isolated LMN presentation might be insidious, mimicking tuberculous meningitis, and should be suspected if no definite diagnosis is possible or if antitubercular treatment does not result in dramatic clinical improvement. Leptomeningeal biopsy should be considered, not only to confirm diagnosis of LMN but also to study molecular profile. Further molecular profiling and preclinical models will be pivotal in testing combination of target therapy to treat this challenging disease.
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Zhang L, Moss J. Genetic studies yield clues to the pathogenesis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Eur Respir J 2016; 47:1629-31. [PMID: 27246079 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00568-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joel Moss
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Xia Y, Chen J, Gong C, Chen H, Sun J. α-Mangostin, a Natural Agent, Enhances the Response of NRAS Mutant Melanoma to Retinoic Acid. Med Sci Monit 2016; 22:1360-7. [PMID: 27104669 PMCID: PMC4844330 DOI: 10.12659/msm.898204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification and use of novel compounds alone or in combination hold promise for the fight against NRAS mutant melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS We screened a kinase-specific inhibitor library through combining it with α-Mangostin in NRAS mutant melanoma cell line, and verified the enhancing effect of α-Mangostin through inhibition of the tumorigenesis pathway. RESULTS Within the kinase inhibitors, retinoic acid showed a significant synergistic effect with α-Mangostin. α-Mangostin also can reverse the drug resistance of retinoic acid in RARa siRNA-transduced sk-mel-2 cells. Colony assay, TUNEL staining, and the expressions of several apoptosis-related genes revealed that a-Mangostin enhanced the effect of retinoic acid-induced apoptosis. The combination treatment resulted in marked induction of ROS generation and inhibition of the AKT/S6 pathway. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the combination of these novel natural agents with retinoid acid may be clinically effective in NRAS mutant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Xia
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Chongwen Gong
- Department of Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Hongxiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Jiaming Sun
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
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21
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Jesinghaus M, Pfarr N, Endris V, Kloor M, Volckmar AL, Brandt R, Herpel E, Muckenhuber A, Lasitschka F, Schirmacher P, Penzel R, Weichert W, Stenzinger A. Genotyping of colorectal cancer for cancer precision medicine: Results from the IPH Center for Molecular Pathology. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2016; 55:505-21. [PMID: 26917275 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer precision medicine has opened up new avenues for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). To fully realize its potential, high-throughput sequencing platforms that allow genotyping beyond KRAS need to be implemented and require performance assessment. We comprehensively analyzed first-year data of 202 consecutive formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) CRC samples for which prospective genotyping at our institution was requested. Deep targeted genotyping was done using a semiconductor-based sequencing platform and a self-designed panel of 30 CRC-related genes. Additionally, microsatellite status (MS) was determined. Ninety-seven percent of tumor samples were suitable for sequencing and in 88% MS could be assessed. The minimal drop-out rates of 6 and 25 cases, respectively were due to too low amounts or heavy degradation of DNA. Of 557 nonsynonymous mutations, 90 (16%) have not been described in COSMIC at the time of data query. Forty-three cases (22%) had double- or triple mutations affecting a single gene. Sixty-four percent had genetic alterations influencing oncological therapy. Eight percent of patients (MSI phenotype: 6%; mutated POLE: 2%) were potentially eligible for treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Of 56% of KRASwt CRC that potentially qualified for anti-EGFR treatment, 30% presented with mutations in BRAF/NRAS. Mutated PIK3CA was detected in 21%. In conclusion, we here present real-life routine diagnostics data that not only demonstrate the robustness and feasibility of deep targeted sequencing and MS-analysis of FFPE CRC samples but also contribute to the understanding of CRC genetics. Most importantly, in more than half of the patients our approach enabled the selection of the best treatment currently available. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Jesinghaus
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, 81675, Germany
| | - Nicole Pfarr
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, 81675, Germany
| | - Volker Endris
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Volckmar
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Regine Brandt
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Esther Herpel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,NCT Tissue Bank, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Felix Lasitschka
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Roland Penzel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, 81675, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.,Member of the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases-Heidelberg School of Oncology (NCT-HSO), Heidelberg, Germany
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Jenkins RW, Sullivan RJ. NRAS mutant melanoma: an overview for the clinician for melanoma management. Melanoma Manag 2016; 3:47-59. [PMID: 30190872 PMCID: PMC6097550 DOI: 10.2217/mmt.15.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and the incidence continues to rise in the United States and worldwide. Activating mutations in RAS oncogenes are found in roughly a third of all human cancers. Mutations in NRAS occur in approximately a fifth of cutaneous melanomas and are associated with aggressive clinical behavior. Cells harboring oncogenic NRAS mutations exhibit activation of multiple signaling cascades, including PI3K/Akt, MEK-ERK and RAL, which collectively stimulate cancer growth. While strategies to target N-Ras itself have proven ineffective, targeting one or more N-Ras effector pathways has shown promise in preclinical models. Despite promising preclinical data, current therapies for NRAS mutant melanoma remain limited. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies for BRAF mutant melanoma are transforming the treatment of metastatic melanoma, but the ideal treatment for NRAS mutant melanoma remains unknown. Improved understanding of NRAS mutant melanoma and relevant N-Ras effector signaling modules will be essential to develop new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan J Sullivan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Mazurenko NN, Tsyganova IV, Lushnikova AA, Ponkratova DA, Anurova OA, Cheremushkin EA, Mikhailova IN, Demidov LV. The spectrum of oncogene mutations differs among melanoma subtypes. Mol Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893315060163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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24
