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Liu H, Tsimpaki T, Anastasova R, Bechrakis NE, Fiorentzis M, Berchner-Pfannschmidt U. The Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane as a Xenograft Model for the Quantitative Analysis of Uveal Melanoma Metastasis in Multiple Organs. Cells 2024; 13:1169. [PMID: 39056751 PMCID: PMC11275209 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141169] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular tumor in adults, and nearly 50% of patients develop metastatic disease with a high mortality rate. Therefore, the development of relevant preclinical in vivo models that accurately recapitulate the metastatic cascade is crucial. We exploited the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) xenograft model to quantify both experimental and spontaneous metastasis by qPCR analysis. Our study found that the transplanted UM cells spread predominantly and early in the liver, reflecting the primary site of metastasis in patients. Visible signs of pigmented metastasis were observed in the eyes, liver, and distal CAM. Lung metastases occurred rarely and brain metastases progressed more slowly. However, UM cell types of different origins and genetic profiles caused an individual spectrum of organ metastases. Metastasis to multiple organs, including the liver, was often associated with risk factors such as high proliferation rate, hyperpigmentation, and epithelioid cell type. The severity of liver metastasis was related to the hepatic metastatic origin and chromosome 8 abnormalities rather than monosomy 3 and BAP1 deficiency. The presented CAM xenograft model may prove useful to study the metastatic potential of patients or to test individualized therapeutic options for metastasis in different organs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Utta Berchner-Pfannschmidt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany; (H.L.); (T.T.); (R.A.); (N.E.B.); (M.F.)
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2
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Slominski RM, Kim TK, Janjetovic Z, Brożyna AA, Podgorska E, Dixon KM, Mason RS, Tuckey RC, Sharma R, Crossman DK, Elmets C, Raman C, Jetten AM, Indra AK, Slominski AT. Malignant Melanoma: An Overview, New Perspectives, and Vitamin D Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2262. [PMID: 38927967 PMCID: PMC11201527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma, originating through malignant transformation of melanin-producing melanocytes, is a formidable malignancy, characterized by local invasiveness, recurrence, early metastasis, resistance to therapy, and a high mortality rate. This review discusses etiologic and risk factors for melanoma, diagnostic and prognostic tools, including recent advances in molecular biology, omics, and bioinformatics, and provides an overview of its therapy. Since the incidence of melanoma is rising and mortality remains unacceptably high, we discuss its inherent properties, including melanogenesis, that make this disease resilient to treatment and propose to use AI to solve the above complex and multidimensional problems. We provide an overview on vitamin D and its anticancerogenic properties, and report recent advances in this field that can provide solutions for the prevention and/or therapy of melanoma. Experimental papers and clinicopathological studies on the role of vitamin D status and signaling pathways initiated by its active metabolites in melanoma prognosis and therapy are reviewed. We conclude that vitamin D signaling, defined by specific nuclear receptors and selective activation by specific vitamin D hydroxyderivatives, can provide a benefit for new or existing therapeutic approaches. We propose to target vitamin D signaling with the use of computational biology and AI tools to provide a solution to the melanoma problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radomir M. Slominski
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Tae-Kang Kim
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Zorica Janjetovic
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Anna A. Brożyna
- Department of Human Biology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Ewa Podgorska
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Katie M. Dixon
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (K.M.D.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Rebecca S. Mason
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (K.M.D.); (R.S.M.)
| | - Robert C. Tuckey
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Rahul Sharma
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - David K. Crossman
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Craig Elmets
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Chander Raman
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Anton M. Jetten
- Cell Biology Section, NIEHS—National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Arup K. Indra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Andrzej T. Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (T.-K.K.); (Z.J.); (E.P.); (C.E.); (C.R.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, Veteran Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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3
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Păsărică MA, Curcă PF, Dragosloveanu CDM, Grigorescu AC, Nisipașu CI. Pathological and Molecular Diagnosis of Uveal Melanoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:958. [PMID: 38732371 PMCID: PMC11083017 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14090958] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a common malignant intraocular tumor that presents with significant genetic differences to cutaneous melanoma and has a high genetic burden in terms of prognosis. (2) Methods: A systematic literature search of several repositories on uveal melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, molecular analysis, and treatment was conducted. (3) Results: Recent genetic understanding of oncogene-initiation mutations in GNAQ, GNA11, PLCB4, and CYSLTR2 and secondary progression drivers of BAP1 inactivation and SF3B1 and EIF1AX mutations offers an appealing explanation to the high prognostic impact of adding genetic profiling to clinical UM classification. Genetic information could help better explain peculiarities in uveal melanoma, such as the low long-term survival despite effective primary tumor treatment, the overwhelming propensity to metastasize to the liver, and possibly therapeutic behaviors. (4) Conclusions: Understanding of uveal melanoma has improved step-by-step from histopathology to clinical classification to more recent genetic understanding of oncogenic initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Adrian Păsărică
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Paul Filip Curcă
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Christiana Diana Maria Dragosloveanu
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Cosmin Ionuț Nisipașu
- Department of Dental Medicine I, Implant-Prosthetic Therapy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
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4
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Liu XL, Run-Hua Z, Pan JX, Li ZJ, Yu L, Li YL. Emerging therapeutic strategies for metastatic uveal melanoma: Targeting driver mutations. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:411-425. [PMID: 38411373 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13161] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor in adults. Although primary UM can be effectively controlled, a significant proportion of cases (40% or more) eventually develop distant metastases, commonly in the liver. Metastatic UM remains a lethal disease with limited treatment options. The initiation of UM is typically attributed to activating mutations in GNAQ or GNA11. The elucidation of the downstream pathways such as PKC/MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Hippo-YAP have provided potential therapeutic targets. Concurrent mutations in BRCA1 associated protein 1 (BAP1) or splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) are considered crucial for the acquisition of malignant potential. Furthermore, in preclinical studies, actionable targets associated with BAP1 loss or oncogenic mutant SF3B1 have been identified, offering promising avenues for UM treatment. This review aims to summarize the emerging targeted and epigenetic therapeutic strategies for metastatic UM carrying specific driver mutations and the potential of combining these approaches with immunotherapy, with particular focus on those in upcoming or ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lian Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Run-Hua
