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Malekan M, Haass NK, Rokni GR, Gholizadeh N, Ebrahimzadeh MA, Kazeminejad A. VEGF/VEGFR axis and its signaling in melanoma: Current knowledge toward therapeutic targeting agents and future perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 345:122563. [PMID: 38508233 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122563] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is responsible for most skin cancer-associated deaths globally. The progression of melanoma is influenced by a number of pathogenic processes. Understanding the VEGF/VEGFR axis, which includes VEGF-A, PlGF, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D and their receptors, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, is of great importance in melanoma due to its crucial role in angiogenesis. This axis generates multifactorial and complex cellular signaling, engaging the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, PKC, PLC-γ, and FAK signaling pathways. Melanoma cell growth and proliferation, migration and metastasis, survival, and acquired resistance to therapy are influenced by this axis. The VEGF/VEGFR axis was extensively examined for their potential as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in melanoma patients and results showed that VEGF overexpression can be associated with unfavorable prognosis, higher level of tumor invasion and poor response to therapy. MicroRNAs linking to the VEGF/VEGFR axis were identified and, in this review, divided into two categories according to their functions, some of them promote melanoma angiogenesis (promotive group) and some restrict melanoma angiogenesis (protective group). In addition, the approach of treating melanoma by targeting the VEGF/VEGFR axis has garnered significant interest among researchers. These agents can be divided into two main groups: anti-VEGF and VEGFR inhibitors. These therapeutic options may be a prominent step along with the modern targeting and immune therapies for better coverage of pathological processes leading to melanoma progression and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Malekan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | | | - Ghasem Rahmatpour Rokni
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nasim Gholizadeh
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Armaghan Kazeminejad
- Department of Dermatology, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences,Sari, Iran
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Pawlik VE, Sonntag SR, Grisanti S, Tura A, Kakkassery V, Ranjbar M. Impact of Nintedanib and Anti-Angiogenic Agents on Uveal Melanoma Cell Behavior. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:30. [PMID: 38381412 PMCID: PMC10893901 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.2.30] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the direct impact of the combined angiokinase inhibitor nintedanib as well as the anti-angiogenic agents ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and aflibercept on the primary uveal melanoma (UM) cell line Mel270 and liver metastasis UM cell line OMM2.5. Methods The metabolic activity, viability, and oxidative stress levels were analyzed by the Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT), LIVE/DEAD, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. Expression of intracellular VEGF-A165 and VEGF receptor-2 was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The secretion of VEGF-A165 into the cell culture supernatants was evaluated by VEGF-A165 ELISA. Results Nintedanib, at a concentration of 1 µg/mL, resulted in a median reduction of metabolic activity (for Mel270 of approximately 38% and for OMM2.5 of 46% compared to the untreated control) without exerting toxicity in either cell line, whereas the other 3 substances did not result in any changes (which also means that none of the 4 substances led to an increased cell death). Moreover, nintedanib (1 µg/mL) induced oxidative stress in the Mel270 by approximately 1.2 to 1.5-fold compared to the untreated control, but not the OMM2.5 cells. Conclusions Nintedanib could suppress the growth of UM cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The metastatic UM cell line OMM2.5 was not sensitive to the pro-oxidant activity of nintedanib. This study was the first to investigate nintedanib in the context of UM. We propose further investigation of this substance to elucidate its effects on this tumor entity with the hope of identifying advantageous therapeutic options for future adjuvant tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera E. Pawlik
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | - Aysegül Tura
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Mahdy Ranjbar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Molecular effects of genistein, as a potential anticancer agent, on CXCR-4 and VEGF pathway in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4161-4170. [PMID: 35608747 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07163-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the angiogenic mediators that can be secreted by leukemic cells and plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Another important agent contributing to the relapse of ALL is C-X-C chemokine receptor type-4 (CXCR-4), expression of this receptor in cancer cells has been related to metastasis. It has been identified that genistein-a soy-derived isoflavonoid-has anti-angiogenesis functions. We aimed to show the effects of this compound on VEGF and CXCR-4 in Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell models. METHODS AND RESULTS The cytotoxicity of Genistein was measured using the MTS colorimetric assay. After being treated with Genistein, the expression of VEGF in mRNA and protein levels was measured in MOLT-4 and Jurkat cells. We also used flow cytometry assay to determine the expression of CXCR-4 in cell surfaces. We found that Genistein decreased cell viability in two cell models while was more effective on MOLT-4 cells. After Genistein-treatment, surface expression levels of CXCR-4 were decreased, while VEGF secretion and mRNA expression levels were increased in MOLT-4 and Jurkat cells. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that Genistein may not be a reliable choice for the treatment of ALL; however, this different identified pattern can be useful for the recognition of VEGF and CXCR-4 modulators and thus for planning new treatments for leukemia and other VEGF related disorders.