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Küsters-Vandevelde HVN, Küsters B, van Engen-van Grunsven ACH, Groenen PJTA, Wesseling P, Blokx WAM. Primary melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system: a review with focus on molecular aspects. Brain Pathol 2015; 25:209-26. [PMID: 25534128 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) represent a spectrum of rare tumors. They can be benign or malignant and occur in adults as well as in children, the latter often in the context of neurocutaneous melanosis. Until recently, the genetic alterations in these tumors were largely unknown. This is in contrast with cutaneous and uveal melanomas, which are known to harbor distinct oncogenic mutations that can be used as targets for treatment with small-molecule inhibitors in the advanced setting. Recently, novel insights in the molecular alterations underlying primary melanocytic tumors of the CNS were obtained, including different oncogenic mutations in tumors in adult patients (especially GNAQ, GNA11) vs. children (especially NRAS). In this review, the focus is on molecular characteristics of primary melanocytic tumors of the CNS. We summarize what is known about their genetic alterations and discuss implications for pathogenesis and differential diagnosis with other pigmented tumors in or around the CNS. Finally, new therapeutic options with targeted therapy are discussed.
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25
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Posch C, Cholewa BD, Vujic I, Sanlorenzo M, Ma J, Kim ST, Kleffel S, Schatton T, Rappersberger K, Gutteridge R, Ahmad N, Ortiz/Urda S. Combined Inhibition of MEK and Plk1 Has Synergistic Antitumor Activity in NRAS Mutant Melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:2475-2483. [PMID: 26016894 PMCID: PMC4567913 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
About one-third of cancers harbor activating mutations in rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) oncogenes. In melanoma, aberrant neuroblastoma-RAS (NRAS) signaling fuels tumor progression in about 20% of patients. Current therapeutics for NRAS-driven malignancies barely affect overall survival. To date, pathway interference downstream of mutant NRAS seems to be the most promising approach. In this study, data revealed that mutant NRAS induced Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) expression, and pharmacologic inhibition of Plk1 stabilized the size of NRAS mutant melanoma xenografts. The combination of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) and Plk1 inhibitors resulted in a significant growth reduction of NRAS mutant melanoma cells in vitro, and regression of xenografted NRAS mutant melanoma in vivo. Independent cell cycle arrest and increased induction of apoptosis underlies the synergistic effect of this combination. Data further suggest that the p53 signaling pathway is of key importance to the observed therapeutic efficacy. This study provides in vitro, in vivo, and first mechanistic data that an MEK/Plk1 inhibitor combination might be a promising treatment approach for patients with NRAS-driven melanoma. As mutant NRAS signaling is similar across different malignancies, this inhibitor combination could also offer a previously unreported treatment modality for NRAS mutant tumors of other cell origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Posch
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, 2340 Sutter Street N461, 94115 San Francisco – USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Dermatology, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, 02115 Boston – USA
- The Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Academic Teaching Hospital, Medical University Vienna, Department of Dermatology, Juchgasse 25, 1030 Vienna – Austria
| | - BD Cholewa
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Dermatology, 7418 Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705 – USA
| | - I Vujic
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, 2340 Sutter Street N461, 94115 San Francisco – USA
- The Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Academic Teaching Hospital, Medical University Vienna, Department of Dermatology, Juchgasse 25, 1030 Vienna – Austria
| | - M Sanlorenzo
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, 2340 Sutter Street N461, 94115 San Francisco – USA
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin – Italy
| | - J Ma
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, 2340 Sutter Street N461, 94115 San Francisco – USA
| | - ST Kim
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, 2340 Sutter Street N461, 94115 San Francisco – USA
| | - S Kleffel
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Dermatology, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, 02115 Boston – USA
| | - T Schatton
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Dermatology, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, 02115 Boston – USA
| | - K Rappersberger
- The Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Academic Teaching Hospital, Medical University Vienna, Department of Dermatology, Juchgasse 25, 1030 Vienna – Austria
| | - R Gutteridge
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Dermatology, 7418 Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705 – USA
| | - N Ahmad
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Dermatology, 7418 Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705 – USA
| | - S Ortiz/Urda
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Dermatology, Mt. Zion Cancer Research Center, 2340 Sutter Street N461, 94115 San Francisco – USA
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26