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Li
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Le Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Lei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Taskaeva I, Shatruk A, Bgatova N, Yeremina A, Trunov A, Kononova N, Chernykh V. Autophagy and vesicular trafficking in human uveal melanoma: A histopathological study. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:122-132. [PMID: 37698482 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24417] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is an ocular tumor with a high risk of developing metastases. The endo-lysosomal system can affect the melanoma progression by accelerating and facilitating invasion or metastasis. This study aims to conduct comparative analysis of normal choroidal melanocytes and uveal melanoma cells ultrastructure with a focus on intracellular transport system, and to examine the patterns of autophagy- and vesicular trafficking-related proteins expression in a case series of uveal melanomas. Transmission electron microscopy was used to assess the ultrastructure of normal choroidal melanocytes and uveal melanoma cells. The expression levels of autophagy- and vesicular trafficking-related proteins in three histological types of uveal melanoma were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Electron microscopy results showed that the autophagic vacuoles were more abundant in normal choroidal melanocytes, than in uveal melanoma cells. The normal choroidal melanocytes were characterized by active intracellular vesicular trafficking; however, the proportion of caveolae was higher in uveal melanoma cells. The spindle type of tumor was characterized by a high expression levels of LC3 beta, while Rab7 and Rab11 proteins expression was significantly up-regulated in the mixed-type tumor cells. The results indicate that uveal melanoma cells probably have lower basal levels of autophagy and higher receptor-mediated endocytic trafficking-associated with caveolae than normal choroidal melanocytes. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The autophagic vacuoles are abundant in normal choroidal melanocytes. Uveal melanoma cells are characterized by a high proportion of caveolae. The high expression levels of LC3 beta were revealed in a spindle type of tumor, while Rab7 and Rab11 proteins expression was up-regulated in the mixed-type tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Taskaeva
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Research, Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology - Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anastasia Shatruk
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Research, Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology - Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nataliya Bgatova
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Research, Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology - Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alena Yeremina
- S. N. Fyodorov Federal State Institution National Medical Research Center Intersectoral Research and Technology Complex "Eye Microsurgery" Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Aleksander Trunov
- S. N. Fyodorov Federal State Institution National Medical Research Center Intersectoral Research and Technology Complex "Eye Microsurgery" Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalya Kononova
- S. N. Fyodorov Federal State Institution National Medical Research Center Intersectoral Research and Technology Complex "Eye Microsurgery" Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valeriy Chernykh
- S. N. Fyodorov Federal State Institution National Medical Research Center Intersectoral Research and Technology Complex "Eye Microsurgery" Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, Russia
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6
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van den Bosch QCC, de Klein A, Verdijk RM, Kiliç E, Brosens E. Uveal melanoma modeling in mice and zebrafish. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189055. [PMID: 38104908 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189055] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive research and refined therapeutic options, the survival for metastasized uveal melanoma (UM) patients has not improved significantly. UM, a malignant tumor originating from melanocytes in the uveal tract, can be asymptomatic and small tumors may be detected only during routine ophthalmic exams; making early detection and treatment difficult. UM is the result of a number of characteristic somatic alterations which are associated with prognosis. Although UM morphology and biology have been extensively studied, there are significant gaps in our understanding of the early stages of UM tumor evolution and effective treatment to prevent metastatic disease remain elusive. A better understanding of the mechanisms that enable UM cells to thrive and successfully metastasize is crucial to improve treatment efficacy and survival rates. For more than forty years, animal models have been used to investigate the biology of UM. This has led to a number of essential mechanisms and pathways involved in UM aetiology. These models have also been used to evaluate the effectiveness of various drugs and treatment protocols. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms and pharmacological studies using mouse and zebrafish UM models. Finally, we highlight promising therapeutics and discuss future considerations using UM models such as optimal inoculation sites, use of BAP1mut-cell lines and the rise of zebrafish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quincy C C van den Bosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies de Klein
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M Verdijk
- Department of Pathology, Section of Ophthalmic Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Emine Kiliç
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Brosens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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7
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Jakubechova J, Smolkova B, Furdova A, Demkova L, Altanerova U, Nicodemou A, Zeleznikova T, Klimova D, Altaner C. Suicide-Gene-Modified Extracellular Vesicles of Human Primary Uveal Melanoma in Future Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12957. [PMID: 37629139 PMCID: PMC10454466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612957] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles secreted from uveal melanoma (UM) cells are involved in the establishment of the premetastatic niche and display transforming potential for the formation of metastases, preferentially in the liver. In this study, we cultivated human primary UM cells and uveal melanoma-associated fibroblasts in vitro to be transduced by infection with a retrovirus containing the suicide gene-fused yeast cytosine deaminase::uracil phospho-ribosyl transferase (yCD::UPRT). A homogenous population of yCD::UPRT-UM cells with the integrated provirus expressed the gene, and we found it to continuously secrete small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) possessing mRNA of the suicide gene. The yCD::UPRT-UM-sEVs were internalized by tumor cells to the intracellular conversion of the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to the cytotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The host range of the yCD::UPRT-UM-sEVs was not limited to UMs only. The yCD::UPRT-UM-sEVs inhibited the growth of the human cutaneous melanoma cell line A375 and uveal melanoma cell line MP38, as well as other primary UMs, to various extents in vitro. The yCD::UPRT-UM-sEVs hold the therapeutic and prophylactic potential to become a therapeutic drug for UM. However, the use of yCD::UPRT-UM-sEVs must first be tested in animal preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jakubechova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Stem Cell Preparation Department, St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovakia; (U.A.)