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Alimohammadi M, Rahimi A, Faramarzi F, Alizadeh-Navaei R, Rafiei A. Overexpression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 predicts lymph node metastatic risk in patients with melanoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cytokine 2021; 148:155691. [PMID: 34464923 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CXCR4 is a member of CXC-type and G protein-coupled receptors that can conduce many biological processes, including hemostasis, migration, and adhesion of different types of immune cells. Also, the contribution of CXCR4 in metastasis cascade and development of various malignancies has been addressed in previous reports. This meta-analysis was performed to explore whether the CXCR4 expression affects prognosis and clinicopathologic features in melanoma cancer. Our study involved 656 melanoma patients from 13 reports by detailed literature search from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to April 2021. To evaluate the association between CXCR4 expression and clinicopathological features of melanoma, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) with its 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We indicated that the CXCR4 overexpression was obviously correlated with ulceration (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.74; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.999), tumor thickness (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.74; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.999) and lymph node metastasis (OR = 8.54, 95% CI: 1.04 to 16.04; I2 = 98.9, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, our results reveal that CXCR4 is involved in enhancing the progression and metastasis of melanoma, and further clinical studies are necessary to investigate the role of CXCR4 as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker through the progress of melanoma cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Alimohammadi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Rahimi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faramarzi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Alizadeh-Navaei
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Alireza Rafiei
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Myakoshina EB, Kulikova IG, Balatskaya NV, Katargina LA, Saakyan SV. [The role of CXC and CC chemokines in patients with uveal melanoma]. Vestn Oftalmol 2021; 137:31-37. [PMID: 34410054 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma202113704131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is a malignant neoplasm with high metastatic potential; its pathogenesis is currently being studied. Chemokines play a key role not only in the inflammatory response, but also in enhancing angiogenesis, tumor invasiveness, increasing proliferative potential and metastasis. PURPOSE To study the role of chemokines of classes CXC and CC in blood serum and tear fluid of patients with uveal melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 118 people aged 53.7±12.2 years, among them 80 patients with uveal melanoma and 38 healthy donors. Group 1 included 32 patients with small tumors, group 2 (medium-sized tumors) - 26 patients; group 3 (large tumors) was comprised of 22 patients. Chemokines of classes CC (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CCL5/RANTES, CCL11/Eotaxin) and CXC (CXCL1/GRO-α, CXCL8/IL-8, CXCL10/IP-10, CXCL12/SDF-1α) were determined by multiplex analysis of the blood serum and tear fluid. Statistical processing: Student's t-test, Fisher criteria, and Pierson's chi-squared test (χ2), differences were considered significant at p<0.05. RESULTS Significantly increased level of chemokines with pro-inflammatory (CCL5/RANTES), proliferative (CXCL10/IP-10) and pro-angiogenic (CXCL12/SDF-1α) effects was found in the blood serum of patients with small-sized uveal melanoma in comparison with healthy donors. Concentration of all studied pro-inflammatory, proliferative, and pro-angiogenic chemokines in the lacrimal fluid was found to be significantly elevated in both the affected and the paired "healthy" eyes in all 3 groups of patients, with the maximum content seen in the large tumor group. CONCLUSION The obtained data indicates that early local and systemic immune imbalance can be observed in uveal melanoma, and detection of chemokines can serve as a good reason for developing targeted therapy for small uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Myakoshina
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - I G Kulikova
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - N V Balatskaya
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - L A Katargina
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - S V Saakyan
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
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Ortega MA, Fraile-Martínez O, García-Honduvilla N, Coca S, Álvarez-Mon M, Buján J, Teus MA. Update on uveal melanoma: Translational research from biology to clinical practice (Review). Int J Oncol 2020; 57:1262-1279. [PMID: 33173970 PMCID: PMC7646582 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common type of intraocular cancer with a low mean annual incidence of 5‑10 cases per million. Tumours are located in the choroid (90%), ciliary body (6%) or iris (4%) and of 85% are primary tumours. As in cutaneous melanoma, tumours arise in melanocytes; however, the characteristics of uveal melanoma differ, accounting for 3‑5% of melanocytic cancers. Among the numerous risk factors are age, sex, genetic and phenotypic predisposition, the work environment and dermatological conditions. Management is usually multidisciplinary, including several specialists such as ophthalmologists, oncologists and maxillofacial surgeons, who participate in the diagnosis, treatment and complex follow‑up of these patients, without excluding the management of the immense emotional burden. Clinically, uveal melanoma generates symptoms that depend as much on the affected ocular globe site as on the tumour size. The anatomopathological study of uveal melanoma has recently benefited from developments in molecular biology. In effect, disease classification or staging according to molecular profile is proving useful for the assessment of this type of tumour. Further, the improved knowledge of tumour biology is giving rise to a more targeted approach to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment development; for example, epigenetics driven by microRNAs as a target for disease control. In the present study, the main epidemiological, clinical, physiopathological and molecular features of this disease are reviewed, and the associations among all these factors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid (CUD-ACD), 28047 Madrid
