S100 as Serum Tumor Marker in Advanced Uveal Melanoma

Metastases from uveal melanoma may lack S100 expression: A clinico-pathologic and immunohistochemical study with emphasis on potential causes and diagnostic implications

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, with a high mortality rate due to metastasis, primarily to the liver. The differential diagnosis of metastatic UM, particularly in distinguishing it from cutaneous melanoma (CM), can be challenging due to overlapping histopathological features. This study investigates the immunohistochemical expression of S100 in a cohort of 41 cases, including 13 metastatic UMs, 18 metastatic CMs, and 10 primary UMs. Our results demonstrate a significant lack of S100 immunoreactivity in metastatic UM, with 84.6 % of cases showing negativity, in contrast to the diffuse positivity seen in both primary UM and metastatic CM. This finding suggests that the absence of S100 could serve as a useful marker to differentiate metastatic UM from CM, especially in cases where the primary tumor is unknown. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential diagnostic pitfall of relying solely on S100 expression on small biopsies. The absence of S100 in metastatic UM may reflect a shift in antigenic expression, possibly due to tumor dedifferentiation or clonal selection of S100-negative cells with a higher metastatic potential. Our findings emphasize the importance of employing a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel, including markers such as HMB45, SOX10, and Melan-A, in the accurate diagnosis of metastatic melanomas.

Establishment and clinical value of a circulating tumor cell system based on a multi-site immune lipid magnetic sphere technique in laryngopharyngeal head and neck tumors

This study aimed to construct multi-site magnetic nanospheres to capture circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from peripheral blood specimens of laryngopharyngeal head and neck tumors. Separated CTCs were used to measure downstream molecular markers and to detect and analyze the disease status. A stable CTC multisite nano-enrichment system was used to determine changes in CTCs levels in Programmed Death-Ligand-1 (PD-L1)-positive patients and to assess the extent of real-time changes in CTCs over the course of the disease in correlation with clinicopathological indicators. The results demonstrated that the constructed immunomagnetic spheres could effectively capture CTCs and that the constructed lipid nanoparticles exhibited high capture efficiency and low cytotoxicity. The results of the concordance or complementarity analyses of PD-L1 expression at the CTC and tissue levels indicated good concordance between the two at up to 70%. The analysis of PD-L1 expression and the changes in CTCs in PD-L1-positive cells plays an auxiliary role in clinical diagnosis and can be used as a dynamic detection index for the course of head, neck, and throat tumor treatment and as a predictor of recurrence risk.

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia: Update on genetics, epigenetics and opportunities for targeted therapy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review is to explore the molecular foundations of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), focusing on the genetic and epigenetic aspects. While current management strategies include surgical excision and medical therapies, the understanding of OSSN's molecular basis remains limited, hindering the development of targeted treatments.

METHODS

A comprehensive MEDLINE search was conducted for literature published between January 1993 and October 2023. Only studies with original data on molecular, genetic, or epigenetic mechanisms, such as mutations, gene expression, and genetic predispositions were included. Articles were excluded if they focused solely on clinical management without addressing these factors, or if they were reviews, editorials, or opinion pieces.

RESULTS

The search yielded a total of 108 articles, out of which 39 articles met the criteria for further analysis. Investigations into OSSN have identified key DNA mutations in the TP53, HGF, EGFR, TERT, and CDKN2A genes, indicating common oncogenic pathways shared with other squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Significant epigenetic changes were identified, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and altered miRNA expression patterns. Epigenetic dysregulation of critical tumor suppressors and oncoproteins, further highlight the complex genetic landscape of OSSN.

CONCLUSION

The molecular alterations identified in OSSN not only enhance our understanding of its biology but also have potential as novel biomarkers for early detection, prognostic evaluation, and as therapeutic targets. The identification of genetic and epigenetic markers in OSSN signifies progress towards personalized medicine approaches. Further studies and collaborative efforts are essential to validate these molecular markers and translate them into clinical practice, potentially revolutionizing OSSN management and improving patient outcomes.

Study on the mechanism of S100A4-mediated cancer oncogenesis in uveal melanoma cells through the integration of bioinformatics and in vitro experiments

BACKGROUND

The elevated metastasis rate of uveal melanoma (UM) is intricately correlated with patient prognosis, significantly affecting the quality of life. S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4) has tumorigenic properties; therefore, the present study investigated the impact of S100A4 on UM cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion using bioinformatics and in vitro experiments.

METHODS

Bioinformatic analysis was used to screen S100A4 as a hub gene and predict its possible mechanism in UM cells, and the S100A4 silencing cell line was constructed. The impact of S100A4 silencing on the proliferative ability of UM cells was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays. Annexin V-FITC/PI double fluorescence and Hoechst 33342 staining were used to observe the effects of apoptosis on UM cells. The effect of S100A4 silencing on the migratory and invasive capabilities of UM cells was assessed using wound healing and Transwell assays. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of related proteins.

RESULTS

The present study found that S100A4 is a biomarker of UM, and its high expression is related to poor prognosis. After constructing the S100A4 silencing cell line, cell viability, clone number, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, and survivin expression were decreased in UM cells. The cell apoptosis rate and relative fluorescence intensity increased, accompanied by increased levels of Bax and caspase-3 and decreased levels of Bcl-2. Additionally, a decrease in the cell migration index and relative invasion rate was observed with increased E-cadherin expression and decreased N-cadherin and vimentin protein expression.

CONCLUSION

S100A4 silencing can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion and synchronously induces apoptosis in UM cells.