1
|
Rahim NS, Wu YS, Sim MS, Velaga A, Bonam SR, Gopinath SCB, Subramaniyan V, Choy KW, Teow SY, Fareez IM, Samudi C, Sekaran SD, Sekar M, Guad RM. Three Members of Transmembrane-4-Superfamily, TM4SF1, TM4SF4, and TM4SF5, as Emerging Anticancer Molecular Targets against Cancer Phenotypes and Chemoresistance. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16010110. [PMID: 36678607 PMCID: PMC9867095 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
There are six members of the transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) that have similar topology and sequence homology. Physiologically, they regulate tissue differentiation, signal transduction pathways, cellular activation, proliferation, motility, adhesion, and angiogenesis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated, among six TM4SF members, the regulatory roles of transmembrane 4 L6 domain family members, particularly TM4SF1, TM4SF4, and TM4SF5, in cancer angiogenesis, progression, and chemoresistance. Hence, targeting derailed TM4SF for cancer therapy has become an emerging research area. As compared to others, this review aimed to present a focused insight and update on the biological roles of TM4SF1, TM4SF4, and TM4SF5 in the progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance of various cancers. Additionally, the mechanistic pathways, diagnostic and prognostic values, and the potential and efficacy of current anti-TM4SF antibody treatment were also deciphered. It also recommended the exploration of other interactive molecules to be implicated in cancer progression and chemoresistance, as well as potential therapeutic agents targeting TM4SF as future perspectives. Generally, these three TM4SF members interact with different integrins and receptors to significantly induce intracellular signaling and regulate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Intriguingly, gene silencing or anti-TM4SF antibody could reverse their regulatory roles deciphered in different preclinical models. They also have prognostic and diagnostic value as their high expression was detected in clinical tissues and cells of various cancers. Hence, TM4SF1, TM4SF4, and TM4SF5 are promising therapeutic targets for different cancer types preclinically and deserve further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nur Syafiqah Rahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, Arau 02600, Malaysia
- Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Malaysia
| | - Yuan Seng Wu
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (Y.S.W.); (R.M.G.)
| | - Maw Shin Sim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Appalaraju Velaga
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Subash C. B. Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Arau 02600, Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Kangar 01000, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence (CoE), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, Arau 02600, Malaysia
| | - Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia
| | - Ker Woon Choy
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh 47000, Malaysia
| | - Sin-Yeang Teow
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, 88 Daxue Road, Quhai, Wenzhou 325060, China
| | - Ismail M. Fareez
- Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Malaysia
- School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Shah Alam Campus, 40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Chandramathi Samudi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Shamala Devi Sekaran
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Mahendran Sekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh 30450, Malaysia
| | - Rhanye Mac Guad
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (Y.S.W.); (R.M.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zaharie MGO, Radu N, Pirvu L, Bostan M, Voicescu M, Begea M, Constantin M, Voaides C, Babeanu N, Roman V. Studies Regarding the Pharmaceutical Potential of Derivative Products from Plantain. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1827. [PMID: 35890460 PMCID: PMC9321672 DOI: 10.3390/plants11141827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, three types of extracts isolated from leaves of Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) were tested for their chemical content and biological activities. The three bioproducts are combinations of polysaccharides and polyphenols (flavonoids and iridoidic compounds), and they were tested for antioxidant, antifungal, antitumor, and prebiotic activity (particularly for polysaccharides fraction). Briefly, the iridoid-enriched fraction has revealed a pro-oxidant activity, while the flavonoid-enriched fraction had a high antioxidant potency; the polysaccharide fraction also indicated a pro-oxidant activity, explained by the co-presence of iridoid glycosides. All three bioproducts demonstrated moderate antifungal effects against Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and dermatophytes, too. Studies in vitro proved inhibitory activity of the three fractions on the leukemic tumor cell line THP-1, the main mechanism being apoptosis stimulation, while the polysaccharide fraction indicated a clear prebiotic activity, in the concentration range between 1 and 1000 µg/mL, evaluated as higher than that of the reference products used, inulin and dextrose, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilena-Gabriela Olteanu Zaharie
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Boulevard, 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-G.O.Z.); (C.V.); (N.B.)
| | - Nicoleta Radu
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Boulevard, 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-G.O.Z.); (C.V.); (N.B.)
- Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Chemistry and Petrochemistry R & D of Bucharest, 202 Splaiul Independentei Street, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Lucia Pirvu
- Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Chemical Pharmaceutical R & D, 112 Vitan Road, 031299 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marinela Bostan
- Institute of Virology Stefan S. Nicolau, Center of Immunology, 285 Mihai Bravu Avenue, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.B.); (V.R.)