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
| | - Natalio García-Honduvilla
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid (CUD-ACD), 28047 Madrid
| | - Santiago Coca
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid (CUD-ACD), 28047 Madrid
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid (CUD-ACD), 28047 Madrid
- Internal and Oncology Service (CIBER-EHD), University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid
| | - Julia Buján
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid (CUD-ACD), 28047 Madrid
| | - Miguel A. Teus
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid
- Ophthalmology Service, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, 28805 Madrid, Spain
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Wang P, Yang X, Zhou N, Wang J, Li Y, Liu Y, Xu X, Wei W. Identifying a Potential Key Gene, TIMP1, Associated with Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma by Weight Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:11923-11934. [PMID: 33239893 PMCID: PMC7682792 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s280435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Uveal melanoma (UM) is a primary intraocular tumor in adults, with a high percentage of metastases to the liver. Identifying potential key genes may provide information for early detection and prognosis of UM metastasis. Patients and Methods Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the GSE22138 dataset. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to construct co-expression modules. Functional enrichment analysis was performed for DEGs and genes of key modules. Hub genes were screened by co-expression network and protein–protein interaction network (PPI), and validated by survival analysis in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the potential metastasis mechanism of UM. Transient transfection was used to investigate the effect of TIMP1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of UM cells. Results In total, 552 DEGs were identified between primary and metastatic UM and mainly enriched in extracellular matrix, cellular senescence and focal adhesion pathway. A weighted gene co‑expression network was built to identify key gene modules associated with UM metastasis (n=36). The turquoise module is positively correlated with metastasis and genes in this module were mainly enriched in peptidyl-tyrosine autophosphorylation and regulation of organ growth. The hub gene TIMP1 was screened out by co-expression network and PPI analysis. High expression of TIMP1 was related to p53 pathway by GSEA and short overall survival time. Experimental results indicated that overexpression of TIMP1 inhibited the proliferation and migration, while it had no significant effect on invasion of UM cells. Conclusion Our study indicates that TIMP1 might be associated with metastasis in UM, which might have important significance for identifying patients with high risk of metastasis and predicting the prognosis of UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Zhou
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyuan Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueming Liu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolin Xu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China
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Russo D, Di Crescenzo RM, Broggi G, Merolla F, Martino F, Varricchio S, Ilardi G, Borzillo A, Carandente R, Pignatiello S, Mascolo M, Caltabiano R, Staibano S. Expression of P16INK4a in Uveal Melanoma: New Perspectives. Front Oncol 2020; 10:562074. [PMID: 33154942 PMCID: PMC7590828 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.562074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular tumor in adults. Despite sharing the name and similar morphological features with cutaneous melanoma (CM), it is an entirely different neoplasia with a particular genetic background and clinical behavior. CDKN2A is a gene located at chromosome 9p21, encoding for P16INK4a and P14(ARF) proteins, whose role as a tumor suppressor has been clearly defined in many malignant tumors. CDKN2A frequently presents germline mutations in familial CM and epigenetic downregulation in a considerable percentage of sporadic CM. It has been hypothesized that CDKN2A alterations are early events in CM development, playing a central role in the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Alterations of the CDKN2A gene reduce the expression of P16INK4a in most CM subtypes. Immunohistochemical evaluation of P16INK4a is currently used, in association with Ki67 and HMB45, in pathology practice to discriminate between dysplastic nevi and melanoma. On the other hand, CKDN2A is rarely mutated in UM, and the immunohistochemical expression of P16INK4a has only been reported in small case series. We tested P16INK4a expression on paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 9 tissue microarrays (TMAs), built with 2 mm cores derived from 133 uveal melanoma FFPE blocks, collected from 1990 to 2018, and from selected paraffin-blocks of 3 UM liver metastases. The immunohistochemical expression of P16INK4a was assessed with a visual evaluation by light microscopy and then with a digital approach. Both approaches, with an acceptable concordance rate, revealed P16INK4a expression in a large proportion of UM cases and all liver metastases, opening new possibilities of using it in the differential diagnosis between cutaneous and uveal melanoma metastases in cases of unknown primary tumor or patients with two different primary melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Russo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Di Crescenzo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Merolla
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Francesco Martino