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Basu D, Salgado CM, Bauer BS, Johnson D, Rundell V, Nikiforova M, Khakoo Y, Gunwaldt LJ, Panigrahy A, Reyes-Múgica M. Nevospheres from neurocutaneous melanocytosis cells show reduced viability when treated with specific inhibitors of NRAS signaling pathway. Neuro Oncol 2015; 18:528-37. [PMID: 26354928 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nov184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM) is characterized by clonal nevomelanocytic proliferations in the CNS and skin. Given the scarcity of effective therapeutic targets, testing new drugs requires a reliable and reproducible in vitro cellular model of the disease. METHODS We generated nevomelanocytic spheroids in vitro from lesions of the spinal cord, brain, and skin from 4 NCM patients. Nevomelanocytic cells were grown as monolayers or spheroids and their growth characteristics were evaluated. Cultured cell identity was confirmed by demonstration of the same NRAS mutation found in the original lesions and by immunophenotyping. Nevomelanocytic spheroids were treated with inhibitors of specific mediators of the NRAS signaling pathway (vemurafenib, MEK162, GDC0941, and GSK2126458). Drug sensitivity and cell viability were assessed. RESULTS Cultured cells were growth-factor dependent, grew as spheroids on Geltrex matrix, and maintained their clonogenicity in vitro over passages. Skin-derived cells formed more colonies than CNS-derived cells. Inhibitors of specific mediators of the NRAS signaling pathway reduced viability of NRAS mutated cells. The highest effect was obtained with GSK2126458, showing a viability reduction below 50%. CONCLUSIONS NRAS mutated cells derived from clinical NCM samples are capable of continuous growth as spheroid colonies in vitro and retain their genetic identity. Drugs targeting the NRAS signaling pathway reduce in vitro viability of NCM cells. NCM lesional spheroids represent a new and reliable experimental model of NCM for use in drug testing and mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipanjan Basu
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (D.B., C.M.S., M.R.M.); Department of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (L.J.G.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (A.P.); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northbrook, Illinois (B.S.B., D.J., V.R.); Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.N.); Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Y.K.); Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York (Y.K.)
| | - Cláudia M Salgado
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (D.B., C.M.S., M.R.M.); Department of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (L.J.G.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (A.P.); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northbrook, Illinois (B.S.B., D.J., V.R.); Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.N.); Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Y.K.); Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York (Y.K.)
| | - Bruce S Bauer
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (D.B., C.M.S., M.R.M.); Department of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (L.J.G.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (A.P.); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northbrook, Illinois (B.S.B., D.J., V.R.); Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.N.); Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Y.K.); Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York (Y.K.)
| | - Donald Johnson
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (D.B., C.M.S., M.R.M.); Department of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (L.J.G.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (A.P.); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northbrook, Illinois (B.S.B., D.J., V.R.); Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.N.); Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Y.K.); Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York (Y.K.)
| | - Veronica Rundell
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (D.B., C.M.S., M.R.M.); Department of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (L.J.G.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (A.P.); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northbrook, Illinois (B.S.B., D.J., V.R.); Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.N.); Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Y.K.); Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York (Y.K.)
| | - Marina Nikiforova
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (D.B., C.M.S., M.R.M.); Department of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (L.J.G.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (A.P.); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northbrook, Illinois (B.S.B., D.J., V.R.); Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.N.); Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Y.K.); Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York (Y.K.)
| | - Yasmin Khakoo
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (D.B., C.M.S., M.R.M.); Department of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (L.J.G.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (A.P.); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northbrook, Illinois (B.S.B., D.J., V.R.); Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.N.); Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Y.K.); Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York (Y.K.)
| | - Lorelei J Gunwaldt
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (D.B., C.M.S., M.R.M.); Department of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (L.J.G.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (A.P.); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northbrook, Illinois (B.S.B., D.J., V.R.); Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.N.); Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Y.K.); Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York (Y.K.)
| | - Ashok Panigrahy
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (D.B., C.M.S., M.R.M.); Department of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (L.J.G.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (A.P.); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northbrook, Illinois (B.S.B., D.J., V.R.); Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.N.); Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Y.K.); Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York (Y.K.)
| | - Miguel Reyes-Múgica
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (D.B., C.M.S., M.R.M.); Department of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (L.J.G.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (A.P.); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northbrook, Illinois (B.S.B., D.J., V.R.); Division of Molecular Genomic Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (M.N.); Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Y.K.); Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York (Y.K.)