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alena Furdova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Demkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ursula Altanerova
- Stem Cell Preparation Department, St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovakia; (U.A.)
| | - Andreas Nicodemou
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.N.)
| | - Tatiana Zeleznikova
- Stem Cell Preparation Department, St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovakia; (U.A.)
| | - Daniela Klimova
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.N.)
| | - Cestmir Altaner
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Stem Cell Preparation Department, St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovakia; (U.A.)
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Tarin M, Némati F, Decaudin D, Canbezdi C, Marande B, Silva L, Derrien H, Jochemsen AG, Gardrat S, Piperno-Neumann S, Rodrigues M, Mariani P, Cassoux N, Stern MH, Roman-Roman S, Alsafadi S. FAK Inhibitor-Based Combinations with MEK or PKC Inhibitors Trigger Synergistic Antitumor Effects in Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082280. [PMID: 37190207 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal Melanoma (UM) is a rare and malignant intraocular tumor with dismal prognosis. Even if radiation or surgery permit an efficient control of the primary tumor, up to 50% of patients subsequently develop metastases, mainly in the liver. The treatment of UM metastases is challenging and the patient survival is very poor. The most recurrent event in UM is the activation of Gαq signaling induced by mutations in GNAQ/11. These mutations activate downstream effectors including protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Clinical trials with inhibitors of these targets have not demonstrated a survival benefit for patients with UM metastasis. Recently, it has been shown that GNAQ promotes YAP activation through the focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Pharmacological inhibition of MEK and FAK showed remarkable synergistic growth-inhibitory effects in UM both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we have evaluated the synergy of the FAK inhibitor with a series of inhibitors targeting recognized UM deregulated pathways in a panel of cell lines. The combined inhibition of FAK and MEK or PKC had highly synergistic effects by reducing cell viability and inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these combinations exert a remarkable in vivo activity in UM patient-derived xenografts. Our study confirms the previously described synergy of the dual inhibition of FAK and MEK and identifies a novel combination of drugs (FAK and PKC inhibitors) as a promising strategy for therapeutic intervention in metastatic UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcy Tarin
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Fariba Némati
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Didier Decaudin
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Christine Canbezdi
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Marande
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Lisseth Silva
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Héloïse Derrien
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Aart G Jochemsen
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie Gardrat
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sophie Piperno-Neumann
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Manuel Rodrigues
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
- INSERM U830, DNA Repair and Uveal Melanoma, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Pascale Mariani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Cassoux
- Department of Ocular Oncology, Institut Curie, Université Paris Cité, 94010 Paris, France
| | - Marc-Henri Stern
- INSERM U830, DNA Repair and Uveal Melanoma, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sergio Roman-Roman
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Samar Alsafadi
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
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9
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Wei AZ, Maniar AB, Carvajal RD. New targeted and epigenetic therapeutic strategies for the treatment of uveal melanoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1819-1826. [PMID: 35236928 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00443-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare, genetically bland ocular malignancy with excellent local treatment options, but no disease-specific therapies are approved for use in the metastatic setting by the Food and Drug Administration. Metastatic UM (mUM) confers a prognosis of ~15 months. Unlike cutaneous melanoma, UM is poorly responsive to checkpoint inhibitors and cytotoxic chemotherapy highlighting the importance of clarifying vulnerable disease-specific mechanisms, such as cell cycle or metabolic pathways necessary for tumor growth and survival. The elucidation of signaling pathways downstream of the frequently mutated GNA GTPase such as PKC/MAPK/ERK/MEK, PI3K/AKT, and YAP-Hippo have offered potential targets. Potentially druggable epigenetic targets due to BAP1-mutated UM have also been identified, including proteins involved with histone deacetylation and DNA splicing. This review describes the preclinical rationale for the development of targeted therapies and current strategies currently being studied in clinical trials or will be in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Z Wei
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ashray B Maniar
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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10
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Leyvraz S, Konietschke F, Peuker C, Schütte M, Kessler T, Ochsenreither S, Ditzhaus M, Sprünken ED, Dörpholz G, Lamping M, Rieke DT, Klinghammer K, Burock S, Ulrich C, Poch G, Schäfer R, Klauschen F, Joussen A, Yaspo ML, Keilholz U. Biomarker-driven therapies for metastatic uveal melanoma: A prospective precision oncology feasibility study. Eur J Cancer 2022; 169:146-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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11
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Lv M, Yan X, Tu Y. A Predictive Web-Based Nomogram for Elderly Patients Newly Diagnosed as Uveal Melanoma: A Population-Based Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:799083. [PMID: 35814753 PMCID: PMC9259836 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.799083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequent primary intraocular tumor in adults. This study aims to develop a nomogram and an individualized web-based calculator to predict the overall survival (OS) of elderly patients with UM. Methods Patients aged more than 60 years and diagnosed with UM were derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database during 2004–2015. The selected patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. In the training cohort, the univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were carried out to determine the independent prognostic factors, and the predictors were integrated to establish a nomogram for predicting the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS of elderly patients with UM. The discrimination of the nomogram was validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC). The clinical practicability and accuracy of the nomogram were evaluated by the calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). A web-based survival calculator was then constructed using a fitted survival prediction model (https://yuexinupup.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/). Results A total of 1,427 patients with UM were included in this study. Age, T stage, N stage, M stage, marital status, sex, and radiotherapy (RT) were identified as independent prognostic factors. Based on the abovementioned factors, the nomogram was then constructed. The AUC values of the nomogram predicting 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS were 0.841, 0.801, and 0.768 in the training cohort, and 0.745, 0.717, and 0.710 in the validation cohort, respectively. The calibration curves and DCA also indicated the good performance of the predictive model. Conclusion This study established and validated a novel nomogram risk stratification model and a web-based survival rate calculator that can dynamically predict the long-term OS for elderly patients with UM.