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Varricchio
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ilardi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Borzillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Carandente
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Pignatiello
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Mascolo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Staibano
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Bustamante P, Piquet L, Landreville S, Burnier JV. Uveal melanoma pathobiology: Metastasis to the liver. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 71:65-85. [PMID: 32450140 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a type of intraocular tumor with a propensity to disseminate to the liver. Despite the identification of the early driver mutations during the development of the pathology, the process of UM metastasis is still not fully comprehended. A better understanding of the genetic, molecular, and environmental factors participating to its spread and metastatic outgrowth could provide additional approaches for UM treatment. In this review, we will discuss the advances made towards the understanding of the pathogenesis of metastatic UM, summarize the current and prospective treatments, and introduce some of the ongoing research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisca Bustamante
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada; Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Léo Piquet
- Département d'ophtalmologie et d'ORL-CCF, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; CUO-Recherche and Axe médecine régénératrice, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Solange Landreville
- Département d'ophtalmologie et d'ORL-CCF, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; CUO-Recherche and Axe médecine régénératrice, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Julia V Burnier
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada; Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department Of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada.
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10
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Sleightholm RL, Neilsen BK, Li J, Steele MM, Singh RK, Hollingsworth MA, Oupicky D. Emerging roles of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in pancreatic cancer progression and therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 179:158-170. [PMID: 28549596 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chemokine networks regulate a variety of cellular, physiological, and immune processes. These normal functions can become appropriated by cancer cells to facilitate a more hospitable niche for aberrant cells by enhancing growth, proliferation, and metastasis. This is especially true in pancreatic cancer, where chemokine signaling is a vital component in the development of the supportive tumor microenvironment and the signaling between the cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells. Although expression patterns vary among cancer types, the chemokine receptor CXCR4 has been implicated in nearly every major malignancy and plays a prominent role in pancreatic cancer development and progression. This receptor, in conjunction with its primary chemokine ligand CXCL12, promotes pancreatic cancer development, invasion, and metastasis through the management of the tumor microenvironment via complex crosstalk with other pathways. Thus, CXCR4 likely contributes to the poor prognoses observed in patients afflicted with this malignancy. Recent exploration of combination therapies with CXCR4 antagonists have demonstrated improved outcomes, and abolishing the contribution of this pathway may prove crucial to effectively treat pancreatic cancer at both the primary tumor and metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Sleightholm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985830 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Beth K Neilsen
- Eppley Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985950 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985830 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Maria M Steele
- Eppley Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985950 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rakesh K Singh
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michael A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985950 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - David Oupicky
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985830 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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11
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Identification of novel chemotherapeutic strategies for metastatic uveal melanoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44564. [PMID: 28303962 PMCID: PMC5355998 DOI: 10.1038/srep44564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma of the uveal tract accounts for approximately 5% of all melanomas and represents the most common primary intraocular malignancy. Despite improvements in diagnosis and more effective local therapies for primary cancer, the rate of metastatic death has not changed in the past forty years. In the present study, we made use of bioinformatics to analyze the data obtained from three public available microarray datasets on uveal melanoma in an attempt to identify novel putative chemotherapeutic options for the liver metastatic disease. We have first carried out a meta-analysis of publicly available whole-genome datasets, that included data from 132 patients, comparing metastatic vs. non metastatic uveal melanomas, in order to identify the most relevant genes characterizing the spreading of tumor to the liver. Subsequently, the L1000CDS2 web-based utility was used to predict small molecules and drugs targeting the metastatic uveal melanoma gene signature. The most promising drugs were found to be Cinnarizine, an anti-histaminic drug used for motion sickness, Digitoxigenin, a precursor of cardiac glycosides, and Clofazimine, a fat-soluble iminophenazine used in leprosy. In vitro and in vivo validation studies will be needed to confirm the efficacy of these molecules for the prevention and treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma.