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27
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Pracht M, Mogha A, Lespagnol A, Fautrel A, Mouchet N, Le Gall F, Paumier V, Lefeuvre-Plesse C, Rioux-Leclerc N, Mosser J, Oger E, Adamski H, Galibert MD, Lesimple T. Prognostic and predictive values of oncogenic BRAF, NRAS, c-KIT
and MITF
in cutaneous and mucous melanoma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2015; 29:1530-8. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.12910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Pracht
- Service d'Oncologie Médicale; Centre Eugene Marquis; Rennes France
- Brittany Melanoma Network; GRoupe Ouest Mélanome (GROUM); Rennes France
| | - A. Mogha
- Gene Expression and Oncogenesis Team; Institut de Génétique et Developement de Rennes; CNRS UMR6290; Rennes France
- CHU Pontchaillou; Université Européenne de Bretagne; Rennes France
| | - A. Lespagnol
- CHU Pontchaillou; Université Européenne de Bretagne; Rennes France
- CHU Pontchaillou; Service de Génétique Moléculaire et Génomique des Cancers; Rennes France
| | - A. Fautrel
- CHU Pontchaillou; Université Européenne de Bretagne; Rennes France
- SFR Biosit UMS CNRS 3480/US INSERM 018; Rennes France
| | - N. Mouchet
- Gene Expression and Oncogenesis Team; Institut de Génétique et Developement de Rennes; CNRS UMR6290; Rennes France
- CHU Pontchaillou; Université Européenne de Bretagne; Rennes France
| | - F. Le Gall
- Brittany Melanoma Network; GRoupe Ouest Mélanome (GROUM); Rennes France
- CHU Pontchaillou; Université Européenne de Bretagne; Rennes France
- Service d'Anatomopathologie; CHU Pontchaillou; Rennes France
| | - V. Paumier
- Brittany Melanoma Network; GRoupe Ouest Mélanome (GROUM); Rennes France
- Laboratoire d'Anatomopathologie Atalante; Rennes France
| | - C. Lefeuvre-Plesse
- Service d'Oncologie Médicale; Centre Eugene Marquis; Rennes France
- Brittany Melanoma Network; GRoupe Ouest Mélanome (GROUM); Rennes France
| | - N. Rioux-Leclerc
- CHU Pontchaillou; Université Européenne de Bretagne; Rennes France
- Service d'Anatomopathologie; CHU Pontchaillou; Rennes France
| | - J. Mosser
- CHU Pontchaillou; Université Européenne de Bretagne; Rennes France
- CHU Pontchaillou; Service de Génétique Moléculaire et Génomique des Cancers; Rennes France
| | - E. Oger
- CHU Pontchaillou; Université Européenne de Bretagne; Rennes France
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques et Unité de Pharmacologie et de Pharmaco-épidémiologie; Rennes France
| | - H. Adamski
- Brittany Melanoma Network; GRoupe Ouest Mélanome (GROUM); Rennes France
- CHU Pontchaillou; Université Européenne de Bretagne; Rennes France
- CHU Pontchaillou; Service de Dermatologie; Rennes France
| | - M.-D. Galibert
- Brittany Melanoma Network; GRoupe Ouest Mélanome (GROUM); Rennes France
- Gene Expression and Oncogenesis Team; Institut de Génétique et Developement de Rennes; CNRS UMR6290; Rennes France
- CHU Pontchaillou; Université Européenne de Bretagne; Rennes France
| | - T. Lesimple
- Service d'Oncologie Médicale; Centre Eugene Marquis; Rennes France
- Brittany Melanoma Network; GRoupe Ouest Mélanome (GROUM); Rennes France
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28
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van Kempen LC, Redpath M, Robert C, Spatz A. Molecular pathology of cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma Manag 2014; 1:151-164. [PMID: 30190820 DOI: 10.2217/mmt.14.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is associated with strong prognostic phenotypic features, such as gender, Breslow's thickness and ulceration, although the biological significance of these variables is largely unknown. It is likely that these features are surrogates of important biological events rather than directly promoting cutaneous melanoma progression. In this article, we address the molecular mechanisms that drive these phenotypic changes. Furthermore, we present a comprehensive overview of recurrent genetic abnormalities, both germline and somatic, in relation to cutaneous melanoma subtypes, ultraviolet exposure and anatomical localization, as well as pre-existing and targeted therapy-induced mutations that may contribute to resistance. The increasing knowledge of critically important oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes is promoting a transition in melanoma diagnosis, in which single-gene testing will be replaced by multiplex and multidimensional analyses that combine classical histopathological characteristics with the molecular profile for the prognostication and selection of melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léon C van Kempen
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Margaret Redpath
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Robert
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute, Villejuif, Paris, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute, Villejuif, Paris, France
| | - Alan Spatz
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.,McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
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29
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Abstract
New drugs targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway have generated striking clinical response in melanoma therapy. From the discovery of BRAF mutation in melanoma in 2002, to the approval of first BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib for melanoma treatment by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2011, therapies targeting the MAPK pathway have been proven effective in less than a decade. The success of vemurafenib stimulated more intensive investigation of the molecular mechanisms of melanoma pathogenesis and development of new treatment strategies targeting specific molecules in MAPK pathway. Although selective BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors demonstrated improved overall survival of metastatic melanoma patients, limited duration or development of resistance to BRAF inhibitors have been reported. Patients with metastatic melanoma still face very poor prognosis and lack of clarified therapies. Studies and multiple clinical trials on more potent and selective small molecule inhibitory compounds to further improve the clinical effects and overcome drug resistance are underway. In this review, we analyzed the therapeutic potentials of each member of the MAPK signaling pathway, summarized important MAPK-inhibiting drugs, and discussed the promising combination treatment targeting multiple targets in melanoma therapy, which may overcome the drawbacks of current drugs treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabin Cheng
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, Research Pavilion, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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30
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van Engen-van Grunsven AC, Küsters-Vandevelde HV, De Hullu J, van Duijn LM, Rijntjes J, Bovée JV, Groenen PJ, Blokx WA. NRAS mutations are more prevalent than KIT mutations in melanoma of the female urogenital tract—A study of 24 cases from the Netherlands. Gynecol Oncol 2014; 134:10-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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31