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Prasuhn M, Freitag JC, Lüken S, Kakkassery V, Merz H, Caliebe A, Spielmann M, Ranjbar M, Rommel F. Case Report: GNAQ- and SF3B1 Mutations in an Aggressive Case of Relapsing Uveal Ring Melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:873252. [PMID: 35692773 PMCID: PMC9175007 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.873252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms for uveal ring melanoma are still unclear until today. In this case report, we describe a patient with a malignant uveal melanoma with exudative retinal detachment that had been treated with plaque brachytherapy, resulting in successful tumor regression. After 1 year, a ring-shaped recurrence with extraocular extension appeared, and the eye required enucleation. Histological and molecular genetic analyses revealed an epithelioid-cell-type melanoma with complete circumferential involvement of the ciliary body and, so far, unreported GNAQ and SF3B1 mutations in ring melanoma. Therefore, this report gives new genetic background information on this ocular tumor usually leading to enucleation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Prasuhn
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Josephine Christin Freitag
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sabine Lüken
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Vinodh Kakkassery
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hartmut Merz
- Hämatopathologie Lübeck, Reference Centre for Lymph Node Pathology andHematopathology, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Almuth Caliebe
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Malte Spielmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mahdy Ranjbar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Felix Rommel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Ge Y, Deng JJ, Zhu J, Liu L, Ouyang S, Song Z, Zhang X, Xiong XF. Discovery of small molecule Gαq/11 protein inhibitors against uveal melanoma. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3326-3340. [PMID: 35967274 PMCID: PMC9366314 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Constitutively activated G proteins caused by specific mutations mediate the development of multiple malignancies. The mutated Gαq/11 are perceived as oncogenic drivers in the vast majority of uveal melanoma (UM) cases, making directly targeting Gαq/11 to be a promising strategy for combating UM. Herein, we report the optimization of imidazopiperazine derivatives as Gαq/11 inhibitors, and identified GQ262 with improved Gαq/11 inhibitory activity and drug-like properties. GQ262 efficiently blocked UM cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Analysis of the apoptosis-related proteins, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and yes-associated protein (YAP) demonstrated that GQ262 distinctly induced UM cells apoptosis and disrupted the downstream effectors by targeting Gαq/11 directly. Significantly, GQ262 showed outstanding antitumor efficacy in vivo with good safety at the testing dose. Collectively, our findings along with the favorable pharmacokinetics of GQ262 revealed that directly targeting Gαq/11 may be an efficient strategy against uveal melanoma.
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Glycolysis Dependency as a Hallmark of SF3B1-Mutated Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092113. [PMID: 35565242 PMCID: PMC9101609 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated SF3B1 mutations result in aberrant transcripts whose fate remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the functional consequences of these splice aberrations. Our results show that SF3B1 mutation alters the translation of transcripts encoding proteins involved in metabolism, which triggers a metabolic switch toward an increased glucose uptake. Consequently, SF3B1-mutated cells are more sensitive to glycolysis inhibition than SF3B1 wild-type cells. Abstract SF3B1 mutations are recurrent in cancer and result in aberrant splicing of a previously defined set of genes. Here, we investigated the fate of aberrant transcripts induced by mutant SF3B1 and the related functional consequences. We first demonstrate that mutant SF3B1 does not alter global nascent protein synthesis, suggesting target-dependent consequences. Polysome profiling revealed that 35% of aberrantly spliced transcripts are more translated than their corresponding canonically spliced transcripts. This mostly occurs in genes with enriched metabolic functions. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis showed that mutant SF3B1 impacts the abundance of proteins involved in metabolism. Functional metabolic characterization revealed that mutant SF3B1 decreases mitochondrial respiration and promotes glycolysis to compensate for defective mitochondrial metabolism. Hence, mutant SF3B1 induces glycolysis dependency, which sensitizes cells to glycolysis inhibition. Overall, we provide evidence of the oncogenic involvement of mutant SF3B1 in uveal melanoma through a metabolic switch to glycolysis, revealing vulnerability to glycolysis inhibitors as a promising therapeutic strategy.