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Vela M, Aris M, Llorente M, Garcia-Sanz JA, Kremer L. Chemokine receptor-specific antibodies in cancer immunotherapy: achievements and challenges. Front Immunol 2015; 6:12. [PMID: 25688243 PMCID: PMC4311683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The 1990s brought a burst of information regarding the structure, expression pattern, and role in leukocyte migration and adhesion of chemokines and their receptors. At that time, the FDA approved the first therapeutic antibodies for cancer treatment. A few years later, it was reported that the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR7 were involved on directing metastases to liver, lung, bone marrow, or lymph nodes, and the over-expression of CCR4, CCR6, and CCR9 by certain tumors. The possibility of inhibiting the interaction of chemokine receptors present on the surface of tumor cells with their ligands emerged as a new therapeutic approach. Therefore, many research groups and companies began to develop small molecule antagonists and specific antibodies, aiming to neutralize signaling from these receptors. Despite great expectations, so far, only one anti-chemokine receptor antibody has been approved for its clinical use, mogamulizumab, an anti-CCR4 antibody, granted in Japan to treat refractory adult T-cell leukemia and lymphoma. Here, we review the main achievements obtained with anti-chemokine receptor antibodies for cancer immunotherapy, including discovery and clinical studies, proposed mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vela
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariana Aris
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Fundación Cáncer, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Llorente
- Protein Tools Unit, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose A. Garcia-Sanz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonor Kremer
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Protein Tools Unit, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Sarvaiya PJ, Guo D, Ulasov I, Gabikian P, Lesniak MS. Chemokines in tumor progression and metastasis. Oncotarget 2014; 4:2171-85. [PMID: 24259307 PMCID: PMC3926818 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines play a vital role in tumor progression and metastasis. Chemokines are involved in the growth of many cancers including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, gastric cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, colon cancer, non-small lung cancer, non-hodgkin's lymphoma, etc. The expression of chemokines and their receptors is altered in many malignancies and leads to aberrant chemokine receptor signaling. This review focuses on the role of chemokines in key processes that facilitate tumor progression including proliferation, senescence, angiogenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transition, immune evasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purvaba J Sarvaiya
- The Brain Tumor Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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14
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Triozzi PL, Schoenfield L, Plesec T, Saunthararajah Y, Tubbs RR, Singh AD. Molecular profiling of primary uveal melanomas with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Oncoimmunology 2014; 8:e947169. [PMID: 31646061 DOI: 10.4161/21624011.2014.947169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to other cancers, the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in uveal melanoma is associated with a poor prognosis. However, how TILs may promote disease progression and what regulates their infiltration has not yet been established. To address these clinically relevant outstanding questions, T cell, immune regulatory, and chemokine gene expression profiles of 57 enucleated uveal melanoma tumors were compared, encompassing 27 with TILs and 30 without,. Tumors with infiltrating lymphocytes expressed more CD8A mRNA, as well as IFNG, TGFB1, and FOXP3 transcripts. Other T helper associated cytokines and T helper transcription factors were not differentially expressed, nor were mediators of lymphocyte cytotoxicity. The immune inhibitors INDO, PDCA1, CTLA4, and LAG3, and the non-classical MHC Class I target of CD8+ T regulatory cells, HLA‑E, were significantly higher in tumors with TILs. FAS was also significantly higher. The C-C chemokine ligands CCL4, CCL5, and CCL20 were higher in tumors with TILs. Levels of CCL5 were most strongly correlated with levels of CD8A. Chemokine receptors were not differentially expressed. Molecular profiling of uveal melanoma tumors with TILs supports the existence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and suggests roles for CD8+ regulatory T cells, as well as specific chemokines, in fostering uveal melanoma disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre L Triozzi
- Taussig Cancer Institute; Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Lynn Schoenfield
- Department of Anatomic Pathology; Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Thomas Plesec
- Department of Anatomic Pathology; Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Cleveland, OH USA
| | | | - Raymond R Tubbs
- Department of Molecular Pathology; Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Arun D Singh
- Cole Eye Institute; Cleveland Clinic Foundation; Cleveland, OH USA
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Schlereth SL, Refaian N, Iden S, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Impact of the prolymphangiogenic crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment on lymphatic cancer metastasis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:639058. [PMID: 25254213 PMCID: PMC4165560 DOI: 10.1155/2014/639058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis is a very early step in lymphatic metastasis. It is regulated and promoted not only by the tumor cells themselves, but also by cells of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer associated fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, dendritic cells, or macrophages. Even the extracellular matrix as well as cytokines and growth factors are involved in the process of lymphangiogenesis and metastasis. The cellular and noncellular components influence each other and can be influenced by the tumor cells. The knowledge about mechanisms behind lymphangiogenesis in the tumor microenvironmental crosstalk is growing and offers starting points for new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona L. Schlereth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nasrin Refaian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Sandra Iden