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Etnyre D, Stone AL, Fong JT, Jacobs RJ, Uppada SB, Botting GM, Rajanna S, Moravec DN, Shambannagari MR, Crees Z, Girard J, Bertram C, Puri N. Targeting c-Met in melanoma: mechanism of resistance and efficacy of novel combinatorial inhibitor therapy. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:1129-41. [PMID: 24914950 PMCID: PMC4128856 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.29451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting c-Met are currently in clinical trials for several cancers. Their efficacy is limited due to the development of resistance. The present study aims to elucidate this mechanism of c-Met TKI resistance by investigating key mTOR and Wnt signaling proteins in melanoma cell lines resistant to SU11274, a c-Met TKI. Xenografts from RU melanoma cells treated with c-Met TKIs SU11274 and JNJ38877605 showed a 7- and 6-fold reduction in tumor size, respectively. Resistant cells displayed upregulation of phosphorylated c-Met, mTOR, p70S6Kinase, 4E-BP1, ERK, LRP6, and active β-catenin. In addition, GATA-6, a Wnt signaling regulator, was upregulated, and Axin, a negative regulator of the Wnt pathway, was downregulated in resistant cells. Modulation of these mTOR and Wnt pathway proteins was also prevented by combination treatment with SU11274, everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, and XAV939, a Wnt inhibitor. Treatment with everolimus, resulted in 56% growth inhibition, and a triple combination of SU11274, everolimus and XAV939, resulted in 95% growth inhibition in RU cells. The V600E BRAF mutation was found to be positive only in MU cells. Combination treatment with a c-Met TKI and a BRAF inhibitor displayed a synergistic effect in reducing MU cell viability. These studies indicate activation of mTOR and Wnt signaling pathways in c-Met TKI resistant melanoma cells and suggest that concurrent targeting of c-Met, mTOR, and Wnt pathways and BRAF may improve efficacy over traditional TKI monotherapy in melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deven Etnyre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Amanda L Stone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Jason T Fong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Ryan J Jacobs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Srijayaprakash B Uppada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Gregory M Botting
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Supriya Rajanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - David N Moravec
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Manohar R Shambannagari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Zachary Crees
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Jennifer Girard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Ceyda Bertram
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Neelu Puri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
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32
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Johnson DB, Smalley KSM, Sosman JA. Molecular pathways: targeting NRAS in melanoma and acute myelogenous leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:4186-92. [PMID: 24895460 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-3270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Successful targeting of specific oncogenic "driver" mutations with small-molecule inhibitors has represented a major advance in cancer therapeutics over the past 10 to 15 years. The most common activating oncogene in human malignancy, RAS (rat sarcoma), has proved to be an elusive target. Activating mutations in RAS induce mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT pathway signaling and drive malignant progression in up to 30% of cancers. Oncogenic NRAS mutations occur in several cancer types, notably melanoma, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and less commonly, colon adenocarcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, and other hematologic malignancies. Although NRAS-mutant tumors have been recalcitrant to targeted therapeutic strategies historically, newer agents targeting MAP/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1)/2 have recently shown signs of clinical efficacy as monotherapy. Combination strategies of MEK inhibitors with other targeted agents have strong preclinical support and are being evaluated in clinical trials. This review discusses the recent preclinical and clinical studies about the role of NRAS in cancer, with a focus on melanoma and AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Johnson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Keiran S M Smalley
- Departments of Molecular Oncology and Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jeffrey A Sosman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
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Wong SQ, Li J, Tan AYC, Vedururu R, Pang JMB, Do H, Ellul J, Doig K, Bell A, MacArthur GA, Fox SB, Thomas DM, Fellowes A, Parisot JP, Dobrovic A. Sequence artefacts in a prospective series of formalin-fixed tumours tested for mutations in hotspot regions by massively parallel sequencing. BMC Med Genomics 2014; 7:23. [PMID: 24885028 PMCID: PMC4032349 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-7-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical specimens undergoing diagnostic molecular pathology testing are fixed in formalin due to the necessity for detailed morphological assessment. However, formalin fixation can cause major issues with molecular testing, as it causes DNA damage such as fragmentation and non-reproducible sequencing artefacts after PCR amplification. In the context of massively parallel sequencing (MPS), distinguishing true low frequency variants from sequencing artefacts remains challenging. The prevalence of formalin-induced DNA damage and its impact on molecular testing and clinical genomics remains poorly understood. Methods The Cancer 2015 study is a population-based cancer cohort used to assess the feasibility of mutational screening using MPS in cancer patients from Victoria, Australia. While blocks were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded in different anatomical pathology laboratories, they were centrally extracted for DNA utilising the same protocol, and run through the same MPS platform (Illumina TruSeq Amplicon Cancer Panel). The sequencing artefacts in the 1-10% and the 10-25% allele frequency ranges were assessed in 488 formalin-fixed tumours from the pilot phase of the Cancer 2015 cohort. All blocks were less than 2.5 years of age (mean 93 days). Results Consistent with the signature of DNA damage due to formalin fixation, many formalin-fixed samples displayed disproportionate levels of C>T/G>A changes in the 1-10% allele frequency range. Artefacts were less apparent in the 10-25% allele frequency range. Significantly, changes were inversely correlated with coverage indicating high levels of sequencing artefacts were associated with samples with low amounts of available amplifiable template due to fragmentation. The degree of fragmentation and sequencing artefacts differed between blocks sourced from different anatomical pathology laboratories. In a limited validation of potentially actionable low frequency mutations, a NRAS G12D mutation in a melanoma was shown to be a false positive. Conclusions These findings indicate that DNA damage following formalin fixation remains a major challenge in laboratories working with MPS. Methodologies that assess, minimise or remove formalin-induced DNA damaged templates as part of MPS protocols will aid in the interpretation of genomic results leading to better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexander Dobrovic
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia.