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An Orthotopic Model of Uveal Melanoma in Zebrafish Embryo: A Novel Platform for Drug Evaluation. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121873. [PMID: 34944689 PMCID: PMC8698893 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is a highly metastatic tumor, representing the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Tumor cell xenografts in zebrafish embryos may provide the opportunity to study in vivo different aspects of the neoplastic disease and its response to therapy. Here, we established an orthotopic model of uveal melanoma in zebrafish by injecting highly metastatic murine B16-BL6 and B16-LS9 melanoma cells, human A375M melanoma cells, and human 92.1 uveal melanoma cells into the eye of zebrafish embryos in the proximity of the developing choroidal vasculature. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses showed that melanoma cells proliferate during the first four days after injection and move towards the eye surface. Moreover, bioluminescence analysis of luciferase-expressing human 92.1 uveal melanoma cells allowed the quantitative assessment of the antitumor activity exerted by the canonical chemotherapeutic drugs paclitaxel, panobinostat, and everolimus after their injection into the grafted eye. Altogether, our data demonstrate that the zebrafish embryo eye is a permissive environment for the growth of invasive cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells. In addition, we have established a new luciferase-based in vivo orthotopic model that allows the quantification of human uveal melanoma cells engrafted in the zebrafish embryo eye, and which may represent a suitable tool for the screening of novel drug candidates for uveal melanoma therapy.
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16
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Nguyen THY, Nguyen T, Nguyen QH, Le DH. Re-Identification of Patient Subgroups in Uveal Melanoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:731548. [PMID: 34745953 PMCID: PMC8564479 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.731548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a comparatively rare cancer but requires serious consideration since patients with developing metastatic UM survive only for about 6-12 months. Fortunately, increasingly large multi-omics databases allow us to further understand cancer initiation and development. Moreover, previous studies have observed that associations between copy number aberrations (CNA) or methylation (MET) versus messenger RNA (mRNA) expression have affected these processes. From that, we decide to explore the effect of these associations on a case study of UM. Also, the current subtypes of UM display its weak association with biological phenotypes and its lack of therapy suggestions. Therefore, the re-identification of molecular subtypes is a pressing need. In this study, we recruit three omics profiles, including CNA, MET, and mRNA, in a UM cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Firstly, we identify two sets of genes, CNAexp and METexp, whose CNA and MET significantly correlated with their corresponding mRNA, respectively. Then, single and integrative analyses of the three data types are performed using the PINSPlus tool. As a result, we discover two novel integrative subgroups, IntSub1 and IntSub2, which could be a useful alternative classification for UM patients in the future. To further explore molecular events behind each subgroup, we identify their subgroup-specific genes computationally. Accordingly, the highest expressed genes among IntSub1-specific genes are mostly enriched with immune-related processes. On the other hand, IntSub2-specific genes are highly associated with cellular cation homeostasis, which responds effectively to chemotherapy using ion channel inhibitor drugs. In addition, we detect that the two integrative subgroups show different age-related risks and survival rates. These discoveries can influence the frequency of metastatic surveillance and support medical practitioners to choose an appropriate treatment regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Hai Yen Nguyen
- Department of Computational Biomedicine, Vingroup Big Data Institute, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tin Nguyen
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Quang-Huy Nguyen
- Department of Computational Biomedicine, Vingroup Big Data Institute, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Duc-Hau Le
- Department of Computational Biomedicine, Vingroup Big Data Institute, Hanoi, Vietnam.,College of Engineering and Computer Science, VinUniversity, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Seedor RS, Orloff M, Sato T. Genetic Landscape and Emerging Therapies in Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5503. [PMID: 34771666 PMCID: PMC8582814 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite successful treatment of primary uveal melanoma, up to 50% of patients will develop systemic metastasis. Metastatic disease portends a poor outcome, and no adjuvant or metastatic therapy has been FDA approved. The genetic landscape of uveal melanoma is unique, providing prognostic and potentially therapeutic insight. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the molecular and cytogenetic mutations in uveal melanoma, and the importance of obtaining such information. Most of our knowledge is based on primary uveal melanoma and a better understanding of the mutational landscape in metastatic uveal melanoma is needed. Clinical trials targeting certain mutations such as GNAQ/GNA11, BAP1, and SF3B1 are ongoing and promising. We also discuss the role of liquid biopsies in uveal melanoma in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rino S. Seedor
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (M.O.); (T.S.)