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ludwig M. Heindl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
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Zhang Y, Yang Y, Chen L, Zhang J. Expression analysis of genes and pathways associated with liver metastases of the uveal melanoma. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2014; 15:29. [PMID: 24597767 PMCID: PMC4015751 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-15-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Uveal melanoma is an aggressive cancer which has a high percentage metastasizing to the liver, with a worse prognosis. Identification of patients at high risk of metastases may provide information for early detection of metastases and treatment. Methods Expression profiling of ocular tumor tissues from 46 liver metastatic uveal melanoma samples and 45 non-metastatic uveal melanoma samples were got from GEO database. Bioinformatic analyses such as the Gene Oncology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used to identify genes and pathways specifically associated with liver metastases of the uveal melanoma. Results A total of 1138 probes were differentially expressed in two group samples. All differential gene interactions in the Signal-Net were analyzed. Of them, 768 probes were up-regulated and 370 down-regulated. They mainly participated in 125 GO terms and 16 pathways. Of the genes differentially expressed between two group cancers, HTR2B, CHL1, the ZNF family, YWHAZ and FYN were the most significantly altered. Conclusions Bioinformatics may help excavate and analyze large amounts of data in microarrays by means of rigorous experimental planning, scientific statistical analysis and collection of complete data about liver metastases of uveal melanoma patients. In the present study, a novel differential gene expression pattern was constructed and advanced study will provide new targets for diagnosis and mechanism of uveal melanoma liver metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lei Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The branch of the first people's hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200081, China.
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Yang M, Kuang X, Pan Y, Tan M, Lu B, Lu J, Cheng Q, Li J. Clinicopathological characteristics of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in uveal melanoma: A meta-analysis. Mol Clin Oncol 2014; 2:363-368. [PMID: 24772301 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2014.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a potential prognostic factor that has been extensively investigated in patients with uveal melanoma (UM). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression is crucial in angiogenesis. However, there have been conflicting data regarding the clinicopathological data in UM. A meta-analysis was performed of all the germane literature to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of VEGF expression by combining separately estimated odds ratio (OR) values. Our combined results demonstrated that, according to the available studies, the expression of VEGF in UM was significantly higher compared to normal tissue [338 patients and 99 controls; OR=16.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.65-30.12, P<0.00001]. When stratifying the studies by age (315 patients; OR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.19-3.62, P=0.01), cell type (423 patients; OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.32-0.90, P=0.02), tumor size (222 patients; OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.68, P=0.004) and scleral invasion (248 patients; OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.15-0.78, P=0.01), significant clinicopathological information was provided. Our results indicated that VEGF expression in UM patients was significantly higher compared to that observed in controls. It was also significantly higher in patients who presented with scleral invasion and those who were aged <50 years. In addition, VEGF expression was higher in mixed-cell type and epithelioid-cell type UM and in patients with large-sized tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yang
- Postgraduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021
| | - Xiaocong Kuang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021
| | - Yanbin Pan
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Meile Tan
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Binzhu Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Lu
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Qiumei Cheng
- Postgraduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite intensive research and novel adjuvant therapies, there is currently no cure for metastatic melanoma. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 controls metastasis to sites such as the liver; however, the therapeutic blockade with the existing agents has proven difficult. METHODS AMD11070, a novel orally bioavailable inhibitor of CXCR4, was tested for its ability to inhibit the migration of melanoma cells compared with the commonly described antagonist AMD3100. RESULTS AMD11070 abrogated melanoma cell migration and was significantly more effective than AMD3100. Importantly for the clinical context, the expression of B-RAF-V600E did not the affect the sensitivity of AMD11070. CONCLUSION Liver-resident myofibroblasts excrete CXCL12, which is able to promote the migration of CXCR4-expressing tumour cells from the blood into the liver. Blockade of this axis by AMD11070 thus represents a novel therapeutic strategy for both B-RAF wild-type and mutated melanomas.