- Immunology Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Voicescu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry Ilie Murgulescu, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Begea
- Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060026 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Constantin
- Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Chemistry and Petrochemistry R & D of Bucharest, 202 Splaiul Independentei Street, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Titu Maiorescu, 178 Calea Vacaresti, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalina Voaides
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Boulevard, 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-G.O.Z.); (C.V.); (N.B.)
| | - Narcisa Babeanu
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Boulevard, 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-G.O.Z.); (C.V.); (N.B.)
| | - Viviana Roman
- Institute of Virology Stefan S. Nicolau, Center of Immunology, 285 Mihai Bravu Avenue, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.B.); (V.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Role of ATRA, Natural Ligand of Retinoic Acid Receptors, on EMT-Related Proteins in Breast Cancer: Minireview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413345. [PMID: 34948142 PMCID: PMC8705994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The knowledge of the structure, function, and abundance of specific proteins related to the EMT process is essential for developing effective diagnostic approaches to cancer with the perspective of diagnosis and therapy of malignancies. The success of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) differentiation therapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia has stimulated studies in the treatment of other tumors with ATRA. This review will discuss the impact of ATRA use, emphasizing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins in breast cancer, of which metastasis and recurrence are major causes of death.
Collapse
|
4
|
Dobre EG, Constantin C, Costache M, Neagu M. Interrogating Epigenome toward Personalized Approach in Cutaneous Melanoma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:901. [PMID: 34575678 PMCID: PMC8467841 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations have emerged as essential contributors in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including cutaneous melanoma (CM). Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic modifications are highly dynamic and reversible and thus easy to regulate. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the latest research findings on the role of genetic and epigenetic alterations in CM initiation and development. We believe that a better understanding of how aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications, along with other molecular processes, affect the genesis and clinical behavior of CM can provide the clinical management of this disease a wide range of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets that can be used to prevent or abrogate drug resistance. We will also approach the modalities by which these epigenetic alterations can be used to customize the therapeutic algorithms in CM, the current status of epi-therapies, and the preliminary results of epigenetic and traditional combinatorial pharmacological approaches in this fatal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (M.N.)
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marieta Costache
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (M.N.)
| | - Monica Neagu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (M.N.)
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tampa M, Georgescu SR, Mitran MI, Mitran CI, Matei C, Caruntu A, Scheau C, Nicolae I, Matei A, Caruntu C, Constantin C, Neagu M. Current Perspectives on the Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Pathogenesis of Basal Cell Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060903. [PMID: 34204372 PMCID: PMC8235174 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy, which rarely metastasizes but has a great ability to infiltrate and invade the surrounding tissues. One of the molecular players involved in the metastatic process are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are enzymes that can degrade various components of the extracellular matrix. In the skin, the expression of MMPs is increased in response to various stimuli, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, one of the main factors involved in the development of BCC. By modulating various processes that are linked to tumor growth, such as invasion and angiogenesis, MMPs have been associated with UV-related carcinogenesis. The sources of MMPs are multiple, as they can be released by both neoplastic and tumor microenvironment cells. Inhibiting the action of MMPs could be a useful therapeutic option in BCC management. In this review that reunites the latest advances in this domain, we discuss the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis and evolution of BCC, as molecules involved in tumor aggressiveness and risk of recurrence, in order to offer a fresh and updated perspective on this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mircea Tampa
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.T.); (C.M.)
- Department of Dermatology, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Simona Roxana Georgescu
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.T.); (C.M.)
- Department of Dermatology, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: (S.R.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Madalina Irina Mitran
- Department of Microbiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.I.M.); (C.I.M.)
| | - Cristina Iulia Mitran
- Department of Microbiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.I.M.); (C.I.M.)
| | - Clara Matei
- Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Ana Caruntu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (S.R.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Cristian Scheau
- Department of Physiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (A.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Ilinca Nicolae
- Department of Dermatology, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Andreea Matei
- Department of Physiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (A.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.S.); (A.M.); (C.C.)
- Department of Dermatology, Prof. N.C. Paulescu National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (M.N.)
- Department of Pathology, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest 020125, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Immunology Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (M.N.)