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Potential of miRNA-Based Nanotherapeutics for Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205192. [PMID: 34680340 PMCID: PMC8534265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Human uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor with high metastatic risk in adults. Currently, no effective treatment is available for metastatic UM; therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed to improve overall survival. Given the increased understanding of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their roles in UM tumorigenesis and metastasis, miRNA-based therapy may offer the hope of improving therapeutic outcomes. This review summarizes the actions of select miRNAs examined in preclinical studies using miRNAs as therapeutic targets in UM. The focus of this review is the application of established nanotechnology-assisted delivery systems to overcome the limitations of therapeutic miRNAs. A blend of therapeutic miRNAs and nanodelivery systems may facilitate the translation of miRNA therapies to clinical settings. Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common adult intraocular cancer, and metastatic UM remains deadly and incurable. UM is a complex disease associated with the deregulation of numerous genes and redundant intracellular signaling pathways. As understanding of epigenetic dysregulation in the oncogenesis of UM has increased, the abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been found to be an epigenetic mechanism underlying UM tumorigenesis. A growing number of miRNAs are being found to be associated with aberrant signaling pathways in UM, and some have been investigated and functionally characterized in preclinical settings. This review summarizes the miRNAs with promising therapeutic potential for UM treatment, paying special attention to the therapeutic miRNAs (miRNA mimics or inhibitors) used to restore dysregulated miRNAs to their normal levels. However, several physical and physiological limitations associated with therapeutic miRNAs have prevented their translation to cancer therapeutics. With the advent of nanotechnology delivery systems, the development of effective targeted therapies for patients with UM has received great attention. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the use of nanotechnology drug delivery systems, particularly nanocarriers that can be loaded with therapeutic miRNAs for effective delivery into target cells. The development of miRNA-based therapeutics with nanotechnology-based delivery systems may overcome the barriers of therapeutic miRNAs, thereby enabling their translation to therapeutics, enabling more effective targeting of UM cells and consequently improving therapeutic outcomes.
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Toro MD, Gozzo L, Tracia L, Cicciù M, Drago F, Bucolo C, Avitabile T, Rejdak R, Nowomiejska K, Zweifel S, Yousef YA, Nazzal R, Romano GL. New Therapeutic Perspectives in the Treatment of Uveal Melanoma: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101311. [PMID: 34680428 PMCID: PMC8533164 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare disease, but the most common primary intraocular cancer, mostly localized in the choroid. Currently, the first-line treatment options for UM are radiation therapy, resection, and enucleation. However, although these treatments could potentially be curative, half of all patients will develop metastatic disease, whose prognosis is still poor. Indeed, effective therapeutic options for patients with advanced or metastatic disease are still lacking. Recently, the development of new treatment modalities with a lower incidence of adverse events, a better disease control rate, and new therapeutic approaches, have merged as new potential and promising therapeutic strategies. Additionally, several clinical trials are ongoing to find new therapeutic options, mainly for those with metastatic disease. Many interventions are still in the preliminary phases of clinical development, being investigated in phase I trial or phase I/II. The success of these trials could be crucial for changing the prognosis of patients with advanced/metastatic UM. In this systematic review, we analyzed all emerging and available literature on the new perspectives in the treatment of UM and patient outcomes; furthermore, their current limitations and more common adverse events are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Damiano Toro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.D.T.); (S.Z.)
- Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20079 Lublin, Poland; (R.R.); (K.N.)
| | - Lucia Gozzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (C.B.); (G.L.R.)
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-3781757
| | - Luciano Tracia
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, American Hospital Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Marco Cicciù
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, AOU ‘G. Martino’, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (C.B.); (G.L.R.)
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Centre for Research and Consultancy in HTA and Drug Regulatory Affairs (CERD), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (C.B.); (G.L.R.)
- Center of Research in Ocular Pharmacology—CERFO, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Teresio Avitabile
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Robert Rejdak
- Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20079 Lublin, Poland; (R.R.); (K.N.)
| | - Katarzyna Nowomiejska
- Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20079 Lublin, Poland; (R.R.); (K.N.)
| | - Sandrine Zweifel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.D.T.); (S.Z.)
| | - Yacoub A. Yousef
- Department of Surgery/Ophthalmology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan;
| | | | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.D.); (C.B.); (G.L.R.)
- Center of Research in Ocular Pharmacology—CERFO, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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20
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Yang C, Wang Y, Hardy P. Emerging roles of microRNAs and their implications in uveal melanoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:545-559. [PMID: 32783068 PMCID: PMC11072399 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03612-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular malignant tumor in adults with an extremely high mortality rate. Genetic and epigenetic dysregulation contribute to the development of UM. Recent discoveries have revealed dysregulation of the expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) as one of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying UM tumorigenesis. Based on their roles, miRNAs are characterized as either oncogenic or tumor suppressive. This review focuses on the roles of miRNAs in UM tumorigenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis, as well as their therapeutic potentials. Particularly, the actions of collective miRNAs are summarized with respect to their involvement in major, aberrant signaling pathways that are implicated in the development and progression of UM. Elucidation of the underlying functional mechanisms and biological aspects of miRNA dysregulation in UM is invaluable in the development of miRNA-based therapeutics, which may be used in combination with conventional treatments to improve therapeutic outcomes. In addition, the expression levels of some miRNAs are correlated with UM initiation and progression and, therefore, may be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yang
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, and Physiology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Yuejiao Wang
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pierre Hardy
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, and Physiology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1C5, Canada.
- Research Center of CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Room 2.17.004, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1C5, Canada.