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Tamim S, Vo DT, Uren PJ, Qiao M, Bindewald E, Kasprzak WK, Shapiro BA, Nakaya HI, Burns SC, Araujo PR, Nakano I, Radek AJ, Kuersten S, Smith AD, Penalva LOF. Genomic analyses reveal broad impact of miR-137 on genes associated with malignant transformation and neuronal differentiation in glioblastoma cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85591. [PMID: 24465609 PMCID: PMC3899048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
miR-137 plays critical roles in the nervous system and tumor development; an increase in its expression is required for neuronal differentiation while its reduction is implicated in gliomagenesis. To evaluate the potential of miR-137 in glioblastoma therapy, we conducted genome-wide target mapping in glioblastoma cells by measuring the level of association between PABP and mRNAs in cells transfected with miR-137 mimics vs. controls via RIPSeq. Impact on mRNA levels was also measured by RNASeq. By combining the results of both experimental approaches, 1468 genes were found to be negatively impacted by miR-137--among them, 595 (40%) contain miR-137 predicted sites. The most relevant targets include oncogenic proteins and key players in neurogenesis like c-KIT, YBX1, AKT2, CDC42, CDK6 and TGFβ2. Interestingly, we observed that several identified miR-137 targets are also predicted to be regulated by miR-124, miR-128 and miR-7, which are equally implicated in neuronal differentiation and gliomagenesis. We suggest that the concomitant increase of these four miRNAs in neuronal stem cells or their repression in tumor cells could produce a robust regulatory effect with major consequences to neuronal differentiation and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Tamim
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dat T. Vo
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Philip J. Uren
- Molecular and Computational Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Mei Qiao
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eckart Bindewald
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wojciech K. Kasprzak
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bruce A. Shapiro
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, California
| | - Helder I. Nakaya
- Department of Clinical Analyses and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suzanne C. Burns
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Patricia R. Araujo
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ichiro Nakano
- Department of Neurological Surgery, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Agnes J. Radek
- Epicentre (An Illumina Company), Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Scott Kuersten
- Epicentre (An Illumina Company), Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Smith
- Molecular and Computational Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Luiz O. F. Penalva
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
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Kudchadkar R, Gibney G, Sondak VK. Integrating molecular biomarkers into current clinical management in melanoma. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1102:27-42. [PMID: 24258972 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-727-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Personalized melanoma medicine has progressed from histopathologic features to serum markers to molecular profiles. Since the identification of activating BRAF mutations and subsequent development of drugs targeting the mutant BRAF protein, oncologists now need to incorporate prognostic and predictive biomarkers into treatment decisions for their melanoma patients. Examples include subgrouping patients by genotype profiles for targeted therapy and the development of serologic, immunohistochemical, and genotype profiles for the selection of patients for immunotherapies. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the current status of BRAF mutation testing, as well as promising serologic and molecular profiles that will impact patient care. As further research helps clarify the roles of these factors, the clinical outcomes of melanoma patients promise to be greatly improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragini Kudchadkar
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
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Perera E, Gnaneswaran N, Jennens R, Sinclair R. Malignant Melanoma. Healthcare (Basel) 2013; 2:1-19. [PMID: 27429256 PMCID: PMC4934490 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare2010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanomas are a major cause of premature death from cancer. The gradual decrease in rates of morbidity and mortality has occurred as a result of public health campaigns and improved rates of early diagnosis. Survival of melanoma has increased to over 90%. Management of melanoma involves a number of components: excision, tumor staging, re-excision with negative margins, adjuvant therapies (chemo, radiation or surgery), treatment of stage IV disease, follow-up examination for metastasis, lifestyle modification and counseling. Sentinel lymph node status is an important prognostic factor for survival in patients with a melanoma >1 mm. However, sentinel lymph node biopsies have received partial support due to the limited data regarding the survival advantage of complete lymph node dissection when a micrometastasis is detected in the lymph nodes. Functional mutations in the mitogen-activated pathways are commonly detected in melanomas and these influence the growth control. Therapies that target these pathways are rapidly emerging, and are being shown to increase survival rates in patients. Access to these newer agents can be gained by participation in clinical trials after referral to a multidisciplinary team for staging and re-excision of the scar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshini Perera
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne University, Victoria 3010, Australia.