- Department of Pathology, Colentina University Hospital, Bucharest 020125, Romania
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 76201, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Resveratrol Modulation of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Response to Cisplatin in Head and Neck Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126322. [PMID: 34204834 PMCID: PMC8231609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In head and neck cancers, the effectiveness of cisplatin (CisPt) treatment is limited by its toxicity, especially when higher doses are necessary, and the possible occurrence of cisplatin resistance. This study evaluated the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on the expression of different genes involved in the response of human tumor cells (FaDu, PE/CA-PJ49) to cisplatin therapy. Our results revealed that RSV induced apoptosis amplification in both FaDu and PE/CA-PJ49 cells and modulated the expression of specific genes differently than in normal HaCaT cells. In FaDu cells, combined CisPt + RSV treatment induced an increase in apoptosis, which was associated with an increase in c-MYC and TP53 and a decrease in BCL-2 expression. While CisPt + RSV treatment induced apoptosis in PE/CA-PJ49 cells by inhibition of BCL-2 associated with high levels of MDM-2 and subsequently led to inhibition of TP53 gene expression. Decreased c-MYC expression in PE/CA-PJ49 treated with CisPt + RSV was accompanied by cell cycle blockage in G0/G1 phase. In conclusion, RSV influences tumor cell response to CisPt by inducing apoptosis and modulating gene expression. In addition, in normal HaCaT cells, RSV was able to reduce the harmful effects of CisPt.
Collapse
|
7
|
Leng X, Liu G, Wang S, Song J, Zhang W, Zhang X, Rong L, Ma Y, Song F. LINC01272 Promotes Migration and Invasion of Gastric Cancer Cells via EMT. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:3401-3410. [PMID: 32368096 PMCID: PMC7184168 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s242073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common tumor in the world, and most patients with GC have a poor prognosis. This study aimed to explore the biological influence and mechanism of LINC01272 in GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using bioinformatic analyses, we investigated the expression of LINC01272 in TCGA database and predicted the biological functions and mechanism of LINC01272 in GC. Then, we detected the expression of LINC01272 in GC cell lines, GC tissues, and corresponding normal tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Finally, we explored the migration and invasion ability of LINC01272 by wound-healing and Transwell assays and examined the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins through Western blotting. RESULTS We found that LINC01272 was upregulated in GC and was associated with GC staging and lymph node metastasis. The results of wound-healing and Transwell assays revealed that the LINC01272 was closely related to GC cell migration and invasion. LINC01272 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion ability of GC cells by reducing the expression of EMT-related proteins. Overexpression of LINC01272 had the opposite effect. CONCLUSION Together, our results showed that LINC01272 promoted GC metastasis ability by regulating the expression of EMT-related proteins and could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Leng
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Geli Liu
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sen Wang
- Laboratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College, Shandong, 272029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Song
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Basic Medical School of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wanfeng Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Basic Medical School of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Rong
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, 400036, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongping Ma
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fangzhou Song
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing400016, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Neagu M, Constantin C, Cretoiu SM, Zurac S. miRNAs in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Skin Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:71. [PMID: 32185171 PMCID: PMC7058916 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer is, at present, the most common type of malignancy in the Caucasian population. Its incidence has increased rapidly in the last decade for both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Differential expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported for a variety of different cancers, including skin cancers. Since miRNAs’ discovery as regulators of gene expression, their importance grew in the field of oncology. miRNAs can post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression, tumor initiation, development progression, and aggressiveness. Nowadays, these short regulatory RNAs are perceived as one of the epigenetic markers for the identification of new diagnostic and/or prognostic molecular markers. Moreover, as miRNAs can drive tumorigenesis, they might eventually represent new therapy targets. Some miRNAs are pleiotropic, such as miR-214, which was found deregulated in several other tumors besides skin cancers. Some others are specific for one or more skin cancer types, like miR-21 and miR-221 for cutaneous melanoma and cutaneous squamous carcinoma or miR-155 for melanoma and cutaneous lymphoma. The goal of this review was to summarize some of the main miRNA detection technologies that are used to evaluate miRNAs in tissues and body fluids. Furthermore, their quantification limits, conformity, and robustness are discussed. Aberrant miRNA expression is analyzed for cutaneous melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), skin lymphomas, cutaneous lymphoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In this type of disease, miRNAs are described as potential biomarkers to diagnose early lesion and/or early metastatic disease. In the future, whether in tissue or circulating in body fluids, miRNAs will gain their place in skin cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and future therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Neagu
- Immunology Laboratory, "Victor Babeş" National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Doctoral School, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Pathology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Laboratory, "Victor Babeş" National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Pathology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sanda Maria Cretoiu
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology and Histology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sabina Zurac
- Department of Pathology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|