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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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Li Y, Shi J, Yang J, Ge S, Zhang J, Jia R, Fan X. Uveal melanoma: progress in molecular biology and therapeutics. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920965852. [PMID: 33149769 PMCID: PMC7586035 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920965852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults. So far, no systemic therapy or standard treatment exists to reduce the risk of metastasis and improve overall survival of patients. With the increased knowledge regarding the molecular pathways that underlie the oncogenesis of UM, it is expected that novel therapeutic approaches will be available to conquer this disease. This review provides a summary of the current knowledge of, and progress made in understanding, the pathogenesis, genetic mutations, epigenetics, and immunology of UM. With the advent of the omics era, multi-dimensional big data are publicly available, providing an innovation platform to develop effective targeted and personalized therapeutics for UM patients. Indeed, recently, a great number of therapies have been reported specifically for UM caused by oncogenic mutations, as well as other etiologies. In this review, special attention is directed to advancements in targeted therapies. In particular, we discuss the possibilities of targeting: GNAQ/GNA11, PLCβ, and CYSLTR2 mutants; regulators of G-protein signaling; the secondary messenger adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6); downstream pathways, such as those involving mitogen-activated protein kinase/MEK/extracellular signal-related kinase, protein kinase C (PKC), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Trio/Rho/Rac/Yes-associated protein, and inactivated BAP1; and immune-checkpoint proteins cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 and programmed cell-death protein 1/programmed cell-death ligand 1. Furthermore, we conducted a survey of completed and ongoing clinical trials applying targeted and immune therapies for UM. Although drug combination therapy based on the signaling pathways involved in UM has made great progress, targeted therapy is still an unmet medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahao Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, 833 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200001, China
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MicroRNAs and Uveal Melanoma: Understanding the Diverse Role of These Small Molecular Regulators. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165648. [PMID: 32781746 PMCID: PMC7460624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare tumour of the eye, characterised by a high propensity to metastasise in half of all patients, most frequently to the liver. Although there are effective treatment options for the primary tumour, once metastasis has occurred prognosis is poor, with overall survival limited to months. Currently, there are no effective treatments for metastatic UM, despite the tumour having a well-defined signalling pathway to which many therapies have been directed. In an effort to develop novel treatment approaches, understanding the role of other signalling molecules, such as microRNAs, is fundamental. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules involved in posttranscriptional gene regulation, resulting in reduced target gene expression and subsequent protein translation. In UM, several dysregulated miRNAs have been proposed to play a functional role in disease progression, whereas others have been put forward as clinical biomarkers of high-risk disease following isolation from blood, plasma and exosomes. Most recently, analyses of large datasets have identified promising prognostic miRNA signatures and panels. This review navigates the plethora of aberrant miRNAs disclosed so far in UM, and maps these to signalling pathways, which could be targeted in future therapies for the disseminated disease.
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Anchouche S, Liu J, Zaguia F, Nassrallah G, Deschênes J. Quality of life considerations in uveal melanoma patients: a systematic review. Can J Ophthalmol 2020; 55:413-423. [PMID: 32649871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine the quality of life (QOL) outcomes of patients undergoing different uveal melanoma (UM) treatments and to appraise the literature on the topic. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS A systematic review was conducted to address the study objective. Patients undergoing UM treatment with or without metastasis were eligible for inclusion in this review. METHODS A literature search was performed using National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Embase, Ovid online, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. We included all English, original retrospective or prospective studies published between January 1998 to September 2019 in which the primary outcome was the QOL of patients with treated UM. RESULTS Our search strategy yielded 101 articles. Of these, 18 articles met all our inclusion criteria. The majority of included articles (61%) are cross-sectional studies. On average, each study employed 2 different QOL assessment tools. Overall, physical functioning and mental well-being are impaired in patients with UM after treatment compared with the general population. The severity of the impairment decreases as early as 3 months post-treatment; 8 of 12 studies comparing treatment options reported no statistical difference in physical functioning between treatments; 4 of 12 studies reported better visual function with radiation therapy compared with enucleation, 2 of which described no difference between the 2 options at long-term. Anxiety is more prevalent than depression, and both decrease to less than 10% at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there is no significant difference in long-term QOL in patients with UM from different treatment groups past 1-year follow-up. This work underscores the need for and importance of developing a standardized, complete assessment tool tailored to the challenges inherent to the diagnosis of UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Anchouche
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jiaru Liu
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fatma Zaguia
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Georges Nassrallah
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean Deschênes
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Yang K, Oak AS, Slominski RM, Brożyna AA, Slominski AT. Current Molecular Markers of Melanoma and Treatment Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103535. [PMID: 32429485 PMCID: PMC7278971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer that becomes especially difficult to treat after it metastasizes. Timely identification of melanoma is critical for effective therapy, but histopathologic diagnosis can frequently pose a significant challenge to this goal. Therefore, auxiliary diagnostic tools are imperative to facilitating prompt recognition of malignant lesions. Melanoma develops as result of a number of genetic mutations, with UV radiation often acting as a mutagenic risk factor. Novel methods of genetic testing have improved detection of these molecular alterations, which subsequently revealed important information for diagnosis and prognosis. Rapid detection of genetic alterations is also significant for choosing appropriate treatment and developing targeted therapies for melanoma. This review will delve into the understanding of various mutations and the implications they may pose for clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Yang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (K.Y.); (A.S.O.)
| | - Allen S.W. Oak
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (K.Y.); (A.S.O.)
| | - Radomir M. Slominski
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Anna A. Brożyna
- Department of Human Biology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Andrzej T. Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (K.Y.); (A.S.O.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Chemoprevention Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Veteran Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. UMs are usually initiated by a mutation in GNAQ or GNA11, unlike cutaneous melanomas, which usually harbour a BRAF or NRAS mutation. The annual incidence in Europe and the USA is ~6 per million population per year. Risk factors include fair skin, light-coloured eyes, congenital ocular melanocytosis, ocular melanocytoma and the BAP1-tumour predisposition syndrome. Ocular treatment aims at preserving the eye and useful vision and, if possible, preventing metastases. Enucleation has largely been superseded by various forms of radiotherapy, phototherapy and local tumour resection, often administered in combination. Ocular outcomes are best with small tumours not extending close to the optic disc and/or fovea. Almost 50% of patients develop metastatic disease, which usually involves the liver, and is usually fatal within 1 year. Although UM metastases are less responsive than cutaneous melanoma to chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors, encouraging results have been reported with partial hepatectomy for solitary metastases, with percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan or with tebentafusp. Better insight into tumour immunology and metabolism may lead to new treatments.