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Debnath B, Xu S, Grande F, Garofalo A, Neamati N. Small molecule inhibitors of CXCR4. Am J Cancer Res 2013; 3:47-75. [PMID: 23382786 PMCID: PMC3563081 DOI: 10.7150/thno.5376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CXCR4 is a G-protein-coupled receptor involved in a number of physiological processes in the hematopoietic and immune systems. The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis is significantly associated with several diseases, such as HIV, cancer, WHIM syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary fibrosis and lupus. For example, CXCR4 is one of the major co-receptors for HIV entry into target cells, while in cancer it plays an important role in tumor cell metastasis. Several promising CXCR4 antagonists have been developed to block SDF-1/CXCR4 interactions that are currently under different stages of development. The first in class CXCR4 antagonist, plerixafor, was approved by the FDA in 2008 for the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells and several other drugs are currently in clinical trials for cancer, HIV, and WHIM syndrome. While the long-term safety data for the first generation CXCR4 antagonists are not yet available, several new compounds are under preclinical development in an attempt to provide safer and more efficient treatment options for HIV and cancer patients.
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Dobner BC, Riechardt AI, Joussen AM, Englert S, Bechrakis NE. Expression of haematogenous and lymphogenous chemokine receptors and their ligands on uveal melanoma in association with liver metastasis. Acta Ophthalmol 2012; 90:e638-44. [PMID: 23164171 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2012.02515.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chemokine receptors and their ligands are involved in a number of cell processes, including normal cell trafficking as well as metastasis in cancer. During metastasis, they are thought to play a role in determining cancer cell distribution and target organs. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of the chemokine receptors CXCR4, CCR7 and CCR10 as well as their respective chemokine ligands (CXCL12, CCL19, CCL27) in human uveal melanomas. METHODS Seventy formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded uveal melanoma specimens from patients treated in 1996-1997 were examined using immunohistochemistry and evaluated using an immune reactive score (IRS). RESULTS The chemokine receptors CXCR4, CCR7 and CCR10 were primarily expressed in the cytoplasm of uveal melanoma cells, with CXCR4 (average IRS 8.2) and CCR7 (average IRS 5.7) showing the strongest expression, respectively. The chemokine ligand CCL19 demonstrated a moderate expression (average IRS 5.3), whereas the expression of receptor CCR10 (average IRS of 3.4), ligand CCL27 (average IRS 2.5) and ligand CXCL12 (average IRS 0.6) by uveal melanoma cells was low. A significant association between liver metastases and chemokine expression was found for CCR7 expression (p = 0.037) only. Comparison of liver metastasis and choroid uveal melanoma (35.3%, n = 12 of 34) versus ciliary body involvement (72.7%, n = 8 of 11) was significant (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION Chemokine receptors are more strongly expressed on uveal melanoma cells than their ligands. Our results show new aspects of the metastatic process in uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca C Dobner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Abstract
It has been 10 years since the role of a chemokine receptor, CXCR4, in breast cancer metastasis was first documented. Since then, the field of chemokines and cancer has grown significantly, so it is timely to review the progress, analyse the studies to date and identify future challenges facing this field. Metastasis is the major factor that limits survival in most patients with cancer. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms that control the metastatic behaviour of tumour cells is pivotal for treating cancer successfully. Substantial experimental and clinical evidence supports the conclusion that molecular mechanisms control organ-specific metastasis. One of the most important mechanisms operating in metastasis involves homeostatic chemokines and their receptors. Here, we review this field and propose a model of 'cellular highways' to explain the effects of homeostatic chemokines on cancer cells and how they influence metastasis.
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