- Epworth Dermatology, Suite 5.1, 32 Erin St, Richmond, Victoria 3121, Australia.
| | - Neiraja Gnaneswaran
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne University, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Ross Jennens
- Epworth Healthcare, 32 Erin St, Richmond, Victoria 3121, Australia.
| | - Rodney Sinclair
- Epworth Dermatology, Suite 5.1, 32 Erin St, Richmond, Victoria 3121, Australia.
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Making a mountain out of a molehill: NRAS, mosaicism, and large congenital nevi. J Invest Dermatol 2013; 133:2127-30. [PMID: 23949765 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Linking phenotypic patterns of melanocytic neoplasia to specific gene mutations allows more precise predicting of clinical behavior and response to targeted therapy. In this issue, Kinsler et al. provide evidence that multiple congenital nevi with central nervous system lesions are likely exclusively the result of mosaic mutations in NRAS. We discuss the link between mosaic NRAS mutations, cellular senescence, and clinical phenotype in these nevi.
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Bello DM, Ariyan CE, Carvajal RD. Melanoma Mutagenesis and Aberrant Cell Signaling. Cancer Control 2013; 20:261-81. [DOI: 10.1177/107327481302000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M. Bello
- Department of Surgery Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Charlotte E. Ariyan
- Department of Surgery Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard D. Carvajal
- Department of Medical Oncology Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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40
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Ray M, Farma JM, Hsu C. Translational research in melanoma. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2013; 22:785-804. [PMID: 24012399 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2013.06.009] [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: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of melanoma have culminated in new therapies with unquestionable efficacy. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy strategies have completely transformed the contemporary management of advanced melanoma. The translational research behind these developments is discussed, with an emphasis on immune checkpoint blockade and inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhury Ray
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Mar VJ, Wong SQ, Li J, Scolyer RA, McLean C, Papenfuss AT, Tothill RW, Kakavand H, Mann GJ, Thompson JF, Behren A, Cebon JS, Wolfe R, Kelly JW, Dobrovic A, McArthur GA. BRAF/NRAS wild-type melanomas have a high mutation load correlating with histologic and molecular signatures of UV damage. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:4589-98. [PMID: 23833303 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-0398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The mutation load in melanoma is generally high compared with other tumor types due to extensive UV damage. Translation of exome sequencing data into clinically relevant information is therefore challenging. This study sought to characterize mutations identified in primary cutaneous melanomas and correlate these with clinicopathologic features. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN DNA was extracted from 34 fresh-frozen primary cutaneous melanomas and matched peripheral blood. Tumor histopathology was reviewed by two dermatopathologists. Exome sequencing was conducted and mutation rates were correlated with age, sex, tumor site, and histopathologic variables. Differences in mutations between categories of solar elastosis, pigmentation, and BRAF/NRAS mutational status were investigated. RESULTS The average mutation rate was 12 per megabase, similar to published results in metastases. The average mutation rate in severely sun damaged (SSD) skin was 21 per Mb compared with 3.8 per Mb in non-SSD skin (P=0.001). BRAF/NRAS wild-type (WT) tumors had a higher average mutation rate compared with BRAF/NRAS-mutant tumors (27 vs. 5.6 mutations per Mb; P=0.0001). Tandem CC>TT/GG>AA mutations comprised 70% of all dinucleotide substitutions and were more common in tumors arising in SSD skin (P=0.0008) and in BRAF/NRAS WT tumors (P=0.0007). Targetable and potentially targetable mutations in WT tumors, including NF1, KIT, and NOTCH1, were spread over various signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Melanomas arising in SSD skin have higher mutation loads and contain a spectrum of molecular subtypes compared with BRAF- and NRAS-mutant tumors indicating multigene screening approaches and combination therapies may be required for management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J Mar
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Oncogenic Signaling and Growth Control Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia
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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: 54] [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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Li Z, Zhang Y, Ramanujan K, Ma Y, Kirsch DG, Glass DJ. Oncogenic NRAS, required for pathogenesis of embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma, relies upon the HMGA2-IGF2BP2 pathway. Cancer Res 2013; 73:3041-50. [PMID: 23536553 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-3947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is the most common soft-tissue tumor in children. Here, we report the identification of the minor groove DNA-binding factor high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) as a driver of ERMS development. HMGA2 was highly expressed in normal myoblasts and ERMS cells, where its expression was essential to maintain cell proliferation, survival in vitro, and tumor outgrowth in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that upregulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) mRNA-binding protein IGF2BP2 was critical for HMGA2 action. In particular, IGF2BP2 was essential for mRNA and protein stability of NRAS, a frequently mutated gene in ERMS. shRNA-mediated attenuation of NRAS or pharmacologic inhibition of the MAP-ERK kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) effector pathway showed that NRAS and NRAS-mediated signaling was required for tumor maintenance. Taken together, these findings implicate the HMGA2-IGFBP2-NRAS signaling pathway as a critical oncogenic driver in ERMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhong Li