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Richards JR, Yoo JH, Shin D, Odelberg SJ. Mouse models of uveal melanoma: Strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 33:264-278. [PMID: 31880399 PMCID: PMC7065156 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common primary malignancy of the eye, and a number of discoveries in the last decade have led to a more thorough molecular characterization of this cancer. However, the prognosis remains dismal for patients with metastases, and there is an urgent need to identify treatments that are effective for this stage of disease. Animal models are important tools for preclinical studies of uveal melanoma. A variety of models exist, and they have specific advantages, disadvantages, and applications. In this review article, these differences are explored in detail, and ideas for new models that might overcome current challenges are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson R. Richards
- Department of Oncological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Jae Hyuk Yoo
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Donghan Shin
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Shannon J. Odelberg
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Neurobiology and AnatomyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
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Decaudin D, Frisch Dit Leitz E, Nemati F, Tarin M, Naguez A, Zerara M, Marande B, Vivet-Noguer R, Halilovic E, Fabre C, Jochemsen A, Roman-Roman S, Alsafadi S. Preclinical evaluation of drug combinations identifies co-inhibition of Bcl-2/XL/W and MDM2 as a potential therapy in uveal melanoma. Eur J Cancer 2020; 126:93-103. [PMID: 31927215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare and malignant intraocular tumour with a dismal prognosis. Despite a good control of the primary tumour by radiation or surgery, up to 50% of patients subsequently develop metastasis for which no efficient treatment is yet available. METHODOLOGY To identify therapeutic opportunities, we performed an in vitro screen of 30 combinations of different inhibitors of pathways that are dysregulated in UM. Effects of drug combinations on viability, cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed in eight UM cell lines. The best synergistic combinations were further evaluated in six UM patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). RESULTS We demonstrated that the Bcl-2/XL/W inhibitor (ABT263) sensitised the UM cell lines to other inhibitors, mainly to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and murine double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibitors. mTOR (RAD001) and MEK1/2 (trametinib) inhibitors were efficient as single agents, but their combinations with ABT263 displayed no synergism in UM PDXs. In contrast, the combination of ABT263 with MDM2 inhibitor (HDM201) showed a trend for a synergistic effect. CONCLUSION We showed that inhibition of Bcl-2/XL/W sensitised the UM cell lines to other treatments encouraging investigation of the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, our findings highlighted Bcl-2/XL/W and MDM2 co-inhibition as a promising strategy in UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Decaudin
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Estelle Frisch Dit Leitz
- Uveal Melanoma Translational Group, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Fariba Nemati
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Malcy Tarin
- Uveal Melanoma Translational Group, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Adnan Naguez
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Mohamed Zerara
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Marande
- Uveal Melanoma Translational Group, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Raquel Vivet-Noguer
- Uveal Melanoma Translational Group, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Ensar Halilovic
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Claire Fabre
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aart Jochemsen
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sergio Roman-Roman
- Uveal Melanoma Translational Group, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Samar Alsafadi
- Uveal Melanoma Translational Group, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
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The Autocrine FGF/FGFR System in both Skin and Uveal Melanoma: FGF Trapping as a Possible Therapeutic Approach. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091305. [PMID: 31487962 PMCID: PMC6770058 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play non-redundant autocrine/paracrine functions in various human cancers. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data mining indicates that high levels of FGF and/or FGF receptor (FGFR) expression are associated with reduced overall survival, chromosome 3 monosomy and BAP1 mutation in human uveal melanoma (UM), pointing to the FGF/FGFR system as a target for UM treatment. Here, we investigated the impact of different FGF trapping approaches on the tumorigenic and liver metastatic activity of liver metastasis-derived murine melanoma B16-LS9 cells that, similar to human UM, are characterized by a distinctive hepatic tropism. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the overexpression of the natural FGF trap inhibitor long-pentraxin 3 (PTX3) inhibits the oncogenic activity of B16-LS9 cells. In addition, B16-LS9 cells showed a reduced tumor growth and liver metastatic activity when grafted in PTX3-overexpressing transgenic mice. The efficacy of the FGF trapping approach was confirmed by the capacity of the PTX3-derived pan-FGF trap small molecule NSC12 to inhibit B16-LS9 cell growth in vitro, in a zebrafish embryo orthotopic tumor model and in an experimental model of liver metastasis. Possible translational implications for these observations were provided by the capacity of NSC12 to inhibit FGF signaling and cell proliferation in human UM Mel285, Mel270, 92.1, and OMM2.3 cells. In addition, NSC12 caused caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage followed by apoptotic cell death as well as β-catenin degradation and inhibition of UM cell migration. Together, our findings indicate that FGF trapping may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in UM.
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