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Immunohistochemical Analysis of BRAFV600E Expression of Primary and Metastatic Melanoma and Comparison With Mutation Status and Melanocyte Differentiation Antigens of Metastatic Lesions. Am J Surg Pathol 2013; 37:413-20. [DOI: 10.1097/pas.0b013e318271249e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Combined targeting of MEK and PI3K/mTOR effector pathways is necessary to effectively inhibit NRAS mutant melanoma in vitro and in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:4015-20. [PMID: 23431193 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1216013110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in the neuroblastoma rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) gene are common genetic events in malignant melanoma being found in 15-25% of cases. NRAS is thought to activate both mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K signaling in melanoma cells. We studied the influence of different components on the MAP/extracellular signal-regulated (ERK) kinase (MEK) and PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-signaling cascade in NRAS mutant melanoma cells. In general, these cells were more sensitive to MEK inhibition compared with inhibition in the PI3K/mTOR cascade. Combined targeting of MEK and PI3K was superior to MEK and mTOR1,2 inhibition in all NRAS mutant melanoma cell lines tested, suggesting that PI3K signaling is more important for cell survival in NRAS mutant melanoma when MEK is inhibited. However, targeting of PI3K/mTOR1,2 in combination with MEK inhibitors is necessary to effectively abolish growth of NRAS mutant melanoma cells in vitro and regress xenografted NRAS mutant melanoma. Furthermore, we showed that MEK and PI3K/mTOR1,2 inhibition is synergistic. Expression analysis confirms that combined MEK and PI3K/mTOR1,2 inhibition predominantly influences genes in the rat sarcoma (RAS) pathway and growth factor receptor pathways, which signal through MEK/ERK and PI3K/mTOR, respectively. Our results suggest that combined targeting of the MEK/ERK and PI3K/mTOR pathways has antitumor activity and might serve as a therapeutic option in the treatment of NRAS mutant melanoma, for which there are currently no effective therapies.
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Mehnert JM, Kluger HM. Driver mutations in melanoma: lessons learned from bench-to-bedside studies. Curr Oncol Rep 2013; 14:449-57. [PMID: 22723080 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-012-0249-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The identification of somatic driver mutations in human samples has allowed for the development of a molecular classification for melanoma. Recent breakthroughs in the treatment of metastatic melanoma have arisen as a result of these significant new insights into the molecular biology of the disease, particularly the development of inhibitors of activating BRAF(V600E) mutations. In this article the roles of several mutations known to be involved in the malignant transformation of melanocytes are reviewed including BRAF, PTEN, NRAS, ckit, and p16 as well as some of the emerging mutations in cutaneous and uveal melanoma. The bench to bedside collaborations that resulted in these discoveries are summarized, and potential therapeutic strategies to target driver mutations in specific patient subsets are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Mehnert
- The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street Rm 5543, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.
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McArthur GA, Ribas A. Targeting oncogenic drivers and the immune system in melanoma. J Clin Oncol 2012; 31:499-506. [PMID: 23248252 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.45.5568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in Western countries but has defied the trend of reductions in age-adjusted mortality observed in most other cancers in recent years. Biologically, melanoma is characterized by a high propensity to metastasize at low tumor volumes necessitating the need for effective drug therapies to support efforts in prevention and early detection for reducing mortality. Efforts to study the clinical biology of melanoma have led to a new understanding of the disease, with genomic studies identifying several targetable oncogenes, in particular the protein kinases BRAF and KIT. Biologic studies have also identified a variety of immunologic targets, including the programmed death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitory molecules expressed on T lymphocytes. After several decades of clinical trials that failed to demonstrate improvement in overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma, small molecule inhibitors of BRAF or MEK and inhibition of CTLA-4 can improve survival in patients with advanced disease. These early clinical studies have provided a great opportunity to improve mortality in melanoma with the significant potential of combinations of signaling inhibitors or signaling inhibitors combined with immunologic agents, particularly when used in the adjuvant setting, and to transform the care of patients with this most challenging of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant A McArthur
- Division of Cancer Medicine and Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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49
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Orgaz JL, Sanz-Moreno V. Emerging molecular targets in melanoma invasion and metastasis. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2012; 26:39-57. [PMID: 23095214 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic cutaneous melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths due to its aggressiveness and high resistance to current therapies. To efficiently metastasize, invasive melanoma cells need to change their cytoskeletal organization and alter contacts with the extracellular matrix and the surrounding stromal cells. Melanoma cells can use different migratory strategies depending on varying environments to exit the primary tumour mass and invade surrounding and later distant tissues. In this review, we have focused on tumour cell plasticity or the interconvertibility that melanoma cells have as one of the factors that contribute to melanoma metastasis. This has been an area of very intense research in the last 5 yr yielding a vast number of findings. We have therefore reviewed all the possible clinical opportunities that this new knowledge offers to both stratify and treat cutaneous malignant melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Orgaz
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
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